I often find myself saying “Oh that will be fun!” or asking “Was it fun?” or in general being concerned that people are having fun. I wish that my language was more specific… I wish I could express that I mean joy and not “fun.” Because joy is found alongside deep sorrow, as well as in simple moments and random quotes. This week of being Fleshified was incredibly joyful… (and obviously fun too.)
I reconnected with old friends; Jourt, Ange, and April especially. I love how Ange tells stories, she always makes me laugh even when it should be one of those “you had to be there” stories. April’s questions make me think deeply, and she has such a genuine, strong sense of humor. It is the affirming kind of humor that laughs at others’ jokes as much as her own. Jourtney is sweet and not guarded in her heart, it is open to Jesus and to loving truly. I forgot how short she is, which means that we need to see each other more frequently than every 18 months, especially since we can always pick up right where we left off. Spending the nights at the Nehers gave me an opportunity to spend some quality time (definitely not enough) with Matt, Julie, and Fin. I love this family, they have this way of welcoming that says “We want to be part of your life, and you to be part of ours, wherever you are in your journey.”
Meeting the new staff was a gift! I love Kyle and the Snaders, they will bring unique presence and energy to the Asia family, and Kolkata staff in particular. The Harrells were my last new friends, only about 30 minutes before leaving for Michigan again, but I think the current staff is so blessed to have these new community members. Spending some time with Nepal Andrew was illuminating… Although the popular opinion appears to be that Andrew’s “Bringing Sexy Back Moves” on the dance floor took the night, I actually am torn between his general smart-A comments, which took me aback a bit (I find my own medicine a little bitter), and our quality time at Upstream before everyone got there. He is not who I expected, and makes me excited to know him more.
As always, I heart the Office staff. Chad and Amanda at the after-party, Hilary and Marcia asking me about my Confirmation; rejoicing for me and with me in my journey, Brent and I getting to dream about Best Practices and Administration. This may be the third beer talking, (jk) but talking about the nuts and bolts and procedure of relational ministry makes me think “Simple! Qualitative! Black and White! Emotion Free!” and my spirit relaxes. I was a bit chagrined to watch Daphne and Didi pouring sugar on themselves, and I think that Caleb may have been too. However, I am honored to take part in this time-honored method of worship and community. There are not words for all the dance moves… I’m just glad to see the happy meeting of Brent’s vision for the finances of WMF with Jara’s penchant for seeing humor in all the idiosyncracies of life. (Falling dollar, Rising Euro- this story will never end).
You would think that with a weekend like this, we should all go home and sleep. No! Five of us; Jesse, Calvin, Ben, Kara and myself defied reason and all logic to drive from 7:30 am until 1:30 am to arrive in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On the way we stopped to practice our tribal warfare with Peruvian weapons in Rockford, a city that is actually one hour north of Chicago and not twenty minutes off of 80. We also played endless linguistic games and almost died in a car accident on our way to stop at my parents’ house. That was crazy as my two world’s collided with a bang, my best friend was unexpectedly engaged… and asked me to be her maid of honor, and I saw my family for the first time in over a month. It was joyful though, and I think good for all of us.
The next few days hurt my face with laughter, from being at Lake Michigan while it was snowing(!!! hard core Michiganders !!!) to Kara’s Dad, “I was dodging hard boiled eggs like it was my job.” (On two weeks of Nepali cuisine, I hear ya Dad). The “Oh Gantas” abounded, along with (not so funny) mawkery of my Michigawn ah-ccent. I still contend that my accent only sounds bee-aaaad because my voice is so high pitched. But whatever, it doesn’t get old having four people imitate you everytime you use a word with a vowel in it. (Except for the vowel “h” which is generally silent.)
I have decided, as a reward for their steadfast endurance of many Liz insults and side comments, to give each of my honorary Michiganders a special “Rampantly Judgmental” Award.
The Award for “Best Moment With Liz’ Family” goes to Jesse Heirendt, who is also the recipient of the “Most Distinct Vocal Inflections and Body Language” award. As we walked away from my parents’ house Mom called out a final injunction “Make her behave!” Jesse shouts back, “I don’t think that’s possible!” Good one Jess. Hah. Actually that laugh was sarcastic, because it was NOT funny.
“Most Quotable Quotes” goes to Kara. Some of her highlights include “Don’t put this on quotable quotes!” (refering to my Facebook wall), and “If I want it I’ll have it and if I don’t, I won’t.” (just general life wisdom) I already refered to her distinct “Oh Ganta!” and of course, the characteristic Six “Oh Gosh!” which could be translated as some combination of “I’m afraid! I feel doubt! There are so many bad situations that could result from this!”
Calvin receives the “Best Sleeper and Least Allergic” award. I unfortunately neglected to mention to this ex-Straight-Edger, the solely animal sensitive party, that I have a cat. Praise the Lord, my magical cat did not kill him. Also, he fell asleep on the hardwood floor, without a pillow, blanket, or mattress, while we were talking, shouting, and yes- someone may or may not have tried to feed him a slice of tasty carrot cake. Good work.
Ben is the “Least Sensitive and Most Sarcastic” award winner. This lack of sensitivity does not apply to climate as he wore three coats the entire weekend. This is fine for Brazil, but in Michigan we wear flip-flops until it snows. (And yes, I did prove that theory this weekend). A last minute but wonderful addition to our party, it would not have been the same without his laughter and stories, photographic skills, or old school Macbook to watch rap music videos on.
There is so much more joy to share! However, I doubt that any but the most steadfast of heart and loyal reader of this blog will have made it through my epic adventure. So I will end here and send you all Much Love with one hand clapping from Michigan! Of, if you prefer I send you my own personal rendition of Fast Car… “I got a Fast Car, I got a job that will get us out of here!”
