Thanks to my two Xanga buddies who commented.

Allison: Your blog is amazing.  You really had me with the Mozambique story!

Jenn: I would love to take you up on the "writing buddy" suggestion.  How would we make that work?  I'm open to any ideas.

Here is where I stand for the moment:

School starts tomorrow, and I'm teaching again.  Freshman Comp.  I'm excited and optimistic and very happy to get back into the schedule of school.  Even though I was supposed to be done with coursework, I somehow managed to fill my time (again) with two courses...just because.  I think I'm addicted to college. 

I've thought a lot about the issue that I described in my last post, and I've decided that I think too much.  Instead of analyzing and worrying and trying to read God's mind (as Jenn put it so well), I'm going to just live each day and enjoy the many blessings in my life.  I'm going to give my best to each task that comes along.  The sermon today really helped me think about my goals, and I've decided to make a list of what really matters to me.

MY GOALS: 1. Nurture a godly family.  2.  Maintain good physical and mental health.  3.  Earn my Ph.D. and contribute to the field of education.  4.  Develop meaningful friendships that help me to grow in my personal and spiritual life.

There you have it.  (Raises a glass of ginger ale) Here's to a successful academic year.  Cheers!