The Month of Anticipation (Abbas)

Thursday, December 18th, 2008


As I say goodbye to 2008, I realize how unexpected and wonderful my work at Buxton would have seemed to me a year ago. A year ago I was at the foot of the Himalayas, living amongst Tibetan refugees, Kashmiris, and working at an art studio. Between bowls of tsampa (roasted barley) and cups of honey lemon ginger tea, I felt like I had a pause in the hectic path of college life. At that time, I was excited for the second half of my senior year, and more nervous than anything else about the work I would do after graduating. This December, I have an appreciation grounded in faith and an excitement for the year to come.

Some of this appreciation comes by way of my Christian coworkers in the office. As I see the joy they get out of the Christmas season, and particular religious significance this occasion marks for them, their joy is my joy. Although we do have differences on the nature of Jesus, Muslims too accept his miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary. This blessing of God is something I have a renewed and strengthened appreciation for this year.

As for the year to come, I know it holds many unknowns. The interns’ time at Buxton is at its midway point, and it really seems like just yesterday we came to 1717 and tried to get a grasp of just how powerful and challenging our work this year would be. Now that we have hit a pace of programming, of talking with one another, and of growing as individuals of faith, I am more aware than ever that our time in certain places, with certain people is limited.

I don’t quite know what I’ll be anticipating at the end of 2009. I don’t know how the events of next year will impact the direction I take in my life. What I do know is that even after four months this experience has had a powerful influence on my thinking about faith in my life, and sharing my deepest convictions with other people. I know that Adam and Jessica have shared personal insights with me, for which I am grateful. I know that January will be a time to readjust, refocus, and make the most of the time we have left at Buxton.