Back to School

​by Pam Morton

1988: Ray Bolz topped the charts with "Thank You" and Twila Paris moved us with "Every Heart That Is Breaking." The Summer Olympics were held in Seoul and Michael Dukakis ran against George Bush in the presidential election.

Closer to home, I was a newlywed, Bible college student, part-time secretary, and intern at a local church. I was young, enthusiastic, and seemingly tireless. Oh, what days!

As the pace and my parallel enthusiasm for all things grew, I began to realize that something had to give. I couldn't actually do everything at once. Shocking! So, I made the decision to complete an AA degree, leave school, and resume my studies for a BA at another time.

2020: Kari Jobe sang, "The Blessing," and Mandisa reminded us that Jesus is "The Way Maker." COVID, and all that came with it, was at the forefront of everyone's minds. Space X launched two astronauts into space for the first time.

John and I had just moved to Israel and were restricted to our apartment located atop Mount Carmel in Haifa. It was during this time of limited movement that I began considering completing my BA degree. I mean, I could only bake so much bread during those mandated isolation times!

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With our organization's blessing, I began online classes. I admit I was nervous. I had been a teacher in several settings over the last 30 years, but I hadn't been an official student! Week by week, I completed assignments and gained confidence that, perhaps, I could actually do this.
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Weeks turned to months and by Spring of 2021, I had completed an Interdisciplinary BA in education and psychology. Whew! I had done it!

Our lives in Israel began to pick up as COVID restrictions began to lift. I had a newfound enthusiasm for teacher training because I had just been a student and understood the value of teachers who cared about their craft.

One day, John said, "You might as well get your masters while you're in the mode." My reticence from before was gone. I knew I could do it. More than that, I wanted to do it. I loved learning!

"You're right," I said. "I should get going! I can't wait another 30 years!"

2023: Elevation Worship sang, "Been So Good" and Kirk Franklin (personal favorite) reminded us that God is with us in "All Things." Israel was attacked by HAMAS and Sudan continued to face internal conflict. Bella, a cat from England, claimed the loudest purr recorded at 54.6 decibels.

With my husband's encouragement and the Lord's help, I completed a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Do I feel smarter? Maybe. More importantly, I feel wiser. Wise enough to know that learning never stops--whether formally or in everyday life. I understand that the benefit of a degree is not just the knowledge itself, but also the experience that allows my thoughts and ideals to be expanded, challenged, and tested.

I'm in my 50s now, and I want to keep growing. I want to keep my circle wide. I think it helps me stretch and keeps me from getting weird.

What's next? I'm not sure. I do know that I'm forever curious about a good many things. This world God has given us is full of wonderful people to meet and experiences to glean. I'm committed to learning and growing ‘til Jesus calls me Home! How about you?

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ABOUT OUR WRITER

Pam, her husband, John, and two teenaged daughters packed up their fulfilling, understood Midwestern lives and moved to Cairo, Egypt in 2008. Her dream of serving overseas became a shocking reality of daily cultural encounters that often left her wondering if she’d actually landed on Mars instead! From Cairo to Khartoum to Upper Egypt to Israel, Pam learned, lived, and thrived in a sandy, sweaty, hospitable land. Pam and John's new assignment provides support to MKs and their families through TCK International Academy and parent mentoring. Pam loves to connect with her church family to encourage, laugh and inspire. (www.johnandpammorton.com). Pam and John have two married daughters and are smitten with their three granddaughters.

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