Maisha is the Swahili word for "life".

“I am glad to be here, in this alarming and disastrous and marvelous world.” [Madeleine L'Engle]

When I was 17 I wrote this in my journal: “Participating fully in life is an act of love for the world.” I haven't changed. Lately life has bordered on overwhelming. So much to do in so little time, so much I won't be able to do because of no time at all. Way too many details to keep track of. Sad and terrible news: war, natural disaster, poverty, homophobia, a worldwide AIDS epidemic that doesn't go away. Friends and loved ones facing huge physical and emotional challenges. The world, as always, in tenuous balance between darkness and light.

But I am here and I want to live. I have never questioned the meaning of life; it is: to participate, to give, to serve, to laugh and love and connect with people and experience things. To be God's hands and feet. That, I believe, is the job description that comes with being human.

In three weeks I leave for New Orleans, where I will be volunteering with Mennonite Disaster Service until July 1^st. http://www.mds.mennonite.net/

I'll write more about that in a future blog post. An information package came in the mail today and I'm definitely psyched.

And in early August I leave for Tanzania. After today's email exchange with the director of the Umoja Arts Centre, I feel encouraged. I asked how she'll be spending her months in the States before returning in Arusha in August. Along with teaching violin at summer programs in several different countries, she will be running a month-long program to expose inner city kids to music through performance. That is one of many things near and dear to my heart. We both think we'll have a lot to talk about. The possibility of personal connection seems real.

Meanwhile I am looking forward to July: Marlee's visit home, outdoor music festivals, gardening, drinking beer on patios, getting together with friends... savouring it all. This too is part of the job description of being human.

So yes, life is overwhelming at times – but it's exhilarating too. I wouldn't trade it for anything.