Christmas, Crying and Compassion

It's been a while since writing for two reasons: sickness and laziness.

I spent Christmas Day and then more doubled up on my bunk in pain. The only meds that I was taking were Tylenol and a cough drop now and then. With this very conservative regimen it took quite a while before I was feeling better.

I think my cold was compounded by home sickness for the holidays. This is the first year that I've been completely away from home and family and it really hurt. I missed our traditions of pecan pie, spiced pecans and gingerbread Texas-shaped cookies. I missed just enjoying family and a a candlelight Christmas Eve service with traditional Christmas carols. The holiday movies on the TV here didn't help, either.

Last weekend Mom and my brother came to visit, which was a huge surprise. It was really good to see them and to hear how Christmas at home went. That was the first visit I've cried during a visit in along time.

C. is in Peru right now, doing well and having fun, I hope. I can't wait to get out of here so I can spend time with her. I continue to pray for swift deliverance but who knows if He's listening or has it in His mind. This is no place for me (and many others) to be living. I thank God for the protection and safety I've had so far and the abundance of love and support.

Compassion - Henri Nouwen

"It is not proving ourselves to be better than others, but confessing to be just like others that is the way to healing and reconciliation.

"Who will choose the hidden place when the limelight is available? Who will choose to withdraw to a place of solitude and prayer when there are so many urgent demands made from all sides?

"It would be sad if we thought of compassion as a life of heroic self-denial. In fact, the compassionate life is mostly hidden in the ordinariness of everyday living. It means to become close to another person when we are willing to become vulnerable ourselves."

Simply Awesome, a True Delight

Today was THE day! C. came to visit and it was absolutely wonderful! We were able to talk face-to-face and reassure each other about our situations. One thing that stood out to me was her still very warm love toward me. I know that she loves me and that is an amazing feeling.

Upon that love as a foundation, I brought up the question of engagement, relating again to Kenneth Taylor's (author of The Living Bible)) story - an engagement that could've lasted for years. How crazy is that? It's kind of scary to think about but I really do feel that God is with us. He has been a great Guide during the past few months and I feel like He has given His thumbs up.

Today was simply awesome, a true delight.

Hope and Joy - Henri Nouwen

"While optimism makes us live as if someday soon things will be better for us, hope frees us from the need to predict the future and allows us to live in the present, with the deep trust that God will never leave us alone, but will fulfill the deepest desires of our hearts.

"Often we have come to the discovery that what we have considered to be hope and joy were little more than selfish desires for success and rewards. Painful as this discovery may be, it can throw us right into the arms of the One who is the true source of hope and joy."