wicked fun

i've found that i can never really write a recap of something. i want to spend this time writing about the past weekend, which i spent in boston with marie, santi, dan, jessie, adam, allison, kevin, emilia, patrick, helen and father jim (in case you hadn't noticed, rostro de cristo is now based in boston), but for some reason i can never adequately recap events.

sufficient to say, the four days spent in boston were well spent and much needed. there was plenty of obama's momma, snow fights, guitar hero, strong drinks, laughter, sarcasm and love. i miss those guys more than i allow myself to realize. it's funny to think how comfortable in my own skin i am around them, perhaps more so than any other group of friends. they truly have become like family to me and while i know that in some cases my feelings of friendship are stronger than those reciprocated, i'm ok with that. i had breakfast with adam my last day in town and he said something that's stuck with me. i can't remember his exact words but in short he said, "people come into your life and the leave. enjoy the time you have with them." that's something i definitely struggle with, the idea of trying to keep relationships alive. but i'm trying to learn to do so. similarly, marie challenged me in this: live in the present, stop looking forward. life is what happens when you're busy making plans. i can't let it pass me by. i've got one shot at this and i want to do it right.

this past weekend was a spiritual rejuvenation in many ways. i feel refreshed about my ideals for social justice. there's just something about being around people who understand my experience completely. while many people can say they've studied abroad, there really aren't too many people who have done what i've done. i don't say that to brag; to the contrary it's quite a lonely feeling. there are very few people who cant truly understand me. so when i have these encounters with people who know exactly what i mean, what i'm thinking, where i've been, what i've seen, it's refreshing. more than this, i feel rejuvenated in my search for a more spiritual life. i feel, to a lesser degree than when i returned from the mission to mission re-entry retreat in november, the zeal to find someone who can provide me with spiritual guidance. i spoke with father jim about this very shortly, but i have high hopes that he will be able to connect me with someone here in los angeles.

in addition to spiritual rejuvenation, i feel rejuvenation for my country. the world has gone to shit. each day the news brings stories of more jobs lost, more families going hungry. but the speech by barack obama on tuesday reminded me that yes we can. there is a long way to go. but yes we can. history is laden with tales of overcoming trials and tribulations. while we will do it as a people, it starts on an individual level. and i, for one, and excited to begin the transformation.

here are a few quotes that i particularly enjoyed from obama's speech:

"And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more. Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please."

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

"To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it."

"It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job, which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate."