Echoes and Moments

Call them stacked enchiladas, if you prefer. It's a casserole: that perfect microcosm of New Mexico itself - a curious amalgam of different cultures blending through the centuries into a pan full of flavor. It is the flavor of home, and a simple dish that I make often for friends, or, like today, celebrations. It's an easy dish that cooks up in about an hour and a half, so you gabachos from the midwest can enjoy it just as much as mi familia over here in California and New Mejico. If you're looking to spice it up this holiday season (well, let's face it, real green chile isn't spicy at all), consider this heart warming dish to bring to the next potluck. I'll share the recipe: 1 large yellow onion 2 cloves garlic 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can (7oz) diced green chiles 1/2 tbsp Mexican oregano (whole leaf) 1 tsp cumin 2 tbsp olive oil 3/4 cup water corn tortillas jack cheese (optional) shredded chicken, cooked Dice the onion and garlic cloves...

I'll give you a picture of my decision-making process. First, let's get things straight. Here is how I feel in the hands of my God at times like these: Being a missionary isn't as easy as you thought, eh, Batman? This month in particular I have faced questions about the future. I don't think I'm alone when I write that every instance I attempt to face a big decision as an emerging adult, I find the inner noise violently thrust upon me. Today, at the grocery store checkout, I could hardly mutter a response to the friendly gentleman next to me in the checkout line; the thoughts are that deafening. As the questions run amok, as I attempt to reflect on past, present, and future, my body experiences the response. My temples feel the heat of the blood flowing and tension begins creeping up my neck to settle conveniently in my jaws. My shoulders tense and I experience lingering pain from a back injury from a few years ago. This link between our bodies, minds, a...

There is no wilderness so terrible, so beautiful, so arid and so fruitful as the wilderness of compassion. It is the only desert that shall truly flourish like the lily.    - Thomas Merton I can't say anything about love that hasn't been said before. But what helps keep me going when I feel dry is the reminder that we are all called to see the desert with eyes of hope. It is this hope that Isaiah recognizes when he describes the vision of God's kingdom. Isaiah 35:1-2 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad;      the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly      and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,      the majesty of  Carmel and  Sharon. They shall see the glory of the  Lord ,               the majesty of our God.  May our eyes see the goodness of the Lord, e...