Dear Members of Raleigh Court Presbyterian:
Greetings and blessings to you from sunny Chicago! That’s right – sunny, not windy, as the city is usually known. My first year at McCormick Theological
Seminary has been during an especially mild and non-Chicago-like winter, and, I
have to say, I am very glad. I was able
to adjust to studying, familiarize myself with the libraries, neighborhood, and
my fellow classmates, and find my footing with my professors all without
frostbite-inducing temperatures and mountains of snow.
I have just concluded a wonderful first year at
McCormick. My wife, Amy, and I live in
student housing, and we have enjoyed the community and fellowship of McCormick
greatly. Hyde Park is a beautiful
neighborhood, and I have taken advantage of the University of Chicago library
as I have researched papers and prepared for exams. At this point, Hebrew is behind me and Greek
is before me, I have examined theological issues I studied in South Africa from
an American perspective, and I have hammered out a “faith statement.” I can say with a certain amount of confidence
that, though it would seem easy, a “faith statement” is relatively difficult
for a theology student to compose.
Imagine a law student having to write a “law statement!” Next year I will be starting my field
placement at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, which will give me invaluable
experience working in a congregational setting as a student intern.
For the summer, Amy and I will be staying in Chicago, where
she will continue to work until she, too, begins graduate school in the fall,
and I will be involved in a summer program through a local congregation. We look forward to the slower pace of the
season, where evenings can involve a little more ‘calm’ and a little less
‘classwork.’ Toward the end of the
summer we are fortunate to be able to make a trip to South Africa for a couple
of weeks to visit our family and friends, as well.
Overall, I have worked hard and I have learned a lot. I am thankful every day for the opportunity I
have to study at McCormick and prepare for ministry in the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.). With my first year behind me,
I know not what the next two years hold, but I am certain I am in the right
place. Thank you all for your support
and kindness as I have prepared for and begun this seminary journey. I value Raleigh Court, and look forward to
returning for a visit soon!
Grace and peace,
Dirk Labuschagne
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