I’ve always thought of myself as a beta kinda gal. Even as a child, it was mostly my younger sister who spearheaded our games and playing.
I was 26 the first time anybody told me I had demonstrated leadership. Continue reading The seed to lead: reflections of a beta girl
First day back at work. It’s cold and not a bit dreary in La Paz. I haven’t had coffee. Three mugs of tea can’t wake me up. Ten-minute siesta on my desk isn’t doing it for me. Streaming Bon Iver and feeling sad. Did I like my job before the holidays? I’m sure I did – but today I’m sure not feeling it. I’m … Continue reading Trite but true: make this your New Year’s resolution
It was exactly two months ago that I left Loja. I shed some tears on the plane to Guayaquil, just thinking about how two years in a place is an awful long time, a lot of love given and received. And now that I’m home, I can say I miss some things, my closer friends, things we used to do, the smell of the place … Continue reading After the mission field: two months on
So things have been really difficult with youth ministry at church lately. Well, it’s always been a complicated, uphill battle; but last month we almost threw in the towel. Numbers were dropping, meetings were badly coordinated in spite of our efforts to organise and plan more, a key leader withdrew, everyone seemed to be getting distracted. Morale was low. I said to the other leaders, … Continue reading snatches of encouragement
The month of April was sandwiched by two lovely visits from Australia – a few days with my parents at the beginning, and with a couple of friends at the end. But somehow in between and even during that time I was struggling (see part 1). Last Friday an unexpected timetable swap at El Sendero meant a later start for me, so even though it … Continue reading this state of mind 2
Cannot believe how pro I look in this shot! So far from how I feel. This picture was taken at I’s place, in his bedroom studio. He’s a professional sound guy, has worked overseas recording and mixing music. I was there with JA, JT and JM, and some new friends – they’d invited JA and me over to record some of our compositions. I had … Continue reading mad about music
I’ve missed solid Bible teaching, both hearing it and teaching. It’s funny how I feel more enseñada (accustomed, at home) here in Loja city than in Gonzanamá, and I’m generally content with how things are going with my ministry (in spite of frustrations I know are a natural part of being in ministry) – but this element has been a little lacking. Out in the … Continue reading teaching the Word
The past week or so I’ve been thinking about the time when I will go back home, flights, goodbyes etc – and with that, the niggling question of have I done enough here? Are there things I’ve left undone or waited too long to start and is it too late to begin now if I’m leaving in July? It’s not quite the same issue of … Continue reading about him
Came back to Loja from Quito the day after New Year’s, strangely heavy with melancholy. Similar sensation to coming back to an empty house after touring South America with my sister – though there was no reason that should’ve been the case. Couldn’t quite figure it out, couldn’t quite get to the heart of it, even praying over it. Then last night, an unexpected visit … Continue reading distilling melancholy
Been unexpectedly immersing myself in music a lot more the last few months. Back home I enjoyed music, I played guitar sporadically and sang for fun, but never at church or anywhere else public; composed occasionally. But I’ve been surprised by how much music has become more a part of my life than before. Think it’s partly being around JN and JA, because they’re both … Continue reading Singin’
⎯suansita⎯ 