sunshine, spirituality, and savoring

Photo of Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, back in November

Speaking of savory, did you know that one of the taste buds you have is for "umami"? It is for foods that are savory, like meats. Random thought that I learned back in nursing school. :)

So I feel like God has not given us a clear answer on where to go next after Denver, including whether to stay here or not. Caleb and I have been praying, seeking, and talking a lot about this, oh, since before we started travel nursing. And what I really have learned for now is that God wants me to rest in Him and keep trusting Him and focus on today. I so often waste today thinking and trying to plan for tomorrow so much that I miss the present. So that's what I've been learning to do more of especially since we were in Washington DC. Soaking in the culture, surroundings, and the people we meet and asking God what He is doing where I'm at.

Part of being at each place has been seeking how God wants me to pray and what to pray for in each place. It is interesting to me what different geographic locations are like spiritually and culturally(that is where my interest in sociology comes out!). I felt like in the Seattle area it was more black and white...and found that the churches we went to were so sincere and passionate about seeking Jesus and reaching out to the city. It felt like a fresh and refreshing desire to love Jesus and the people around them.

I guess we were in Washington DC for only a month, but I felt the strongest burden there. Maybe I just took more time to listen and pray too, but it just felt like such an anti-Christ-centered area. Lots of religion and MANY different religions with so many cultures represented. And such a busy, fast-paced, career-oriented area. I really felt burdened for the government and especially Obama while we were there. And it hit me how we need more than anything to pray for and respect our leaders instead of complaining and just putting them down.

I love our church here in Denver. I love their mission to reach out to the city and those around us instead of just bringing more people to church. I love the teaching and I am challenged every week to search the Bible and grow closer to God. I don't know if it is just because we live closer to downtown, but we have seen and been asked for money by more poor or homeless people than anywhere else I've been. I'm not sure why, if Denver just has more homeless people or what. I'm always left with mixed feelings when we turn down their requests for money. But there are great things in place here for them to access. We've met a couple of them and bought a paper they sell called "the Voice." They can buy the paper/newsletter for 25 cents and sell it for a dollar and make a profit, as a way to raise awareness and also for a way for them to get back on their feet economically. There seem to be a lot of good resources for people who are homeless, but are they working? Why do we still see so many who ask for money on the streets? This bothers me.

We've also been contemplating why we don't know more people who are really poor. Or why even at our churches there aren't many who lack basic needs as much. Is it because they are more connected? Are we just too concerned with ourselves that we are not reaching out and getting to know these people? I know we have friends and family who struggle, but they have basic needs met and are still "rich" in comparison to those who lack food and shelter. I DO come across people who are lacking and really struggling though; a decent number of patients I take care of. But what is my responsibility at that point, besides taking good care of them and teaching what I can? I am at a loss at times because I know they will leave the hospital and not have the money to buy healthy food or all the medication they need. Sometimes they don't even want to leave the hospital, because they are homeless or have an abusive situation at home. Sometimes we are able to provide them with resources, but I don't think that is always enough. They lack real support from friends and family. So those are the issues I've been pondering.

To end on a lighter note, Caleb and I had an awesome time with his parents. They were here for 4 days and we were busy nonstop! It was beautiful the first couple days, so the first day we went south to the Royal Gorge, Garden of the Gods, and ate Thai for his mom's birthday. And then to a beautiful hike at Rocky Mountain National Park on the fern river trail that Caleb and I did before and loved. Ate at Marrakesh, the Moroccan restaurant that was AMAZING, and even had a belly dancer. Did a lot of local tours and walking downtown Denver the last couple days and saw Red Rock Amphitheatre. Had an amazing fruit crepe, and then out to a Lebanese restaurant. I LOVE middle-eastern food. Always reminds me of being in Turkey. :)

I guess I still have a passion and interest in music, because today I felt so fulfilled. I got to play in church again, worshiping with a great group of musicians. And afterwards gave some advice to Rachel, a girl I've met who has an old violin from her grandma that she wants to learn to play. I'm so glad that Loren brought my violin out here, it was so worth it since I've had the chance to play! :)