This summer was that moment for me. Except I realized I was driving 100 mph with my eyes closed. Don't worry, this is a metaphor. Once I had a chance to stop, rest, and reflect this summer, the magnitude of my busyness swept past me at an alarming speed. Here at BFA, we often say that the first year of service is like drinking from a fire hose. So much information and responsibility is thrown at you for so long, it starts to feel normal. This summer, my supply of busyness was abruptly cut off, and it was then that I realized how busy I had been.
Don't get me wrong, it was a great summer. Reconnecting with churches, supporters, family, and friends. Not your typical summer vacation. But there were so many moments of peace and rest. Here are a few:
Boston with Clare and Emily, roommates and besties from Wheaton. Both have recently moved to Boston, which is only a seven hour drive from Rochester, so of course I had to go and visit. We wandered the Liberty trail, showed Clare her first Fife and Drum Corps, attempted to avoid the many tourists, and cooked a delightful dinner together in Emily's apartment, above a horse barn.
Ocean view in Plymouth, MA with Naomi, Rachel (cousins), Dad, and Anna. My parents and sister actually joined me for this trip to Boston, and stayed with family in the area. I've flown over the Atlantic recently, but haven't stuck my toes in it for some time. It's cold!
Babysitting Faith's darling twins. These cuties were born last November, so I had not yet had a chance to meet them. So I volunteered to watch them while Faith worked! Spent some fun time in the pool with their big brother, as well.
Quick overnight stop in Pittsburgh with Anna and Katie! Anna and I drove out to Wheaton for two weeks, but Pittsburgh is (kind of) on the way, so we stopped there for the night. Katie was in the same study abroad program as me in Munich two years ago. It was wonderful to see her again!
Exploring Chicago with Emily and Abbie. This day was rather impromptu (from my perspective) since I was invited to tag along that morning. But thank you both so much for including me! We visited the Museum of Mexican Art, found a cozy bookshop, and ate amazing Puerto Rican food.
Dreams coming true: seeing Hamilton, courtesy of Xander and Abbie. I still can't believe that happened. Go and buy your own tickets! Now!
Hiking in Stony Brook State Park (NY) with Sarah and Andrew. Picnicking and hiking go hand in hand. Plus, I miss the amazing river gorges of New York State. Perfect Saturday activity.
Salvatore's pizza with Josh, a random Appalachian mountain man. (Just kidding, he's my cousin.) Josh has been hiking the Appalachian trail for a few months, and he was about 4 hours away, so he decided to hop on a bus and meet us in Rochester! This was less than 24 hours before I left for Germany.
By no means did I take pictures with everyone. This is just a sampling of the many people who made the summer a restful and successful one. Thank you for the love and care you showed me!
Now that I'm back, it's time to slam on the gas, and go full speed ahead!
All the 2017-2018 BFA staff.
