American Confusion
In October, I was able to return to the states for a solo art show in Decorah, Iowa and a visit home to Minnesota. It was a strange thing to be a visitor in the place where I am from. I was overcome with jetlag-induced joy when I returned to American soil as I followed the English-speaking security guard’s instruction on which line to wait in, and where to scan my passport. I’d like to share the experience of my first few moments back in the United States because it nicely illustrates the phenomenon of culture shock and reverse culture shock. This is what… Read more >>
It is a Gift to be Present
Here’s an update of “where I’m at right now”. I have recently been affirmed by a series of exciting art opportunities and feel more ownership over my unique role in my diverse team, while continually realizing the necessity to not do things alone despite having a unique role. I love Artists! I love our gallery space! I love exhibiting work in our gallery space! This picture accurately expresses my overflowing joy for that gallery space…just radiating happiness in a sea of onlookers. I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue to regularly visit a refugee transition… Read more >>
Bike Trip!
I went on a church bike trip, did not finish, but learned from this avoidable yet vulnerable circumstance! How bad could it be? Have I ridden a bike in over a year? No. Have I ever biked with anything other than myself on said bike? No. “Was I positive that the weather was going to be fine? Yes. Was I wrong? Yes. Did it take three weeks to walk normally after this endeavor? Sure did! Do I have a good attitude about the whole thing? Yes, maybe inappropriately so. It was strange to say yes to something that I did not think I could actually do. I was not… Read more >>
Goodbyes and New Starts
In the past month, three teammates have returned to the states due to the end of their time commitment. This has been difficult, as each member of my team is incredibly unique and valuable. They have been close friends, teachers of Hungarian culture and role models of passionate and authentic ministry. I feel this loss, and at the same time, it has become a start to a new and exciting next chapter. I haven’t read this chapter yet, but I can maybe read the title, and it looks promising! It is not a new story, starting from scratch, but a second chapter, building off of… Read more >>