Dance Lessons at 10 o'clock on a Sunday Night

So I haven't written for quite some time. In fact, you may be wondering why I even started a blog at all. I guess my intentions were much more ambitious than I actually could make time for, but I hope to be able to post more frequently now that my schedule has drastically changed.

Today was so fun, I just had to write about it.

Yesterday was my last day of work at the hospital. I know had promised to entertain everyone with stories from the psych unit, but then I realized that may be sensitive subject for some people. In all reality, much of what I saw and experienced there was very sad, and truly, there were some things that were very humorous. I learned so much while I was there; I gained boldness, and I hopefully grew in compassion. I walked away yesterday, feeling relieved to be done with that part of my life. More than anything, I am so thrilled to be starting a new chapter in my life... I will be a Spanish teacher this year.

So, today, having left the old behind and getting ready for the new, I decided to let loose (just a little). Too often, I burden myself with worries about things that can't be controlled and of course, my attitude will reflect my frustration. However, today was different.

I went to church this morning. The message can be summed up by this: reflect more, take more risks, and do things that will last after you are gone. Okay. Good way to start the day if you ask me.

Then I went to a picnic with some friends of mine that just got back from the Appalachia Mission Trip. We swam and kayaked on Black Creek. And then, a crazy man attempted to throw me from a tube being pulled at ?? MPH... yeah, I'll be sore tomorrow.

After this was the Daraja (the "bridge" in Swahili) African Children's Choir concert. Look it up. They are fabulous.

And... the best part is that we are hosting three of the children and one of their chaperones at our house tonight. The girls taught me their dance moves from one of the songs they performed. This was the most fun I've had and the most I've laughed in a long time.

And if you were to see their smiles and hear their laughter... it is symbolic of their outlook on life... they are enjoying every minute of it... it's infectious and beautiful.

Good morning...

So, I woke up this morning much earlier than I would have liked and decided to read a little. I ran across this quote by artist Makoto Fujimura and I quite enjoyed it: "Art cannot be divorced from faith, for to do so is to literally close our eyes to that beauty of the dying sun setting all around us. Death spreads all over our lives, and therefore, faith must be given to see through the darkness..." Since art is based on our reality, we have to look through what is present all around us and find the beauty within it and we can only do that through faith. We live in such a broken world... but there is hope. ***

I thought this blog would be fun... and with the encouragement of my friend Ashley, I decided to go ahead and do it. I will enjoy sharing my photography, as well as some stories from my work at the hospital. I will also add some general thoughts that have encouraged me. I've never written a blog before and I'm looking forward to it. Hope you enjoy it.