Sixteen months after the request came to fill out a survey for the 2 Year Academy, I sat down and clicked on the link for the Survey Monkey and filled it out. (I was on Academy #32.)
Why did I wait so long, you ask?
First, I didn't want to fill it out prior to the last session, #8, because I wanted to experience it first. Then, I didn't want to fill it out immediately after session #8 (April 2013) because I wanted and needed to reflect.
I intended to review my notes to refresh my memory whenever I did the survey. I have written myself sticky notes AD NAUSEUM and notes on multiple pieces of paper over the past sixteen months since I first got the email with the survey inside it.
For whatever reason, today was the day.
But, I didn't gather up my Academy bag (yes, I have an Academy bag-- with all my notes and big... BIG notebook and handouts) to review anything or refresh my memory.
I searched my email for the one containing the survey (3/22/13), opened it up and started. I was surprised at how many memories flooded my mind immediately as I began that survey.
Of the eight sessions, I was able to recall all faculty presenters in fairly strong detail in my mind except 2 from the same session. My mind must have been on overload that session. I could recall them, but not enough to rate the session without finding my notes.
The survey took me back through memories of the facilities, the worship time, silence, the team, our community, the learning sessions, our health and nutrition times, covenant groups, etc.
If it hasn't been made clear from any of the blog posts I've written from the times I was at my 'home away from home' at the Academy, I will state it here: The Academy for Spiritual Formation had a profound impact on my life personally and in my role as a leader.
That is my opinion.
This ENFJ was able to finally get back into her introverted self, making time and space for silence and solitude that had been awakened as a kid, but had long been ignored. The rhythm of the Academy time apart allowed me to look forward to those times of silence and solitude every quarter.
Knowing that I would miss that, I found a way to incorporated silence into my life through a Centering Prayer group here locally. Though I don't make it every Friday, it has become another 'home away from home', a very special place.
Going away to seminary for the intensive classes is a way for me to have time apart.
Without the experience of the Academy over those 2 years, I wouldn't have that foundation. Nor would I have had that incredible bilingual experience..... with the people, the faculty, the worship. Not only was it bilingual with Spanish, it was multilingual and multicultural.... with Korean and French (merci, Stephane!).
What I learned about faith, religion, God, myself, and others was priceless!
Through email, our bilingual covenant group still keeps in contact with one another and they continue to be a tremendous blessing to me.
At some point I hope to put all my pictures from that journey together.... all the beautiful worship altars, the scenery from around the Life Enrichment retreat center, the alligators, the Jesus Doll, etc.
The Academy for Spiritual Formation is sponsored by the Upper Room, as is the Walk to Emmaus. I realize that it may not be for everyone. But, I would encourage you to at least check it out, to consider prayerfully a 5 Day Academy where you get one week's taste of the 2 Year Academy.
If God ever calls me up to serve on a team and the timing is right, that may be the second next exciting thing to having gone through the experience. Much like serving on Emmaus teams has been for me over the many years since my Walk in 1998.
Meanwhile, I am grateful for that day in October 2010 when Johnny Sears announced to a room full of people at a 5 Day Academy in TN that the next 2 Year Academy coming up would be a bilingual one. I don't think I will ever be able to forget the silence in that room that was broken by my breath literally being sucked out of me upon hearing such incredible joyous news. Yet, at the same time, wondering 'how in the world could I do a 2 year commitment when it took an act of God to get me to a 5 day?'. You know what?!?! An act of God got me to.... and through the bilingual 2 Year Academy.
I will forever be grateful.
What is something for which you are forever grateful on your journey?
Blessings as you travel the path before you,
Debra
P.S. If you want to go through and read the various specific posts related to the Academy, just search "Academy" or "2 Year Academy".
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