Decoding Christopher's PhD Program

Taking a break from the seriousness to give some information about Christopher's program - and what he'll be doing for the next few years.

Christopher says that while nursing has abbreviations for just about everything (CAD, OOBTC, UCI), theology tends to make things as long as possible (Augustine's description of theosis and response from the second ecumenical council. Okay, I totally made that up; I hope no one judges me.)

Anyway, for the next few years, we will spew out a couple of abbreviations that have a great impact on Christopher's school and, therefore, our life: DQEs and ABD.

Chris just finished the two years of coursework for his program. The next time he'll be in a formal classroom setting, he will be teaching in some way. I consider this the first big step of a three step program.

Now, he starts studying for his Doctoral Qualifying Exams (DQEs). Basically he'll collaborate with his professors and study til November when he'll be locked in a dismal room for two days where he will write essays to answer five questions. (This is step two.)

Then, we'll go on big, nice vacation.

After that, he will start researching and writing his dissertation. ABD stand for All but dissertation (not to be confused with abdomen); I think it goes like this: Christopher Brenna PhD ABD. But I think it's misleading - "All but dissertation" makes the dissertating part seem small when really it's a big deal and involves jumping through many flaming hoops while writing a book. (This is step three.)

Then he'll defend his book dissertation and we'll throw a big party. 

And then, once he gets a job, he'll be a professor and will teach students about Augustine, theosis and ecumenical councils (but probably not all together).

"The Lord himself will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14

It hurts when dreams end. 

There is no answer to the question of "why" and there is no reason to be found by our human minds.

Letting go is a painful process. 

Praying for God's will is sometimes easier than accepting it. 

When all you want is to see the reason behind a circumstance,

believing in His faithfulness takes trust.

I am nearing the end of a journey that didn't end as I had expected. 

My prayers were answered differently than I had hoped.  

I don't understand and it hurts. 

  But the pain and grief brings comfort and strength. 

And there, in the stillness, just within my reach, is a little thing that makes today seem easier and tomorrow look brighter: 

hope

 

 

And my dream?

It is now a dream that I will always dream. 

One that I laid safe and secure in His hands. 

Things I am loving ...

Dear flowers, thanks for brightening up our table and for being a constant reminder that our family loves us. 

Dear Tipi CSA, we get our first box next month and I could not be more excited. Here's to a summer of figuring out how to eat all the veggies that you send us!

Dear hummus, today I made you successfully for the very first time, thanks to our ninja warrior blender. =) yay!

Dear Loki, although you somehow manage to rip apart toys that claim to be "indestructible" and then proceed to throw up the stuffing, I don't think I have every loved you more. (note: that has nothing to do with the barfing.) I love your obsession with peanut butter jars and the way you jump onto my lap whenever I sit on your favorite chair. 

Dear 894-94 interchange tunnel, I am so happy that you are now open as it makes Christopher's commute to school so much quicker! Even though we already decided to move closer to Marquette this summer, I am glad that we can enjoy the fast drive for a couple of months.

Dear The Firm, two episodes in and I am hooked! Thanks for having all your episodes available on-line and for simply being awesome.

Dear Selah, thanks for the oldies but goodies that have been playing on my laptop today. So encouraging.

Dear red quinoa dish (with shrimp, asparagus, red peppers and toasted cumin vinaigrette), #1) you need a new name. #2) I wish I could make you without using every pan I own. #3) I am so glad that I tried combining a few recipes from this site!

Dear Spring, thanks for your sunny days and cool evenings and for being a present reminder of the new life that we have because of Easter.

Dear Whitnall Park, regardless of the time of year, you always bring your A-game.

Dear next week, we aren't really sure what to expect while we entertain our nephew and niece for the week but we've been looking forward to it for a long time. We are excited to act like kids and enjoy Discovery World, some TBD kid movie and maybe some arcade action. Hopefully they wont have to remind us that we are the adults!

Dear Christopher John, there is no one that I would rather have by my side, especially during these last few weeks. As the semester comes to a close, I know that you will work hard while still being a good husband, dog owner, friend and uncle (skills you don't often get to use). I love you more than ice cream every day of the week and more than all of the things above.

- THE END -

{once again, letters inspired by Today's Letters}

Some unexpected news last week has me spending the weekend in Milwaukee instead of going to Baltimore to visit a friend as originally planned.

Our apartment is a disaster (will someone please call in FEMA?) but it makes for a good analogy of life right now. 

We need times when we work hard and don't touch the laundry on the floor. We need times when we pack up and drive home, returning literally just in time to go to work and we eat food my mom sent for two days til we have time to buy groceries. And then we need the times when we, slowly but surely, go to the store, put away the laundry and change the sheets.

We need times when all we can do is process the information given and the emotions that accompanies it. We need times when we run into the open arms of family and friends. And then we need times to slow down, reflect and trust in the comfort and faithfulness that God provides.

Hopefully this weekend will bring calmness to both my apartment and my heart.
 

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

Christopher is gone for a couple of days and he left me some yummy Indian rice and food. In return, and because I love him to pieces, I made him some honey oat bread. 

I should have taken into consideration that one pan was bigger than the other.

Not perfect but good nonetheless. How do people get their loaves so perfectly shaped? 

Loki spent the most part of yesterday evening waiting for Christopher to come home - he has an internal clock that goes off at 5pm. Thankfully sleeping seems to have reset this clock.