“Why is it always so easy to want to be where you’re not?” This was a question that a friend of mine, who was serving as a student missionary in Africa, sent me during my first semester in Yap. I could completely relate, though I wish I did not. Why was it so easy for…
“A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes.” Luke 6:44 I love to make green juice in the morning. My doctor says it feeds the cells in my body so they can function better. I usually put celery, carrots, kale, a…
“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” Christmas as a volunteer missionary feels a little different. Maybe it’s hot, and you can’t even dream of a white Christmas.…
“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.” 2 Cor. 3:2 As a child, I used to play with dirt. I loved to pick up sharp objects or sticks and pretend I was an archeologist excavating a historical site. I would spend hours digging holes and marking my excavated…
There are some days it just feels like you just can’t catch up with life. You’re working hard, but the to-do list only grows longer. Or you get through the list because you skipped exercising, eating well, sleeping, devotional time, or investing in relationships. Or maybe you really blew it and feel the full weight…
After the last bite of my sandwich, the last picture taken, text sent, Instagram photo posted, journal-entry written and read…I finally…sit…still. I look. I listen. And I am overwhelmed. The expanse of the slate-colored bay meeting the distant line of trees and textured sky surround me. I feel the mystery of the…
In June, in a moment of brilliance, I started a countdown. With the water-cooler breaking down multiple times, it was time to cast our eyes on better days to come…in the new building. The North American Division has been on the path to moving out from the General Conference Headquarters since it’s official inception in…
The packed room hushed in anticipation as Peter and John stood up to tell their story. Rumors had been flying all afternoon among the believers, and everyone wanted to hear for themselves if the incredible reports were true. John motioned for Peter to speak. “Friends! We are so happy to see you! Thank you for…
To save money while in grad school, my grandparents graciously allowed me to move in with them, rent-free. It was a little humbling after living “on my own” for a year after college, but looking back, I wouldn’t trade that season of life for anything. I had the privilege relating to my grandparents as an…
On an unusually warm mid-February morning, I let the early Spring soak into me for awhile on a bluff overlooking the Rappahannock River in Virginia, thankful for some “D.C. detox” as I visited friends. When so much is going on in the outside world, it takes some time for the inside world to catch up.…
