New Neighbors

I have recently been hanging out with my neighbor; she rents from the same lady I do. We have been walking together about twice a week, and it has been good for both of us. She told me last week that she believes that people are put into her path for a reason. I'm not sure yet what purpose I will serve in her life except to perhaps encourage her to grow more in her relationship with God.

Today, I met another new neighbor. She's moving in across the street. We met because I sneezed loudly as I was getting ready to head over to volunteer at the high school, and she said, "bless you," and asked if it was true that allergies were worse in San Diego. I said that it was possible, and then she asked what instrument I play. I told her that I play cello, and then she said that she had been a classical pianist, and an actress. In the next ten minutes, she told me that she had just had reconstructive facial surgery. I assumed it was because that's what all the hollywood folk are doing these days, but then she told me it was because some guy had beat her up and broken almost every bone in her face. It ruined her career, and because he had been stalking her, she moved away from LA.

Then she said, "I'm sorry for dumping all this on you, and we've only just met...I'm just so glad to be alive."

At this point, I don't know how often I will be seeing her, but I think there is truth to what my other neighbor believes, that God brings people in our paths for a purpose. In this case, I am reminded that every day is a new day, and a new beginning.

Lost and Found

How I feel when I'm lost:
anxious, scared, worried, confused, frantic, hopeless, resigned, panicked, and alone.

How I feel when I'm found:
relieved, joyful, happy, carefree, and loved.

The sermon this week was about the man who had 100 sheep, and when he realized that one of them was missing, went to find it. It made me think about the times where I have actually been lost, hence the list above.

Skillz

Skillz
I was wearing my "I got Skills" shirt so I thought I would update you all on my skills. As of today (a la Napoleon Dynamite):

• Googling skillz
• Fly Swatting Skillz
• Cello-ing Skillz
• Endurance Walking Skillz
• Rock Climbing Skillz
• Secret Researching Skillz
• Digitization Skillz
• Paper Airplane Making Skillz
• and Speed Reading Skillz.

(I might create a new list everytime I wear the shirt)

Adam

Adam, my brother, called me last night and it was so good to hear from him. We love each other, but we do not communicate very often. I think we are both making more of an effort, and it shows. He is going to be more local this summer, and I'm looking forward to seeing him more often. Hopefully he can give me another surf lesson.

What I appreciate about Adam:
Has a good sense of humor
Is a good teacher
Has fantastic Barbecue skills
Is there when you need him
Can charm anyone
Is kind and good natured

Another Easter Eve

It is another Easter eve, and I'm caught up in the busyness and anxiety of my life... trying to manage a group project for one of my graduate classes, trying to find a new roommate, and worrying that I'm nowhere close to living the life I wish I could live.

The beauty of celebrating Easter is remembering that it isn't about me. God cared for us, and loved us enough to sacrifice himself on a roman cross, and then rose again, that we might also gain eternal life. The depth of this love is significant. God has promised to provide for those who believe in him. Easter reminds me that I can trust that love to carry me through all the tough times in life.