The Myth of the Perfect Mother
March 9th, 2006
Hi friends…
So, we’re doing very well. It’s hard to believe we only have three weeks left, but I guess that is still a long time. We’re glad for it though; we’ve been learning so much.
I finished the book I was reading, Beyond Identity. It has been one of my favorites. I coupled it with a tape series on forgiveness, which was very helpful and I’m actually hopeful that I can forgive. What was most helpful was hearing what forgiveness isn’t and then having the author define clearly what it is. You all know that I love specifics.
We’ve also been talking a lot about what it means to live counter-culturally. Basically following Jesus in the midst of our materialistic, commodity-driven culture; culture that has largely influenced the church and Christians as well. It has been challenging to think about a ‘new’ way to live, but both of us are exicited about the possibilities.
Finally, as far as studies go, I’ve been reading/listening to things on feminism and the role of women in the church/marriage/motherhood/etc. Mardi, one of the workers, has done a lot on this topic and regularly gives pre-evangelistic lectures (her term) at universities to mixed groups of Christians and Feminists. A few lectures I’ve found particularly helpful are “Are Christianity and Feminism Compatible?” and “Gender and Vocation.” This has been some of the most exciting topics for me to study because I feel like I’ve met someone who is very educated on the subject and has affirmed some views I’ve always held as well as challenged some others.
I’ve also enjoyed reading the book, The Myth of the Perfect Mother: Rethinking the Spirituality of Women. Though I don’t agree with everything the author espouses, I have to say it has been very liberating for me.
I guess I’m most excited because I feel like my faith is expanding wholistically and wide enough to include the things I’m most passionate about. I told Joe yesterday that I’m actually excited to be a Christian and talk to others about it because for the first time it seems relevant to more than a few issues.
In other news, Joe and I and some friends when snowboarding last Thursday for the first time. It was pretty fun, although I think I hurt my knee after taking a few nasty falls 
Planning a doctor visit tomorrow so I hope it doesn’t come back serious.
As far as our future we’d appreciate your prayers. We’re considering a couple different options. First, we’re seriously considering coming back and helping at L’Abri for the summer term that starts in May. We’ve loved it here and we just don’t think we’re ready to be done with our mentors or how we’ve been able to do ministry with the other students. We’re pretty much getting to do what we enjoy most informally. We’d also like more time to study and use the resources available.
Secondly, we’re strongly considering teaching English abroad this fall. Our destination of choice: China. We’ve had close friends teach there, and of course have visited there ourselves. We liked the culture, though the food was a bit challenging, and were excited to hear about what God is doing there. Plus, we’ve always wanted to live abroad and now is the perfect time to do it. This option is still just that: an option. We’ll keep you posted if it materializes.