study abroad

I have been accepted into the study abroad program! It will be during the first summer session, which will last from June 3 – July 4, 2010.

It's hard for me to be excited right now because with my acceptance letter, I got a note saying that they need 500 dollars by December 1st. There wasn't really much notice, and I don't have the money right now. I'm determined to go though, so I'm getting an extention on my deadline, I'm having a garage sale, clearing out my savings account, and getting an advance on my next paycheck. God has a wonderful way of working things like this out. I've just got to stay faithful. I was tempted to skip my tithe this paycheck and play catch up on the next, but after talking with my mom, we decided that I need not upset God since He's the one opening all these doors. So, I tithed and I gave to missions. And now I'm watching Him work. I have had 3 different families ask me to take portraits for them, and they are all willing to pay me. I think that is a wonderful way to make some extra money. I'm amazed. and I'm in love with my Creator and Caretaker.

More details will come after I get this payment out of the way.

study abroad program

I know I haven't written in forever, but no one reads this thing anyway.... so, here it goes:

About a month or so ago, I received an email from Angelo State that included a flyer for their upcoming study abroad programs. I've always heard of what a great experience studying abroad is, but I honestly hadn't given it much thought. For no particular reason, other than the fact that I had nothing else to do, I began to browse through which countries they were going to and what subjects they would be focusing on. As I scrolled down the list, I saw New Zealand, and got excited. Then I realized that the subjects that were to be studied are Literature and Film. Then I was ecstatic. By the way, my major is Communications: Radio and TV, so this ties in perfectly! If I was accepted into the program, I would receive 6 hours credit toward my advanced Film and Literature classes. So, needless to say, I clicked on the link, and read all about the program.

Here are some snippets from the actual brochure:

• "The flight to New Zealand will take the students through Los Angeles. In preparation for the course on film in Oceania, students will spend two days in Los Angeles to visit a Hollywood film studio where many Pacific Islands films were produced." (A real Hollywood studio!)
• "From Los Angeles, the group will fly to Christchurch on the southern island of New Zealand and visit Film South New Zealand, an organization that promotes the country to international filmmakers."
• "The group will then travel by train and ferry to the capital city of Wellington, on the northern island, to visit Film Wellington New Zealand, the New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Film Archive and the Weta Workshop. "
• "The group will also meet with faculty at Victoria University of Wellington. While at Massey University, students will be housed in dorms on the Manawatu campus."
• "Students will attend regularly scheduled classes and lectures given by Massey University faculty. A number of day excursions will also be organized."

I know I've been to New Zealand before, but never in my life would I be able to experience these film opportunities again!

I've officially applied for the program, personally contacted the trip director, and submitted my essay. Application deadline isn't until November 20th, so I have a while before I hear back from them... but I'm checking my email like crazy. =]

I want this! So bad! And, to make things even better, there are tons of scholarships to apply for once you're accepted into the program, so I wouldn't have to pay for everything!

If I do get accepted, and can't afford to go (even with scholarship money), I will take out a loan if I have to. I honestly cannot pass this opportunity up!

entertainment

Oh, how I love movies!

I went and saw "My Sister's Keeper" in theaters with Cortnee and her mom Thursday night. I hear the book was really good, but the movie was a bit different. I loved it though.

It's hard to get through to some people however that just because a movie is sad does not mean that it is incapable of being a good movie. Every now and then, I believe it's good to just let loose and cry. You know, it's quite good for one's sanity.

I've been reading the 6th Harry Potter book, because the movie comes out like what, next week, and I like to know what is going to happen before it does. =]

I really do love the series. I know some people (including most people at my church) don't like the idea of it because of the magic and dark arts and what not, but I believe that if one can read it knowing that it's fiction, and can keep a clear distiction between that and reality, then all is well. Oh well, I suppose it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Speaking of tea... I'm craving it. Hot tea with milk and sugar. Yum! The thought of hot tea makes me miss New Zealand... and the Marlars... a lot.

This time last year I was beginning my 2nd of 5 weeks in the beautiful country. I wish I could go back... and soon.

I suppose I'll just have to reminisce with photos and my journal.

By the way... I ordered a scrapbooking kit from the Home Shopping Network last week... it has 10,000 pieces to it! I'm stoked! I'll be able to get all my New Zealand memories into one huge book now! =]

Well, Kasey just got here... I guess I should get back to watching Harry Potter. haha.

<3