The problem is, I often fail to say it.
Life these past weeks has been very full, and so much more than Sunday school classes and homework assignments. Sorry, that was easier to jet straight onto the blog, though! I hardly know how to capture the other things.
If two months ago you had shown me a snapshot of my personal life today, I think I would have told you to quit making things up. =) My roommates and I have grown closer, and we've had a few successful attempts at sharing our home and food -- and we hosted a clothing swap that was a blast! I'm dating a man who supports, stretches and nurtures every aspect of my life, especially the part having to do with my relationship with God. (Sorry if you haven't heard in person; dispersed technology makes privacy and disclosure a bit tricky.) Whenever I'm shocked by all this goodness, I remind myself that it's not like I haven't been praying for these things, and it's not like our Father doesn't give GOOD GIFTS!
Ministry is also dynamic these days. I love the freedom to pivot and focus on certain things in a given time-- it keeps me on my toes and invites constant discernment. Right now, the big things in my sights are developing financial partners for ongoing ministry and preparing for the Global Urban Trek in June and July. I'll be returning to Lima, Peru to direct the Trek, and so these next few weeks are full of accepting students who've applied, lining up host families, and coordinating details with partners in Lima. During this year, I have become fairly established in San Diego, deepening my familiarity with people and places here. It's been more difficult to hold that rootedness in a place in tension with my heart for the world, and particularly with my love for the city of Lima. Yet, my trip there last week reminded me of the joy of stewarding others in distant places, of seeing God's restoration at work, and of bringing people home not just geographically, but spiritually. Not a moment too soon, God jump-started my dreaming for the Trek this summer, and I am already amazed at how he has provided for it. It is so exciting-- definitely an experience already of redemption from years that were more difficult.
I was looking forward to Lent this year, largely because I enjoyed it so much last year. Yet, this morning I woke up and realized that sometimes I've even forgotten about it being Lent. Partly that comes out of so many things shifting and in motion in my life (with sometimes it being me, literally, in motion)-- whereas last year I felt stilled, in a place of learning and waiting. I also feel more distinctly the tiredness that falls on so many church people (church workers) leading up to Easter, "the big event," so to speak. "After Easter" becomes a common time designator, with a sigh. As for me, I am happily anticipating Easter. I can't believe Holy Week is upon us. Aaagh, I would love to reflect on that, too! There is so much more to say!
All in good time.