Renascence by Edna St. Vincent Millay

The world stands out on either side
No wider than the heart is wide;
Above the world is stretched the sky,-
No higher than the soul is high.
The heart can push the sea and land
Farther away on either hand;
The soul can split the sky in two,
And let the face of God shine through.
But East and West will pinch the heart
That can not keep them pushed apart;
And he whose soul is flat--the sky
will cave in on him by and by.

This is the last stanza in "Renascence" by Edna St. Vincent Millay. It has stuck with me ever since I first read it a few years ago. I think it's beautiful. The whole poem says a lot about people (and God). I recommend you read it if you can.

Much Ado About Nothing

Well, that was Christmas in Mongolia. Christmas is not celebrated or known very much here. It has gotten more recognition over the years because of the Western/Christian influence, but it's not a big deal. December 25 is just another day. But it's really nice to have a quiet Christmas to be able to really focus on Christ. There isn't all the hoopla and commercialism around it. We can sit back and really have Christ as the center. I'm going to go through culture shock next year when I'm back in the States for the holidays and have to rush around and worry about presents, family gatherings, etc. I like to be able to just relax and have a day to really be able to worship.
Now New Year's is a whole different story! That is where the hoopla is--fireworks, food, presents, decorations, gatherings, etc. It's fun to have a chance to party a little after the rest and quiet! :) Plus it gives us a little extra time to listen to Christmas music. :)

I have had the last two weeks off of school. It's been great! This first half of the year has been incredibly busy and crazy. School wise, I do believe this has been the hardest year yet. It's never ending. We had a three day weekend at Thanksgiving, but it was full of Team meetings and gatherings. So, it's been nice to have two full weeks of nothing. I spent a week in the city with some friends and then the last week at home. I love the peace and quiet of being home. On January 2, I'll head back into school and into the second half of craziness. But, you know I wouldn't trade this for anything. It's been a huge blessing. I'm learning how to ask for help, and that it's not a weakness. All in all I'm thankful for the craziness and noise as much as I am thankful for the peace and stillness. Who would have thought.