Where have you been?

Last week I was thinking about two things that I have done either little or not at all in the past few months. 

1. Blogging

2. Taking Pictures

For the past 4 years I have been somewhat of a faithful blogger. It's been my space to think, share, and remember. I especially enjoyed the process when we lived in Korea. I have also enjoyed taking pictures of day to day life experiences, simple beauty around me, the obvious and the not so obvious pieces of life. With my small point and shoot camera I endeavored to improve my skill (inspired by amazing photography friends) and after friends bought a new camera, I purchased their old Canon Rebel and had even more fun.

When we returned from Korea I hit a wall. In an effort to leap over the wall, I changed the name and layout of the blog, shared some thoughts about the process of being on a pilgrimage and my desire to share more of our journey in this new season of our life.

My efforts to leap the wall failed. I have taken few pictures and have not made an entry since August. I have carried my camera with me, I've opened our blog page and nothing has happened. I sit and stare in silence feeling stuck and somewhat alone.

Last week I decided that enough was enough. I'm a pilgrim. I'm on a journey. The road is difficult, beautiful, and there are challenges ahead but I have much to be thankful for and much to celebrate. Weaved throughout each day are moments of grace, beauty, frustration and longing. I want to capture those again. I haven't abandoned all my writing--I do journal but that is a different process for me.

As I made that commitment to get off my "bum" as my friend, Kelly says, I received an e-mail from a friend asking "where is your blog?" Ha! I had to laugh because Kelly also asked why I hadn't blogged for so long. I admitted my funk and that I was going to make a return this week. 

Thanks for the push friends!

A little PS.

Kelly came to see us last week. We last saw Kelly in Korea 7 months ago. We call her our special treasure from Korea. Zach and Lia adore her--she is big sister and friend. Todd and I love her. We played games, ate good food, drank good wine, there were wrestling matches, more games, tears and dreams shared. It was good for all of us to have her here.  Another treasure, Katie, who was once in Korea and is now in KC also came for a night. We're all sad that Kel left today. Our only comfort is that she plans to return in January with another one of our Korean treasures, Anna.

Korea brought so many beautiful memories and gifts to our family. Though there were certainly challenges, we will always be grateful that we lived and shared life with a community of amazing men and woman. Moving forward and letting go is such a paradox.

Grateful.