learningtolive

in, through, You.

2010-10-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

The radiant light
Cascades through the foliage
Through the smoke the
Crackling of the flame
Through the woods the
Echos of a mother’s
Call.
In the melodic musings of
The birds overhead.
You Echo.
In the quiet, in the cries;
In the silence and the laughter;
You Echo:

“Remember.”

A plumb line to follow.
You are in good company.

“Remember.”

You are in good company.
A company of the Saints.

The new chapter

2010-09-16T05:09:00.000-07:00

G.O.O.D.
God- Odds- Opportunity- Discovery-

I have to say, I’m not a big fan of acronyms or cliches, but honestly, sometimes, it is what it is—cliche or not.

I wish my heart could speak. Truly, beat out at least one measly word for the last 10 years—just one. I have always been one to plan out my words, to follow my heart, yet analyze it first, so that I can tangibly convey my emotions. This, of course, was necessary to explain myself if need be. Perhaps, more accurately, to affirm myself to my self. Because a solid explanation is always needed in life, right?

Nope.

I have always been told, “Some things are unexplainable.” Some are simply felt—-experienced. Not a picture, not a word, only experience can truly define or capture life when it involves the entire self. A mere word could never suffice. After a decade of childhood school days and/or systematically structured life, I have come to my own conclusion that life is good. Not in the cheap, lackluster sense, but Life is Good when it is real; throughout the duration of the good and the bad, just the reality of each day when I cut it down to the core—Life is g.o.o.d.

I found God ten years ago. I always knew He was around, and the way I figure it, He’s kinda like Santa Claus, “He knows when you are sleeping, he knows when you’re awake, He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake…” Moreover, I actually have come to catch glimpses of this “Being” that a majority of humans recognize in one way or another, and not just on Christmas Eve. In a quite humorous vein, I am at a point that I believe the aforementioned carol isn’t too far off when it comes to God. There spirit in this life that surpasses our own understanding as human beings yet seems to be within, among and around us all. The Spirit was with the generations who have come before, and I venture to say with the many to follow. Ten years ago, I made the decision to make the observation time that God had of me, similar to Santa’s watchful eye, more of a conversation. I dared to attempt the impossible—talk to Him. And like any running conversation, there have been interruptions, dropped calls, intense moments as well as silent ones, even those special encounters when nothing needs to be said at all. And, of course, there have been tears as well as smiles. Some points I want to talk, others, not so much. Our conversation could be a short text or an in-depth call that runs into the wee hours of the night…maybe even a meal shared or a jovial laugh. This I have experienced and somewhere within the depths of me, know I always will.

Sticking with my acronym, In the GOOD, with God, there have also been Odds. Odds have come in life and I expect that only a fool could say they have gone for good. These odds, whether deserved or chosen, forced or anticipated, have hurled me into action. Like when caught in on-coming traffic, decisions needed to be made, consequences were faced, more choices presented themselves and the trip continued. A random saying presented it self to me years ago, and has found residence in my being: “Real shit is better than plastic flowers.” The truth of Life. It may not be pretty, but that truth is truth and truth is real. No faking, just living. It may be hideous, daunting and debilitating at times, but there is no other way to go. Trials reveal truths unseen and told. Odds force change and change is different. We can have a place in change. Life may not be easy, but if it is evolving, it is alive. And if I am part of it, I too will evolve.

When Odds force change, change means different and different means Opportunities arise and choice is present. Are we? The question does not stand if there are choices presenting themselves during change, but moreover if we are present to make a choice. In times of change am I willing to explore my options, no matter how bleak they may seem? Am I willing to be patient, listen to others and seek out others’ advice and counsel when it is answer time? I am willing to accept that God is present in the odds and holds opportunities?

I have found that Discovery will come if I choose to participate. If I choose to have the faith to stand, the courage to get back up, believing in more and putting that belief into action, life will open its doors to me. To discover, I have had to go through it all…I needed to believe in more than just me, because odds came and they were bigger than me. I needed to believe to survive, to listen, to see, to walk and explore—overcome, risk and discover.

Life isn’t good because nothing is wrong—life is good when it is being lived—when we are being, “…good for goodness sake.” We have to choose.

God is here, odds will come, and opportunities will present themselves because there are discoveries to be made. All compose Life. And Life is to be lived.

So I begin a new chapter, one in Pasadena, in seminary, pursuing this God who has so intimately and consistently pursued me.

What VOOY Means to Me

2010-03-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

Every morning I wake up and realize I’m lucky. Lucky to have a house, a bed, food, games, and a family who cares for me. When I saw all the faces of the children in the orphanage, who lived in such bad conditions, I realized how fortunate I truly am. Fifteen children had only one mamita who took care of them and gave them love. Although these children had only a few things, they were smiling and playful. Their happiness does not require the superficial things that our society depends upon. The children of Virgen de Fatima have learned that all a person needs is love. They have been abandoned by their parents and have been left behind. They are always hoping for people with good hearts to adopt them and welcome them into a family.

When I work for Voices of Our Youth, I feel like a hero. I know I’m contributing to this world. I’m granting children an opportunity to have a brighter future and improve the quality of their childhood. VOOY is an evening when we, the youth, are able to share our feelings and thoughts; when we can say what we need to say, and be ourselves. We are able to express our thoughts any way we want. Voices Of Our Youth is the biggest event the middle school organizes and it’s one of the biggest fund-raising events in the whole school.

VOOY is basically a wonderful evening in which we can express our views in many different ways (poems, songs, letters, essays, etc…). This is a unique opportunity when people are all the same; it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you have. What matters the most is that we are all just normal people saying what we need to say.

After VOOY last year, I completely felt like a hero. I knew what we did made the world a better place for those children. When we went to the orphanage, we could play with the children and be with them for an hour or two. When I was playing with them, I could see how happy they were with only the few things they had and a little love. These children definitely deserve something better. We have to help them so that their quality of life can improve. These children deserve to have a caring family who will make them happy. So let’s get to work and all be little heroes.

If you would like to help us make a difference in the lives of the orphans and people of La Paz and Haiti, you can purchase a ticket or make a donation by contacting us at 2792302 or 2794750 ext 203.

Or check our website and donate online at vooylp.yolasite.com

Voices Of Our Youth
“Our Voice is Hope. Our Hope is Change.”
March 25, 2010

vooylp.yolasite.com

-Grade Eight student

I Think, I Dream, I Believe, I Speak.

2010-03-11T18:42:00.000-08:00

So many people tell me to be quiet, tell me that I'm too young to understand or that I shouldn’t be giving my opinion. As they tell me all these things I become shyer and shyer until I obey and stop speaking. Now I see that I am a real coward. How can I think in such way, how can I let people engrave such nuisance into my head. I respect my father, my mother and my elders, but that doesn’t mean that children think differently or that we as children don’t have the right to speak. I am free to believe whatever I want, it doesn’t matter what’s in my head, and no soul can stop me from doing so. There must be a reason why God gave us the gift of talking from such a young age. For I believe that as we become older, we learn about life and about people. And as we mature, our thoughts have more meaning. Our thoughts have always had a meaning and an importance, but as we mature and grow they develop into strong statements. Grown-ups wait until children are a certain age and then they actually pay attention to these concerns in life. But what adults don’t understand is if they would truly listen, one day these thoughts may be global issues. And parents can be proud because they were supportive, supportive of a person’s thoughts, even if it was just a child’s. This is what Voices of Our Youth means to me; it is a place made by us and directed by us, the children, where you are entertained and enlightened by our speeches.

Do you want to change the world? It isn’t hard; you just need hope, determination and courage. Just open your mind and speak up, ensure that all can listen.

If you would like to help us make a difference in the lives of the orphans and people of La Paz and Haiti, you can purchase a ticket or make a donation by contacting us at 2792302 or 2794750 ext 203.
Or check our website and donate online at http://vooylp.yolasite.com

Voices Of Our Youth
“Our Voice is Hope. Our Hope is Change.”
March 25, 2010

http://vooylp.yolasite.com

-Grade Eight student

VOOY is Back

2010-03-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

What has now come to be an annual event, Voices Of Our Youth, is back this March 25, 2010!
The students of ACS have been working diligently to have their voices be heard, and not only here in La Paz, but worldwide. This year you can check out what is happening with VOOY online and even join us in helping the orphans of La Paz, the displaced of Bella Vista and the multitudes who still are suffering from the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. We are also raising awareness for the those who have been affected by the earthquakes in Chile. After much deliberation, the middle school students came to a consensus that the proceeds of their efforts would be best used in these places.

In early Feb. a neighborhood only miles from our school was destroyed by landslides. Today, hundreds are still living under tents, banning together and hoping for help. This is Bella Vista. We continue to aid Para Los Niños, a local nonprofit organization that is reaching out to orphanages throughout La Paz. Last year, our slogan was "I am the one whose voice can change the world." This year the students wanted to honor that sentiment and help the people of Haiti as well as those here in Bolivia.

So another year has come and our voice still speaks. Join us this year as our slogan is, "Our Voice is Hope. Our Hope is Change."
Check out our new website, http://vooylp.yolasite.com and join our Facebook group, Voices Of Our Youth, Bolivia, and receive updates on what is happening with VOOY 2010!
Thanks for all of your support!

today and every day...

2010-02-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel as though if I am writing here, it has to have some weight, some bearing. I don't like wasting people's time to read something that doesn't say something "important" or thoughtful. Sometimes I wonder what really meets those requirements. Truly, if you are reading this you are probably close enough to me that you are just checking to make sure that I am still alive and Bolivia hasn't imploded yet. Well, it hasn't, if you are wondering.

The presidential elections have come and gone and the incumbent government continues to gain strength. The country is evolving and as it is everywhere else in the world, only time will tell where we will be in the future.

And with that, time will tell where we all will be in the future...trust and obey...
So I am well and the year is off and running. There is much in store and I look forward to experiencing each moment. My goal is to live in the moment this year, as I am more aware of my blessings and treasures in life today, as my time in Bolivia is waning. If you haven't officially heard, I have been accepted and will be attending Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, next year. I look to the future with joy and anticipation, yet live for today, with hope to not miss a thing!

