Stayin' Alive

"...Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman

BAM!

BAM!

BAM!

Oh, don't worry about that noise. That's just life throwing lemons at me again. It's not really a big deal, you know. What life doesn't know is that I'm going to take those lemons and make an exceptionally delicious lemon meringue pie. Doesn't that sound fantastic?! Really, who doesn't like pie?

This semester, life decided to throw curve-ball lemons my way, BUT life has also thrown some yummy stuff to make pie with as well: sugar, butter, salt. Sugar and butter are great, sure, but you just can't have lemon meringue without lemons. So I will take my sugar, butter, salt AND lemons, and I will make an awesome pie that I can share with others and sustain life. I will take those bad life experiences and I will turn them into something that Christ can use to touch the lives of others. I will use those experiences (both good and not-so-good) and share them, learn from them, and grow from them.

A lot has happened in the past few months, and in fact, only one word could describe it accurately: chaos. Before you can understand why I'm making a lemon meringue pie, it's essential for me to summarize where I've been and what has happened in my life over the last few months.

While in Atlanta for the end of the summer Student.GO retreat, I received a telephone call from my mother telling me that my grandmother Margaret was dying. Some very caring friends on the Atlanta side made sure that I made my flight in order to go home and tell her goodbye. After being out of the country for most of the calendar year and in Virginia for the summer, it was a relief to see my family at the airport. They took me to the hospital to see my grandmother, which was one of the most heart-wrenching, gut-twisting visits and goodbyes that I have ever spoken. After seeing her, I finally went home and slept for a long while.

I stuck around Cape for a few days, and each day that I was there, Grandma kept improving. She was finally sent home on hospice, and I returned to Virginia to say goodbye to all of the LUCHA folk that I had worked with over the summer. I had a great time seeing my girls again, and Sue and Greg Smith had a cookout for Kyle and myself. I left F'burg two days later and drove home through West Virginia and Ohio.

Sadly, I had no time to recover before SEMO started the fall semester, and my other grandmother was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. Thankfully, I have an amazing family and a couple of epic friends who helped me to cope with what was happening to my family and how disheartened I truly was.

However, this fall hasn't been a complete lemon. As the semester progre

ssed, I spent most of my free time at my grandmother's apartment watching Cardinals baseball (how unfortunate that they couldn't have gone all the way this year). Things continued to look up, and my relationships with my family and my amazing friends (one in particular) began to deepen. I also started working at Cross Point and SAQ again. Lindsey, Eric, Aaron and I started working with the kids on Wednesday nights, and Lindsey and I are still currently teaching basic Spanish at the Nazarene Church.

On October 28th, I had to have my horse, Little Bit, put down. I miss her terribly, and her departure has left a gaping hole in my heart.

Two days later, my SEMO advisor informed me that I should be gr

aduating in December....THIS December! That's only a semester ahead of time. Goodness, I'm glad they let me know about it. I'm also grateful that the Registrar's Office managed to figure out my life situation and accept my application to graduate. I'm only a few weeks away now, and I'll be extremely happy to have SEMO behind me.

So there you have it. Now you know why I've decided on baking a pie.... My grandmothers are still with me, I'm graduating in December, and the relationships that I have right now are deeper and stronger than they've ever been. I'm alive and eating a delicious life, I mean, lemon pie.

Almost done!

Our trip to Passport Camp in Wenham, Massachusetts, flew by at warp speed. The youth had a great time, and no one died (that's the most important thing). They worked at several different mission sites, held daily Bible study and worship, went to the 60's dance and participated in the HeeHaw talent show. On the way home, we accidently ended up in Manhattan, so we decided to visit the John Lennon Memorial in Central Park and Times Square. Overall, an amazing time.

This is my final full week in Fredericksburg, and it's going to be a busy one. On Monday we're taking everyone to the pool. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday we are distributing children's books and taking people to their doctor appointments. On Wednesday, Kyle and I are taking three of the older youth to the University of Maryland. And on Sunday three of us are driving to Alabama for the end of summer retreat. Should be a great time!

Pictures soon!

Time to get EXCITED!

Sadly, this will probably be one of the last posts during my summer internship. While house-sitting this week, my laptop passed away peacefully in its sleep.

On a happier note, the LUCHA youth are preparing for their week at Passport Camp in Wenham, Massachusetts. The camp, a place for Christian fellowship and community service, will be celebrating the theme of "Barefoot: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" I'm looking forward to an amazing week full of great things and wonderful people! Please make sure to keep us in your prayers as we travel on the 26th and 31st of this month.

"We're going to the mall?!"

"Let's go to the mall, guys!" This has been a confusing statement in the past, please let me clarify.

