My random good news and why I'm smiling today:
1) I got an A on a paper that was giving me fits for a while. YAY!
2) I'm redirecting my studies to be more intercultural, so I will now be pursuing my M.Div with a Missions/Missiology concentration. This is not to say that I'm going to be a missionary...I just want to focus on the intercultural relations of what missions is.
Also, because the Missions/Missiology concentration focuses on cultures outside the States, I'm going to either get an MPS (Master of Professional Studies) in Urban Ministry or an Urban Ministry certificate. (Yes, help me, the MPS is ANOTHER Master's but it would be more of a dual degree than a completely different degree.) I want to be exposed to intercultural relations within the U.S. The MPS has some requirements that I cannot meet right now, but it is possible that I can petition for acceptance into the program. The certificate would allow me to get credit for my work and there is no particular approval for the program outside of being admitted to the institution. I'm not sure which will work out but I'm excited nonetheless.
3) I was contacted by an organization in NYC. Here's the website:
http://www.afghancommunicator.com/
Their mission statement is:
AC is a community-based, grass-root organization dedicated to education, advocacy, and youth leadership. AC's main focus is the Afghan and Muslim communities in New York. We also serve the larger community in New York, as well as the broader Afghan community.
They've asked me to consider being a board member on a volunteer basis! Of course I will!!! I'm in the process of determining the legitimacy of the position as well as getting to know the people who run the organization, but it looks like a great opportunity for me to support what I consider to be a neglected population while also fulfilling some service hours. (Please note: I put "fulfilling some service hours" second because it IS secondary to the reason I'd accept this position.)
It sounds like a terrific opportunity and I am excited to see how it will pan out.