Voices of our Youth is up and running for its 3rd year and the high schoolers are spear-heading the movement! The middle school students have voted that 70% of the proceeds will go to Bolivia: the orphanage we have been supporting as well as a local community that has been wiped out due to rains and landslides. More houses are lost each day as the rain is relentless right now. The other 30% of the funds raised are going to Haiti. The kids have spoken and their voices will be heard on Thursday, March 25. In the last two years we have raised close to $5,000 and this year we are able to accept international donations through our newly created PayPal account and web page, thanks to our students and administration! The students are in the process of finalizing the web page and it will be up and running quite soon. I am proud of their hearts and their efforts. They are passionate and are ready to change the world, here and abroad. I hope and pray that their passion never dies. They motivate me to keep mine burning!
I hope too that you are alive, well and passionate, wherever you may find yourself in life.
Grace and blessings to you this day and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T07:35:00.000-08:00

Just a note of thanks to you all, for all. On this Thanksgiving, I hope we can stop and smile and feel. Feel the love of our families, our communities and our God. I hope we can feel this so that we in turn can share this very precious love with the world around us in all that we do. I feel blessed to be a part of a community that does just that with each action of their day.
So absorb the love and gratitude that we are so blessed to feel and be aware of. The simple love of a friend, a parent, a sibling, a spouse. For this simple love is the core of who we are, yet sadly is so simply overlooked and falls to the wayside. For this simple love can not be lost; for if we feel it slipping, look to the greater source, in his majestic mountains, bright blue skies, and the warm, soft breeze--allow it to capture you. For we have a God who loves us oh so much to surround us with beauty so that we may never lose sight, never let go.
Thank you for sharing His beauty with me each day, showing me the truth of life is more than a dollar sign, or an A+ in the situations of our lives. It is relationship; this is the thing to truly be thankful for, and for this I truly am.

Grace, peace and blessings upon you all.

Love,
Lyndsey

Do We?

2009-09-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

“Sunday”, derived from one language, which came from another, as are most words within the English language. From one to the next, we trace back through Germanic languages finally landing upon its Latin origin: dies solis (“day of the sun”). Amazing what one can come upon with a quick click of the mouse. The sun, the source of our existence on Earth. Without it, we are nothing. It would make sense that our ancestors would name a day in its honor and stop to appreciate something which solely gives asking for nothing in return. This would leave me with the begging question: Are we following suite?

Now, whether it be the seventh day or the first of a calendar week, we see Sunday as a day of rest, Sabbath within many cultures. I realize Saturday is the chosen day of Sabbath within the Jewish culture, being that the Lord created in six days, and on the seventh rested. This again rests upon the calendar and depending upon where you geographically have settled and the small grid of squares upon which you gaze, you’re going to see Sunday both as day one and seven. For the sake of argument, day seven or Saturday within the Jewish calendar could very well be Sunday. On the seventh day He rested. Also, followers are called to give their first fruits to the Lord your God. SO whether it be beginning the week focusing upon the source of life or the end of the week showing thanks, it is a consecrated day. Interestingly enough, in Greek, as well as Portuguese, the words for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. mean second, third fourth, etc. Again, the wonders one can come upon surfing the web.

Previous to, or aside from Christianity and Judaism, Sunday or another day of the week are still placed aside as reverent days of gratitude and rest. The Sun itself is an irrefutable source of life, an origin of transferable energy which from life is produced and further multiplied. Today, to some extent we break from our work-week, but do we rest? Are we reverent? Grateful?

There is no “true” factual basis of the origin of the sun, yet we would be fools not to recognize its power and importance. Hence, people have bowed to it, entered into rituals and offered sacrifices. This was/ is a way of showing gratitude. I do not believe that this glowing ball of fire demanded this upon humans, but it was we who decided upon this necessity. Jesus, the Son of God is considered by many, identical to our center of the universe…a source who solely gives asking for nothing in return.

Jesus Christ is an example of the energy of life. His origin is elusive to us as is the Sun’s. Through his warmth, he loved and accepted all those he came in contact with, healed and fed those along his path. His quiet strength radiated far passed his immediate location and continued to bear life.

Sons emanate the life of their fathers. I would like to propose that these two life sources, the Sun and the Son, come from the same origin of life and are clear and irrefutable examples of life and what we are too designed to be—Bearers of life. We are to be as they are: sources whom solely give, asking for nothing in return. What does the Sun need from us? What does Christ need from us? Everyone is provided for when everyone gives as both the Sun and the Son do. Life mirrors life.

So this Sunday, go back to the source, pause and be thankful…Ponder for a moment. What/Who is this energy, this life that we have? What characteristics does it bear and radiate…what do we absorb and in turn exude?

The Grind No Longer.

2009-07-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

June 28, 2009

“I come to you now, in this time, seeking solace, guidance and discernment.” I begin my quiet time today.

I find the word solace frequenting my mind and in ways a feeling of my heart. This is a desire of the heart coming to mind. Not vice versa. Heart to mind. I don’t even know where the term is coming from, as it is not one which I use frequently, yet I sense truth with intrigue as I examine its meaning further.

I think of peace and comfort when I think “Solace”. A quiet serenity emanating from within—goodness per say. I sat on the front porch this week performing my morning ritual: pajamas, coffee, bible, fresh air and sunshine all upon the gentle sway of the aged porch swing. Solace. “Mornin’. How are ya?” I ask the towering black man who passes with a bounce in his step. “How are you?” he says with a bit more than a garnish of surprise in his voice. “I am well,” I reply as my chest rises and lowers as if a breath of peace in the breeze comes into my lungs. “What does that mean?” the man, still a bit puzzled as to why I even spoke to him inquires. “Great; Peaceful.” He begins to question what I am doing, saying that I am not good, but “Blessed”. I agree. His gospel-like dialect continues to emerge as he continues down his line of questioning: “What are you reading?” acknowledging the “book” on my lap. He comes to find that it is in fact my bible and not just a book then gently smiles, “And that is why you said hello.” He continues on his way, same bounce in his step, “God bless you.” “You too.”

Why it is that these times seem few and far between? These simple moments in which one can only arrive upon or within when “the stars are aligned”. Sometimes we miss them because we are too busy to truly live them. That in itself is a sad statement, but one in which we can all find a disheartening truth. Honestly, when do I find this gift upon me? Most frequently with a cup of coffee in-hand, milling through the world, quietly challenging its constant tribulations with a book close by. I find solace is there. But, why? How?

In these times, I stop and offer nothing. Nada.

Oftentimes I find myself wandering, wandering and searching for so much more than this entertainment-enriched, “anything-and-everything is possible” world. All I want is quiet; all I desire is peace. Sound familiar?

No television, no busyness, no flashy glimmer and glitz—

it isn’t even peace, but solace that my heart is seeking.

For in the solace, peace ensues. The word brims to the surface again.

Solace that I seek—what is that? It is something I am coming to find I will always seek and truly all of our hearts’ desire. Solace. 1. Comfort at a time of sadness, grief or disappointment 2. Somebody or something that provides comfort in times of sadness, grief or disappointment. Synonyms: comfort, consolation, support, relief, succor. Antonym: aggravation (Encarta.com).

Has someone died; has tragedy struck and reconciliation needed? Family problems? Tough day, week or year(s) at work? No? Yes? Yes. We are desperately crying out for Solace. Someone or something that provides comfort. Desperately.

We are not ok. Even if all the pieces seem to be coming together, there is a piece missing; things are looking good for the future and the family is healthy, but the question looms: When is the next storm coming? Should I batter down the hatches and be ready for the worst or is it just a few scattered showers? Hard to say…the weatherman is only right approximately forty percent of the time yet we tune in every night to check in. Maybe even a few times throughout the day as well. Forty percent. We rely on the 40%. Now wonder we need solace. Our rest and comfort, our plans rely on the 40% that the man with the map tells us every evening?

No matter how sunny it may seem outside the window at this moment or how warm the sun’s rays feel as you bask, there is a raging storm pounding on our windows. The Middle East, the economic downturn, the consistent bills arriving daily. The questionable job market, the ever-changing needs and desires of your family, the food on the table, the roof over your head. This is the world in which we live. Teenage pregnancy, broken families, abuse, neglect, miseducation, malnutrition—the number impoverished of lives that continue to rise. The storm is raging.

But it’s sunny outside; the weather is great, perfect for boating and summertime cookouts. Is there Hope? A break in the storm? Solace, Truth, Sonshine? Do not be ignorant, yet yes, never lose Hope.

Our sadness lies in uncertainty, our disappointment in broken relationships and hopes for this world and our lives that have come to pass yet not materialize. Yet there is something, someone who provides comfort in times of sadness, grief or disappointment. Someone who gives graciously: relief, consolation and succor. We don’t have to wait for the “stars to align” or a miracle to take place. Funny how we skeptically, yet anxiously await such events; they have come to pass. We no longer need to wait, but embrace the miracle and look to the star and follow as many have before us.

Follow to where? Solace. A quiet peace where true goodness lies. No glitz, no glamour, just a family. Parents and a child—an environment seeping with the overwhelming simplicity of true love.

What we seek we elude in the chase.

Don’t we see—we all have this deep-seeded desire for rest; Enough is Enough. It is Freedom from exertion, aggravation that we want! We are only free when we can sit as we are—wholly accepted and loved, just as a small child. One the most needy living beings in the world, yet loved and adored and utterly provided for. Completely vulnerable and completely supported. We are the children of God. We are the small children in complete need, vulnerable and crying out for more than we know, but need to humbly accept the nurture of a loving parent. Even Jesus as a child needed cared for and God gave him to Mary and Joseph to do so. Even the Son of God, God himself in human form needed. He needed loving parents to take care of him, to provide for him. So why is it that we are too strong, too busy, even too “good” for the loving support…relief—solace of our loving father?

Where does your trust lie? Have you found solace?
He wants to give it to you:
in the sun,
the coffee shop,
your home,
at the beach,
even your workplace.

He is here offering more. More than we can handle. All we have to do is seek it and accept it each day.

Listen to what He tells us:

I have to come…So that your Joy may be complete, to heal the brokenhearted, bring the dead to life…to tell you to stop; eat, for I am the Bread of Life. You never need to go hungry again. True nourishment.

Each day it is a brave act of abandonment, but one we so desperately need.
Let go of the place you have built here that you can embrace as solace, yet will mourn as it fades away. For one day we may come upon the truth that his “yoke is easy and his burden is light”. Slow and steady as the animals plow the field, solace demands time and surrender. It is within his yoke, his solace He desires us to live, and we desire to truly live, eternally. And behind the yoke, in its wake, all is changed. Together, everything changes. Just as a field is transformed, so too is our world.

