I just browsed my last post about marriage, "If No One Marries Me." Well, one wonderful thing about not being married is that life can be filled with opportunities one couldn't embrace otherwise. I have applied to various service organizations for the fall: Arts for All, Jesuits of the Pacific Northwest, and several others... Jesuits of the PNW only allows singles to apply. I learned more about the organization today through an hour and a half webinar. I'll be honest, it first scared me. I don't honestly feel like I am entangled to the world of technology as much as most people, but should I even compare myself to most people? I would have to say, I'm still entangled. I like catching the news, especially Kathie Lee and Hoda. They are my imaginary friends that I like to sit with each day or catch up with at the end of the day. I am addicted to the show Parenthood, and I like the occasional facebook post to describe a recipe I blew or a recipe that wowed. I love this blog because it feels like a creative testimony of my thinking and feelings. I love my phone- quick and easy access to my friends, particularly T, whose voice comforts, makes me laugh, understands. I like browsing the news, and I enjoy reading Pioneer Woman, Hollywood Housewife, Dinner: A Love Story...
Could I live in community, sharing my funds with others, trusting and negotiating, and living on $100.00 a month on my own for a year? Would that mean no phone? Would I be able to put my student loans on hold? And what about my child that I sponsor with Compassion?
The answer is yes, I think I could. Yes, I think I should. The reason I feel like I should is because I'm scared, and usually when I'm a little nervous and scared it signifies that something good is in the work. I want to grow, after all, and I want to live richer and deeper. I know that technology has ruined so much of our ability to communicate with each other in real and wonderful ways. I want to grow in understanding what a truly rich life consists of... and I believe this year of service with the Jesuits will provide help in the discovery.
Have I had an interview? No. But I am still hopeful, and I am still considering it in a serious way. I believe this organization is very different than the other ones I applied to, because there is more community, spirituality, and reflection. I will keep you posted on what evolves, but if accepted into the program, my training would begin in Portland, Oregon the beginning of August.
In the mean time, I keep exploring other options (many irons in the fire) and I have been officially hired at Olive and Grape Mediterranean Restaurant part time. I'm living with a family that I want to bless, and I'm looking for ways to do so in practical and tangible ways. It's fun to clean the children's chairs and do so with such love. I'm walking and reading and drinking too much coffee. Sunday I went back to the Lutheran church right up the street and saw Pastor Julie again. And I saw the homeless man that I used to see all through the winter that sits in his "office" (bus stop) on 125th Greenwood. Yesterday I was at the library and he came and sat across from me. We talked for over an hour, and he continues to be in my mind. Robbie's my first friend that I feel like I've made in Seattle, separate from my already made friends. We talked about his life, 20 years in the military, a drill Sargent in the Marines, and about his homelessness, cancer, and son that's getting married. The thing that got me was his sense of humor and positive outlook on life. I asked him if ever sleeps, and he said, "not much". That hit me hard. I confess one of my greatest pleasures is a comfy bed, and I love a good nap, some downtime in bed with a book, and the rest it provides after a long day of work. We talked about Seattle and how strange people think you are if you smile and look at them here. We both have lived different places and see Seattle in similar ways. I noticed then that he has a richness that so many people don't tap into.... He sees the world, he sees people, and he has the ability to converse with others. Sometimes I think we all have so much to learn about what's really important.
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