In the Words of a Very Brave Man...

It is hard work to chase hope.  Hope is not for sissies.

These people and this past week reminded me that it is totally worth it.  Thanks Wisconsin. (P.S. note the gorgeous nature of those stairs!)

The Best Advice I've Ever Gotten But Haven't Learned to Follow

How's that for a title? So, chatting with an almost Methodist pastor (he's a local pastor and 1 step away from ordination to Elders Orders, which means the whole she-bang), this advice came up.  I originally heard it six years ago now from my kickboxing coach.  Despite many blows to the head and a penchant for S Club 7, he gives good advice. He told me to "Relax and enjoy the journey."  Simple advice but true and important for me.  It has also followed me, because as I mentioned earlier, I haven't quite learned the lesson yet.

On other news, I had a visitor today.  Dana dropped by!  I was so excited to see her.  Apparently, I missed her on campus but she saw me driving the snaky road back to campus and flagged me down.  We had a wonderful chat on the side of the road.  You know you live in the sticks when the side of the road is an acceptable and logical spot to chat. Haha.

Tomorrow, I venture forth to work on a front porch, kitchen floor, kitchen windows, toilet, and living room ceiling.  Here's to hoping my crew brings their A game because we're going to be busy :)  Blessings to all my friends reading this!

Update :)

Recent happenings:
1. Our regular group of the season is here.  :D  They make me very happy.  It is such fun to have new people about and to head off campus to build things.  This week it is a mixed crew of college kids and community members.  They are new to RedBird Mission and quite laid back.

2.  We had Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner.  It was wonderful.  We had a crowd.  Linda organized everything as the pancake master.  I also became a church lady: you know, I made a beeline for the kitchen, said hello as I begin baking hashbrowns and flipping pancakes.   Of course this also meant a few pancakes never made to the serving line, but there is a kitchen tax after all.

3.  I had a semi-spring break despite the fact I don't attend school right now.  I went to Candler by way of Birmingham for a scholarship event Fri-Sun am in Birmingham and then Sunday-Wednesday morning at Candler.  Then there was Wednesday evening in Birmingham finished off by a trip to New Orleans for the Endymion ball with my family.  Fun all the way around.

4.  I get my own workcrew this coming week.  I am both scared and excited!