Author Archives: Charis
Time to rest
I just turned off the stove and sat down; noticing it’s already 9:45 PM, cooking can wait until tomorrow. At 8 PM, I only meant to rest for 5 minutes, but instead I read for an hour, did a few … Continue reading
Giving up, then finding
On my way outside to retrieve my phone from my car (I stash it there on dancing nights), I pass the just-opening, prolific, floribunda roses climbing up my porch posts. I love the profusion of colour! There wasn’t much of … Continue reading
Doubt and Faith
I had lunch with a friend today, and he asked if I ever had spiritual doubts. “Of course,” I responded, “who doesn’t?” He admitted having been scared to ask the question, and relieved that instead of judging him, I empathised … Continue reading
Big plans, small accomplishments
8 AM Today is my day. I’m almost giddy by the numerous accomplishments I can achieve by dinner time with diligence! Rising early, I don’t feel guilty by writing first; the whole day stretches luxuriously ahead of me! 9 AM … Continue reading
Early morning dreams
I awoke early, although I didn’t intend to. Listening to the birds chirping through the open window, I started daydreaming about going to Assisi this summer. In April, a member on one of my NGO boards mentioned that she spends … Continue reading
How much, O God, how much?
How much grief can one person take? Dad’s only been gone 6 months. I’ve hardly had the time to start processing that, and mom’s symptoms started immediately after the funeral. At the time, we thought it was the stress of … Continue reading
Still Reeling
I cried all day. Thank God I work from home! Every private moment I had, I thought about mom’s scan. I keep hoping that it’s a stroke, and praying that it is, and that she’ll be healed, but I know … Continue reading
The news
Two weeks ago I was driving to salsa night when mom called. Although it’s illegal, I picked it up – it’s so rare for mom to call that I had to. We shared hellos as I pulled over. I told … Continue reading
A Too-Exciting Trip
I loved Zanzibar so much, I just had to return to swim in the Indian Ocean again before returning to winter. With an early flight, we could get there by noon for an afternoon swim. So we booked it! … … Continue reading
New Friends, New Tools
My heart just burst tonight with joy and pride as the staff of Life Concern, Paidha, Uganda, shared a closing dinner with us after two full days of visiting their projects. We ate in candlelight because the power was off, … Continue reading