Cruising along...

So, life is moving fast. Classes are well underway and I must admit, I am truly enjoying all of them. My favorite professor this semester has to be Sherman Jackson. He teaches Introduction to Islam and he really knows how to explain and keep lecture interesting. Learning about the beginnings of Islam, the Qur'an and how it spread through the world is fascinating especially since there are so many stereotypes about Arabic culture and Muslims.

My favorite aspect of the class is meeting new people. So far, I've met many Muslim students and as a result of those connections and also being friends with several people at the Jewish center, Hillel, I have become part of an inner-faith service group, called Children of Abraham. It's an offshoot organization from one in Indiana that collects surplus and donated medical supplies from around the Midwest to send to impoverished areas of the world. We had our first shipment of supplies arrive in Ann Arbor yesterday and we need to sort them before we send them off to Camaroon.

For me, it's just great to hang out people I wouldn't otherwise get to know. One night we tried to have a meeting but ended up just talking about philosophy and religion until 2:30 in the morning! So, in short, it's been a great experience, and a new one too, even for someone who has been around Ann Arbor for almost four years now. I'm looking forward to tomorrow because Children of Abraham is going to a Mosque in Detroit for some service work and then we're going to an Arabic restaurant in Dearborn, Michigan. It's definitely true that the best way to learn is to experience.

In other news, my job is picking up speed. I've been trying to talk with activist organizations on campus, especially ones who might have a stake in a reformed health care system in Michigan. We had Winterfest yesterday, which is when all the student groups get together and advertise to the campus what they are doing. I met with a ton of people, pre-med students, labor activists, people of faith and greeks. There's a lot of potential for organizing on campus for this upcoming election.

It's been cold lately. I can't remember when it was above freezing! But we've had some beautiful days. The pictures that I am posting...one I took of East Quad covered in snow and the other is of my friends in a wigwam in the Arboretum my freshmen year.

Well, I got to get relaxing. My mind is burnt out. Life is good, though. Peace out.