Update: 8 September 2011

The third week of school..... Its kind of that in between period. Finally adjusted. Finally have a routine. But now there are events to go to, groups to join, and tests and papers all seem to happen at once. 

School is going well. I am usually able to crank out my homework by 18:00 (benefits of a morning heavy schedule). It offers some good down time in the evening, but most of the time it's spent working out, studying the ridiculous amount of Arabic vocab they want us to know, and studying for quizzes and tests. 

ROTC is a blast. Unfortunately I failed my first APFT (don't worry, most MSIs did). I am getting involved in Ranger Challenge, which is pretty much the varsity sport of Army ROTC. We do PT five days a week (regular PT meets only three). It just started today, but I'm looking forward to the obstacle course days, M16 assembly and disassembly, and grenade throw events. Hopefully the program will boost my APFT scores, as well as teach me how to become a better leader and teammate. 

I still am searching for a church, but the hunt is still on. 

Thats it for the update. Look for other posts later on today for some of the issues I have thought about this week. 

Roller Coasters

So imagine with me for a moment..... You are riding a roller coaster for the first time. You climb into the seat and strap yourself in, the attendant comes by and nonchalantly yanks on the belt to make sure you clipped in correctly, and then you are out of the start house. Remember that anticipation when you were standing in line? Now you get nervous, especially since you have never done anything like this before. As that car reaches the top of the hill, the anticipation and nerves come to a frightful peak. Suddenly, you are plummeting down that first drop. About half way through, you realize you aren't going to fall out, and instead sit back to enjoy the ride of lifetime.

I kinda see this as good analogy for how my first week at college has been. What a wild ride I have gotten on this time. The anticipation all of senior year and summer for that day to arrive where I stepped on campus for good. The nervousness as I realized I wouldn't be in the car when my parents turn around to go home. The excitement for the new chapter. Just like roller coaster, or a really bad swim lesson, in college they throw you right in the deep end. Late nights, lots of reading, and for me, early morning for ROTC PT are all common in the first week. 

But oh what a ride it has been, and I have only been here for a week and half, but I know that Baylor is going to be a phenomenal place to grow and live. The community here is unlike anywhere else I have been. The intellectual level, both in and out of the classroom, is more than I expected. The spiritual life aspect is also hugely important to Baylor as a whole, and it is manifested in the lives of those around me. I am so excited for what God is going to do this year in me and at Baylor. I hope that attendant checked the belts correctly, because I am in for one crazy fun ride.

Soli Deo Gloria 

PS: If you feel so inclined, you can donate to the "Stephen is now a Poor College Student Fund". We are taking donations in the form of food (especially cookies- oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip seem to be the favorite in the dorm room), over exaggerated letters of encouragement (you know those professors can be tough), and even in the form of cash (anything will help- preferably the bills with two digits on them, we might even be okay with three digits). Please send all donations to: 

        

               Stephen Leland 

               One Bear Place #82822

               Waco, TX      76798