Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Right Here, Right Now
Last night, after the air cooled down, I went for a run. It was wonderfully windy and I caught a beautiful sunset. While walking back to my dorm, a young man in a white shirt and tie approached me. He walked with me and talked about how he's in Colorado for his two years of LDS work. We ended up having a long discussion about how we came to know truth, how we currently determine truth, how we feel we are being spoken to, and the authority of the Book. It was seriously awesome! The sun went down and the wind picked up (later there was a pretty intense storm), so I asked if he'd join me in the L's thought. He didn't have it memorized yet, but wanted to think together anyway. It was an encouraging encounter. I don't want to generalize too much, but when I looked at him, all I saw was a fellow created one, searching to know Him more deeply and serve Him with greater diligence. That's what I'm trying to do too. The Father gives us opportunities to interact across human-made boundaries right where we are. China is going to be awesome, but this was awesome too. Thanks, Father!
You Will Be Led Forth in Peace
Early Monday morning, my parents drove me to the airport and we said goodbye. In the previous days, I'd asked Him for a peaceful departure so I reminded myself to watch for how He'd provide peace. I cried a little as I shuffled into the security line, then came Peace Provision A: Tarl. Tarl was in front of me in line and turned back to make general conversation, "So, is it early enough for you?" When he looked taken aback, I briefly explained my tears, then encouraged him to distract me with a story. He told me about his work travels and we connected over our dedication to nine hours of sleep per night. The chatter was a blessing.
Later, on the plane, I had a great discussion with the woman next to me and then slept the rest of the way. Stepping into the Denver airport brought a rush of loneliness. I reminded myself that I am never alone and walked to the place where my organization would meet me. A friend I'd known in China was there and we chatted all the way to the training campus. Peace Provision B - check! The tears have not returned even once and it has been an awesome privilege to meet so many new people with wonderful stories of how they came this far.
Later, on the plane, I had a great discussion with the woman next to me and then slept the rest of the way. Stepping into the Denver airport brought a rush of loneliness. I reminded myself that I am never alone and walked to the place where my organization would meet me. A friend I'd known in China was there and we chatted all the way to the training campus. Peace Provision B - check! The tears have not returned even once and it has been an awesome privilege to meet so many new people with wonderful stories of how they came this far.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A Rich Day
Today was full of reminders that life is rich. Not mediocre. Not lacking. Rich. Amidst the endless little to do's of preparing to leave, it was good to have a day like today. Here's what happened:
*Breakfast with Janet: She's my 91 year old thought partner. When I arrived at her house, the table was set with pretty china plates and tea cups. Janet's drinking water comes from a well in her backyard, so she poured me a glass from a large jar. Curiously enough, the orange juice was also served from a canning jar, but I didn't ask if she had an OJ well. We ate, read some King James out loud from a Book her parents gave her in 1943, and talked to J together. Then, we picked raspberries. Janet is waiting for J to return any day now and told me she'd be waiting for me at the east gate in heaven (the phrase comes from a song). I drove away, hoping that the image of her standing on her front lawn waving would be indelibly fixed in my memory.
*Meeting James Vincent: My former roommate, Becky, gave birth to a little boy last Friday. At four days old, I'm pretty sure he's the newest baby I've ever held. Usually babies look a little smooshed and awkward until they're older. James was captivating. I found myself studying the wrinkles on his tiny feet and watching his face morph through interesting expressions as he slept.
*Lunch with Karin: My former co-worker and I chatted over lunch. She's a reminder of how He puts people in your life for specific times and purposes. Three years ago, the two of us bonded over figuring out how to teach fourth grade for the first time. She's been an invaluable support ever since, even though our work positions have changed a couple of times.
*My Laptop Arrived: For the first time, I own my own computer. No matter how I look at it, I'm one wealthy, privileged girl.
*Breakfast with Janet: She's my 91 year old thought partner. When I arrived at her house, the table was set with pretty china plates and tea cups. Janet's drinking water comes from a well in her backyard, so she poured me a glass from a large jar. Curiously enough, the orange juice was also served from a canning jar, but I didn't ask if she had an OJ well. We ate, read some King James out loud from a Book her parents gave her in 1943, and talked to J together. Then, we picked raspberries. Janet is waiting for J to return any day now and told me she'd be waiting for me at the east gate in heaven (the phrase comes from a song). I drove away, hoping that the image of her standing on her front lawn waving would be indelibly fixed in my memory.
*Meeting James Vincent: My former roommate, Becky, gave birth to a little boy last Friday. At four days old, I'm pretty sure he's the newest baby I've ever held. Usually babies look a little smooshed and awkward until they're older. James was captivating. I found myself studying the wrinkles on his tiny feet and watching his face morph through interesting expressions as he slept.
*Lunch with Karin: My former co-worker and I chatted over lunch. She's a reminder of how He puts people in your life for specific times and purposes. Three years ago, the two of us bonded over figuring out how to teach fourth grade for the first time. She's been an invaluable support ever since, even though our work positions have changed a couple of times.
*My Laptop Arrived: For the first time, I own my own computer. No matter how I look at it, I'm one wealthy, privileged girl.
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