When one door closes. . . .
I'm on sabbatical! What does that mean? Well, that's a good question. I'm not sure that I really have the answer, at least for myself. What I can give you is the standard response. That is, I get to take a semester off from all my university duties, including teaching and pursue a research project of some type. And I get paid my full salary. Sabbaticals are competitive and only 3 are awarded each year.
When I put in my proposal for my sabbatical it was over a year ago. Wow! It seems like even longer, but I digress. I initially proposed to study a Women's Website and compare the communication there to face-to-face communication--looking to see if they work the same way (yes, I know it's geeky, but what can I say??) I secured permission of the website owner and registered for a face-to-face conference associated with the site. All was good, or at least I thought.
I blogged about this before, but to summarize things--at the beginning of August the website shut down. Lots of drama, some lying about identity, people hurt and on and on. . the good stuff that soap operas are made of. A new site developed with many of the women from the original site (see "Circle of Friends" entry on this blog from 8/4), however because of all the "drama" that occurred, the website administrators have prohibited copying or sharing anything from the new site. That's good for privacy but not so good for my research.
So just what do I do now? Hum???? Seems like God is alive and on the move again. I'm trying to follow His lead and still stay within the scope of my research. I just wish He's make up His mind!! (j/k, Sorry LORD, you know me as impatient as ever!) If this new opportunity works out, it would be the chance of a lifetime for me. I'm actually just a bit giddy just thinking about it.
So, say an extra prayer or two for me, okay? If not this present opportunity, then I'm sure God will open another door. For now, I'm going to wait patiently. Okay, maybe I'll wait anxiously with anticipation. I'm still working on the the patient thing!! After all, I'm a work in progress.
6 comments:
Okay, Cheryl ... Either your proposal is not geeky, or I'm a geek, too! Sometimes I miss research (in second language acquisition), because my mind tends to operate in such a mode anyway. I am fascinated by your topic and would actually enjoy reading the proposal. The Internet is filled with possibilities, and you are approaching this prayerfully, so I think something wonderful is bound to emerge from it.
And thanks for the prayers. ;)
Hi Cheryl--Its paye--
I dont know where you stand as far as the peach WCW thing goes, but its open again and all are welcome to "return home" as I see it--
Quite a few have returned,I am one and I would like to invite you back and you can possibly bring your survey there--
I too love your topic and am interested in your work--
Love you--all the best of everything--
PEACE
XX
Cheryl,
I have been thinking about you ever since i heard the first series in Proverbs by Beth. Anyway, I will have to share more later but I have been having a hard time at my church. I have been there almost a decade and I don't feel like I can use the gifts God has given me...or fan into the flame...and be able to serve others. It seems really restricting and so set on curricullums that I often wonder if we are making any room for the Spirit with all of our programs and outlines and etc. anyway, I know if He wants me to go somewhere else He will have to call Rod to. It has been discouraging to say the least. Anyway, I did not want to go into all of my thoughts on the blog but I pray that you are being able to use the gifts that God has given you to build up the body. I will write more later. Just thought of you!
So sorry you're having so much trouble. Seems as if things tend to go awry just when it's all worked out and ready to go. But, as you know...God always has a plan...it will all work out for the best...if it's done His way. Best of luck to you as you seek to follow His lead.
hey girl - how are you??? Can a mom take a sabbatical??? hee hee
Hey - you can use Speaking Thru Me as your guinea pig!!! I would let you do a ton of stuff with us!! You think I am joking - I amnot!!! I just wish we were a usuable option for you!!
Hope things turn out for you - I know they will!
Stay in touch!! Leigh
"Anxiously with anticipation"...You should copywrite that phrase! I will say a prayer for clear direction-the Lord NEVER disappoints.
Kathy
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