The rains have come, but the glimmers of sunshine are little gifts when they appear. I keep reminding myself that the sun is shining above the clouds.
Similarly, when the PhD dissertation seems gloomy sometimes because of the challenges and the chore, I remind myself how fortunate I am to have this opportunity. The match of a wonderful adviser, school, and accommodating circumstances is remarkably Providential.
I was in a bit of a slump in the middle of chapter 4, so I worked on chapter 5, drafting about 75% or more of the chapter. This is the “So what?” chapter. It is good to draft it and have plenty of time to incubate the concepts.
I didn’t get a blog posted last weekend, because my in-laws, Bill and Karen, were visiting from California. They arrived Wednesday night and left on Monday.
Anya had been sick with the flu the week before Bill and Karen arrived. The fever and vomiting kept her home from school for two days. With 3 AP classes, it is tough being away. So, one morning, she got up to get ready for school, ate breakfast, and then threw up. She wipes her mouth and says, “Can I still go to school?” I suggested she see how she felt in a couple hours, and indeed, she didn’t go in that day.
Highlights were going out for a Kenyan dinner in south Seattle with Jean and Marv, in spite of the long wait for food (waiting over 1.5 hours reminded us of Africa!).
On Sunday, we went to hear the Stavanger Boys and Girls Choir at Pacific Lutheran University.
I was surprised to see my PhD student friend’s mother there! Tina defended her dissertation on Thursday, and her mom flew the next morning to the USA as a coordinator of the choir. (Tina now has her earned doctorate, and the report is that she did very well. After all she is the brilliant one of Knut’s students!)
In contrast to Tina, I figure that I’ll just have to be the diligent one. This is still a challenge as I realize that this journey is for those who can rise above the 1,000 daily self doubts. In addition, the writing process is lonely one. Some may say, “Duh, what did you expect from ‘independent research’?” I am so grateful for critical support on this journey, especially at this stage the proofing from Marv and my mom. At the end of the week, I was able to attend a get-together for the Biblical Studies and Intercultural Studies faculty, students, and a few alumni. It was food for the soul. I have worked through the loss and have been able to move on, but I still cherish these people.
That was Friday, which was Eric’s birthday. He would have turned 51. Anya was fortunate to have friends to be with and enjoy a corn maze. It helps her to have something to look forward to on that day.
I’m hoping to write/draft 1,300 words every workday for the next four weeks! Crazy!
With blessings,
Beth