From: Mark Abrahams (mark@abrahams.co.nz)
Date: Sun Oct 14 2007 - 10:00:36 ART
Hi all
I wanted to give a brief (on my final edit I note that "brief" is
probably an incorrect description!) note of encouragement and
acknowledgment after completing my CCIE R&S study by passing the lab
exam in Sydney on Thursday. I'm really happy to have passed on this my
second time, as my wife has twin girls due in about a month's time.
Whatever the result, our family had agreed that this would be my last
effort at the lab exam for a long time. Which makes passing a very good
feeling.
I started studying for the lab exam 8 months ago. At the time I
completely underestimated the amount of effort required for it. I was
working full-time throughout, and probably for the last 5 months of that
time I was studying for an average of 40 hours per week.
It was my Lord and friend Jesus Christ that offered me the necessary
strength and sustenance throughout my studying time. It is difficult to
describe how important this was to me every day, as the quantity of
study and lack of sleep was starting to leave me quite weary,
particularly over the last 2 months. And it's equally difficult to
imagine having to endure this period without His support. Also, my wife
particularly, and my friends and family as well, offered a great deal of
encouragement and support throughout, and I'm really grateful to them
all for this.
I used a lot of InternetworkExpert products that helped very much. I
was also greatly encouraged by Scott Morris who expressed personal
interest in my plight after a challenging first lab experience in
Beijing. As most here would know, the Group Study archives were a great
study resource - so thanks all for contributing.
I wanted to encourage those studying to persevere. I put it down as one
of the most difficult periods in my life. In particular, I found a
prolonged period of studying with a young family difficult to sustain.
The studying parents among us could probably all tell of the heartbreak
of studying at the expense of family time.
So I pray that if you are feeling weary from your study, you'll find
what you need to endure. Keep the faith!
All the best
Mark
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