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Can you imagine?
Cover and comfort from the storm. The threatening storm soon becomes the soothing rhythm upon the sturdy roof under which we rest well. Every day. Every night. Let us begin. Let us live in solace.

La Busequeda

2009-06-07T00:40:00.000-07:00

3:39 A.M. Sunday, June 7, 2009-
I still sit and wonder how I have the life which I live? Where did my heart come from and how did it get to the place in which I sit? My hunch is this heart within me is not just from two stellar individuals in Painesville, Ohio. (props to them, nonetheless)

Where am I, you ask, at 3:39 in the morning? Most my age, in the wee hours of the morning, would be stumbling home intoxicated or quite possibly passed out on a couch, floor or who-knows-where. Quite the contrary, I find myself sitting in a sanctuary in La Paz, Bolivia. Somehow, not so contrastingly, I am amongst people seeking after the answers others seek after who are "out" at this time of night/morning. As living beings, we all seek the same mysterious and eluding answers, yet fortunately, I am not in the state in which others are in consequence to the dire search. How blessed I am. We are all curious of much which will elude us our entire lives, yet this does not minimize the search or abounding numbers of those who venture out upon this meaningful journey of life. No, it is precisely this that intrigues us all to venture out, panting for truth. Something so lofty seems to render itself out of reach, yet nothing could be farther from the truth. The simplicity of each day and the abounding beauty which adorns each one is all that we search for: The encompassing beauty, the beauty that lies within, the beauty in which only a loving father and creator can bestow. And His most cherished creation, his "cherry on the top" of all, each one of us. Each one unique and precious, specifically and uniquely bearing a beauty which only that individual has to offer to the rest of us. So the question, " Why me? Who am I?
The Answer: "You are the beloved and the the beloved is mine." You are the daughter, the son, of the one and only Loving and Magnificent Creator of the world. And if each of us chooses to rest in that truth and live in that beauty, the world can only shine more radiantly than it does in its most simplistic truth and beauty- sunrise and sunset.

La veridad esta en la busequeda. And there is always another attempt, another chance. God demonstrates his redeeming love and grace so poignantly to his people each day, beginning and end. We all have a chance to see the beauty of a sunrise and sunset; we all have the same opportunity to see and experience His Grace; beauty that words can not express.
It's now 4:30; it seems as though I may have that breathtaking chance to experience one more of His great wonders, reminding me of what that sunrise truly means.

Truth

2009-06-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed abundantly throughout life and the blessings continue richly. I look forward to an amazing summer of adventure and renewal.

You have placed upon me, within me a burden for this world, a burden for your people, yet what I am to do?
Here I am send me?
Where and when? Here and now?
I listen.
You are the God of this world, creator of our souls and surroundings. And you have made them good. Adversely, we have chosen a different course.
You have not forgotten, you have not forsaken:
Here I am, choose Me.
Here I am, Choose Life.
Here I am, be renewed.
For here I am, for you.
Each day.
Every day.
For you.

I was shaking....

2009-03-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

When the announcement was made on Friday, I was shaking...

VOICES OF OUR YOUTH UPDATE:
“I am the one whose voice can change the world.”

After two months of vigilance and hard work, the seventh and eighth grade students of ACS saw their efforts come to life in an amazing Evening of the Arts, March 5. Last Thursday evening, the elementary auditorium was full of sincere honesty and generosity as the ACS community gathered to hear the hearts and minds of the Class of 2013 and 2014. Audience members were entertained, challenged and moved by the “Voices of Our Youth” and their desire to improve the lives of the children of Virgen de Fatima Orphanage in Obrajes. Because of the hard work of our seventh and eighth grade students and the generosity of many throughout the Zona Sur, over $2,300 was raised and over 5,500 diapers were donated to improve children’s lives in our local community.

If you would like to continue supporting the seventh and eighth graders in their quest to aid the children of Virgen de Fatima, you can purchase a Voices of Our Youth T-shirt for 70bs or make a donation by emailing Lyndsey Deane at ldeane@acslp.org. If you would like to relive the evening, you can also purchase a VOOY DVD for 50bs by contacting Ms. Deane.

Thank you goes out to our 40 local sponsors as well as the ACS community for supporting this very worthy cause.

The Meaning of VOOY

2009-02-27T13:10:00.000-08:00

The Meaning of VOOY

Have you ever heard of kids who aren’t taken seriously and truly these kids are right? I am one of those kids/teenagers. This is why VOOY is so important to me, and it should be to my classmates. VOOY stands for “Voices of Our Youth” and the reason it’s important to me is because it’s the only time that I’m taken very seriously.

In this event, all of the kids in 7th and 8th grade present our opinions on matters of life and the world. We all work for a reason: helping Virgen de Fatma orphanage and Para Los Niños. Last year we were able to help build another house for the orphans and they were very thankful. We visited the orphans and we saw how much they appreciated what they had, so we donate all the money raised to help make the orphanage better. I know the people who come to VOOY will be entertained and they will see how our opinions on matters can make a difference.

If you would like to help us make a difference by purchasing a ticket or making a donation, please contact: Jessica Delgado, School Counselor 279-2302 ext. 219 or jdelgado@acslp.org

-8th grade student

Voices of Our Youth.
“I am the one whose voice can change the world.”
March 5, 2009.
ACS
19:00 P.M.

A Different Voice

2009-02-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

So this is what is happening, but instead of me telling you about it secondhand, I'll let you hear it straight from the "horse's mouth".

Voices Of Our Youth.

VOOY, yes we did do it last year and yes it was fun.

VOOY, Voices of Our Youth, is a way for us, middle schoolers, to express what we think or what we feel. This is an opportunity for parents or any adult to hear and see what is going on in our heads and how every single one of us has a different way of looking at the world and people.

To me VOOY means being able to say and present what I really believe in without people laughing at me. It’s a great way to express yourself because it doesn’t have to be a written paper, you can present you thoughts in any way you want. Anything creative is fine because that is expressing yourself.

VOOY also means helping children and people. The money that we make goes Para Los Niños and Virgen de Fatima orphanage to help those children who are not as fortunate as we are. They build new “casitas” and buy new playground equipment.

-ACS, 8th grade student.

Do you want to help us help these children? Make a donation or buy tickets from: Jessica Delgado, School Counselor 279-2302 ext. 219 or jdelgado@acslp.org

Voices of Our Youth.
“I am the one whose voice can change the world.”
March 5, 2009.
ACS
19:00 P.M.

Again We Begin.

2009-01-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

Here's to another year and to all the blessings which have been bestowed. Holiday travel was priceless; time with friends and family, irreplaceable. Ok, well the travel, maybe priceless is not the word, but the quality time, definitely irreplaceable.
As I look back at the time that has passed, I am thankful for more than words can say. I pray that as time continues to pass, my heart is and always will be in a state of gratitude. My holiday readings have lead me to believe that one has to look back to move forward, or possibly just around. It's hard to not be cliche this time of the year and for all the talk of new beginnings and fresh outlooks, it seems as though not much change or simply the new year's "refreshment" is short-lived. Maybe each month we should have such a benchmark to evaluate the quality of life? But does life truly allow a person the time to do such?

What a shame. Oh, did I answer that question?

Where are we in life that we can't live? There are so many coulda, woulda, shouldas. And with examining each one it seems as though a person is not in a place of improvement or growth, but lingering to some extent, indefinitely. Again, is that where we are to be? "To be or not to be?" To linger or live?
My brother aggravatingly noted over a holiday meal that most "cutting edge art" these days is saying the same things it always has...we have problems. Sounds cutting edge to me. But how about state something we don't already know, suggestions for truly something cutting edge, new, successful, even disastrous. We don't dare do that though. Lingering comfortably in our fear and concern for the state of the world and the inevitable crisis approaching is a much better state in which to live. Now, I apologize to him for my lacking and possibly somewhat skewed summary of his comments, yet honestly, what would this world look like if we stopped dwelling and wallowing in the hurts of the world? I am not suggesting ignorance or apathy, living beyond our means or putting our heads under a pillow. But I place before you the opposite, life. Conversely living aware, open to what is currently transpiring within our communities and beyond what our flat screen, plasma box of emotion or articles of fear (online or paper) lead us to believe. Have we stopped thinking and coming to our own conclusions entirely? Do we question if possibly the box could be wrong?

Now I understand that opinions may differ and people will clash, but is not firsthand experience and application two of the best practices of learning? Does learning not aid growth? Is not growth a part of life?

I hate the stereotypical technology debate. Is Technology helping or harming our world? I feel as though the subject of the question is incorrect. I believe it would be better if stated as, Is the user of technology helping or harming the world? Is the user/operator of _________________ helping or harming the world? We as humans have power and choice. We were all given minds and talents. We are living in a world of "endless opportunities". Such things are unfortunately not accessible to all people, yet the truth still lies in not what, but who and how. Who is acting how, with what intentions?

People have been witness to unimaginable travesty throughout history, and sadly, more of those times are imminent. Nevertheless, it is inevitable that joyous times are here and will continue to come. Who and how. Who are we and how are we spending our time, using our talents?

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

To what are we committed? To the greater good, which we too will benefit, or the small sphere in which we operate everyday? We desire our lives to be fruitful and joyous, however we lose sight that the life we live in not just a small community, but a larger world. There are intimately tied, eternally effecting the other. There is no escaping the world, people, culture, life. At times we try so desperately, yet is that not what we are earnestly seeking?

"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all of these things shall be given unto you." All people have life; we all seek to love, be loved and live in that love. Why is it that we fight when what we seek is love? Again, who and how? Gandhi was a smart man. "Be the change you wish to see in world." A young man I ran with in high school said, "Don't talk about it, BE about it." If we want love, we need to be love. All Jesus did was love. And if you love him or hate him, he loved. Enough to die to show and share his love with anyone who is willing to recognize it. You don't have to like him, but there is no denying, He was and still is the ultimate exemplar of what we all so desperately seem to be seeking. In His kingdom there is no fire and brimstone, no alienation, no sword, just life. He promises Life. A life. God brought it here openly to share with the world.

