inspiring.

Tomorrow, the 21st, I will have been in Boston for one month - and, friends, what a month it has been. :) I came to Boston with no small number of expectations, and high on the list was the assumption that this move would bring about a period of self-reflection. If you know me well, you'll recognize that it doesn't take much for me to go there - often, a good film or a conversation with friends will move my thoughts in the general direction of the inner life. That being said, moving to Boston and working alongside both the staff and clients at the Mission has offered a unique opportunity for insights into the workings of my mind and heart.

Living in Boston thus far has been both wonderful and exceedingly challenging. So many changes have taken place over a relatively short period of time, which sometimes leaves me feeling like I'm just trying to catch up. I'm adjusting to walking and riding the subway everywhere, living off of a VISTA stipend (and, as of today, actually following a budget), and being in an urban environment 100% of the time. I no longer have the option to hop in the Camaro, crank up the latest in my revolving collection of favorite tunes, and drive off into the sunset. These days, I can't simply run across campus or drive across town to meet up with a friend.

This new place, though, is the fulfillment of my dreams for the last two years (dramatic? yes, but nonetheless true!). I get to live in a fabulous city, with skyscrapers and wonderful food from all over the world and a snazzy public transit system. I don't have to worry with the concerns of the upkeep and insurance of a vehicle. And I get to work with people who desperately need to know that someone believes in their ability to change for the better - which, because of God's grace shown to me, I absolutely do.

For those of you who pray, I'd like to ask for prayer for a couple of things: first, I'll be spending part of Christmas Day at the Mission with our clients, many of whom are estranged from their families. The holidays are an especially rough time of year for those dealing with addiction. Will you ask that, on Christmas Day, God would strengthen the hearts and will of these men and women? My hope is for them to know, in a very real way, the joy of the season. If we take seriously the teachings of Christ, people like our clients - former addicts, prostitutes, and others forgotten and ignored by society - are seen as infinitely valuable and welcome to participate in God's work of new creation. Isn't that what Christmas is about, anyways - God's good news breaking into the human story and opening the way for something beautifully new? Second: I am hoping to do some case work during my time at the Mission, and it seems that this might happen sooner rather than later. Though working directly with the women clients is something that I'm passionate about doing, I'm still a bit nervous. As I learn more about what it takes to be a caseworker, would you ask God to give me an open, teachable spirit - both when it comes to spiritual and practical insights?

By the way, it has been snowing all day yesterday and today and is currently 20* (but feels like 7!) It has actually warmed up a bit from this afternoon. I sincerely feel happy to be here at Christmastime - yes, it's terribly cold and kind of yucky, but beautiful. I'll post pictures soon.