I live in Boston

After seeing a buncha lovely UVa buddies at A&D's wedding last Saturday, I grew unexpectedly and immensely home(VA)sick. You know when your heart physically aches from missing someone? As if someone reached in and began wrenching and twisting it? I felt like that several times per day this past week-- missing old friends, familiar community, being understood without having to explain.

I'm trying to cope; I don't know where I'll be for my intern year or post graduation, but I know that I'm here now. I thought about constructing a list of things I love about Boston. That wouldn't be hard-- I could immediately think of at least 20 things at the top of my head... after all, I'm part of the rare breed that loves the cold, winter, and snow :)

The problem has been remembering and internalizing what's good. Living in the moment & appreciating it. It's so easy here (as it probably can be anywhere in the world) to see what's missing: what could be better, what desperately needs fixing, what relationships could be deeper. Wanting more.

The life I led in VA was one I'll forever treasure; being part of a loving & truth-seeking community grew me in so many ways, especially in opening my eyes to the way God Himself is revealed through the ways we strive to seek Him and love one another.

What about now? Here? Today?

I want to try keeping track of these treasurable moments and appreciating what I have. Now. Here. Today.

This morning, I can think of 2...

Shirin. Last night was Hannah's birthday, so a buncha my classmates and I went to dinner at Orinoco's. We were on our way to a lounge post-dinner for further celebration when Hannah began feeling motion sickness on the T-ride. None of us had disposable bags/containers with us. She held one hand tightly over her mouth, embarrassed to make a scene. Her roommate Shirin (another friend & classmate of mine) quickly emptied the contents of her pink Coach purse, handed it over to Hannah, and whispered, "Just use my bag, seriously don't worry about it. It's just a bag." Shirin stood right next to Hannah and held her purse close by the entire T ride, just in case. I don't think Shirin knows Jesus, but I see Jesus in her.

Cedar House. The 5 of us who live here try to have brunch together once every 2 weeks to catch up more in depth and pray. We essentially all go to different churches and spend our days in starkly different settings. The commonality? We're all trying-- trying to seek God, obey Him, love those around us, and make an impact in His world. We're all single, and our families all live a good distance away. And we're all looking for depth in our community as a house. I've lived here for 8 months, and it's been pretty darn cool to be part of a group that doesn't have all the answers or know the exact next steps, but that is trying-- trying to do what's right, asking each other for help, and encouraging each other along the way. I love brunches in general, but brunches with these gals have been extra special.