Updates

So since I'm at work with nothing to do, I figured I'd go ahead and update my blog. We have been super busy lately, like most people, because of the holidays... plus we just downloaded Donkey Kong for Super Nintendo on the Wii and you know that occupies a good portion of my day.

So I did not get the fellowship. I said a prayer before my interview to accept the fact that if I did not get it, that it was meant to be. I wasn't really all that heartbroken, and actually I haven't even thought about it since I found out. I always try to do too many things at once, and I realize that I might have been trying to take on too much. I really need to focus my full attention to grad school and finding a better job. Once I get in the swing of all that, then I can focus on trying to do other things. Plus, I'm not a single lady anymore. I have obligations to my husband, and that should take priority over these side projects I want to do.

On another note, we found out that Andrew's boot camp, MOS school, and other training school (can't remember the name) equals five months. That is a lot less time than I thought he would be gone... which I am very happy about. It will be hard to hold down the fort by myself, but it's what I have to do I guess.

I also got an email today from my old co-worker Julius in Rwanda. He started his own organization in Rwanda called Help Life Rwanda, and I have been "helping" him design a website, etc. It has been in the works since May of this year, but with communication at a minimum between us, it has been on the backburner. I really need to start focusing on helping him get it up and running. Other than the website, I help him with his organization by sponsoring two Rwandan students school fees. Because Rwandas education system is so expensive, most youth are not able to attend school. While I was in Rwanda, I met up with a girl named Clementine who I decided to sponsor her school fees. It's not too much ($200 a term, 3 terms a year), but right not with grad school and all these other expenses, it is going to weigh down on us financially a lot... but I have to keep my commitment and be better about setting aside money for these fees. The boy I am sponsoring, Sam, has school fees equal to about $130 a term, but since he is not doing well (he is in a sort of public school), they are thinking of transferring him to a boarding school like Clementines. Those are more expensive, but it will allow him to completely focus on school. In his public school he doesn't do as well because he gets out of school and instead of studying has to take care of goats and helps his mom by selling food for her business. All in all, I am just glad that he is trying and I do not feel like my money is going to waste. I received letters (scanned to me) today from both of them and it just fills my heart with joy to know how appreciative they are for what I can provide. I know that they will be better people because of the education they receive. And hopefully that understanding will translate to avoiding their involvement in conflicts and being persuaded to participate in future conflicts in their society. Wow, what an impact I am having in conflict resolution... never even thought, until now, about the parallelism between the program I will be involved in and the real life steps I am taking. I love these two kids so much. It's a whole other thing once you meet them. After this one-on-one meeting with them, how could I not want to do everything I can to help them out? I hope once they graduate, I can be there to support them.

My heart is full today. Maybe it is because anytime someone from Rwanda emails me or contacts me in any way, I just get so happy. I love that country and I love the people that I have met from there. They are so genuine and just the most incredible friends. I am a better person knowing them.

Or maybe it is the Christmas season. I cannot wait to see my family in a few days and spend time with Andrew's either. Yes, my family has LOTS of problems, but I can't imagine not having them in my life. Everything that has happened in my life, especially as a result of my family members actions, have shaped who I am as a person. There have been a lot of negative things that have happened to me because of them, but I look at it and realize that it has made me the independent strong woman I am today because of it. I am so driven and semi-accomplished because that's what my family lacks. I am an example to my family, and I have a lot of responsibility because of that. But I wouldn't trade my role. I have learned a lot about myself as a person because of these challenges. I could never be grateful enough for this... and my faith has grown tremendously as a result.

Anyways, enough of this rambling. I hope everyone has a fabulous holiday! I love you!

Not your average Tuesday

So today was a pretty busy day.. for both Andrew and me. I'll start with my less exciting news. I took the day off work to get all my grad school issues handled. I had an appointment with the Student Financial Aid Office at Mason's Fairfax campus. Fortunately for me, the federal government is going to offer me well over the amount I need to attend school (in loans of course). I was worried I had already reached the fed. govt loan cap... but I was wrong. Good thing too because we could not afford to put both of us through school right now.

After that appointment, I had a meeting on Mason's Arlington campus (the campus I will take my classes at). I had never been there before, so I was excited to check it out. The campus itself is pretty small and in the center of downtown Arlington. It is conveniently located near the metro and a lot of restaurants, etc. I like the environment though. It is not as busy as the Fairfax campus. Most of the students at this campus, if not all, are graduate level. It was quiet and everyone was studying. It would be a great place for me to focus.

