That's joe carter.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
i like pictures.
So something that i failed to mention earlier was that besides going to El Salvador, I was also able to go back to Nicaragua for about 2 weeks. It was great! I helped lead a team with one of my most favorite people in the whole world. Joe Carter. One of the things i enjoyed most, besides hanging out with his awesome team, was running next door and seeing my favorite children again. They have gotten so big! Here are a few pictures from my time in Nicaragua.
That's joe carter.
That's joe carter.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
follow up.
Normally, when I return home from a trip I write a thank you/follow up note to my supporters. When I started writing this one, after the introduction, I was a little stuck, I didnt know what to say. This trip was different, and I didnt want to just write about all the nice happy times that I played with kids. I just wanted to share this with you, maybe to give some insight as to what I was processing through throughout the trip.
Dearest Friends and Family,
I will start this note with the same greeting as the past one, “I hope this finds you and your loved ones doing well, basking in the light of the Lord. I am excited to hear the stories of what He is doing in your life, and am excited to share my own.” I am very excited to hear how the Lord has been moving in each of your lives and I continue to pray that the Lord rains down blessings on you and your loved ones.
My time in El Salvador was…This is where I draw a blank. I do not know if I could find the words to describe my time in El Salvador. I wish I could just gush about how wonderful it was and how God’s grace was abundant. Instead, I am still learning what it means to be taught by God. My time in El Salvador was tougher than I thought it would be. Many days I had to really seek what the Lord’s calling for me was that day and press to see it through. I am still learning about what it means to be a servant, doing something for the Kingdom despite it being hard, even if you see no gratification from it. Joy should not come from being able to count the “Thank you’s” or to be praised, but to know, in your heart, that you are doing God’s will. Anything else is just an added gift.
Albeit my time was not always easy, I grew. Every day I can see the impact in ways great and small. One of the ministries that had the greatest effect on me was a nearby community called “Bendicion de Dios” or Blessing of God. This community is located in one of the more dangerous parts of San Salvador. It is much improvised and there is a lot of spiritual darkness that presents itself in the attitudes and home lives of the people who live there (left). Three days a week I would go to this community to teach English. I loved my time there. More than teaching English we were there to encourage the youth of the community: ask them about their days, listen to what they have to say, and encourage them. Slowly over time, I realized that maybe teaching English was not the most important thing I could do for these young people, but more just to love them, push them to think bigger than their lives and their community.
Despite their situation, this community was, to me, an example of hope. I was continually inspired by the potential that dwelled in this place. Hope for something better, hope for something more. I am daily praying for this community, and I invite you to join me. Pray that the children can understand how precious and wonderfully made they are. That they can choose not to be like their parents, and I pray that they continue to seek this hope and see just what the power of Christ can do for them, to bring them out of this darkness and oppression.
I look back over the past few months and see that the Lord was moving in my own life, as well as the lives of those around me. I want to thank you, truly, for how you have impacted my life. Thank you for seeking the plans that have been laid on your life, and following through with courage and boldness. I am constantly encouraged my each one of you.
I want to close with a quote from a devotional I have been working through. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young states, “The vast ocean of Love cannot be measured or explained, but it can be experienced.” I hope that we can continue to learn from each moment in our lives, and desire to seek the love and grace of the Lord.
May you be covered in the dust of our Savior,
Annie
The Spirit and the bride say, “come!” And let him who hears say, “come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
Revelation 22:17
Dearest Friends and Family,
I will start this note with the same greeting as the past one, “I hope this finds you and your loved ones doing well, basking in the light of the Lord. I am excited to hear the stories of what He is doing in your life, and am excited to share my own.” I am very excited to hear how the Lord has been moving in each of your lives and I continue to pray that the Lord rains down blessings on you and your loved ones.
My time in El Salvador was…This is where I draw a blank. I do not know if I could find the words to describe my time in El Salvador. I wish I could just gush about how wonderful it was and how God’s grace was abundant. Instead, I am still learning what it means to be taught by God. My time in El Salvador was tougher than I thought it would be. Many days I had to really seek what the Lord’s calling for me was that day and press to see it through. I am still learning about what it means to be a servant, doing something for the Kingdom despite it being hard, even if you see no gratification from it. Joy should not come from being able to count the “Thank you’s” or to be praised, but to know, in your heart, that you are doing God’s will. Anything else is just an added gift.
Albeit my time was not always easy, I grew. Every day I can see the impact in ways great and small. One of the ministries that had the greatest effect on me was a nearby community called “Bendicion de Dios” or Blessing of God. This community is located in one of the more dangerous parts of San Salvador. It is much improvised and there is a lot of spiritual darkness that presents itself in the attitudes and home lives of the people who live there (left). Three days a week I would go to this community to teach English. I loved my time there. More than teaching English we were there to encourage the youth of the community: ask them about their days, listen to what they have to say, and encourage them. Slowly over time, I realized that maybe teaching English was not the most important thing I could do for these young people, but more just to love them, push them to think bigger than their lives and their community.
Despite their situation, this community was, to me, an example of hope. I was continually inspired by the potential that dwelled in this place. Hope for something better, hope for something more. I am daily praying for this community, and I invite you to join me. Pray that the children can understand how precious and wonderfully made they are. That they can choose not to be like their parents, and I pray that they continue to seek this hope and see just what the power of Christ can do for them, to bring them out of this darkness and oppression.
I look back over the past few months and see that the Lord was moving in my own life, as well as the lives of those around me. I want to thank you, truly, for how you have impacted my life. Thank you for seeking the plans that have been laid on your life, and following through with courage and boldness. I am constantly encouraged my each one of you.
I want to close with a quote from a devotional I have been working through. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young states, “The vast ocean of Love cannot be measured or explained, but it can be experienced.” I hope that we can continue to learn from each moment in our lives, and desire to seek the love and grace of the Lord.
May you be covered in the dust of our Savior,
Annie
The Spirit and the bride say, “come!” And let him who hears say, “come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
Revelation 22:17
Saturday, August 14, 2010
A thought from a book
I found this really old blog that i had written back in July. I feel it is still applicable so here it is.
I am reading the book More Than Equals by Spencer Perkins and Chris Rice. This book focuses a lot on racial reconciliation, specifically between blacks and whites and how Christianity in American has been affected by the issue of race. It frequently states how the issue is a “we’ve come so far” or a “not yet” issue. Either praised for its comparison to the past or the realization that the gorge has yet to be crossed, in that we still have such a long way to go in such examples as “why are most institutions, for example the church, still predominately separated into black or white communities?”
One of the focal points of the book is the backbone to the Christian faith, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.” The following section is passage from the book: (p 65-66)
“but in this story [the story of the Good Samaritan] Jesus says that our neighbors are especially those people who ignore us, those people who separate themselves from us, those people who are afraid of us, those people we have the most difficulty loving and those people we feel don’t love us.”
“And who is my neighbor?”
“The question has much to say about the priority we place on loving people who are different from ourselves, especially as it relates to our eternal future. It doesn’t take much imagination for each of us to figure out who Jesus would use as an example of ‘neighbor’ in our towns and cities.
For an Israeli, how about a Palestinian?
For an Arab, how about a Jew?
For a rich white, how about a black welfare mother?
For a poor white, how about a middle-class black who go where he is through affirmative action?
For a black male, how about a white male-better yet, a pickup-driving, gunrack-toting, tobacco-chewing, baseball-cap-wearing white man who still refers to a black man as ‘boy’?
For a feminist, how about an insensitive, domineering male chauvinist?
For a suburban white family, how about the new black or Hispanic family that moved in down the street?
For all of us, how about the unmotivated, undisciplined, uneducated poor? Or an AIDS victim who contracted HIV not through a transfusion but through homosexual activity or intravenous drug use?”
I found this whole section very enlightening as I was reading through. I originally thought about the children and the people I minister here in El Salvador, those are the ones that I consider my neighbor. The ones abandoned and fallen to the wayside. But then I thought again, about how easy it was for me to love those people and how much I enjoy helping and serving and building relation with them. Then I decided to honestly try to answer the question, and the response that I came up with was those perceived “snotty rich kids that have never had to work a day in their lives” kids.
Who would Jesus use as the neighbor if he were speaking to you?
I am reading the book More Than Equals by Spencer Perkins and Chris Rice. This book focuses a lot on racial reconciliation, specifically between blacks and whites and how Christianity in American has been affected by the issue of race. It frequently states how the issue is a “we’ve come so far” or a “not yet” issue. Either praised for its comparison to the past or the realization that the gorge has yet to be crossed, in that we still have such a long way to go in such examples as “why are most institutions, for example the church, still predominately separated into black or white communities?”
One of the focal points of the book is the backbone to the Christian faith, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.” The following section is passage from the book: (p 65-66)
“but in this story [the story of the Good Samaritan] Jesus says that our neighbors are especially those people who ignore us, those people who separate themselves from us, those people who are afraid of us, those people we have the most difficulty loving and those people we feel don’t love us.”
“And who is my neighbor?”
“The question has much to say about the priority we place on loving people who are different from ourselves, especially as it relates to our eternal future. It doesn’t take much imagination for each of us to figure out who Jesus would use as an example of ‘neighbor’ in our towns and cities.
For an Israeli, how about a Palestinian?
For an Arab, how about a Jew?
For a rich white, how about a black welfare mother?
For a poor white, how about a middle-class black who go where he is through affirmative action?
For a black male, how about a white male-better yet, a pickup-driving, gunrack-toting, tobacco-chewing, baseball-cap-wearing white man who still refers to a black man as ‘boy’?
For a feminist, how about an insensitive, domineering male chauvinist?
For a suburban white family, how about the new black or Hispanic family that moved in down the street?
For all of us, how about the unmotivated, undisciplined, uneducated poor? Or an AIDS victim who contracted HIV not through a transfusion but through homosexual activity or intravenous drug use?”
I found this whole section very enlightening as I was reading through. I originally thought about the children and the people I minister here in El Salvador, those are the ones that I consider my neighbor. The ones abandoned and fallen to the wayside. But then I thought again, about how easy it was for me to love those people and how much I enjoy helping and serving and building relation with them. Then I decided to honestly try to answer the question, and the response that I came up with was those perceived “snotty rich kids that have never had to work a day in their lives” kids.
Who would Jesus use as the neighbor if he were speaking to you?
Saturday, August 7, 2010
still around!
O goodness, I have not blogged in such a long time.
So I reached Nicaragua yesterday. It was a struggle but I was about the take the bus 13 hours through central america, 3 countries, sola. But i met some really wonderful people and God really blessed what i would was a bad situation about to turn south. But that is another story.
