I tutor a fourth grader once a week for a few hours. Husna and I often have interesting conversations and I actually learn a lot from her. She is very outspoken and curious about everything.
Yesterday as we were working on spelling words she asked me to define "homeless," as that was one of her words to use in a sentence. I told her it meant someone without a home and she looked at me like I was insane. She proceeded to ask me about people without homes. She had no idea that this concept existed and she didn't understand how people could be homeless. She said, "where do they come from? don't they have parents with houses?" It was so surprising to me that she had never heard of homelessness yet she lives in the city of Chicago where there are so many homeless people.
In my dialogue class recently we have been talking about injustice and solutions to problems in the city of Chicago. It is nearly impossible for one person to fix a problem, it takes action from powerful people to be able to actually solve a problem. Anyways, this conversation that I had with my tutoring student showed me that awareness is very important. If people are not aware then things will never change. Sometimes I think kids are way too sheltered, parents need to be teaching their children about the world around them.
April 12, 2011
April 4, 2011
one day without shoes.
ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES
APRIL 5.
RAISE AWARENESS!
"In developing countries children must walk barefoot for miles to school, clean water & medical help. Thus, hundreds of millions of children are at risk of injury, infection & and soil-transmitted diseases that most can’t afford to prevent and treat."
October 1, 2010
God is awesome.
Monday I was a wreck--freaking out about everything. What I should keep on my schedule this semester and what I should get rid of. Will I have time for everything? What should I major in? Worrying the little things.
How I was on Monday and how I am today, on Friday, is such a change. My spirit went from emotional and worried to joyous and peaceful.
I have realized through the course of four days that prayer is a powerful thing. As I was feeling frustrated and concerned with my life, I turned to my Bible and prayed hardcore-- God has been working in me. God's been molding me and shaping my life little by little this year, and it is so awesome! My faith is becoming stronger as I am trusting that my father will get me through.
Sometimes we have to get through hard times in order to change.
This weekend is homecoming! Filled with events. I am excited!
How I was on Monday and how I am today, on Friday, is such a change. My spirit went from emotional and worried to joyous and peaceful.
I have realized through the course of four days that prayer is a powerful thing. As I was feeling frustrated and concerned with my life, I turned to my Bible and prayed hardcore-- God has been working in me. God's been molding me and shaping my life little by little this year, and it is so awesome! My faith is becoming stronger as I am trusting that my father will get me through.
Sometimes we have to get through hard times in order to change.
This weekend is homecoming! Filled with events. I am excited!
September 17, 2010
Late Summer Wrap Up
It's another year at North Park. I've been in Chicago for almost a month now but before I talk about school, let me give an update on how my summer was.
Phenomenal, unforgettable, amazing, eye-opening, exciting, jam-packed, challenging, crazy...I could ramble off so many different words to describe this summer, I can't just pick one.
June 10th was the day that I went to Staff training at Covenant Harbor...that was the beginning. I had a lot of fun during that ten day training. I got to know a lot of new people and then it was a bittersweet goodbye as I was off to South Africa for two weeks.
June 23rd was the date that I traveled with 9 other team members to London and then to South Africa. I have never had the experience of riding in a plane for so long or watching movies and eating meals on the plane. We finally got there and got to meet the iThemba members and then we went to meet our host families. Veronica and I got the privilege of staying with-The Dobson's (Gill, Dave and Matt), they were so wonderful to us and we couldn't have asked for a better family! They taught us so much about South African culture. I know that when you think of Africa, you might normally think of the poor communities with tiny houses, South Africa does have that but they also have more established communities which is where the Dobson's live. We stayed in this nicer community but then we worked with the Zulu community, which is the more under-privileged people. In South Africa they drive on the other side of the road and car so that was interesting, they also only pretty much drive stick-shift. Trucks are called 'buckys' and there are also so many other fun words that they use. Our team took off with iThemba to the kids' camp for three days. There were 40 zulu kids and 10 groups of kids, each with a Zulu leader and an American leader. At first, the kids were really shy and they didn't want to really speak to me but eventually they really opened up and got more comfortable using their English. It was a really awesome time with the kids and they got to experience being by the ocean and swimming in a pool, some for the first time. After the kids camp was over we got to go into the Zulu community and visit them which was awesome, they LOVED seeing us and it was really cool to see how much we made an impact on their lives even when we couldn't completely speak the same language. Oh! I learned some words in Zulu and the kids loved to laugh at us when we would try and speak it. We had the opportunity to visit a Zulu church, which was a completely different experience. We also got to help paint a shed and plant a garden at a preschool (creche). We did a lot of things just around the community and also with our host families which was a lot of fun. God really just showed me the difference of cultures and his presence in everyone of them, he also taught me a lot about love. There are so many things that we did and a lot that I could say, but it is a lot to write on here.
