. . . it gives us a future.

Hello!

Today was the coldest day I've experienced to date in Seattle. It's also the day that being in Seattle has felt the most like home; dark, cold, desolate. Sounds like Ohio. Comforting? A bit. It was also rewarding building the first walls of one of the new houses. Something about pounding the nails away for hours then getting to the point where everyone working on the wall needs to help prop it up, then shortly after you can see constructed walls forming a future dwelling. It's a good feeling.

Today we had a dedication ceremony for three of the houses we have recently finished. It was exciting because we have been working on these houses for the last three months and have gotten to know several of the homeowners. From the little speeches giving before blessing the houses I realized how much "behind the scenes" work goes into these houses, from fundraising, board meetings, volunteer coordination, etc. etc. etc. One of the homeowners explained it this way, that this home was providing a future for her family. This is a wonderful encouragement and reminder that we are not laboring in vain, that dealing with frustrating volunteers, getting stuck caulking/spackling all day, and installing sod in pouring rain all has an ultimate purpose: to allow a family a more steady, secure future.

In other news, my church's pastor has a blog that I finally checked out today, and I shall share it with you: RainCityPastor. I have come to greatly respect him as the months have gone by; it really helped that he was the whipped cream server at the pie social after our Thanksgiving Eve service. His latest entry is a reminder as to the glorious mystery God - how profound His plan throughout the world is. Yes, it is difficult to see sometimes when living in comfort and luxury. That's why we need to stretch ourselves, make ourselves uncomfortable sometimes. Such as, I don't know, restricting our diet to relate to those in extreme poverty, or sleeping overnight in a box to understand squatter settlements. Anything. Be broken. Reading and learning of people's faith in extreme situations and the massive amount of persecution of Christians internationally is encouraging to me to remember that there are those taking greater risks than I will know, and coming out with a faithful attitude praising God. Just like Paul did ~2000 years ago. And it is because of seeing God alive in such situations that I regret the attitude of apathy. I think the world and reality may not be as we know it.

How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts!

The senseless man does not know, fools do not understand,

that though the wicked spring up like grass, and all evildoers flourish,

they will be forever destroyed.

But you, O Lord, are exalted forever. Ps. 92. 5-8.