Saturday, June 5, 2010

Joy-Be

One of my favorite friends is back in town after a year of missional work in Thailand. Joy-be is kind, full of compassion, and a gentle soul. Before she left last year, she gave me a little rocket-shaped silver pin. It was the perfect gift because it became a visual metaphor for "freedom". After I was sure that my old job wasn't a good fit for this narrative-lovin' feminist, I kept hearing the word freedom whispered in my ear. I hadn't told Joy-be of this longing/feeling, yet she knew the perfect gift for me. I wore is so often as I started my new job, and I felt as if the silver rocket was taking me to new and exciting places.

Talking with J helps put my world in perspective. She has worked at Zoe, a rescue center for kids in Thailand. Hearing stories of wounded kids, and those who are committed to helping these kids know they are safe and loved, perked up my soul. I know J will miss her Thai family, and I know that she has left her invisible, glowing fingerprints all over the buildings, kids, and crafts that await her return in a year or ?.

I look forward to walks and coffee dates with Joy-be. Yesterday we met at Top Pot and split a free pink boa (donut with pink frosting and coconut) right before they SOLD OUT of donuts (the kids who came in after us dealt better with being donut bereft than I ever could). I look forward to spitting more treats and metaphors with Joyce. And thanks, Joy-be, for being my sage.


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