Rice Visit

Whew – we are back from visiting Rice University in Houston. I’m pooped.

Friday was packed. We were picked up at 9 AM, whisked to the university, and I was handed a schedule with a days worth of tours, faculty appointments, and meetings with graduate students. The purpose of the trip was to learn about what it would be like to be a graduate student at Rice.

Some initial thoughts:
- Rice’s campus is beautiful
- Houston is WAY better than people make it out to be (at least the area we were staying in). The weather and vegetation actually reminded me of South Africa, a plus.
- Ah, the comforts of the city: Buffalo Exchange, sushi, and easy access to alcohol. Can you believe that the campus has its own bar???
- Is a library tour with the librarian really necessary?


Rice is modeled after the British university system. Undergraduates live in “colleges” with a faculty member and his family. The architecture is very British as well. Both of us fell in love with the monastic influence in the architecture and educational set up.

As for the graduate program, I think I could do well there. I feel humbled by the opportunity to work with Elias Bongmba. He wasn’t there, but everyone testified to the gentleness I already picked up on by phone.

I did feel a bit intimidated in meeting various faculty members and having to pitch over and over again “my interests” and research plan. I couldn’t help but realize that I am entering the big leagues now, and I have my work cut out for me.

We still have some waiting, praying, deciding to do. As much as I want to speed up this process, I know it’s important to stay open and flexible and present. So be it.

Lent

I offered to reflect on Lent this Sunday --- but I’m still trying to figure out what I’m going to say. Lent means something different to me each year or rather Lent teaches me something every year.

The practice of discipline typically illuminates my perfectionist tendencies as I tend to take on too much in order to prove myself worthy. Encountering my weakness, my mortality, and my limits, is always sobering. Reminds me again and again of my incredible need to have grace and receive grace.

Darkness, wandering, and suffering have also been themes. Lent has typically fallen during seasons in my life of pain and depression. During these times, it has been immensely comforting to explore Christ’s own identification with my suffering and to feel Christ’s presence in my wanderings and struggle. Lent has been a time to connect to Christ’s humanity and draw hope from the fact that we share this humanity even as I struggle to grasp the light in the darkness.

This year, I’m trying to keep it simple. I’m not giving up anything, but I’m attempting to make space every day to move my body in worship and celebrate God’s good gifts as I look forward in anticipation and hope. For whatever reason, the image of Jesus as shepherd has been reappearing. I feel as if I am in the wilderness – like Moses – but this time there is a peace as I look ahead and follow the great shepherd who knows where he is going, will protect me, and leads me to still waters which restore my soul. My focus is less on Christ’s death and suffering and more on the anticipation of life. Preparation for life. A second Advent. It’s good and surprising.

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!!!