In El Salvador, I was asked to write a bio about the lady that I stayed with. I thought I would also post it here.
I stayed with a wonderful woman named Maria Lusia Sura:
Maria Luisa lives by herself in her beautiful house, which is located in the neighborhood of Soyapango, a part of San Salvador. She is a 4th grade teacher at the school Siloe, where she has worked for 2 years. She says that she loves working with the children. She received her degree from a university here in San Salvador, and has 4 certificates in different areas of education. She worked as an elementary school teacher for over 35 years before retiring but then deciding to return to teaching after 5 years. She has 3 children, 2 daughters and 1 son, all of which have grown up and are married, and has 4 grandchildren. Two of her children live in the United States, her daughter lives in Richmond, VA and her son in Los Angeles, CA. Although Maria Luisa does not speak English, she is always very patient with others who are learning Spanish. During her free time she enjoys gardening, listening to worship music, cooking and playing with her grandson who lives in San Salvador, Josito who is 4 ½. Her favorite books of the bible are Romans, Ephesians, and Philippians.
I asked her what else she would like people to know about her and she said: “My house is very relaxing, I like to lie in my hammock and look at the sky. My favorite food is fruit, I eat a lot of fruit. It is such a blessing to have people come and stay at my house, and I think that it is a way that I can serve the Lord.”
Maria Luisa is always a teacher, when I showed her what I had written about her, she told me to double space it so it looks nicer.
So I reached Nicaragua yesterday. It was a struggle but I was about the take the bus 13 hours through central america, 3 countries, sola. But i met some really wonderful people and God really blessed what i would was a bad situation about to turn south. But that is another story.
In El Salvador, I was asked to write a bio about the lady that I stayed with. I thought I would also post it here.
I stayed with a wonderful woman named Maria Lusia Sura:
Maria Luisa lives by herself in her beautiful house, which is located in the neighborhood of Soyapango, a part of San Salvador. She is a 4th grade teacher at the school Siloe, where she has worked for 2 years. She says that she loves working with the children. She received her degree from a university here in San Salvador, and has 4 certificates in different areas of education. She worked as an elementary school teacher for over 35 years before retiring but then deciding to return to teaching after 5 years. She has 3 children, 2 daughters and 1 son, all of which have grown up and are married, and has 4 grandchildren. Two of her children live in the United States, her daughter lives in Richmond, VA and her son in Los Angeles, CA. Although Maria Luisa does not speak English, she is always very patient with others who are learning Spanish. During her free time she enjoys gardening, listening to worship music, cooking and playing with her grandson who lives in San Salvador, Josito who is 4 ½. Her favorite books of the bible are Romans, Ephesians, and Philippians.
I asked her what else she would like people to know about her and she said: “My house is very relaxing, I like to lie in my hammock and look at the sky. My favorite food is fruit, I eat a lot of fruit. It is such a blessing to have people come and stay at my house, and I think that it is a way that I can serve the Lord.” Maria Luisa is always a teacher, when I showed her what I had written about her, she told me to double space it so it looks nicer.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
I pick fights
written: July 15, 2010
So my father used to always tell me that I was bullheaded.
And I picked fights with the bigger girls.
There is another team here this week and I am working with them as a translator. They are a nice group and I am enjoying the people that I am working with. We do a VBS in the morning at the school Siloe (where I have been working…did I mention that I am working at a school?) and then in the afternoons we do another VBS with the kids in the community. My job is to translate crafts and then just in general help out where needed. It is really just a lot of telling kids to sit down, be quiet and pay attention. However, I would like to share this story:
One thing a lot of the kids struggle with is self confidence, they come from homes where no one takes an interest in their day or praises them for their good works. Instead, they are told they are dumb, we are poor and you are going to end up just like us. This breaks my heart. I see so many wonderful kids here, and you can read the sadness in some of their faces all the time.
All that being said, I think it is important that the kids have some sort of expectations, some challenges to prove to themselves that they can succeed.
The other day I was working in crafts and one of the adults that I was working with was doing the project for a little girl who was about 8 years old. It was a simple craft and she could have done it by herself, she just needed a little help getting started. So I went over and said, “I think that all she needs is a little help, maybe you could hold it and she could tie the string.” He then looked back at me and said, “ no she is too young to do it, she can’t do it.” In very quick snappy Spanish replied to him, “did you let her try?” This is when I became furious because he said that she was too young and would not be able to do it and this was just quicker. My father’s bullheadedness showed up in that moment as I took the project from him and said, “I will show you, she can do it!” A few of the girls around said that she couldn’t do it either, and I looked at them and told them that she could do it. By this point I was determined to prove all of them wrong, and show that the little girl with the huge brown eyes and a quiet sadness could do it. I coached her through every step of the project, and 10 minutes later we had finished it. If I didn’t want that man to lose all respect for me, since I had already taken it away from him and told him that I would prove him wrong, I would have stuck out my tongue as a nice little “I told you so.”
I think from this quick experience, I learned that, A) I need to be more respectful of adults. But B) that even if given the chance, I believe that children can succeed if they are provided with the tools to do so. It is very important to allow kids to do some things for themselves. It doesn’t matter if they do it wrong, or it is not perfect. The point is to allow them to try.
The little girl left with a smile on her face, and I asked her what she was going to do with her project, and she said that she was going to go and show it to her mom when she got home.
So my father used to always tell me that I was bullheaded.
And I picked fights with the bigger girls.
There is another team here this week and I am working with them as a translator. They are a nice group and I am enjoying the people that I am working with. We do a VBS in the morning at the school Siloe (where I have been working…did I mention that I am working at a school?) and then in the afternoons we do another VBS with the kids in the community. My job is to translate crafts and then just in general help out where needed. It is really just a lot of telling kids to sit down, be quiet and pay attention. However, I would like to share this story:
One thing a lot of the kids struggle with is self confidence, they come from homes where no one takes an interest in their day or praises them for their good works. Instead, they are told they are dumb, we are poor and you are going to end up just like us. This breaks my heart. I see so many wonderful kids here, and you can read the sadness in some of their faces all the time.
All that being said, I think it is important that the kids have some sort of expectations, some challenges to prove to themselves that they can succeed.
The other day I was working in crafts and one of the adults that I was working with was doing the project for a little girl who was about 8 years old. It was a simple craft and she could have done it by herself, she just needed a little help getting started. So I went over and said, “I think that all she needs is a little help, maybe you could hold it and she could tie the string.” He then looked back at me and said, “ no she is too young to do it, she can’t do it.” In very quick snappy Spanish replied to him, “did you let her try?” This is when I became furious because he said that she was too young and would not be able to do it and this was just quicker. My father’s bullheadedness showed up in that moment as I took the project from him and said, “I will show you, she can do it!” A few of the girls around said that she couldn’t do it either, and I looked at them and told them that she could do it. By this point I was determined to prove all of them wrong, and show that the little girl with the huge brown eyes and a quiet sadness could do it. I coached her through every step of the project, and 10 minutes later we had finished it. If I didn’t want that man to lose all respect for me, since I had already taken it away from him and told him that I would prove him wrong, I would have stuck out my tongue as a nice little “I told you so.”
I think from this quick experience, I learned that, A) I need to be more respectful of adults. But B) that even if given the chance, I believe that children can succeed if they are provided with the tools to do so. It is very important to allow kids to do some things for themselves. It doesn’t matter if they do it wrong, or it is not perfect. The point is to allow them to try.
The little girl left with a smile on her face, and I asked her what she was going to do with her project, and she said that she was going to go and show it to her mom when she got home.
Friday, July 9, 2010
padres
written: June 29, 2010
One quick thing I wanted to write about was the parents that come to our children programs. So everyday our programs start with songs with Josué the translator. The songs are about frogs, that involving jumping, songs about baby Jesus, with a pregnant belly, and finally, the team favorite, “la Conga,” which involves doing a little shimming at the end. Needless to say, they are very much to get the kids excited about the program. However, we normally have a few parents that hang around to watch. So every day we do the same songs, and normally do the same silly things, like trying to get the adults to do the conga. But I think that it is great that every time they think it is the funniest thing. I can just imagine them saying to one another, “we are so silly for doing this little shimmy.” And I love how when we get coaches or pastors to do it, they just about die with laughter. I love their joy and their ability to just laugh.
One quick thing I wanted to write about was the parents that come to our children programs. So everyday our programs start with songs with Josué the translator. The songs are about frogs, that involving jumping, songs about baby Jesus, with a pregnant belly, and finally, the team favorite, “la Conga,” which involves doing a little shimming at the end. Needless to say, they are very much to get the kids excited about the program. However, we normally have a few parents that hang around to watch. So every day we do the same songs, and normally do the same silly things, like trying to get the adults to do the conga. But I think that it is great that every time they think it is the funniest thing. I can just imagine them saying to one another, “we are so silly for doing this little shimmy.” And I love how when we get coaches or pastors to do it, they just about die with laughter. I love their joy and their ability to just laugh.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
pictures
San Salvador
Coconut milk and Josue the Translator
typical meal?
luis
the kids next door on the island.
the Island we traveled to.
bubbles
english class students at La Comunidad
the view from my room
kids at the soccer camp question Jake about the world cup.
island adventures
written: July 3, 2010
From June 20-29th we had a short term here. It was really fun to have a group here to see the group in action. I have worked with groups in the past and this was defiantly one of the most passionate groups. They were always very willing to give to the community and form genuine bonds with people. Not like a get in, get the job done, and leave. I loved that about them. One of the outreaches that we did that we did was a visit to a nearby island called Isla Calsada. This island is located 1.5 hours by car and then a 50 minute ride in a lancha (speed boat type thing).
Upon arriving to the island we were greeting by running children, pigs and lots and lots of crabs. We walked to the church where we would be staying and set up. It was a 1 roomed building probably 50’ by 30’. We talked with the wife of the pastor and she told us that 1500 people live on this island, 300 on this little part. But it is very rural; there really is not a town or city central, paved roads or stores. People just live and do what they can with they can. Houses were made of mud and sticks and indoor plumbing is a thing of myths, and many of the people that we talked with said they had never left the island.
At the island we were working with the church to reach out to some of the people on the island. Even though there are 1500-2000 people there are only 7 churches and 3 schools. They said that their normal church attended was fairly low. The schools are also very interesting because they only go to 9th grade. So if the children want to continue their education they have to leave the island. However, most people cannot afford the commute of 2 dollars a day to take the lancha. So they are forced to stop school.
