Life of a Pilgrim

Recipe for a good day

I just finished my last senior thesis paper edit. The house is full of the aroma of a celebratory carrot cake baking in the oven. There is cream cheese softening on the counter for frosting. Stella is coming over tonight to celebrate with me,… Read More

For book lovers abroad

I had a friend visit this past weekend.  Her visit was amazing for many reasons. In my line of work where the people around me are constantly changing, it’s a real blessing to catch up with someone who has known me… Read More

Proof that I don’t always have it all together

Here’s my breakfast.  My breakfast rendered somewhat inedible.  I got distracted and forgot I was reheating these muffins in the oven…until I caught a whiff of a distinct smell emanating from the kitchen.  I walked in to see… Read More

Necessity is the mother of all invention

There are some things that are much easier to do in China.  For example, getting the heel of a shoe fixed or a broken zipper replaced is an easy matter.  However, there are many tasks that for various… Read More

There’s no place like home

Unfortunately, getting home is not quite as simple as clicking my heels together.  After three transit days, spent on boats, vans, buses, taxis, airplanes, and trains I am quite happily home again.  I confess I was not excited to… Read More

Merry Christmas!

Karate Kid

I’m sorry for the silence lately, but I’ve been pre-occupied with my new charge (either that or it’s the final three weeks of the semester and I’m buried in piles of grading, exam-making, and neglected post-graduate work).  This week… Read More

My best friend

The facts of the case are as follows: I have never in my life been even close…I mean even within 10 miles…to being a fitness freak. I am incredibly uncoordinated. I can’t buy pants in China (Have you… Read More

I will never grow weary

I will never grow weary or tired of seeing the shocked disbelief and astonishment wash over another’s face as they fully grasp for the very first time the gravity of the Son’s sacrifice.  There is simply nothing in the… Read More

Goodies from afar

“Like cold water to a weary soul is good news [and goodies] from a distant land.” ~ Proverbs 25:25 I remember back in my college days thinking that never again would getting mail be so exciting.  That was before… Read More