Strangeness

This week has been unusual. I've been living the life of someone who has a real (corporate?) 'job,' as my boss invited me to attend networking event for a regional nonprofit group. There was no objective for this trip other than to network, site see, have fun and eat. Where was I?

The highlight of the trip (and the real purpose for me going - as a reward, can you believe it?) was a whitewater rafting trip. When I arrived, I discovered the rafting was to take place on a man made course - somewhat lame, but still great. My group of six rafted the level 2-3 rapids course eight times, each time demanding that our guide up the skill level, until we finally did the "hero run." Amazingly, no one fell out of the raft, although there were some close calls.

Today, I'm sore - with lots of paddle bruises and raft burns from trying not to bounce into the water. And I remember the days where being put up in a hotel with an expense account was the norm, back before I decided to work in the hills in an old church without real healthcare or pay. But I honestly wouldn't trade it. I actually found myself feeling like all the money being spent on my good time this week was a waste - shouldn't this money be fueling real change or something?

For now though, I'm thankful for this strange, foreign world of 'perks'; it could be a long time before I experience something like this again. Thank you, oh poverty gods, for having favor with me - if only for a few days. Stuff like this puts it all into perspective and affirms that I'm where I should be.