In January, Eric and I looked at our calendar for the year ahead, which was already filled out month-by-month. I asked him if he had any goals or resolutions for 2016 and, in all seriousness, he said his goal was to survive - just get through it. It would be a busy one, we knew that. But at second glance, we looked at all those things penned into the year and realized that each one reflects a little bit of who we are at our depths or gives us an opportunity to grow into the people we want to become. Our life is full, but it is full of great people, great opportunities, and great work.
Even so, life requires balance. Too much of a good thing, I have learned, can still tip my sanity in the wrong direction and right now I crave a literal and figurative coming home. We are just now recovering from the busiest season of a busy year. To be clear, I'm not a fan of busy. Uganda has won me over with the slower pace of life, and I am, very gradually, shedding the American cultural obsession with busy-ness.
In May, we returned from our trip to the states and had a lot waiting for us on this side of the world. Here is a snapshot into what we've been up to in the last month and a half:
-- We met an Indian mystic during his trip to Uganda. We were privileged to snag a front-row seat and be in the presence of Sadhguru during a small gathering at the Indian embassy.
-- We traveled to Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia while visiting some of our students who are attending university in Albania and attending an International Leadership Gathering with people from over 40 countries. More on that to come, but here are some sneak-peak photos:
-- I hosted 3 baby blessingways for dear friends and mothers-to-be. I just love this ceremony and it feels more sacred and special each time.
-- A team of colleagues and I managed to pull off a conference for over 200 people, mostly from around Africa, who are involved in mentoring work and who, despite coming from diverse religious backgrounds, love, admire, and strive to live by the teachings of Jesus.
-- We spent a weekend in Jinja to celebrate our anniversary and partake in some much-needed relaxation and doing NOTHING.
Now, I crave rhythm. I want predictability and I desire to stay in one place long enough to deepen my soul roots. I yearn for long stretches of time alone and with those closest to me. And so I will soak all of this in for the next few weeks, but 2016 is not yet over. Next month, I'll head to the states once again for a couple of weeks where I will begin a 2-year program at The Living School and then road trip with my parents across the Southwest to attend my cousin's wedding. So there is more on the horizon, but for now I am here.
Stay tuned for more pictures of our trip to the Balkans!