What's been going down...
Most wonderful time
"I feel stuck in a rut at work," I told a friend just before Christmas, "so I am looking forward to GEM-K because it is good at breaking me out of routine." Winter in Europe can be depressing. The sky is gray, usually cloudy, the days are short, and it's cold. After the holidays most everyone hides inside until late March. I usually find there is a ministry slump around this time as even during December things feel stale. People are out of town, busy, or both, and I find myself singing the same eight songs in a dozen different settings.In the middle of working from home and praying for sunshine though, is one of the best events of the year, GEM-K winter camp.
This year's winter camp definitely shook things up. Not only did we have a much smaller group than usual, we also welcomed a few new faces and were in a brand new location. It took some adjusting, but we managed a great week filled with spiritual growth and fun. The theme for the week was Trusting God, something even us adults struggle with. Even though no teens joined the worship band this year, I jammed with some during the free time and am hopeful for next year.
Retreat + replenish
I spent the first week of February on an adventure with a close friend to the Arctic Circle. It was relaxing to get away to a remote village at the end of the earth. I seldom take time off, so when I do, I like to make it count. We succeeded in striking a balance between activity and restful nothingness. It truly was a picturesque winter holiday. The (very short) days and (very long) nights were brimming with exploration of the strange, snowy wonderland. There were some large snags along the way, unfortunately, but overall we both were beyond satisfied with the trip; in part since we saw the northern lights thrice. I left feeling spiritually recharged.
Disaster
There were many changes I was excited about this year. The death of a family member was not one I was anticipating. In mid-February my brother's fiance unexpectedly died. The randomness and suddenness of her death feels unfair and wrong, let alone emotionally crushing. It has been difficult to process what happened since it feels like a bad dream I am waiting to wake up from. Like my brother, I have been asking God, "What was it all for?" Years from now, I might know the answer, as perspective shifts and understanding improves with time. For now though, we cling to God and to one another in mourning.
