Faith is simple, pure, and lovely. Religion is messy, political, and overwhelming.
This may not be true to all, but it resignates peacefully in my soul.
I am happy with who/where I am in my faith. I am happy with the relationship God and I share. I feel grounded in my faith, but I am not so grounded what it means to be a person of the church, a person of religion. How to identify myself within the 'overall picture' that people of religion are creating for themselves.
So as I wander along this journey of identity within faith and religion.. I invite you to pray with me.
Dearest God,
For this reason I bow to my knees before you, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of your glory that you may grant us to be strengthened with power through your Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith - that we, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fullness of you, dear God.
Now to you, Oh God, who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to you, God, be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.
Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21
Prayer for Spiritual Strength
This prayer is for spiritual strength and to have the ability to know that this period of questioning, wandering, and getting lost is exactly where I need to be.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Left my heart in Haiti
Amazing how fast time flies!
Yes, it has been a month and a half since my last blog.
Yes, so much has happened in the past month and a half.
No, I will not be blogging about everything that has happened...
But I will give quick headlines -
But now to the meat of this blog...
I want you to get a glimpse of what I saw, how I felt, and how I saw God while in Haiti.
Oh, Haiti.. Beautiful, eye-opening, heart aching, amazing Haiti.
It feels like I returned from Haiti just yesterday.
I think about how cramped the plane felt, how excited I was to land in the lucious green mountains, my first impression of the incredibly tiny airport, the interesting stares that the locals gave our group, the car that fit 8 people comfortably - yet we manage to squeeze 11, how small I felt when I was unable to communicate to another human without a translator, how I thought we were never going to make it to the Manse - there were no traffic lights, 4 cars fitting in a 2 car path, motorcycles zipping around every direction, absolute traffic chaos, how blessed we were to had stayed in a house that had toilets and electricity - those being some of the greatest luxuries in Haiti...
I think about how long the drive from Cap-Haitian to Dondon felt, how incredibly uncomfortable our car was driving up on the hour long bumpy and gravel road, how there was not much construction work for Debbie and I to do... So instead we played with the children, how I was able to communicate with children by playing hand games, laughing, singing, and smiles, how just the snap of a picture on my camera would create such excitement, how the children had nothing to play with but toys that they made themselves, how one kid named Rolex taught me how to sing 'This Is The Day' in Creole and French, how I fell head over heels for a 4 year old boy named Patricio - his picture is below, how could you not fall in love with that smile!....
I think about the worship services that we attended, how incredibly passionate the people were at praising God, how excited I was to recognize a tune that they were singing, how the sound of the children singing brought sheer bliss to my ears, how even though I could not understand the language of the sermon I was still about to understand the message, how you could tell that God was oh so present, how I have never seen ANYONE praise God like they were, how I wish I could worship every Sunday with them!...
I think about meeting Madame Zaphyr, how she only had about 6 teeth left from being malnourished as a child, how she was the president of the coffee Co-Op next door to the church that we were working at, how she would smile so wonderfully when I would happily yell her name every time I saw her, how she had 9 kids who all took care of each other, how she would be the first person to help us with any construction work, how she was the most respected individual in Dondon (I absolutely fell in love with her)....
I think about splitting up 150 pounds of rice and 150 pound of beans for the Dondon community, how grateful families were to receive one tiny bag of food, how the average income of Dondon is $150 a year, how despite their living situations they always found a reason to smile, how every family in the community knew and respected each other, how every day someone would ask me for money because if you are from America you are rich beyond measures, how a 90 year old woman wanted no food or no money, but wanted a pair of shoes so that she could walk on the gravel road to get water without destroying her feet anymore than they already were...
I think about the pain I felt when talking to a family whose 3 year old daughter fell into boiling water burning 80% of her body, how utterly thankful the mother was that our work team graciously prayed for her daughter and her family, how it did not matter that we did not speak the same language but that we believed in the same God, how the little girl and her family had no access to emergency care and were truly relying on the power of faith that she would survive, how I have prayed for that family every single day wishing that I could help, how I hope that God is watching over that little girl and keeping her safe...
I think about how excited I am to find another opportunity to go back and visit, how I hope to stay connected with the people that we encountered, how I hope to one day reside in Haiti longer than one week, how I hope that the people we met while in Haiti know that we care, love, and think of them all the time, how I know that God's big plan is at work every second of every day, how I know that God will provide for Haiti...
Those are just SOME of the memories/thoughts that I think about. I could write a blog long enough to go around the world 60 times if I were to share every thought, laugh, moment, or conversation that I had while in Haiti.
I distinctly remember how nervous and worried I was before going to Haiti. Seems very ridiculous now. I made friends, shared laughs, sang songs, praised God, learned some of a new language, lived with people, loved with people, and had an experience that I am forever thankful for. I truly felt the presence of God at work... It was undeniable how much faith some of the people that I met have. The faith that some of these people possess is one that I am working toward constantly. To know that God is on our side, and that God will provide, God will ALWAYS provide.
I have been dissecting, reminiscing, and thinking so passionately about Haiti since I left. I want to go back, very soon. But until then, my coworker and I have started up something small.....
Once a month we are sending boxes of clothes, toiletries, and school supplies to Dondon. Our first box is being sent off soon! We have little money, but lots of supporters. Debbie and I find it that it is part of our calling (and love) to send items that the people of Dondon have no access to.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to help us, please do!
You can contact me via FB or text or email or even this blog!
You can send anything to me anytime of the year, and we will make sure that it does get sent to Dondon, Haiti - we have reliable sources to get the materials to Dondon :)
Even if you cannot send items to Haiti, then please send your prayers. Those are ALWAYS needed.
Thank you for reading this, and thank God for giving us the ability to learn, share, and grow from each other.
Peace, Love, and Grace
Yes, it has been a month and a half since my last blog.
Yes, so much has happened in the past month and a half.
No, I will not be blogging about everything that has happened...
But I will give quick headlines -
- Successfully went to (and returned from!) Haiti - the huge bulk of this blog is about Haiti... :)
- Successfully helped plan and execute South Florida Urban Ministries largest fundraiser - Black Tie Blue Jeans. We raised a lot of money and had a great time dressing up for the occasion :)
- Successfully been successful at work :)
- Successfully executed a surprise visit back to California for my Mom and Dad (and sorority sisters, extended family, and church family!). That was incredibly amazing, fun, spontaneous, wonderful, and so enriching! I am so excited to head back in June for my big brother's wedding!
But now to the meat of this blog...
I want you to get a glimpse of what I saw, how I felt, and how I saw God while in Haiti.
Oh, Haiti.. Beautiful, eye-opening, heart aching, amazing Haiti.
It feels like I returned from Haiti just yesterday.