I pray that each of us live openly sharing what we seek to find in this new year.

Place your VOTE, AGAIN!

2008-12-09T05:30:00.001-08:00

Last year I asked you to place your vote on different blogs that my students at ACS created. It is that time of the year again, and if you have any extra time on your hands, it would be great if you could do it again!
This year there are two grade 8 Technology classes and their blogs have just been opened to the world. Now the competition begins and there is pizza going to the winning team! Does this all ring a bell from last year?

Sooooo...with that said would anyone interested take a quick look at the 2 different blogs which the eighth graders created and see which one you think is the "coolest". My definition of "coolest" would be: interesting and clear theme, reader friendly, aesthetically pleasing. The students were pretty psyched about the project so it would be great to have your opinions. Don't worry about being too picky or not picky enough. The students are aware that this is simply the competition portion of the project and that they were to meet clear requirements given to them on a rubric beforehand and I will be giving them their grades.

Thanks for helping out, the kids will love it. I am going to tell them on Monday who has won. Again, thanks for taking the time.

Here are the blogs They are both the same, except for the class name. Below, use the below url, but to see the other site imput techeightb
http://techeighta.blogspot.com

From Out Of The Darkness, There Is Light.

2008-11-30T16:06:00.000-08:00

It sounds as though everyone was able to enjoy the classic Ohio holiday to commence the Season of joy and tidings; I have to say a bit of me sighs....how nice. The lack of snow muffles my excitement and awareness of the ensuing holiday season, yet people's continued correspondence and my wonderful Bolivian celebrations breathe in the holiday hope and giddiness which is always ignited this time of year. It is as though I can hear the faint whispers of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" in the distance and think Aunt Pat must be in the next room. (Or maybe just it's my itunes! )
As I reminisce through the updates of others, I was able to spend the long weekend resting in a quaint hotel in Sucre, Bolivia's historical and judicial capital. The colonial town has a heavy Spanish feel from its roots, ornait in its archetecture and its entirety garnished in a soft white...beautiful-- Peaceful. On our second day, Jessica and I went into Potosi, a mining town and the "center of it all" in its origin....Quite a different feel as this, the old backbone of Bolivia and come to find out to some extent Spain, surviving on the fortune of the "Red, Silver Mountain" mines and the over 7 million lives that have been lost in it as well as others. Our taxi driver´s father being one of the many lives lost when our driver, now 23, was only 2. He left behind 7 children. Our tour guide's father also lost his life to the complications of 30 working years within the heart of the "Red, Silver Mountain" which holds its presence within the seal of the country.
With a guide, we entered into one of the mines...an active one at that....There was an explosion only 6 meters from where we were. In all reality we were headed straight for the explosion. Thanks to the fact that God gave me the courage of a lame bird we were spared...if I were to have found my bravery I would have been stuck and mamed...I was on my belly trying to slither through a hole 2 and a half feet in width and not much more in height, only a mere 22 plus meters down into the mt. Death was a bit too close for comfort. (Don't worry mom....We're A-O.K. no fears) An experience I am sure will never be fleeting; impressive and enlightening. What life is like for people born into different cultures. As this was not enough, did I mention that as we slowly but surely ventured into the mountain some refer to as "hell" we were surrounded by, touching and breathing in Arsenic and Aspestis.
We were within the mine only one hour-- others do this everyday, all day, 6 days a week with hope for fortune... During the three centuries of Spanish rule the royalty brought in African slaves after the indigenous workforce was depleted! And again I dare ask: "Why are we so blessed...and who is to say that others are not? But again....why us?"
I am thankful, for my life and this eye-opening experience shedding light upon the many blessings which I begrudgingly take for granted each day.
As my eyes were continually opened to new information of life throughout time and geography, I felt the Lord leading me to the decision to stay yet another year to experience the vast culture of this 'quiet' nation. I simply find myself feeling as though there is so much more here for me, and a need to expereience it, not leave with unfinished business. Only He knows. And with the clarity he sent me, I am sure he will lead me onward.
No matter the country or the culture though there is always time to ring in the season with an apropos viewing of the one and only family favorite, "The Christmas Story...." Tis the Season...and it is. Happy and Merry to you all as we are so blessed. And my father would say or sing...."Hide it under a bushel? NO! I'm gonna let it shine!" Let the joy of your life shine this season, shine into the lives of others and brighten their days and evenings to come. For the single ray of a miner's helmet will forever guide me back to path of gratitude.

As I sit...

2008-09-09T13:55:00.001-07:00

Airports are portals...more than just from country to country, state to state or city to city, but into the hearts and minds of people everywhere. The latter may be the most "terrifying" of them all. Oh, how being surrounded by diversity, culture and beauty can be so compelling, thought-provoking and enriching. Yet, somehow, adversely, the opposite can be the byproduct--a piercing spoken word, a cold stare and unashamed contemptuous body language bringing shattering effects upon a moment of carefree expression.

And she continues to dance. In ways, I am envious.

There was a young woman, I am guessing in her twenties dancing with fluidity throughout concourse C of Charlotte's Douglas Airport. Her conscious and spirit-filled movements lofted through the concourse as a fragrance...yet an unnerving freedom began to permeate throughout the on-lookers. Murmurs, laughter, pointing...Whom is it that is so concerning and what is it that has such a suffocating grip upon the viewers of such a carefree demonstration?

I quickly found the looks sickening. Why? I find it troubling to even find words for the animosity that was growing from deep within me. How quickly we are as humans to leap to conclusions, judgments and finalizing verdicts. It was as I could hear the gavel strike. This young woman had no right to be breathing our air...Harsh...I think so, and somehow from her lively, expressive dancing and consequential judgments placed upon her because of it rapidly the conversation spread to political spin and discord that equally made my stomach turn. Not that I know, but from my short stop in concourse C, I am going to gather that N.C. is not a blue state. Funny how one can discovered such things in a very short period of observation.

Then the worst came like a flood; it wasn't the arbitrary comments from those around me, but my own personal discord and angst rising up from my core. This young woman's verdict had been given: judge, jury and executioner...if her fate was that of the people around her, the future would be less than bleak. Yet my judgment, my own condemnation was rising and I very harshly was brought into my own reality. How was all of what was inside of me any different from what was being spewed from the jesting crowd within the concourse? Nothing...and of course I didn't entirely stay silent...just trying to balance out the crowd...

Like a whisper from my inside:
"From the overflow of the mouth, the heart speaks." I wonder how I am doing.... what does my heart look like? I wonder how we are all doing. Do we only see demographics, nationalities, cultures? And are we only examining with skepticism? What is the state of this place? Where are we and where are we to go? I pray that the Lord would bless and teach us all...for it is only him who shows unconditional love and grants us true acceptance which is clearly not a top priority, begrudgingly, even for me I suppose.

I pray for more: for more of what we seem to be lacking...ears to hear, eyes to see, a heart full of love for all. Patience. Compassion. Zeal. I pray that I would be stripped of my own biases, my own angst, the ugliness of my soul that not even I want to examine or acknowledge. I pray it would all be stripped from me and this world and that one day we might see one another not from afar, but from a common ground of humanity.

Time Flies; Memories Made. A Home Solidified.

2008-08-25T09:20:00.003-07:00

Time does fly and things do change, sometimes more quickly than we are all aware. Spring/Fall (depending on the hemisphere) as well as Summer/Winter for the most part are a mere memory. It has been a blessing to see friends and family in multiple locations under a magnitude of circumstances. Moreover, what a beautiful thing it has been to introduce my American family to those of my new-found Bolivian family. I had the awesome opportunity to bring my parents down to Bolivia for a quick, yet priceless and precious visit to my new home. We enjoyed time of relaxation and as well as a whirlwind of introduction in Calacoto for a bit over a week. Mom and Dad were able to walk the streets, grace the hallways, corridors and classrooms of ACS and sip the coffee of Alexander's, my favorite cafe here, just a few blocks from my home. I would be remiss to not mention our eventful jaunts in the taxis throughout the city and watching the blazing fire down the street from my apt.
We were also blessed with a wonderful car trip to the Cumbre with friends. The Cumbre, which there are a couple is a peak outside of the city where one is able to take in the beauty of the vast and barren countryside. The mountains take your breath away if the altitude has not already, which will happen as you ascend to this beautiful place.
There were many wonderful memories made while Mom and Dad were here and hopefully many more to come in the future!

As time has past and I have time to take a moment to reflect upon my last year, I can only come to one conclusion...a place of peace and blessing which words to some extent can not grasp. Bolivia and its people which emulate its beauty have stolen my heart. One is truly blessed to have a place with people whom love and support; a place where there is rest and peace. I can't even begin to explain what it is like to have two places that I can consider my home, full of love, joy and peace. To have both overlap, even for a short period of time, was a breath of serenity.
To live and live joyously is a gift in which I try to remind myself each day to grasp and not simply realize, but appreciate and share. Simplicity of daily life is nothing to take for granted or diminish in value, but cherish. Maybe these are the finer things of life that I am just beginning to conceptualize. I pray that all may know this truth and be able to relish and rest within it.

"Be still and know that I am God." Your whispers grace us throughout the mountains as they gently resonate within the breeze.
It is here my heart finds rest.

I hope each of you are blessed to find your Bolivia. You are always welcome to visit mine.

Many Blessings

2008-03-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

Time has surely passed since my last update of life, yet the last couple of months have been a blessing in time. Spring break has come and gone and it was an amazing experience staying here in La Paz and just being local and seeing daily life here without being at school. I found that I truly do love it here for what it is, just simple life here, I truly enjoy it. I wondered earlier in the year when the bubble would pop, and I would just want to go back home. Or when the "new and exciting" would wear off and I would wake up to "real life". I think I have awakened and I am still just as enamored with this place and what God is doing here. Moreover, I find myself stopping, astonished that the Lord so divinely would bring me here and not only touch my life, change me and teach me, but use me as the answer to others' prayers. The Lord's work is so mysterious.
Within the last 2 months I have been working with my 7th and 8th graders on a major project, "Voices of Our Youth". As in years past, I had students write, "If I could tell the world..." journal entries. This year they ended up turning into persuasive speeches. Both the 7th and 8th grade presented these speeches in January. Before I knew it, I was sitting in the back of my classroom with goosebumps and tears welling up in my eyes over what these young hearts were saying. Surpassing the actual speeches, the students' interactions and dialogue they were having with one another blew me away. With this my mind and heart began racing and "Voices of Our Youth" came to be.

