Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between
Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy
met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus,
Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to
the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he
was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’
feet* and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed?
Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this
foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
-Luke 17:11-19
When I was younger, I was certain of two things:
1. I wanted to work with kids.
2. I wanted to move out of Washington, preferably to North
Dakota.
Oh, the reactions I have gotten from the second statement:
"That's...an interesting choice."
"You know how cold it gets during the winter?"**
"Why? That sounds so random."
Despite how interesting, cold or random North Dakota might
be, North Dakota has always had and always will have a special place in my
heart. I have always loved visiting family throughout the state, especially
near the Canada/United States border, where Lake Metigoshe sits beautifully no
matter the season. I have also made many friends in North Dakota, and will
forever cherish the memories I have made with them. I also love the "small
town" atmosphere that North Dakota brings. Everyone is so friendly. A
couple months ago, I hit a deer on my way to town. I was not injured
(thankfully), but the car was in bad shape, so I stood outside the car and
waited for someone to pick me up. While I stood there, everyone that drove by
stopped to see if I was OK. It's moments like those that you just don't see
every day.
Thanksgiving Day may have come and passed, but it is never
too late to give thanks. Today I am thankful for Metigoshe Ministries and the
people I work with. Metigoshe Ministries has allowed me to fulfill two of my
biggest dreams; to work with kids and move to North Dakota. For five summers
since 2011, I have worked at Camp Metigoshe, a wonderful place to hang out with
kids, meet new people and continue to grow in my faith. After Christmas, I would
return to Lake Metigoshe to participate in the Nights of Christmas, a program
we put on for the community, which not only includes the summer staff, but
different musicians and performers from around the area. This year, Metigoshe
Ministries has given me the opportunity to continue my "Adventure Anchored
in Christ" as a part of our Metigoshe in Motion (MIM) program. It is
because of this opportunity that I get to do what I have always wanted to do
and I will always be grateful.
"Rise and go. Your faith has made you well."
*It's funny, just sounds like a bad
leprosy joke doesn't it? "He threw himself at Jesus' feet..."
**Yes, I am aware of how cold it
gets. It's snowing outside as I type this and it has completely covered the
chairs and picnic tables. Also there are two icicles that hang from the roof
outside my office and they are taller than I am. I am 6 feet and 4 inches, in
case you’re wondering. I love it nonetheless.
