This IS Home

In case you haven't caught the drift, I am a little obsessed with this Switchfoot song from the latest Chronicles of Narnia movie. I will say that it is a good background to how I feel right now being in Colorado. I'm finally where I belong, where I belong...

And I say this without even having met more than one of the youth kids. But the reason is that I have already fallen in love with the surrounding mountains, the nearby lake, and the family I am staying with. My dad and I shared a spaghetti dinner with the mom and the daughter last night where we just talked about each other, and had many laughs.

Then today, I spent most of the time hanging out with Jordan (the daughter) getting ready for a camping trip to Wyoming tomorrow. We also watched a couple movies (Vantage Point and Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants), had dinner with the family (with more great laughs), and I am soon to actually pack and go to bed.

I guess technically, tomorrow is my first day of work.

A Lesson in Community

I just finished watching Lars and the Real Girl with my mom this morning. I warn you now that the movie is quite strange. However, in the end, it is one of the most beautiful examples about community that I have ever witnessed. For those of you who don't know, as I imagine many have not seen the film, it is about a hermit character (Lars, played by Ryan Gosling) who has a delusion about life size doll (Bianca) being his girlfriend.

And yet, instead of shacking him up in a mental institution, as might have been the easiest option, the entire town finds creative ways to make life comfortable for Lars. One woman gives Bianca a mannequin job three times a week; another woman gives her a haircut; they find opportunities for her to "volunteer" at the hospital. Instead of laughing and poking fun (which honestly, might have been my reaction), they embrace him in his struggle to cope with a bad memory from his past. The doctor too, is brilliant in her way of patiently communicating with Lars and Bianca.

I began to think about what Jesus said. I guess it has something to do with what the church should look like--a group of loving believers embracing outsiders and loving them wherever they are. And to clarify, evidenced by the ending of the film of which I don't want to give away, embracing a person where they are is not a case of mere tolerance. The hope is that showing unconditional love to someone struggling in sin, will lead to repentance. 

Twas a cute, funny, and thought-provoking movie.

Henderson

I am leaving for Colorado in just a few days now. In order to actually make it over there, I needed a car. Some of you may remember my yellow truck (her name was Adelaide, as inspired by an Anberlin song), but she was sold while I was traveling around Europe for twenty-two days. That's the power of Craig's List for you!

Any who, the search for the new (used) car continued upon my return, and I was able to purchase the car I really wanted! As you can see, it is a gorgeous silver 2004 Honda Element--the perfect mountaineering/youth group craziness/moving vehicle. It was a reasonable price, as well as an all-around more utilitarian vehicle than my other options (a Suzuki SX4 or a Dodge Caliber). And I think it suits me just fine. I am all the more excited for my trip!