In the Beginning

Whew. Over the past 24 hours, I’ve spent 8 of them doing homework. Even though I should’ve expected this much work for a four credit hour class, I guess it didn’t occur me that we’d ACTUALLY be doing much besides being in a classroom for a couple of hours a day. I’ve been informed that the first week is more homework heavy than the rest, so that we’ll have more time to explore the sights and sounds of Deutschland.
So: the reason why I’m on this trip? I’m incredibly blessed to be on this trip right now. So many things came together and made it possible for me to attend, and I know God’s hand was in it. The first reason is to earn credit for the Engineering class (in Europe, no less! …But I think that’s pretty obvious). Through this class, I hope to gain a greater appreciation for engineers in the past and present, and observe the effects that their choices and work has made on society and the world—good, and also bad.  Third, I’d like to learn more about the culture, people, and environment of a country known for its engineering. Lastly, it will be sobering to visit the country where just 80-some years ago, an evil man decided he wanted to take over the world with an agenda of genocide. Seeing the lasting effects of this agenda will be hard, I know, but I pray I’ll be humbled by the reminder of the incredible sacrifice of the men and women of our own country who gave their lives for our freedom–the freedom to be able to travel to other countries and participate in Engineering classes, of course!

I hope this class will fully prepare me in every aspect of statics and dynamics for my future engineering career. I know as my first 200-level class, it will challenge me in many different ways, but I hope I’ll push through and complete what I need to.

What special something can I bring to this trip? Besides being part of the 15.38% female minority of our group, and always being ready for a card game (especially Euchre), I believe I’ve got a good sense for detail. This could come in handy when planning an outing or day trip. I love planning! I think it’s good to have a plan ‘A’, and then a ‘B’ and ‘C’, if necessary. The one thing I think I’ll be relying on people for is their sense of direction. I even need GPS in my hometown. I shudder to think how street-blind I’ll be in a big city.

My prayer for the summer group is that we all stay safe and healthy, especially while traveling, and that we are aware and alert about our surroundings. I pray that we form and grow new friendships, and all work to keep the peace in stressful situations. Finally, that we are able to obtain wisdom from our three wonderful professors!

-Hannah

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