I think about how cramped the plane felt, how excited I was to land in the lucious green mountains, my first impression of the incredibly tiny airport, the interesting stares that the locals gave our group, the car that fit 8 people comfortably - yet we manage to squeeze 11, how small I felt when I was unable to communicate to another human without a translator, how I thought we were never going to make it to the Manse - there were no traffic lights, 4 cars fitting in a 2 car path, motorcycles zipping around every direction, absolute traffic chaos, how blessed we were to had stayed in a house that had toilets and electricity - those being some of the greatest luxuries in Haiti...
I think about how long the drive from Cap-Haitian to Dondon felt, how incredibly uncomfortable our car was driving up on the hour long bumpy and gravel road, how there was not much construction work for Debbie and I to do... So instead we played with the children, how I was able to communicate with children by playing hand games, laughing, singing, and smiles, how just the snap of a picture on my camera would create such excitement, how the children had nothing to play with but toys that they made themselves, how one kid named Rolex taught me how to sing 'This Is The Day' in Creole and French, how I fell head over heels for a 4 year old boy named Patricio - his picture is below, how could you not fall in love with that smile!....
I think about the worship services that we attended, how incredibly passionate the people were at praising God, how excited I was to recognize a tune that they were singing, how the sound of the children singing brought sheer bliss to my ears, how even though I could not understand the language of the sermon I was still about to understand the message, how you could tell that God was oh so present, how I have never seen ANYONE praise God like they were, how I wish I could worship every Sunday with them!...
I think about meeting Madame Zaphyr, how she only had about 6 teeth left from being malnourished as a child, how she was the president of the coffee Co-Op next door to the church that we were working at, how she would smile so wonderfully when I would happily yell her name every time I saw her, how she had 9 kids who all took care of each other, how she would be the first person to help us with any construction work, how she was the most respected individual in Dondon (I absolutely fell in love with her)....
I think about splitting up 150 pounds of rice and 150 pound of beans for the Dondon community, how grateful families were to receive one tiny bag of food, how the average income of Dondon is $150 a year, how despite their living situations they always found a reason to smile, how every family in the community knew and respected each other, how every day someone would ask me for money because if you are from America you are rich beyond measures, how a 90 year old woman wanted no food or no money, but wanted a pair of shoes so that she could walk on the gravel road to get water without destroying her feet anymore than they already were...
I think about the pain I felt when talking to a family whose 3 year old daughter fell into boiling water burning 80% of her body, how utterly thankful the mother was that our work team graciously prayed for her daughter and her family, how it did not matter that we did not speak the same language but that we believed in the same God, how the little girl and her family had no access to emergency care and were truly relying on the power of faith that she would survive, how I have prayed for that family every single day wishing that I could help, how I hope that God is watching over that little girl and keeping her safe...
I think about how excited I am to find another opportunity to go back and visit, how I hope to stay connected with the people that we encountered, how I hope to one day reside in Haiti longer than one week, how I hope that the people we met while in Haiti know that we care, love, and think of them all the time, how I know that God's big plan is at work every second of every day, how I know that God will provide for Haiti...
Those are just SOME of the memories/thoughts that I think about. I could write a blog long enough to go around the world 60 times if I were to share every thought, laugh, moment, or conversation that I had while in Haiti.
I distinctly remember how nervous and worried I was before going to Haiti. Seems very ridiculous now. I made friends, shared laughs, sang songs, praised God, learned some of a new language, lived with people, loved with people, and had an experience that I am forever thankful for. I truly felt the presence of God at work... It was undeniable how much faith some of the people that I met have. The faith that some of these people possess is one that I am working toward constantly. To know that God is on our side, and that God will provide, God will ALWAYS provide.
I have been dissecting, reminiscing, and thinking so passionately about Haiti since I left. I want to go back, very soon. But until then, my coworker and I have started up something small.....
Once a month we are sending boxes of clothes, toiletries, and school supplies to Dondon. Our first box is being sent off soon! We have little money, but lots of supporters. Debbie and I find it that it is part of our calling (and love) to send items that the people of Dondon have no access to.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to help us, please do!
You can contact me via FB or text or email or even this blog!
You can send anything to me anytime of the year, and we will make sure that it does get sent to Dondon, Haiti - we have reliable sources to get the materials to Dondon :)
Even if you cannot send items to Haiti, then please send your prayers. Those are ALWAYS needed.
Thank you for reading this, and thank God for giving us the ability to learn, share, and grow from each other.
Peace, Love, and Grace
Friday, March 23, 2012
Haiti Time :)
You see.... I am leaving for Haiti tomorrow morning. Off to Cap-Haitian with a UMC construction work team for 8 days.
I have tried to write about my worries, why I am nervous to go, why I am not ready to go, how I know I will survive these 8 days, how I am worried about the plane ride, the stories that I have heard about Haiti, etc...
Not one of those blogs were sitting well with me, and I figured out why... Thankfully!
Because this trip is not about me.
This trip is about something bigger, beyond anything I can imagine.
This trip is about God.
I was so concerned about me, and how I am going to make it, how I am nervous, how I am this, how I am that....
I had it all wrong.
It is about the people who are in Haiti. It is about being put in new situations that will help individuals. It is about God having a bigger plan for everyone. It is about being confident in that bigger plan. It is about relationships, fellowship, and love. It is about faith, smiles, and dancing. It is about hugs, laughing, singing, and story telling. It is about worship. Worshiping God. Taking advantage of new experiences. Being part of those experiences with one another.
These of which I will participate in, of course. So ultimately, I am part of the whole picture. But my worries, needs, and nervousness should not distract me from why I am going. Why God is sending me to Haiti.
To build relationships.
To laugh.
To love.
To worship.
To have faith.
To build friendships.
To sing.
To be confident in God's plan.
To dance.
To take advantage of a new experience.
To grasp opportunities.
To be with the people in Haiti.
.........To do construction work for new toilets, showers, and better water systems! Woo Hoo!
Are you pumped yet?
Because I am super pumped to go now!
I must now finish packing. I am so excited :)
Please pray for the work team I am going with, the people in Haiti, the struggles that Haiti is still facing, and for a brighter, more peaceful, and positive future for everyone.
Love you all. You will hear from me in a week!
Love, Peace, and Grace :)
I have tried to write about my worries, why I am nervous to go, why I am not ready to go, how I know I will survive these 8 days, how I am worried about the plane ride, the stories that I have heard about Haiti, etc...
Not one of those blogs were sitting well with me, and I figured out why... Thankfully!
Because this trip is not about me.
This trip is about something bigger, beyond anything I can imagine.
This trip is about God.
I was so concerned about me, and how I am going to make it, how I am nervous, how I am this, how I am that....
I had it all wrong.
