I wasn't really sure what I was getting into when I applied to do a D. Min. degree. I've thought about it in the past - the time seemed right. Two things I knew - I wanted to focus on preaching and I didn't want to do it in Toronto. Got my BA at York University, my MDiv at TST in the U of T. I wanted something different. I wanted to be out of my comfort zone. So, on the basis of internet research, I applied to and got accepted by the Association of Chicago Theological Schools D. Min. in Preaching program. Got to Chicago last Sunday, and just finished the first class (Preaching As Interpretation) a few minutes ago. It was strange being back in the classroom. For 16 years I've been the one in the pulpit (the teacher) - going back to being the student was a bit jarring at first. The course was good. Professors were Dow Edgerton from Chicago Theological Seminary and Charlie Cosgrove from Northern Seminary. A lot of information was given on the history of preaching, the forms and genres of Scripture and on "incarnational translation" - which I now know a lot about and didn't know anything about not long ago. So, that's a success I think. But it's the "fish out of water" experience that's really intriguing. I don't know this city; I've never been here; I've never been away from my family for three weeks. It's challenging - both academically and personally. I'm enjoying the collegial nature of the program. Looking forward to the weekend and then Week 2.