January 09, 2008

Falling In Love

I spent the afternoon in Urban Mill, a coffee shop in Grand Rapids. I had the best chicken pesto grilled panini ever, and a spiced chai tea latte- simply delicious. I did some work, read for a while, and hung out with Stephanie. It was very enjoyable.
Spending time with a good friend, chilling with no time limit or place to be, I was thoroughly relaxed.
When I left, I drove around the area for a while, admiring the houses. I love that area. The houses are so unique, and the area is amazing.
Every time I drive into the city, I am in awe of the skyline. I know that there are many cities with bigger and better skylines, but this one captivates me. Every time I get a glimpse of it, it is as if I am seeing it for the first time. I have to remind myself to pay attention to the curving road.
Once in the city, I continue to gaze at the buildings. They are so random, yet they make perfect sense. Each and every time I go into the city, my desire to live there grows intensely. Today was no exception.
Our lease is up in April....

January 04, 2008

Opposite Worlds

Tonight, as I begin to wind down for the evening in my warm comfortable house, I am exhausted. Today was yet one more day that we went to Muskegon. While I thoroughly enjoy our trips there, they tend to wear me out. Today was no exception, in fact I think I am more worn out today than normal.

The opposite worlds that people in our lives are in boggles my mind. On one hand, we were able to see a glimpse of some beautiful things happening. The details are not mine to share, but as we talked and laughed, I was overwhelmed with joy, and glad to be able to somehow be involved in this story.

And then we left to visit some family. After we each were able to spend time with our sisters, and were back together to talk about what is new in each of their worlds, my heart was broken. The pain and hurt that fills Tony's family is worse than before, at a time when I thought there was no way for things to get worse. For the last two years, his family has been going through hard times and every time I think that things could not possibly get worse, they do. We try to help, but really, there is nothing we can do that would make a difference.

I am emotionally drained. My mind and heart ache. And yet I am surrounded in comfort. I have clean clothes, food in the fridge, a roof over my head, a loving supportive husband, a working and mostly reliable car, caring and kind friends, the list goes on...

Most people, when wanting to find a way to serve the community, do not know where to find someone in need, or what they can do to help. We have family that are in desperate need of help, but we are in no way able to meet their needs.