funeral

It's been an exhausting few days. Thursday afternoon, we found out that the father of a friend from our Bible study was killed while driving his car. I didn't know him well, but had spoken with him a few times and believed him to be a man of integrity and kindness. It is no secret that violence runs rampant in this country, but to watch people I personally know and care about have their world turned upside down by it has been jarring, to say the least.

We attended the wake Thursday night as well as the burial yesterday. Much like sitting with our clients, I find these spaces to be holy. It is not easy, but entering into someone else's pain is a privilege. Both suffering and joy are universal experiences. We are not so different from one another, regardless of where we live.

I have now attended a wedding and a funeral here. Not things I expected to do, to be honest. And while the latter has been less-than-enjoyable, these events are proof that this has become home- that people have let me into their lives. For that, I am very grateful.

Please pray for my friend and her family. And may we pray for peace to overcome evil in this place.