Turning on the Lights and Turning up the Heat

This past weekend we were privileged to join in the festivities for St. Andrew's Week here in St. Andrews. Not surprisingly, this holiday is a big deal in this town and incorporates events like the "Golden Spurtle Contest," which is a porridge making contest; a food festival, which allowed us to sample local specialties like whisky marmalade, heather honey, port wine jelly, oatcakes, and porridge; and a local fair and town lighting ceremony. Tomorrow night is actually when the biggest part of the celebration occurs as it is actually St. Andrew's Day. This day is commemorated by eating none other than the infamous Scottish dish -haggis. (cue the scary music)

So in addition to praying that we survive the eating of this specialty, we could also use prayers for our financial situation and our plans for the future. On Friday I have an interview for a full-time job as the Annual Giving Officer of the University. This job pays relatively well, is managerial, and would qualify me for staff tuition rates. I think it should be possible to keep up with my studies and maintain this job for the duration of its 11 month contract, but only God really knows, so we are anxious to see where that possibility leads. I'm also preparing applications for PhD programs, which is a truly intimidating process, but one I'm eager to be done with. After starting my Master's here I've come to the conclusion that, if possible, a PhD would be a terrific goal to pursue for the purposes of the study itself in addition to the obvious career benefits it would have.

Today I'm working on one of my two 20-page essays that are due next Friday, so I could definitely use prayer that they are well-written and compelling (and completed on time).

Thanks again to everyone for your support!!

Enjoy this Christmas season with the ones you love and with the One who loves you!