It is about the people who are in Haiti. It is about being put in new situations that will help individuals. It is about God having a bigger plan for everyone. It is about being confident in that bigger plan. It is about relationships, fellowship, and love. It is about faith, smiles, and dancing. It is about hugs, laughing, singing, and story telling. It is about worship. Worshiping God. Taking advantage of new experiences. Being part of those experiences with one another.
These of which I will participate in, of course. So ultimately, I am part of the whole picture. But my worries, needs, and nervousness should not distract me from why I am going. Why God is sending me to Haiti.
To build relationships.
To laugh.
To love.
To worship.
To have faith.
To build friendships.
To sing.
To be confident in God's plan.
To dance.
To take advantage of a new experience.
To grasp opportunities.
To be with the people in Haiti.
.........To do construction work for new toilets, showers, and better water systems! Woo Hoo!
Are you pumped yet?
Because I am super pumped to go now!
I must now finish packing. I am so excited :)
Please pray for the work team I am going with, the people in Haiti, the struggles that Haiti is still facing, and for a brighter, more peaceful, and positive future for everyone.
Love you all. You will hear from me in a week!
Love, Peace, and Grace :)
Friday, February 10, 2012
Something Different
Dear Awesome, Amazing, Beautiful, Heavenly God,
Allow the questions that flow through my fingers to be yours. Directed to no one in particular. To know that some will be answered, but to also know that we may never know the answers to others.
When in your life have you let God take complete control? When in your life have you allowed nothing to fill your mind but the Holy Spirit? When in your life have you silenced the chaos in the world, the chaos in your neighborhood, and the chaos in your heart? When in your life was the last time you stopped... and prayed? When in your life was the last time you had a conversation with a stranger? When was the last time you laughed until you cried? When in your life did you see the true beauty of the nature that surrounds you? When was the last time you looked at another human being and thought 'They are different, and they are beautiful'? When was the last time you held hands with a stranger? When was the last time you smiled at a stranger? When is the last time you allowed yourself to be spiritually vulnerable? When was the last time you shared your faith with someone else? When in your life have you felt so loved that it overwhelmed you? When was the last time you thanked God for giving you the grace to love? When in your life have you felt the most spiritually and faithfully sound with God? When was the last time you smiled at God? When was the last time you acknowledged that God is playful? When in your life have you been confident in releasing your worries and doubts because you know that God is there? When in your life have you felt free... because you know that God is smiling over you? When in your life have you felt a peace in your heart that surpasses all understanding?
I have not all the answers. I only have questions. I will seek You always.
Amen.
Prayer.... Something that I have struggled with for a long time.
I was recently told that there is no wrong way to pray. That it is a conversation. A conversation that could be heard by many, but only truly understood by God.
So I began to experiment... and found the best form of prayer for me is...
To ask questions.
Thirty percent of the time, I ask God questions. Seventy percent of the time, God asks me the questions.
Together, God and I, are not searching for answers... We are searching for the comfort of each other.
Together, God and I, do not need immediate results... We need to know that we are listening to one another.
Together, God and I, are not questioning our faith... We are strengthing our connection.
This prayer was specific to When. I think When questions are awesome to ask because they allow the mind to wander to places that sometimes do not get visited enough by our memory. The memory floods throughout my body and I get to remember Who was there, What happened, Where I was, Why did that moment happen, How has that moment changed me. The point of asking When questions is not to find the answers, but to allow me to realize how much I have done, and what I still have to look forward to.
I do not pray out loud often. But today it felt organic to share that pray with you.
My roommates and I have made it habit (more or less) to take time out of our night schedules, and pray together. And let me tell you, I can feel a difference in out household. I cannot lay a finger on what the difference is... But it is there, and it is beautiful. Prayer is beautiful.
All types of prayer is acceptable. There is not wrong or right way to pray, that is something that I have had to learn. I now make an effort to take 5 minutes out of my schedule daily and make time for me and God. It actually is not that hard to take time and no one is ever too busy to stop... and pray.
So I ask... How do you pray?
Allow the questions that flow through my fingers to be yours. Directed to no one in particular. To know that some will be answered, but to also know that we may never know the answers to others.
When in your life have you let God take complete control? When in your life have you allowed nothing to fill your mind but the Holy Spirit? When in your life have you silenced the chaos in the world, the chaos in your neighborhood, and the chaos in your heart? When in your life was the last time you stopped... and prayed? When in your life was the last time you had a conversation with a stranger? When was the last time you laughed until you cried? When in your life did you see the true beauty of the nature that surrounds you? When was the last time you looked at another human being and thought 'They are different, and they are beautiful'? When was the last time you held hands with a stranger? When was the last time you smiled at a stranger? When is the last time you allowed yourself to be spiritually vulnerable? When was the last time you shared your faith with someone else? When in your life have you felt so loved that it overwhelmed you? When was the last time you thanked God for giving you the grace to love? When in your life have you felt the most spiritually and faithfully sound with God? When was the last time you smiled at God? When was the last time you acknowledged that God is playful? When in your life have you been confident in releasing your worries and doubts because you know that God is there? When in your life have you felt free... because you know that God is smiling over you? When in your life have you felt a peace in your heart that surpasses all understanding?
I have not all the answers. I only have questions. I will seek You always.
Amen.
Prayer.... Something that I have struggled with for a long time.
I was recently told that there is no wrong way to pray. That it is a conversation. A conversation that could be heard by many, but only truly understood by God.
So I began to experiment... and found the best form of prayer for me is...
To ask questions.
Thirty percent of the time, I ask God questions. Seventy percent of the time, God asks me the questions.
Together, God and I, are not searching for answers... We are searching for the comfort of each other.
Together, God and I, do not need immediate results... We need to know that we are listening to one another.
Together, God and I, are not questioning our faith... We are strengthing our connection.
This prayer was specific to When. I think When questions are awesome to ask because they allow the mind to wander to places that sometimes do not get visited enough by our memory. The memory floods throughout my body and I get to remember Who was there, What happened, Where I was, Why did that moment happen, How has that moment changed me. The point of asking When questions is not to find the answers, but to allow me to realize how much I have done, and what I still have to look forward to.
I do not pray out loud often. But today it felt organic to share that pray with you.
My roommates and I have made it habit (more or less) to take time out of our night schedules, and pray together. And let me tell you, I can feel a difference in out household. I cannot lay a finger on what the difference is... But it is there, and it is beautiful. Prayer is beautiful.
All types of prayer is acceptable. There is not wrong or right way to pray, that is something that I have had to learn. I now make an effort to take 5 minutes out of my schedule daily and make time for me and God. It actually is not that hard to take time and no one is ever too busy to stop... and pray.
So I ask... How do you pray?
