Yesu asobola

I have a current fascination with Ugandan language. Sharon and Michael left a week ago today, returning to Uganda to begin married life together.

For the wedding reception, I learned two phrases: Twabashemerera munonga! (We are very happy to see you!) and Nitubakunda munonga! (We love you so much!) And because memorization is so much easier if there's a happy tune to go along with it, I made up a little song.

With the marvels of Facebook, I learned that one of Michael's favorite singers is Judith Babirye... and because of You Tube, was able to watch her sing a song called Yesu Asobola, "Jesus can".

What a great reminder, that Jesus can. Today before I went to work, I told God I needed encouragement. (Bruce, who was praying with me, said "You go, girl!"). While Bruce's words were funny and helpful, it wasn't quite what I had in mind.

You see, for the past few weeks I've been pouring time and effort into developing ways to recognize and appreciate co-workers. I question whether it's going to mean anything, and whether people really care about that. Sometimes it feels like pushing a rope uphill. I'm tired, and I'm not getting much feedback.

But today, Susie delivered an envelope to me at my desk, and there it was: a nomination for Employee of the Month. WOW! One of my co-workers is on a mission and has been in relentless pursuit of my nomination. Cool beans.

Jesus can.

everyday miracles

They're all around me... from the glorious peony tree...

...to the columbine nestled in the shade garden...

...to the starry clematis...

But here's the one I almost missed! I reached to grab the frame hanging on the house because it desperately needs painting. Scream! A bird flew past my head. And after I recovered my wits, I saw the nest. Look closely, and see the little mouths begging to be filled...

solo

It is still somewhat disorienting to realize that I can get on an airplane at 5:00 p.m. in Michigan and arrive 1,400 miles away in 3.5 hours. The speed of travel liberates us to do crazy (but necessary) things like take a 24-hour business trip to Utah.

There are, however, things that are not to be rushed. Experiences to savor, new paths to explore. Instead of running on the treadmill at the hotel fitness center, I lace up my running shoes, take the elevator down seven floors, and walk out into a warm morning just after the 6:06 a.m. sunrise.

With the State Capitol as the landmark that beckons me, I begin to run. Past the Temple Square, with black-suited men opening the locked gate to let other black-suited men in. Past the white-on-white landscape of columbine plantings along the walls sheltering the Mormon Tabernacle. Uphill. Thin air, this, at 4,400 feet. Through a neighborhood, where a flight of stairs lures me down, down, down to the street below. The Memorial Park lies before me, serene with its statuary and crypts. Another runner passes me, and climbs another set of steps. After a brief hesitation, I follow, and find myself on a switchback path heading up, up, up... Opening to the State Capitol building.




It's time to head back to the hotel. Feeling some regret at having such a brief adventure, I wind my way back. The Utah drivers seem apologetic rather than irritated as I cross the street.

As I near the hotel, I run solo upstream against the flood of construction workers heading toward the residential high-rise that offers hope of urban renewal.

There's a pride in my solo exploration, a delight in aching muscles and in seeing new landscape at 6.5 mph.

school's out

Now that I'm done teaching for Winter term, I had a moment to lie under the dogwood tree...


...then observe my favorite daffodil...


...and check the buds on the peony tree...
Ahhhhh... Spring has sprung!

snapshot

Tonight was a one-of-a-kind event. A snapshot, a moment in time.

I've often thought that a musical performance is a never-to-be-repeated work of art, and I participated in a masterpiece this evening.

Two artists, Sharon (soloist) and me (accompanist). Guest vocalists, Scott and Justin. A crowd of people gathered to listen. Guests included:
- My parents
- My husband and daughter-in-law, Sara
- My longstanding friend from childhood, Julie, and her mom
- Former boss, Darrell and his wife, Marilyn
- Friend Lucille
- Former BFAW, Dan Steffer, his wife Yvonne and son Brendan

Why are the guests important? It's all part of the experience! That group of people will never be gathered in that place to hear these musicians perform that program again. Even if we collected them all, we would not play with exactly the same emotion and dynamics--it would be a different work of art.

It was outstanding. No other word to describe it. Did I ever know that I could play like that, or have I simply forgotten?

God answered every prayer affirmatively for this evening.