waves.

amidst a concrete jungle. inundated with noises of airplanes. and construction. and traffic. there are still wildflowers flourishing by the highway. there are still birds offering their melodies.

amidst closed in walls. filled with airconditioners. and strangers in transit. there are stories of transformation. there is community woven together in love.

amidst music. and silence. amidst questions. and affirmations. there are reminders of passion. of support. of family. of hope.

amidst all of this. a thankfulness beyond words stirs. for reunion. for communion. with this scattered group of individuals. who compose an amazing whole. who teach me so much. about people. about the world. about justice. about faith. about struggle. about solidarity. about peace.

amidst hugs. and tears. amidst laughter and encouragement. our paths that merged briefly. like waves along a pointed shore. continue in opposite directions.

yet amdist goodbyes. there is still celebration. of the places we've been. of the places we are. of the places we're going. and especially of this community. so deep. that it extends beyond borders. beyond distances. profoundly rooted in love.

amidst all of this. there is beauty. if we only open our eyes. and listen.