Back On the Blog!

Hello dear ones!

I am returning to the art, the joy, the practice of blogging. I have missed connecting in this way.

[Recap: Over the last four years, lots of great things have happened. I graduated with my associate's with highest honors (May 2016). Went to South Africa -- my dream! -- on a study away trip (July 2017). I graduated summa cum laude from my undergrad, Elmhurst College, with a degree in religious studies (May 2018). Admitted to graduate school with a scholarship and completed the first year of my M.Div. program at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. I've been working part-time for almost 4 years at a company called Housing Headquarters. I'm super involved with my community at Urban Village Church in Chicago, and love being able to serve in a couple of leadership roles, including being a small group co-leader with partner campus ministry the Inclusive Collective. As of May 2019, I am a certified Deacon candidate in the United Methodist Church (on the path toward ordination). Over the past five months I have served as a chaplain intern at a Level I Trauma hospital, and as of last week, I have officially completed one unit of CPE. Hallelujah!]

So much good. And I am so grateful. But throughout all of this, I have had to manage my health. As much as I like to put forth an image that I have fully recovered, the truth is that I am still a spoonie. I truly believe I am "Stronger on the Other Side," yet I still have POTS. Chronic illness, its varied symptoms, follow me like a ghost. Maybe I will write it a catchy theme song, like Casper?

All this to say that I am sorry to report that in the last month or so, my POTS has flared up something fierce. I have been mostly couch-bound the last few weeks. I had to drop a few classes for the semester and hope to complete my two remaining courses online. I have much more to say, but my old friend sensory small-fiber neuropathy is screaming to give my aching hands a break.

More to come soon, as I aim to curate a space of hope and humor, of friendship and faith. Enjoy this song, which always puts me in a good mood! Whitney Houston / Kygo - Higher Love (Remix)

Love love love,
emma