It's been a while...
And sorry to disappoint, but this isn't going to be much of an update. More updates (and a newsletter!) to come soon.
Tonight I just wanted to post part of a blessing that a volunteer passed onto me. I think it's reassuring to remind ourselves, and truly believe, that what we do in life has a purpose, and that we can make a difference (no matter which country or community we are in).

May God bless you with discomfort... at easy answers, hard hearts, half-truths, and superficial relationships.
May God bless you so that you may live from deep within your heart where God's Spirit dwells.

May God bless you with anger... at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people.
May God bless you so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears... to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war.
May God bless you so that you comfort them and turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world and in your community, so that you will courageously try what you don't think you can do, but, in Jesus Christ you'll have the strength necessary to do.