Well for the random few that do check this site, patiently waiting and hoping for an update - I wanted to post a quick update to let you know the big news. After a whole year and way too many job applications...finally...tomorrow I rejoin the working world in almost a fulltime capacity! 32 hours is actually ideal as it allows me to keep doing some of the part-time work I have been doing for Center for Transforming Mission as well as potentially set up a little private practice as well. It's been a long time coming! I certainly didn't think that our one year anniversary here in North Carolina would come and go before I began working again. So thanks to those who have been so supportive and prayerful during this time. I'll write more about what the job entails after I find out what it entails in the next couple weeks!
All the middle school and high school kids here head back to school this week and Duke undergrad students begin in a week so it's somewhat fitting that I start back too! Andrea has already been back in school three weeks. After returning from Switzerland, she had a week in Seattle, got back here on a Wednesday and then started school on Sunday, August 1. It's been a bit of a whirlwind for her. But so far, she is liking business school. It would be interesting to see what she would say was her summer highlight. Perhaps one day she'll write something here! (But, don't hold your breath!)
In addition to the three weeks in Switzerland the highlight of my summer was my Faith Academy class reunion. It's really hard to believe that it has been 20 years since the great class of 1990 graduated. For fellow Faith alum who might read this, I have included just a couple photos of those that gathered just a couple hours away from Durham coming from North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Washington, Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Ireland, Cambodia and the Philippines. (Hope you recognize some faces! More photos on facebook if you are interested.) I wasn't expecting it to be such a profound couple of days for me, but it really was a significant time for which I am so grateful! I wrote the following on our Class of 90 Facebook wall:
It's been a wonderful 48 hours and as pics are posted and hopefully some thoughts and comments too, hope that those who weren't able to join us can get a taste and also know that you were greatly missed. From some good filipino food to late night discussions, swimming, hearing a few never before told stories, to realizing that the Scharfe's and Miss Wollerton were a little younger than we all are now when they started at Faith(!!!) to a wonderful time of sharing- it has been a quality time and reminded me how thankful I am for our remarkable class. Last night as we walked to the symphony and fireworks in Charlotte our line of 40 or so folks including all the kids stretched for a block. It was quite the sight...Truly grateful.
so many stories...
so much laughter...let me capture this moment
the flash of the fireworks
the light in your faces
i want time to slow down for just a little longer
in your presence I have felt at home
Finally, before I head off to bed, a plug for another website/blog of sorts that I am privileged to manage for CTM. Geography of Grace is an online gathering place for conversation and resource-sharing among followers of Jesus living and working in vulnerable communities. We also hope to be a “listening post” for all people who hunger for good news in our world. We have glimpsed the transforming work of Immanuel—God with us—among the least, last, and lost. Through Geography of Grace, we want to give voice to that story.
Anyway, as mentioned, as part of my work with CTM which includes grantwriting and editing, I also manage this site and post a weekly article or thought. You won't get much of my writing but for those who have a heart for justice especially among the vulnerable and marginalized in the world, you might appreciate it. I posted the following poem a few weeks ago. It seems to fit well with the wandering nature of The Wilson's Wanderings as well. Enjoy!
there is a place
beyond the border
where love grows
and where peace
is not the frozen silence . . .
to get to that place you have to
go or be pushed out
beyond the borders,
to where it is lonely, fearful,
threatening, unknown.
only after you have wandered
for a long time in the dark
do you begin to bump into others
also branded, exiled,border crossers,
and find you walk oncommon ground.
it is not an easy place to be,
this place beyond the borders.
but it is a good place to be.
Kathy Galloway
(Sani Pass border crossing from S. Africa to Lesotho)
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