Flexing Practice

"Blessed are the flexible for they shall not get bent out of shape." The first time I heard this quoted on a short term trip to Mexico, it stuck with me as a missionary maxim.

In late April moving from my roommate-less apartment to an extra bedroom in a co-workers house took a bit of getting used to, and fortunately I quickly recognized it for what it was, a God-given chance to practice transitioning. This week I had a similar opportunity as I transferred back to Kentucky for a couple months.

Settling into Louisville this week, my home of ~21 years, surprised me in its difficulty. Many of the people here are the same, but their lives and friends have changed. For the first couple days I severely missed the intimate relationships and sense of purpose I had in Baltimore.

In many situations this week I shifted from a host to a guest, from a servant to the one being served, and from comfortable to a bit out of place. I admit, I probably won't be at ease again until I know everyone's name and plug back into the homeless shelter or the disabilities ministry, but I do recognize this unsettledness is good.

Not only does missing my Maryland companions reassure me that I don't have an unhealthy sense of detachment as I had feared, but the mild culture shock is also preparing me for the major one just around the corner. 24-48 hours is about the adjustment period for me to start feeling at home after a stateside relocation,

but it would be unwise to presume the Bolivian segue will be as fast or smooth. It's so nice of God to give me these little trial runs, and it was very nice of Javan and Thrive to put together such a fun 4th of July celebration. There's nothing like a day on the lake to get acquainted with strangers and reacquainted with old friends. (Disclaimer: I did not actually drive any boat.)

Kuhl and the Gang

During communion this morning at Mosaic, reflecting on the past year and anticipating the next, was more emotional than I was prepared for (so much so, that I actually had to leave the service to grab some tissues).

From my first run in with Mosaic in its prenatal stages as merely a dream, to this week's festivities consisting of a surprise 30th birthday party for Carl, a going-away party at their home, and a church-wide Orioles game with the family; the Kuhls have been an integral part in my contentedness, and now reluctance to leave Maryland. Not only do they love the Lord, UL sports, and everything Mosaic as much as I do, they've also been genuine, honest, generous, open, challenging, and encouraging to me. Their faith in me from details as small as the church finances to matters as important as their children's well-being has meant so much. My favorite evenings have often been stopping in to their house for an errand, and staying for a relaxing dinner, or a not-so relaxing UL game... I was so fortunate to stumble into this church family, but I've been even more blessed to gain the Kuhls as friends through this adventure.

Also of note: I received the "green light" to head to Bolivia, this week!! I purchased a plane ticket for August 27th and tomorrow I plan to apply for a Visa!

Making Every Moment Count

I've never really considered quality time to be one of my top love languages, but as the countdown to July 1st, my move date from Maryland to Kentucky, races along I find myself cherishing every moment with friends who feel much closer than the mere year we've been acquainted. Sacrificing a little sleep for great conversation over good food, fabulous bike rides, city strolls, or a plethora of birthday parties, is no real sacrifice at all. Here are just a couple of the fun things I've squeezed into the past week:

Celebrating Demetrius' entrance into adulthood with a small birthday dinner at RICA.

Erin and I enjoying a break for ice cream halfway through our ride on the Baltimore & Annapolis trail!

Culminating Girdy's 30-day long 30th Birthday Extravaganza.

One last Kate and Lauren night.

I'm frequently asked if I'm getting excited about the move, and I'd like to say yes, but with so many wonderful people to love on and be loved by, there hardly seems any urgency to leave. I take solace in reminders that my work here is finished as I see Mosaic thrive, and the comfort that on my next stop on life's journey there will be no shortage of lovable people either.

Spoiled Rotten

For the past two days I've had the pleasure and honor of hosting my last, and possibly most cherished, out of town guests of the many many that have passed through my burgeoning tourism company this year. My dear grandparents may tell you they've been spoiled by being chauffeurred around three cities and countless historic sites, with breaks for fresh seafood, but they'd have it backwards, as I'm the one who's been spoiled nearly rotten by the perfect combination of love, hugs, and ice cream! Their selflessness and generosity have been two of the biggest influences toward my own desire to share what I have with others. And their philosophy of extreme bargain hunting for yourself so you can spare almost no expense on others has impacted my spending habits more than they'll ever know.

I also had the treat of sharing the grandparents with my wonderful friend Brooke for an evening while she was in town to house hunt. Unserendipitously, she's moving to town the same month I'm leaving it. I'm terribly disappointed that I won't get to call Delmarva home with her, but a bit relieved that I'm leaving the area in such good hands! Brooke is also one of the most giving and caring people I've ever known. What a luxury it's been to bask in all of this kindness! I sure hope some of it has rubbed off on me.

"The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." -Proverb 11:25

Beautiful Feet

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

-Romans 10:15

Last night, that line of Paul and Isaiah's was used to motivate eager volunteers to serve like Christ at Baltimore's Convoy of Hope. Today, the irony of that statement became laughable as 1,101 of us squished through the mud for 9 hours, discussing throwing away our shoes after the day's use. But, at the volunteer rally it was also stated that "hope does not come without a price," and the sacrifice of a few shoes was well worth the impact this event had on so many lives around the city.

Eighty-plus churches from the Baltimore area came together, across denominational lines, and over obstacles so inclement perhaps only Noah has surmounted them until now. The week of incessant rain contributed to two broken carpal bones, two fork lifts stuck stubbornly in the mud, and at least two extra gray hairs on the heads of the leaders of this huge undertaking. But the Lord was gracious and arranged a picture-perfect forecast for us to host our guests of honor, the residents of Baltimore.

I never would have thought the concepts of "balloon art" and "stamina" would be so intimately associated, but after vying for the Guinnes record for most consecutive hours creating balloon animals, I think our small team made a difference in many children's lives. Even more importantly, the tangible gifts of haircuts, eyebrow waxing, mani's and pedi's, health checks, family portraits, groceries and clothing reached over 3,500 guests with God's love. More than 2,000 were prayed with, and 110 of those made decisions for Christ!

I'm feeling immensely thankful that we had the opportunity to participate in this awesome outreach. And a little sentimental, as this was probably my last large service project with my favorite church in the world, Mosaic.

Happily after ever...

I may have shed a tear during Fireproof tonight. I think that either makes me a poor movie connoisseur or a hopeless romantic. Either way, I'm blaming it on the relentless persistence with which marriage has been inundating my schedule this week.

Last Sunday, I went back to Louisville, for the first time in almost a year, to see two of my dear friends chose to be best friends for the rest of their lives. It was magical to witness how much it meant to them and to be a part of something so beautiful, genuine, and personal. (Between Brian Sites, Phil Wickham, U2, and Relient K, the music wasn't too shabby either.)
Less than 12 hours later I got to pre-celebrate my cousins future matrimony with a Bridal shower full of wedding talk. Back in Maryland Tuesday, on my lunch break I interrupted the Bridal shower my roommate was throwing a co-worker at our house, and faithfully did my part to prevent the other ladies from overindulging in cupcakes.

This afternoon I got together with a friend who is preparing to leave her husband. I listened to a story of a life I could not imagine for myself, and offered my unsolicited opinions with the lack of credibility having never been married myself provides.

And then I watched Fireproof. It may have been corny or low-budget, but it was sweet and sincere and true to the intent of marriage. The selflessness of a spouse is probably the closest we'll ever get to emulating Jesus, and true love can only come from God.

"Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They're really doing themselves a favor—since they're already "one" in marriage." -Ephesians 5:25-28 (The Message)

Giving a Voice to the Voiceless

This site may have a similar name, but it has the potential to do a lot more to affect social justice, than my stream of consciousness through this blog will ever do. Check it out...