More than you ever wanted to know...

I've been getting harassed for not posting in awhile, so here will be more than enough to satisfy those who just can't get enough of Pegs. :) Awhile back, Kari sent me a "20 Questions" that I could use as a blog post, so here goes:

1. What is your job and what are your responsibilities?

I am an academic advisor in the School of Visual Arts at the University of North Texas. This means, I see on average 6-7 students per day across all 13 art programs. Some are just in to schedule classes, some need GPA help, some are just plain confused about life, and some are graduating (these may be and are often likely the same ones who are confused about life). I also process degree plans and represent SOVA at recruiting events. Other things I've found myself doing include being on a search committee for a new position and serving as staff advisor for a student organization.

2. What are your goals/dream job?

I'm still working on figuring this out. I have more than contemplated pursuing a doctorate in higher education because the field just fascinates me. I would like to work in admissions at some point, and am also interested in writing about educational issues.

3. How did you feel about moving to Denton?

I have been in Denton for six months now. I was excited about a new location and a new job opportunity. I knew I wanted to work in a large, public research university and the job at UNT has given me that needed experience. I also love North Texas--there is always something to do here! I love being near DFW and all the Metroplex offers.

4. What writing projects do you have going?

I was working on The Broken Road, which chronicles my experiences with the opposite sex. That is pretty much finished. Well, not finished...it won't be finished until/if I am married, I suppose. But it's "caught up." Email me if you are curious.

The other project I've been working on is Memoir d'Afrique, which follows my two-year journey in Africa. It is just in the beginning stages so don't expect this one out on shelves anytime soon...although I do dream of having it published. May be a pipe dream, but it's a dream all the same. There are several travel essays that follow expat Americans in other countries and Peace Corps workers, but I've yet to see one published by a journeyman/missionary.

5. When did you become a Christian?

I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was 14 years old at a youth camp. Not a "bad kid" to begin with, there wasn't much to change externally (i.e. sneaking out, drugs & drinking, etc) but there was an internal 180. My life is devoted to Christ and following Him.

6. Tell us about your famous muffins, and can we have the recipe?

I have no famous muffins. I do not know why Kari wanted me to post this question. She could be referring to one of two things here: 1) I used to make muffins for the students at the school I worked at in Corpus each Thursday. These are not mine and they are not famous...they are Betty Crocker. 2) I used to go to a little place called "My Favorite Muffin" each Tues & Thurs. This started with my friend Jessica and when she moved, I picked it up with Beth & Katy, 2 of the best mentors a girl struggling through life in her 20s could ask for. Again, these are not mine and not quite "famous"...though they should be.

7. Where is your favorite place in the world?

This is hard. Capetown, South Africa is hands-down the most beautiful place in the world. I absolutely loved it and would love to go back. I have a romantic attachment to New York City...the city has its own culture. I also love Senegal, where I lived for just 10 months, thought it seems like so much longer. The Senegalese people are unique and lovely.

8. What made you decide to get Wilbert?

I had lived alone for 3 years. I wanted a pet that I could snuggle with and keep me company and I'm deathly allergic to cats. When I decided to move to Denton, I started dog-hunting. I wanted a Westie, but found out they are ridiculously expensive and you have to get on a waiting list. So I went to the Humane Society. One look at Wilbert and I was done.

9. How did you wind up in Africa?

Kari, honestly...this post is going to be too long. I was on my way to seminary at Southwestern Baptist Theol in Fort Worth back in 2001 to do counseling. Then, my roommate and living situation fell through just a week before I was to move. I got a letter from the IMB accepting my application to the journeyman program and the rest is history. I'd gone to Africa twice in college (Namibia, South Africa and Uganda, East Africa) and when jobs were not available in those areas at matching conference, I took a position in West Africa. My heart has always been for Africa.

10. Whom are you named after?

My dad's favorite aunt, Peggy. She died of polio in her mid-30s. Though you should know...I was VERY close to being named Lisa by my mom...then my dad walked in the room. Do you think I look like a Lisa?

