Paradigm Shift

Why History?

The reconstruction of worlds is one of the historian's most important tasks.  He undertakes it, not from some strange urge to dig up archives and sift through old papers, but because he wants to talk with the dead.  By putting questions to documents and listening for replies, he can sound dead souls and take the measure of the societies they inhabited.  If we lost all contact with the worlds we have lost, we would be condemned to live in a two-dimensional, time-bound present, and our own world would turn flat.

- Robert Darnton

Movin' to Mississippi

Several months ago I blogged about how I did not get into my #1 graduate school. It has been a crazy past few months, but it's also been amazing to see how everything has worked out. The weekend before finals, I went to MSU to present my Community of Scholars research at a history conference. The next week, the professor who organized the conference sent me an email informing me that there was a graduate assistantship available for the fall and that I should apply. So I did. And I got in. And now I'm moving to Mississippi in less than two weeks. I feel a little bit like I'm flying by the seat of my pants, but so far everything has worked out: I found an apartment, a church, and I'm working on accumulating furniture. It doesn't feel like much has changed; however, I know that once my first electric bill comes in, I may change my mind about this whole adult thing.

So, I will be pursuing a Masters in History with a focus on American and European history. I have a teaching assistantship which not only covers tuition but provides me with a living stipend and the chance to get some classroom experience. I found an apartment complex that is full of graduate/medical/international students. There is even a PCA church about a mile from my apartment. I'm excited!

It always amazes me to see God's plan unfold. I had a plan, and then I had a new plan, and now I'm confident that I'm in God's plan. It's good to know that He is sovereign and knows what He is doing because I sure don't.

Before the Throne

Graduate School

I found out this morning that I did not get accepted to my favorite grad school. I was turned down by most of the schools I applied to, but this one stinks. I have been trying to have the attitude that wherever God wants me to be next year, that's where I will get in and where the financial aid will be enough. I wanted it to be Indiana University, but it looks like I'll be headed to Tallahassee. I know that FSU is a good school and I'm glad that I have family and friends in Tallahassee, but I really wanted to go to Indiana. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to go to grad school, and it looks like FSU is where I am supposed to be next year. I guess I'll find out for sure once I hear about financial aid.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
~Jeremiah 29:11

Been There, Done That!

I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to travel! I love seeing new countries, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures. Here are the big trips I have gone on since I was in high school. The next trip I have planned is to Tanzania this January!

Guanajuato, Mexico, Fall 2009


Guatemala, January 2009


Ecuador, Summer 2007


New York City, Spring 2007


Washington D.C., Spring 2006


England, Spring 2005

Romans

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

~Romans 13:14


Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

~Romans 16:19