Belonging

One of the things that I love most about being part of a big family is that you can be an active, accepted member of a group without having to say or do anything. There's nothing to prove - no one to win over. You're in, and that's that. There's always someone compensating, either you for someone else, or someone for you. There's so much give and take, and no significant individual stress. Living alone creates a lot of individual stress. And it is difficult. I've always had people to lean on. I've never had to fight to be part of something. It's a hard thing to learn now. Belonging is not something for which I want to fight. I want it to exist for me apart from my efforts. I'm already tired of fighting, and I've only just begun.

Minnesota humble-iation

I was so excited that the Twins were coming to town - so proud of my hometown team. I was going to show them off to my Arizona friends. Well that was a short-lived dream. We got swept. My Twins shirt is in the laundry pile, and it might be there indefinitely.

A [very] Brief Introduction

Four months. That's how long I've lived in Arizona. I'm a Minnesotan, and I think I always will be. There's just no taking that out of me. I moved to Arizona for a job - a job that offers me a chance to make a difference in my culture by doing what I already know how to do. I see God working in my organization all the time. And I try to remember that when I want to go home.

This blog is about a Northern girl learning to survive in the Southwest.