Road Less Traveled
<!--break--> Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling... Read more
A verse that has encouraged me
Isaiah 30:15 In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. Read more
Joy Comes!
We are officially fully-funded, plane tickets have been bought, and Visas are in the works! In just a couple short weeks we go through training on acculturation, language acquisition, and professional development. Then we will be ready to fly to SE Asia!!! I am so excited for what is next, but the reality of leaving hit me hard today. Our top priority these next couple weeks is time with friends and family--and it should be--but in some ways I want to just avoid good-byes altogether. I feel tempted to slip away and not see people because every time I do hang out with someone, I feel a dull... Read more
God's Never Late
There’s something beautiful about abandoned, forgotten structures. Maybe it’s because they’ve withstood the test of time. They’re brandished with scars, but persevere. Each broken window, stripped piece of paint, and missing floor board another layer to their story. Sometimes I wonder if God admire us in a similar way. Life might bruise us, but we’re still standing. We’re not perfect, but with each time life gets tough there’s another lesson learned and another tale to tell. Unfortunately, sometimes in the midst of hardship we forget something very important: God’s with us every step of the... Read more
An Interesting Encounter with a Critter
So originally, I was going to post a much different blog than this, but an interesting turn of events happened last night. So, I’ll post my more serious blog next time and for now I hope you enjoy a good laugh. Living in Peru has taught me a number of things. When I first arrived in the jungle I was shown again and again how out of my element I was. Each time I started to feel like I was getting the hang of things something would happen and I would be reminded of the fact that this is not my native habitat (i.e. lizards in my shower, termites in my walls, you get the idea). I have learned... Read more
A Written Letter
Freshman Year Dear Diamond, Welcome to college! I know you wish that you were at a 4-year anniversary AWAY from Carbondale, but trust me, it’s better if you attend community college first for free before you decide to go into student debt (AH!). You can survive a couple more years in Carbondale. Besides, it’s almost like a whole different world on campus. You won’t even remember that you’re only 15 minutes from home (well of course until you go outside to get in your car, or look out the window). Speaking of your car: Yes, I know you’re having troubles with your old car that your stepdad has... Read more
Meet Me Here
Jesus calls the dead to rise. In exchange for our brokenness, he gives us a new identity. He does what seems impossible. How can what is dead show signs of life again? Does a plant reach its full potential if it is cut from its source of nourishment? Yet, this is what He does. He gives us new roots and replenishes us from a well that never runs dry. Freedom is spoken over us and we no longer have to bear the weight of our shortcomings. Instead, we can run to our Father who invites us with open arms. He is calling us to more. He invites us into a celebration of what He is doing not only in our... Read moreAn Open Letter To My High School Self
Dear Falecia, I know that the last few years haven’t been easy. You’ve been hurt by those closest to you, and the places you once considered to be safe are no longer a sanctuary. You’ve been struggling with depression for quite some time now, and the habitual suffering in your life has jaded you. Although you tell yourself that God is good and that there’s a purpose for it all and that you’ll eventually understand it when you get to heaven, you’re actually living tragically in the infinite resignation stage. Not to fear, my dear. Once you acknowledge your losses and truly let them go, you’ll... Read more