Woman's Place in the Land of Oz

During my stay in Kansas, visiting Toto and the sister, I was confronted with some pretty harsh truth. While attending my sister's evening service, the very wise Oz laid forth just what God said was a woman's role in this life. As he bellowed out things like, "she was made to serve the man", "it is not her job to disagree", "her main role in life is to get married", and "it is her job to stroke his ego" - my jaw unknowningly began to grind until sparks were almost flying. With boiling blood, I contemplated getting up and walking out. It wasn't until last night, as I lay in my bed of poppys that I tried to figure out just why I had reacted so strongly. Granted, society today preachs the complete opposite - equality all the way. But I have always agreed with the word, that women are to be submissive to their husbands, as he is the head of the house and family.

I try and find some excitement and passion for this "job" in my life. Is that really all God created women for? To trail around after men, the ultimate "yes sir, how can I please you" robot? The wizard claimed that the woman was to follow her man whether right or wrong because God would take of the man and it wasn't the women's job to decide if it is right or wrong. That God does not give the dream to the woman but the man; and it is her job to follow. I have so many dreams that I pray are from God. A passion for so many things that have nothing to do with following a man around.

Marriage seems like such a future notion and yet a very important part of my future that I do look forward too. But I pray that God will give me a husband who carries the same dreams and passions as I. That we will follow God together, side by side, instead of me hanging onto his coat tails. So many things that rubbed me raw during this service in Kansas, and yet I feel as if I am the one wrong.

Lovables

Yes, I was spoiled rotten for Valentines by the boy. He claims to have hunted high and low to find a necklace that he felt I would truly enjoy. Now, doesnt that make me sound so picky!? I try not to be, I just don't care too much for the generic type of heart necklaces. Well, he outdid himself. I love the necklace. And oh oh oh, the flowers...my weakness. Definitely a keeper.

The boy and I celebrated Valentines on Monday because I was in Kansas with my sister for the whole weekend. Wow, I can see why Dorothy wanted to run away - BORING! I felt like I was a little outta place at the country church with my knee high black boots and pencil line skirt. I had a great time with my sister and her daughter, Karmela. I got to see what their life was like and catch up on years of sharing. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity this weekend.

Terrorists Beware

Terrorists have no idea who is headed their way...Mr. Voigt, himself. Yep, my dad took off this morning for Iraq. After a week spent fattening him up, he seemed ready to head out. We debated the rule that you need to plump up here cause when you get overseas, you will loose it all fast with nothing to do but work out. My argument was a few extra love handles...meh, share the love. I tried to convince him that blogging was the thing to do while he was overseas, he wasn't convinced. Please pray for a safe journey and that getting adjusted won't be too overwhelming.

I also fly out today to visit my older sister, Cassie. Much to my shame, I haven't seen her in three years. We both lead such different lives now. She signed me up for a church cook off - oohhhh how little does she remember my cooking skills. Now, most won't call me a master of the kitchen, in fact, no one would. My greatest claim to fame was the disaster of the boxed brownies. Yeah, bet you thought no one could mess up boxed brownies. I am that person. Don't judge.
Six week exams just finished today. Basically, a whole week where they strap you down and slowly drain your brain. And when your brain has nothing left to give, they squeeze it some more for the last drops. So you walk away feel dehydrated and lost. My grades come out on Tuesday.

Ok, everyone have a fabulous weekend! Happy early valentines! Go wild, eat chocolate!

Hibernation

Like a grizzly bear, I tend to hibernate during the cold brutal winters. I rarely go outside and I often curl up in the afternoons and evenings. Naps are more frequent and exercise seems to diminish from my life. Of course, long winter coats help hide the extra insulation that I add on to my tummy to keep me warm. And then without much warning, the sun peaks out once again. The first time you put on shorts and glance at your pasty white legs is a frightening sight indeed. And so we begin the slow, painful journey to get back into bikini shape. This is where I am right now. It was beautiful all weekend (in the 60s) and spring break is 5 weeks away. Time to shed that winter coat!

