home sweet home

I'm back here in Victoria as of a week ago (April 20th). So far I've just been recovering from what felt like 6 months of cabin leading. My job was a joy and a challenge and i'm thankful for some time to rest and reflect on the happenings of this past year. I've learned so much about leading people, mentoring, and myself, mostly through my mistakes. It's a tough and painful way to learn, but possibly the quickest and most effective (oh darn). I've learned that when you are leading people your words are so important so pick them carefully and think things through before you speak. I've learned to listen more and ask good questions, while saving advice for when it's requested or absoultely necessary (I tend to be an advice giver just like my mom). I've experienced my weaknesses and my limitations through being at the very very end of myself, many times. That's not a happy place to be . . . it's pretty ugly actually. I think I'm at the beginning of learning how to let God do work in people rather than try to over advice them out of their problems. Mentoring is a delicate dance between standing back and letting God do the work and challenging people to grow. I haven't perfected that dance but I know that it is a very prayerful process. Overall I had a fabulous year amidst community, adventure, service, and learning. I'm finding that I'm missing my students and the friends that I've made in the other site leaders. They have blessed me and have been a big part of this special time in my life. If you're reading this, I love you guys (yes, all 35 of you site twoers). Leave a comment so I know where you're at.

For now I'm just chillin at the casa de mis padres (my parents house). I've rummaged through and wittled down everything that I own so now i finally feel like I've moved in! I've made a couple of trips to the thrift store with garbage bags of useful things for someone else. I've done lots of mending and i have more sewing to do as I bought patterns and material for 2 dresses. One must be prepared for the battery of summer weddings that are swiftly approaching (congrats Meg & Frank and Ruthie & Matt!). I've visited with a few friends Megan, Frank, Marijka, Rachel.....and of course Mr. tspray himself. All I can say is it's good to be off the phone and in person. phewf!

So I'm looking for work. . . but not too soon. I just want odd jobs for the summer and a real grown up job in the fall. I'm looking for a condo with my parents . . . and I'm looking for a roomate (anyone interested in livin' with lil ol me?). I'm looking to connect back up with friends and in many cases am waiting for them to come home from wherever they are. I'm looking for a bible study, the right group of people for this time in my life.

That's all for now cause I gotta do my taxes. Yippie!

Debrief in the Peg

I'm back in Canada! Right now I'm in the computer lab at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), the wonderful institution which gives me employment. We have finished grad and the students are gone so now we are debriefing as staff. This includes everything from spending time in the board room talking about how things went logistically, to walking through the park to a coffee shop to chill and chat. I'm going to miss my fellow leaders who I've really grown to love and appreciate.

I'm coming home soon.... in 2 days to be more specific. I'm really looking forward to spending time hanging out with people and reconnecting with my family, friends, and church. To all my friends out there in Victoria, are you still there? I think there's always some uncertainty as to
who is still around and how lives will (or perhaps won't) fit back together. I know that God has been faithful to bring people into my life and I know He will remain faithful.

I can't wait to see you all! (I really have no idea who reads my blog so perhaps there are some people who are reading this who are not from Victoria so I'd like to give a lil' shout out to you. thanks for tuning in wherever you are)

Coming home

Hello Everyone!

I have 2 more days in Guatemala (in a high security facility mind you) and then I´m flying back to Winnipeg for grad and debrief. I´m super tired so if you´re one for praying, please pray that i can make it through and not just that but conclude this whole year well with my fellow staff and students.

I´ll be back in Victoria soon but I know that I´m going to be hibernating for at least an entire week. i´m going to be watching ALOT of movies and sleeping.

sweet