Last week the LUCHA youth and leaders spent an afternoon in Washington DC's National Holocaust Museum. The museum, which details the events leading up to the Holocaust and its devastating effects, contains both permanent exhibits and several rotating exhibits. The youth had a chance to visit the main exhibit and spend time in the Hall of Rememberance (the museum's memorial to the six million people affected by the Holocaust).

Following the museum visit, the youth spent some time at the National Mall during which stops were made at the Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. After walking the length of the Mall and back to the van, the group did get a chance to have dinner in Pentagon City and window shop at an actual mall.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
- Colossians 3:12

How does your garden grow?

The answer: only after months of planning and hard work. The community garden near Sylvania Heights Baptist Church is having a great summer season. Cucumbers, watermelon, jalapeños, green peppers, squash, onions, and tomatoes all have a home in the family-shared garden. From planting and trench-digging to weeding and watering, the Latino families in the area have kept a close watch over the garden during the last months, and they're finally reaping the benefits (quite literally) of their labors.

Proverbs 12:14 - From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

Proverbs 21:5 - Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Luke 10:2 - He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Achieving excellence one cupcake at a time...

What a wonderful day! After a doctor's appointment for pre-op registration and swimming pool shenanigans, Sue and Aida held a cupcake decorating class for the youth. Everyone had a wonderful time, and some interesting creations emerged from the chaos. From sea monsters to the flag of Italy, everyone turned their cupcakes into canvas and somehow managed to get them home unscathed.


Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. -Philippians 4:8

Proverbs 28:10 He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

What's a duck to do?

I've taken so many photos recently that choosing just one per day is a daunting task. However, I was driving around in one of the larger business districts today and spotted the perfect photo opportunity. I watched this little guy cross a busy two-way street, waddle past several onlookers, and head straight for the Target entrance. Seems he's more adept at maneuvering in the city than I am.

When all is said and done....

Foto del Dia:

Some of the girls enjoying ice cream during the women's cupcake class at Sylvania Heights Baptist Church. Many thanks for all their church's support and generosity!

All in a day's work..

Yesterday I had the priviledge of attending a Rape Aggression Defense class at the local Rappahannock Council on Domestic Violence. The class, which is taught by the Stafford Sheriff's Department, was offered for several area non-profits that work with Latino families and women on a regular basis. I was sent as a LUCHA representative to determine if the class would be appropriate for the female youth and women in our program. I believe that the class offers some awesome knowledge for younger women (especially those leaving for college or living alone for the first time). The full length class lasts for a total of twelve hours held across a span of four weeks and offers both a physical and informative component. I can't wait to see if any of our girls are interested.

GPS discoveries...

I love randomly selecting the historical/landmark option on the GPS.

Quantico National Cemetery:

Best internship EVER!

The last few days have flown by at warp speed. On Friday I went with the Olde Forge children's program to the YMCA water park as a chaperone. Around thirty-five children and several leaders had a great afternoon in the pool followed by pizza and watermelon in the park.

Saturday was spent with my host family and several of their ministry colleagues. We were invited to a couple's riverfront home for dinner (which was delicious) and fellowship (which was a whole lot of fun). I met and re-met several wonderful people from the Olde Forge program and many others representing their local ministries.

Today I finally got to meet several of the youth involved in the LUCHA program, and we all went swimming for the afternoon. Afterwards, we had a group meeting which allowed everyone to give input as to what they would like to do during the summer. Some great ideas were mentioned including: a trip to the Holocaust Museum in DC, weekly trips to the pool, dance parties, pizza and cupcake making classes, and visits to local colleges. My excitement for this summer continues to grow and exceed my expectations!

Marshmallow Peep Christians

I've decided that my adopted theme this summer is going to be, "Sure, why not?" This new mantra of mine has already led me to some exciting, scary, uncomfortable (and not to mention awkward) moments. At first, I was hesitant about my assignment, but I now have a bit more understanding of my dual purpose in Virginia. First and foremost, I am here to serve Christ and others. However, I believe that Christ is using this opportunity to transform me from a "bland, regular old pew-sitter" into a confident, self-aware Christ-follower who's focused on an end-goal and specific purpose. Excuse the food analogy, but it's like a regular Stay-Puft Marshmallow becoming an Easter Marshmallow Peep. You can use a generic marshmallow for anything, which is wonderful. But, being open to challenges and accepting Christ's will in your life can lead you to some pretty amazing places and experiences. Those awkward and scary moments can make you aware of your talents, gifts, and ultimately how Christ desires that you serve Him.



Photo of the Day: My trip to my host family's church on Father's Day.

Where I've been...

It's been a couple of interesting, satisfying days. My first full day consisted of a city tour and getting familiar with the LUCHA office, the food bank, and streets in downtown Fredericksburg. The second day, Kyle (the youth programs intern) and I went to the food bank to shop on behalf of four latino families in the area. After dropping off the food to the families, we spent the afternoon taking inventory of the remaining school supplies from last year's school supply drive. But with the World Cup playing in the background, counting 350 single subject notebooks really wasn't like work at all.

