An Inked Reminder

So this idea has been brewing in my head for awhile now, but right now I sort of want to put it down in words. I am considering the thought of eventually getting a tattoo. Getting a tattoo is a HUGE life decision since it sticks with you forever. Usually it is a decision made at a young age that one comes to regret. Well, part of the reason I want one is for the reason that many people are hesitant. I want something that sticks with me forever.

Last semester Rob, one of the pastors at Campus House, had us write "mercy" across our hand/wrist. The purpose of doing this was to be a constant reminder during our day of the mercy God has shown us. For awhile I would write mercy across my wrist on random days, usually on days that I wasn't in the greatest of moods. There are so many times that you stare at the underside of your hands during the day, usually without knowing. Writing something in that location can serve a fantastic reminder for a homework assignment that is due, an item that needs to be picked up from the store, or as a symbol of your faith. 

Though recently I have tweaked the formula. I have begun to draw the Celtic trinity knot in the place of mercy. To me writing mercy/the trinity knot on my wrist is a constant reminder of who I am and what I believe. Such a tiny thing scrolled across my wrist can help me recenter during the day. If I were to get a tattoo it would be the trinity knot on the underside of my wrist to serve as a constant reminder of my heritage (I am 50% Irish) and my commitment to living a Christian lifestyle. 

I have also pondered the notion of getting a Celtic Cross on my back left shoulder blade. The image would serve the same purpose, but I guess it would be more aesthetic because you generally don't stare at your back during the day.

This is a huge decision, and I don't expect to make it overnight. For now, sharpies.

Parlez vous francais?

I'm learning French. Yeah... I never thought I would say that sentence, but I just said it. Is the world falling apart? Nah, I have just come to accept something...

Last week I went in to talk to Dr. Murdock. During the conversation he mentioned that I should learn French because he needs more French speakers on our research team because most of the members are too old to learn. My initial was reaction occurred internally and was along the lines of "Heck no. There is NO WAY that I am learning ANOTHER language, especially if it is French." Externally I just sort of had a blank stare, and I ended up leaving for class.

Well, the thought of learning French plagued me for the days which followed. Something deep inside me compelled me to pray and think about the idea. Suddenly, I was intrigued by the thought. Could I really learn yet another language? Dr. Murdock is the head of several projects in French West Africa, all of which  involve improving the world's food supply. By learning French, I would be able to assume a more direct role in these projects and be able to experience our work in a more hands on approach. 

The work would involve direct interaction with native farmers and researchers in the western countries. For me at least, the most important element would be the gift of getting to see this unique region of the world that has been plagued by poverty, crime, and starvation. I wish to meet and talk to the people who the research is and will directly benefit. Often research is contained in a laboratory, isolated. I was once involved in systematic, isolated laboratory work, and the work seemed empty. My new position has provided countless opportunities, including the chance to remove this disconnect from my work, a window to truly experience something.

I feel like God has offered me an amazing set of opportunities through my lab position. Learning French has been on my mind a lot lately. God has opened a door for me with this once in a life time chance. And you know what? 

I want to go through that door. I am learning French! I know not what experiences lie ahead of me, but learning the language in itself will be an adventure, which will lead to an even greater adventure down the road. Several days ago I started to teach myself through Rosetta Stone and generated vocabulary lists for review during the day. Wish me luck!

Au revoir.