Quick Update

The Cologne Archives approved SOIS (my graduate program) to help them in the next phase of document recovery! I submitted my application packet and am waiting to hear whether I'll be part of the team or not.

On a totally unrelated note, I love the uniqueness of cats. I'm sitting with both of my cats curled up next me, wanting to be petted. They're also both purring! However, they like to be petted in very different ways and trying to pet both at once is a little challenging. I love that they have such unique personalities! Admittedly, they're both a little odd, but I think most cats are odd. :-)

Cologne Archives

I heard about the sudden collapse of the Cologne Archives back in March and was shocked by the vast destruction, like so many others. I've always wanted to visit Germany or Austria and have taken many years of German language classes (though that was a while ago). However, those countries have been increasingly on my heart over the last six months.

Much to my surprise, I opened an email on Friday that my graduate school is looking at sending five students to help with the recovery process at the Cologne Archives in July. Initially, I thought I had missed the deadline to indicate my interest. Then I saw that the date initially provided was incorrect. I responded that I wanted more information and the application packet was sent to us today. I also learned that the initial recovery process may have ended and only "professionals" are now wanted for the recovery process. The organizer is still trying to determine if graduate students qualify as "professionals."

I have no idea if God really wants me to go and assist in this project, but it would be so amazing! I'm excited at just the thought of possibly going to Germany, even if it is to sift through dirty and damaged documents for a week. I'll keep you posted on what happens, if I'm chosen to be part of the team and if a team is even able to go.

Thankful

So, I realize that it has been almost a month since the last blog update. There has been a lot going on in my life. Some of which I feel comfortable sharing and some of which I don't, yet. :-)

I finished the spring semester of school last week! I wasn't sure how well I would finish, I'm still waiting to hear about my grade in one class. But so far, I've passed them and am still on track to graduate in December. God is so good! I start my practicum and summer class in a week.

I was actually failing one class throughout the semester and only became aware that fact in the last month of the course. A couple simple mistakes landed me in that situation and I never seemed able to catch up, until the very end when God provided everything required to finish and showed me grace in the situation.

I spent much time in the last month crying about multiple relationships and seeking God through the challenges in my path. While I am still without some answers to big questions that continue to puzzle me, I have a new sense of peace and calm about the situations. I don't feel like I'm in the midst of a great storm anymore! Every so often, a big wave will seem to come at me and while I may momentarily lose my balance, the peace remains.

I'm so thankful for the work He's doing in my life, for the areas He continues to reveal that need improvement. But mostly, I'm thankful for the peace that comes from learning how to truly trust Him. I've also learned how to have faith that He continues to work in my life, molding me into the person He designed me to be!