here we are again

sunday night.
I spent the day packing, and cleaning, and taking a very long nap.
tomorrow i'm finishing those things that need to be finished,
and buying the things that need to be bought.
it will be my last day in kona, for an un-determined amount of time.
then, tuesday morning, i'm on my way back to Haiti.

this night reminds me of our DTS graduation in march.
dark sky and bright cafe lights. i'm really not sure
how time can pass so quickly. and how we can end up
exactly where we started, only to start again.
which really makes me realize
how important it is to live for the day.
not to take them to seriously, but document those moments.
the reasons life is really that good.
this week I found myself at a cafe downtown, reading,
having a coffee and watching the rain, on the waterfront.
and on wednesday i'll be in haiti, killing mosquitos,eating beans and rice,
and taking many cold showers.
it's all about perspective.

the reason I can find joy in both of those things
is because i'm following God to these places,
the things I get to experience just because I'm willing to go.
sure, its not always easy, or perfect, or clean.
but it is definitely never dull.
so as I packed up today, and weighed my suitcase
I was gently reminded of that.
it isn't me alone, it really isn't me at all,
it's simply that I said yes, I'll go. send me.

"Let me not be blind with privilege
Give me eyes to see the pain
Let the blessing You've poured out on me
Not be spent on me in vain
Let this life be used for change"

kona Life

Returning back to Hawaii, has been different in a number of ways.
It's crazy how a place can be so defined by the people, and experiences that
were there before. This week has given me a lot of time think about my previous trips, and get prepared for the next one. I'm spending most days in the
DTS (discipleship training school) office. We are calling students, and getting the last few pieces of the school wrapped up. I'm really enjoying my time there,
and its been good connecting with future students. It's allowing me to become very invested in the school. The longer i'm in Kona, the more excited I am to go to Haiti. I really never thought that I would be looking forward to it so much. Going home made me more aware of the things I have to live without here, it's also put a perspective on what is really important. Sometimes it's good to be out of that comfort zone, I find it only draws me closer to God. Leaving again has also helped me figure out where my heart is. I want to keep living for God. And I want to keep reaching out to the Nations. I find so much more joy in this, than all the material things that I have, or could have. I know that God calls each and every one of us to something different. And i'm not even necessarily sure that this is my life calling. All I know is that this is where I want to be for now, and i'm walking with God in that.

I'm also praying about going to university, fall 2012 or the year after,
this is a little description of the course, I'd love input!

International Development Studies - University of Toronto Scarbrough
"Our programs provide students with a critical understanding of international development issues through exposure to a variety of academic disciplines, cultures, and, in the case of the specialist co-op program, an overseas work experience in the field of international development. The IDS programs are challenging and intended for bright and self motivated students who are interested in both excelling academically and actively engaging themselves in the pursuit of social justice around such issues as poverty, inequality, and oppression. The students in the IDS program take initiatives, seek empowerment, are driven to solve social and environmental problems, understand the importance of teamwork and coordination, and are responsible and accountable. They have diverse interests that span the social sciences, humanities, and environmental science, all of which is underpinned by a strong sense of social responsibility."