Well, it's day 4 of our long road trip. We've already met the campus cops at UCONN (Lovely story, really), toured UCONN (really didn't like it, sorry all you UCONN fans), drove from CT to Boston, toured Boston College, walked the Freedom Trail in downtown Beantown, toured Fenway, seen the Yankees beat the Red Sox in person (on a couple technicalities- the yankees suck)... and now it's 11:47pm and I'm doing laundry at our hotel. We're off to Cooperstown in the AM to see my favorite person of all time, Dave Niehaus, get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. I know it's totally irrational to have a favorite person that I've never met, but I can equate so much happiness to Niehaus calls of Mariners' past (distant past, unfortunately- not so much good stuff lately).
After Cooperstown it's on to Coney Island, DC, then Charlottesville. Too bad my feet are killing me already... :-)
Friday, July 25, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Last Day of Work...
Tomorrow is my official last day in the office. I've known this was coming for a long time- heck, I learned that I was accepted for the scholarship back in June '07--- but I never really thought this day would come! (saying this in a sad way- I really do love my job!)...
After tomorrow, I really have to get to work ensuring that everything is on track for school. Still don't have housing arranged (that is my big stress point right now). That and getting a visa. I've sent in the money, scheduled my finger printing appointment, so I can't really do much more till that appointment day.
So, I guess the next step is to enjoy my vacation. My sister and I leave next Tuesday for an 11-day road trip in the northeast looking at colleges and going to baseball games (Red Sox v. Yankees at Fenway- yep, I have tickets!).
Updates from the road, including what I'm sure will be a few funny photos and videos, will show up here, eventually.
D-Day is Sept 12- I'm on a morning flight to Heathrow... 58 days to go!
After tomorrow, I really have to get to work ensuring that everything is on track for school. Still don't have housing arranged (that is my big stress point right now). That and getting a visa. I've sent in the money, scheduled my finger printing appointment, so I can't really do much more till that appointment day.
So, I guess the next step is to enjoy my vacation. My sister and I leave next Tuesday for an 11-day road trip in the northeast looking at colleges and going to baseball games (Red Sox v. Yankees at Fenway- yep, I have tickets!).
Updates from the road, including what I'm sure will be a few funny photos and videos, will show up here, eventually.
D-Day is Sept 12- I'm on a morning flight to Heathrow... 58 days to go!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Airplanes and Orientation
Last weekend was my Outbound Scholar Orientation. It was so wonderful to finally meet other people who have been going through the same mess of paperwork, who understand what it's like trying to communicate with your university, host counselors, etc. We learned so much more about Rotary, and our scholarships. And the Rotarians who were there helping us were especially delightful. And very helpful.
The orientation really reminded us all of how soon we'll be leaving. It really pushed me into gear. I've already set up a speech for before I leave (an entire program, not just my "intro" speech!). And I'll probably have another set for my sponsor club before I leave. Today I bought my plane ticket! Instead of buying a round trip with a return date that I'd need to pay to change later, I found a great price on a one-way flight on STATravel.com. I don't know yet if I'll fly home during my year. My mom is visiting in December, so in theory, we could travel home together for Christmas, but it's really expensive. We'll have to see.
I also bought my ticket to International Student Orientation today. For about $300, I'll have six days accommodation, meals, and will get to attend a bunch of events with all the other international students. We even take a day trip to Oxford! And, included in the price is the pickup from Heathrow- so I won't have to deal with my two big bags all by myself! Hooray!
Now I just need to figure out the visa... and insurance, and a couple other pieces of paperwork. OK, that's a lot. But I can't do the visa yet- I'm waiting on a "Certificate of Acceptance" that Coventry has mailed to me, just hasn't arrived yet. Oh- and I'm waiting for Coventry to figure out how to fix their Accommodation website. That's where I have to go to find out what apartment building I'll be in. I was supposed to know last Wednesday, but apparently they are experiencing a technical problem that they can't figure out how to solve. And by now, it's late Friday night, so I'm sure I won't know anything until at least mid-day Monday England time. Bummer!
76 days till I leave!
The orientation really reminded us all of how soon we'll be leaving. It really pushed me into gear. I've already set up a speech for before I leave (an entire program, not just my "intro" speech!). And I'll probably have another set for my sponsor club before I leave. Today I bought my plane ticket! Instead of buying a round trip with a return date that I'd need to pay to change later, I found a great price on a one-way flight on STATravel.com. I don't know yet if I'll fly home during my year. My mom is visiting in December, so in theory, we could travel home together for Christmas, but it's really expensive. We'll have to see.
