TGIF

This week has been a doozie. It's been quite emotional, to be honest.

• I've been processing my sadness and anger over a personnel change in the office. (I've grown quite close to the person leaving, and I really hate to see her go.) Tuesday I bawled for a couple hours. Wednesday I talked with my supervisor at HQ and am now able to be a bit more objective about the situation (although the sadness persists). 
• I was part of a failed rescue operation yesterday, which was difficult. And as a result, I had to be part of a debriefing meeting. I really didn't have much to say, so I just listened, but it was interesting and difficult to hear others' frustrations and come to terms with the f-ed up system in which we are working. 
• My sweet roommate has had a tough week, and I just hate that for her. It's difficult for me to feel like I am unable to help someone with their troubles. 
• And to top it all off, Novak Djokovic got knocked out of the Australian Open. A real tragedy, I know. Seriously- When I found out on Wednesday morning that he had lost, I said to myself "Seems fitting, given the way this week is going." 

This is not meant to be a laundry list of complaints or a "woe is me blog" post. Some weeks are just tough, and this was one. But I don't feel defeated. I have seen the Lord working, and there have been glimmers of hope and joy.

• This week we did celebrate IJM-Guatemala's first conviction of the year! 
• I feel strongly that I will continue to be friends with the person who is no longer at the office. I have gained a sweet friend, and that is just stinkin' awesome!
• I heard back from Potter's House and have an appointment next week to go learn about their ministry at the city dump and hopefully to get on their schedule to volunteer on the weekends. 
• And in all of the aforementioned struggles, the people around me have shown their concern and have loved me well. For that, I am grateful. 

But TGIF!