All Grade 8 students were put into pairs and were assigned to research a nonprofit organization of their choice and write a one page abstract outlining its origin and purpose. (Great way to introduce citations and research) The second part of the project was to evaluate the current work of the organization and how the student thought the organization could improve based on his/her research. Throughout the process the research was turned into a persuasive speech to be presented to the class. The top 3 speeches would present to the 8th grade, the top 2 to the 7th and 8th grade and the winner would be the benefitting nonprofit of a middle school arts evening..."Voices of Our Youth" . This would be a night of what the student thought were important...if they had a captive audience, what would they like to say? Of course they could do this in any format...speeches, poetry, dance, music...etc.

A local nonprofit, Para Los Niños, ended up winning (which was awesome). They are a nonprofit focused on helping the orphaned children of La Paz. They are actually located in a local orphanage, Virgen de Fatima, so the entire 7th and 8th grade got to visit the orphanage and see where the money would go and what the organization was all about. Certain students were brought to tears as they played with the children they encountered at the orphanage. Not one of the students was not with one of the kids of Virgen de Fatima--it was beautiful.
After such an experience, the project really took off. Students had all chosen different committees to be on and work began. Within roughly two months, (from the beginning of the research to now) tickets and promotions were made in tech classes, over 50 different local companies were contacted, 32 making donations, over 200 tickets were sold, 20 performances took the stage and close to $2,000 was raised to benefit the children of Virgen de Fatima Orphanage. Amazing. Thursday evening was truly breathtaking as I watched middle schoolers voice their hearts and minds, igniting an audience into laughter as well as bringing them to tears as the unselfishly came together and gave of themselves for the less fortunate children of Bolivia.

It's been powerful to watch the Lord work through the willing.

Place your VOTE!

2008-02-13T03:55:00.000-08:00

Hello All! My 8th graders just finished a blog project, which is also a small bit of a competition! (There may just be pizza on the line.)
Sooooo...with that said would anyone interested take a quick look at the 3 different blogs which the eighth graders created and see which one you think is the coolest. My definition of "coolest" would mean, interesting theme, reader friendly and clearly, aesthetically pleasing. The students were pretty psyched about the project so it would be great to have your opinions. Don't worry about being too picky or not picky enough. The students are aware that this is simply the competition portion of the project and that they were to meet clear requirements given to them on a rubric beforehand and I will be giving them their grades.

Thanks for helping out, the kids will love it. I am going to tell them on Monday who has won. Again, thanks for taking the time.

Here are the blogs They are all the same, except for the class name. Below, use the below url, but to see the two other sites imput tech8b or tech8c
http://tech8a.blogspot.com

Thanks again.
You can comment here!

Back in Action

2008-01-23T17:22:00.000-08:00

Back, off and running. As with every beginning of the year, things get going and you just hold on...no difference in Bolivia. It was wonderful being home, comforting, loving, refreshing...and also assuring. I loved beginning home and with that I knew that I was meant to come back. It has been a blessing to be in Bolivia and it remains that way since my return. It has been nice getting back into the swing of things, seeing everyone and exchanging holiday stories. Bible Study with the girls has started, the book study I am in is rolling and track has officially begun. A friend of mine, Jessica, and I are coaching distance and had a turn out of 15, which I was thrilled with. It will be a much different dynamic, as we may only be able to meet for practice 3 days a week. Carnival is also quickly approaching and with it, all the craziness. I look forward to all the cultural festivities!!!! It is all coming quickly, as some of the festivities begin tomorrow.
Lots of rain here, it pours, it's sunny (enough to burn in you a matter of minutes) then rain, rain and more rain...it's the only place that I know of that you need to have sunscreen, sunglasses, an umbrella and multiple layers every time you go out. It's sounds kinda bad, but of course sometimes it is so sunny, but raining. weird. Come, visit, check it out for yourselves!

Entitled...

2007-12-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

So when I began this blog, I entitled it as I did because I stumbled upon John 16:33 and connected. Jesus is speaking to the disciples all through chapter 16 telling them that times aren't getting any easier and that things are actually about to get ugly...oh, and he's not going to be around. So he tells his disciples, realize, I have to leave so the Holy spirit can come and that it is going to be ok. And I tell you these things, that people are going to come after you, and threaten you, and make your life awful, so that you know when I am gone that I did warn you. And not only am I warning you, but I am going to tell you the outcome. "Take Heart, for I have overcome the world."
Take heart, because I have overcome the world. Wow. Jesus isn't lying about Christian life...he is laying it out. It is going to be hard and it is going to get ugly, but there's hope...TAKE HEART! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.

I connected immediately and knew. There is hope, there is Christ, there is the cross. That is some good stuff.
I was fortunate enough to hear a Louie Giglio talk that reminded me of these truths earlier this week. I just thought others might like to here the same.

"Take Heart, for I have overcome the world."

Thank God.

Unwritten

2007-11-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, well most of the time, I find my job very amusing, even astonishing. (If you are a fellow teacher, you know where I am coming from.) The students I have this year really like to learn, and some of them are arriving at the realization that learning is a lot more than a 6 and a half hour day and some books. There are many reasons why I am amused throughout the day, but really when it comes down to it, I think it is the pure fact that we teach within four walls and through printed text. That is the last place from which I think my students are actually learning. (Did I just knock my own teaching skills...stick with me.)
Yes, the written word is powerful, but it is the topic of the words that make it so. Life is the true lesson and it is enlightening to watch a student build his/her bridges from books to reality and consistently travel upon them.

I had my grade 8 tech students utilize and analyze a new form of analysis called Tag Clouds. (They're pretty cool, you can check them out @ www.tagcrowd.com) Each student had to decide on an essential question he/she wanted answered and use a tag cloud to analyze a speech as well as a popular song of his/her choosing and explain how the tag cloud was a useful form of analysis or not, as well as the outcome of his/her analysis.

One of my young ladies chose the song, "Unwritten" by Natasha Benningfield. (I'm not sure on the spelling of her name) The results of her analysis were that the meaning of the song was about the unwritten lessons of life and the great importance of those lessons in each of our lives. I was blown away to hear a girl of fourteen confidently speak such truth-what a pleasure.

I have the opportunity to learn everyday and grow. And I enjoy everyday that I get to wake up and be honestly challenged, knowing that my students really do what to know, and they really do desire to live well. I don't challenge the value of the written word, but as I said and my students have reminded me, life is meant to be lived, and some of our most important lessons are "unwritten".

Giving thanks in Bolivia

2007-11-18T04:47:00.000-08:00

We may be a bit early, yet never is the wrong time for approximately 20 of us to gather together, hold hands and share our blessings and give thanks. And that is what took place at Maria and Rick's home yesterday evening. It was awesome to hear the different voices, adults and children alike, speak of their thankfulness for many different things. It is not often that you stand in a circle offering thanks with students that you teach. Pretty amazing.
The food was great and I even took some time yesterday and got a reciepe for an asparagus cassarole off the internet. (Thanks mom) It was well-liked and finished when the night was done, no leftovers. Not too bad. This is actually the second Thanksgiving I have celebrated in Bolivia, the first being Canadian Thanksgiving, which was also a blessing entirely. After church today we have a small Thanksgiving Pot Luck as well.
I do have much for which to be thankful. I have amazing parents and family who love me and support me to all lengths; I have friends who will travel far distances, over land and sea to visit and get a glimpse of "my new world" and others who share themselves with me through words and gift, giving me a piece of home here in Bolivia. I am very thankful for the simple and the grand, that the Lord would bless beyond all that I know and all that I deserve. He does lead us home, yet I am coming to find that home is not a place on this Earth. He leads us to Him, to truth and better existence. it is hard to put your finger on what true home is, but God our father leads us home, to Him, through his creation, his people, His beauty. And in that, his beauty and his majesty, His workmanship...he puts you and I and smiles, for it is not, He is not complete without us. The creator of all that is God, of the Moutains that I see everyday out my windows and on my way to work, with his hand he created those, and with the same hand he made me and holds me and will fight for me. How truly blessed are we, the children of God.

Another Look; Another Perspective

2007-11-04T05:55:00.000-08:00

Joel arrived on Monday (10-29) late, another great promotion for American Airlines, and sick from bad chicken on the plane, again another great promotion for American, yet excited and ready to experience...most of us in LaPaz already know what a spectacular airline service AA has here in Bolivia, but if you are yet to experience such wonders, don't let it sway you away from visiting. We have had the opportunity to wander through quaint San Miguel, travel up to the more bustling Uptown, and had the wonderful opportunity to visit Isla del Sol, The Island of the Sun, on Lago Titicaca with Rachel, Steve, and his parents. (They were also visiting) It was breathtaking. We visited Moon Island on the way to Sun Island, by way of Hydrofoil. We had a lesson in Inca civilaization and culture as well as the the people of Tiwanacu and their culture.
Back into Copacabana, Joel and I took 45 minutes to climb part of the Andies to the top where lies the Stations of the Cross, another breathtaking view of the city and mountains, high enough to see Peru.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we traveled up to the street markets of Sargonaga to do some bartering. Some outstanding purchases were made!

It has been awesome to have someone from home see the sights, meet the people and breathe the in the high altitude oxygen. I suppose if you know Joel, maybe you should ask him about his experience and his reflections, but I can tell you from this side of things, it was great having him.

He came to school each day, for at least a bit, and as he came, his popularity grew, I think every eighth grader knew his name, as well as some seventh graders. There were even some eighth grade girls who grew to recognize him before myself. (I think if he would have stayed longer, they may have just forgotten my name, due to his popuarity.) I do have to say that we are 2-0 against a group of eighth grade boys in basketball...and they want to know when he is returning for another rematch. Ha!
Joel also had the opportunity to meet the hs bible study girls and was kind enough to lead some worship for us, another great evening.
Throughout all this, we still had time to meet all the friends, lay low and even watch a little West Wing, to which I am now addicted...Joel left season one for me to finish. good times.
All this to say, who wouldn't want to come to Bolivia? You're all welcome.