There was a long plane ride back and then I had three days to adjust from South African time and life to Chicago time, then I was off to camp to be a counselor for the first time.
July 11th was the first day back to CHBC. I got back and it was so much fun to see everybody again, I was really excited but also really nervous because I hadn't counseled before but everybody else had two weeks on me. I got the opportunity of co-counseling that first week with Molly, a day-camp counselor. Molly helped me out a lot that first week and she showed me the ropes, that was a complete blessing. I was a counselor for 5 and a half weeks; 2 weeks were junior high kids. one week I counseled in Kishwaketoe, the younger kids, with only four girls. 2 weeks were 4-6 graders and then the half week was like 3-6 grade girls, I co-counseled with Anna that week which was awesomeee!
I loved camp, it completely changed my life and I loved being in the community of it. There are lots of stories about cabins that I had but let's just say it was challenging yet so exciting and fun at the same time. I loved teaching the girls, but at the same time they taught me. I never thought I would be able to speak to girls that are going into highschool and have them take me seriously, but it happened and it was so cool. I had the chance to pray with several campers this summer and I witnessed some becoming Christians. I got to see how God was working in these campers lives and I realize that we, as a staff, were all part of something so important to the Lord. I got to be really close with a lot of staff and without them, I would have never made it through. The experience I had at camp was so indescribable but it changed me. My daily walk with God has grown, my faith and trust is renewed and so much more real.
I cried when I had to say goodbye (I don't cry. Ever). The last night, before leaving camp, I wasn't planning on staying up all night but it happened. We hung out in the gym and played basketball and messed around and then we went to the pier where we gazed at the stars until the sun came up and then we watched the sun-rise. It was such a perfect end to camp, it was so cool to experience God's creation in that way.
Best summer ever!!! I am missing South Africa and CHBC a lot but I am confident in what God did this summer and it was what he wanted. Now, it is time for the school year to play out. Yay!!
Phenomenal, unforgettable, amazing, eye-opening, exciting, jam-packed, challenging, crazy...I could ramble off so many different words to describe this summer, I can't just pick one.
June 10th was the day that I went to Staff training at Covenant Harbor...that was the beginning. I had a lot of fun during that ten day training. I got to know a lot of new people and then it was a bittersweet goodbye as I was off to South Africa for two weeks.
June 23rd was the date that I traveled with 9 other team members to London and then to South Africa. I have never had the experience of riding in a plane for so long or watching movies and eating meals on the plane. We finally got there and got to meet the iThemba members and then we went to meet our host families. Veronica and I got the privilege of staying with-The Dobson's (Gill, Dave and Matt), they were so wonderful to us and we couldn't have asked for a better family! They taught us so much about South African culture. I know that when you think of Africa, you might normally think of the poor communities with tiny houses, South Africa does have that but they also have more established communities which is where the Dobson's live. We stayed in this nicer community but then we worked with the Zulu community, which is the more under-privileged people. In South Africa they drive on the other side of the road and car so that was interesting, they also only pretty much drive stick-shift. Trucks are called 'buckys' and there are also so many other fun words that they use. Our team took off with iThemba to the kids' camp for three days. There were 40 zulu kids and 10 groups of kids, each with a Zulu leader and an American leader. At first, the kids were really shy and they didn't want to really speak to me but eventually they really opened up and got more comfortable using their English. It was a really awesome time with the kids and they got to experience being by the ocean and swimming in a pool, some for the first time. After the kids camp was over we got to go into the Zulu community and visit them which was awesome, they LOVED seeing us and it was really cool to see how much we made an impact on their lives even when we couldn't completely speak the same language. Oh! I learned some words in Zulu and the kids loved to laugh at us when we would try and speak it. We had the opportunity to visit a Zulu church, which was a completely different experience. We also got to help paint a shed and plant a garden at a preschool (creche). We did a lot of things just around the community and also with our host families which was a lot of fun. God really just showed me the difference of cultures and his presence in everyone of them, he also taught me a lot about love. There are so many things that we did and a lot that I could say, but it is a lot to write on here.
