Tomorrow I begin my next to last quarter of my master's degree. I am only taking one class for credit this quarter, that class is "Non-Western Biblical Interpretations" taught by Jehu J. Hanciles, Associate Professor of Mission History and Globalization. I have had one class, as all SIS students must, from Dr. Hanciles and learned more about writing in that class than any other I have taken. The first class was "Issues in Mission History" which, as the title implies, takes a look at our history and finds that we have several issues with which we must deal. Hanciles is one of the smartest people I have ever met and challenges his students to grow by grappling with the literature and history until we have a deeper understanding. It isn't so much that he makes us work more, I just have think more critically. It is sometimes painful, but always rewarding.

I am also auditing a class from Bryant Myers called "Globalization and the Poor." I have also taken a class from Dr. Myers who recently became a full-time faculty member after working for World Vision for over 20 years. I have had the chance work with him since then and am looking forward to learning from his wealth of experience in international development.

Before I can get too involved in the classes I have to finish the all consuming process of applying for a PhD in Intercultural Studies. I finish this process a week from today. I am looking forward to January 15th.