oh man. I've really had much better intentions than actual actions on this blog lately. Seriously, there have been so many times when I've thought, "I should write about this" and then the moment passes. There's not really a lot of sense to catching up... especially since I've forgotten most of those deep, insightful thoughts. In recent news, though, I have just returned from a wonderful and relaxing retreat week in Berlin. I met up with all of the other 13 BVSers plus our coordinator for our annual week of catching up, meeting newer volunteers, a tiny bit of sightseeing, lots of reminiscing and reflecting, learning and lots of relaxing. The centre we stayed at is on this beautiful river, and we had rowboats, lots of green grass and huge trees. We had history sessions on NI and the Balkans, project sharing sessions with cultural food tasting, 2 guest speakers, a movie night to watch Amazing Grace, yoga, reflection times... the best part though is meeting the volunteers who are also working all over Europe. I am unceasingly amazed at the courage these people have, and the passion for the people they work with and the countries they live in. I am inspired to be a better person, and to live life with the passion that so easily wears off over time. Hearing their experiences, sharing their joys and understanding their challenges reminds me that there are people around me with a similar outlook, a common goal, and experiences to learn from. I think that storytelling is one of our most powerful means of connecting to each to other, and I am thankful for any opportunity to hear someone's story. (And a shameless plug: if you want to read their stories and to be encouraged, check out the blog links on the left. And if you want a platform for sharing your own story, I'm a willing audience!)

So yes, Berlin was good. And then I came back and jumped right back into life in Belfast. It's a tricky transition, going from a community where people, although unique, share so much in common, to a place where surface relationships are the norm. It's made me very thankful for the small community that I do have here. I went to church first thing on Sunday and it's always such encouragement. I feel like this church is on a direct line with God (I know we all can be, but it really feels true there). Then to the Belfast Mela (Indian festival) and then, tonight, H, H, L and I got cheap train tix to Jordanstown and went to the free Opera in the Park event, in a park right on the water. It cleared up into a fantastic night and we chatted through the whole thing like we hadn't seen each other in years (it had been about 24 hours :) ). In between it all I read a book written by a BVS alum who moved her family to Egypt for 3 years in 2003. Her goal was to become a bridge for American Christians and Egyptian Muslims and Christians and her stories challenge the stereotypes and ideas we seem to have in the "West." Actually, I started reading the book in Berlin, and felt more like I was transported to Egypt than sitting on the banks of the Spree. I should have chosen more appropriately!

A few pics from this weekend and that's me away to bed. Good night, friends.
1: Berlin Wall (looks a lot like Belfast walls...)
2. All of us