There was a long plane ride back and then I had three days to adjust from South African time and life to Chicago time, then I was off to camp to be a counselor for the first time.
July 11th was the first day back to CHBC. I got back and it was so much fun to see everybody again, I was really excited but also really nervous because I hadn't counseled before but everybody else had two weeks on me. I got the opportunity of co-counseling that first week with Molly, a day-camp counselor. Molly helped me out a lot that first week and she showed me the ropes, that was a complete blessing. I was a counselor for 5 and a half weeks; 2 weeks were junior high kids. one week I counseled in Kishwaketoe, the younger kids, with only four girls. 2 weeks were 4-6 graders and then the half week was like 3-6 grade girls, I co-counseled with Anna that week which was awesomeee!
I loved camp, it completely changed my life and I loved being in the community of it. There are lots of stories about cabins that I had but let's just say it was challenging yet so exciting and fun at the same time. I loved teaching the girls, but at the same time they taught me. I never thought I would be able to speak to girls that are going into highschool and have them take me seriously, but it happened and it was so cool. I had the chance to pray with several campers this summer and I witnessed some becoming Christians. I got to see how God was working in these campers lives and I realize that we, as a staff, were all part of something so important to the Lord. I got to be really close with a lot of staff and without them, I would have never made it through. The experience I had at camp was so indescribable but it changed me. My daily walk with God has grown, my faith and trust is renewed and so much more real.
I cried when I had to say goodbye (I don't cry. Ever). The last night, before leaving camp, I wasn't planning on staying up all night but it happened. We hung out in the gym and played basketball and messed around and then we went to the pier where we gazed at the stars until the sun came up and then we watched the sun-rise. It was such a perfect end to camp, it was so cool to experience God's creation in that way.
Best summer ever!!! I am missing South Africa and CHBC a lot but I am confident in what God did this summer and it was what he wanted. Now, it is time for the school year to play out. Yay!!
June 21, 2010
Ohhh Golly!
I just got back from staff training at Covenant Harbor. It was so awesome! I have become pretty close with several people and I can't wait to further frienships as the summer goes on! I am stoked to have the kids come and be a counselor! Yesterday, it was sad to say goodbye to Harbor for 3 weeks BUT I am leaving for Africa in two days and I can't wait!!!
I can't believe that I leave in two days for South Africa!! It will be a long plane ride and probably pretty tiring as we are there, but I know that God is gonna work through our team and teach me a lot!
So far, this summer is looking like the best one yet. God is amazing.
I can't believe that I leave in two days for South Africa!! It will be a long plane ride and probably pretty tiring as we are there, but I know that God is gonna work through our team and teach me a lot!
So far, this summer is looking like the best one yet. God is amazing.
June 9, 2010
I'm off!
Off to Covenant Harbor tomorrow for training! I'll be there for ten days and then off to South Africa!
I wasn't very excited before for CHBC because I was nervous, which is weird because I don't get nervous easily. Now I am getting more excited and I know that God has a plan for me there (Jeremiah 29:11) so it will be awesome.
I had a terrible dream last night about living in Burgh next year and I had to live with these crazy people. Good thing that won't be reality!
