Events

So many things have happened since my last blog, but most of them in the last couple of weeks. This semester I have taken another on-campus job: ESL tutoring. Because after I graduate I plan to work in Mexico teaching English for 1-3 years, it seemed particularly appropriate that I get some extra experience doing that before I go. I'll be working in that job about 16 hours/week, in my regular English tutorial about 4 hours/week, fitting in as many appointments as I can in my independent tutoring, and also doing freelance work online, mostly proofreading.

The main reason I am doing all this work is because I am going to work in Mexico, and I want as few loans as possible, since I probably will not be making very much money down there and will have a hard time making payments as it is. If I can pay off my bank loan before I go, that will leave only my two Stafford loans, which I've only been getting this year.

I'm finally registered. I was a bit stressed when I came to finances and realized that I would need $2300 I didn't have just to register. But I talked to my brother and a good friend, got a few private loans, and I've been able to cover that, plus I will not have to pay back those loans until I can, with no interest, of course. So I did register late, but still early enough for it not to matter. Plus all my classes are 400-level, so I was sure I wouldn't have to worry about them being too full.

Speaking of classes, I have fewer hours this semester than usual (about 14), but it is going to be a hard semester academically. I have three upper-division English classes (essays galore), one upper-division religion class (which I need my Greek for, and for which I must write 8 sermons), and I have to write my Honors thesis and present it. Lots of reading, and lots of writing. Add to that my work schedule, and you can see that it is going to be a hard semester. Pray for me.

There are a couple of things I am excited about, though. I will once again be in the play this year. I am not the hero this time, but I am still a major character. I am Leonato from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. I am very excited about that. But the best thing that will happen this semester (possibly excepting graduation) will be during Spring Break, when I go on the mission trip to Mexico that I went on last year. We are going to a different city this time, but we will again be building a church, holding evangelistic meetings, inviting people in the streets, and having VBS. I'm guessing that once again I will be the unofficial song leader at our worships as a group. That was so much fun. The main difference for me this time will be the fact that my girlfriend will be coming up from Southern Mexico to see me! I'm so excited about that. I can't wait to see her. I haven't seen her since last summer, which was before we started dating. I miss her so much.

I was very excited when I received my Christmas present from her, but she didn't let me see all of it. I had to get out certain things without seeing the rest until she tells me I can. But one of the things I got out had $25 in it so that I could buy a phone card to call her! Isn't she awesome? And I'm going to call her tonight. :D

I hope you have as great an evening as I'm going to have.