This Friday, May 13th marks the "Official" end to my journey at Calhoun as I walk across the platform to receive my diploma. I think perhaps many a college graduate debates "walk" or "don't walk", and... go through the ceremony or don't... but for me, at age 48, I probably debated it more than some. I was encouraged by my instructors especially, and I was also encouraged by many family members and friends to complete this part of my journey with the: "Official Walk across the platform" ... I am certain that I won't regret it. I mailed a very few invitations and I will be joined by a few of my family members tomorrow night. It feels really strange, almost awkward... and even somewhat exciting all at the same time. I know how very hard I have worked to achieve this degree, and there is NO DOUBT there are many around me who have supported me and spent hours in prayer for me as well! I am not walking across the platform as if "I" have done it! NO WAY! ... :) ... This has been one HUGE TEAM EFFORT! and GOD has taken me on the journey from DAY 1 ! ... WOW GOD... What a RIDE! ... and I know the Blessings are only just beginning ... not only that ...I have felt them the entire time...
I had no idea on a Mission Trip to China in 2007 how God would begin to use THAT trip to draw me to pursue an actual degree and turn what had been a lifelong, passionate, hobby into a passionate career! How I would share that with my sweet, sweet husband and he would say... "This is important to you, quit your job, go to school full time, we will manage..." ... and somehow, we did... AWESOME GOD! ...
And then this past December I made it through my final classes, including strugging through the dreaded Math112 (for the 2nd time!) by way of much prayer and support once again from my precious husband, friends and family! ... Wow God, once again... I have Praised Him over, and over, and over again ... I have sat in classes with instructors which I admire and they have impacted my life... I consider them mentors. Some of those are Photography Instructors and they have made me a better photographer! Some of those Instructors have taught English, Literature, Science, History, Sociology, and yes... even Math and I consider those ladies and gentlemen to be mentors of mine as well. As a more mature student it has been a joy learning and gaining additional "book" knowledge and it was an additional joy adding more "bonus" knowledge (for lack of a better word) as well! We are NEVER to "old" to gain knowledge or expand our horizons... What an experience this journey at Calhoun has been for me. What a "Mission Field" that I am truly going to miss. I loved interacting with the people there day to day, and that is one of the things that I have missed the most... enlarging my "Circle of Friends" in a wide range of age groups!! :) ...
So now ... with new cameras in hand... my JOURNEY continues ... and I am blessed to feel God's Hand and His Presence on and in my life. It literally brings tears to my eyes and fills me with such overwhelming JOY. Jeremiah 29:11 says: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " This verse was shared with me by a friend, Brenda Byrd, many years ago, and I have had it hidden in my heart since that time. She recently went home to be with the Lord. It is a verse of promise that rings true, straight from God's Word. I feel it, I have lived it... God cares about every single detail in His Children's lives. He placed a passion in a little 5th Grade girl way back when and allowed it to evolve just "a few short years later"!! ... That Amazes Me! ... and I Praise Him and Thank Him for It!! ... :) ...
Looking for new Adventures... and New Memories to Capture... and excited about New Moments to "STOP IN TIME!" ... :) ...
Tina :) ...