I also bought my ticket to International Student Orientation today. For about $300, I'll have six days accommodation, meals, and will get to attend a bunch of events with all the other international students. We even take a day trip to Oxford! And, included in the price is the pickup from Heathrow- so I won't have to deal with my two big bags all by myself! Hooray!
Now I just need to figure out the visa... and insurance, and a couple other pieces of paperwork. OK, that's a lot. But I can't do the visa yet- I'm waiting on a "Certificate of Acceptance" that Coventry has mailed to me, just hasn't arrived yet. Oh- and I'm waiting for Coventry to figure out how to fix their Accommodation website. That's where I have to go to find out what apartment building I'll be in. I was supposed to know last Wednesday, but apparently they are experiencing a technical problem that they can't figure out how to solve. And by now, it's late Friday night, so I'm sure I won't know anything until at least mid-day Monday England time. Bummer!
76 days till I leave!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Kjersti's Commercial
The video below is a commercial my sister did for a school assignment. Since the school district blocks YouTube (and for a good reason), we had to post it here so she could have it graded. :-)
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Starting Fresh
Welcome!
I'm headed to England in about 100 days. Wow- I really had no idea it was that soon. And knowing that phone calls to family and friends will be few and far between, and visits even fewer, I've converted this webpage into my blog to keep you all updated. I'll try to keep it as updated as possible, with pictures, videos- whatever I can find.
So, what will happen in the next 100 or so days? Well, I'll be applying for a visa, arranging travel, confirming housing, attending a training with others who have the same scholarship I do... And finishing up my job, then going on vacation with my sister. I'm also going through all my stuff- packing away the things I won't need with me, and giving away as much as I can. My car can now drive from my place to Goodwill with its eyes closed.
And I'm trying to get as much reading in as possible. Specifically, books and articles on conflict prevention, diplomacy, international relations... I've been out of school since Jan '06, and I'm slightly terrified that I'll have a hard time getting back into the swing of things. In fact, the thing I fear most is people thinking I'm just a stereotypical naive American.
The other day I checked my passport to see when it expired. Not until 2013, but I took one look at the photo in there... and wow. I looked like a stoned 16-year old. It simply wouldn't do. So I had my dad take enough photos of me so that I could find one suitable one (ok, he took a ton before I was satisfied. I admit it). And I sent in an application for a renewal. Six days later, my new passport arrived. And I didn't pay the expedited fee, either! Best $75 I ever spent. I look damn good. No more stoned 16-year old. And now, if I decide to stay until after 2013, I'd be legal (haha).
I'm headed to England in about 100 days. Wow- I really had no idea it was that soon. And knowing that phone calls to family and friends will be few and far between, and visits even fewer, I've converted this webpage into my blog to keep you all updated. I'll try to keep it as updated as possible, with pictures, videos- whatever I can find.
So, what will happen in the next 100 or so days? Well, I'll be applying for a visa, arranging travel, confirming housing, attending a training with others who have the same scholarship I do... And finishing up my job, then going on vacation with my sister. I'm also going through all my stuff- packing away the things I won't need with me, and giving away as much as I can. My car can now drive from my place to Goodwill with its eyes closed.
And I'm trying to get as much reading in as possible. Specifically, books and articles on conflict prevention, diplomacy, international relations... I've been out of school since Jan '06, and I'm slightly terrified that I'll have a hard time getting back into the swing of things. In fact, the thing I fear most is people thinking I'm just a stereotypical naive American.
The other day I checked my passport to see when it expired. Not until 2013, but I took one look at the photo in there... and wow. I looked like a stoned 16-year old. It simply wouldn't do. So I had my dad take enough photos of me so that I could find one suitable one (ok, he took a ton before I was satisfied. I admit it). And I sent in an application for a renewal. Six days later, my new passport arrived. And I didn't pay the expedited fee, either! Best $75 I ever spent. I look damn good. No more stoned 16-year old. And now, if I decide to stay until after 2013, I'd be legal (haha).
Monday, March 26, 2007
Amazing Grace!
***This was a posting from my old blog. It's the only one I saved. I felt the thoughts I wrote about in this entry were important for me to remember, especially as I start this new part of my life. I hope it inspires you as well. 5/08***
Amazing Grace (How sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils and snare,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall profess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine.
_________________
This evening I was very lucky to join at least a hundred of my co-workers at a showing of the movie "Amazing Grace," provided free of charge to those working in the legislature. I had heard it was a great movie, but I was unprepared for the feelings it invoked within me.