Throughout our 2 days there, we did a vacation bible school with the youth, a movie night for families and then had a teen time for the other kids. However, possibly my favorite thing that we did was breakfast. The breakfast was supposed to be for the teens that came to the gathering and then for our team. So we set up, and since we were 10 “gringos” and maybe 15 more Salvadorians, we attracted a little attention. People started walking by and peaking in, so we started to invite them in. We invited in a man we saw working in the field the day before, sat him down and gave him a plate of food and all the cereal he could eat.
Later a very old man with a cane walked in. He told us that his family doesn’t take care of him and he has no money to pay us, but would like some food. We pulled out a chair for him and told him to come and eat. He said that he was 70. I guessed him at about 85 years old, you could tell by his face that he had not had an easy life. He told us about how he did not have a wife or children, so he was living with his sister’s daughter and that they only gave him a little food and don’t help him with other things. He said he would like to go to a nursing home and asked if we could help him. This really touched me. I already love the elderly so I ask that you pray for him and for us that we can find some way to help him get the assistance that he needs.
Additionally, we had made friends with the children that lived in the house next door. They live in a tiny little one room house with their mother. There are 4 children and we think that the mother might be pregnant. We invited them to come and eat with us. The youngest boy even went and put on pants for the occasion. I loved watching them giggle as they ate their chocolate frosted flakes, wondering if they had ever had cereal before, yet instantly took to the custom of fighting over who got to read the back of the cereal box. Later, we took a few pictures of them over to the mother, and she just laughed at how silly her children were, hamming it up for the camera. This is the part of ministry that I love, being able to share in something together. Christ created us to be in fellowship and community with one another and I am so thankful that we got to exemplify that on the little island.
From June 20-29th we had a short term here. It was really fun to have a group here to see the group in action. I have worked with groups in the past and this was defiantly one of the most passionate groups. They were always very willing to give to the community and form genuine bonds with people. Not like a get in, get the job done, and leave. I loved that about them. One of the outreaches that we did that we did was a visit to a nearby island called Isla Calsada. This island is located 1.5 hours by car and then a 50 minute ride in a lancha (speed boat type thing).
Upon arriving to the island we were greeting by running children, pigs and lots and lots of crabs. We walked to the church where we would be staying and set up. It was a 1 roomed building probably 50’ by 30’. We talked with the wife of the pastor and she told us that 1500 people live on this island, 300 on this little part. But it is very rural; there really is not a town or city central, paved roads or stores. People just live and do what they can with they can. Houses were made of mud and sticks and indoor plumbing is a thing of myths, and many of the people that we talked with said they had never left the island.
At the island we were working with the church to reach out to some of the people on the island. Even though there are 1500-2000 people there are only 7 churches and 3 schools. They said that their normal church attended was fairly low. The schools are also very interesting because they only go to 9th grade. So if the children want to continue their education they have to leave the island. However, most people cannot afford the commute of 2 dollars a day to take the lancha. So they are forced to stop school.
Throughout our 2 days there, we did a vacation bible school with the youth, a movie night for families and then had a teen time for the other kids. However, possibly my favorite thing that we did was breakfast. The breakfast was supposed to be for the teens that came to the gathering and then for our team. So we set up, and since we were 10 “gringos” and maybe 15 more Salvadorians, we attracted a little attention. People started walking by and peaking in, so we started to invite them in. We invited in a man we saw working in the field the day before, sat him down and gave him a plate of food and all the cereal he could eat.
Later a very old man with a cane walked in. He told us that his family doesn’t take care of him and he has no money to pay us, but would like some food. We pulled out a chair for him and told him to come and eat. He said that he was 70. I guessed him at about 85 years old, you could tell by his face that he had not had an easy life. He told us about how he did not have a wife or children, so he was living with his sister’s daughter and that they only gave him a little food and don’t help him with other things. He said he would like to go to a nursing home and asked if we could help him. This really touched me. I already love the elderly so I ask that you pray for him and for us that we can find some way to help him get the assistance that he needs.
Additionally, we had made friends with the children that lived in the house next door. They live in a tiny little one room house with their mother. There are 4 children and we think that the mother might be pregnant. We invited them to come and eat with us. The youngest boy even went and put on pants for the occasion. I loved watching them giggle as they ate their chocolate frosted flakes, wondering if they had ever had cereal before, yet instantly took to the custom of fighting over who got to read the back of the cereal box. Later, we took a few pictures of them over to the mother, and she just laughed at how silly her children were, hamming it up for the camera. This is the part of ministry that I love, being able to share in something together. Christ created us to be in fellowship and community with one another and I am so thankful that we got to exemplify that on the little island.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
la comunidad
written: June 16, 2010
I was given the chance to explore some other possible ministries. Christ for the City has been really awesome about working with me, and letting me try all the ministries and then choosing the one I felt most connected to. Today we went to “la comunidad.” This is a newer ministry that CFCI is starting, and I am excited to be a part of it. It is an improvised community in the Altavista sublet of San Salvador. They are trying to set up English classes and guitar classes there so that the children have the opportunity to do something else. Only some of the children attend school, and the rest feel destined to follow in the family’s footsteps of unemployment, illegitimate children, and poverty. We are trying to give them the chance to see outside this. If they can learn a trade or even English they could be destined for something better and rise out of poverty.
It was my first time at La Comunidad and I was very excited but a little nervous. When we first arrived I was surprised by how small the area actually was. It was only 2 rows of houses on one side of the street that has a small dirt path that runs between the two rows, which is only 3-4 blocks long. We have it set up so that we teach a class in the morning and a class in the afternoon. This morning, during the guitar class, I took the time to meet some of the children. They are wonderful children who just spend their day playing out in the sun in the small patch of dirt in front of one of the area we have set up to house classes, which is really just a makeshift tent made from tarps with some old chairs. It was a wonderful morning of running and playing and trying to remember the children’s names while trying to understand the games. We played some form of hide and seek and ran all thought the neighborhood.
When we returned in the afternoon for English class, I was excited to explore their little village more. I ran into some of the kids from the morning and we continued to play the games and talk about “futbol” and what we should name their tiny plastic horse. We decided on Lousia el caballito, (Louise the baby horse).
This community has already started to affect me, and I want to help them more. One of the interesting things going on here is that they got a grant or some sort of help to build 2 pelas, or wells. This will be very beneficial to the community because currently they only have 1, and I believe that it is leaking or is in poor condition. So the construction of these wells is not done by hired help, the supplies were just kind of dumped and the whole community is working together to build it. I was fortunate enough to get the chance to talk to a few of the adults who were carrying the supplies to the site. They weave their way through the tiny crocked sidewalk, avoiding puddles and dogs, carrying bricks or other supplies on their heads. I just kind of walked up to one of the ladies and started talking to her. Her name was Doris and she had lived here for 5 years. She told me that the whole community pitches in so that the work can get done quicker and then afterwards it benefits the whole community. It makes sense and I was impressed with the team work. I asked another woman and walked with her while she carried her bricks to the site, 4 blocks away. (I may mention that this was probably not the smartest idea to just wander back into the houses with newly met strangers…) She told me the same thing, if we work together the job gets done quicker and we all benefit.
Additionally, I made a new friend, her name is Ceci and she is 15 years old. I don’t believe that she is going to school, even though there is one very close. I asked her what she thought about living here and if she could show me around her neighborhood. She agreed, but said it had to be quick because she needed to help finish the work. An interesting side note about the work being done was that the majority of the workers were the women of the community. There were few men to be found. She showed me where the pelas were being built and where they had to carry the supplies from, the local “store,” which really only had garlic, tang, and bananas, the new litter of puppies, and finally her house. Her house was built with metal roofing and the door was held closed with wire. When we entered the house I was surprised to see how much stuff was there. There were piles of stuff covering the only table and couch in this tiny 15’ by 15’ foot house. It was mostly garbage, bags and newspapers, a few clothes and a basket. They had a tiny table stove and 1 bed that she shared with the rest of her family: her mother, 2 brothers and possibly a cousin. After a brief tour, she returned to working, carrying the supplies back and forth, and I had to go. I was both excited and overwhelmed by what was going on in the community. I am excited to start really getting to know the residents of this small suburb and am excited to see what the Lord has in store.
I ask that you pray for this community and the people who live there. That they can be lifted out of oppression and see the joy of the Lord, despite their worldly conditions. They are such a lovely and welcoming group, and I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to get to know them.
bus adventures
So these are the blogs that i have been writing but have been unable to post. there are a few
written: June 15, 2010
So every morning I get up at 4:30 (yes…4:30AM) so that Maria Lousia and I can ride the bus to school and be there at 6:00am. However, I would like to share that by this time I am a bus badass. I know that I have to get on the bus, motion with my lips that the woman behind me is going to pay and make my way to the back, as far as I can go, because we don’t want to get stuck and not be able to get off the bus at the correct stop. It takes about 30 minutes every morning to ride the bus into school. My love for public transportation still remains. I love watching the people go by, and those who get on and I use this time to get a good look at the city that I live in. Even though technically I live in San Salvador, the part I live in is called Soyapango. Two syllables “soya-pango” NOT soy-a-pango. I have been corrected more times than I can count. Even though Soyapango is just a sublet of San Salvador, it houses 1 million of the 2 million population of the city, and is where 1/6th of the total population lives.
Favorite bus sightings today: The drunk guy that was leaning against the door so when it opened it hit him in the head as he stumbled out. The man that paid the fare (20 cents) with a bag of Doritos instead. And finally, the bus doorbell, it is located above the back exit door of the bus and you push it when you want let off. However, today it was broken, so it was my pleasure to listen to what people decided was appropriate to yell all the way to the front of the bus to get let off. Some yelled names, places, and one gentleman just hit the door repeatedly until it opened.
written: June 15, 2010
So every morning I get up at 4:30 (yes…4:30AM) so that Maria Lousia and I can ride the bus to school and be there at 6:00am. However, I would like to share that by this time I am a bus badass. I know that I have to get on the bus, motion with my lips that the woman behind me is going to pay and make my way to the back, as far as I can go, because we don’t want to get stuck and not be able to get off the bus at the correct stop. It takes about 30 minutes every morning to ride the bus into school. My love for public transportation still remains. I love watching the people go by, and those who get on and I use this time to get a good look at the city that I live in. Even though technically I live in San Salvador, the part I live in is called Soyapango. Two syllables “soya-pango” NOT soy-a-pango. I have been corrected more times than I can count. Even though Soyapango is just a sublet of San Salvador, it houses 1 million of the 2 million population of the city, and is where 1/6th of the total population lives.
