Well, yesterday was a day of thorough cleaning, picking up, vacuuming, and general fun using the mop and sweat equity to clean things up around here. I tell you this just so that you don't feel like you've missed the fun around here.

Thanks for your last email. I am pleased to hear that your government level department is small, provided they can deliver quality professors and programs, that is. A small student/teacher ratio will mean greater group dynamics, individual participation, and cause your professors to reach know you and the other students.

Servant leadership as the theme for the orientation is right on point. Tragically, leadership that is not thoroughly Christ-oriented is either selfish, ambitious, or controlling. The only legitimate leadership is servant leadership because that is God's leadership style, if you will.

BTW, what was the book on Ronald Reagan that you won??? Also, what was the trivia question that you successfully answered that caused you to win the book?

It is wonderful that so many opportunities are being made known to you so early on. Be careful that you aren't tempted to do too many things. Be prayerful about it. If I can offer some advice on this I'd encourage you to do only those things that you feel led to do as you have surrendered them (and yourself) to the Lord. Also, do those consistent with your purposes/plans without being too rigid about it. Lastly, do ones that will assist you in getting closer to your professors and/or mentors. Teaching assistanceships are definitely something you should consider. Yet, since you don't know the demands upon your time, please procede with care.

Hope you have a wonderful day in church today. Let me know how that goes. I've been praying for you and Maddie (Maddy) and will continue to do so. We are off to church right now. Gotta go.

Our love,

Dad