Week 1 and More!

So much has happened! Classes started last week, of course. I am loving my democratization option - I gave a presentation yesterday on economic stabilization (not the most exhilarating topic, but I am glad to have expanded my knowledge, plus the rest of the weeks look incredible!). CC2 is also great - currently looking at mobility (the new word for migration) and forced migration (including but not limited to refugees). Very practical. It is just so great to be with all of my classmates again! We are having a pot luck this Friday (I am bringing cheese and fruit :) ).

I visited two local schools with links to Uganda - thanks to John for driving me! One was a primary school, and it was very interesting to observe classes and hear about their international programmes. The other turned out to be an incredible blessing: I was able to meet with two Ugandan teachers who are here on an exchange visit through the British Council: a headmaster, Twino, and a history teacher, Peter. As it turns out, Twino is a Rotarian! (He was wearing a pin or I would not have known). They teach in Kabale, in the southwest of Uganda, and have invited me to conduct my research in their area. If it works out, it would be so great! I have never been to that part of the country, and it is supposed to be absolutely beautiful! Related, I bought my ticket to Entebbe today - leaving on March 14 and returning April 13!!

Also, on Friday I attended a Chinese New Years' Dinner with the Bicester Rotary Club - dish after dish of deliciousness, and there was even a live dragon dance (made me really want to go to China!!). I so enjoy getting to see everyone in the club and building relationships! I feel like I have been here for much longer than a few months.

And then I spent the night and all day Saturday with John and Gyll! I absolutely adore being in their home with them! I slept in, ate breakfast, read a bit. After lunch, we took a lovely walk around the village and down by the canals and mill - the roads were muddy but the sun was out! It felt so wonderful to get away from Oxford. I did more reading in the afternoon and watched part of a rugby game with John. After a leisurely dinner, I took the last bus home, refreshed and content!

Last thing: I spoke at Chipping Norton Club on Monday. It was held at a Bowls Club so I was able to see some people play that game (sort of like curling but not on ice). I enjoyed the evening because I had met some of the members before, and everyone was very welcoming. It is great fun to answer questions about my hometown (and about our new president!).

Which reminds me - my whole college watched the inauguration in our common room. Even our warden came. Such an incredible moment in our history!

Overall, a really great start to term! I'm headed to football/soccer practice now....

Football Practice & Pantomime

After several years away from the sport, I attended my first soccer kickaround on Tuesday night! It felt incredibly good to experience the team camaraderie and to work lots of different muscles. St. Antony's Women's Football Team - the Chihuahuas, unfortunately - practice once a week from 9-10 pm. Note to my family: we ride our bikes together, only on well-lit main streets, which are still crowded at this time of night as it is a university town. Thankfully, we train inside, so I only have to bear the cold for the ride to and from the facility. We also had a group run today. It is so great to have structured exercise and to get to know the other girls! What a fabulous way to relieve stress.

Even more exciting, I saw my first pantomime this morning! The Rotary Club of Bicester sponsors a school for children with special needs to attend a performance every year. I enjoyed speaking with the kids and teachers, and I hope to visit the school sometime to see their methods. Of course, it was simply magical to see the pantomime of Sleeping Beauty through the eyes of children! The lights, special effects, crowd interaction (it is designed for kids - lots of shouting and songs) mesmerized the students. I felt like I was transported out of Oxford!!

Still, I have been able to get lots of work accomplished, though there is always more to do. I found some fantastic resources this evening. Thanks for all of the prayers!

2009!!

Happy New Year!!

Christmas at home was absolutely perfect! I am so blessed to have been with my family and to be reminded of what is important in life. Plus I got some good southern food! After arriving back in the UK on the 28th, I ended up going to Edingurgh with some of my housemates for New Years. It was incredible! I loved the city because it is full of history, beautiful stone structures, and warm, delicious restaurants :) We also spent a day outside Edinburgh, in Dunkeld, on the edge of the Highlands. I really enjoyed hiking in the mountains and along the River Tay. From the Florida sun to the Scottish Highlands, all in one Christmas break! Wow!

I have been back in Oxford for a couple of days now, cold but thrilled to be heading into a new term. The work is already sort of overwhelming, but that just means the days are going to fly by. Please continue to pray that I keep a healthy balance between work and everything else. Right now I am beginning to piece together my dissertation methodology, which is exciting since I will actually get to put it into practice in Uganda!