Resurrecting a dream

 

One year ago today, I passed the test and received my drivers license after more than five years of not driving after my stroke. It  was a big dream/goal of mine to drive again and accomplishing that has been wonderful. I am so thankful for the ability to drive again and for the freedom and independence it gives me on a daily basis.

I keep a mental list of other goals and dreams and think about them especially as the new year approaches. I'm not one to make resolutions, per se, but I do set goals and think about the steps I can take to reach them. I will write more about my goals for 2018 in the next few weeks, but for now, I will focus on just one.

###

I began attending Denver Seminary in January of 2009 to pursue a master's degree Old Testament biblical studies and took classes through that  spring semester until I took a year off to move to Phoenix. Putting seminary on hold was hard to do, but necessary for Toben's job at the time. When we returned to Denver in 2010, I returned to seminary for the fall semester, taking Greek at night and homeschooling the kids during the day. Languages are fun to me and I thoroughly enjoyed the class and taking my Greek New Testament to church each week to follow along as best I could!

After Christmas, I started the next semester of Greek on Tuesday nights, happily returning to my flash cards and verb tense diagrams that I wrote on the shower walls in dry erase marker to study each morning... After my stroke, I had to stop seminary for the obvious reason of being in the hospital for four months. I was sad but very clear that I would go back someday if possible.

###

One of my first clear memories post-stroke is being aware that it was  Tuesday and asking Toben to  bring my textbooks to me so I could study for a vocabulary test since I had class on Tuesday nights and a vocabulary test was given every week. He shook his head sadly and told me that I wouldn't be going to class for a long time. I didn't want to believe him, but since I had yet to really sit up or  get out of bed, I took his word for it.

When we had to sell our house and move to Colorado Springs, I sorted through shelves of books and donated boxes  of books to the church library, the seminary library and the library at the kids' school. I did hang on to some of my seminary textbooks and they have been waiting for me in the basement along with my trapper keeper and notebooks and such...

###

A couple of months ago, Dad suggested I dust off my seminary dreams and think about what it would take for me to go back and finish my degree. I've been dreaming about it and praying about it and yesterday morning, I met with an admissions counselor to find out more.

The registrar printed out my transcripts and we looked at different degree programs since the degree I started is no longer offered.

###

Based on the classes I have already taken and the options I have to proceed, I am going to go back to seminary and slowly earn a master of arts degree in biblical and theological studies, which is the closest degree to my original one. It's going to take some time, since I don't plan on taking a full course load every semester. 

As we talked yesterday and as I've been thinking and praying and planning, the plan at this point is for me to start with the summer 2018 term by auditing a class. I will choose a class to audit and attend class, doing all of the reading and as much of the work I choose to do without worrying about a grade. Easing into an academic schedule will free me from writing deadlines made difficult by one-handed typing. Depending on how it goes, I hope to begin taking a class for credit next fall.

I am so encouraged and excited to have this dream resurrected. The thought of being in a classroom again makes me feel a bit giddy to tell the truth! I have always loved school and am anxious to get started and to see where this takes me

Comments

[Holly Smith]

The thought of you feeling Giddy and this dream coming to light makes me want to shout at the top of my lungs, "Jesus, you are so wonderful!!" He is making all things NEW, my friend. I love you so!

[Beth Stocksick]

You rock, girl! I read the teaser on FB and had to come read your whole blog post. Can't believe it's been a year since you took the driving test and look how far you've come in just a year. I have no doubt that you will ace this goal with flying colors as well. You are such an inspiration to so many. Praying for your continued successes and so glad you share them with your followers. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!

[Jeanne Dimon]

Hi Joanne,

Ask your Seminary school for an Accommodation due to your post stroke issues. Ask if they can provide you with a tutor to take notes in class and also ask for dragon speak for the computer so that you dont have to type any papers. Dragon speak allows you to dictate into word document,

[Sharon]

This is sooooo exciting! Thank you for sharing with us! My parents both graduated from Denver Seminary and both worked there, too. My Dad used to be the Greek teacher there, but that was long before you would have been attending. Hooray for resurrected dreams!

[Annette]

So excited for you!

[Charlotte Moore]

CONGRATULATIONS!! I am sure you can do what you need to do.

[Michelle]

You are remarkable! I pray for your continued success in achieving your dreams. You continue to amaze me by your ability to reach the goals you have set for yourself. A lot of people would have given up. Merry Christmas ans Happy New Year to you and your family.

[laura]

Wonderful! I am trading in my time in seminary for a certificate in organizational behavior just because I need a paying job in a fairly short amount of time. I am so happy that someone else will continue on in joy immersed in the Word. Pray for me!! I have no doubts that you will succeed! Yay, again.

[Patti M]

Parents are smart aren’t they! So glad you are having another go at something you obviously love! A major challenge for sure, but something you will learn to accomplish in no time ❤️

[Deborah S]

This is so exciting, Joanne! I have been reading since the early days post-stroke. I know it has been a long and difficult road for you, but I believe that you are seeing how the Lord is restoring the years that the locusts have eaten. Praying for continued restoration in the many areas of loss you have experienced. Your faithfulness and courage are an amazing testimony!

[Meesh]

Hi, Joanne! I am so happy that you continue to blog and share your life with us! I have been an avid reader of your blog since your stroke in 2011- I haven't missed a single post! I remember when Beth Moore asked for us to pray for a women who had a stroke and made mention of your blog page- I've been following ever since! Today I am encouraged that in all you've been through, you still choose to LIVE! May God grant you his favor and ability to accomplish this goal. I am confident that you will conquer this as you've conquered so many other life defining feats! Love from Yonkers, NY!