Long Time, No Comment

2007-10-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the time lapse...it has been busy around here. It is really is crazy how time flies. It's almost been three months! And I have to say it's been a pretty smooth 3 months for packing up and moving to a different continent! We just finished our first quatrer at school and have returned from our CWW trips. CWW stands for Classroom Without Walls. It is an opportuntiy for students to get out of a classroom and do some experiential learning. Seems as though we're getting back to our to our roots, the way it should be. I was on a trip to Corioco, which is south of La Paz between the mts. and the rainforest. The climate is much warmer and the scenery, much greener. 24 students, 4 adults, 4 days, 3 nights and quite bit of hiking....priceless.
I wonder what they will take away? For some, simply completing the 5 hour trek we took on day 3 to a 20 meter waterfall might be at the top of the list; for others, the waterfall in its towering entirety may be it. Quite possibly the boys would say the amazing swing that was attached to the infinately tall trees that swung us out over a breathtaking ravine would hands down, be the best to them.
I would agree with any of the above; yet for me, I think it was just talking to the students, hearing their voices and watching them interact outside of the small constraints in which I see them at school. It's nice to see them in living color, hear their stories. It is such a rare opportintunity to be able to take a trip like we did and I really feel blessed to be a part of it.
As we arrived home, the 8th graders then had one week to finalize all their plans for Middle School Madness...this is a quarterly event held by each class in the middle school and our 8th graders got to kick off the year's festivities....they went with the clsasic October, Halloween theme and really did it up....I think the Haunted House was big attraction. Groups of 5-6 we taken through the boys lockers room that leads to the pool...apparently there was a boy named Dylan Rodrigez who was ruthlessly bullied all through middle school and come October of his freshman year in 1987, he lost it. The story of course gets better, but I will save you the gory details.
It has been a been a good ride thus far...and soon that ride will take me home to be with those I miss and love...in the meantime I watch my 30 second, updating stream of the Indians on Yahoo sports...thinking of all of you. I got to see a few innings on TV Thurs evening and it almost felt like a family gathering--seeing the field, the city, our team and knowing that no matter where each family member was, there was a very high chance that we were all anxiously watching, hoping for the Tribe to pull it out....I will be doing the same this evening. Go Tribe.

Present

2007-09-15T10:17:00.001-07:00

Holy smokes, Batman! I just finished, The Coffeehouse Gospel- Mattehw Paul Turner and it was really all that I had hoped. Of course I did think that he glossed over a few topics that I thought he could have elaborated on a bit more, but thinking about it, I am ok with it. Why, because he is speaking about the gospel, how to share it and what it is to share it. The thing is, I think the problem isn't that we don't have the answers, but that we as Christians as a whole try to have all the answers. We try (as do many in life, believers or non-believers) try to package up life into a nice gift box, intricately wrapped with a beautiful bow. Sometimes, most of the time, life doesn't have a beautiful bow, let alone a nice gift box. Life is life, what is happening when you are planning, I have been told. The gospel is the story of a man who lived life and gave up his life so that we could have everlasting life. That is a lot and not that simple. Life is real...it happens everyday and everyone living it has a similar story, but we do God, the creator of life, an injustice when we don't stop to listen and respect people's stories of life. He loves all of us, each one of us and so many times we are run by our agendas and not by our hearts (the one God gave us) and we miss....miss what, life and with it the gospel. It's everyday: Hurt, Love, Redemption, Truth. No pretty box. God has given us life and with that a story, of how he works in that life that he was so kind to give us. He also gave us two ears which is one more than the one mouth we all have as humans (unless you are a special model). Am I using my body proportionately? Not always.
Humans want to live; we want to connect and we want to be heard...all of us. So the question is, are we listening? God listens, he is the best listener of all, he knows all languages, he hears the unspoken. I don't think that I use the abilities or tools that He has given me enough or in the right ways. Sharing the gospel isn't always about giving...I think sometimes it is about waiting and taking part. St. Francis of Assisi is quoted in the book, "At all times share the Gospel and when necessary use words." Be present. The Lord is always present, and there were few times when he was present here on earth that He actually spoke to large crowds. He was relational, He was invested, He was present. Are you rushing through your day, watching the time tick by and worried about deadlines? Or are you living, flexible and present? I want to be present.

The Day to Day...

2007-09-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

School, friends, traveling, grading, and Futbol Americano...doesn't sounds very different from normal life in the states, does it? This statement is not to oversimplify my lifestyle here, but is to say, life is life, no matter the country or culture. School is going well. Week 5 is on its way to being history and progress reports were turned in at the beginning of the week. Time does fly. I started on my travels to Bolivia 6 weeks ago, this Friday. In a way, that blows me away; how could it be that much time has passed already.... on the other hand, it does feel like I haven't seen my mother’s face in quite sometime--wait, no, that's a lie...I saw it yesterday and her and dear ol' dad even got to meet Polonia, my wonderful Bolivian maid. She was so happy to meet them. I know you are probably saying, back up...maid. Yes, it's weird to be honest, but it is part of the culture and it helps the employment and poverty levels here. If you have questions, I can answer them at your convenience. The wonders of great communication! I truly attribute quite a bit of my smooth transition to the gift of the Internet and Skype. It is great to be able to talk to you all and get your updates and hellos.
The staff at school is great. A small group of us had an hors d’oeuvres and wine-tasting party at one of my friends' home (which has a breathtaking view of the mts.) There is physical documentation of my help in the kitchen. I know many of you laugh at that comment, possibly even aloud, yet yes, you are hearing correctly that I, Lyndsey Deane, sautéed shrimp, made brueshetta,( I know I spelled that incorrectly) and more. I was not the head of this extravaganza, yet, I did contribute and others actually thought I knew what I was doing (don't worry, I did inform them that cooking was less than my forte!)

El espanol es poco y poco (it's little by little) Yo voy a ir a leccion de espanol lunes y jueves. (I go Mondays and Thursdays) I wish I had more time to study, but it will come. I also am going to yoga classes two times a week at school. They just started so I am a little sore, but it is something new to try. I even got to watch the Borwn's at Steve and Rachel's house...they don't look any better in Bolivia. The Bears didn't look too bad. I only saw a bit, Rachel made Chilli and we all hung out...I graded papers, as usual.
Church is good. It is a small American Church, made up of internationals.(American's really) Everything is in english, but it seems to be very outreach driven. I like it. The women seem pretty great and I am starting a high school girls bible study this thursday evening. I had some coffee last week with two of the girls and we are starting something up, so God willing...it will take off and we will all learn a little something.
So that is the update. I have been gone every other weekend since I arrived, but I believe that we will be home this weekend due to a little transportation issue with a friend's vehicle; yet to be honest...it is nice to be in La Paz, exploring the local area and relaxing.

Hope this finds you all well....the mountains still take my breath away.

The Bolivian Typhoon!

2007-08-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Well, apparently it is accustom to visiting the beautiful, towering city of La Paz to feel like death within close proximity to arrival, and I was not fortunate enough to avoid such happenings.
I missed my first day of school on Tuesday due to extreme flu like symptoms....whoa! I don't get sick often and it did pass within a little over 24 hours, but the Bolivian flu/altitude sickness is not pretty. I have been told that I need to slow down with working out and just take it easy...I have been running and feeling great and also going to a spinning class with some girls from school...there was also a lovely bug flying around ACS, so it was probably a combination of the two. Either way, most of the symptoms have passed and I am feeling quite a bit better and back into the swing of things. Many people from the school called and offered everything and anything and my amazing maid, Polonia, made me soup and corn bread, as well as some chicken and rice. All easy on the stomach. Coca tea is also a great biproduct of the coca plant that is very medicinal here.

I went to my first espanol lesson today and I will be attending twice weekly, so here we go...I even have homework. I am going with rachel and she has been going for a year now, so I have some catching up to do, but la professora says I'm bien....we shall see...as you can see I didn't put that sentence together (juantas) well, so I'm taking it step by step, hoping to learn as much as I can.
It is exciting to learn! I am headed out again this weekend to Sul y Luna, a small hippieish retreat that is in a much lower altitude of Bolivia, and with that MUCH warmer!!!! Very exciting...remember, it can be in the 30s at night here and up to 70 in the sun during the day...only in the sun though...summer begins Sept. 21!!!
chao!

"Home"

2007-08-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been in La Paz for quite some time. I find myself referring to my place as "home." I am finding myself fairly comfortable at school. It is amazing how easily one can apapt when forced. I wonder if "forced" is the right word, because I chose this and I was not forced, and do not feel that way. (I don't want to give the wrong impression.) What I am saying is, life really isn't that different here. Of course there are changes and I am not home, but home can be a choice. There is never going to be home like the safe and loving environment where I was raised--never. But as I look around and really look, I guess I realize the importance of love and being intentional with those around you. I think those are the essentials of home and I was fortunate enough to have been and continually to be blessed with. I know that I am fortunate to have that because I have seen people all my life without it, yet even more now as I am further away from that home. Somewhere along the line, not only have I been given that love and intentional living, but I was taught it and how to share it and maybe even create it. I think that is why I am ok. I know that I am loved. It breaks my heart that people don't have that. It breaks my heart that kids don't have that, yet I am blessed with the opportunity everyday to share it. I think that is why I do "my job." What's funny is I get paid to do what I think we are all called to...love. I pray that we are all feeling that love as well as sharing it, espcially with those who we least desire to share with. The world needs so much, yet if each of us were to show another love in a day, what needs might go away? I am not naively stating that the world's problems will vanish, yet I am saying love can heal wounds and there are multiple ways to love on another. When you look around, I think a little love can go a long way.

On our way...

2007-08-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Saturday morning, I made it through my first week of teaching (happily, I will add) and I sit waiting in my livingroom for Rachel, Steve, J. Gado, J. Worth and her husband, Fred. The six of us are on our way to Lake Titicaca....fun times. I hope to read, relax, Kayak and just enjoy the landscape. I have only heard good reports, so I am very excited. I will make sure to add photos and get an update to all of you. Thank you for your prayers and all of your support. I know that God is hearing you; it is evident that he is here.

Curious?!