Graceful as a Puppy Dog

Yes, I have always dreamed of being a graceful, dazzling figure skater with sparkles on my leotard. I mean, honestly, what little girl doesn't? I offered this weekend to give a ride to any sophomores and freshmen (youngsters and plebes) who wanted to go ice skating this weekend. I had planned on going and thought they might enjoy it too. Just a low key event. Well, the day came and I grew lazy and was planning on canceling. I showed up and was surprised to find about 18 people waiting to go. Normally underclassmen don't mix with the upperclass. The event turned into a fun day where I had the opportunity to get to know the underclassmen so much better. Funny, how I have lived with these people for 7 months now and yet still do not know all their names (about 120 people in my dorm area). One of my new year's resolutions was to get to know the people around me better. I am really glad that God provided the opportunity this weekend to do that thru ice skating.

The whole weekend was spent with friends catching up. I have been guilty of neglecting my friendships because of my heavy academic load and my time spent with the boy. I was amazed at what a great time I had; and I realized how much I missed interacting with them all. God brings so many phenomenal people into our lives and I often take that for granted. Not any more! = )

The boy and I have been going thru some rough times lately. We went for a picnic yesterday and spent a few hours just talking things out about our relationship, expectations, and desires. We both needed it. He commits so much of himself to our relationship and I am often lagging behind. I feel torn as I try and balance my passion for God, work with children and ministry, my future goals and dreams, and him. As some of you know, who have been praying about this, he and I don't share the same passion and love for God. It is hard to grow together without some of the same passions. But after a long discussion with my dad and then with Kyle, I am hopeful. He is so open and I hope that I can be a good example of God's love.

Drooling while Standing

There are mornings when I drag myself out of bed at 0600 and dread the upcoming struggle to stay awake during my morning classes. Today was such a day. My electrical engineering professor is a Marine officer. So about 45 mins into class, he has us all stand up and do PT (physical training) to wake us up. Today's flavor was four-count lunges. Nothing like some morning lunges to get the blood pumping. Sadly, this kept me awake for another 30 mins but then the war with sleep was engaged once again. I stand up as a defense to try and stay awake but often this just leads to embarrassing stumbling as i doze while standing (it is possible).

I got Photography for Dummies today at the library. My new project for the next month or so. So bare with me as I share my attempts to learn photography.

I went up for a promotion here. Students are promoted into positions of authority around the campus (the yard), for their senior year. I applied to be on the honor board staff. My dad has always tried to impart upon me how important a person's honor is. I really want to be involved with teaching the freshmen here about how important and passionate this is. I won't find out for a couple weeks whether I get it.

Ok, time to do some french homework. My favorite part of the day - catching up with my dear friend Sade and planning an ice skating date for Saturday.

Thermo-die-namics.

Oh the pain, the suffering, the agony - THERMODYNAMICS! My professor announces in class today that six hours a week is all the nightly studying we should have to do to keep up with this course. I groaned out loud, it takes me 21 hours a week. Thermo has become my new lover, we tango every night with anger and passion.

My body is revolting against me, a rash has mercilessly taken over my legs and my nose pours blood with a vengence. Each protesting the dry, chilling weather. I forced my body to run a grooling five miles through the snow today. Alright, so the snow was more like a light sprinkling of salt on the ground but it counts!

My dad leaves this Friday for Georgia then Iraq a week later. I don't know if he is ready to go or if I am ready for him to go. I am excited that he has this opportunity though.

For the past month, God has been gently nudging me, almost whispering in my ear about my mislaid priorities. I have been misplacing my relationship with God and filling my calendar with my relationship with Kyle (also referred to as 'the boy'). I have begun to feel the absence of God's constant companionship in my life. And so I am here, seeking. And asking for your prayer.

All right, my eyes have begun to droop and my bed is calling my name. My favorite part of this day - my dad's willingness to forgive me for a lie I had shamefully told.