The day started off with a ham croissant and a bottle of orange juice for breakfast. Then, there was the written test. *Shudder*. Although I had prepared diligently, I hadn’t prepared enough. Story of my life. We were asked questions about such things as “uniformitarianism” and “Gnostic heresy”. ?????? I had no clue. In addition, some of the questions had very subjective answers – the correct answer varied based on what version you were using. As a King James Version User, there were some questions that were harder for me to answer, because I was unacquainted with the other versions. I wish I’d ended up taking time to read the other versions. L. I knew that they would ask questions about the passages we’d memorized; however, no indication was given that we would be required to know the context of those passages. For example, we memorized John 21:14-19. One of the questions on the test referred to John 21, and asked us how many fish the disciples had caught that day. I was somewhat familiar with the story, and thus thought that it was “too many to count”. Actually, it was 153. I kinda don’t think it’s fair that we were asked that type of questions, and yet not told that we should expect them.
Following the written test, I had quite a bit more down time than I had expected. The senior oral round was supposed to start at 11:15; however, due to delays, we didn’t start until at least 12:00. Mom and I called my dad, and I talked to him about the written test. Afterwards, I went over to the banister overlooking the stairs, and started asking God why this had happened – kinda in an angry way. However, I’d promised God that morning, that, no matter what, I would not hate him like I had after I lost the 2008 spelling bee( ya….that was not a good time. My relationship with God has never been the same since…pretty sure that’ll change after yesterday though…. J ), so, I immediately stopped that thought process and did something else. This year, they did the oral round in reverse alphabetical order. Thus, those people who are unfortunate enough to have a name starting with a T (such as me), had to go first. The oral round was….interesting, to say the least. On the first passage we received, I started off fine, but then froze up half way truth. I eventually finished that passage, but the second passage followed the same pattern. Finally, I closed my eyes, and did my best to focus only on the passages. I remembered that I’d been promised through a priesthood blessing that I would have perfect remembrance of the things I’d studied. That helped. One thing that surprised me was the fact that we were asked to recite a 2 card – Psalm 37:1-11. Although I was surprised, I tried to not let it phase me. I calmly said. “Psalm 37:1-11”, and quoted it.
After the oral round, there was a lot of free time. Elyssa and I went to a presentation by Hendry Plays. It was based on the story of a surgeon from the civil war time period. One day, he was operating on a young man who had a very strong faith in Christ. This doctor was a Jew, but the testimony of the young man had a profound impact on the doctor, and he eventually came to accept Christ as his Savior. It was an amazing story!
Later, mom and I went to the Hard Rock Café. We ordered a jumbo…something, and shared. It was good, although the fajitas weren’t the best, and the chicken wings (which I had insisted on….ha ha), were waaay too spicy! However, the potato skins and the other chicken were quite good. We also received a crash course on the history of the Hard Rock Café, and were told a bit more about the unique musical scene in Nashville.
The Opening Ceremonies were that night. It was amazing! James Kenniv (I think….sorry if I’m wrong) had put together a “Modern Oratorio”, featuring live orchestral accompaniment, a great choir, and a script/songs taken straight from the scriptures. The audience was also invited to participate, keeping in mind that the true audience was Christ. It was great. I learned a new song:
Worthy are you, Our Lord and God
To receive glory and honor and power
For you created all things
And by your will they existed
Worthy are you, Our Lord
Worthy are you, our lord and God
To receive glory and honor and power
For you created all things
Worthy are you, Our Lord.
As I listened to the opening ceremonies, I tried to mentally prepare myself for the probability that my name would not be announced. I remembered how a lady had said, to mom and me, “some need to win, and some need to lose.” I thought about the fact that I have a 4.0, and a 33 on the ACT. I realize that I didn’t truly need to win the bible bee.
After the oratorio, it was time to announce the fifteen semi-finalists from each age division. They were announced in groups of three – one senior, one junior, and one primary – and in alphabetical order. After the written test, I’d pretty much realized that I wouldn’t advance. However, there was still a slight glimmer of hope. However, after I heard the name “Timothy Troutner” announced, that was officially extinguished. I realized, that, for the third time, I’d failed to advance. My mom left right after they finished announcing; I stayed.
In closing, we sang the Doxology, and another song:
Holy, Holy, Holy,
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
Holy, Holy, Holy,
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
As we started singing this song, my throat closed up, as the full reality sunk in – I would not be competing farther, and my dream of winning the $100,000 prize was lost. However, I overcame it, and was able to sing it the last couple of times. I’m probably forgetting part of the song, but oh well. After I went up to the room, I read some of Inheritance again.
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