Favorite bus sightings today: The drunk guy that was leaning against the door so when it opened it hit him in the head as he stumbled out. The man that paid the fare (20 cents) with a bag of Doritos instead. And finally, the bus doorbell, it is located above the back exit door of the bus and you push it when you want let off. However, today it was broken, so it was my pleasure to listen to what people decided was appropriate to yell all the way to the front of the bus to get let off. Some yelled names, places, and one gentleman just hit the door repeatedly until it opened.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
hey all,
so here is what has been going on. I actually have 2 or 3 blogs written and ready to post, however, I dont have internet access from my computer so i have to wait to see if i can transfer them and then post them.
However...this is some fun facts for now:
1.i ride the bus everyday...at 5:30am
2.I live with Maria Lousia and she is wonderful
3.i work at a school and teach english, and by ¨teach¨ it mostly just means that the normal english teacher tells me we are going to learn about endangered animals and then points to the front of the class.
4. tonight a group comes in and i am going to be working with them.
5. i work in a community called ¨la comunidad¨ and hang out and i love it.
6. some days i dont speak english at all.
thanks for keepin me in your prayers.
so here is what has been going on. I actually have 2 or 3 blogs written and ready to post, however, I dont have internet access from my computer so i have to wait to see if i can transfer them and then post them.
However...this is some fun facts for now:
1.i ride the bus everyday...at 5:30am
2.I live with Maria Lousia and she is wonderful
3.i work at a school and teach english, and by ¨teach¨ it mostly just means that the normal english teacher tells me we are going to learn about endangered animals and then points to the front of the class.
4. tonight a group comes in and i am going to be working with them.
5. i work in a community called ¨la comunidad¨ and hang out and i love it.
6. some days i dont speak english at all.
thanks for keepin me in your prayers.
Monday, June 14, 2010
estoy aqui!
hello,
So i arrived to El Salvador on Friday evening, what was supposed to be a quick 3 hour flight from Dallas-fort worth to San Salvador turned into a 6.5 hour adventures. Firstly, we left 1 hour late, after flying the whole way to San Salvador, we were not able to land because of storms that were over the airport, after circling around a few times, they told us that they were running out of fuel. To fix this problem we were going to have to fly to Gutamala city. Well, i suppose that was ok, i had never been to guatmala...finally, we arrived. I was so nervous that Pastor Javior was just going to leave. But no, he was their waiting. I was so relieved! I was so increibly tired because i had left my house in seattl at 4:30 that morning.
Since arriving, things have been going well. I love my house Mother, Maria Louisa, and today is my first day working in the ministries. The main thing that Christ for the City has is a school and church here in San Salvador. it is set up so that children in poverty can have a chance at a private school education, so they are not forced into the position of their families. I am excited to start working here, teaching children english and helping the classrooms. Additionally, they also have projects out in the poorer outskirts of the town that I am going to go and check out tomorrow, and they also have a soccer camp going to keep kids out of trouble...however, i do not believe that i am going to be able to help out much with that...has anyone ever seen me kick a ball? not a pretty site.
maria Lousia is a teacher here at the school. All her children have grown and moved out so i think she is taking this oppertunity to spoil me. When we went to run errends she took me out for ice cream (also her favorite treat!) and she ordered us the biggest banana split i have ever seen (one for each of us). she also let me pick out whatever ceral i wanted at the grocery store. she is wonderful!
take care, av
So i arrived to El Salvador on Friday evening, what was supposed to be a quick 3 hour flight from Dallas-fort worth to San Salvador turned into a 6.5 hour adventures. Firstly, we left 1 hour late, after flying the whole way to San Salvador, we were not able to land because of storms that were over the airport, after circling around a few times, they told us that they were running out of fuel. To fix this problem we were going to have to fly to Gutamala city. Well, i suppose that was ok, i had never been to guatmala...finally, we arrived. I was so nervous that Pastor Javior was just going to leave. But no, he was their waiting. I was so relieved! I was so increibly tired because i had left my house in seattl at 4:30 that morning.
Since arriving, things have been going well. I love my house Mother, Maria Louisa, and today is my first day working in the ministries. The main thing that Christ for the City has is a school and church here in San Salvador. it is set up so that children in poverty can have a chance at a private school education, so they are not forced into the position of their families. I am excited to start working here, teaching children english and helping the classrooms. Additionally, they also have projects out in the poorer outskirts of the town that I am going to go and check out tomorrow, and they also have a soccer camp going to keep kids out of trouble...however, i do not believe that i am going to be able to help out much with that...has anyone ever seen me kick a ball? not a pretty site.
maria Lousia is a teacher here at the school. All her children have grown and moved out so i think she is taking this oppertunity to spoil me. When we went to run errends she took me out for ice cream (also her favorite treat!) and she ordered us the biggest banana split i have ever seen (one for each of us). she also let me pick out whatever ceral i wanted at the grocery store. she is wonderful!
take care, av
Friday, June 11, 2010
it is here
The time is here.
I have finished finals, cleaned my room, and packed up everything. In about 5 hours I will leave to go to the airport to fly to El Salvador. I cannot believe that it is finally here. I am excited and nervous. But i think it will be ok. I got a call this morning from CFCI and they told me that i had a host family! i do not know many of the details other than the woman (possibly mother or wife) i will live with is a teacher. Additionally, I will be picked up at the airport by Pastor Javier.
I am excited to be back in the Latin culture and explore new places. I am exited to see how the Lord is going to move and what He has in store for this adventure. I ask that you pray for my safety, but also for the hearts of the people that we will be in contact with. Please pray that I hear the word of the Lord and embrace it with boldness and confidence. But at the same time, hear the tender cry of the people and have compassion to feel hurt and sorrow with them, to be humbled by their kindness, and love unconditionally.
This the verse that I have really been thinking a lot about recently. I feel like its a fairly common verse, but i have tried to find just how it is applicable to faith, on a deeper leve:
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I will try to be joyful even when things are hard, and i am confused and distressed by the word of the Lord, or when He chooses to be quiet. I will pray even if i feel the situation is hopeless, but beyond that pray that the Lord is good and will provide. he has been faithful in the past and he will be faithful in the future. And I will praise the Lord with all I have, and try to show the Lords goodness in all that I do. I pray that we will be able to do this together. Thank you for your support.
I am excited to share all these things with you.
I have finished finals, cleaned my room, and packed up everything. In about 5 hours I will leave to go to the airport to fly to El Salvador. I cannot believe that it is finally here. I am excited and nervous. But i think it will be ok. I got a call this morning from CFCI and they told me that i had a host family! i do not know many of the details other than the woman (possibly mother or wife) i will live with is a teacher. Additionally, I will be picked up at the airport by Pastor Javier.
I am excited to be back in the Latin culture and explore new places. I am exited to see how the Lord is going to move and what He has in store for this adventure. I ask that you pray for my safety, but also for the hearts of the people that we will be in contact with. Please pray that I hear the word of the Lord and embrace it with boldness and confidence. But at the same time, hear the tender cry of the people and have compassion to feel hurt and sorrow with them, to be humbled by their kindness, and love unconditionally.
This the verse that I have really been thinking a lot about recently. I feel like its a fairly common verse, but i have tried to find just how it is applicable to faith, on a deeper leve:
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I will try to be joyful even when things are hard, and i am confused and distressed by the word of the Lord, or when He chooses to be quiet. I will pray even if i feel the situation is hopeless, but beyond that pray that the Lord is good and will provide. he has been faithful in the past and he will be faithful in the future. And I will praise the Lord with all I have, and try to show the Lords goodness in all that I do. I pray that we will be able to do this together. Thank you for your support.
I am excited to share all these things with you.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
finally.
Tomorrow are my finals...all of them. I have been studying for days, and havent left my house in 2 days. I think i am going crazy, but in less than 24 hours it will be over.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Tomorrow is the last day of my first YEAR at Seattle Pacific University.
I cant believe it. I have actually stuck with a school long enough to complete a year, make friends, really know campus, and make 3 year plans. No transferring, no changing majors. This was kind of a big deal at my house...i even have plans to return next year.
Additionally, I leave for El Salvador a week from today. everything is falling into place and i cannot be more excited about it. My brain has been compartmentalized: finishing tests, making power points, presentations, studying for finals, doing finals, cleaning, packing, peacing out.
I am so excited to start my trip, i have memorized my schedule, which goes like this:
June 11, 2010
leave Seattle at 7:15 get into San Salvador at 6ish pm.
August 7th, 2010
Take the Ticabus to Granada, Nicaragua.
Did i mention that I was going to go back to nicragua for 11 days? Its true, I will be back team facilitating and hanging out with 3 different teams i believe.
August 18th, 2010
Leave Nicaragua and Fly into Kansas City to see my family!
since i dont have the opportunity to go home before i leave for El Salvador, i am going home for a week to relax and hang out.
August 25th 2010
back to Seattle. I am not quite sure where i will be living for that month before school starts, but i am sure it will work out. Good news is i will already have everything i need on me, so maybe sleeping in the street will be a wonderful adventures. haha
I ask that you continue to pray for El Salvador, my self and safety.
have a good summer!
this next week will be insane, so my next post might come from San Salvador!
I cant believe it. I have actually stuck with a school long enough to complete a year, make friends, really know campus, and make 3 year plans. No transferring, no changing majors. This was kind of a big deal at my house...i even have plans to return next year.
Additionally, I leave for El Salvador a week from today. everything is falling into place and i cannot be more excited about it. My brain has been compartmentalized: finishing tests, making power points, presentations, studying for finals, doing finals, cleaning, packing, peacing out.
I am so excited to start my trip, i have memorized my schedule, which goes like this:
June 11, 2010
leave Seattle at 7:15 get into San Salvador at 6ish pm.
August 7th, 2010
Take the Ticabus to Granada, Nicaragua.
Did i mention that I was going to go back to nicragua for 11 days? Its true, I will be back team facilitating and hanging out with 3 different teams i believe.
August 18th, 2010
Leave Nicaragua and Fly into Kansas City to see my family!
since i dont have the opportunity to go home before i leave for El Salvador, i am going home for a week to relax and hang out.
August 25th 2010
back to Seattle. I am not quite sure where i will be living for that month before school starts, but i am sure it will work out. Good news is i will already have everything i need on me, so maybe sleeping in the street will be a wonderful adventures. haha
I ask that you continue to pray for El Salvador, my self and safety.
have a good summer!
this next week will be insane, so my next post might come from San Salvador!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
get excited.
So everyday i get more and more excited for El Salvador and less and less excited about studying for chemistry.
Last weekend I went back to nebraska for 3.5 days for the first time since Christmas. It was a nice short little visit. I went to walmart, attending Rachel's graduation party, hung out with my grandpa, went to graduation, ate a waffle house, and flew back to Seattle. Short sweet and to the point. It was wonderful to be back home and see my family. I was so proud of Rachel when she graduated high school, and all the recognitions she received.
