Graduation!

"The power of the gospel brings the transformation of the heart."  Ravi Zacharias

I finished the OCCA course and graduated on Friday, July 6!  It was also the final day of the RZIM Summer School.  Ravi Zacharias came in to give the departing address, "Is Jesus Unique?"  He gave 3 distictives of Jesus:  1.  Jesus description of the human condition is verified to us time after time as we read Scripture.  In human depravity, the main malady is pride.  2.  Jesus is the only one who can offer a provision for our malady of sin.  Buddha cannot offer forgiveness.  3.  Jesus' gospel is historically connected from the promise of a Saviour (Jesus) to the fulfillment of that promise, including Calvary and the empty tomb.

The 10 of us received an OCCA certificate.  It was a sweet moment because we had stayed the course, gained so much, and had built sincere friendships with each other during the six weeks.  It was hard to realize that it was really over.  It is so interesting how we humans can adapt to new environments, people and experiences.  I am sure that we could all testify how the time at OCCA strengthened our faith, challenged our minds and hearts, and prepared us for further 'kingdom work.'

All of our spouses were at the graduation except one.  David and I had Saturday, the 7th to finish sightseeing and packing.  On Sunday, July 8, Peta and Rob Stanton came to take us home with them to Wootton in Bedforshire.
I am writing from Wootton.  We will stay with our friends for a few days and will arrive back in Nashville on July 13, 2012.

I am so thankful to God for allowing me to be a part of what God is doing around the world.  His message of love is as relevant today as it has always been.  I will be processing my time at Oxford for days and weeks to come. 

Thank you for all who came along with me on the adventure in Oxford!

Mae Ann

Week 6 RZIM Summer School at Queen's College

Here it is already July 2!  The time is really flying by!  Davis was here last week for 5 nights, actually putting the final touches on his film, "Good Piping" for the premier in Dublin.  It was shown yesterday, but we haven't heard the report from Davis yet!  We are assuming the best.

David got in Friday, June 29.  Friday night we went out with friends from the 6-week class for dinner and David got to meet everyone except 3 in our group.  Saturday night we went to hear Joseph Haydn's  The Creation performed by the local symphony inside of the famous Sheldonian Theater.  We got Davis off to Ireland on Saturday, then on Sunday, the RZIM Summer School began.

This is our 1st full day of classes.  We are joined by 130 others from everywhere!  I am heading back now to hear Os Guinness speak on "A Thinking Person's Quest for Meaning."

David is enjoying it here too!  Who wouldn't?

Love to all from rainy and cool Oxford,

Mae Ann