I was in Colorado last week and it was amazing. I had a really good time seeing my family and friend Ellie. We saw so much wildlife during our 3 day trip to Estes Park. We had a pretty sick view from our cabin and it was cool to just enjoy God's creation, the mountains are beautiful!! I can't wait to live there one day on the very top of a mountain, I told everybody that I will. My cousins are so much fun, can't believe it had been 2 years since I had been back to Colorado!! Obviously, it was a wonderful trip.
Now to pack!!
I have an incredibly busy and challenging summer but I am so stoked for it and I can't wait to see what'll happen in the next few months.
I wasn't very excited before for CHBC because I was nervous, which is weird because I don't get nervous easily. Now I am getting more excited and I know that God has a plan for me there (Jeremiah 29:11) so it will be awesome.
I had a terrible dream last night about living in Burgh next year and I had to live with these crazy people. Good thing that won't be reality!
I was in Colorado last week and it was amazing. I had a really good time seeing my family and friend Ellie. We saw so much wildlife during our 3 day trip to Estes Park. We had a pretty sick view from our cabin and it was cool to just enjoy God's creation, the mountains are beautiful!! I can't wait to live there one day on the very top of a mountain, I told everybody that I will. My cousins are so much fun, can't believe it had been 2 years since I had been back to Colorado!! Obviously, it was a wonderful trip.
Now to pack!!
I have an incredibly busy and challenging summer but I am so stoked for it and I can't wait to see what'll happen in the next few months.
May 23, 2010
Here I am sitting...
I have been home for 16 full days...it doesn't seem like that much of summer has already passed!
Friday I will be off on a road trip to Colorado! I am driving there with my family and we will be gone for 8 days. I am so excited to go back to Colorado because I haven't been there in 2 years! It will be exciting to see all of my family that still lives there and to just be in the state, I don't even care what else we do.
Today I attended a meeting for the South Africa trip that I am going on and yesterday I was "rented" to do some work in order to raise money. The trip is approaching quickly and it is so exciting but it also makes me nervous. I'm not nervous about anything specifically but just the whole trip in general and what to expect. We have an awesome team and I can't wait for the things that God has in store! Lots of prayer will be happening between now and then.
My computer was broken for a little bit, a key wasn't working so I couldn't log on, but thank goodness for the warranty so I have a brand new keyboard and surrounding area! Yay!!
I need to read my Bible more, I keep thinking about it and not doing it! What the what is my problem!
Being sick this week made me so lazy and can I just say, I hate being sick! Yuck!
I really like burritos, I have had several in the past week.
It finally feels like summer, today was so hot and humid, almost 90 degrees! The last week was so yucky and rainy and cold so praise the Lord for this awesome weather!! Yeah!!
One day I am going to start a project and call it, "Project photo 365," taking a picture everyday for a whole year straight...trying to figure out a good day to start it?
Friday I will be off on a road trip to Colorado! I am driving there with my family and we will be gone for 8 days. I am so excited to go back to Colorado because I haven't been there in 2 years! It will be exciting to see all of my family that still lives there and to just be in the state, I don't even care what else we do.
Today I attended a meeting for the South Africa trip that I am going on and yesterday I was "rented" to do some work in order to raise money. The trip is approaching quickly and it is so exciting but it also makes me nervous. I'm not nervous about anything specifically but just the whole trip in general and what to expect. We have an awesome team and I can't wait for the things that God has in store! Lots of prayer will be happening between now and then.
My computer was broken for a little bit, a key wasn't working so I couldn't log on, but thank goodness for the warranty so I have a brand new keyboard and surrounding area! Yay!!
I need to read my Bible more, I keep thinking about it and not doing it! What the what is my problem!
Being sick this week made me so lazy and can I just say, I hate being sick! Yuck!
I really like burritos, I have had several in the past week.
It finally feels like summer, today was so hot and humid, almost 90 degrees! The last week was so yucky and rainy and cold so praise the Lord for this awesome weather!! Yeah!!
One day I am going to start a project and call it, "Project photo 365," taking a picture everyday for a whole year straight...trying to figure out a good day to start it?
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