T-minus 18 days until I leave for El Salvador.
Mostly, I just wanted to put up this family photo. I love my family!
Last weekend I went back to nebraska for 3.5 days for the first time since Christmas. It was a nice short little visit. I went to walmart, attending Rachel's graduation party, hung out with my grandpa, went to graduation, ate a waffle house, and flew back to Seattle. Short sweet and to the point. It was wonderful to be back home and see my family. I was so proud of Rachel when she graduated high school, and all the recognitions she received.
T-minus 18 days until I leave for El Salvador.
Mostly, I just wanted to put up this family photo. I love my family!
Monday, May 17, 2010
free food > my food.
favorite moment of today:
i returned home from nebraska on sunday evening exhausted. But since i decided it would be a good idea to do NOTHING while at home, no homework, books, nothing. I had soo much homework to do today. So i went to my classes, got home, did homework, left to go get chemistry homework help, group project, and finally housing signed up (literally 5 hours after i left for chemistry help). after all was said and done i was not excited about going back to my apartment to try to scrape together dinner, i still havent got to go to the grocery store and all i have is ramen.
finally, favorite moment:
while i was leaving housing sign up with a few girls talking about how i was excited about ramen for the second time today...one of them speaks up and says "wanna go eat Quiche?" umm yes!
so today i was an official taster for the quiche bake-off in the FCS department.
good day? i think so.
i returned home from nebraska on sunday evening exhausted. But since i decided it would be a good idea to do NOTHING while at home, no homework, books, nothing. I had soo much homework to do today. So i went to my classes, got home, did homework, left to go get chemistry homework help, group project, and finally housing signed up (literally 5 hours after i left for chemistry help). after all was said and done i was not excited about going back to my apartment to try to scrape together dinner, i still havent got to go to the grocery store and all i have is ramen.
finally, favorite moment:
while i was leaving housing sign up with a few girls talking about how i was excited about ramen for the second time today...one of them speaks up and says "wanna go eat Quiche?" umm yes!
so today i was an official taster for the quiche bake-off in the FCS department.
good day? i think so.
Monday, May 10, 2010
wanna spoon?
In the White House, there are 13,092 knives, forks and spoons!
In Annie's apartment, there are 12 knives, forks and spoons...14 if you include the plastic spoons I stole from work.
In Annie's apartment, there are 12 knives, forks and spoons...14 if you include the plastic spoons I stole from work.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
So one of the things that i really wanted to accomplish in my first year living in seattle was to find a "home church." A church were I could go every sunday and start building community and get involved. I am still looking for that, however, this past weekend i attended 2 churches, All Saints Church and Khmer evangelical church. A double header.
I started my morning by walking to All Saints (non-denomination) Church up in Queen Anne. I really enjoyed the vibe of the service. They were really focused on community, and even had a 10 minute break in the middle of the service. They had this extended meet and greet, so that we would actually go and have real conversations (and coffee!) with people, not a hand shake and a muffled introduction. However, something about the service just didnt feel "right" to me. So i continue on my search.
Later that day i attended Khmer Evangelical Church...its Cambodian. Is my friend Cambodian...no. It actually reminded me a lot of my first few weeks at church in Nicaragua. They only translated like 75% of the service. However, the people that went there were so wonderful and welcoming. As soon as we walked in the door we were greeted and people asked how we were doing and were so excited that Brittney, my friend, had brought a guest. It was a small service in a community church that was also used for other services (an english and spanish to be exact). So it was just endearing. They sang songs in English and then sang them in Cambodian, giggling and just enjoying the worship they entered together, despite the fact that it wasnt perfect. One of the things that i loved was that they kept calling us out on just standing and sitting with everyone else. It also was wondering, but i dont know if it would be "my" church.
However, I am excited that i can go back to services again, with my new work schedule, i have Sundays free to go out and explore. I really like doing almost this case study of what worship and church looks like. i will keep you updated!
I started my morning by walking to All Saints (non-denomination) Church up in Queen Anne. I really enjoyed the vibe of the service. They were really focused on community, and even had a 10 minute break in the middle of the service. They had this extended meet and greet, so that we would actually go and have real conversations (and coffee!) with people, not a hand shake and a muffled introduction. However, something about the service just didnt feel "right" to me. So i continue on my search.
Later that day i attended Khmer Evangelical Church...its Cambodian. Is my friend Cambodian...no. It actually reminded me a lot of my first few weeks at church in Nicaragua. They only translated like 75% of the service. However, the people that went there were so wonderful and welcoming. As soon as we walked in the door we were greeted and people asked how we were doing and were so excited that Brittney, my friend, had brought a guest. It was a small service in a community church that was also used for other services (an english and spanish to be exact). So it was just endearing. They sang songs in English and then sang them in Cambodian, giggling and just enjoying the worship they entered together, despite the fact that it wasnt perfect. One of the things that i loved was that they kept calling us out on just standing and sitting with everyone else. It also was wondering, but i dont know if it would be "my" church.
However, I am excited that i can go back to services again, with my new work schedule, i have Sundays free to go out and explore. I really like doing almost this case study of what worship and church looks like. i will keep you updated!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Support Update 2
Good News!
I just wanted again to thank everyone who has supported me! i am excited to announce that we are at 66.7% That is 2/3s of the way! With a support goal of $1200, only $400 more is needed. I am so excited to see how the Lord is working. If you know anyone who might be interested in what is going on, feel free to give them my email. I would love to talk to them.
I will be praying for you all. I ask that you pray not only for me but for the people of El Salvador, that the Lord will start to soften their hearts for Him.
I just wanted again to thank everyone who has supported me! i am excited to announce that we are at 66.7% That is 2/3s of the way! With a support goal of $1200, only $400 more is needed. I am so excited to see how the Lord is working. If you know anyone who might be interested in what is going on, feel free to give them my email. I would love to talk to them.
I will be praying for you all. I ask that you pray not only for me but for the people of El Salvador, that the Lord will start to soften their hearts for Him.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
why i love seattle.
One of the things that i really love about living in seattle is the fact that a break here can turn into bus adventures! While most college students just leave campus and go to fast food or a park or something. I can take a speedy little bus to downtown and hang out at pikes place or check out the international district. I am constantly amazed by the realization that i live here.
So today was one of those days when a break was so necessary. So when my friend said she had to run so errands downtown i said "sure, i have a bus pass and do need a break." The first, and most notable, stop was a mere 5 minutes down the 13 into queen anne. We stopped at this cupcake shop called Wink. Its probably one of my favorite finds so far. And we were in luck because we happen to hit it during "happy hour!" A frosting filled 2 hours of buy 1 get 1 free. So we put our heads together and realized there are 2 of us, 4 different kinds of cupcakes and we can get 2 for free. Ya! for 3$ i enjoyed half of 4 different cupcakes. Feeling only slightly nauseous and hoping i didnt get bus sick, we continued our journey to downtown.
the rest of the trip was about finding her new shoes and buying books. It was lovely.
todays weather: cold and rainy and soggy.
was i properly equipped for the rain? no.
newest book on the "to read" list: "The Blue Sweater" by Jacqueline Novogratz.
most excited for: the extra shift i get at work and the continued med tech training this weekend.
least excited for: chemistry exam on friday.
So today was one of those days when a break was so necessary. So when my friend said she had to run so errands downtown i said "sure, i have a bus pass and do need a break." The first, and most notable, stop was a mere 5 minutes down the 13 into queen anne. We stopped at this cupcake shop called Wink. Its probably one of my favorite finds so far. And we were in luck because we happen to hit it during "happy hour!" A frosting filled 2 hours of buy 1 get 1 free. So we put our heads together and realized there are 2 of us, 4 different kinds of cupcakes and we can get 2 for free. Ya! for 3$ i enjoyed half of 4 different cupcakes. Feeling only slightly nauseous and hoping i didnt get bus sick, we continued our journey to downtown.
the rest of the trip was about finding her new shoes and buying books. It was lovely.
todays weather: cold and rainy and soggy.
was i properly equipped for the rain? no.
newest book on the "to read" list: "The Blue Sweater" by Jacqueline Novogratz.
most excited for: the extra shift i get at work and the continued med tech training this weekend.
least excited for: chemistry exam on friday.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Key?
favorite/least favorite moment of today:
So tonight i locked myself out of my apartment again...(3rd time this quarter.) anyway, my PA was not in so she couldnt get me the key which means we have to call our favorite people...campus safety and security. We called them and they said they would send someone over with the key to unlock my apartment and took my phone number. Since i did not want to just sit in the hall, and since they had my phone number, i figured they would be able to call me when they got there, so i could wait in my friend's room.
After waiting for like 45 minutes with no call. I decided to call again, just to see what was going on, all i wanted to do was go and make pancakes with Heaven. Upon calling them i was told that they had gone to my apartment and knocked on my door, and then when i didnt answer they left.
I was locked OUT of my house...why would i answer the door?
So tonight i locked myself out of my apartment again...(3rd time this quarter.) anyway, my PA was not in so she couldnt get me the key which means we have to call our favorite people...campus safety and security. We called them and they said they would send someone over with the key to unlock my apartment and took my phone number. Since i did not want to just sit in the hall, and since they had my phone number, i figured they would be able to call me when they got there, so i could wait in my friend's room.
After waiting for like 45 minutes with no call. I decided to call again, just to see what was going on, all i wanted to do was go and make pancakes with Heaven. Upon calling them i was told that they had gone to my apartment and knocked on my door, and then when i didnt answer they left.
I was locked OUT of my house...why would i answer the door?
work.
today is Thursday...finally. I know most people hope for Fridays or the weekends or something, but I cheer for Thursday, especially this week, and here is why. At the beginning to March i started my new job at a local assisted living facility. I LOVE it. It is a lot less hectic than my old job at a skilled nursing home. Its fun just to be able to walk around and hang out with the residents. yes, there is some lifting and wiping and such, but its not near as much as before and i really enjoy the time i can just sit and hang out with the residents or other staff members.
(how could you not love them?)
So one of the other things that I love about my new job is the schedule. I only work 2 days a week, but still get 16 hours. Yay! I work Saturdays for 3-11pm, and then also on tuesday mornings from 7-3, and then go to class. Because of this i have to make sure that i get all my homework done for tuesday and wednesday on monday, i also have to make sure i go to bed early (like 9:30-10) so that i can get up at 5:30am to go to work.
Cranky Me + Cranky Old People + smells + 95 degree rooms = awful day
However...
