Dickens

Since my senior year of high school, it has been my tradition to read Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities over Christmas break. I confess, I start to tear up at the last book every time I read it. The third to last chapter and the very last chapter make me weep. I LOVE SYDNEY CARTON. {Spoiler Warning: read the book, and then read this post.}

Sydney Carton loves Lucie, knows he cannot have her, knows that the other man is better for her, knows that he doesn't deserve her, and knows that nothing will ever change. And he keeps on loving her. He promises her that one day, he hopes to be useful to her or to those she loves. When Darnay is condemned to die, and nothing Doctor Manette does will save him, Carton steps in. He has been close by, watching her, but he leaves her in peace. But when she needs him, before she even knows that he is there, let alone that she needs him, he is already there, taking the initiative to make plans and carry them out.

He could have let Darnay die at the hands of the Revolution, and stepped in to comfort Lucie himself. He could have held her as he longed to do! But he didn't. He gave his life so that she could live in happiness. I don’t think it was ever about saving Darnay’s life; it was about doing anything for Lucie.

I love Carton. He is my favorite character, and although people argue that Darnay is a fine fellow, I can’t stand him. Even the first time I read this tale, without knowing the ending, I loved Carton and abhorred Darnay. There’s nothing wrong with him, but he has no complexities, no depth. Lucie, too, seems a bit flat until the middle. Doctor Manette, so deep and so troubled, but restored because of his daughter. Carton, though, oh! Carton is the character I long to know more about, to read a “prequel” about his life; I want to understand why nothing can be changed, but still I think something did change, or never changed initially. Carton died for Lucie, and that pure love was not tainted by any flaws in Carton’s character.

Dickens, well done. Readers, any thoughts?

Almost the Last Day of 2010

I’M HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve- where did that come from!?!?!??!??! I was totally just deciding where to go to college like last week! What the heck!? This year has FLOWN by, and if you want a refresher on what each month held for me, read my earlier post.

This break has been a bit challenging, but so much fun. I've been challenged in relating to my sisters, but after a few good, long, intense conversations with them and our parents, I think that we can really bond and appreciate each other. It’s also been challenging to get to spend quality time with my many amazing friends. I want to be a part of the group again, and at the same time, I love the intimate conversations that come from one-on-one times. So far I think that I've been able to maintain a good balance, and as soon as one friend returns from visiting her sister, I think that I will have hung out with everyone at least once.

God and I are getting really close… I should rephrase that and say that I am drawing near to God, and He is keeping His promise and drawing near to me, too. I love how faithful He is- no matter how far I stray, or how long it’s been, He always tells me that He loves me. Ahhh!!!!

Speaking of God being awesome, my family is so blessed by Him! I can’t even describe it, but basically we will look back at this year and say, wow, God, thank You! When my parents got married, they received a prophetic word that their life testimony would be “God did it.” This year’s testimony is exactly that!

Eventually I’ll have the time and freedom to write out all the things that God has done, but for now, just rejoice with me and praise the Lord!

My, My, Time Flies!

How on earth is the 12th of December!?!?!??!?!?

It seriously feels like this year has FLOWN by… honestly! When I consider all the big things that have happened this year, and everything that has changed since this time last year, I am stunned. Let’s recap:

In January, I turned 21.

In February, I applied to my first, second, and third choice colleges.

In March, I found out that I got into my first choice college.

In April, I was hit by a car.

In May, I visited my first choice college, and then decided that my parents and I were hearing God and that I was moving 2,000+ miles away.

In June, I worked my last day at my job with kids.

In July, I went to Washington D.C. and Seattle to work 2 Microsoft conferences.

In August, I said goodbye to my family and friends, and started my junior year of college.

In September, I got to see my dad!!!!

In October, I went to my friend’s home for her nephew’s birthday.

In November, I began my countdown to go home, and here we are in December!

I take a final and turn in my final draft of my research paper, and I get on a plane and go home! 4 months went by so fast; this whole year zoomed by!

This time last year, I was praying about applying to colleges. Christmas morning, 2009, I opened up a Matchbox airplane representing the visit my dad and I would take if I got accepted to my first choice school. That trip was in May.

In August, 2009, I was running around Family Camp, teasing my friends about being the Night Watchmen, and realizing that if my friend got his wish, he wouldn't be at Family Camp 2010. The ironic part was that he was at FC 2010, but I wasn't, because I was flying across the country to start school the next week.

4 months ago, I knew almost no one in this new state, in this new school. Now I have so many deep relationships, and I won’t see them for almost another month! I can’t believe how God has blessed me… He’s given me friends, families, and a fridge for my dorm room! God, You are so good, and I am ever grateful.

How has your year been? :)