i've been playing my guitar lately, preparing for the ride, taking music with me (in more forms than one as you will read!) i was playing that catchy tune "closing time" yesterday, and the last line of the song goes "every new beginning is from some other beginnings end." i have been having many "closing times" here at PSR as i prepare to fly away tomorrow for one new beginning with many new friends. last night and this morning i have been more than overwhelmed with the friends, or more correctly family, here at my school.
my close friend and neighbor kim montenegro organized a going away party for me last night; i figured some people would stop by and give me a hug, wishing me well. instead i left that apartment last night with a new ipod nano, paid for by my friends and family at psr. the intention of the gift is to use the music and alone time it will provide me with as a spiritual discipline for all the recharging i will need to keep "in the moment" on the ride. engraved on the back is my name and matthew 10:16-20 (i won't quote it here in attempts of having you look it up!) i also left that apartment having heard each person share their favorite memory of me. some memories were funny, some serious, some unspoken because they had been banned by me from ever been spoken of again (let the reader understand!) i really felt a true sense of christian support and community.
then this morning, in my last class (which is small and close, only 8 of us total) we closed our time together with a ritual. alan had searched for and purchased a beautiful candle which they will continue to light at the beginning of each class while i am on the road in order to center their thoughts and prayers for me and the ride. then he passed out a liturgy that sent me off with prayers of protection and thanksgiving. we read psalm 121 and 139. after the reading my class surrounded me, laid hands on me, and prayed for my well-being. i had mentioned before class started that i was still one of the few students that had yet to hear my sister friend janice's singing (she has been scheduled to sing the day before in chapel but was home sick). as arms embraced me, she grabbed my hands inside hers, which were over my heart, and sang in the most heavenly voice "great is thy faithfulness." tears watered my face, nourishing my soul for this rich journey that is ahead of me.
thank you PSR...not only do i now feel more clearly my support system while away, but i also know that you are only sending me out for a short while, with the intention of very soon welcoming back home. i love you all.
10 years ago
