My One Year "Ord"iversary

One year ago today, I was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament at First Presbyterian Church, Ogden (UTAH BABY!).

I can't believe it's already been one year. In some ways it feels so significant and in other ways it feels like a small fingernail of an entire hand that is learning how to reach out and be the serving hands of Christ in this world. I have a long way to go, but dangit, I made it one year. :)

Life feels so different--and it's been an up and down journey already. There were moments why I wondered why I got on this ride. I still grieve that I will be alone without my family on Christmas day, and rejoice with a full heart when in a prayerful moment, I see transformation happening within the heart of a youth. It is a position and place of sacrifice and of privilege. And I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I am sustained by a deep and wide family of faith and support, and as I remember my ordination celebration one year ago, I remember it seriously feeling like a wedding. In some ways it was a wedding--a commitment to the church and my life there. There were flowers and a lunch reception and everything! ha ha ha ha...

I have certain snapshot memories in my mind I want to share...

• I remember coming in to the "rehearsal" the night before (the choir was practicing for the service, "Total Praise" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv9-WlymKg0) and I walked into the church with a line of women at my side... ha ha ha... it makes me laugh remembering that.
• I seriously think there were like 6 or 7 women walking with me... you know who you were.
• I remember Hardy moksanim giving the sermon and actually telling our Starbucks story publicly...and everyone then wondering why I asked him to preach my ordination... hee hee... ;)
• I remember Jeannikus putting the stole on me and Lindsay anointing me with oil...
• I remember being so nervous as I officiated communion with Rodger for the first time.
• I remember my cello professor and church member doing a duet together...
• I remember my mom during the service singing and crying and raising her arms when we sang "How Great Thou Art"...
• I remember my pastor and mentor, Rick, giving me an emotional charge...
• I remember that same pastor and mentor, Rick, then presenting me with the stole he was presented at his own ordination and giving it to me--oh man, everyone was crying at that point, I think...
• I remember looking out and seeing a full sanctuary of people I loved from everywhere who were there in person and those that were there in spirit...people who affirmed this call to ministry after a long and somewhat arduous journey.

The journey has only just begun--but I wanted to pause today to remember, to celebrate, and to express my thanksgiving to all those who continue to pray for me, who support me and who love me. My heart is full today. And special thoughts of gratitude to Daesung Presbyterian Church for entrusting me with mutual nurture and growth as we seek ways to faithfully follow Christ's footsteps. It has been a privilege and a joy.

God, thank you for calling me into this path of ministry. Although we have debates about why I am here, thank you for continuing to guide me and walk with me as I walk with your people. I love you. Amen.