I can't believe I am a graduate student. That I am studying volcanoes and magma chambers and igneous petrology. Total dream. It is truly wonderful.
I don't ever want to lose that sense of wonder for it. And even when it stresses me out like mad, because I care about so much...I'm always left with a feeling of greater excitement and accomplishment as I realize the professional geologist I am being shaped and molded into: with each challenge, with each new accomplishment and milestone.
Thinking about the future...for those future dreams...I think my heart is still in Minnesota.
Receiving a magazine today, containing articles about Minnesota Loons and Minnesota Geology, by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
DNR. Those three letters have been with me for as long as I can remember. For a while, I'm pretty sure I thought "Deeanarr" was an actual word. My dad works for the Forestry department, and thus, Smokey Bear has always been a significant figure in my life. :) The Minnesota DNR is very, very solid. They are like a family. I have always deeply, deeply admired that.
I love Washington...I love it so. But my heart is still in Minnesota. I think I will always be so thankful for going out West and discovering more of who I am. But, as I think about it...there's a fondness for that place that goes so deep. Those are were all my memories are. My lake. My favorite animal. The Common Loon. Gavia immer. Family. Familiarity. Laughter and Joy. And friends.
I don't know where I will be...come next year, where my trajectory will lie. :) So much can happen...
Last year, at this time, I had no idea that I would soon be offered the most wonderful opportunity and blessing to come study geology in Washington State. And considering the season which preceded such news...what an enormous blessing.
So I just want to deposit this here...for future reflection, and future consideration. I don't know what life will bring. What joy and what sorrow might await me still...surely there will be much of both. But it is the joy that is Eternal...I know that. Joy which grows from sorrow is the most beautiful...that is Heaven...that is Home. It has that essence and that life to it.
So, here, I go forth...and I know that it is His Hands. His Hands which guide my way and my path. His Hands which lead me. And I will follow.
