Friday, April 12, 2013

.grateful down to the marrow of my bones.


i spent all morning at a clinic for farm workers
where i will be working one day a week
through this spring and summer.

hearing fast spanish flowing
makes my heart happier than i can say.

sitting in windowless exam rooms
and twenty-minute appointment slots,

all of a sudden
i couldn't breathe for gratitude
at where He has sent me...

for bolivia,
where i learned this language,
where i got this fire in my bones,
where i met the girls whose faces propel me.

for my year with head start,
where i fell in love with this population
and learned how i can serve and know Him in others,
right here.

for grad school,
where i am so privileged
to be learning,
which lets me get to do this work.

yes,
yes,
yes,
yes,
yes.

thank you for every single one.

for the homesickness
and the nightmares
and the faith crisis,

for the times in that wheaton year
that were long and lonely,

for the exhaustion
and frustrations
and my misfit in this academia world,

yes,

all worth it,

i would take them all again,

to be here, now, with them;

for all the places i can't believe i've gotten to be,

i thank you.

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Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.