A New Lease

In the past two years, I have lived in short spurts of activity. It began when I made the difficult decision not to pursue a graduate degree just a week before the start of term. I had to scramble to find a summer job, because I had planned to be studying instead of working during 2013. A friend came through for me and not only set aside hours for me at her summer camp, but told me to interview for an open position as the director of the local teen center. The position began immediately, and I was blessed to begin working with the children of my hometown once again.

In the autumn of 2013, I began an internship at Old Sturbridge Village, and worked there through the end of the year. I forged some meaningful new relationships with my fellow history buffs, but 

I also faced challenges with the interpretive process in such a large organization. While at Sturbridge, I was reminded that history and teaching were my two passions, and made up my mind to find a job as a museum educator. Two short months later, I was hired at Strawbery Banke Museum as a camp coordinator, interpreter, and museum teacher. It has now been a year since my first days at Strawbery Banke. I recently became the museum's Roleplaying Coordinator, and I hope that the program will grow and flourish under my direction.

In the past year, I have moved out of my childhood home, leased my first apartment, enjoyed countless days exploring my new home, run a number of camp programs, worked weekends and special events, gone on dates (not so bad), experienced one relationship (not so good), made new friends, reconnected with old friends, traveled to new places, become a bird watcher, had my first cavity, dealt with bouts of depression, continued to pay student loans, focused on advancing my career, been motivated to improve my personal habits, talked with God, considered my future, and dreamed of days to come.

Just a week ago, I signed a lease for a new apartment. It will be the first time I have lived on my own, and it is an exciting prospect. I hope that through this coming year I can use this opportunity to resolidify my faith, establish a lifestyle befitting of a young Christian woman, and reflect on the parts of my life that are most important to me.

I Stand with Hope and Change

It's time I said it out loud: I am a Liberal.

I am a Democrat and I don't care who knows. I will be supporting President Obama and Vice President Biden in the election this November.

Sure, there is a part of me that is a reserved, modest, Christian woman, but there is also a cynical, outspoken part of me. There are times I pray for God to bring our country's leaders together and treat each other with love and equality. And there are times when I want to slap politicians upside the head and shout "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"

Anyone involved in the running of our nation should educate him or herself on the historical context of the founding of the United States. Don't slap around mindless insults and accusations. Recently I had an encounter with someone on the internet whose ignorance of American history made me physically sick to my stomach. Comments like this:

"If you actually knew your history (Most liberals don't so don't worry!) Paul Revere went to warn the British after warning the city of Boston."

And watching people who are supposed to represent me, as a young American woman, fumble over themselves by combining ethical concepts, biology, and human rights just makes me want to cry. This misogynistic and ill-educated explanation of female biology and justice is unbelievable:

“It seems to me, from what I understand from doctors, that’s really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work or something: I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be of the rapist, and not attacking the child.”

Honestly, I understand the need for competing political parties in America, I will not begrudge you the choice that you make to be a Democrat, a Republican, a Libertarian, or a member of the Green Party, but GET A CLUE. If you are not educated enough to understand fundamental principles of biology, history, government, economics, social protocol, and human rights, you should not be in office. Educate yourself. In today's world, it should not be difficult to listen to the radio, watch the television, read the newspaper, talk to neighbors, visit civic centers, and immerse yourself in the culture of our fast-paced country. Make it your business to be an informed American. Treat others with respect. And remember that if your so-called moral integrity holds you back from doing these things, you have the power to make a change in your own life.

Because you live in America.

Bread, Tea and Marmalade

Last weekend I went grocery shopping for myself (something I rarely do while I'm at school.) It is something I have always enjoyed because it gives me a sense of independence and maturity that is otherwise absent when I rely on dining hall food. Walking down the isle of the market with my list in hand and a basket slung over one arm is so gratifying to me. I almost feel that I am a real person, not some post-adolescent stuck in the limbo that is university.

Since that glorious shopping trip I have had fresh white bread to eat with marmalade for breakfast every morning. Each morning I sit at my desk, thinking about the day before me, sipping my tea and listening to the sounds of spring that come from my open window. Life is good in those few moments, and I am reminded that no matter how difficult life may seem at the end of the day, God continuously provides a time for me to enjoy His gifts.