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Deep Breaths
It has been one month since my last posting…. A lot has happened, as I am sure you can imagine. Would you like to know? Of course you do! Because you are here, reading my blog, one your own will… Which I totally appreciate. PS. Thank you very much for your support J
What has happened… What has happened… What has happened…
Banquet for Project HEAL clients – we had a Holiday banquet for 150 of our clients. It was lovely, a lot of work, and we were able to make their holiday season just that much more memorable.
Work – a lot of clients, a lot of paperwork, and I still really enjoy myself. It is becoming more and more apparent the struggles and hardships that our clients go through. Now knowing a lot of them by name, and knowing their stories is making work that much more important. So I would say that work is still very wonderful.
Some more work – because I have come to find that even though people with full-time jobs work 40+ hours a week… there is ALWAYS work to be done the next day. It blows my mind!
Trip to North Carolina – I stayed on the east coast for the holidays. I had packed for a real cold winter… and ended up in sunny NC. But little do people know that sunny NC in December is still FREEZING. Good thing I packed all my heavy layers.
Saw my family and my Grandma Boring – the first family members I have seen since my move. It was nice to have a Grandma there, she was my piece of California that I have missed so so much. It was a lot a lot a lot of fun, and I am grateful to have such a wonderful family.
Christmas – for the first time in years, I was awake for Christmas at 7am. Usually back in California our morning tradition has become (since my brother and I have gotten older) Christmas morning begins around 10am because I sleep in. And skyping my mom, dad, and brother was the ultimate highlight of Christmas.
Bought a live lobster for the first time – My cousin Paul and I were bored, and decided to buy a lobster. No one told us lobster was $20! No wonder college students never invest in such a creature…
Met my boyfriends parents - yes, I have a loving boyfriend… All the way in Ukraine. And his parents were absolutely amazing! Could not have asked for a better ‘meet the parents’ dinner date.
New Years Eve – which included a bon fire that could burn for 3 days, in the middle of the woods, with 2,700 illegal fireworks… it was an experience, to say the least
50 pages left of The Hunger Games – this book is ridiculous. If you have not read it yet, I say DO SO! It is awesome. And addicting. Read it before the movie comes out J
Plugged up all the holes in our walls and are catching mice! – meaning less roaches and less mice, which in turn makes a happy household. Roaches/mice LOSE – Little Haiti House WIN
Experienced Miami winter – sunny with a cold chill… that’s when you see Native Floridians in snow jackets and UGG boots. And me wearing wool socks and under armor because its too frigid outside. Us Floridians are not ‘cold temperature tolerant’ people.
Trying out a new lifestyle – It consists of my housemates and I working out daily (with each other because it makes strenuous workouts much more fun), and are on the ‘No Junk Food Challenge’ (no chocolate, pastries, candy, biscuits, white bread, peanut butter, nutella, ice cream, cake, donuts, muffins, cookies, fast food, and chips for 21 days – we are 4 days into it, and thus far successful!)
Started Project 365 – taking one picture a day for a whole year. Started doing it with friends from back home. It is a nice way to feel connected J my photo blog is http://www.tumblr.com/blog/thelife289 … you can follow me!
Planning on going on a Haiti Mission Trip with the Florida Conference in March – the plans are still in progress… but it looks like it will be happening (hopefully!) I am so excited for the opportunity, and I cannot wait! This will benefit me in so many ways, with work, personal experience, and spiritual growth.
Hmmmm… That is a lot of things that has happened. A goal of mine is that I am going to try and condense blogs to be shorter, more focused on one specific thing. Lets see how that comes about. Sometimes even I get overwhelmed with all of the information that I post on my blogs. I just told my roommate that I could blog for days once I am in the right state of mind. My fingers just spit out words! God gave me the grace of having a brain that works a million miles a minute. I wouldn’t have it any other way J
I am grateful always to have this opportunity to grow in such a manner that I could have never imagined. I am constantly filled with the love of God. And that is the fuel to my constant fire. I find God’s love in EVERYTHING I am doing. Everything that I listed above is all possible, and all wonderful because it is all out of love. And you know what, I LOVE GOD. So it’s just an awesome circle of love. I wouldn’t have this any other way either J
Thank you everyone for all of your continuous support and all the prayers. I could not get through the tough times without it, and I surely could not get through life in general without it.
Peace and love
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Nom Nom Nom
Before I begin I would like to ask.... WHERE DID NOVEMBER GO?!
Because today is December 1, 2011. That means I have been working with South Florida Urban Ministries for exactly 3 months (and obviously living in Florida for, probably, the same amount of time). That is crazy to think about. It does not feel like 9 weeks of my life have gone by... More like ZiPpEd by!
November was not even that crazy of a month, until my FAVORITE holiday in world came passing through.
I am trying to allow myself to scribble some thoughts down about events that happened prior to the greatest holiday ever, and the one thing that is standing out is....................... the mouse wont leave our house.
Those are details that I will leave to your imagination.
Except for this fun fact.... We brought in our handy dandy exterminator.... TwoTone! The stray cat that lives on the farm. Let me just say, he efforts were valiant, but he too was defeated by the rodents...
A+ for effort TwoTone.
So lets move forward and talk about the most spectacular, amazing, scrumptious, delicious, glorious, friend-filled holiday ever.... the day to be OH SO THANKFUL.
My 4 day weekends was so wonderful, that these next few sentences describing them will do no justice.
Thanksgiving Thursday -
Morning : Woke up early, and went to help South Florida Urban Ministries package and deliver meals to those who, otherwise, would had gotten your traditional meal. I registered and welcomed everyone to Coral Gables (1 of 10 sites that were serving/packaging/delivering meals to over 6000 people in South Florida). 200+ volunteers showed up at Coral Gables that morning. I cannot even being to describe the amount of work that was put in that morning. It was amazing how efficiently everything was packaged, it was a machine! Pumpkin pie, cranberries, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans... All the must haves... 1000 meals wrapped and ready to be delivered in less than 2 hours. Seriously ridiculous.
After registration, I was given the opportunity to help deliver meals. 4 of my friends and I went to an apartment complex. Very run-down with all types of people living in it. Floor by floor we knocked on doors. Every single person whose door I knocked on was very timid, very scared, and very nervous to open their door for me. But once they knew I was there to give, they smiled. Every single one of them.
