If we listen, sweet melodies can move us to do great things.

It has been far too long since my last post, and I greatly apologize. I haven't been a very good correspondent, and I've slacked relating pertinent information, so those who wish can live my experiences vicariously through my words.

This past semester taught me many things about my life: areas where I need to improve, areas where I shine, and how life is about finding the balance between the two.

I have been presented with such a great opportunity and I cannot begin to thank everyone responsible for helping me in this journey. Without your dedication, love, commitment to my excellence, and overall believing in me, I would not be here today. Thank you Rob, Emily, Mom and Dad, Reinhardt Profs, friends and family, and Rotary; each of you have played a vital role in my life and for that I am, and I will be, forever grateful.

I had plans to travel far for Christmas holidays and see many old faces, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I was stuck in Edinburgh. With the majority of people gone and the overall activity of the city quietened, I wanted, and I tried, to be sad for this lonely feeling. But, as I wondered through the beautiful city of Edinburgh-watching the snowflakes dance their way to the ground below-I was filled with a joyous hope. I had an epiphany that I have no reason to be sad. Life has presented me with such a tremendous opportunity to enjoy everyday, the seasons, the people, and everything else that comes with it in a vibrant and different city. As I walked down the Royal Mile, I heard the familiar sounds of Anglican bells ringing out and I began to smile. It is incredible to me how instantaneously music can positively move one. I looked around and I noticed that I was on a cloud of reverie happily drifting over a city I've come to love so dearly.

As I made my way back to my residence, I had a wonderful dinner with a woman from Kosovo, a Chilean, and a Canadian; the smile stretched further across my face. I thought how lucky I am to be in this situation. Four completely different people, from four completely different regions of the world sharing a meal in a city that has brought us all together. I laughed and thought this is what life is about, the diversity of peoples breaking bread together. Simultaneously, I thought of four diverse instruments that are brought together to perform and make a beautiful song: that is life. The eclecticness and diversity we find in each other helps us to make our own song more harmonious and more in accordance with the human family.

For Christmas, my friend Rafael and I were treated to a wonderful Christmas dinner by two tremendous Rotarians and there families. Though I missed my family, it was like I had been adopted, and become a part of a new family. Plus, I was accompanied by new friends and also another Rotary scholar from Japan. There was laughter, serious discussions about each person's home and unique Christmas tradition, an incredible meal and then the lazy time around a television. I'm so thankful for all I've been presented. I thank Rotary for welcoming everyone with open arms, and treating every person they meet as if they were family. I hope one day I am able to give back as Rotary has so openly given to me.

For New Years, my good buddy Marcus from Sweden gave me a visit. Edinburgh's New Year's celebration is one of the wildest in the world. Actually, it was 80,000 people of organized chaos. There were so many people that I lost two friends in the calamity of people, but we all had a good night, nonetheless. Before the street party commenced, however, there was a great international party in my residence. My friend, Jess, had suggested we do a potluck meal, and share dinner and drinks before heading out. It was a flawless plan. My friend Marcus studied culinary arts for several years and he made this beautiful fresh Salmon, Halibut, and Mussel soup. My friend Andy made an incredible curry, Jess prepared savoury bread and desserts, my Canadian friend, Mini Becs, made a great pasta expressing her Italian roots. Rafael made a delicious paella, and I grilled up some fish using an assortment of spices; everything was divine. We brought the 2010 in style. It was so nice having the dinner and reflecting, with new friends, on the previous year and what could possibly be in store with new year. What would we gain from this experience? From pursuing a masters in an international city? Well if you don't take time to enjoy and truly experience, perhaps you earn a degree. But, if you find the balance then you can add many different notes to enhance your song, which in turn will help to influence others' songs you come in contact with. Life is a powerful movement of measures and syncopations, and if we listen and act upon the opportunities presented to us we can use our music to do great things. I'm excited to listen and learn my own song. I think when it's all said and done, I'm going to compose a tremendous piece of music that will greatly help this human family. I hope you're all ready.

The new semester has started and I am ecstatic about my new courses: War and Morality, American Foreign Policy, and Music, Technology, and Society. The first two are going to be very interesting and I'm sure beneficial in my future endeavors. The latter will also be very beneficial, but interesting as well. I have two hours of lecture, but then one-on-one with the professor where we sit and discuss music and society. This past Monday was my first session, and we sat for an hour discussing our musical interests, upbringing, influences, etc. I think it will be very useful, and hopefully I'll be able to tie into my dissertation. Life is good.

Thank you for reading. I'll try to be more up-to-date and to a better job of keeping you all posted and informed of my travels.

Finally,

Congrats to Sierra to being accepted and answering the call to the ordained ministry. You are truly inspiring, and I'm thankful to know such a tremendous human being.