Ok, so I've decided to actually start a blog that I'll keep up to date. My friend Christine inspired me to start this, so here goes. I thought I'd write my first entry while I'm procrastinating a final paper. That seems fitting, somehow.

I am a Theology Grad student in a large city, and that in itself has been an eye-opening experience. First of all, I grew up in a pretty suburban area, so being in a big city was a huge culture shock. I was also a Dance and Dramatic Arts Criticism double major in undergrad, so starting a Masters in Theology was a much different experience. Most people ask me how on earth I went from being a dance and theatre person to a theology student. Haha, I wish I knew how to answer that; I'm not even sure how it happened sometimes. I just chalk it up to God guiding me.

People also don't understand how I am a female Roman Catholic and I am studying Theology. When I tell people what I am getting my Masters in, the most popular response is "Oh, so you're going to be a nun?" Or, if the person knows I am engaged (and therefore not looking to join a convent), I'll get "Um, what are you going to do afterwards? You can't be a priest." (As if I didn't know that already.)

I am currently discerning a vocation in the church, which means many different things for me. As a female Catholic, there are things I am not/can not be called to do, namely ordained ministry. That calling is not open to my gender. This is frustrating to me, as I am realizing more and more a call to ordination. In order to follow this calling, I would have to become a follower of a different Christian sect-- I would have to become Protestant. This has been a continued struggle in my life. Plus, if I were to go to Seminary, I'd be signing on for 4 more years of school. Add the 18 months of school I am already doing for my Masters right now, and that would equal almost as much as a med student! Kinda crazy.

So, I have written my first blog entry. Very exciting! Hopefully people will actually read my blog and comment. Please be patient with me, as I have never used a blog like this before and may need some time to figure out how to use it.