Graduation is approaching quickly. Yikes. I'm still freaked out about losing my entire social life and comfort zone, but I feel much better because....
I GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL!
I will be starting my Master of Public Affairs degree this fall at Indiana University in Bloomington. I will duel concentrate in Nonprofit Management and Policy Analysis. I am STOKED! I'm trying to find a place to live and come to terms with taking out more loans than I can imagine.
On another note, I went on a field trip with my Sociology of Religion class on Friday. We went to Hillsboro, Virginia to visit the Twelve Tribes community. Google them. We all had a blast! They're a religion that combines Christianity, Judaism, and the 1960s hippie movement. They seemed liberal at first, but after speaking with them, I decided that they are ultra-conservative. The grow all their own food and are certified organic to sell their surpluses to others. They sang and danced, and we really got into it. It was a group of loving, accepting people. Many of us were nearly ready to convert after just a few hours with them! Of course, our professor was terrified that we'd get caught up in it all and insisted we couldn't convert that same day, haha. After researching them more, I am convinced they really are a cult. Many of the distinctions of a cult are part of the TT, and I didn't really see it until I got back home. I can see how so many people join cults. It's a group of wonderful people who all seem so happy. I'm glad that I have the strength to see the group for what it is; so many people don't.
Of course, I fell madly and completely in love with a 23-year old member named Chaiyim (or Kiam, which is the easier spelling/pronunciation). I'm sure I'm being silly, but we really connected. He told me half of his life story, which was certainly interesting being raised in a cult...er, community. He was born in a community (there are several around the world), and his family left when he was 15. I didn't ask why because he was on a roll, but I really wonder. He came back to the TT when he was 22. After speaking with me for a while he smiled and said "you wouldn't like it here." When I asked why, he said, "because everyone here is angry and disillusioned with the outside world." I guess I have too much faith in humanity. We talked about religion, politics, past relationships, philosophy, and social reform. *sigh* Wow, he's so...wow. He hugged me, walked me back to the car, hugged me again, and made me promise to email him and come back to visit. I'm going to try to go back in the summer. I'm on a mission to show him that the outside world still has hope, and that God is still present outside of the TT. I emailed him yesterday and am still waiting on his reply. I'm not sure how much internet time he gets there. We'll see how this goes.
On a much lighter (or, heehee, darker) note, I'm going tanning and re-dying my hair this week so that I'm gorgeous for graduation! My hair lightened up so much after I dyed it that I want it to have time to lighten up just a couple of shades before the big day.
Ok, those are really the only big news stories I have for you since the last update (which I understand was forever ago...sorrrrrry!). Momma called today and asked when I was going to update. I've been quite busy, but also a little lazy (oops!).
Until next time (which, let's be honest, will probably be in a couple of weeks),
Suzanne (which is what Kiam prefers to call me. *swoooooon* heehee)
