The Finish Line

The last year-18 months have been : busy.  Its been crazy, exhausting, and a zillion other emotions.  John and I made a decision early in 2013 for him to go back to school to finish his half-completed Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Seminary.  He had worked hard on credits while he was with Young Life, but then we had three kids, moved a few times, and even changed jobs.  For a while, John was not sure he wanted to pursue it to the end.  Then, after changing jobs, falling in love with the church, and wanting some development we decided it was time to go for it.  There were a few obstacles: John's 10 year time frame to complete his degree from his start date in 2003 was rapidly closing in.  He would need to complete courses at an intense rate and even then, he would need to file for an extension (which is never granted) or risk some of his credits expiring and needing to be re-taken.  Either way, we had already invested time and money in this degree and we thought it was time to see it through.  Our kids are young enough still that we don't have too much homework or after school activities.  I knew I could easily pack up the kids for a weekend at our parents if John needed the quiet house to study or write papers.  We did all of that.  Over the last year+, we have had help from our parents to host me and the kids when John had tons to do on the weekend or over summer or school breaks.  They took the kids for us when I needed a break or even when I traveled with friends to Florida and to Nashville with John last fall.  John's time to apply for his credit extension came in January and we were assured it doesn't really EVER happen that the committee grants and extension on credits beyond the 10 year time limit.  So, we were pretty sobered that John might well be in school until January 2015.  With a lot of prayer and some good luck, John's extension was miraculously GRANTED!  We were so relieved to find out he would finish school in Sept 2014!!  Somehow, we made it through the craziest season of life with everyone in tact!  There were a few weeks, close to the end, where the wheels nearly came off the wagon...but we made it!  Labor Day weekend John finished his last two classes.  Phew.

I was last minute and I had lots of great ideas for a celebration for John, but I decided to round up whoever I could on Sunday before Labor Day to celebrate before the craziness of the fall schedules sets in.  It worked perfectly with both our parents being available and Amy & Andrew came for a bit, too.  The kids and I even kept it a surprise from John until it was time to leave!  We enjoyed a really lovely dinner at the golf club, thanks to our parents.

And then we knew we needed a cake, too!  Congratulations to John for all his hard work and perseverance.  What a task to complete a Masters the way he did...with a whole family to support and care for, new responsibilities at work, and a million other distractions.  YOU DID IT!!