Well rested me + cranky old people + Smells + 95 degree room = I still love this job.
see the difference?
Additionally, this week i started training as Med Tech! (that just means i sit in the med room and hand out meds...its prestigious) So that was last night. It was really fun also, and a lot less physically demanding. Also i learn how to do things like place a suppository, which i did for the first time last night! (dont know what that is?...dont worry about it)
In conclusion, thursdays rock because i dont have class until 5:30pm and can just hang out in my pjs eating food and trying to catch up on homework that was skipped because of work and things. I am so thankful for my new job, i love it so much. The people that i work with and for are wonderful. I dont know if i want to go geriatrics for forever, but right now, it couldn't be better.
Have a good week!
PS. Christmas vacation is on Comedy Central right now, if you havent seen the movie i suggest you watch it. It will change your life.
(how could you not love them?)So one of the other things that I love about my new job is the schedule. I only work 2 days a week, but still get 16 hours. Yay! I work Saturdays for 3-11pm, and then also on tuesday mornings from 7-3, and then go to class. Because of this i have to make sure that i get all my homework done for tuesday and wednesday on monday, i also have to make sure i go to bed early (like 9:30-10) so that i can get up at 5:30am to go to work.
Cranky Me + Cranky Old People + smells + 95 degree rooms = awful day
However...
Well rested me + cranky old people + Smells + 95 degree room = I still love this job.
see the difference?
Additionally, this week i started training as Med Tech! (that just means i sit in the med room and hand out meds...its prestigious) So that was last night. It was really fun also, and a lot less physically demanding. Also i learn how to do things like place a suppository, which i did for the first time last night! (dont know what that is?...dont worry about it)
In conclusion, thursdays rock because i dont have class until 5:30pm and can just hang out in my pjs eating food and trying to catch up on homework that was skipped because of work and things. I am so thankful for my new job, i love it so much. The people that i work with and for are wonderful. I dont know if i want to go geriatrics for forever, but right now, it couldn't be better.
Have a good week!
PS. Christmas vacation is on Comedy Central right now, if you havent seen the movie i suggest you watch it. It will change your life.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
radiant.
One of the things that I really love to look at when reading the bible is word choice. Recently I was reading in Exodus 34, about Moses going up to Mount Sinai for the second to retrieve the stone tablets again, because he broke the first ones. In verses 29-35 it states,
I really love the use of the word RADIANT here. I think that it is magnificent that when Moses had returned from speaking with the Lord that his face shown in radiance, and that he had to cover it up to talk with the Israelites. This made me take notice of my own life. I say that I have this relationship with the Lord, and in it I am able to talk freely. But can others see that? Can others see just from my face, expression or action that I have this deep and intimate relationship with the Lord? I think that I want to be my goal for this week. To just really shine for the Lord. Project radiance because of the depth of the relationship that I am able to have with Christ, and use it to help and life others in theirs.
I checked this verse in my giant study bible (best christmas gift ever..) and this is what it said about it.
"they were afraid to come near him" (V. 30)
Additionally, it says about Verse 35.
Anyway, I think that is something that i am going to strive for in my Walk. I am not going to "hide it under a bushel NO, im gonna let it shine!" haha
have a good week!
"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back t him, and he spoke to them. Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever he entered the Lord's presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord."
I really love the use of the word RADIANT here. I think that it is magnificent that when Moses had returned from speaking with the Lord that his face shown in radiance, and that he had to cover it up to talk with the Israelites. This made me take notice of my own life. I say that I have this relationship with the Lord, and in it I am able to talk freely. But can others see that? Can others see just from my face, expression or action that I have this deep and intimate relationship with the Lord? I think that I want to be my goal for this week. To just really shine for the Lord. Project radiance because of the depth of the relationship that I am able to have with Christ, and use it to help and life others in theirs.
I checked this verse in my giant study bible (best christmas gift ever..) and this is what it said about it.
"they were afraid to come near him" (V. 30)
"the people respond to the effect of Moses' meeting with the Lord in a manner similar to when they heard God speaking from Mount Sinai. However, it is the glory of the Lord in their midst that is meant to sanctify both the tabernacle and the people, which is how Paul later describes the work of the Spirit int he life of one who has turned to the Lord."
Additionally, it says about Verse 35.
"Like the pillar of cloud over the temporary tent of meeting, the skin of Moses' face shining is a sign to the people that it is the Lord who is speaking with Moses, just as he did on Mount Sinai."
Anyway, I think that is something that i am going to strive for in my Walk. I am not going to "hide it under a bushel NO, im gonna let it shine!" haha
have a good week!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Favorite thing I saw today:
20-25 preschoolers getting off the 13 bus coming from downtown Seattle. They were heading to their neighborhood co-op day care, being lead by 3 very courageous dads. How wonderful that they decided to brave downtown Seattle to take their kids to where ever with simply a kid leash.
20-25 preschoolers getting off the 13 bus coming from downtown Seattle. They were heading to their neighborhood co-op day care, being lead by 3 very courageous dads. How wonderful that they decided to brave downtown Seattle to take their kids to where ever with simply a kid leash.
market
One of the things that I have to do during break is go to the grocery store. However today, I was thinking about the open markets of central America. They were some of my favorite places to hang out.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
facebook.
This past week was filled with work, finals, and facebook. As i was studying for a final and trying to write a paper I was continually check my facebook to see if any one would be available to talk to, or distract me from my current unfun tasks. Someone commented once that I was on facebook ALOT. so this lead to me think...how many hours of facebook is a lot? who else uses facebook? after some research i found these:
# More than 400 million active users
# 50% of our active users log on to Facebook in any given day
# Average user has 130 friends on the site
# Average user sends 8 friend requests per month
# Average user spends more than 55 minutes per day on Facebook
# Average user writes 25 comments on Facebook content each month
# More than 70 translations available on the site
# About 70% of Facebook users are outside the United States
# There are more than 100 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices.
# People that use Facebook on their mobile devices are twice more active on Facebook than non-mobile users.
There you have it, facebook is a world wide phenomenon, distracting people all over the world. Just think how much more productive we would all be if it didn't exist, roads would get built, babies would be born, and I wouldnt have stayed up until 3:30 working on my paper. Despite all this, I still LOVE facebook, and will just have to be ok with the fact that I will be 100% productive ever again. haha.
# More than 400 million active users
# 50% of our active users log on to Facebook in any given day
# Average user has 130 friends on the site
# Average user sends 8 friend requests per month
# Average user spends more than 55 minutes per day on Facebook
# Average user writes 25 comments on Facebook content each month
# More than 70 translations available on the site
# About 70% of Facebook users are outside the United States
# There are more than 100 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices.
# People that use Facebook on their mobile devices are twice more active on Facebook than non-mobile users.
There you have it, facebook is a world wide phenomenon, distracting people all over the world. Just think how much more productive we would all be if it didn't exist, roads would get built, babies would be born, and I wouldnt have stayed up until 3:30 working on my paper. Despite all this, I still LOVE facebook, and will just have to be ok with the fact that I will be 100% productive ever again. haha.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
the world.
So, one of the things that I have been super fasinated with recently is the amazing animal life in the ocean. (yes, i was a wild life biology major...i think its so cool). Anyway, i just wanted to put up this video really quick. Marvel at the world our Lord created.
Monday, March 1, 2010
the refugee project.
On Saturday I had the opportunity to participate in something known as The Refugee Project. It is though my school, Seattle Pacific University, and they partner with World Relief. It was supposed to give insight as to what life was like in refugee camps and some of the struggles that they faced. We started off the day by learning what is a Refugee.
Refugee is defined by the UN council as: someone who “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.”
One of the things we did was simulate what it was like in a refugee camp. We were split up into groups and we were given identities. My family was one from Afghanistan that was fleeing from the Taliban, so we fled to Pakistan. I wore a full head covering, and we were told that we spoke little English. It was interesting to go around to the different locations that they had for us: a simulation medical clinic, documents office and feeding station. At each place we had different tasks and things that we had to do. It was very eye opening to see the treatment the people received, we were often looked down up, made fun of, and I felt like I couldn’t do anything right. I also felt trapped by my lack of language and supposed understanding as to what is going on. They said that even if they make it into the refugee camps, it is not much safer. Police are only around 2-3 hours a day, food rations often get stolen, many people have to leave camp to go and get firewood or pots for cooking, and there are no real rules or regulations. I cannot imagine what it must be like to go through that for years. The average time in a refugee camp is 17 years, and we only got a small 1 hour taste of it.
After that a women came in, who had been a refugee in Bhutan (to read the whole story of conflict, click here) for 17 years, and had recently been relocated to the United States. She said that she was nervous and anxious. She has been here for 7 months and she says it is very hard. It is a constant struggle not to think about how maybe Bhutan and the camp was better. It kind of reminded me of the Israelites in Exodus. God had led them out of slavery in Egypt, yet they still thought maybe it would be better to go back to Egypt and be slaves again. I wondered why she would think that. But maybe, in some horrid way, it’s because at 20 years old, camp life was all she had ever known. I hope that she one day, adjusts to living in the United States and that God can find a way into her heart.
Following that, we headed down to Kent, Washington to the extension of the World Relief office. There we were going to have dinner with refugee families who had been resettled in the United States. I was so excited, I had been looking forward to this part all week. We again broke up into groups and went to our different families. I had dinner with a Congolese family. They had been in the US for 2 weeks! They were such an incredible family. A husband and wife, and their 3 boys. They told us about their lives back in Congo, but that they had spent the last 5 years in Nigeria. They were so warm, inviting us into their home and cooking a meal for us. They served us fish, parts and bones included, rice, boiled down spinach like vegetable, and a starch. It kind of reminded me of super think cream of wheat, but I think it was made from potatoes and grain or something. I am really hopeful for them, the spoke with such excitement about living in the US. Their kids had already been in school for a few days and they really liked it and they hope to soon get jobs.
Overall, it was a really good experience. I was so glad that I did it. I am always so impressed by the resilience and strength of people. This week, I ask that you pray for Refugees, to be brought fourth into freedom, and released from oppression.
Refugee is defined by the UN council as: someone who “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.”
One of the things we did was simulate what it was like in a refugee camp. We were split up into groups and we were given identities. My family was one from Afghanistan that was fleeing from the Taliban, so we fled to Pakistan. I wore a full head covering, and we were told that we spoke little English. It was interesting to go around to the different locations that they had for us: a simulation medical clinic, documents office and feeding station. At each place we had different tasks and things that we had to do. It was very eye opening to see the treatment the people received, we were often looked down up, made fun of, and I felt like I couldn’t do anything right. I also felt trapped by my lack of language and supposed understanding as to what is going on. They said that even if they make it into the refugee camps, it is not much safer. Police are only around 2-3 hours a day, food rations often get stolen, many people have to leave camp to go and get firewood or pots for cooking, and there are no real rules or regulations. I cannot imagine what it must be like to go through that for years. The average time in a refugee camp is 17 years, and we only got a small 1 hour taste of it.
