I write this from a cafe on the U of I campus. I think it’s my first visit back in about 10 years, and while so much has changed, so much has stayed the same. It’s been good to be back. More than a ‘get away’ or a break, it has been refreshing to see old familiar faces and to catch up with P. Justin. Even 20 hours of personal time in this place has been restoring.

Being back on campus reminds me of my time when I was a college student, many years ago. People joke about how old I am (one college freshman asked a grad student how old she was and when she said she was 24, he looked shocked, saying, “wow, you are so OLD!”) But my trip wasn’t about meeting up with people or doing any sort of ministry, it was for a personal retreat. Something I’m realizing more and more is that there are times the best feeling is just being able to receive. Getting fed and ministered to, is invaluable.

I’m glad I made it, hopefully, it won’t be another decade before I make it back here.