Wow it's hard to believe that over two months have passed since the latest update. I write this from the 3rd floor of the library in the heart of campus, where Sarah and I have been sitting since 1:15 this afternoon. I've been working on a take-home test, while she works on one of three major papers due at the end of the term. It's been a good semester, but busy. Both my courses are more demanding that I anticipated, and Sarah has more writing than she anticipated. Life, however, continues to be full of joy. We are part of a great church and a great small group that's part of the church. Some of our friends from college have moved back to the area, and we both have good friends in our respective programs. And other than the typical stress associated with school, life itself is not that stressful.
My senior year of college, I had a series of conversations with one of my Chemistry professors about married life in graduate school, as he had been married throughout his entire PhD program in Georgia. Both he and his wife were in graduate school at the same time, and he said it was actually one of the least stressful times. No kids, student loan payments still in deferment, minimal groceries, and small apartment rent payments. I'm finding that to be the case for sure. Our stipends are not huge by any means, but are designed to support us, which is what they do. We are so grateful for them and for the opportunity to go to school tuition free.
Please don't misunderstand and think we are living in Utopia. There are still some stresses for sure, but life is just pretty simple right now, and we're enjoying it as best we can. Sometimes we think it would be nice to take a small trip or even just go out to eat, but those things will come.
Well the semester is winding down for sure. Two days of class this coming week, then five days off for Thanksgiving. We'll be heading up to Winona Lake for a few days to spend the holiday with some of Sarah's extended family. Then back to school for two weeks of class and one week of finals! Then three glorious weeks for Christmas break.
Blessings
Ben
