Kindred Spirits

After two months of blog-less-ness, I have been inspired to pick up writing again. I find it ironic that it happened to come from Facebook (I still have a love-hate relationship with it). Thanks to Anna who left a kind message on my wall, I started reminiscing about the good 'ol Xanga days when all of our friends all had our own page. Of course some wrote more than others and some more interesting and others more entertaining. It saddens me that it seems like now-a-days we are all far too busy to take time to reflect let alone write for the sake of writing. So here's to all my fellow bloggers who find joy in writing and reflecting on the big and small things of life, on love and loss, on hopes and dreams; thank you for letting us share a glimpse of your world!

This month, Cyrus and I celebrated our 6 months anniversary. Somehow, it's a strange combination of gratefulness, excitement, scariness, relief, joy and stress. We have been told that first year is the toughest and I definitely believe that. There has been many ups and downs for us. And during this half year (which went by real fast), we have had our fair share of sappiness, arguments, struggles and growth. Aside from learning to live together, we have reached that stage where we are starting to see each other's real flaws and learning how to accept and love each other anyways. I am extremely grateful for all the support we have received from those around us, near and far.

Lately, the concept of community has really come to light for me. After attending NEAC for almost 2 years now (it hardly feels that long), I am finally starting to feel connected and at ease. From since our new English pastor officially started and began focusing on prayer to now (which was in early October), I am starting to feel its impact on the church. This week, between attending prayer meeting on Wednesday and our praise team practice this morning, God has really moved me to see the needs of this church and given me the desire to care ad love the people in a whole new way. In fact, I am convinced that God has been doing the same thing in Cyrus and even some of the people close to us. I have no doubt that God is responding to our prayers and stirring in the hearts of His people. It has been very encouraging to see the fires that He has re-ignited in some of us and it is my sincere prayer that these flames will spread among the congregation and beyond.This is especially dear to my heart because many of NEAC's struggles reminds me of WAC and all the struggles they were going through while I was there. Most of all, this new family is really starting to grow on me. It felt as though a die-hard Canuck fan is finally switching over to cheering for the Oilers (that's not really the case but I just thought amidst of all this hockey-madness, the analogy would be quite fitting). But I am finally learning to move on. While WAC will always be in heart and prayers, my focus is now on NEAC and I need to love these people like they are my real family. Seeing God move among us here is not only encouraging but also empowering.

It has been a while since I have felt this kind of passion and hope for church and ministry (aside from Mexico of course. but missions do have that ability to give people spiritual highs). I am super grateful though. The burden of stress and guilt have been weighing on me for far too long. Perhaps getting sick twice in row and being forced to rest did have it's up side. Now that all these have been lifted from my shoulders (and heart), I finally feel alive again.

You are my strength
Strength like no other
Strength like no other
Reaches to me

You are my hope
Hope like no other
Hope like no other
Reaches to me

In the fullness of Your grace
In the power of Your Name
You lift me up
You lift me up

Unfailing love
Stronger than mountains
Deeper than oceans
Reaches to me

Your love O Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness
Reaches to the skies

You Are My Strength // Reuben Morgan