As for Andrew... the big news is... he is officially a Marine! This might have come out of left field for our friends, but he had been talking about joining the Marine Corps Reserves for the past few weeks (I know, not a long time). First he talked to a recruiter and completed his paperwork and this morning he went to take a competency exam and a medical exam. He couldn't call me all day, but had been awake since 4:30 AM. When I finally talked to him, around 4:30 PM, he said that he had already been sworn in and was a Marine. It has all moved so fast, but I am really excited for him... and of course proud of him. It has taken him a long time to find his own, but I think he is finally getting there. He will complete his Associates in Administration of Justice in May and head to boot camp shortly after. It will be different for us because he can only talk to me 3 times during the boot camp... but we can do it! After boot camp he will work one weekend a month for 6 years (active duty) and 2 years (inactive duty). He will also deploy two weeks out of the year... but most of the deployments at this time are non-combative (I can sleep easy!). Again, I am really excited for him. I think this direction he is taking with his life is going to be a perfect fit for what he ultimately wants to do in life with criminal justice.

Well it has for sure been a crazy past few weeks for the Weber family! We are so grateful for these opportunities the Lord has granted to us. Keep checking the blog for more updates.. I'm sure I will have news about the status of my interview next week!

Fellowship Interview

So I got a call today that I got an interview for the Carl Wilkens Fellowship that I applied for a few months back. Carl Wilkens is the only American to remain in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. The fellowship created in his honor is part of the Genocide Intervention Network. The fellowship would entail utilizing different advocacy techniques (reaching out to public officials, getting the media involved, etc.) in regards to genocide prevention. Mostly it would focus on current genocides, but my passion will always remain Rwanda.

I realize I might be taking on a lot... but this is me. I am really excited to work towards a topic that I like... and all of the things I am about to take on are inter-related. I really hope that I get this fellowship. It is a year long, making your own schedule. They take into consideration your other obligations. Sounds good to me.

Again, I will keep you posted. Wish me luck!

Registration

I registered for classes today. I signed up for CONF 501: Intro to Conflict Resolution and CONF 728: Human Rights Theory and Practice. But I need yalls help. 3 classes at grad school is considered full-time. I am wondering if two classes, while working full-time might be too much for me. I really need to talk to a counselor in my program, but any of you grads out there have any advice?

Getting prepped for grad school is a hassle! I mean, I start school January 24, which is really soon. I have to figure out all my financial aid, work out deferring my bajillion loans from undergrad, and figure out all my classes, etc. So much to do, so little time... and it doesn't help that these next few weeks are going to fly by! (and also that I work in DC Monday- Friday 9-5, leaving me no time to sit down with someone in Fairfax at Mason)... sigh.

Regardless, I am thankful and grateful for this wonderful opportunity to better myself. I was really shocked to find out I was selected. I was probably not the best candidate for school, but maybe they see that I am a very motivated and determined person. I have overcome many hardships to reach this point in my life, and I am grateful that I have such a strong personality to keep persevering.

That's all for now... I'll keep you posted.

Graduate School

Just thought that I'd share...

I (EMMA) GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL!

This is so exciting for us because it was the only school I had applied to (George Mason) and is a stepping stone for my career in international development. So it is a 2 year program at George Mason and I'd be pursuing a Masters of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. I really couldn't be happier! What a bizarre year it has been for me!

First Post

WE STARTED A BLOG! I've had my own individual blog but figured it was time for us to start a married blog. We've now been married for 3 months and we're loving it! It takes a lot of adjusting (esp. for me) to spend every waking moment with someone, but we are managing. We've had a lot of life changes this year, and we're just excited to continue this journey of life together. We're a good support system for each other, and best friends.

We moved to Alexandria early September and love our new ward. We have had the privilege of getting to know a lot of the young married couples. It's nice to have people in the same boat as you. We look forward to spending more time with them and getting to know them better.

We are also looking forward to spending time with my family this weekend in Virginia Beach. It puts a strain on us financially to take trips down there often, so we don't go often. It will be nice to actually get to visit them. Thanksgiving will be spent at my Aunt Donna and Uncle Benji's house in VB near the border of North Carolina. The rest of the weekend will be spent catching up with friends. Can't wait for some good ole' southern food!

We have been so blessed to have such great families and friends. We have had overwhelming support from our families with our marriage. It really has made all the difference. We're excited to be able to spend time with Andrew's family in Oregon this Christmas. It is always a joy to see them.

Until next time!