last night i talked with an old friend from st. louis for about three hours.  i shouldn't say "old friend," but it seems like such a long time ago from another chapter of my life.  it's nice to visit those chapters every once in a while -- to talk to friends you haven't seen in a long time or to look through old photo albums and old journals.  i am a firm believer in taking lots of pictures, though half of the ones i've taken i can't even remember what they're about.  but this is a new year, a new semester, and a new chapter.  isn't it exciting to turn a new page?!  through this last storm i feel like i've gained a new sense of direction, or was at least reminded of the sense i once lost.  for a while i turned my eyes away from God and allowed my faith to waiver, but no longer.  He leads me once again.  i wish that i could tell everyone who is lost how to accomplish this.  maybe, someday, the words will come to express this.  for now just remember that the shadow is a small and passing thing.  God is there.  and i will do my best to be there, too.  sleep well, my dear xangans.