weekend bliss, weekend heartache

this weekend brought me back to london somewhat, and it was at the same time confusing and wonderful.

friday i spent the evening with the fellowship of international bible study (ibs) at north carolina state university. i became involved with this group of international students, scholars, past students and scholars, and us americans who like to befriend them, last year when the intervarsity undergraduate chapter i volunteer with and ibs desired to join forces to impact the nc state community. my roommate jenn, an american, staffs ibs -- our partnership last year led to our friendship which ultimately led us to share a cute little duplex near downtown raleigh. now we constantly have members of the ibs family coming over to enjoy our cute little duplex with us and i couldn't love it more. jenn also introduced me to the operation mobilization (om) program in london, and for that reason (and many more) i will be forever thankful for our friendship.

anyway, friday was the first time since returning from london that i had the opportunity to go to an ibs meeting. when i walked in, my mind returned to london and my om teammates -- it was the first time since om i had been among so many nationalities at one time. how i had missed the world being right in my face! conversations about foreign food and places and people and even politics abounded. during worship, the dozens of voices from around the world singing in unison to the same God was glorious -- being able to be a part of it all is such gift. and the raw and honest study of Scripture among my questioning brothers and sisters stretches and humbles me. i believe i get to see a glimpse of His kingdom come every time i am in the presence of this fellowship.

saturday was an encore treat. a bunch of us from the Bible study met up to cook dumplings and play board games. what a rare treat to have authentic asian cuisine and also to have the opportunity to learn how to make it with my own hands! the food was delicious, the game antics ridiculously funny, and the friendship priceless.

i missed london all over again. part of me thinks i left my heart there. but then i look around raleigh, and in my relationships here, i see so much to have a heart for without needing to cross an ocean. am i to go or am i already at the place He meant for me to go?