2007-08-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

Well, school has started and things are great. The kids are doing well and things are going very smoothly. For all of the new things I have to learn, ther is always someone staopping by and asking how I am or if I need any help. The school runs on a rotating schedule so that the students will receive year round programming instead of concentrated nine week periods. We have A-H days so I don't see every class every day, but I see most 3 days a week for an hour a piece. All classes are actually 65 minutes, no matter the subject. It works well. I like the time periods quite a bit. 90 minutes could be long some days last year and this is enough that you can really get into things and apply what the student is learning, yet not get too bored. The students have been very kind and hardworking so far. I have 2 grade 7 english classes, 2 grade 8 english classes and a rotating 6/7 tech and 8 tech. I teach tech 3 days a week, but see a different group each time and see them all year long.
The ood has been good and I live in an area that I can walk to just about anything that I need. I can go "uptown" which is what we could call "downtown" if I want to get something a little harder to find. There are a couple cool coffeehouses right in the area and also lots of nice little places to eat out. It is chilly in the morning and at night, being that it is winter here. I am receiving some ore furniture for my TV/office room this week as well as my internet connection. I have been using the internet at school. I can do most everything from my laptop b/c the school is wireless. (pretty cool, eh?)
Really though, this is probably the smoothest transition I could imagine. I got to go to a spinning class at a gym on Monday night with some girls from school and went for a 20 minute run yesterday. I also went out looking around and shopping on my own too.
I will probably start my spanish lessons next week. I can get a taxi and get home all by myself, so that is a start.

I hope this finds people well in the states. I think of you all often. It is really wonderful here, I wish that you could all come exerience it. (You're more than welcome.)

Bolivia pics....

2007-08-11T16:58:00.001-07:00

If you haven't seen pics, here are some that you can check out. Hope this works! Cut and paste these into your address bar!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3725&l=9e89a&id=505582504

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3675&l=e8c17&id=505582504

Did you build your house out of bricks?

2007-08-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

"I'll huff, and I'll puff, and I'll blown your house down!" Sound familiar? I bet it does and it has always made sense...in all cases, until about 8 monthes ago...really maybe before that, but it was then that this idea really came front and center for me. We are supposed to build our lives foundationally. From the beginning, be aware, make a plan, see it through. Brick by brick, you build your life. It makes sense, until someone begins to examine your bricks and want to know why you chose the brand you did? What makes us choose? How do we choose for our futures? From what we hold dear to how we do things and what we buy? Why do you live where you do and spend your time and money in the manner in which you do...why? I don't know is the scary answer that sometimes we are not willing to look at...or no one asked early enough for it not to be as threatening as it may be today. Why? We all have reasons for everything, they may not be good ones, or we may not even realize the reasons for which we act or do not, just that we know it...it is the norm in which we operate. I am asking you. Look at your life. Really look. Do you know why you are ding what you are? Why you act as you do? Why you believe or not? What type of life do you lead? Is is what yo thought? Is it what you wanted? Is it better, worse? More importantly, if you are staring into a mirror and don't know who is looking back...why not ask. It is admirable to ask and examine. It is cowardly to ignore or walk away for another day. That day any come and you truly may not know that person staring back.

I write this because I met a person who lived how she was raised and one day woke up and didn't know why. It's scary not to know yourself and the world doesn't really openly offer time to examine. I'm trying and I will continue. It is sad that our world tells us, bigger, faster, stronger; this is right, that is wrong, Do this, not that...that isn't worth it. How do we know? I don't think that isn't true sometimes, but more times than not, I just follow because I am told it is safe. Safe does not constitute correct. I don't recall Jesus taking the safe path. The path everyone else told him to. So why do we and moreover why has our church become this? Right and wrong...yes and no... Are we followers who are critical thinkers searching for truth...or rule abidding pharisees? Are you asking your God or following your church?
This isn't to say that all church is bad, but more and more I run into people who are religiously maimed, jaded and angry b/c they have been instructed and not aided and guided and discipled in a healthy, honest and open way. God didn't do this...are we the ones that continue to wided the chasm? When the bricks start crumbling what do we have left? Rob Bell in his book, Velvet Elvis, suggests springs and a trampoline instead of bricks and a house...that we should be able to stretch and be flexible...Growth, doesn't growth usually constitute change? And bricks don't change. A common saying I have heard lately is, "The only thing constant in life is change." We are not immortal. We are not all-knowing. I can not create mountains like I see everyday out my windows. A brick can not be it.
I am not proposing an anything goes motto.
I am asking, are we being real...are we living intentionally? Are we using the freewill and minds that God gave us to live as he would have us?

Are you serious, God?

2007-08-08T05:59:00.000-07:00

Every night when I lay down for the night directly above the head of my bed (where you might hang a painting in your bedroom, above your bed) I have a permenant painting, one of mountains over 14,000 feet tall and covered in the lights of small homes and businesses. I found myself saying last night as I laid down, "Are you serious? You made those?" Wow. School was a little intense yesterday, lots to do and students arrive on Monday. More meeting the rest of the week, but time to be in our classrooms as well. Everyone at the school is extremely kind. Most of them have been to at least one other international school, so they understand what it is like to be new...in all senses. Just as I was writing this, two ladies from the elemntary (which is all the campus) cam over to ask me about church asn youth group. :) It was great to hear from them and I think we may start a book study as well (with the ladies) I told them I wanted to make sure that I could handle things before I committed to anything, but that I def. wanted to be involved....so again, I come back to the statement...are you serious, God. He is so big and such a provider. I have been praying for community, for others Christians and they come walking into my room. How awesome. Matt. 7:7, ask and it will be given unto you, knock and the door will be answered. My door was opened and these ladies came straight through it. So right when I start getting a little worried, he is right there, holding me tight. Well...time to work, i have a meeting in a half an hour. Blessings to all of you.

Settling in...

2007-08-06T09:37:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been said that Jessica (the new guidance counselor) and I, have accomplished more than most in our first two days here. Today is day 3 and I am writing from my classroom. I have been to the crazy black market and got all my appliances, TV, DVD, Iron, Toaster, Microwave, Coffee Marker and to the grocery store...I felt like I was there forever. Everyone is SOOOO kind and very helpful. Jessica is fluent in espanol so that makes my life easier. I am looking to get into classes asap. I have already learned a lot just being here. I am posting more pics to my facebook, so if you can get on, that is the place to see some more pics....I am trying to figure our an easier way to post for all to see. I am very excited about school. we begin meeting tomorrow and the students come on Monday...can we say time crunch? There is quite a bit to get accomplished. Lucky, I can use materials from home. Peter, the principal and superintendent, invited us over for dinner last night. Rachel and Steve were there as well as jessica and the other tech teacher, his wife and kids. The food was amazing and the company was great. It was good to see how laid back and caring the community is. Also, I went to church yesterday which brought tears to my eyes. I felt so somfortable and so at home. I think I am going to find a home there. It was a great mix between tradition and contemporary worship. Take care...Adios.

Let the Adventure begin!

2007-08-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

And it has...all of the flights were gret until the actual flight to Bolivia...there was an anouncement of a possible strike and we were told that we would not be flying to La Paz and then the airline "pulled some strings" and flew us to Santa Cruz first and then to La Paz. Our departure time was supposed to be 11:05....we left Miami @ 1:40. We ended up in La Paz around 11 am, so much for 5:35am, but we got lots of sleep, got throgh customs and to my new place...very cute. I met my maid, very nice, Polonia, and I am at Steve and Rachel's now. We just ate lunch and are on our way to the market to buy some necessities. It beautiful here...a lot to get used to. If you wnt to check out the school you can go to www.acslp.org.
Blessings to you all.
Adios!

to be continued...

2007-07-31T06:47:00.001-07:00

The title explains it all, I guess. Even more than the words, the punctuation seems to sum it all up right now. It has been good to be home, but I know that the next step is imminent and it is needed. Bolivia is quickly approaching. I have a countdown on my facebook page...part of the reason it is there is so I can have a reality check daily of the time passing and the tasks that need to be accomplished as the time goes by. And truly, it is a reality check that it is time to go and it really is coming. Bolivia is no longer a conversation, but a reality. The Lord has provided me with an amazing, and I am sure, life-changing adventure and I am ready to embark in to the next chapter of our journey together. I think I year ago I would have used the phrase, "the next chapter of MY life," but if I have learned anything, I know now and live more confidently in the truth that this is a journey that I am not in control of. I am learning relience and dependency. (Something if you know me, I am not good at.) So here's the learning and running the race. I pray that as I go, more and more people might know the truth and grace of Jesus Christ. All I have is my life and somehow I am in a "Here am I, send me" situation. (He snuck up and got me when I wasn't looking) I praise God for it. I know that He will use me, but I know even more over that He is going to teach me.

transition and reflection

2007-07-21T04:43:00.001-07:00

What do I take with me? How can I explain to you how important this was in my life and others' lives? I pray that God will provide those words. If you have been checking in with my journey, I sadly tell you today, that this part of the journey is over, which in turn begins another. A friend told me, "All change is loss and loss has to be grieved." This doesn't mean that the loss is bad, but change does mean that something is going away. And for me, I will never forget Chicago or these people who have left footprints on my heart.
The question still stands; as I look at my "loss" what will I take with me?
A: That God is bigger, bigger than all we know, bigger than all battles we fight, than all love we feel. I will take with me the passion I saw in my friends, my brothers and sisters in Christ;Their passion for all to know the Love and Acceptance of Jesus Christ. I sometimes get scared of being "that persecting, pushy Christian" hurting someone's feelings by talking about God--How silly? God loves and provides, he offers himself to us and it is my job to let others make a decision about accepting that offer. I just put it on the table. All people deserve that offer of eternal life here on earth and in heaven. All. I hope that my words can give you even a small drop of the blessing that the Lord has poured out upon me. In doing His work and blesssing His name, He fills us to overflowing with all blessing. Thank you for coming along with me on this journey. Luckily for me, each day is another blessed journey with my God who loves me like a father, walks with me like a friend and has saved me, like only Jesus, the Son of God can.

truth

2007-07-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

I know that truth presents itself differently to different people, but the Lord has shown me true fellowship, true love and true faith. It has been amazing being part of something so mighty. It is hard to express how my heart has been touched and my life has been changed by this experience. What intentional living can do to a person...I pray that the Lord will help me incorperate much of what I have learned into my lifestyle in Bolivia. I feel like His time is amazing (I know...of course it is) But it has been very clear as I have been here that He is giving me so much right now, so I can take it and be with Him in Bolivia. I look forward to the growth that will continue to take place as the Lord shows me who I am and what he desires for my life.

