I have a love-hate relationship with change. I love new adventures, new places, new challenges, new technologies, etc. I hate when the boat is rocked, hate to be disappointed when things aren't the way I remember, etc. I hate the painful adaption needed to adjust to change.
Earlier in the week, my family drove about an hour away to our favorite restaurant, Hoss's, an amazing steakhouse that has a killer salad bar. It's been a family tradition to celebrate major occasions there (or to find a reason to celebrate something). This week as we attempted to celebrate my homecoming, we discovered that Hoss's, my dearly beloved Hoss's, had closed it's doors for good- victim to a crummy economy or failed management or some other demise. I felt personally wounded, let down, betrayed. How can such a fine thing fade into oblivion? I know we're just talking about a restaurant, but this cut deep. This change, I hate. My family also got a new digital TV service provider so all the favorite channels I had once memorized are now obsolete. Though this change is tolerated because it means lightning fast internet allowing for new podcast downloads! Wendy's Junior Bacon Cheeseburger, once 99 cents, now $1.69. Poor change, but more meat.
Going away for a year then coming back exposes one to the change that has occurred. Buildings appear where forests once grew wild and untamed and parking lots replace meadows. Ah, the suburbs. People also change: married, divorced (sadly), new babies (also some sadly), engagements, graduations, new jobs, etc. People are moving on with their lives. I had a tough time in Chicago for the few days I visited. I had expected things to be the same, as they were when I lived there 3 years ago. Foolish thought. People change, they move on and it's time I do the same. Living in Africa tends to freeze time- maybe it's the lack of electricity, simple living or general delay in modernization. Much of my life still feels so 2010.
Today we end 2011 and welcome a new year and with it comes inevitable change, for both good and bad. For me, I return to my little town of Moroto tucked away in Uganda, not sure what will take place over the next 12 months. Technically I committed to another year, but shortly after I left for the winter break the local government banned 4 NGO's from working in their District, one of them being mine. I have no clue what will take place in the next few months. As Matthew (6:34) instructs, "don't worry about tomorrow...each day has enough trouble of its own." I pray, and that's all I need to do. I welcome a positive change in Uganda, specifically in their government, the way they work with people like me and the way they lead. It could be a tough year.
I've never been a resolutions guy, too many broken ones. But I look forward to 2012. I'm in a great place to explore some options, travel the world, help people and "seize the carpe" (day).
One "resolution" I do have is to try harder to stay connected with people stateside. I need to be supported more and I need to reach out more to people who can listen, advise, instruct, correct, etc. So, help me with this.
While I wish you all an amazing 2012, I know it will bring its challenges. May we respond well during those times and may God seriously bless you!
Earlier in the week, my family drove about an hour away to our favorite restaurant, Hoss's, an amazing steakhouse that has a killer salad bar. It's been a family tradition to celebrate major occasions there (or to find a reason to celebrate something). This week as we attempted to celebrate my homecoming, we discovered that Hoss's, my dearly beloved Hoss's, had closed it's doors for good- victim to a crummy economy or failed management or some other demise. I felt personally wounded, let down, betrayed. How can such a fine thing fade into oblivion? I know we're just talking about a restaurant, but this cut deep. This change, I hate. My family also got a new digital TV service provider so all the favorite channels I had once memorized are now obsolete. Though this change is tolerated because it means lightning fast internet allowing for new podcast downloads! Wendy's Junior Bacon Cheeseburger, once 99 cents, now $1.69. Poor change, but more meat.
Going away for a year then coming back exposes one to the change that has occurred. Buildings appear where forests once grew wild and untamed and parking lots replace meadows. Ah, the suburbs. People also change: married, divorced (sadly), new babies (also some sadly), engagements, graduations, new jobs, etc. People are moving on with their lives. I had a tough time in Chicago for the few days I visited. I had expected things to be the same, as they were when I lived there 3 years ago. Foolish thought. People change, they move on and it's time I do the same. Living in Africa tends to freeze time- maybe it's the lack of electricity, simple living or general delay in modernization. Much of my life still feels so 2010.
Today we end 2011 and welcome a new year and with it comes inevitable change, for both good and bad. For me, I return to my little town of Moroto tucked away in Uganda, not sure what will take place over the next 12 months. Technically I committed to another year, but shortly after I left for the winter break the local government banned 4 NGO's from working in their District, one of them being mine. I have no clue what will take place in the next few months. As Matthew (6:34) instructs, "don't worry about tomorrow...each day has enough trouble of its own." I pray, and that's all I need to do. I welcome a positive change in Uganda, specifically in their government, the way they work with people like me and the way they lead. It could be a tough year.
I've never been a resolutions guy, too many broken ones. But I look forward to 2012. I'm in a great place to explore some options, travel the world, help people and "seize the carpe" (day).
One "resolution" I do have is to try harder to stay connected with people stateside. I need to be supported more and I need to reach out more to people who can listen, advise, instruct, correct, etc. So, help me with this.
While I wish you all an amazing 2012, I know it will bring its challenges. May we respond well during those times and may God seriously bless you!
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