Different than from where I've been.

I'm not one to regret that I've been somewhere or doing something/working someplace. Even the two years of working as a temporary administrative assistant for a temp agency right out of college has become an invaluable experience for me (mastering Excel spreadsheets, flexibility, learning computer programs in, oh, a day.)

And so I'm not regretting where I'm from, but this last weekend reminded me what it feels like to live with people who have joy and hope for the future. As I was talking with one of Adam's RA staff members, I likened it to have been living in the light, but having worked in darkness for two years. I'm so glad to have had that experience in counseling, but ministering to those who are exclusively dealing with depression, anxiety and any number of traumatic experiences is weighty. I can feel the weight coming off of my shoulders.

Here's why (a sampling of my favorite photos from the Resident Assistant's Retreat)

you gotta click on this photo to truly appreciate the wild abandon on James' face

 Tanks: The person in front has their eyes closed and has the "artillery," aka, stuffed animal. The person behind is in charge of directing and defending the tank by blocking other blind tanks' attacks

I realize as well as anyone that there will be a lot of growth, pain, sadness, and difficulty this year for everyone - RAs, students on their halls, RD staff. But this weekend reminded me that though the brokenness of the world exists everywhere,

it does not dominate.

God does that.