What Gives Me Life

Home in Idaho has had its challenges.

Today I realized one of those challenges. Most of my conversations about Mission Year with family and friends has focused on my daily schedule and community living. After these conversations my heart ached for more.... I wanted to share the ways I have found life, God, and my passions.

I finally got to do this with my mother today as we ate sandwiches and drank caramel macchiatos at Rembrandt. I felt so alive within this conversation. I was able to share my heart. I want to do that with you as well, so without further ado I begin.

I find life:

• In the way I am stopped by my neighbors when I am out walking. It takes me longer to get to my destination, but I am blessed by my interactions, whether it is with Miss. Jenkins, Charles, or Mama Liz.
• Within my English Avenue community. I live, serve, work, and grow with people who have the same passion for justice and way of life as I do.
• In New Life Covenant. I attend a church that desires to partner with and empower the community.
• In the ways I have grown and have been challenged in my faith and thoughts on matters like race, justice, and poverty.
• Seeing Jarrod everyday at S.A.Y. YES! I experience great joy and laughter as we pretend we're being chased by aliens or wild wolves as I walk him home. In order to make it to his house safely Jarrod and I use our superhero powers (mine is my hair power according to the little guy). I love his imagination and enjoy acting like a kid again.
• In the way my neighbors are so giving to me and my team.
• In seeing people who are committed to fight for change. Seeing people who are committed to loving people who are different from themselves. Seeing people who are committed to listening and understanding. I am learning a lot from these people and I am joining in these commitments.

The lifestyle I am learning about through Mission Year is a lifestyle I want to live for the rest of my life. It is in this lifestyle that I find life.