That's Why I'm Here

Four years ago I left behind a group of friends for a new life at Furman University in South Carolina. During my first 9 months there, I published a humble online record of my activities which was then called a "freshman journal." Since that time, the term "blog" has entered the American vernacular, and I have realized in retrospect that, unbeknownst to me, I was acting as a pioneer blogger.

Now, at the end of my undergraduate experience, I am again leaving all that is familiar for a new environment. In less than a week, I leave for the cold, hostile wasteland ironically called "Maryland." As if anyone could be "merry" in so cold a place. Of course I jest, but having spent the first 23 years of my life in Mississippi and South Carolina, I am mentally preparing to be cold. How many ways can I articulate the simple sentiment, "it's cold here" or "presently, my body is uncomfortably cool" in the coming months? We shall see. My wiry, 140-lb frame was not built for braving temperatures below 50 degrees fahrenheit.

What is important about these cold temperature? Only this: they demonstrate to me that I am moving again, and I would like to keep in touch. To that end, I have acquired this small corner of the digital universe as a host for the thoughts I wish to relate to my beloved friends and family. This is my "freshman journal" for 2006/2007.

I have been blessed to receive a fellowship to live and study at the Trinity Forum Academy for the next 9 months. "What does it mean," you might ask, "to be a fellow at the Trinity Forum Academy?" To this question I respond: stay tuned. You see, the TFA is an intentional christian community where 12 college graduates will live, read, study, and think together for the duration of an academic year. This means that the nature of the experience will depend greatly on the thoughts emerging from the 12 fellows. So what does it mean to be a fellow at the TFA? I will find out as I go. And if you would like, you may follow the posts on this blog to discover the answer as I do, for here I will record my thoughts.

A closing comment: Brownie is the automobile that has accompanied me from age 8 until the present. She is a treasure trove of familiar feelings, smells, and thoughts in my 23-year-old mind. When I depart for Maryland, Brownie, for health reasons, will be remaining in the warmer climate of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Hence the title of my blog. No, these are not exactly her thoughts; but they are tribute to her.

Stay warm, Brownie. I'll be home soon.