I just got back to Boston last week, and I’m very happy to see everyone’s smiling faces again. It’s been odd being away for a month; I feel as though so much has happened at the church since I’ve been away. Thankfully, Amanda, Liz, and Pam all got me back up to speed. I hear that things have been a little hectic, but that everyone is supporting each other and treating one another with grace, kindness, and compassion. This pleases me immensely!

Many of you may be wondering what happened to me over the past month. Don’t worry; I simply spent a wonderful holiday break back in Texas and Maine. While it was nice visiting family in these two states, the difference in temperature was laughable. I was sweating in Texas (where it was about 70 degrees), and then freezing in Maine at around -10 degrees (where I refused to step foot outside for the majority of the trip). This made me yearn for Boston, a city where I am happy to say that I have acclimated to (in terms of both weather and way of life). I also greatly missed the Emmanuel community while I was gone. I thought of the women at the prison, the unhoused community from common art (especially during the Nor’easter), the LGBT elders community, and the Sunday churchgoers. You were all in my prayers, and I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Being away from Emmanuel (and school) gave me the opportunity to re-charge my batteries. I feel as though I have new, fresh eyes and an open mind to bring to the community this semester. I cannot wait to start brainstorming with Liz and Amanda; I think we’ll have some great projects up our sleeves in the next few months. Get ready for an artistic adventure, coming to you this spring!

Sincerely, Evey