vay-kay-shun

Don't you just LOVE the English language? ...

After experiencing my WORST birthday to date I frolicked my way down to GR for some Sabbath and community.  I read once in a book by Nouwen that to one often has to look outside of the community they exist in to find the things they need (Asher's paraphrase).  I find this true.  But only because I don't live in GR. ;-)  (the book is The Inner Voice of Love. It really helped me when I moved back from New Hampshire)

For those that don't know, God used Grand Rapids to save my life.  And although I can't say in any certain terms that the salvation was physical, it was, without a doubt, the best thing that has ever happened to me.  During my time in GR I discovered hidden darkness, ignored wounds, and a plethora of other such unpleasant things.  The reason these discoveries were good is that I had amazing friends and mentors who loved me to healing & truth.  I had a confidence I had once only dreamed of.  In retrospect, it would have been better to move back to GR after NH.  And apparently Aza's been saying that ever since I moved back.   (I don't recall that.  But I'll trust him here)  

This most recent trip was for two reasons.  1) Sabbath.  2) Celebrating my birthday.  And I am glad to say, that after a month with no real break, I rested.  And after the worst birthday in the history of Asher, I had amazing birthday celebrations with good friends who really are family.

Friday I hung out with Larry and we had amazing Chinese, played a game, talked.  Then there was game day.  I only had enough "E" left in me for two games.  The first I won!  After that I found a corner and read.  Later Heather, Kelli, and I went out to dinner at TGI Fridays.  Collectively, we had nine to-go boxes.  Go us!  

Saturday was my day to hang out with two of my favorite teens, ever.  Katie & Alyssa.  Well, Katie and I were suppose to do breakfast, but she ended up being grounded.  ooops.  I did get to see her for a few minutes, at least.  Then Jim, Momo, & I had lunch.  Good times.  Then it was time for me to frolic off to Grandville to find Alyssa's home.  I had rough directions, but they were of little help.  After a good hunt, I recognized some street names from nearly two years ago when I interned! I found the house.  Woot!(side note: she was grounded, too!  we almost didn't see each other!  whoops.  her mom reconsidered at the last minute, though.)  Alyssa & I spent our time at Starbucks talking and laughing.  I miss her already.  During that conversation I remembered exactly why I majored in Youth Ministry.  And there's nothing... NOTHING in the world I'd rather do!  

Alyssa & I

Saturday night Megan & I hung out.  There's another woman I missed like crazy.  She means so much to me.  We grabbed a pizza from Papa Murphy's and went back to her place and chatted.  She is one of the few people I can be completely me and at peace around.  Her boyfriend came by and I got to know him.  He's a great guy, and I'm so happy for her.  The three of us tried stumping each other with riddles and tricks and then we watched Stranger than Fiction. I loved it!  Then Megan & I drove around and talked before she dropped me off.  

Sunday was an "oops" day.  I got LOST on the way to Mars Hill.  No, I'm not going to explain.  I didn't end up going, though.  It was sad.  I spent the afternoon with Heather's family.  I won at monopoly! WOOOHOOOOOO!  I never win.  And we play every time I come over.  About time.   After dinner we all went to town and got dessert in honor of my birthday!  YAY.  The only cake/ice cream I had in honor of it, this year.  So I've decided that this year my birthday wasn't really on the 25th.. but the 28th, 29th, and 30th.  I stayed an extra night and got up this morning, drove north, and went to work.  And now it's back to the work-sleep cycle that is my life.  

I am hoping I can move to GR in the Spring.  Although, I'm not really sure.  I haven't prayed about it at all.  All I know is that I fit a lot better there than I do here!

Asher

ps- I found out Thursday night that my best friend is having a BOY.  Ahhhh!  yay.