Saying "yes" will at times bring a person to the crossroads of fitting in or standing out. A few hours ago, I passed through one such crossroad. Being asked to sing at a university 'open mic night', I questioned within my heart what song to sing. I would love to be able to write that I boldly chose the song days ahead of time and proclaimed to all what I would be singing. The truth is quite different. I tried to think of any and every other song to sing.
On Sunday nigh while C&I met with a small group of couples, one of the men encouraged me to share my heart. I knew the message was not from him. It emboldened me and made me realize I was about to put myself on the line. There would be no question in the minds of students and staff as to where I stand and for whom I stand. The song I knew to sing is one I've sung on many occasions and within many places, including a small village wedding in Syria.
The 'Open Mic Night' began with a 77 year old professor reciting a poem in French and English. His first poem led to a second poem he penned after meeting with Palestinian friends. The Palestinian students cheered as he spoke in Arabic and English. The student erupted in applause for their beloved professor. He was followed by an Egyptian student performing a traditional belly dance. Not kidding. I was terrified that I would have to follow her. A sigh of relief came when a group of boys, led by a Bangladeshi, went up to the mic with guitars to play an original song. Songs by Fairuz, Oasis, The Beetles, and other regional favorites were played throughout the night.
After an hour, I was called up to the mic. Students were cautiously gazing up at me-the new girl. Covered girls were seated next to western girls and young men in thobes stood next to western students in shorts and t-shirts. Now this was a different crowd! After introducing myself, I plunged into the song that has carried me through many moments in life. It starts with the phrase "there is a name I love to hear..." By the chorus, students and staff were quieting down to listen; yet with the name being sung, some turned their heads. Others smiled and encouraged me along. At the close, I bowed to the applause and walked to the back of the room to stand with my colleagues.
My drive home was spent in thankfulness. It was also full of questions as to why I was hesitant in sharing the song of my heart in the first place. It's an easy declaration to make in an atmosphere filled with like-minded friends, but another story in a room packed with those whose minds are at times against my heart beliefs. And yet, He loves us all and spent that which was most precious to Him in order to have a relationship with us. Why would I be afraid to sing for Him? At least no one pulled out a revolver to shoot off a celebratory round--that's what happened after singing this very song at a village wedding in Syria.
Moments for E:
--thankfulness in allowing me to sing
--memory in learning the names and faces of students and staff
--focus and insight as I story to our youth group this Thursday night
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Mid-Term for C
As the temperatures begin to slip into the mid-70's, C is signing off on his mid-terms for students. His scholastic plate remains full as they are scouting out another teacher to join his area of studies. In spite of the extra classes and exams, he continues to connect with his students and fellow teachers. In fact, he is joining the teachers this Saturday for all-day outing. Last week he and another teacher escorted the seniors to one of the local sports television stations. They almost made it for the noon show. Too bad! C was almost on TV!
We are still waiting to hear from his graduate school as to when the first session will officially begin. It looks as if he will have a 10-day evening class in early January.
Thinking of C:
--thankful for the mid-terms being finished and the boys doing well
--endurance mentally and physically as he is teaching a full load
--deepening of friendships with men at work and within the community
We are still waiting to hear from his graduate school as to when the first session will officially begin. It looks as if he will have a 10-day evening class in early January.
Thinking of C:
--thankful for the mid-terms being finished and the boys doing well
--endurance mentally and physically as he is teaching a full load
--deepening of friendships with men at work and within the community
The Fire Warden
The term Fire Warden was unfamiliar to me until today. Being a newbie on the staff, I was nominated as one of our five Fire Wardens. Whenever the university has a fire drill, I'm the one who gets to slip into the ever-so-stylish bright neon orange vest with FIRE WARDEN plastered on the back. My brother-in-law, the safety man, should be so proud. I think this might be my punishment for skipping out on the first fire drill. Come on! The drill began just as I was closing down computers and leaving for the day. As students, faculty and staff filed out the door, I slipped down to my car and out of the car park. Well...no more leaving for me. I'll be at every drill from now and forevermore.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Working 9-5...what a way to make a livin'
The tune from the 80's movie 'Nine to Five' has played in my mind as I have risen early in the morning to prepare for the 8 hour work day. Thankfully, my work environment is a bit more ethical and sane that what D. Parton and L. Tomlin experienced in their hit movie.
Creating a new position and forging my own paths connecting to the main university road creates an environment that can stimulate some and paralyze others. Thankfully, this is not my first position to establish within university life. This particular department has not had administrative assistance in three years and with a growing student, faculty, and staff population, it is greatly needed. My first three days have been filled with the 'get to know you' conversation between myself and dozens of people, of whom I'm desperately trying to remember their names. The confusing, and at times comical, situation I am encountering concerns my first and last name. Unbeknownst to either of us, one of my office-mates began on the same day as me and we share a very similar first name and the exact same last name. At least the other E uses a hyphenated last name to ease some of the confusion--on paper. We are about the same age and wear extremely similar glasses, which brings people to immediately ask if we are sisters or cousins.
C has given more than half of his mid-term tests within the last 3 days. Having 13 sections of class to teach, test, and document takes much more of his time in the evenings and weekends than his previous semesters. The principal has urged him to find another teacher to help in the load and promising prospects have interviewed within the past few weeks. Continue lifting up C as he works the extra hours in and out of the classroom.
Remembering us:
-praising Him for the start of new position at university; ask... remember names/faces of students and staff
-seeking discernment and guidance concerning additional teacher in C's department
-E: preparing to lead music at weekend conference in mid-November held at fellowship
-remembering C's Aunt Juanita; Uncle Chris passed away Sunday, October 26th, we hurt when we cannot be with family during crucial life moments
Creating a new position and forging my own paths connecting to the main university road creates an environment that can stimulate some and paralyze others. Thankfully, this is not my first position to establish within university life. This particular department has not had administrative assistance in three years and with a growing student, faculty, and staff population, it is greatly needed. My first three days have been filled with the 'get to know you' conversation between myself and dozens of people, of whom I'm desperately trying to remember their names. The confusing, and at times comical, situation I am encountering concerns my first and last name. Unbeknownst to either of us, one of my office-mates began on the same day as me and we share a very similar first name and the exact same last name. At least the other E uses a hyphenated last name to ease some of the confusion--on paper. We are about the same age and wear extremely similar glasses, which brings people to immediately ask if we are sisters or cousins.
C has given more than half of his mid-term tests within the last 3 days. Having 13 sections of class to teach, test, and document takes much more of his time in the evenings and weekends than his previous semesters. The principal has urged him to find another teacher to help in the load and promising prospects have interviewed within the past few weeks. Continue lifting up C as he works the extra hours in and out of the classroom.
Remembering us:
-praising Him for the start of new position at university; ask... remember names/faces of students and staff
-seeking discernment and guidance concerning additional teacher in C's department
-E: preparing to lead music at weekend conference in mid-November held at fellowship
-remembering C's Aunt Juanita; Uncle Chris passed away Sunday, October 26th, we hurt when we cannot be with family during crucial life moments
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