Before travels begin again

Yesterday, I handed my dissertation in. I suppose it's a bit of a big moment getting that done and there was something quite satisfying about handing over a physical copy (all other uni assignments have been submitted digitally). Given there was a bit of confusion about how it was to be handed in (not from me, I hasten to add), I think I may have been the first.

I know I've worked hard on this and really enjoyed the research (the write-up was a pain the the proverbial - actually, no, it was the formatting of the whole thing which took over a day. The joy of photos and plans...). I know I couldn't have done my dissertation in the way I did had it not been for my background in mapping and surveying. Who'd have thought my first degree in would be so handy for a dissertation in the results of the Scottish Reformation! Just shows how interconnected all experience and knowledge and learning is in this journey of faith and calling.

There's a bit of me would like to just relax and kick back now the dissertation is done - though enjoyable, it's been a hard academic year. But, I still have work to do. There's a 1000 word commentary and general weekly blog for one class, then exams in May. I suppose there's this element of not wanting to lose momentum, in tension with needing a bit of a less frenetic pace. At least the way the timetabling of my exams works out, I can have a couple of weeks off once the non-exam work's out of the way. And I know I could do with it.

At least the end is nigh and I can see a lot clearer where I am going than I did earlier this academic year. Still, there is a bit of me thinks the last 3 years have flown in and can't believe I've got here at all. Whatever happens, long term, it's all part of the journey and I think I'll just take a bit of time to pause and look around at the moment, before the travels need to begin again.

Research sharing

This semester's been very busy, and I've commented on that before. This week, I've been a bit in limbo. My dissertation's mostly written, but my supervisor for it has been out of the country. Not a problem, as I'd taken that into account when 'planning' the work (that actually sounds organised, but I did have it at the back of my mind). But, without having that to bust a gut on, I feel at a bit of a loose end!

I have really enjoyed the research for my dissertation and I seem to be doing new stuff. (Oh, if you are wondering, I am examining the changes made to Medieval Scottish churches between the Reformation and the Convent. I am focusing on 2 churches in neighbouring parishes as a comparison study.). Maybe I just get a wee bit too excited about working out how buildings were used and, in this case, to what extent theory and practise came together or didn't.

When I was chatting with a friend the other day, they said I'd maybe get a first for it. I told them no way, as I've never got a first for anything else before and I don't see that changing. This is not being self-deprecating, just basing the observation on evidence.

Yet, on a few occasions this academic year further study has been mentioned to me. A friend asked if I'd thought about doing a masters of the historical flavour. Another discussed the science and religion masters and said they could see me doing that. Then, just the other day, Spot asked if I'd do a PhD if I had the chance - err, no, brainy people do PhDs. Or people with the inclination to research a very narrow topic for 3 years.


I like the research, I really do, but the write up has, at times, been a bit of a drag. Not helped by having A LOT of photos and plans, which requires using Spot's PC for the embedding/compressing, as mine just isn't powerful enough (5 year old single core notebook - it has served me well and has only been an 'issue' for this). I'll never say never, but it doesn't tug at me with a niggling thing that I should be doing that.

What I am tempted to do (actually, have been challenged to do) is when I've finished my degree and it's all done, I will improve the Wiki entries for the two churches. No point keeping this knowledge to myself.

Work, work and work

I feel it's been a long time since I've written, but looking back I haven't this month. In my list of priorities at the moment, this is not high. I do miss the brain dump, though, as I find I do some of my best reflecting when I have to process it in writing.

So, what have I been up to? Well, mainly focusing on the dissertation, the first (and main) chapter of which I have committed to give to my dissertation supervisor on Friday. I'm really enjoying the write up and, in the main, it's coming on well and sort of writing itself. I thought I may not have done enough research, but looks like all the reading and examining of my primary evidence (the buildings themselves) is paying dividends.

The pastoral work I am doing at the Big Kirk is going well and my supervisor there is very pleased with it. It has been a mutually beneficial time, as I have gained a lot more experience, had a very supportive, sympathetic supervisor, and I have taken a bit of the work-load from her. In many ways it's a shame I hadn't thought to go there for probation, but I have no regrets and would not have had this opportunity.

Quarry Kirk. Well, it took me a while to work out if they actually liked me. Being dour Fifers, like myself, they are not necessarily the most expressive bunch! But they are warm and friendly once you get to know them. When they were told a couple of weeks ago my last Sunday is to be Easter Sunday they were genuinely sad, even when that's 3 months off.

And that's about it. Study and church work seem to be all I am doing at the moment. But Innovative Learning Week beckons, which I will be treating as a bit of a rest from study. There are no classes and, unlike almost every other ministry candidate at New College, I have chosen not to go to the Holy Land. Bliss. I know I need it, which is why I've been doing the 'big push' in terms of my uni work so I can have the week clear.

The end is nigh. Just wondering what path I will go down at the next crossroads in this ministry training path.

Forgotten skills

Today I spent working on my dissertation. Though the end of March, when it's due, seems so far away, this semester has flown in and I don't feel I've done nearly as much work on it as I should.

I'm using old skills, honed while studying for my last degree. Using parallels and scale rulers. It was strange going back to those basics and not using a sophisticated drawing application. Though I'm rusty - so the plans took me a bit longer than I would have liked - the skill was still there. Just needed a bit of use and it came flooding back. It was quicker than trying to learn that drawing application.

I also spent an hour or so taking some photos of an old church. Was that study for me? Yes, as I was looking at specific features of the building. Wasn't too much of a hardship, though. Spending time doing two of my favourite activities.

Tomorrow, I will be looking at the third church in the series. This one I've known for as long as I can remember, though I've never looked at it with the particular lens I will be tomorrow. At least the forecast is to be dry - just a pity it's so cold. This is why I am no longer a surveyor for a living. Again, once I left that behind, I never thought I'd really need to use that skill again - not formally, anyway.

These are not the only long lost (or not recognised) skills I've been using since beginning my studies/training. Funny how these things work out. Strange to think, though I'd avoided/not listened/ignored God's call on my life for so many years, he was training me all along.* I keep saying I want to be the best I can be. The way things are going this year, I think that's God's plan too.

* Still trying to work out exactly what my life-long fascination with church architecture has to do with being a minister. If everything else is a measure, that will all become apparent in time too.