Welcome back to the tundra!

First, I think I let everyone know, but I'm sure there are many lovely folks who do not know I am currently in the beautiful tundra we know as Minnesnowta--twin cities (holla!). 

There will definitely be a few students who realize mid-Feb. that Miss Ness is not at LPDV--cheers to paying attention. My stay in my old stomping grounds and my newly furbished styrofoam-wall room is . . . undefined. Intentional, but undefined. We'll get to that. For now, some confessional. 


I have not written in ages upon ages. Main reason being, life became oh-so-normal that I forgot the importance of sharing it with those outside to peer back and forth and compartir in the goings on. And, we all have to struggle with the existential doubts of adding any more word pollution to what's already out there. Then, often Kate so kindly listened to me, whether it be reading with different voices and accents or pontificating on life in this world and all its confusions. Sometimes I wrote thoughts, corresponded with dear individuals, and I frequently prayed for those outside my immediate circle, but my world got a little bit small. And I think that's ok, for a time. However, I do think my own soul benefits from speaking out and I am inspired and challenged by others who do so, so I will continue to spill from time to time in the public but hidden anonymity of yet another blog on the world wide web. 

Many, many months of ups and downs, visits and normalcy, laughter and growth, stress and wits ends, prayers and thoughts and conversations led to the decision to move back to Minnesota, at least for a season. I hope to see what this great state has to offer and get to know my family, again while seeking to discern what's next for a little longer-term. 

Some highlights from the past couple of months: 

Ending 2014
Finishing the school year with my 7th, 8th, and 9th graders, Skyping Uncle John in Biology, despedidas with co-workers and friends, last visits to Viña and getting caught in the rain, swimming and exercising outside, goodbyes with Rick & Pam who were so good to us, canning jam, Amos' goodbye giggles, visits to the beach, tears, parties, sweet words of affirmation and last-minute family visits and packing. 

Christmas and 2015
Ohio visiting Kate's home and family, reintroduced to feeling frozen, time with Em and Katniss before China, home right in time for Christmas with the family, meeting cousins' new babies, white Christmas, morning with Renae and Christmas Eve service with Wolfs, Francisco's visit with everything everything new from ice skating to walks on the lake, Family outings and hospitality, CO snowy mountains and black diamond runs in the blizzard-y snow, YMCA when it's freezing and outside exercise when it's nice, slow mornings with Mama Ness, seeing Benji and anticipating re-connecting/starting the life now that break time is over.

So here we are, a day with sunshine and snow. There is hope for each new day. Vamos, pues. 

Side note: I thoroughly enjoy basketball and have loved the opportunities to coach athletes in it, but I attest that one of the best decisions I made was joining nordic skiing my senior year of high school. Out of shape but loving every time I get to be outside and skate or classic! 
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me. . .
Show me the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you... Ps. 17