T.Y.S.Y.L. Party

Friday night was special for me here in Kansas City.  It was the evening of my going away party. Judi and Keith Schwanz hosted the event at their home.  What a gift! So many people came over.  My Kansas City "worlds" collided on one night in one place.  It was so great to see friends from different places interacting.  I'm so glad I could talk (even if brief) to so many people before I left.

I didn't want to call Friday night's gathering a "going away" party.  It was a T.Y.S.Y.L. Party or   a "Thank You and See You Later" party. Yes, I'm going away.  I'm moving to Idaho.  But I'm a Nazarene. Kansas City is "Mecca".  Besides I have family here! I'll be back to KC eventually for something--a meeting or a visit.  Yeah, maybe this gathering was a going away party but it was more.  Last night was for me a thanksgiving for what God has been up to in this year. 

God has been so particularily involved in this past year as I've leaned into life with a posture of rest, waiting, listening and connecting.  I'm so thankful for an entire year off!  Waiting has not always been easy especially when I had no clue what I was waiting for. Knowing what we wait for is a luxury! But not knowing has been an adventure with surprises.  As I've waited listening has been my life theme.  It is a life theme to hold on to!  This season has been marked specifically by listening to myself, my environment, my relationships, and my experiences.  I've had a keen sense of God incarnating himself in all these areas this year.  This year has also been one of deep connection with people. MaryAnn and Malcolm, the people I live with, became family. People from Jacob's Well, NTS and others gifted me with their time, their stories and their hearts.  Friday was so great because I got to be with so many of them one last time before I move on to a new season.  There is sadness in leaving such great people. Yet there is thanksgiving for the gift of being here in KC for a year with them.  The people of this year have inpacted me more than they'll ever know.  Thanks to all my friends in Kansas City.  You have been Christ to me this year as you've rested, waited, listened and connected with me.   Thank you and see you later!

At the end of the gathering my friends prayed for me.  It was a humbling experience and a defining moment for me.  Was I being ordained?  What a gift it was to feel like I was being sent by people who love me. Gracias! Kamsahamnida! Thank You!