Almost a New Year

Where to begin? Where to end? It's been awhile since I have written anything of substance. I am not entirely sure what I want to say, but since some friends have been asking for an update, I will give a more immediate response. Then again, maybe I will start from the middle of this year.

I graduated from Geneva College in August of this year. I walked away with a degree in History (minors in Philosophy and Biblical Studies), a 3.2 GPA, and no job. Reluctant to move home, I stayed in Beaver Falls looking for a job. From August to November, I worked part-time for a cleaning company. I was averaging only 20 hours a week, but then they cut my hours. They eventually laid me off, but then gave me my own building. However, $9 an hour wasn't paying the bills or providing a stable future. Finally, I decided to quit and move back home (hey the rent's free, for now).

Moving home was one of the most difficult decisions I have made. You probably asking, why didn't you go back to school. Well, when I graduated I wasn't entirely sure of what I wanted to do. So, I decided to take a year off to figure out my passions and possible career choice. A month later I figured it out, but it was too late to enroll in classes. In case you haven't heard, I hope to study at Gordon-Conwell and earn a Masters in Divinity. After that I hope to enroll in a doctorate program studying Jewish Christianity.

Anyway, moving home wasn't easy. All of my closest friends either moved from Geneva or still live at Geneva. Also, my beautiful girlfriend still attends Geneva (she finishes in May). Another reason I was uncomfortable moving home was the lack of reformed churches in my area. In April I became a member of College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls. I love CHRP and I miss the strong, biblical teaching there. The church I grew up in is very different from the church I am used to now. I have no one to talk to about my beliefs. I take that back, I have people who are willing to engage in conversation, but no one to really challenge me. I take that back, the new pastor of my parents' church has been a blessing. Although he and I come from different backgrounds, we do see eye to eye on several major issues. His humility and his compassion is helping me to grow up and confront my own pride. He has become a mentor for me as I work toward a life of pastorship and professorship. I am grateful for him.

I miss my friends, though.

I had a job interview on Monday. I applied for a position at LECOM (it's a medical college). I won't find out about the job until next week. I am nervous, because I don't really have anything to fall on. Then again, I am not too thrilled about the job because they want me to work weekends including Sundays.

I really miss Heather. The last four months have been extremely difficult. It was the first time we really spent a lot of time together. We got on each other's nerves, but that happens in any relationship. But being away from her hasn't been easy. I miss her companionship, I miss her insight, and I miss her smile. I love her. She's the only one who truly gets me.

I hope all is well. I will try to write soon. Sorry for the sporadic updates.

With much love,
Christian Eriksson