Yes, this post should have been the first - but like many things in my life, I prefer to do things unconventionally. Like have kids then go to college. Or get married instead of going to the prom.
I wanted to talk about how this whole trip even came to be. Truth is, it never would have happened had it not been for a long sequence of events that eventually culminated in me buying a plane ticket to Europe.
Two years ago, while a student at Mesa College, my Spanish Professor approached me about taking an Honors Spanish course. I had never considered the Honors program before, I was already working hard to keep my 4.0 GPA and figured Honors classes were just more work. I didn't really think about any possible benefits. But the class my Professor invited me to involved tutoring Spanish-speaking children at a local elementary school, and for that reason alone and her insistence, I signed on. It was such a fantastic experience. The kids I tutored were amazing, kind, outgoing, and a lot of fun. I hadn't really gotten involved in the Honors program, but it did open up my eyes to the fact that Honors classes weren't just about loading up on extra work. They were a chance for responsible students who wanted to get the most out of their education to not just take classes, but have deeper experiences and make a difference in the community.
The next semester I decided to continue taking Honors courses, then began working in the Honors department, and eventually became Vice-President of the Honors Club. I met so many great people. Transferring too SDSU was bittersweet because it has taken me a while to find that kind of community there, but I think I finally have. This is where the story starts to come together.
My boss and Honors director asked me in November if I would consider being the "guinea pig" for a pilot project between Mesa and SDSU. She said the two Honors programs at the schools would like to send me to study abroad, paying for all school expenses. My first thought was "Yah right, how's a mom of 3 going to just take off and study abroad?" I was flattered but didn't even allow myself to consider it. She gave me the paperwork to read over and I went home. Later that night I began to read it and was first intrigued by the fact the program was in Oxford - the Harvard of England. Wow, what an opportunity. But still... then I noticed something. The program was for 3 weeks. Now that was sounding more do-able. I wasn't totally sold, I mean, George still had no idea I was even thinking about this, and there were a lot of variables to consider. Who would watch the kids? How would I afford all the other expenses (plane ticket, eating occasionally, travel in the country).
Literally for MONTHS I went back and forth. So did George. First he was supportive, then as his new job really took a toll on him, he began to question the whole thing. I, too, was still trying to figure everything out. Finally, in about mid-March, I committed to it. George gave me his blessing (after I told him the plan I had for childcare :0) and I bought the ticket. I will be going to Oxford (!) with a group of SDSU Honors students, hopefully continuing to form friendships with them. It's nice having a bunch of students who share my seriousness about school and a desire to have the most enriching experience ever.
As I look back on all the events that took place, I see God's hand everywhere. He is the reason why I went back to school, He knew when just the right time would be. He gave me the energy and motivation to keep going to class and do my best, even when George was overseas. And one of the biggest miracles - He keeps sending us money from all directions, never enough to make us loaded or anything, but always just enough to make ends meet. And that's all we need. He put people in my life who have continually encouraged me and supported me. The number one person is my husband. Whenever someone asks, "how do you do it?" I always say the same thing - I don't do it by myself - George picks up my slack so our family can function, so dinner is always on the table and the dishes done, and we can pay the bills. Of course, right now is a good time because the tables have turned. I am on break from school and doing the stay-at-home mom thing, giving George a much needed respite. Although I didn't do the dishes yesterday. Oh, well.
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