Skip to main content

Arriving in the land of the "American Dream"

I have finally made it to the USA. I can't say it's "always" been a dream of mine to come here, but it is fascinating and really cool to actually be sat here writing this breathing in what I know is american air (or air-conditioning).

After lots of horror stories of how mean immigration had the potential to be, I was very pleasantly surprised by my getting in to the land of dreams. The immigration officer was really friendly and smiley and the whole process was very quick and painless.

As I walked into the terminal of the airport in Minnesota (we were connecting with another flight to take us all the way to Kansas City) I think I walked around with my mouth open (well, maybe not literally but on the inside I was). I was like a child that is just overwhelmed by impressions. It looks exactly as I expect it. I recognised so many names of places and brands from the many films I've seen, it was great.

So yes, I got here safely. And I am full of impressions even after less than 24 hours on american soil.

There is so much more to tell, but I am on a borrowed computer, so I have to keep this a bit short.

Just one short impression to end. As we were driving out of the airport in Kansas City we were speeding down the "freeway" (I think that's what they call it), and as I was looking at the the things we sped past, I noticed a raised American flag waving in the wind with frayed edged. The symbol of this nation. As I looked at it I was so struck by all it represents, yet also struck by the fact that it was so worn out, it's edges were falling to pieces. And I asked myself if maybe the state of that flag maybe represents something of this nation also....a proud nation, yet a nation with frayed edges? A nation which isn't all I tries to portray itself as. A nation which needs Jesus just as much as somewhere in Africa....

Popular posts from this blog

Finding pockets of life (and a bubble-tea metaphor).

“Where can I find life?” has been a question I have asked myself a lot recently (but really for years). And really the deeper question is: “What is life, and what does it look like?” I guess the simple answer is whatever makes you feel alive on the inside; that brings a smile to your face; and that gives you energy and increases your capacity. There are so many side-effects of burn-out; or maybe they are rather causes of burn-out, which when combined become a huge mountain that can topple even the strongest of people. But once you have been depleted of your capacity to stand in the face of the challenges around you, one of the things that can help increase your energy and capacity is finding pockets of life. (And of course a lot of other things like rest, exercise, patience when the process is slow, setting boundaries etc. but that’s for another blogpost). The past months I’ve been watching and searching and paying attention. Searching for choices that will bring life, and paying att

There was a before and there will be an after.

“Do you really think it will go over?” A question posed as I was chatting to someone over coffee this week (with distance of course). My immediate response was that yes, I really do think it will go over, but I don’t know when or what it will look like. I don’t know when we’ll be back to “normal.” But to be honest, I am not sure I really want things to go back to being as they were before ... The past seven weeks have been so very different. Social distancing, staying one meter away from others, having permanently dry hands from antibac and washing hands a lot, and having to limit most interaction with others to a screen, have become part of everyday life. And of course the distance and isolating part of this “normal” I have no desire of seeing become part of the after . But at the same time I see good growing in this time of crisis; good that I do want to bring into the after , and what will become my normal when this crisis comes to an end. Time. Whether we like it or not, o

Small moments that mean a lot

Walking home on the crunchy snow that lights up a December evening,  I felt so thankful. The revelation that fellowship and being together is the best gift you can give someone, and realising that although it might seem small, it can turn into something big when a person feels seen and valued.  Yesterday I helped out with a crafts workshop for a group of lovely women volunteering for Crux where I worked before (well, in all honesty: they were making angels while I ate Christmas cookies, Quality Street chocolate, and chatted). I love walking alongside people in conversation, and realise sharing life for 2 hours can last so much longer in value and experience.  This evening we had our Christmas dinner for volunteers and people who are part of my current job. It was a delightful evening with many nations gathered around the same table…. eating the same food… and for a few hours creating a small fellowship moment that will become a good memory for the future. Often in my job the focus is o