I submitted my first dissertation draft on Monday! Thank you all for your prayers. I am still feeling excited about studying and writing -a very good place to be :) And our graduate seminars this week - on state-building in DRC, presidents in Africa, and Ethiopian Federalism - were fantastic! It is such a blessing to find new areas of interest even this late in the year.
Another fun event: With two other scholars, I attended formal dinner at St. John's College, one of the most well-known (though only 500 years old haha) and richest (apparently the college presidents always sided with the winnders in royal disputes/wars) colleges at Oxford. Johannes, a German Rotary Scholar and a member of St John's, gave us a lovely tour of the extensive structures, including the library with ridiculously old books and letters - a note from the 3rd century is casually displayed next to one of the bookshelves! The food was good, but the really impressive parts were the old hall - with high ceilings, wood panels, and a massive marble fireplace - and the wait staff - all dressed in white dinner jackets. Such a great atmosphere and truly part of the Oxford experience! Though I have to say I was glad to return to St Ant's where I can walk on the grass and wear regular clothes to dinner. :)
My weekend: Researching Africa Day on Saturday, then helping with a boating fundraiser for a local Rotary Club - hoping for good weather!
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