So, I've been intending to sit down and write this specific blog entry for quite some time. Now that I've sat myself down, I don't really know where to start.
For some of you, this will be old news - with perhaps a few details for you to chew on. I've been wanting to blog about this, and the whole process for over a year now. But as many things go, it was best to keep quiet until things became 'official'.
And so, what follows is a brief overview of the process that has gotten me to where I am today … one of the five (and hopefully 'five' will grow to a bigger number in the next few months) who have been accepted to enter the College for Officer Training in Winnipeg, Manitoba, this September as a member of the Disciples of the Cross Session. I've known I've been accepted since mid-December, but the few times I've written or orally confirmed the very fact that I've been 'accepted' since then has brought a certain amount of joy each time. Hard to explain … if it sounds completely strange, just bear with me and go with it. For those of you that know/have experienced that joy I feel … who woulda thunk?!
This all started back in February 2011. As for all of the details of between now and then … I won't bore you. And besides, I couldn't recall them all in detail without grabbing a few file folders, studying my calendar and checking a few emails. Has the process felt long? ... at times most definitely. Long but well worth it! There were even parts of the process that I would have never been caught dead being a part of (or doing) … but it seems that when you're 'called' … there's no option but to 'follow'. Between numerous forms, blood tests, interviews, assignments, studying, presentations … you name it - I've come out standing and can say that I am very thankful for the process. The process that has stretched me and not allowed me to back down in spite of my fears of inadequacies.
As I mentioned before, I would've liked to have written about this all throughout the year, giving a 'report' on the happenings … which have now become somewhat of a blur only because the focus has now turned to arriving in Calgary at the end of April and then in Winnipeg at the end of August.
Despite the inner turmoil of feeling like I was kicking & screaming instead of just walking into a 3+ hour one-on-one interview with a professional to discuss 'me' and how I 'function' in this world - looking back, I can say that that interview was a very valuable learning experience. So much so that I would advocate for anyone to take a stab at such an opportunity if they were ever granted it!
It was a neat experience to be 'back in school' for a few short months. Yes, at times it made me feel old … to sit and do the math of the length of time that had passed since I sat in a classroom as a pupil. While this was a 'distance ed' course - it was a good practice to fine-tune my time management skills and the sort; given that I've continued to work full-time and carried on various duties at the corps (church). Throughout the course I had to meet with numerous people, read a few books, study the Scriptures, write multiple papers - including a sermon that I had to 'deliver'. Yet again, in the midst of the stress there was excitement as I journeyed through those few months. The feedback received was, without a doubt, very encouraging.
All along the way there have been 'signs' that this is indeed a path that God is leading me on. I'm sure glad I've said 'yes'! One of the most recent 'signs' has been in the selling of my house. Within 12 hours of having it listed (Thursday morning) there was an offer (Thursday morning). By Sunday (1pm) the offer was accepted and closed with all conditions removed … just an hour before the originally scheduled open-house! So, by the end of April I will no longer hold a mortgage and will find myself hanging out in Calgary until I trek off to college in September.
It goes without saying that it has been a long year with many details to be taken care of along the way. But I should also say that it has been journey that I have enjoyed. And yes, even now I am excited for the potential that lies in front of me … even in the upcoming 22 months of training.
"Here I am … send me!"
This is a test, using yet another blog editor for 
Hi there folks. Keep a watch for things to happen here. I’ve been looking for a fun uploader to use with my Mac … Here’s an attempt with one … so far it’s not the ‘greatest’, but maybe there’s some hidden features that I’ll like once I find them …