Nearing the end of another chapter. This is my last week working at SPARC (Scarborough Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre).

It’s been quite a term…reflecting back on all that has happened, I can’t help but smile…Praise God!!!!

At the beginning of the term, I had the following goals:
Plans
-To grow in knowledge and depth of insight
-”Evol”
-Community
-Mandarin lessons
-Tutoring
-Large group teaching?
-History 4?
-Microbiology?

I don’t know how to really empirically measure whether I’ve grown in knowledge and depth of insight… Through Toronto Cell small group I learned the importance of always practicing the presence of God. To pray continually is to be constantly aware of God’s presence. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re always talking to God, but that you know he’s there. As for “Evol” (love, backwards), I think what I had in mind, originally, was something to the effect of showing others God’s love through my actions. I think this is an on-going goal. Mm..I learned a bit of mandarin, but not through taking lessons…I learned through trying to help mandarin patients. I didn’t do history 4 (Dad and mom aren’t too happy about that) or microbiology, but I was a tutor and a large group teacher for Promiseland.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned this term from coop, it’s that loving other people is not easy. But there is great joy in doing what you’re called to do, even when it’s hard.. Working at SPARC, it was physically and emotionally draining work with little appreciation at the end of the day. Halfway through the term, I had a minor breakdown at work – I cried in front of all my coworkers and patients. I had no more strength of my own to tough it out. Crying was a release of my frustrations…it also made me vulnerable. It made me realize that I am not able to do it by myself – I need His strength. Mmm..and overall, it was a humbling experience. Especially having to ultrasound stinky feet and help unhygenic patients. I have to admit, I still don’t like doing it…but then I think about how most of the people Jesus hung out with were the outcasts of society – people that probably stunk a lot more than my patients. If I tried to love them with my own love, it wouldn’t be enough. But God’s love is strong enough! And with the whole practicing the presence of God, I think I learned to be more aware of when I was judging others merely by appearances…when I was priding myself as being better than others. I am still learning to ask God for forgiveness when I start judging in those ways and “not let it trouble me any further”. But yeah, to love as Jesus loved…? wow. I think if I loved like him, I wouldn’t even notice their foul smells.

God answers prayers…

I waited a long, long time…for you. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring or what is in store in the next chapter, but I thank God each time I think of you and I pray that I might give thanks no matter what.