Setting off on this adventure, I realized that my church life was going to look much different than it does at home. My communities were going to be drastically altered, and there would have to be some adjustment. Living in a country where less than 3% of the population goes to church is vastly different than my upbringing in the Midwest. Not a bad different, just different. Anyhoo, as I was preparing, I sent out a plea for books to sustain me in my travels...and I have quite the supply! Thanks friends!
A slight tangent (since I never ever tangent when I speak, right friends?! Ha): At Extravaganza, one of the keynote speakers was Enuma Okoro, author of Reluctant Pilgrim (one of the books I've already finished & which I highly recommend!). Her words have given me lots to ponder as I’ve embarked on this journey. She started her message by referencing her title: “I am a reluctant pilgrim. Always on the journey.” Starting out on this adventure, I struggled to let myself really allow that it was okay to go away for three months. Leaving my friends, family, relationships. Taking a hiatus from my ordered, crazy busy world…I am a reluctant pilgrim of sorts. It was tough. And when I stop soaking in the gorgeous scenery, meeting other international students, hanging out with the rest of the Concordia/Luther crew…it’s still tough. There’s a part of me that is starting to miss the comfort of my schedule, being constantly surrounded by people who know me, can read my face, get my weird-not-always-super funny attempt at humor, people who call me out when I’m clearly not speaking my mind...but that’s because what’s back home is comfortable, familiar…never easy or mindless, but it’s mine. In that sense, I am a reluctant pilgrim.
And I most certainly am on the journey of a lifetime! Despite any pangs for the familiar, I am totally and completely soaking up these people, these experiences, these classes: This is the opportunity to let go and do something different. A journey to greater independence, confidence, communication skills…the list goes on.
Throughout last fall, I had several conversations (usually over coffee) with some dear friends regarding this pilgrimage. Advice, wisdom & love was present in all of these convos, but in particular, these few stick out as gems that have sustained me in my preparation & my travels.
Early in November, I sat with one of you in Moxi. As we were sipping on our respective peppermint mocha & hot chocolate, I started rambling on about how I wasn’t ready to leave, to abandon my life when things were just sooo good; questioning what sort of insanity had possessed me to sign up for this thing anyway. And he stopped me and reminded me that there is real beauty in leaving when things are great-making it all the more exciting to return! And he did so by citing one of my favorite movies “You know, you don’t need to go all The Holiday and leave the country only when men are being stupid. You’re allowed to go when things are good, you know?” The way he said it, accompanied by the teasing, compassionate tone reminded me that this really is okay—doing something that is truly focused on me for a change…something I had never thought about before.
Another bit of wisdom came in the form of a text, something that was said regarding something completely other than Norway
And the Sunday afternoon before I left, I sat with one of my dearest friends & mentors in the Hyatt Regancy atrium chairs, finally allowing myself to grieve the leaving, express anxieties about all these new experiences that lay ahead. Not so much the words that she said, but the listening ear, the friendly presence, and the hug she gave me when we finished talking…that made all the difference. To hear a still, small voice, a gentle whisper remind me as we hugged that it would be okay, that she’d be thinking of me, sending me love, reassuring that God would go with me…that fifteen minute conversation was such a blessing.
Thank you friends. For your love & reassurance. For letting me ramble and babble….for being genuinely curious as to what I’ve been up to! You are so wonderful and I am so incredibly thankful for each of you and the role you play in my life. Love you much!
Prayers & Peace~L.
Prayers & Peace~L.
No comments:
Post a Comment