This pequenito light of mine: July 2014

Late at night. My head hurts. Don't complain Alison....

I've spent the last 5 minutes contemplating who I should bother to ask for free coffee from their coffee maker, I have a presentation early tomorrow morning, and I need to prepare...more....

Received a text yesterday reminding me to update the blog, so here is the update.

I've started this sentence quite a few times, debating whether or not to be positive, negative, or neutral in this entry. The truth is, much of my life is bittersweet at this point in time. I am extremely grateful for all that I am learning, and for the new friends, and beautiful and fun experiences, like "borrowing" some kids scooters that were laying around last night and riding them to a bar to do our homework. People all around having good times, meanwhile my friend and I sat typing away on our laptops, squinting like old woman with glasses on our face with the scooters stowed underneath (We returned the scooters).

Yes...bittersweet. Life is bittersweet. Underneath this smile and spontaneity and hard work - the non-stop me...is a world of hurt. I'm currently frustrated with life, and the ups and downs, and the uncertainties, the sheer injustice, the goodbyes, and the pain that people live in. I understand that God is good and that all will work out well, but it doesn't negate the pain that we sometimes feel. The other day, my friend was listening to me talk about my current life struggles - very compassionate and patient. Afterwards, I asked him to share some of his story. "Why are you in a wheelchair?" I asked. I was not prepared for his answer. He struggles with a disease that attacks everything but the brain - so his body has degenerated much over time, and now decisions must be made regarding his health and life. Not much can be done. He was fine until 30. So there I sat be miffed. Even now, I'm not quite sure what to comment on this. He had shown me such deep compassion as I expressed some of my heart struggles while there he sat with a much bigger struggle that affects every aspect of his life. I asked him how he maintains his faith through all of this. He said he takes it day by day. "Thinking two weeks ahead can make things challenging, and I dare not think about two years from now - just today." He's my friend, and he cares about me and others, regardless of his trials.

So that's a glimpse of what life can be like here sometimes. Right now my friend, Claudia, is fast asleep on the couch. I was only supposed to play one song for our "break" but I couldn't help playing more and more. Music lifts the spirits and often expresses what is difficult to articulate out loud, at least that's what it does for me.

Lately, few songs give so much more UMPH in the day. This past week I've been arriving home after class to blast "Glorious Ruins" by Hillsong before continuing on with the day to day things. Here's a few songs, and some pictures of life here. Mind you, I would have posted more pictures of studying, but I fear that would be too boring. Or the professor in the classroom....I have been in class a lot. Much work left to be done.

Grandpa - I think of you often and hope to connect with you soon. Thank you for your prayers.

Alison

PHOTOS