Emmaus

Well, it took me the whole semester, but finally here is a photo of our first year class! 

 It always takes a few months to figure out the 'identity' of each class, and this is a really special one!

Several of these students are exceptionally intelligent, just eating up everything they are given, mourning when they receive a 98%, and challenging each other constantly to work harder.  They're constantly challenging professors, too, in a good way.

Yesterday, one such brainiac, Moise (Moses), asked me in English, "What does, 'Somehow we have been drifting farther and farther away from the truth' mean?"

"Where did you hear that?" I asked him, laughing, as that most students in first year English classes are just asking what "truth" means.  

"Oh, in a Bible and Theology book I was reading this weekend for fun," says Moses, and I thought, Huh.  Matt might make some friends in this class!

They are also proving to be a very joyful, positive and caring group, and I just couldn't be more thrilled to have each of these guys (and Roziane!) at the Seminary.  

This is a big week at Emmaus with course registration for next semester underway...I never realized as a student how much WORK from how many people this represents! Matt, Lucner, Vilmer, each class advisor, and I (in the finance department) are keeping busy!

Meanwhile, everyone is really excited about some changes taking place next semester.

 Because so many of our students are already in full-time ministry, trying to attend Emmaus on the side, we're trying to be more accommodating!  We're focusing more time in various classes over less days, so students can only register for Tuesday/Thursday classes or Monday/Wednesday classes if it would be better for their ministries. 

We're also making it possible for students to pay per credit instead of one set price for the semester, so that students who aren't able to afford a full course load can STILL attend with a smaller course load.

Also, Fridays are becoming language days, with tutorials, help and activities focusing on varying levels of English, French, Greek and Hebrew.  This is something the students are always wanting, and everyone's excited to try it out!  

All the while, we're trying to finish strong in the classroom...which continues to be a favorite place for Matt and I both!  Praising the Lord for all His help and energy and for all the gifted people He has put around us to help build His kingdom in Haiti!