Where my words are (Part 2)

Well, it's been a while, hasn't it? I did not intend to leave this little space on the internet for two years but two years have indeed flown by.

And the above photo captures a lot of why I haven't had words, or time, for writing here. Since I last wrote a blog post I have submitted over 30,000 words across ten essays for the master's programme I'm pursuing. 

I first wrote 6,000 words interpreting and applying Ephesians 3:1-13, and 1,500 words on my own learning about how I read the Bible.

Next up was 6,000 words on what the gospel is and 1,500 words of reflection on my learning on the topic of evangelicalism.

My third class was not one week of teaching, but five Saturdays of classes on leadership. And I'd a few more essays for this class - three 1,500 word essays and one of 3,000 words about various aspects of leadership, and my leadership.

Finally, in February I submitted 6,000 words on how mission organisations should provide pastoral care for interns and 1,500 words reflecting on my own practice of pastoral care.

So, four classes taken. And four classes passed! What's next?

Well, in January I decided that after my February essays were submitted I'd take a break and start my thesis in September. I had no idea what the spring would hold, but even before the words "pandemic" and "lockdown" had been mentioned I knew I needed a bit of a break, and that summer is not a good time for me to be writing. 

Looking back, I am so very glad God led me to that decision! The last few months have been crazy and full enough, without also trying to work on my thesis in the midst of it all. 

I am starting to get excited for my thesis, which will be 16,000 words long. It has to be related to leadership, as that is what my master's will be in, and my leadership and pastoral care classes have provided a topic I want to spend a year working on. So, it looks like my topic will be something related to the role of self-care in helping single missionary leaders thrive in ministry long-term.

You can spot some of the books I hope to start diving into in the photo of my bookcase above, and I hope to share some of what I'm learning in this space.

I also have other ideas for things to write about and I'm excited to publish posts more regularly here!

What have you been up to in the last two years?