I love...

Small worlds! Really. Is there anything better?

I flew back from Guatemala today (was there for a close high school friend's wedding - magical) and who did I run into in the airport, but Victor, the Director of the orphanage my friend Alice and I visited back in May in Western Rwanda! What?!

I love chance encounters like that. It was too sweet being present with that inspiring man again...and not just anywhere, but in his home country. Of all places! He was home visiting his Mom, who's on the mend in Guatemala City.

Grace. Getting what we don't deserve. It is a gift, totally unearned and unexpected, one that we could have never orchestrated on our own... "The presence of God can be experienced as much between people as in them, and God's grace is what makes the connections between people that wouldn't happen otherwise" (John V. Taylor)... "It's a little bit of extra help when you're feeling stuck or doomed or, probably, hopefully, out of good ideas on how to save yourself, and how to salvage the situation or the friendship or the whatever it is..I wish it was accompanied by harp music so you could know that's what was happening but for me it's that extra pause or that extra breath or that extra minute's patience against all odds" (Anne Lamott).

I like that. These quotes originate in a super book I just read, graciously sent to me from the author, Cathleen Falsani, whom I met on her visit to Global Alliance this past year. I feel special because it's the first time my name's ever been mentioned in a famous person's book. Thanks Cathleen. I was happy to learn you're an ENFP, too. And hey, your book's nzuri sana. It was just what I needed to read upon returning home.

Look it up friends: Sin Boldly by Cathleen Falsani.

"We show each other grace, we are grace for one another, and I'd like to think we inspire each other to be gracious to the rest of the world."

"Sin boldly. Believe boldly. Rejoice boldly. Pray boldly."

"One is changed by what one loves." - Joseph Brodsky

"Got to let go of the things that keep you tethered; take your place with grace and then be on your way." - Bruce Cockburn

On my way I go - back to SIT for my Master's thesis presentation. It's been four years in the making. I'm anxious to be done, but I'm trying to remember: IT'S ABOUT THE PROCESS, NOT THE PRODUCT. You PIM 64-ers out there know what I'm talking about!