There is something deeply satisfying about coming home after a trip or time away. Menial tasks like doing the laundry and hanging it on the line, cleaning my room, making sure everything is in its place, and putting clean sheets on my bed, make me feel whole and comforted. One of the best things is the coming home, and without sounding too possessive, having MY space to be in.
The last two weeks of travel have been lovely but I am glad to be back in my home. One week away was spent at a wilderness camp that Scripture Union runs. I had gone to this camp when I lived here before and it was wonderful to see new leaders stepping forward. Being out of my normal realm helped me to reflect on my life and work and my growing edges in ministry and internally. It was fun to sit by the fire, raft down the river, challenge myself to mountain biking, get lost in gazing at the uncountable stars, and remember my passion for working with both youth and young leaders. The camp was extremely windy and the tents all blew down. I had a lesson in patience as we put all the tents back up with 60 campers. Perfectionism and patience are two things I must work on.
After camp I flew down to Melbourne for a few days for a wedding, a birthday party, some networking, and a bit of much needed down time with friends. I came back through Canberra and then headed to Sydney for a rally/protest with a few young adults from my church. We went to be part of the Rescue, and event planed by the Invisible Children movement. Have a look at: www.invisiblechildren.com
Invisible Children are trying to raise awareness of the child soldiers in Uganda and wanting to encourage international support for ending that conflict.
Both the camp and the Rescue made me realise that I need to get a warmer sleeping bag because I slept outside for both events and did very little sleeping because I was so cold.
On Sunday I ended up at my parents and turned off my phone and rested for 3 days. I took lots of naps, read my book and enjoyed my parents company.
Now I am back in Canberra and I spent my first day wading through e-mails.
This week is the first week of a new term. This term our new youth council steps into leadership of our Friday night youth group. On Sunday we kick off our new mentoring program and start baptism classes. Our youth group Frisbee team goes to youth regionals in 4 weeks. I am hopeful that this term I will continue to work toward a better balance – between work and social life, between church work and Irene’s Place, between productivity and restful, fulfilled living. I am glad to be home and have renewed energy for this next term.
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