Moving can be a scary thought, especially when the move is approximately 12 hours away. With that being said, we had a great time in Louisville this weekend. Southern Seminary is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever seen. Kentucky as a whole is lovely, too. Andrew and I went for a run through the streets of Louisville on Friday, and it was so refreshing. Unlike Oklahoma, Kentucky has rolling hills, a true fall season, and... (my favorite thing) NO WIND! Southern is in probably the nicest part of Louisville, called Crescent Hill. The houses are older, but very well-maintained and HUGE. Lots of people own large dogs and walk them in the afternoons. My dream is to one day own a golden retriever and name it a people name, such as Jonathan, Christopher, or Norman. Many people do not approve of people names for animals, but Andrew and I think it is funny. But I digress...
The seminary was kind enough to provide us with a hotel room on campus for two days, free of charge. Most of our meals were provided, as well. While we were there, we had the opportunity to eat lunch with one of the admissions counselors, who was extremely helpful in answering many questions we had about the seminary. We also took a tour of the campus and were able to ask even more questions then. One thing I was especially excited to discover is that Southern has a program called the Seminary Wives Institute. (I looked into it, and Southwestern also has something very similar.) Through this program, I would get to take many of the same classes Andrew does, but for MUCH cheaper rates and in a less rigorous format. This would give me the opportunity to meet and build relationships with other seminary wives, as well as learn about the Bible for almost no cost. Also, Andrew would receive half off his tuition because we are currently members of a Southern Baptist church. I have much respect for the current president, Albert Mohler. When he came to Southern 17 years ago, the seminary had become very liberal and strayed away from its founding principles. Mr. Mohler pulled out the founding principles and asked all professors to sign them, stating that they agreed and would abide by these principles. Long story short, 2 professors were fired, and about 100 more just left. Mohler hired almost an entirely new staff to help make Southern what it is today.
So where does this leave us? Honestly, I don't think either of us really knows the answer to that question just yet. Southern seems like a great school, and we have no doubt that Andrew would get a good education there. Although getting a teaching job in the public school system is somewhat limited to people who have been educated in Kentucky, I feel pretty sure that I could find a job in a private school, as the private school sector is quite large in Louisville. However, this is a huge decision, and it is a long drive to Louisville. There were many things we liked about Southwestern, particularly the fact that we would be closer to our families. And the church we visited there was phenomenal. Andrew does not need to make a final decision about where he will attend until about a month and a half from now. Until then, we will keep praying and trying to determine where the Lord is leading us. I'm thankful that this is all in His hands.
In Christ alone,
Mary Rachel
