Adventure
"Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more." Isaiah 65:18-19
Overseas Adventure!
Hiking up the Andes Mountains in the small farmer town of Girón and coming upon the most amazing cascada (waterfall) that I have ever seen was a reminder of the beauty of God's creation. I just returned from a 10 day trip to the country of Ecuador, where I spent some time exploring the cities of Guayaquil and Cuenca, relaxing on the beach town of Montañita, and visiting my good friend Meg. It was wonderful to catch up with my friend, and to take a break from the busyness of life in Boston to experience this adventure. While the country was beautiful, and everyone I met was so nice, I was also confronted with poverty unlike any I have ever seen. This trip was an important event for me in that I was finally able to see firsthand international poverty. I am excited because my trip coincided with the Lazarus at the Gates Bible study I am a part of, which focuses on living simply so that we can give generously to help address international poverty. Isaiah 65:18-25 has been an influential passage in this study, where Isaiah paints a picture of shalom for the people of Jerusalem. This passage was one that was close to my heart as I traveled through Ecuador, knowing that many in that beautiful country were suffering from injustice. I hold onto the promise for those overseas, and those in my own urban neighborhood that one day the sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more as God provides for them. I am thankful that I was able to travel, and now have been bit by the traveling bug! I look forward to more adventures in the future.
Lots of Wisdom
Back home, I helped organize the first ever Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) Boston Training Institute, held March 28-29. Amidst running around to keep things flowing smoothly, I picked up on bits of wisdom from our speakers and other attendees of the conference. Mary Nelson, who has been working in Chicago for over 40 years, continually reminded us that "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope," quoting Martin Luther King Jr. As someone who has pessimistic tendencies, I appreciated the reminder that sometimes the greatest asset in our community can be the hope that we have. Furthermore, being around people who have been doing this work for many years inspired me to prayerfully consider what my role may be in community development in Boston long-term. Stay tuned...
