My final post

In the classic children’s novel The Cricket in Times Square there is this lovely moment near the end of the story when Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat are saying goodbye to Chester Cricket, who after many great adventures in New York decides to return to Connecticut, his true home. As the friends make their way to Union Square for Chester to board the train that will take him away, the friends feel that they have so much to say to one another, but not enough time to say those things in.

That’s my feeling today. One day from right now Tara and I will be boarding the plane that will bring us back to our true home. There are so many people I want to say things to. Saying all of those things would take more time than I can give here, so these final words will, I hope, suffice for now. There are so many people I want to thank for this semester. Thank you to ACU’s Board of Trustees and administration for the clear commitment you have demonstrated to ACU’s Study Abroad program. This program is one of the crown jewels of our university. The opportunity that we offer our students to grow in a global setting where they are stretched and are positioned to learn how to live and think globally is lifechanging for our students. I hope we can find ways to make this opportunity more accessible to more of our students. The commitment is fully in keeping with our institutional mission.

Thanks to Stephen Shewmaker for the opportunity to lead another Study Abroad semester. This one was my third. I don’t know if I have another one in me, but if this is my last, Stephen, I want you to know how grateful I am for the confidence you have in the work that I do with our Study Abroad students. You will be greatly missed when you leave ACU.

Thanks to Jacque Morrison for her expertise and capable leadership here in Oxford. Jacque, it has been such a thrill to work alongside you again. I’ve learned a lot from watching your work. ACU Oxford is fortunate to have you at the helm. You made this semester a delightful experience. Thanks also to Aubree Herrold for her service as residential assistant in Oxford. Aubree, I have loved partnering with you at the ACU house to help our students have the best possible Study Abroad experience. You fully embraced the responsibilities given you, and you did so with grace and confidence. The Spring group will be in good hands with you on site.

Thank you to Tara, my wife, for sharing this semester with me. You experienced me at my best and worst moments, and you did so with humor and grace. I’m leaving this semester with many delightful memories of the time we shared together in what has been our first true “empty nest” experience. I could not ask for a better partner to share life with. I’m excited to return to our kids in Abilene.

To family back in Abilene, thank you for your patience during the time we have been away from you. Mom and dad, I’m eager to get back to you and walk alongside you in this journey into the future, whatever may come. Theo, Naomi, and Gabe, mom and I can’t wait to see you. Make certain your rooms are clean.

To ACU Study Abroad Oxford students, my students. I cannot find the words to express the special place you hold in my heart as we end this semester. Study Abroad semesters are great because they offer us opportunities to travel and explore the world. However, what I love most about teaching Study Abroad is that I am allowed to watch bright, energetic college students blossom before my eyes. It has been such a thrill watching you grow, knowing that I have played a part, however small, in making that happen. It has been especially moving seeing the tightknit community that you have formed during your time in Oxford. This doesn’t always happen with Study Abroad groups. It is something that all of you should cherish and be proud of. After this semester, you will be my former students, but also my cherished friends. From Tara and me, know that our home in Abilene is always open to you.

Finally, to all of you, readers of the Thames River Rambler, thank you for following along on this semester-long journey. This blog began as a way of chronicling my semester journey. It’s the second Study Abroad blog I’ve kept (check out my first, from 2015: https://releasethemccrackeninleipzig.wordpress.com/ ). As with my previous blog, I expect that years from now I’ll be returning to the words I wrote this semester as a way of reconnecting to the magic of our time here.

But I’ve rambled enough. Enough with the words. Let’s head home…