I'm here!

I arrived in the twin cities this afternoon and have spent the rest of the day meeting my fellow MechE researchers and moving in. My building is very close to downtown, and it seems like I'll be able to get wherever I want to go by bike, bus, or foot.

This afternoon, I was walking around outside the dorm, when the realization of my independence hit me: I could take a bus to downtown, go out to dinner, and do a hundred other fun things at the drop of a hat. Tomorrow, we start orientation, and much of my time this summer is already scheduled and regimented, but I have so much freedom and so many opportunities.

Adios

Pray for Me

My job this summer will be quite different than working for Amor last summer. Amor is a Christian ministry, and as such, the work environment was conducive to the development of my faith. Furthermore, there was an explicit expectation, internally among the interns and externally from my superiors, that doing our job well meant being Christlike. With an environment so supportive, it was easier than usual to "seek first [God's] kingdom and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).

This summer, I will be working in a secular context at the University of Minnesota, an environment in which matters of faith do not come first, as there is no agreement on faith at an institutional level. Therefore, I ask you to pray for me, that I might be able to put God first in all my work and free time. Pray also for the entire group of student researchers and the faculty we will be working under, that relations among us (especially between roommates) might be peaceful and open and enriching.

I am really excited about the wonderful opportunity I have this summer. I'll keep you posted.

Adios,

Summer Plans

Hello, readers! I set up this blog last summer to chronicle my experiences working in Mexico for Amor Ministries, hence the name, Jacob con clavos (clavos being Spanish for nails). This summer, I plan to take it up again, hopefully posting more frequently this time than last.

I'll be leaving Texas at the end of May for Minneapolis, where I will be working at the University of Minnesota. What draws me to Minnesota is an REU (research experience for undergraduates) in mechanical engineering, which I have chosen as my field of study. I will be working under Jane Davidson, the director of the solar energy lab at the University, and while I do not yet know the exact details of my work, I know it will be in solar energy, which I am really excited about.

I look forward to being on the cutting edge of solar research, going to Twins games, enjoying the beautiful Minneapolis weather, and making friends with my fellow researchers. More details to come once I find out more. Have a great summer and thanks for reading!