Day three found me running my first solo errand with a single, latina mother of three. Together, we filled out her paper work for food stamps and visited the social services office to make sure that everything was in order.

Kyle joined me for the second part of the day in order to take a mother and her son to the dentist. During the visit, a couple of translating fails occurred, and there was no Spanish/English dictionary in sight. After much debating over the word for 'tooth plaque' in Spanish, the boy's mother finally explained to us that 'placas' in Spanish means dentures (not plaque). After realizing that we had been trying to convince her that her 10 year-old son wore dentures, a good laugh was shared on all accounts.



Below: Photo of the day featuring my lovely, temporary home.

Along the way...

Pulled over to grab a quick picture at a scenic overlook in Virginia.

Leaving the familiar..

Leaving Cape and headed to Barboursville, West Virginia, for the night.

Another adventure... Huzzah!

This summer I will be interning with Student.Go Ministries through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. My assignment through CBF is in Fredericksburg, Virginia (just a commuter's drive from DC). From June 14 to the second week in August I will be working for a Hispanic immigrant assistance program called LUCHA Ministries. I won't go into detail, but for those of you who want to learn more....here you go.

http://www.luchaministries.org/

The Student.Go staff have requested that their interns update them throughout the summer via blog. So, I will be posting a 'Photo of the Day' on my blog (and possibly Facebook) for my updates. Hope you all enjoy!

Get me some culture...

So, what do elephants, ducks, mermaids, cats, the Greek god Hermes, and various other caryatids have in common?

A bad eighties music video, you say? No, not quite.

I found the answer to this very question as I wandered the streets of downtown Querétaro this afternoon and came across the Museo de Arte de Querétaro. Having nothing better to do, I decided to go and "get me some culture." In my pre-cultured state, I was certainly convinced that all of the artwork would be extravagant, brightly colored, and have an overall aura of flamboyance. After all, isn't that how Latin America rolls?

Well, I was right. And wrong.

The museum is housed inside the restored Templo y Convento de San Agustin which was built between 1731 and 1736. The open air Baroque style convent is simply breath-taking. And, after taking one look inside, I would never classify it as museum material by United States' standards. Interestingly enough, the designs carved into the columns feature a number of symbolic components. That's where your bad 80's pop music comes into play. The Baroque columns are decorated with an assortment of various animals and persons, leaving foreigners to speculate as to their particular significance.

When talking about art museums, I suppose it is appropriate to mention art as well. For the majority of the exhibitions, I was unable to take photographs. However, I will tell you that their collection of 19th century Mexican art (featuring José Jara and Luis Portú) is quite formidable. The museum has a great selection of art from the style of Manierismo. Some of the artists in this collection include: Baltasar de Echave Orio, Luis Juárez, and Basilio Salazar.

I was, however, able to photograph and enjoy the ceramic artwork of Carlos Marin in a temporary exhibition. His artwork, though not flashy or brightly colored, quickly captured my attention. Below you can see his piece entitled, Nueve (that's "Nine" for us gringos).

I came across another interesting piece by Carlos Marin. The ceramic statuette (seen at left) stands perfectly balanced and unabashed, pointing the way for all to see. I have to say, I truly admire this piece for the artist's ability to balance the unbalanceable. Just tiptoeing by, I was afraid it might shatter into a million pieces on the floor. Twas a scary thought to say the least. Who knows what those scary museum attendants would have done to me?!

So there you have it, folks. The flamboyant, the seemingly mundane, Hermes, ducks, and cats all working together to bring you a wonderful afternoon at a Mexican art museum.

The good stuff...

While I spend my semester living in Querétaro, I'd love to send a little Mexican love back home to the United States. So let's get started with the good stuff: FOOD!

My first stop today was for coffee and cake at an adorable café located close to the Querétaro Historic Center. The café, María y su Bici, offers a variety of ethnic food and wine from both Oaxaqueña and Querétaro. And, thus far, their hot coffee is the best that I've had at a Mexican establishment.

The service, however, is what really endeared me to the café. Unknowingly, I stumbled into the restaurant about a half-hour before opening time. Offering their apologies, the waiters refused that I should leave and escorted me to the best table. As I was the only person there, I truly experienced the best they had to offer. After taking my order (in near perfect English), the waiter hurried away to make sure the order was placed.

While waiting for my food, I noticed the colorful decor and festive display of cultural items. The waiter must have noticed my rubbernecking, because he stopped in his tracks and asked if I was enjoying Mexico. Affirming that I was, he smiled and trotted away to find my food. After finishing my meal, the staff offered me a quite reasonable bill and cordially invited me to their café's upcoming anniversary celebration. I joyously declared that I would love to join them, and that perhaps, I might even be so brave as to enjoy their grasshopper entrée.