They were all so grateful for just one meal.... And some were just grateful for human interaction. Hugs, kisses, thank yous, God Bless You's, smiles... That is what I got from my new friends who I made that Thanksgiving morning. It was by far one of the most humbling experiences of my life. It is hard to describe the emotion I felt, but it was one that I know I have longed for. Their appreciation was powerful beyond words. God was working very hard through the volunteers and was radiating off of those who received meals that morning. God is seriously so awesome. That morning experience elevated my mood to the highest and most chipper... which THANKFULLY (!!) lasted throughout the entire rest of the weekends activities :)
Evening : Skyped with my family!!! Mom, Dad, David, Grandma, Oma, and Opa... and the puppies Yoko and Ruby. It was so wonderful seeing thier faces on the holiday :) I love you all so so so so much! And I know that I definitely would not be here today without their constant support and love. My family deserves a huge huge huge shout-out for being the best :)
So.... Two of my roommates (Bekah and Lydia) went home for Thanksgiving... Since our house was half empty, Callie and I decided to gather up those on the farm and have a meal together! Because really.... Thanksgiving is the greatest holiday ever BECAUSE there is yummy yummy amazing delicious fooooood :) and great friends to eat with. And Thanksgiving without either of those is just absurd.
So Callie made this yam and apple dish (amazing!), green beans (so good!), cornbread (bomb), and I made the instant stuffing (was delicious, but not the same as Moms turkey stuffing), canned jellied cranberries (its not thanksgiving with cranberries!!) and instant mashed potatoes (ddeeffiinneetteellyy not as good as real ones... but they did the job!) Our friends who live two doors down (Melissa and Keith) made the turkey (really fast... Keith is professional chef, and NOT a vegetarian. So the turkey - which most people didnt eat - was absoluetly beyond scrumptious), vegan mashed potatoes, vegan gravy, regular gravy, and banana/blueberry bread. All of those foods put together means FOOD COMA TO THE EXTREME. There were 10 of us from the farm who enjoyed the great food and fellowship. Good food + good friends = successful Thanksgiving meal :)
The Evenings Evening : Of course that means I went Black Friday Shopping at midnight with Callie and Athena and waited in a 30 minutes line to get in Target, bought 5 DVD's, and waiting in a 30 minute line to check out.... Do not fret, no one got hurt at this Target - people were civil :)
Friday -
Slept till 6pm. What better way to take a day off from work, especially when you are up till 4:30am the morning before watching a Black Friday movie deal. And how about we throw in some Wii Bowling, Tennis, and Michael Jackson Experience Dancing with Callie and Athena later that lovely Friday evening. Sounds like a good day to meeee :)
Saturday -
My dear friend Kevin proposed to his (then) girlfriend Mary at the beach..... And Callie and I were there to help set up the entire thing. It was truly romantic for them. I mean, it was on the beach, absolutely beautiful out, and a proposal.... Totally perfect.
Can I just say that I AM SO EXCITED! I love weddings :) I am so excited for them! Both of them are near and dear to my heart, and they are some of the greatest people you will ever meet.... Congrats!
Sunday -
Church. Barnes and Noble. Nap. Attempt to clean my room. More church. More Thanksgiving food. Friends. God. Sun. Books. You know..... your typical lovely Sunday :)
Most relaxing weekend yet, and I am so thankful for everyone that I interacted with, saw, hugged, smiled at, prayed for, skyped with, talked on the phone with, thought of..... Just everyone! So thankful for everyone in my life, and on this planet. So many things about our lives that need to be rejoiced, and so many people in our lives that just need to be loved. God is so great and is truly working tremndously through the people that are in Miami. Lately I have been acknowledging God's presence in my life, allowing the Spirit to rush through my soul, giving myself the chance to question aspects of life without guilt, and loving everyone that I possibly can with my whole heart. This past weekend was a definite high for me. There was a lot that happened to me, and God gave wonderful opportunities for our whole community. So many people were blessed, and that is just an amazing thought. If only every single day was like Thanksgiving day!
God is seriously too awesome for words. I am so blessed, and I have no reason to be.
(The picture above is when I helped at a two night camping trip with middle/high schoolers a few weekends back. A fabulous experience with fabulous people)
Thank you for all of your support! And prayers! And smiles! And packages :)
Love you all.
Because today is December 1, 2011. That means I have been working with South Florida Urban Ministries for exactly 3 months (and obviously living in Florida for, probably, the same amount of time). That is crazy to think about. It does not feel like 9 weeks of my life have gone by... More like ZiPpEd by!
November was not even that crazy of a month, until my FAVORITE holiday in world came passing through.
I am trying to allow myself to scribble some thoughts down about events that happened prior to the greatest holiday ever, and the one thing that is standing out is....................... the mouse wont leave our house.
Those are details that I will leave to your imagination.
Except for this fun fact.... We brought in our handy dandy exterminator.... TwoTone! The stray cat that lives on the farm. Let me just say, he efforts were valiant, but he too was defeated by the rodents...
A+ for effort TwoTone.
So lets move forward and talk about the most spectacular, amazing, scrumptious, delicious, glorious, friend-filled holiday ever.... the day to be OH SO THANKFUL.
My 4 day weekends was so wonderful, that these next few sentences describing them will do no justice.
Thanksgiving Thursday -
Morning : Woke up early, and went to help South Florida Urban Ministries package and deliver meals to those who, otherwise, would had gotten your traditional meal. I registered and welcomed everyone to Coral Gables (1 of 10 sites that were serving/packaging/delivering meals to over 6000 people in South Florida). 200+ volunteers showed up at Coral Gables that morning. I cannot even being to describe the amount of work that was put in that morning. It was amazing how efficiently everything was packaged, it was a machine! Pumpkin pie, cranberries, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans... All the must haves... 1000 meals wrapped and ready to be delivered in less than 2 hours. Seriously ridiculous.
After registration, I was given the opportunity to help deliver meals. 4 of my friends and I went to an apartment complex. Very run-down with all types of people living in it. Floor by floor we knocked on doors. Every single person whose door I knocked on was very timid, very scared, and very nervous to open their door for me. But once they knew I was there to give, they smiled. Every single one of them.
They were all so grateful for just one meal.... And some were just grateful for human interaction. Hugs, kisses, thank yous, God Bless You's, smiles... That is what I got from my new friends who I made that Thanksgiving morning. It was by far one of the most humbling experiences of my life. It is hard to describe the emotion I felt, but it was one that I know I have longed for. Their appreciation was powerful beyond words. God was working very hard through the volunteers and was radiating off of those who received meals that morning. God is seriously so awesome. That morning experience elevated my mood to the highest and most chipper... which THANKFULLY (!!) lasted throughout the entire rest of the weekends activities :)
Evening : Skyped with my family!!! Mom, Dad, David, Grandma, Oma, and Opa... and the puppies Yoko and Ruby. It was so wonderful seeing thier faces on the holiday :) I love you all so so so so much! And I know that I definitely would not be here today without their constant support and love. My family deserves a huge huge huge shout-out for being the best :)
So.... Two of my roommates (Bekah and Lydia) went home for Thanksgiving... Since our house was half empty, Callie and I decided to gather up those on the farm and have a meal together! Because really.... Thanksgiving is the greatest holiday ever BECAUSE there is yummy yummy amazing delicious fooooood :) and great friends to eat with. And Thanksgiving without either of those is just absurd.
