Chapter 33: In Which "It's About that Time"

It's about that time. The winter chill has lost its charm, and the hope of spring is still too distant to grasp with any sort of conviction. School is starting again tomorrow and I am well aware of the higgledy-piggledy balancing act that will be my life in the coming months (between teaching 5 "new to me" classes, singing on the team at fellowship, chaperoning a trip to Beijing for the Model United Nations students, and acting as the Baker in "Into the Woods," I have a lot on my plate).

It's about that time. I know that MANY people (especially in colder climates*) really struggle through the winter months. And I am no exception. I have learned this about myself: mid-January through Easter is often a time of apathy and indifference.

It's about that time. All of these feelings combined with the fact that China isn't "new" anymore, and you would think it would be a recipe for emotional/spiritual/physical/apocryphal disaster on the grand scale. An extraordinary outburst of indifference and angst. You would think . . .

But I have just had so much peace here. And it's certainly not from me (see above dreariness for proof). Even though I am expecting that the apathy which often tempts me into laziness will surely strike, I'm also just so thankful for where I am and what I am doing (even though I forget that sometimes).

I highly recommend being in His will. It makes all the difference.





*read "Minnesota"

Chapter 32: Five Postcards from an Evening on Guimaras

1. Braved the "stormy" ocean
    To find the place where
    Natives leap
           off lace-sharp stone               
    To cerulean velvet








 2. Witness bold sunset colors
    Easing into delicate fingers of magenta light
    That sweep the wisps of clouds to subtle beauty.

                      3. A glimmer on the shore
                                   Leads to
                    Dancing magic on the waves
                                       stars in the sky
                                       stars in the sea





               4. The great hunter
                         hides behind
                             the fronds,
               while the god of thunder
               boldly meets the sea.





5. that deep breath you take
just before sleep catches you
when the world is beautiful
and all is well
 

Chapter 31: About the Author's First Dive

I have been in Davao, Philippines for a few days, enjoying the good food, culture, and company.

I had my first scuba dive in the ocean today. It was amazing. I debated coming on this trip, but now that I'm doing it I'm really thankful.

Today we saw:

- 6 lion fish

- parrotfish

- clownfish in their anemones

- lots of starfish, sea cucumbers, and corals

- 3 pufferfish

It was pretty cool. Also, the scenery wasn't half bad.