Grass pierces concrete

Lots of people are asking me lately about my job. I don’t really know how to answer. It’s really emotionally draining. I waver on the brink of depression. There is so much need. And I’m the one on the front lines, the “bad guy” who has to turn people away. And then people ask if Head Start works. Truthfully, I’m not sure. The research is a little ambiguous. But one of the managers was talking the other day about how we aren’t there to teach kids the alphabet or how to count (although those are good things that we do hope they learn). We are there to teach kids how to feel secure. And I think that’s important. And it’s also what, several years ago, God hinted to me that I could do — it’s a gift I have to share. So I like that.But my real encouragement came when I was at my spin class last week. I’ve been going with one of my roommates once a week and it’s pretty intense! But I seriously think that the single most important thing I can do for my soul right now is, ironically, excersize. Endorphins help put everything into perspective! So I was really depressed that day, hating my life, not sure if I was going to make it through the week. But as I pedaled things started falling into place. As I made my way up a huge “hill” God spoke to me, which has not happened frequently of late. “You will experience resistance,” he said, “but My kingdom comes.” Yes. That’s all I needed. Knowing the Kingdom is coming makes the resistance I face worth it.

Last weekend I finally got around to the project I’ve been eagerly awaiting for some time. One of my housemates overheard me saying that I wanted some dresser drawers from the street and she found me some great antique-y looking ones, 5 total, all matching but different sizes. I drilled holes in the bottom (by hand because I don’t actually own a drill) and propped them up on blocks of wood I found under the house to facilitate soil drainage and air circulation. Then I filled them up with soil and planted sugar snap peas, swiss chard, and salad mix lettuce. I ran out of soil so I wasn’t able to plant my carrot and green onion seeds yet. I also want to do garlic. Up on the balcony a few weeks prior I started some mint, garlic chives, and aloe vera which are all doing quite well. My basil had a bit of a rough patch but is doing better with less water. I’m not sure my mango tree is going to make it, though. Has lots of brown spots on the leaves.