So Callie made this yam and apple dish (amazing!), green beans (so good!), cornbread (bomb), and I made the instant stuffing (was delicious, but not the same as Moms turkey stuffing), canned jellied cranberries (its not thanksgiving with cranberries!!) and instant mashed potatoes (ddeeffiinneetteellyy not as good as real ones... but they did the job!) Our friends who live two doors down (Melissa and Keith) made the turkey (really fast... Keith is professional chef, and NOT a vegetarian. So the turkey - which most people didnt eat - was absoluetly beyond scrumptious), vegan mashed potatoes, vegan gravy, regular gravy, and banana/blueberry bread. All of those foods put together means FOOD COMA TO THE EXTREME. There were 10 of us from the farm who enjoyed the great food and fellowship. Good food + good friends = successful Thanksgiving meal :)
The Evenings Evening : Of course that means I went Black Friday Shopping at midnight with Callie and Athena and waited in a 30 minutes line to get in Target, bought 5 DVD's, and waiting in a 30 minute line to check out.... Do not fret, no one got hurt at this Target - people were civil :)
Friday -
Slept till 6pm. What better way to take a day off from work, especially when you are up till 4:30am the morning before watching a Black Friday movie deal. And how about we throw in some Wii Bowling, Tennis, and Michael Jackson Experience Dancing with Callie and Athena later that lovely Friday evening. Sounds like a good day to meeee :)
Saturday -
My dear friend Kevin proposed to his (then) girlfriend Mary at the beach..... And Callie and I were there to help set up the entire thing. It was truly romantic for them. I mean, it was on the beach, absolutely beautiful out, and a proposal.... Totally perfect.
Can I just say that I AM SO EXCITED! I love weddings :) I am so excited for them! Both of them are near and dear to my heart, and they are some of the greatest people you will ever meet.... Congrats!
Sunday -
Church. Barnes and Noble. Nap. Attempt to clean my room. More church. More Thanksgiving food. Friends. God. Sun. Books. You know..... your typical lovely Sunday :)
Most relaxing weekend yet, and I am so thankful for everyone that I interacted with, saw, hugged, smiled at, prayed for, skyped with, talked on the phone with, thought of..... Just everyone! So thankful for everyone in my life, and on this planet. So many things about our lives that need to be rejoiced, and so many people in our lives that just need to be loved. God is so great and is truly working tremndously through the people that are in Miami. Lately I have been acknowledging God's presence in my life, allowing the Spirit to rush through my soul, giving myself the chance to question aspects of life without guilt, and loving everyone that I possibly can with my whole heart. This past weekend was a definite high for me. There was a lot that happened to me, and God gave wonderful opportunities for our whole community. So many people were blessed, and that is just an amazing thought. If only every single day was like Thanksgiving day!
God is seriously too awesome for words. I am so blessed, and I have no reason to be.
Thank you for all of your support! And prayers! And smiles! And packages :)
Love you all.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Heaven on Earth
Hello :)
So, to be completely honest.... I thought my last post was only MAX two weeks ago. I am very wrong, and I am very sorry that days zip by and that I am losing track of time. That must be a sign of me having a good time... Right?? I think yes. Because I know for a fact that I am having an absolute blast.
Oh my goodness.... I am trying to think of what has happened. So much. So so so so so so much. Well, as a general comment, I am very happy. Truly and exceptionally happy. There is a lot to be thankful, grateful, and hopeful for down here in Florida. I am making a conscious effort to really take everything in, and to really appreciate what I am experiencing. God's presence is sometimes so overwhelming clear while working and living down here, its ridiculous! There are a few moments in the past few weeks that are really sticking out, I am taking it as a sign that I need to write about them... Welp, here I go :)
Moment #1 :)
Work has been great. I am finding my niche and where I fit in. Happily, I have become..... as I like to title myself..... the Lets Speak To Everyone and Make Pretty Flyers and Talk to Store Owners About Donations and Basically All Outreach for Project HEAL Lady Person Worker US2! And I LOVE it. I really do love it. I am working from scratch, trying to find different ways to get our name out there, and its really fun. Yes of course, I still work with clients daily, today I helped complete one of our beloved clients citizenship application. His ear-to-ear grin of appreciation reminded me of how helpful our work really is. Project HEAL is allowing me to see a life in a completely new lens. Pretty rad, if I do say so myself!
In addition to office work, Debbie and I have been sent off to volunteer at Branches (SFLUM's afterschool program) multiple times. I have helped kids with their homework, played all outdoor activities with them, sang songs, had snacks, helped them learn similies, made Thanksgiving play costumes.... Just had an amazing care-free, light-hearted, all smiles, glorious time hanging out with kids. I have missed the craziness and joyus spirit that kids bring into our lives. Their innocence and pure love is so refreshing.
I also have become pretty cool with the bosses. Which meeeeeeeans... I am going camping with Branches and their staff this weekend! I am so excited :) To spend time with folks and children who love each other, love themselves, and love God. Being involved in such an environment is a healthy balance I have found for myself. Spending time with children allows myself to recharge my batteries.
Moment #2 :)
Someday last week I got off work a little early, and decided to get my toes did! It had been a while, and they were looking kinda shabby. So I get them done, and while walking outside, I see the most glorious sky I have ever seen. God was just having a blast painting the sky with pinks, and oranges, and reds, and yellows. It was so breathtaking that the picture on my phone does it no justice. And for whatever reason, I felt so empowered and so blessed that I wanted to share it with the people I see the most... My Roommates!
So I took them out for a treat, a whole fancy California Pizza Kitchen. It was quite lovely. We have been eating the same food at home, they have been working too hard, and I wanted to take them out for a breath of fresh air. Their jobs absolutely consume them, and I wanted to remind them that life still exists outside of work and home... that it is OK to sometimes 'get away'. They are teachers down the street from our house, and it is A LOT of work for them. For instance, one roommate, Callie, is teaching 18 students who are 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. She THE high school teacher at this school. Many of our house nights are work nights. A change of scenery was much needed for our sanity, and they totally deserved it. I forget how wonderful it is to get out once in a while. Spending time with roommates in a new environment allows myself (and my roommates!) to recharge our batteries.
Moment #3 :)
DOOR! Have I mentioned DOOR on this blog thing before? Maybe, I do not remember... I will refresh your memory anyway :) DOOR is the housing network that I live in. Heidi is in charge of DOOR Miami, and she is the coolest, grooviest, and most energetic woman, wife, Christian, mother that I have ever met. Every time I see her, it is like we have not seen each other in 50 years. Its great! She's great! Anyway.... DOOR houses Young Adults Volunteers (YAV's) and me! (the only YAM).