For another inside look @ The Real World-Christian Style, you can click on Ben's comment under The Real World- Christian Style on my blog and it will take you to his blog where he too wrote about The Real World- Christian Style. It has been amazing. Praise God for how He works. There is no doubt that our God is big.

update

2007-07-17T05:01:00.000-07:00

God continues to blow me away. Interstingly enough, I have found that just by saying hello, you can get some one's entire life story, no questions asked. Sadly, the reason for that seems is possiblily be the lack of real connection and communication in our families and friendships. One thing every person has in common is life, sadly the one things that gets me through life, many people do not have in common with me. I have been almost broken by the number of people that actually have no idea who Jesus is or even what God really is. My generation has no simply heard and denied, but most people I have talked to don't really know who Jesus is, and is really mixed up about God is general. And really want to emphasis that these individuals do not know about Jesus. They have maybe heard his name, but no one has ever told them the gospel or the background or anything. Even more interesting, many people who said they did have a faith did not know really what it was or even why they had it. That is sad. The world is to difficul to not know what you believe, because if you don't know what you believe, I don't think you know who you are....does that make sense...I pray for clarity for people who are confused and lost....for truth. LIfe can be consuming and it doesn't have to be.

Thanks!

2007-07-12T06:05:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a minute to thank those who are reading for all of your support. God has really opened my eyes to a global world, with global believers. The world is really full of amazing people looking to show the love of God to people who need it. (In many ways, in al areas of life.) I have been blown away. I can't wait to be able to sit down and really talk to people when I arrive home, but know that I am thinking of you all and praying for you as well. I hope this site gives you a better idea of what your support is doing. It really has made a major difference in my life, and I know that it will, if it hasn't yet made a major difference on a large scale too. Crusade is a bunch of very intentional people truly looking to show the love and grace of Jesus Christ to the world. It really is amazing. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.

Campus

2007-07-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

so a lot of you are wondering what I am doing on campuses in the Chicagoland area. Well, we are chekcing them out. Seeing where people are, what the campus is all about and looking to see if there is a need or how great of a need for Cru there. A lot of times colleges, ok all the time, everywhere, colleges/universities are full of young men and women tryng to determine what they are going to do with the rest of their lives and they don't even know who they are or what they want to do. Even worse, they are caught in a world of pressure and expectation and they don't even know that there is a God out there that loves them so much and no matter what they do or where they go, He is there, telling them that He loves them. I don't know how I would get through life not knowing that. So We are scouting out campuses to let people know just that. Looking for people that are looking for Christian community and hoping to get something started for them. We are called to be in community and sometimes a college campus can be a hard place to find that. We are trying to make sure that is untrue.

The Real World - Christian style

2007-07-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is the title, The Real World, Christian style. This is amazing. the people, the place, the experience, the God that is present. I know that God is always present, it is we who are not. Christian community is a blessing. To be surrounded by other young believers in a community open to asking and seeking is awesome. If the world could look like this. We are from all over the country and we have the common ground of God. It is interesting to hear people's stories and for people to really want to hear yours and intentionally are trying to improve themselves and those around them. Like is hard, we are imperfect and we only have so much time to make it better. Why not take advantage of it. And to be in a community that wants the best. For all to be loved and valued. How can I create this in other places, a caring, honest community with people seeking truth. It's beautiful. There is less anger and less negativity, because we are all looking to God for the better. Can it continue? Can this grow? And I feel like this is such a small part of what God really has for us. I am so little and have so much to learn. I pray that God continues to blow my mind and that he can do the same for everyone else, that he would just reveal himself so that people could realize (including me) how big our God is and how much He really has for us and desires for us. It's like when you know something and you are passionate about it and just want everyone to understand and they just aren't getting it, or aren't understanding. I can only think how frustrated God must be when we aren't getting it or even more we are are then we turn and do something completely different simply because we are selfish. I only hope that I can take pieces of this with me home and to Bolivia...that God continues to widen my perspective and surround me with believers and people wanting more so that I can continue to live in such a growing and seeking community. If this sounds good to you, I encourage you to pray for this in your life. It is really amazing.

day 4 and 5

2007-07-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

wow....i am exhausted. there is so much to say, yet it is really hard to put it all into words. The days are packed and I am learning so much. It has been awesome to spend some quality time with Matt and one of his friends from BG, Amber. One highlight I have to mention was that I was able to pray in a group with some Korean students and it was amazing....In Korean culture you all pray aloud and all at the same time. This can get kinda crazy, especially in a place of 20,000! Koreans are very passionate and have beautitful hearts. It really is moving and inspiring. SO....I was able to pray in a group with them, and worship alongside them. The whole time, the language should have been such a barrier, yet the truth of their hearts and the love of Christ was unbelievably universal. Heaven is going to be beautiful. Throughtout all this, we heard from multiple people from closed countries that are very dangerous and where it is illegal to own a bible and/or worship God. They were speaking the truth of what God has done in their lives and on their campuses and in their countries. Some of them who professed did so only through their voices. They were miced and were off stage and unseen because of possible danger. everytime these people come to the stage we are reminded that there are no photos to be taken. (Does this not show you the power of the gospel, that countries and leaders fear a book's power? It's just a book, right?) If this is not powerful enough to you, I sat and listened to a free heart standing courageously with the strength of God, while I, completely free and independent politically, sat quietly on my independence day. When the Lord is for you who can be against you? I face no real harm in sharing the gospel, yet I hesitate. These people are risking their lives, and they speak truth. Inspiring. There is word that one of these countries have sent govenmental agents to take pictures and investigate. scary. the Lord is big. pray for these people.

day 3- the koreans arrived!

2007-07-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

wow...yesterday the Koreans came...yes, the first two days were to get us settled nad last night there was a parade of nations and 127 countries were represented and more...the more being countries that are not allowed to have photos of the them taken or have directly labels from their country because they will face harsh persecution upon there arrival in there home country. To flag after flag pass by brought tears to my eyes. I was surrounded by 18000 people from different coutries and wewere all in one place, peacefully worshipping a god that is so big. What a history lesson. amazing. There are 41 staff people in inodensia that are currenly imprisioned and their trial starts today. 41 people, jailed because os standing up for what they believe in, standing up for a god that loves. The Lorean people have been through so much historically as a country nad as individuals...and their faith and prayer is breathtaking. through prayer and faith, every college campus in south korea has a campus crusade. every one. It started in 1954, whe the country was still in destruction. If you could see it now. the people are so nice. the city is so accomodating. I listened to a korean man tell about god, his faith, his life and what he has seen...all in korean, with a translator, to hear such truth in a completely different language, and to watch as people of all countries reacted as they got the translation....there is no mistake, the gospel is true. i am really astonished. wow.

Day 2

2007-07-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

Today I have to say was kind of a rough start. my body was tired. Really, things are good, but still getting used to things. After I had my Starbucks, (yes they do have Starbucks!) and got to worship, thigns started to come together. athe first speaker was great and it continued to get better and better! Ty on the high side, I totally got to hang out with Nick today and we heard two unbelievable speakers. I made sure to give the Bobcats a shout-out for you! One of the sessions was on postmodernism and the other on the heart and roles of a leader. The first was a UK staffer....very cool and the other was from Nigeria. WOW! They both really blew my mind. The heart and role of the leader really got my attention. He kept repeating himself...the heat of leadership is the state of the heart of the leader. Is your heart aligned with God's? It is not what is seen or done that makes a good leader, but where the heart of the leader is...and his/her heart will be seen through the relationships that he/she has with those who "follow." By the way, if this at all sparks your attention, you can get the nitty-gritty at www.cm20007.net There ARE PODCASTS! You can check all of this out. SWEET! Hey can someone make sure tat my mom is reading all this, I haven't gottne an email back from her. I love you guys.

OH! And Matt Cable and I totally went swimming in teh Sea of Japan tonight at like 10:00 pm....it might have been raining and we may have gotten whistled out, but it was completely safe, mom, I swear.... :) As Matt put it, you only get these opportuities once. ANd by the way, it was WAY warmer than Lake Erie!

Day one

2007-06-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

wow! Korea is crazy...it has so much of is native clutlure and living, yet a block away from the most native vendors in a street market (no english, eels and fich just swimming around in front of stands so you can see they are fresh and good to eat) is a mall thatI refer to as Little America. For breakfast we went to a small street maket were we ate @ a small resturant which was strictly Korean food, and Korean speaking. Our waiter was very nice and spoke to us as he could. It was very authentic that is for sure. So directly after we stumbled through breakfast (I had steamed dumplings) we ended up basically in the middle of a mall! Crazy. It was very modern. Our hotel s directly across from the Korean Sea (beautiful) where we were able to hang out for a bit and play frisbee! In the evening we gathered toegther for teh first time at the Bexco Convencation Hall and were formally welcomed by Natiev dancers as well as the Mayor of Busan. I ahve to say the highlight of the day was worhsiping with 6,000 other people in a place where 127 countries were represented! God really is amazing. To hear people worship God in countless languages blows my mind. There were people from Taiwan and Zambia right behind me. I am going to try to post some pics on my facebook. We'll see. missing you all. praying that God is with you and you can see him as much as I am. Off to breakfast....seaweed wrap!

We're Here!

2007-06-29T08:29:00.001-07:00

After roughly 19 hours of travel...An hour from Chicago to Detriot...13 from Detriot to Toyko and 2 from Tokyo to Busan, we are here. We really had to hussle through Tokyo, almost missed our flight, yet are here in one piece. What is funny is that even this blog site is being processed in Korean...crazy. The city seems fairly large and modern. Our hotel is very nice, except that there will be 13 people in one room. Here's to what God has in store. The group is doing well and the flights were nice. The food was even good. It is about a 13-14 hour difference. Love you all. will talk soon.

Korea Here I Come!

2007-06-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Chicago very smoothly with high hopes. I met some very awesome people on my flight that helped me get from Midway to O'Hare for only $16.00! The group is a blast and we depart for Korea tomorrow. There are only 11 students and 5 staff members. I will be onto Detriot, to Tokyo then finally arriving in Busan or Pusan depending on where you are reading it. Apparently there is no direct translation for the beginning sound of the name so you can see it either way. For more info on cm2007 you can go to www.cm2007.net. Pray for safe travel and the Lord's blessing. This is the biggest gathering in Campus Crusade history: 17,000 people from 100 different countries!