autumn saturday

Looks like I have been “missing in action” for two weeks in the blogger’sphere. Where did the two weeks go? As it turns out, “time flies” here in the Southern Hemisphere too. Between full weeks and battling some sort of cold or allergy (possibly brought on by smoke in the city last week from rural fires a few hours away), I haven’t found time to write much. This Saturday morning was the first morning I have felt good and rested enough to enjoy some downtime.

Today really feels like autumn...the air is crisp (and thankfully now smoke free!). I am feeling refreshed! Some of the leaves on the trees are actually changing color. The Deans moved into their new house last week. Jeremiah commented that he did not expect to be racking/sweeping leaves here. We will see how this so cal boy adjusts to the dropping temps in the weeks and months ahead.

Six weeks into life and ministry here, the rhythm and routine of the week is beginning to take more shape. I am still working it all through and trying to find the best way to make it all flow. But, here is just a brief “work in progress” snapshot of what some of my weekdays looks like…
- Monday - Spanish tutoring & study
- Tuesdays - Staff meeting; time on the streets with the youth (and/or Friday)
- Wednesdays – Spanish tutoring; day with the youth at the church community center
- Thursdays – Spanish tutoring & study
- Friday – Spiritual Formation with WMF North American community; time on the streets with the youth (and/or Tuesday)

In between there is a lot of getting around via foot and public transport, reading, settling in, planning, etc. I am also taking the lead on facilitating the North American WMF community here through a process of spiritual formation which will include covenant to one another after our first year sharing life and ministry together. It has been an exciting role for me to jump into and opportunity to integrate all God has shaped and formed into me these past few years. I am enjoying working closely with Adriana on this, as she provides the valuable experience and essential context. But more on this later.

I hope to get back into a blogging groove soon and share some more regular updates and reflections…I know, I keep saying that. Specifically, I hope to write more soon on my first experiences with the youth here.

Until soon….