There are 4 houses in Miami, the Little Haiti house (aka Green House - which is where I live), the Little Havana House (aka Blue House), the FIU House (aka Red House), and the Florida City House (aka the Yellow House). Each house is grouped a lot because of our schedules and what our work is in. For instantce, the Green House has 9-5 jobs, working prodominately with the Haitian population, and we are able to have dinner to together at least 3 times a week. Where as the Blue House works and kinds of crazy schedules, works prodominatley Campus Ministries or with afterschool programs, and rarely has time to ever eat dinner together. Each house has their own personality, but each thrive off of the fact that we are all disciples of Christ. DOOR is so wonderful, it is making my Miami experience 10,000,000 times more awesome.
But what I really want to mention about DOOR is the fellowship. The friends I am making with the other dwellers (DOOR folk) and the bond I am solidifying with Christ is amazing. These people are who I have been wanting, needing, and hoping to find in my life. Some of my very close friends in Miami are dwellers also. These friendships are going to last a lifetime. We go to church together, we laugh together, we can have meals together, and we can sit in silence together. We had a silent retreat this past weekend. From Friday to Sunday, and 24 of those hours we were not to talk. And let me tell you...... That is not easy! I took those 24 hours as no talking (which I slipped up sometimes, word just fell out of my mouth without thinking) and as no cell phone (my dear friend Mary hid my phone, because if you know me, I am on my phone every single minute of the day). I wrote a lot in my journal, I went for a long walk to a canal with my dear friend Amanda May. Majority of the day was also spend making art. That was my favorite :) Something that may or may not be a surprise to you... I was not silent of sound. I was still nominated as the loudest in the bunch, even when silent. Laughter would erupt at random times throughout the evening/day... I would make noises of any kind when trying to communicate... And I was just a 'hot mess' :) It was so much fun!
Among all the silent chaos... I did find peace, time to reflect, time to journal. My head of full of thoughts, questions, and clutter. My mind at the beginning was racing at a zillion miles per second. Once I was able to slow it down, I began to ask questions. I was questioning everything. Absolutely everything. What I am doing here, what is my purpose, why is God doing this, why is God doing that, why does God place these people in my life... I think you get the point :) Question after question. And funnily enough, I found that that was my form of prayer. That was my way of finally being aware of what was around me, what was happening in my surroundings regarding people and culture, and recognizing the work that God is doing in my life. I was able to see, think, and feel what God is doing. I have no idea WHY God is doing these things, but I KNOW they are happening for good reason.... and hey! That is enough reason for me to keep on moving forward each day :)
Moment #4 :)
Last week my housemates and I lead worship at our Lighthouse night service. The theme was community. Community is a vast topic for an hour service. We ended up breaking it down into 4 different communities that we immerse ourselves into. The community of You and God, the community of You and Your Inner Circle (those few friends you go to with anything), the community of You and Your Disciples (that group of people who know and care for you - for instance, your church), and the community of You and Your Greater Community (whether that is work, where you live, your city, or state). I was SO EXCITED because I was able to use something I learned at US2 training! We made a huge masking tape cross on the floor... And allowed each person to reflect on each of the four communities, describing their relationship using post-its. (I challenge you - as my beloved and faithful readers - to reflect on these four communities in your own life. At what state are the currently in within each community? How can they be improved? How involved are you within each? Which has the largest effect on you? If one is unstable, do the others suffer? Just a challenge for you to reflect.) We also lead the music, and I have missed dearly playing guitar and singing with groups of people.
Side note- I am taking SINGING lessons at my church each Sunday. Yes, I said singing. Its so strange! You know that cringe you get when you hear your voice after its been recorded? Yeah, I have to go through that every Sunday, with my twangy out-of-pitch can;t sing singing voice. Its ridiculous, but! I am going to be taking guitar lessons through the church hopefully soon! My vocal teacher and my potential guitar teacher were at the service, and naturally, I messed up big time. I could not help but laugh it off.... But I am pretty sure if they were grading me.... I would had got a 'D' for quality.... Or an 'A' for effort!
Leading the service, playing music, being part of a silent retreat, questioning, and being in wonderful fellowship with people I am truly happy around allowed me to recharge my spiritual batteries. And those batteries are MOST important to keep charged, especially through this time in my life.
I do miss my California and North Carolina family VERY much. My friends are always being huge support systems. My parents are ridiculously amazing and I am happy that I am making them proud. My relationships across the world are as solid as can be for having thousands of miles and time differences separating us. The people in Miami are so comforting, beyond loving, and so fabulous.
I know this was lengthly, but I always have so much to say. These past weeks have been glorious, absolutely glorious. I am always meeting new people, I am always keeping on top of my work, I am always trying new things, and I always find a reason to smile every morning. At this very moment in my life, I am not just content with what is happening, I am truly happy :)
I will close it off by saying...
I LOVE YOU :) if you read this whole thing, I absolutely love you! Thank you for YOUR support.
Till next time <3
So, to be completely honest.... I thought my last post was only MAX two weeks ago. I am very wrong, and I am very sorry that days zip by and that I am losing track of time. That must be a sign of me having a good time... Right?? I think yes. Because I know for a fact that I am having an absolute blast.
Oh my goodness.... I am trying to think of what has happened. So much. So so so so so so much. Well, as a general comment, I am very happy. Truly and exceptionally happy. There is a lot to be thankful, grateful, and hopeful for down here in Florida. I am making a conscious effort to really take everything in, and to really appreciate what I am experiencing. God's presence is sometimes so overwhelming clear while working and living down here, its ridiculous! There are a few moments in the past few weeks that are really sticking out, I am taking it as a sign that I need to write about them... Welp, here I go :)
Moment #1 :)
Work has been great. I am finding my niche and where I fit in. Happily, I have become..... as I like to title myself..... the Lets Speak To Everyone and Make Pretty Flyers and Talk to Store Owners About Donations and Basically All Outreach for Project HEAL Lady Person Worker US2! And I LOVE it. I really do love it. I am working from scratch, trying to find different ways to get our name out there, and its really fun. Yes of course, I still work with clients daily, today I helped complete one of our beloved clients citizenship application. His ear-to-ear grin of appreciation reminded me of how helpful our work really is. Project HEAL is allowing me to see a life in a completely new lens. Pretty rad, if I do say so myself!
In addition to office work, Debbie and I have been sent off to volunteer at Branches (SFLUM's afterschool program) multiple times. I have helped kids with their homework, played all outdoor activities with them, sang songs, had snacks, helped them learn similies, made Thanksgiving play costumes.... Just had an amazing care-free, light-hearted, all smiles, glorious time hanging out with kids. I have missed the craziness and joyus spirit that kids bring into our lives. Their innocence and pure love is so refreshing.
