Advent

I am having serious writers block this week! The issues running through my head lately just seem to huge to tackle in few paragraphs. So, while I sort out my mind you should watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU

A Healing Presence

This morning I held a woman's hand as she cried. As she spoke of her troubles, losses, pains, and fears I held her hand.

To be a healing presence is humbling, transforming, and awe inspiring. To be a healing presence is a privilege, a blessing from God. For in these moments--in these opportunities for healing--we can know and feel God working through us.

Vocational discernment is an important element of my YAV year. The process is just beginning and I do not know what is next. I do know that I long to serve God by be a healing presence--in the lives of children and adults, in the life of the church, and the community.

day to day

When creating a blog post I feel a certain pressure to write something profound--to take a part of my day and turn it into a great story and life lesson. Today I thought it would be useful to simply make a list of what I have been doing the past few months. You all back home might enjoy knowing a little bit about what I am doing down here! But also, it is good for me to reflect on the sometimes hidden progress being made. So here it is!

Things I do at Metairie Ridge:

-teach Sunday school
-serve as liturgist on occasion

-sing in the choir

-work with the youth (we are getting ready for youth Sunday)

-a chapel service for the 3 and 4 year olds attending the preschool

-prepared an advent devotional book

-go to meetings

-go to more meetings

-plan family events like the corn maze and maybe some Christmas carolling

-slowly but surely clean out the youth room

In addition to these things (and probably some more I am not thinking of at the moment) I have started a new part time position at Ochsner's main campus (the hospital). I have the very official title of "Chaplain Assistant" and get to wear a badge and carry a pager. My role is to make an initial visit to all newly admitted patients (except for the Catholics--they have their own Chaplain). I have been doing a lot of shadowing and learning over the past few weeks. Today was my first day on my own. I think it will take a little time before I am comfortable but I think I did pretty well for my first day out.

In addition to work, I continue to train for the Mardi Gras marathon. I also spend time doing YAV things--we have a weekly meeting, family dinners on Sundays, meetings with mentors, and an upcoming retreat. In the midst of all this I also found time to go on vacation with my family--some pics are posted below.