After that a women came in, who had been a refugee in Bhutan (to read the whole story of conflict, click here) for 17 years, and had recently been relocated to the United States. She said that she was nervous and anxious. She has been here for 7 months and she says it is very hard. It is a constant struggle not to think about how maybe Bhutan and the camp was better. It kind of reminded me of the Israelites in Exodus. God had led them out of slavery in Egypt, yet they still thought maybe it would be better to go back to Egypt and be slaves again. I wondered why she would think that. But maybe, in some horrid way, it’s because at 20 years old, camp life was all she had ever known. I hope that she one day, adjusts to living in the United States and that God can find a way into her heart.
Following that, we headed down to Kent, Washington to the extension of the World Relief office. There we were going to have dinner with refugee families who had been resettled in the United States. I was so excited, I had been looking forward to this part all week. We again broke up into groups and went to our different families. I had dinner with a Congolese family. They had been in the US for 2 weeks! They were such an incredible family. A husband and wife, and their 3 boys. They told us about their lives back in Congo, but that they had spent the last 5 years in Nigeria. They were so warm, inviting us into their home and cooking a meal for us. They served us fish, parts and bones included, rice, boiled down spinach like vegetable, and a starch. It kind of reminded me of super think cream of wheat, but I think it was made from potatoes and grain or something. I am really hopeful for them, the spoke with such excitement about living in the US. Their kids had already been in school for a few days and they really liked it and they hope to soon get jobs.
Overall, it was a really good experience. I was so glad that I did it. I am always so impressed by the resilience and strength of people. This week, I ask that you pray for Refugees, to be brought fourth into freedom, and released from oppression.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Here I am.
For the past couple of weeks, I have been slowly going forward with the process of application to Christ for the City International. The whole time a little nervous about whether or not this is really want the Lord wants. through prayer and thought, i feel that the Lord is calling me back to Central America. From mid June until early August, I will be serving the Poor and ignored in San Salvador, El Salvador with Christ for the City international. I am pretty excited but a little nervous. I ask for your prayers at this time. I am excited to see the ways in which the Lord will shine.
Here is a copy of the letter that will be going out, to hopefully give a better idea:
February, 2010
Dearest Friends and Family,
I hope this finds you and your loved ones doing well, basking in the light of the Lord. I am excited to hear the stories of what He is doing in your life, and am excited to share my own.
The past few years have seen so much change, growth, hardship and wonder. I have been both blessed and molded by the Lord, stretching me and pushing me into the woman God has prepared me to be. He has placed a desire upon my heart to love people and to seek to be in relationship with them. I feel that my heart has been softened for people who are in need. More recently, I have gone through a period of rest and preparation. Running through my mind was a constant question of, “for what?” Daily, the Lord would reveal people and situations to grow me and challenge my faith. Now in this time, I feel that the Lord is calling me back to serve. Oh, what a wonderfully terrifying challenge. When I returned from Nicaragua, I felt like I had nothing more to give, I was dry, empty, and done.
However, recently I have regained a tiny spark that slowly grew into a new desire. I sense the Lord is calling me back to Latin America, and more specifically El Salvador. I have prayed about this a long time, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t my own selfish desires or alternative motives, but I truly feel this is where the Lord is leading me. This summer, I will be serving with Christ For the City International (CFCI) for 2 months as an individual Short-Term Missionary. I will work with an El Salvadorian couple and their church, serving with a part-time medical clinic and teaching ESL in a local school. I will be living with a local church family and working with the poor in San Salvador, El Salvador.
The Lord has blessed me with an awesome support system, you! I want to thank you again for all the support and love that I have received from you. Your prayer, encouragement and financial support propelled me and gave me such a drive to push harder. In this time, I ask that you continue to pray for me, and if you feel the Lord leading you in that direction, to give financial support. We, together, can bring light into darkness and show people the love of the Lord. I am excited to embark on this adventure and am thrilled that we can embark on it together.
In addition to prayer support, I will need to raise a total of $1,200. This will cover my room, board, in country transportation, and a few other costs. If you would like to join me as a prayer and/or financial partner, please send your donation to Christ For the City International; P.O. Box 390395; Omaha, NE 68139. Make checks payable to Christ For the City International, with a notation on a separate piece of paper that the donation is for “Support of Annie Valenziano”. Credit card donations can be made on the CFCI website, www.cfci.org, and click on “Donate now.”
If you would like more information, please contact me. Additionally, you can keep updated with what is going on in my life here, I will try hard to regularly blog.
May we live to serve the King,
Annie Valenziano.
anna_mv23@hotmail.com
Here is a copy of the letter that will be going out, to hopefully give a better idea:
February, 2010
Dearest Friends and Family,
I hope this finds you and your loved ones doing well, basking in the light of the Lord. I am excited to hear the stories of what He is doing in your life, and am excited to share my own.
The past few years have seen so much change, growth, hardship and wonder. I have been both blessed and molded by the Lord, stretching me and pushing me into the woman God has prepared me to be. He has placed a desire upon my heart to love people and to seek to be in relationship with them. I feel that my heart has been softened for people who are in need. More recently, I have gone through a period of rest and preparation. Running through my mind was a constant question of, “for what?” Daily, the Lord would reveal people and situations to grow me and challenge my faith. Now in this time, I feel that the Lord is calling me back to serve. Oh, what a wonderfully terrifying challenge. When I returned from Nicaragua, I felt like I had nothing more to give, I was dry, empty, and done.
However, recently I have regained a tiny spark that slowly grew into a new desire. I sense the Lord is calling me back to Latin America, and more specifically El Salvador. I have prayed about this a long time, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t my own selfish desires or alternative motives, but I truly feel this is where the Lord is leading me. This summer, I will be serving with Christ For the City International (CFCI) for 2 months as an individual Short-Term Missionary. I will work with an El Salvadorian couple and their church, serving with a part-time medical clinic and teaching ESL in a local school. I will be living with a local church family and working with the poor in San Salvador, El Salvador.
The Lord has blessed me with an awesome support system, you! I want to thank you again for all the support and love that I have received from you. Your prayer, encouragement and financial support propelled me and gave me such a drive to push harder. In this time, I ask that you continue to pray for me, and if you feel the Lord leading you in that direction, to give financial support. We, together, can bring light into darkness and show people the love of the Lord. I am excited to embark on this adventure and am thrilled that we can embark on it together.
In addition to prayer support, I will need to raise a total of $1,200. This will cover my room, board, in country transportation, and a few other costs. If you would like to join me as a prayer and/or financial partner, please send your donation to Christ For the City International; P.O. Box 390395; Omaha, NE 68139. Make checks payable to Christ For the City International, with a notation on a separate piece of paper that the donation is for “Support of Annie Valenziano”. Credit card donations can be made on the CFCI website, www.cfci.org, and click on “Donate now.”
If you would like more information, please contact me. Additionally, you can keep updated with what is going on in my life here, I will try hard to regularly blog.
May we live to serve the King,
Annie Valenziano.
anna_mv23@hotmail.com
Thursday, February 11, 2010
stories.
So it has been a little bit, sorry about that. However, to make up for that, I am going to share two, mostly unrelated, stories.
Story 1.
One of the ways that I have started participating in ministry again is by volunteering at a local community resource center called Neighborhood house. This center is located in White Center, a part of Seattle that is one of the poorest and is heavily populated by immigrants. I have only been a few times, but I am learning SOO much from going. One afternoon a week, we go and we tutor elementary aged school kids with their homework. Or at least that is what it says on paper that we are SUPPOSED to do. One of the things that first got me interested in helping was the level of diversity that we would encounter. Normally, I spend my afternoon hanging out with two girls who are from Somalia. Now, these two girls are very bright, and they do not really need much help with their homework, I mostly just try and keep them focused. However, the part that I get such enjoyment from is the conversations we have. They frequently ask me why I am not married at the OLD age of 21, and that I should hurry up and start having babies, we talk about what we did in school that day, how people look different today, I receive a few Somalian lessons, and show them how my lip ring works. But, I think the thing I love to hear about the most is what they remember from Somalia. One girl told me about this ring she had received from her mother when she went to the most important Muslim temple in all of Somalia. For some reason, I felt so honored that she would tell me about this ring and how it was so important to her, she said it was one of the most important possessions she owned. I just love how God uses such strong, verbal, 3rd graders to teach me about importance.
Story 2.
I work at a day care, and one of the things that we encourage the children to do is independence. So for lunch we set out all the lunch boxes from the refrigerator and the children go and grab their own lunches. Now my little friend, being as observant as a hungry 4 year old can be, took what he thought was his lunch box and sat down and started eating. A bit later the newest teacher came in and asked if we had moved her lunch. She described the lunch box and we soon realized that she and the 4 year old had the same lunch box. We didnt know what to do, we explained to him that he had the wrong lunch box and that he had eaten all of teacher's food. I work with a great group of teachers, so not missing out on this opportunity, the teacher that I was working with asked the class what we should do. One of the little girls pipped up and said that we should share our food with her! So we took a plate and each child donated a small portion of their food. It was awesome. I love the way children choose the most obviously helpful thing. However, I thought, as adults would we be that willing to choose the easiest way to help, if it involved giving up something that was important to us?
I love these children, and I love working with them. I am excited to see how the relationships continue to grow and how these children explore their world.
Story 1.
One of the ways that I have started participating in ministry again is by volunteering at a local community resource center called Neighborhood house. This center is located in White Center, a part of Seattle that is one of the poorest and is heavily populated by immigrants. I have only been a few times, but I am learning SOO much from going. One afternoon a week, we go and we tutor elementary aged school kids with their homework. Or at least that is what it says on paper that we are SUPPOSED to do. One of the things that first got me interested in helping was the level of diversity that we would encounter. Normally, I spend my afternoon hanging out with two girls who are from Somalia. Now, these two girls are very bright, and they do not really need much help with their homework, I mostly just try and keep them focused. However, the part that I get such enjoyment from is the conversations we have. They frequently ask me why I am not married at the OLD age of 21, and that I should hurry up and start having babies, we talk about what we did in school that day, how people look different today, I receive a few Somalian lessons, and show them how my lip ring works. But, I think the thing I love to hear about the most is what they remember from Somalia. One girl told me about this ring she had received from her mother when she went to the most important Muslim temple in all of Somalia. For some reason, I felt so honored that she would tell me about this ring and how it was so important to her, she said it was one of the most important possessions she owned. I just love how God uses such strong, verbal, 3rd graders to teach me about importance.
