Advice...Mumkin

Okay, so in the past, ooo I don't know two weeks, I have been presented with options. I hate options I hate decisions. HATE THEM. I so dearly wish we could all some how secretly stop time meet for a while, talk, scream, cry, share hugs, laugh, and then re-enter the world. Anyways...I need some advice.
My school is applying for a grant from the United States government that would allow for inner-faith dialogue. It would pay for ACU professors to go over seas and meet with Islamic clerics for several weeks, and for the Islamic clerics to come to the United States (yes, Texas ek!) for several weeks. This would go on for two years to create community and dialogue between the religions. Fabulous right?! Yes, it is. I have have been asked to help make apply for this grant. If we get it, then well I will have the honor of helping make this process work afterwards (wonderful, exciting honor that will allow me to live in West Texas even after I graduate!). I am excited, but I need help. Do any of you have contacts with Islamic Imams, clerics or leaders of the community that would be willing to travel to the United States (all expenses paid) to participate in this inner-faith dialogue? If you do, could you email me the info. Thanks.
Also, okay this will sound dumb...but....I have to come up with cultural activities that will encourage the building of community between the two groups. As of now, all that I have been able to come up with are well more Texan than Amercian (please give me a break I'm in West Texas! This would be easy if I were in one o fhte bigger cities) as I have now I've thought about..symphonies, rodeos etc. Any other ideas?

Obama

Sorry Julia. I wasnt trying to bash Iowa, but I guess that it sort of sounded like I was doing just that. I was really trying to make fun of everyone on MESP who made fun of Iowa (a large percentage of the guys) : ) But, I guess that I didnt convey that very well.
I did get to see Obama. I actually got to shake his hand. I almost got to ask him a question, but the microphone guy gave the mic to the wrong person, Barak had pointed at me instead of this other guy.
I liked some stuff, but I strongly disliked other stuff. I will probably vote for Nader this election. I cant stand either party at the moment.

PBS NOW "Inside Egypt"

Hey all, tomorrow (Friday) the PBS NOW show is doing a special on Egypt...here is a little preview. I'm not gauranteeing its going to be good, but it looks interesting. I miss you all.

Is America losing the war for hearts and minds in the Middle East? To find out, NOW traveled to Egypt for an international perspective on America, Americans, and the war in Iraq. Among those profiled is a thoughtful, educated young woman who boycotts American goods and represents a new generation of Egyptians familiar with Western culture, but turning toward Islam.

From the Arab street to corporate settings, we heard outrage at America's foreign policy in the Middle East. We also investigated what America needs to do to regain the trust of one of our closest allies in the region.

"There is a book, you know, how to lose your marriage in 30 days?" Emad Eldin Adib, an Egyptian media tycoon tells NOW. "The Bush Administration should write a book: how to lose your allies in the Middle East in 30 months."

[http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/314/index.html]

Guess where I am?

Just wanted to write a little on our blog from the Focus on the Family Institute in Colorado Springs. No explanation at this point. Peace out.

What was I thinking?

So I have really started to think about what going into the Peace Corps means. When I applied it was really just something to do that might be fun, I never really thought I would get in. Now that I am in I am beginning to realize that I am crazy and can never, ever do this!!!!!! I am honestly freaking out!! We are talking about the girl who flunked basic Arabic trying to learn a whole new language in 3 months. After that 3 months I won't be speaking English for 2 years. I realize that this is me just venting but I am worried. People keep telling me it will be alright but you all know that I am not that impressive when it comes to things like language and teaching. Help, I am feeling very unequipped for this whole Peace Corps thing. Do you realize that have to go through 3 months of 10 hours a day training just so they can take up into some remote village and leave me all by myself? Oh, woah is me!
On top of all this doubt, I have actually been thinking, not something I do much but I thought I would try a little. Anyway I came up with all these questions about faith and God and life in general. I can't really talk about them because it just causes fights at home and with friends. I think this has been my biggest problem since coming home. There is no one who really knows how I have changed and they don't really want to know cause it makes them uncomfortable.
So basically, life is one big worry fest with me at the middle. The sad part though is, I don't even know if I should be worrying about these things in the first place. Ick, how can life be so good and so hard at the same time. I just want everything to be perfect.
There are good things in my life right now too but they are boring and not worth noting because this is all about me pouting!

ready for retirement

i feel like i am 85...or something like that. just an update: even though that fun little sledding incident of mine was a couple of months ago now, i am still messed up. and getting really sick of it. i have to go to the doc's twice a week for physical therapy and whatnot. and i am in so much freaking pain! i just want to retire and sit in a lazy boy all day. well not really i guess. i am still waitressing, but i think i might have to quit because it is really not going so well in my current state. i'm at a loss as to how i can possibly pay for all my doctor's expenses along with everything else...and quit my job. on top of that...i'm still far behind in school and i have to graduate this year or i will go crazy! i'm sorry this is just me complaining. i'll quit now. i am just really really discouraged and wanted to get it out. blah. i need some peanut butter. the end.

Oh Dear Ones...

Mandy here:

Life is crazy. Election are crazy. Friends are stupid. Alissa is neat. My chest hurts when I think. I feel like moving to a jungle and living somewhere by myself for a long time.

Incoherent? Yes. Exactly how I feel? Of course.

Ok, onto the goods... The first day of election was today...I think it went ok. Honestly, I don't think I stand a chance, the other candidate is promising a hot tub and handing out candy bars. I'm calling for expanding our bubble-like atmosphere and getting involved in the world around us (however, I did hand out those little wedding bubbles...). You decide who's going to win...haha.

In other news, Tory's story is slowly and surely become mine. Another way our souls are connected I guess. My best friend dumped me last week. She said, "I don't know how to be your friend anymore, you're changing too fast and going through too much. I'm outtie." The next day I spoke in chapel and shared my heart with the students about my vision for Spring Arbor and the other candidate starting yelling about his hot tub. Yes.

I think I find out tomorrow night or Wednesday morning...the sooner the better. I would rather just know and lick my wounds or celebrate than sitting here in this limbo.

I miss flat five and discussions about sex, religion and our bowel movements. I have much love deep in my pain-filled chest for all of you right now. Julianna I am calling you tomorrow.

Much love from the depths of my toes (sorry, that's where it's coming from today).