I also have become pretty cool with the bosses. Which meeeeeeeans... I am going camping with Branches and their staff this weekend! I am so excited :) To spend time with folks and children who love each other, love themselves, and love God. Being involved in such an environment is a healthy balance I have found for myself. Spending time with children allows myself to recharge my batteries.
Moment #2 :)
Someday last week I got off work a little early, and decided to get my toes did! It had been a while, and they were looking kinda shabby. So I get them done, and while walking outside, I see the most glorious sky I have ever seen. God was just having a blast painting the sky with pinks, and oranges, and reds, and yellows. It was so breathtaking that the picture on my phone does it no justice. And for whatever reason, I felt so empowered and so blessed that I wanted to share it with the people I see the most... My Roommates!
So I took them out for a treat, a whole fancy California Pizza Kitchen. It was quite lovely. We have been eating the same food at home, they have been working too hard, and I wanted to take them out for a breath of fresh air. Their jobs absolutely consume them, and I wanted to remind them that life still exists outside of work and home... that it is OK to sometimes 'get away'. They are teachers down the street from our house, and it is A LOT of work for them. For instance, one roommate, Callie, is teaching 18 students who are 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. She THE high school teacher at this school. Many of our house nights are work nights. A change of scenery was much needed for our sanity, and they totally deserved it. I forget how wonderful it is to get out once in a while. Spending time with roommates in a new environment allows myself (and my roommates!) to recharge our batteries.
Moment #3 :)
DOOR! Have I mentioned DOOR on this blog thing before? Maybe, I do not remember... I will refresh your memory anyway :) DOOR is the housing network that I live in. Heidi is in charge of DOOR Miami, and she is the coolest, grooviest, and most energetic woman, wife, Christian, mother that I have ever met. Every time I see her, it is like we have not seen each other in 50 years. Its great! She's great! Anyway.... DOOR houses Young Adults Volunteers (YAV's) and me! (the only YAM).
There are 4 houses in Miami, the Little Haiti house (aka Green House - which is where I live), the Little Havana House (aka Blue House), the FIU House (aka Red House), and the Florida City House (aka the Yellow House). Each house is grouped a lot because of our schedules and what our work is in. For instantce, the Green House has 9-5 jobs, working prodominately with the Haitian population, and we are able to have dinner to together at least 3 times a week. Where as the Blue House works and kinds of crazy schedules, works prodominatley Campus Ministries or with afterschool programs, and rarely has time to ever eat dinner together. Each house has their own personality, but each thrive off of the fact that we are all disciples of Christ. DOOR is so wonderful, it is making my Miami experience 10,000,000 times more awesome.
But what I really want to mention about DOOR is the fellowship. The friends I am making with the other dwellers (DOOR folk) and the bond I am solidifying with Christ is amazing. These people are who I have been wanting, needing, and hoping to find in my life. Some of my very close friends in Miami are dwellers also. These friendships are going to last a lifetime. We go to church together, we laugh together, we can have meals together, and we can sit in silence together. We had a silent retreat this past weekend. From Friday to Sunday, and 24 of those hours we were not to talk. And let me tell you...... That is not easy! I took those 24 hours as no talking (which I slipped up sometimes, word just fell out of my mouth without thinking) and as no cell phone (my dear friend Mary hid my phone, because if you know me, I am on my phone every single minute of the day). I wrote a lot in my journal, I went for a long walk to a canal with my dear friend Amanda May. Majority of the day was also spend making art. That was my favorite :) Something that may or may not be a surprise to you... I was not silent of sound. I was still nominated as the loudest in the bunch, even when silent. Laughter would erupt at random times throughout the evening/day... I would make noises of any kind when trying to communicate... And I was just a 'hot mess' :) It was so much fun!
Among all the silent chaos... I did find peace, time to reflect, time to journal. My head of full of thoughts, questions, and clutter. My mind at the beginning was racing at a zillion miles per second. Once I was able to slow it down, I began to ask questions. I was questioning everything. Absolutely everything. What I am doing here, what is my purpose, why is God doing this, why is God doing that, why does God place these people in my life... I think you get the point :) Question after question. And funnily enough, I found that that was my form of prayer. That was my way of finally being aware of what was around me, what was happening in my surroundings regarding people and culture, and recognizing the work that God is doing in my life. I was able to see, think, and feel what God is doing. I have no idea WHY God is doing these things, but I KNOW they are happening for good reason.... and hey! That is enough reason for me to keep on moving forward each day :)
Moment #4 :)
Last week my housemates and I lead worship at our Lighthouse night service. The theme was community. Community is a vast topic for an hour service. We ended up breaking it down into 4 different communities that we immerse ourselves into. The community of You and God, the community of You and Your Inner Circle (those few friends you go to with anything), the community of You and Your Disciples (that group of people who know and care for you - for instance, your church), and the community of You and Your Greater Community (whether that is work, where you live, your city, or state). I was SO EXCITED because I was able to use something I learned at US2 training! We made a huge masking tape cross on the floor... And allowed each person to reflect on each of the four communities, describing their relationship using post-its. (I challenge you - as my beloved and faithful readers - to reflect on these four communities in your own life. At what state are the currently in within each community? How can they be improved? How involved are you within each? Which has the largest effect on you? If one is unstable, do the others suffer? Just a challenge for you to reflect.) We also lead the music, and I have missed dearly playing guitar and singing with groups of people.
Side note- I am taking SINGING lessons at my church each Sunday. Yes, I said singing. Its so strange! You know that cringe you get when you hear your voice after its been recorded? Yeah, I have to go through that every Sunday, with my twangy out-of-pitch can;t sing singing voice. Its ridiculous, but! I am going to be taking guitar lessons through the church hopefully soon! My vocal teacher and my potential guitar teacher were at the service, and naturally, I messed up big time. I could not help but laugh it off.... But I am pretty sure if they were grading me.... I would had got a 'D' for quality.... Or an 'A' for effort!
Leading the service, playing music, being part of a silent retreat, questioning, and being in wonderful fellowship with people I am truly happy around allowed me to recharge my spiritual batteries. And those batteries are MOST important to keep charged, especially through this time in my life.
I do miss my California and North Carolina family VERY much. My friends are always being huge support systems. My parents are ridiculously amazing and I am happy that I am making them proud. My relationships across the world are as solid as can be for having thousands of miles and time differences separating us. The people in Miami are so comforting, beyond loving, and so fabulous.
I know this was lengthly, but I always have so much to say. These past weeks have been glorious, absolutely glorious. I am always meeting new people, I am always keeping on top of my work, I am always trying new things, and I always find a reason to smile every morning. At this very moment in my life, I am not just content with what is happening, I am truly happy :)
I will close it off by saying...
I LOVE YOU :) if you read this whole thing, I absolutely love you! Thank you for YOUR support.
Till next time <3
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