more news

I've been accepted into the MA program at Iliff School of Theology in Denver. No word on funding. So, I'm curious if they will give me any money.

I've also been accepted into the MTS program at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. Candler is the theological school affiliated with Emory, so that could be exciting. Not sure if they are giving me any $ either.

The plus about Iliff is that we would be close to dear friends, the location is beautiful, and Than is wait listed at University of CO Boulder. The downside is the program isn't at the top of my list.

Candler is nice because it would give me an advantage if I wanted to apply to the PHD program at Emory.

But my biggest crush is still Rice, especially since they want to pay me to get a PHD. And they want to fly me down for the weekend. Is it too early to say: I feel sufficiently wooed?

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in defense of Valentine’s Day

I really like Valentine’s Day. It’s a chance to act sentimental, cheesy, joyful, loving. I still remember the anticipation felt in grade school; like Christmas, you knew gifts and candy would be arriving. High school got a bit rough because it became all about who had flowers delivered to them in class. Everyone was longing for some romantic action by a surprise suitor (more for how jealous this would make your classmates).

Maybe it is because my mom always made a big deal about the holiday, but I’ve always liked Valentine’s Day. My sister and I would awaken to gift baskets, balloons, and presents. It made us feel special; it made us feel loved.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with setting days apart to celebrate. That’s why I love birthdays, and Valentine’s Day seems to me a more general birthday where you get to celebrate EVERYONE. It is a time to let people know that you care and soak up all the red and pink revelry while reverting back to a childlike innocence.

Yes, I know, like Christmas, Valentine’s day is a capitalistic invention. I went to Wal-Mart last year on Feb. 13, and I will NEVER do that again. The commercialization can get a bit over the top, but like many things, I think it’s all about the attitude. Than and I don’t feel compelled to go out and buy each other useless gifts, say nice things to each other, or have a nice dinner just because it’s a certain day. In fact, usually our Valentine’s days are quiet and remarkably non-capitalist. Last year, Than surprised me with a homemade Valentine made with macaroni; like the ones made in elementary school. I loved it!

So, here’s some of my favorite Valentines memories:

- In high school, my friends and I had an over-the-top Valentine’s slumber party at my house where everything was red and pink and heart shaped. It was so delightful to share the joy with girls we hardly knew. I remember a lot of unexpected people showed up that night, and I loved sharing the joy of hospitality and silliness.

- Making cookies and distributing vintage valentines to those I loved in high school and also in college. It’s fun to make things for people.

- My first Valentine’s with Than. I made dinner in Emerson Hall and heart shaped brownies. Later that night, we watched Roman Holiday, which Than’s dad had so sweetly sent for the occasion.

- All the notes Than and I have passed back and forth over the years in our special little book.

- The sweet cards, gifts, and chocolate that our parents still send us!

- My sister submitted a Stranger Valentine for Than and I; what a joy to search through the pages to find it.

- Some of my favorite students bought me a teddy bear and chocolates last year. It’s still on my desk. It meant SO much that they thought of me. Later that night, Than and I drove around for 2 hours looking for a place to eat because we didn’t plan ahead. 5 restaurants later and starving, we ending up at an Indian restaurant where we were greeted with a rose. Indian food is now our new tradition!


I guess the bottom line is that I love people. Valentine’s Day isn’t a time to glorify romantic love in some cheap sentimentalize way. It’s just a day set apart to recognize how much you love others and to do something intentionally to recognize that. Of course, we should do that every day, but there is something about a holiday that lets people do things that are unexpected or outside their comfort zone. We break from the confines of society during holidays, and this is important. Of course, when it becomes expected or demanded, that’s a problem. But I hope Valentine’s Day traditions continue for years to come. The best part is creating your own traditions.

So, to all my friends out there: I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

news

After receiving some exciting news last week – I’ve been accepted into graduate school!!! - the wait continues. Here is what I do know: I have been accepted into the PHD program in Religious Studies at Rice University. I applied to the African Religions concentration with a goal of studying under Dr. Elias Bongmba. His work combines all the things I love: theology, continental philosophy, social theory, Africa.

Anyway, it’s been nice to feel unexpected confirmation of my gifts and abilities. Despite the uncertainty of the future – we are still waiting to hear from all the other schools we applied to – I am hopeful about the future. I’m very excited to get back into the classroom and devote the next few years of my life to study.

I wrote a few months ago about my longing to live in an urban and diverse environment. Well, if we do end up moving to Houston, it will be an unexpected answer to prayer. Houston is very diverse and the fifth largest city in the US. Very exciting! I already checked and they have an Ethiopian restaurant.

But for now, I am trying to hold these things with open hands. Even in this waiting period, I feel held, hopeful, and taken care of. I know the path ahead will emerge. And I'm looking forward to what will come.

application advent

Below is part of a message I received from Yale Divinity. I've been really impressed with all my communication with their Admissions Department. They take a very positive and holistic tone, and I really enjoy that since the acceptance/rejection/waiting process can often be callous and brutal.

" I know this period of time between submitting your application and learning the admissions decision can seem endless. Try and think of it as your own season of Admissions Advent. As you await the decision from the admissions committee reflect on the experience of making the application; I am often told that writing the personal statement is a cathartic exercise and our applicants enjoy the opportunity to truly parse out their hopes and their vocational goals. These days should be filled with hope and promise for what the future holds, because whether the decision from Yale is a positive or a negative one, this whole process is one of learning and growing. Whether you join the Yale community or not you have taken an important step toward your future by seeking a theological education. "

I love what she says about these days should be filled with hope and promise. It's not easy to have hope when you are anxious, but at the same time, I'm learning to rest in the fact that my future is not in my hands. A way will be made. I can trust that we - Than and I - have not been led here to die. I do have hope for the future. And I am looking forward to seeing how this all unfolds, not just for me but for us, because I know that God holds both of us and is weaving our lives together in crazy, unexpected ways.


Prayers are always appreciated, though!