11. Tell us about your House Group.

Home group is what they call them. I go to a church called The Village (www.thevillagechurch.net). It's an amazing place. God has changed my life since being here. After completing grad school, I began to pray for an opportunity to serve since I had all this new free time. My first home group became too big and needed to split. There was obviously a need for a group for post-college (since Denton has 2 colleges, it's swarming with groups for college students) single women. We started about 6 weeks ago and have grown from 5-14! I'd say it's meeting a need.

12. In what ways to do you want to be like your mom?

My mom was a fighter. When she wanted something, she went after it. I hope I don't ever settle. She was also extremely loyal.

13. What movie character do you identify with most?

Interesting. In Senegal, Kari, Kate & I said we were like Charlie's Angels (the movie) with me being like Drew Barrymore's character. Full of "fayda" as they say in Senegal...which means independent, takes care of herself, etc. Some days I feel like I really identify with Bridget Jones though. :)

14. When have you seen GOD move?

When I look at my life, it's obvious He's been orchestrating it all along. Each thing that comes along just fits like a puzzle piece. It makes me love Him more and more. Something that sticks out is all the car accidents I've had...there is no way I should not have been seriously injured/killed by now. God's hand.

15. What is the most memorable conversation you've had with your Grandma?

Not really a conversation, but I will always remember her 84th birthday (2005). I bought her flowers, brought her favorite "caldo" from Kiko's Mexican restaurant, made the muffins she loves, and took her to a CC Hooks baseball game. You know, old people can get away with anything and everyone just smiles. While at the game, we were sitting between a middle-aged couple and a couple of guys about my age. I'd bought a funnel cake for us to share, which was covered with powdered sugar of course. Well, if you know the Corpus Christi wind, you can imagine what happened with the powdered sugar. It blew ALL over the man next to Grandma. She smiled sweetly up at him and apologized and the couple just laughed. Incidentally, her hearing is slightly altered (though still doing remarkably well) and she shouted to me about how cute the guy next to me was...oh.my.word. I did think I might die there on the spot. I don't know if he heard b/c I definitely did NOT look at him, but I don't know how he wouldn't have heard her! Still, I love my Aama.

16. What's the best meal you've ever had?

There is no way to answer this...I love food too much. :) My mom used to make this amazing spaghetti. She'd cook the sauce all day in the crockpot and it had this unbelievable cheesy flavor. I think that was my favorite.

17. Which authors inspire you most?

I love Donald Miller. He's so honest and says things I was always afraid to say as a Christian. I also really like Philip Yancey. Lately, Alexandra Robbins is my favorite. See www.alexandrarobbins.com for more.

18. What do you appreciate most about where you are in life?

Independence. I complain frequently about being single, but if I'd married straight out of college like I wanted to, I wouldn't have been able to experience Africa, which changed my life. I wouldn't be able to up & travel anytime I want (like last Christmas to France or this Christmas to New Orleans). I enjoy knowing that I can make it on my own.

19. What have you learned in the past year?

Last year at this time, I was frustrated with my job and living situation. I was a pretty miserable person to be around and didn't understand why God wouldn't just answer my prayers and uproot me out of there. I was also just coming out of a time where I didn't know if I believed in God at all. Sooooooo...this year, I have learned that I do believe in God very much. I believe that the Father created the world, the Son came down and died for my sins and rose again so that I could live with Him forever, and that the Spirit abides in me eternally. Because I believe those things, I also know that His timing was perfect in uprooting me from Corpus at just the right time. I have a more broad (some say liberal) view of God's will now...that it's not just about making a right or wrong decision (do I go to Seattle for a doctorate or go to Denton and work?) but a decision to honor God with the opportunities He gives me.

20.How can we pray for you?

This is general, but lately, I have sensed God is working on me internally--changing my heart, making me moldable (I am the clay, not the Potter after all). So I have been praying for the fruit of the Spirit to take hold inwardly and in that, it will pour out...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I think the 3 key ones right now are love, patience and gentleness.