Brief LDI Update
Hmm, maybe I should update this blog more than once a month…?
It’s somewhat hard to believe, but my first semester of Leadership Development Institute (LDI) is over! The experience has been awesome so far and I am already excited for classes and ministry opportunities next semester.
Highlights (things I really enjoyed): Being around great people who are eager to serve and fun to be with. Having the time and motivation to read through the entire Old Testament in four months. Being able to learn by lesson and example from godly teachers. Co-leading and hosting our small group. Having an excuse to talk to random people at Hope (it’s less awkward to introduce yourself when you can say that you are an intern). Being mentored by Paul Ireland (you can read his blog here). Getting a “behind the scenes” look at how a medium-sized church operates. Free Chipotle.
Lowlights (good experiences overall but not easy in the moment): The first two months were pretty stressful as I tried to juggle the responsibilities of new parenthood, a part-time job and an internship. Not being able to get all of my reading done on time. Learning about areas of personal faith in which I still have a long way to grow. Trying to find someone to mentor. Being OK with less money. Being OK with some of the mysterious ways in which God works. Forgetting to pack a lunch. Pulling a couple of all-nighters (maybe just one technically, still not good).
All in all I feel very blessed and encouraged. I’ve got some good reading planned for this Christmas/early January break (stay tuned). Also, I have a paper due on January 1st and one in mid-January (very short but should be a good test of how I discipline myself in using time wisely).
So, who have I been hanging out with in this program? For a partial answer check out this group photo taken the last day of our Old Testament course.
Left to right, Top to bottom: Row 1: Shannon, Jon, Rob (assistant teacher)
Row 2: Chris, Lindsey, Me
Row 3: Krystal, Laura, Tim (teacher)
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