Many people always ask about my work. It's hard to understand what I do from a business world. Shoot, it's hard to understand what I do when I ask myself to describe my job. However, is it my dream job?
No. It's close, but it isn't it. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy my work and the things that I am doing. It has been a job that truly uses my strengths (and my weaknesses) and brings me back day after day with a feeling of accomplishment.
So, what is my dream job? Well, I have this dream of living along the border of the US and Mexico. I would love to find an abandoned church and turn it into a haven. My family and I would occupy some of the space as our home. Also in the building would be a few apartments for families currently working through issues along the border. Whether they've been split up or they're working with immigration or they're looking to find someone, it would be a safe place for them to rest for some time. Another section of the building would be filled with community resources. Legal, English classes, medical support, job training, etc. The possibilities are endless.
I have this dream. I am convinced that even with this job, I am becoming more and more prepared to fulfill this dream.
What are your dreams? How are you on your way to accomplishing them?
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Friday, July 4, 2014
Difficult Days
"Mama said there'd be days like this... there'd be days like this, my mama said..."
There have been so many different difficult moments in the last few weeks, it's hard to really write about them.
In the past 6 months, here's what has happened:
My friend, Monica, passed away after complications prior to a medical procedure.
I flew out of Grand Rapids and back to NYC without my love... several times.
My first pastor at Home Acres, Pastor Rich Baukema, passed away.
Eaic came and then left again... and then came here and then left again.
One of the dear elders at Home Acres, Pete Slabbekoorn, passed away.
There were several days without heat or hot water in my old apartment.
I fell and got a third degree sprain in my ankle/feet.
My car broke down.
I have had flight nightmare after flight nightmare.
There were bad days when I had no idea what my future really looked like and who would be in it.
There were fights at the food pantry.
There were things that I wish I didn't have to do, but come with my role as program director and supervisor of staff.
There were days when I went home and just plain crashed from the emotional stress, the physical stress and the mental stress at work and in the apartment.
I'm still here.
It's nice to have sat here in my vacation time (filled with moving and other stresses) and still reflect on the fact that life, while it has given me some difficult days, is really pretty good. God is good and He has really continued to bless me. Those difficult days are just those: only days. They pass and the next day gets a little better.
So, next time you're having a difficult moment, day or even week - remember it will get better. The difficulties won't last forever. Scream, cry and even kick a little bit. Be angry. Be sad. But trust - it will end. I promise.
There have been so many different difficult moments in the last few weeks, it's hard to really write about them.
In the past 6 months, here's what has happened:
My friend, Monica, passed away after complications prior to a medical procedure.
I flew out of Grand Rapids and back to NYC without my love... several times.
My first pastor at Home Acres, Pastor Rich Baukema, passed away.
Eaic came and then left again... and then came here and then left again.
One of the dear elders at Home Acres, Pete Slabbekoorn, passed away.
There were several days without heat or hot water in my old apartment.
I fell and got a third degree sprain in my ankle/feet.
My car broke down.
I have had flight nightmare after flight nightmare.
There were bad days when I had no idea what my future really looked like and who would be in it.
There were fights at the food pantry.
There were things that I wish I didn't have to do, but come with my role as program director and supervisor of staff.
There were days when I went home and just plain crashed from the emotional stress, the physical stress and the mental stress at work and in the apartment.
I'm still here.
It's nice to have sat here in my vacation time (filled with moving and other stresses) and still reflect on the fact that life, while it has given me some difficult days, is really pretty good. God is good and He has really continued to bless me. Those difficult days are just those: only days. They pass and the next day gets a little better.
So, next time you're having a difficult moment, day or even week - remember it will get better. The difficulties won't last forever. Scream, cry and even kick a little bit. Be angry. Be sad. But trust - it will end. I promise.
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