who I am

 

My name is Sarah.

 

faith

From birth I was cast upon you;

from my mother’s womb you have been my God. –Psalm 22:10

     I feel I have always had a relationship with God, but every year that relationship takes new form.  Despite continuous resistance, I find myself walking and talking with a Mystery, this wild and crazy man named Jesus.

Beyond all we can find to say about him and believe about him, he remains always beyond our grasp, except maybe once in a while the hem of his garment.  –Frederick Buechner

I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do know I want to spend the rest of my life loving him, learning more about him, and growing closer to the Spirit.

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family

     I grew up with two United Methodist pastors for parents–a unique upbringing I was crazy enough to appreciate.  After 20 years of ministry in Ohio, they currently serve in Alaska.  I also have three hilarious older brothers, two lovely new sisters-in-law, and some quirky pets.  Then there’s my best friend of nine years, more like a sister.

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fun

     Reading, journaling, playing piano, learning guitar, singing, whistling, hiking, drinking coffee while communing with God….  Talking with people of all ages, about all the riches and depths of this life.  Eating Cheerios.

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focus

     I studied English (creative writing) and religion for my undergraduate degree.  Afterward, I spent two years as a United Methodist missionary in Salt Lake City, Utah, working with several advocacy groups in efforts to reduce poverty.  Little seeds were planted throughout these experiences—seeds of Jesus’ life, seeds of Africa’s beauty.  No matter what the future held, I knew I wanted to keep serving others and seeking social justice.

     One night I was talking with a fellow missionary on the phone, about halfway through our two-year term.  He asked, “If you could go anywhere after endterm, where would you go?”  My head said, Africa.  He continued, “You have to say the first word that comes to mind.”  So I was honest.  Did I have any idea how to get there?  No.

     Three weeks later someone told me about her Peace Corps experience in Africa.  Through many more seeds in the next few months (and some setbacks and doubts of course), I set my sights on a future of service in Africa.