the unexpected

Today was a day of the unexpected. What I assumed would be a fairly normal Sunday turned out to be both sad and great. Working with teenagers you can never expect anything other than chaos and tonight was no different. I am constantly amazed by their depth and how much they understand about God. Tonight, I was saddened by how little I know about God. This year has been riddled with deaths for many of my kids. One of the 5 high schools has lost 2 students in 3 weeks. Whenever a teen dies it is difficult to understand, but to be a teenager and to be reminded so frequently that life is short is painful to watch. I would say that the majority of my students have known someone from their school that has died. The causes of death vary but are tragic nonetheless. How can I possibly explain how God is acting in this? How does anyone understand the loss of a child? I don't have answers for them. That is humbly and refreshing, because a part of me is glad to give it to God and hope that God can give some framework to this tragedy. My heart is heavy and I hope my kids can be comforted by God, even if they can't see God in this. 


I had to leave my kids to the professional (the other adult who is way better at this stuff) because I had to run to a small group meeting for a class project. I was running ridiculously late and as I was walking into the building I saw Mario screaming at me. Mario has been traveling around with group of Colombians talking with seminaries and building partnerships with them. I had no idea that Mario was coming to McCormick and it was a great surprise! I am constantly amazed at how friends can reunite after time apart and pick up where they left off. We caught up for a bit and it was nice to hang out. After a heavy-hearted day it was great to see an unexpected smiling and very LOUD familiar face. I am truly grateful for the people that God has placed in my life along this journey. I am even more grateful for the unexpected opportunity to see them after a rough day.