Story 2.
I work at a day care, and one of the things that we encourage the children to do is independence. So for lunch we set out all the lunch boxes from the refrigerator and the children go and grab their own lunches. Now my little friend, being as observant as a hungry 4 year old can be, took what he thought was his lunch box and sat down and started eating. A bit later the newest teacher came in and asked if we had moved her lunch. She described the lunch box and we soon realized that she and the 4 year old had the same lunch box. We didnt know what to do, we explained to him that he had the wrong lunch box and that he had eaten all of teacher's food. I work with a great group of teachers, so not missing out on this opportunity, the teacher that I was working with asked the class what we should do. One of the little girls pipped up and said that we should share our food with her! So we took a plate and each child donated a small portion of their food. It was awesome. I love the way children choose the most obviously helpful thing. However, I thought, as adults would we be that willing to choose the easiest way to help, if it involved giving up something that was important to us?
I love these children, and I love working with them. I am excited to see how the relationships continue to grow and how these children explore their world.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Ok, So past week I affectionately named "DEATH WEEK." basically it went like this: 2 midterms, 2 jobs (more on that later), spanish homework 3 days last week, quiz, chemistry homework, lab, lab prelab, lab post lab. gross. anyway, I hardly had time for anything except sleeping and eating. But now it is done, and I can spend the weekend doing nothing...except catching up on all the things i wasnt able to do during the week.
So about that second job. I got a new job! as soon as my background check clears ( i know, with my miles long criminal offenses it should take a while...)I will start working at Queen Anne Manor. I am so excited about it. It is an assisted living facility and I will be working as a CNA there. They said they will also train me to be a Med-aid. Awesome. Old people + hanging out = best job ever. What i really like about it is that it is for mostly low income adults. So they don't frequently get out much and have fewer visitors. In my job I am strongly encouraged to take the extra time to get know the residents and give them someone to talk to, or as my employer put it, "you are their entertainment." Wonderful, that is what i love to do.
Additionally, I am still attending Bethany Presbyterian church. I still love the feel of it, and am still interested to see why God choose that church for me. This week the pastor spoke from James about holding our tongues. A fairly simple message, but something that he mentioned is, we not only need to learn to hold our tongues but also about training them to be stronger. Practicing building each other up. He likened it to a diet. we not only need to cut out bad food, we need to fill our bodies with good and pure things also.
Finally, one of the "theme songs" of the church would have to be "Jesus, I am Resting, Resting. It has been the last song we sing, just before we head back out to continue our week. I have really grown to love it,just because of what it is also representing in my own life. recently, this stage in my life has been a time of rest and rebuilding. here are the words:
Jesus I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art.
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee, and Thy beaut fills my sou
For by Thy transforming power, Thou hast made me whole.
Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art.
I am find out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Oh, how great Thy loving-kindness, vaster, broader than the sea.
Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness lavished all on me.
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved, know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise and have made it mine.
chorus
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art.
And Thy love so pure, so changeless satisfies my heart,
Satisfies its deepest longings, meets, supplies its every need,
compasseth me 'round with blessings, Thine is love indeed.
chorus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0PwcAQ7kjE
anyway, have a good week. i hope you are rested in every aspect of the word.
So about that second job. I got a new job! as soon as my background check clears ( i know, with my miles long criminal offenses it should take a while...)I will start working at Queen Anne Manor. I am so excited about it. It is an assisted living facility and I will be working as a CNA there. They said they will also train me to be a Med-aid. Awesome. Old people + hanging out = best job ever. What i really like about it is that it is for mostly low income adults. So they don't frequently get out much and have fewer visitors. In my job I am strongly encouraged to take the extra time to get know the residents and give them someone to talk to, or as my employer put it, "you are their entertainment." Wonderful, that is what i love to do.
Additionally, I am still attending Bethany Presbyterian church. I still love the feel of it, and am still interested to see why God choose that church for me. This week the pastor spoke from James about holding our tongues. A fairly simple message, but something that he mentioned is, we not only need to learn to hold our tongues but also about training them to be stronger. Practicing building each other up. He likened it to a diet. we not only need to cut out bad food, we need to fill our bodies with good and pure things also.
Finally, one of the "theme songs" of the church would have to be "Jesus, I am Resting, Resting. It has been the last song we sing, just before we head back out to continue our week. I have really grown to love it,just because of what it is also representing in my own life. recently, this stage in my life has been a time of rest and rebuilding. here are the words:
Jesus I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art.
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee, and Thy beaut fills my sou
For by Thy transforming power, Thou hast made me whole.
Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art.
I am find out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Oh, how great Thy loving-kindness, vaster, broader than the sea.
Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness lavished all on me.
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved, know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise and have made it mine.
chorus
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art.
And Thy love so pure, so changeless satisfies my heart,
Satisfies its deepest longings, meets, supplies its every need,
compasseth me 'round with blessings, Thine is love indeed.
chorus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0PwcAQ7kjE
anyway, have a good week. i hope you are rested in every aspect of the word.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Bethany Presbyterian Church
One of the things I have been praying about since I moved to Seattle was to find a church and church family. However, it would be hard to top the church I had back in Nicaragua, I loved attending the church service at El Puente, and Torre Fuerte with the rest of the community. I attended a few church the first semester but just didn’t find what I was looking for. I wanted something new and fun and energetic and modern. So when I came back from Christmas break, finding a church was top priority.
I searched on the internet for nearby churches and found All Saints Nondenominational church up in Queen Anne (the neighborhood by my school). So last Sunday I took the bus and was really excited, I thought I had found the church I was looking for. However, when I got to the right bus stop and started looking around the neighborhood…I couldn’t find it! I walked around for 30 minutes mentally kicking myself for not writing ANYTHING down about where I was supposed to go. I did see a nice view of the mountains and the Sound though. So after a while I came upon Bethany Presbyterian Church. I really just wanted to go to church, and I was only 20 minutes late so I figured I could just quickly sneak in and sit in the back.
I am not as smooth as I wish I was, instead of just quietly sitting in the back, I managed to slam a door, drop all my stuff, and have to squish by 5 people to get to my seat. But once I was sitting, I was so rewarded! The service was exactly what I needed to hear, and the church was everything that I needed, though not exactly what I thought I wanted. The sermon really touched me. It was out of the book of James, one of my favorites, and the songs that were played were some of my favorites also.
I love how the Lord provides our needs, not necessarily what we want. I would describe this church as nice and a church my parents would go to. But what I love about it is that it feels familiar. When I leave, instead of coming out all hopped up on “Jesus Juice,” I leave feeling comforted by the Love of my Father. I am rejuvenated by His grace and am restored for the week to come. I love how this church really focuses on prayer and serving the community and world.
I guess I am excited to see where this church goes. I am going to continue to pray to see if there is where God wants me. I am eager for the things going on in my life. I feel like things are moving and I am thrilled to see where it goes.
Here is link to my church: http://www.bethanypc.org/
I searched on the internet for nearby churches and found All Saints Nondenominational church up in Queen Anne (the neighborhood by my school). So last Sunday I took the bus and was really excited, I thought I had found the church I was looking for. However, when I got to the right bus stop and started looking around the neighborhood…I couldn’t find it! I walked around for 30 minutes mentally kicking myself for not writing ANYTHING down about where I was supposed to go. I did see a nice view of the mountains and the Sound though. So after a while I came upon Bethany Presbyterian Church. I really just wanted to go to church, and I was only 20 minutes late so I figured I could just quickly sneak in and sit in the back.
I am not as smooth as I wish I was, instead of just quietly sitting in the back, I managed to slam a door, drop all my stuff, and have to squish by 5 people to get to my seat. But once I was sitting, I was so rewarded! The service was exactly what I needed to hear, and the church was everything that I needed, though not exactly what I thought I wanted. The sermon really touched me. It was out of the book of James, one of my favorites, and the songs that were played were some of my favorites also.
I love how the Lord provides our needs, not necessarily what we want. I would describe this church as nice and a church my parents would go to. But what I love about it is that it feels familiar. When I leave, instead of coming out all hopped up on “Jesus Juice,” I leave feeling comforted by the Love of my Father. I am rejuvenated by His grace and am restored for the week to come. I love how this church really focuses on prayer and serving the community and world.
I guess I am excited to see where this church goes. I am going to continue to pray to see if there is where God wants me. I am eager for the things going on in my life. I feel like things are moving and I am thrilled to see where it goes.
Here is link to my church: http://www.bethanypc.org/
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
So, keeping a blog was not as successful as I hoped it would be. My last blog was in July, it is currently January. Sorry about that. However, recently I felt compelled to start blogging again. So I suppose I will just catch you up from where I last left off.
Since July 17, 2009. During my last month and half in
Ok, this is the part that I think I was led to blog about, finishing out my time in
The good news is, through prayer, conversations, realizations and work, I have started to come out of that funk and am excited to continue on to where God is leading me.
So where does that put me now?
Currently, I am attending
As I go back and think about
I do not know where God is calling me from here, and am unsure of what my next step will be. I would ask that you would pray for a few things in my life:
1. 1. Friends and community- here at SPU, since my first semester was spent sulking, I missed out on the opportunity to start developing a new community. I ask that you pray for a community for me. Both a church community and a community here at school. I still feel very lonely at times, but I am hopeful as a few new wonderful people have recently entered my life.
2. 2. A renewed since of purpose
3. 3. An outreach. I feel that I have returned to a place where I can start reaching out to people again. It took a while, but rest and rejuvenation has taken place. Additionally, I am searching for purpose for this summer. I feel that God is calling me to do something. One of the factors that contributed to this was my realization of my upcoming lack of home. This summer, I cannot afford to stay where I am here on campus. However, I cannot return home, not because my parents wouldn't love to have be back, but because there is no jobs there for me. I sense that God is calling me to a new place, a new chapter, so your prayers to find that place would be awesome.
So where does that leave us?
I am continuing to read the word and search for truth, I have a new sense of vigor and hurriedness. I eat more rice, beans and tortillas than any normal college student should, and I am finally learning that no matter where I am, God is there with me, He is the beauty in every thing that surrounds me.
I will try to continue to blog more frequently, and post any developments or interesting stories.
Thanks for your prayers. Let us all pray for the rejuvenation of God in this world.
Upwards and onwards (my Step-dad always ends emails like that)
Annie
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