For those who do not know the story, it is essentially this:
A brilliant and innovative thinker, Mr. William Wilberforce, was a British Member of Parliament in the 18th century. William fought throughout his career to abolish the slave trade. The movie follows the trials William faces. His passion for change literally made him ill throughout a significant portion of his life. He believed so strongly in what he and his close circle of friends and advisors believed- I don't know how accurate the little details in the movie are, but I believe at a minimum, whether they were true or not, they were felt in his life. An example: throughout the movie, William explains that sleep is worse than being awake, for every time he falls asleep, he finds himself living the utter torture of the slave trade. He lives all of his research. He is in an overcrowded ship, crammed into a four foot by eighteen inch box, lying in his own waste for the three week or longer journey from Britain to Jamaica. He is a young African child adding fuel to a fire to create sugar cane who is suddenly engulfed in flames from the fire, or who fell asleep and rolled into an unimaginably painful death in the fire.
At many points throughout and immediately after the movie, I thought- look what this man did. Look at how much he achieved. What on earth can I do that is equally powerful and world-changing? What plan does God have for me? Can I live up to his expectations? To my own?
William struggled in the beginning of his political career- pulled between a desire to serve God and a desire to change the world. In an 'intervention' of sorts, the future Prime Minister William Pitt gathers abolitionists who explain to Wilberforce- he can serve God and change the world- he musn't choose one over the other. I want to live a life like that. I need to surround myself with such visionaries.
In a poignant scene, the author of the lyrics to "Amazing Grace" (a former slave trade ship captain who found God during a harsh storm, and spend the rest of his life repenting the sins of his past- bringing thousands of slaves from Africa to the hell of the rest of their life), a friend and mentor to Wilburforce, tells William he must spread the word of this pastor's sins so that they will not be repeated. Again, I want a life like that.
I've always felt that I've been blessed with the desire to create change. I feel I have the capacity to do great things- something not necessarily given to everyone (or, if given to all, not used to the best of everyone's ability). This movie has reminded me of this blessing, and made me even more eager to discover the injustice that I will help solve.
I strongly urge everyone to go see this movie. I'd love to talk to anyone about it- and I want to hear if it called to you as much as it did I.
www.amazinggracemovie.com
O Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
consider all the world's thy hands have made
I see the stars
I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displays
Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee
How great thou art,
How great thou art
Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee
How great thou art,
How great thou art.
Amazing Grace (How sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils and snare,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall profess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine.
_________________
This evening I was very lucky to join at least a hundred of my co-workers at a showing of the movie "Amazing Grace," provided free of charge to those working in the legislature. I had heard it was a great movie, but I was unprepared for the feelings it invoked within me.
For those who do not know the story, it is essentially this:
A brilliant and innovative thinker, Mr. William Wilberforce, was a British Member of Parliament in the 18th century. William fought throughout his career to abolish the slave trade. The movie follows the trials William faces. His passion for change literally made him ill throughout a significant portion of his life. He believed so strongly in what he and his close circle of friends and advisors believed- I don't know how accurate the little details in the movie are, but I believe at a minimum, whether they were true or not, they were felt in his life. An example: throughout the movie, William explains that sleep is worse than being awake, for every time he falls asleep, he finds himself living the utter torture of the slave trade. He lives all of his research. He is in an overcrowded ship, crammed into a four foot by eighteen inch box, lying in his own waste for the three week or longer journey from Britain to Jamaica. He is a young African child adding fuel to a fire to create sugar cane who is suddenly engulfed in flames from the fire, or who fell asleep and rolled into an unimaginably painful death in the fire.
At many points throughout and immediately after the movie, I thought- look what this man did. Look at how much he achieved. What on earth can I do that is equally powerful and world-changing? What plan does God have for me? Can I live up to his expectations? To my own?
William struggled in the beginning of his political career- pulled between a desire to serve God and a desire to change the world. In an 'intervention' of sorts, the future Prime Minister William Pitt gathers abolitionists who explain to Wilberforce- he can serve God and change the world- he musn't choose one over the other. I want to live a life like that. I need to surround myself with such visionaries.
In a poignant scene, the author of the lyrics to "Amazing Grace" (a former slave trade ship captain who found God during a harsh storm, and spend the rest of his life repenting the sins of his past- bringing thousands of slaves from Africa to the hell of the rest of their life), a friend and mentor to Wilburforce, tells William he must spread the word of this pastor's sins so that they will not be repeated. Again, I want a life like that.
I've always felt that I've been blessed with the desire to create change. I feel I have the capacity to do great things- something not necessarily given to everyone (or, if given to all, not used to the best of everyone's ability). This movie has reminded me of this blessing, and made me even more eager to discover the injustice that I will help solve.
I strongly urge everyone to go see this movie. I'd love to talk to anyone about it- and I want to hear if it called to you as much as it did I.
www.amazinggracemovie.com
O Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
consider all the world's thy hands have made
I see the stars
I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displays
Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee
How great thou art,
How great thou art
Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee
How great thou art,
How great thou art.
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