Emory 101

I thought it would be good to learn a little bit about Emory University so I can go in there with an idea of what I'm getting myself into.

Here are my most interesting discoveries.

Dooley: Emory's Unofficial Mascot

Dooley is known as the "Spirit of Emory"

Who would have guessed that Emory's unofficial mascot would be a living skeleton with a sweet top hat, dashing black cape, and a vanity cane (the kind of cane you use simply because it looks cooler)? His origins go back to 1909 when he was an innocent skeleton being studied in an anatomy classroom. One crazy experiment later, and he came to life as Lord James W. Dooley. Since then he has been making regular appearances all over campus. Don't believe me? I found these picture from very reputable sources.

Dooley doesn't hand out high fives to just anyone. This guy went on to win a Nobel Peach Prize.

He's also been know to go streaking.

Who says a skeleton can't have a heart for the future generations?

Needless to say, Lord James W. Dooley is one bad bag of bones. I can't wait to meet him on Emory's campus. Maybe he'll tell me how he stays so thin?

A Secret Society: The Paladins

You heard me right! Apparently, Emory is home to a secret society known as the Paladin Society. It was established in 1998 and secretly infiltrates high-risk hostage situations to save innocent lives and thwart evil-doers. Just kidding! Very little is know about them apart from their desires to "promote spirit, foster community, and uphold tradition at Emory University through dedication to a humble service." There are an undisclosed number of members (the most consistent being 12) admitted each year. 

While I won't be eligible to be a member, I'm still hoping they'll consider a merge with my own secret society, the Istiophoridaeans.

Distinguished Alumni: What we wouldn't have without Emory 

Turns out, a lot of really famous and smart people have graduated from Emory. 

• The chairman and CEO of Burger King!

How sad would life be without this guy!?

•  Bobby Jones, the only golfer to EVER win a grand slam!

We all wish we looked this good swinging a golf club.

•  Grammy winning folk rock group, The Indigo Girls!

How would we ever know the power of two without the lyrical guidance of Amy and Emily?

I know what you're thinking, "Would life even be worth it right now if Emory had not produced these outstanding individuals?" Well, I can't answer that question for you, but I hope I've got your mind churning.

Do you know anything interesting about schools you've been to?

All aboard! The (Intern)ship is setting sail!

I cannot even begin to describe how excited Caroline and I are to begin this new phase of our lives as we move to Atlanta and she begins P.A. school at Mercer while I begin my RUF internship at Emory!

This will be my official RUF blog. The home base where I will be keeping all of you up to date with what is going on during the internship. I'm sure you're thinking, "Oh no Marlin, what will happen to your other blog!?" But don't worry, I will still be keeping up with Hands-on Theology.

Doing the RUF internship has been a dream of mine since I first learned about it as a student at Mercer, and now it is here! But it's no simple process. Many forms to fill out, trainings to attend, support to be raised, and prayers to be offered lie between this moment and stepping onto Emory's campus as an official RUF intern.

Although I'm excited, I also find myself scared. I have no idea what this internship holds. How the students will take to me, the ways that sin has led to brokenness in their lives, whether they will respond to the hope of the Gospel, and so much more. With so many unknowns, I already find myself feeling inadequate and having to turn to God for assurance that He is already at work in my life and the lives of the students. But even now, God is accomplishing His will. When I arrive on Emory's campus, it will be like walking into a meeting fifteen minutes late. My job will be to discern what God is already doing, how His grace is being and has been revealed in people's lives, and come alongside His work of redemption at Emory.

I hope you will follow along and even pray for me and Caroline during what is sure to be a grand adventure. I cannot wait to see what God has in store at Emory and how He will further His kingdom through the ministry of RUF.

When have you been scared of the unknown?
How have you seen God comfort and provide for you during these times?