Yesterday was one of the craziest days I have had in a very, very long time - and instead of stressing out about it, I am pleased to say we were able to laugh about our misfortunes and the fact that nearly everything went wrong all day.
I cannot even begin to describe the great number of little things that made this day go so terribly. I do know that by 1:30pm, when I saw and was greeted by some familiar friendly faces (Kellie and Jars guys), all I could respond with was, "I hate this day!!!" (or something like that) - and then laugh because I was in such disbelief that it had actually gone as it did. They offered supportive hugs and laughed with me, haha.
What went down, you ask? Here are some of the big things that made it rough:
I borrowed a car to run the many errands necessary for the event to function smoothly. As I pulled into the airport to pick up Kellie (first 'errand') - it died. Not to start again. Not being a mechanic, I would put all I know on it being the alternator (awesome!!!). The tow truck company said it would take an hour to get there; I'll let you imagine how excited airport personnel were about that. Then imagine how well it went over when I was there nearly 3 hours!!!
Poor Kellie had rented a car and got lost a couple times. I tried to get to the Blood:Water event from the train with an obscure address and no other directions, and ended up needing to walk through the projects to get there... so I had to take a cab. I was late. And "flustered." So I got drinks, etc ready for the guests and skipped the presentation. Did I mention that the first bag of popcorn I popped ended up on the floor? because it did. (I have to say here that I though I didn't see the presentation and there are certainly jokes to tell about it, I think it mostly went ok, and most of the guests probably did not know anything was wrong, which is good.)
Then Jeremy (Kellie's husband, also the drummer for Jars of Clay) left with the rest of the band before the movie started... and accidentally took the rental car keys with him. The runner took a couple of hours to bring us the keys, so we were late to the show (which we wanted to be on time to, as Jeremy designed the lights and Jars was playing first).
Our bad luck carried over to the guys... Jeremy cut open his knee on the "steel horse" metal risers when moving from one drum set to another during the set... and could hardly walk/finish the set. He even bled through his white pants (another story entirely). Then we tried to clean it up... and discovered the Jars tour bus does not have a first aid kit on it. AWESOME. (we did eventually find some band-aids elsewhere, for the record) In the interim, Jeremy is walking (limping) like a gangster and is in great need of an awesome cane.
Did I mention that throughout the day of mishaps and things going wrong (I'm not filling in all of the details and mishaps, but lets just say it seemed like NOTHING went right!!!!), we didn't have any opportunities to eat? So I had breakfast around 7am, and we FINALLY got dinner around 9:30pm. SWEET.
ahhhh - what a long day!!! Fortunately for me, it stopped there. I did have an interesting train ride home and a lovely chat with a man named Maurice... but that's a story for another day. It was a positive, lovely conversation. Not like Kellie and Jeremy's night... they returned to the venue only to discover the rental car could be parked no where on the premises overnight (not even next to the tour bus with the VIP pass in it) or it would be towed. So they got to return it in the middle of the night and take a cab back to the venue at 1am. LOVELY.
I'm glad its over, but laughing at it - it is seriously hilarious already. I guess above all, I'm glad I got to spend the day with Kellie (well, the 2nd half, anyway!), and I guess I had some new experiences that weren't all bad, too. Like discovering Rober Randolph is amazing (he played after Jars) and hearing a few of Switchfoot's songs live for the first time... and I'd never been on a tour bus (it isn't that special and it makes my bathroom seem like a master suite!).
I'm chalking this one up to more ridiculous memories that I can laugh at for some time to come.
Showing posts with label Blood:Water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blood:Water. Show all posts
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
A Night to Laugh about and Remember
Most hilarious (and inappropriate?) presentation EVER in Princeton, West Virginia today.
It was a long, hard day anyway. Then for the presentation Criselda got up to talk about Blood:Water and couldn't stop laughing. She said, "we are trying to build 1,000 water wells in 1,000 different communities..." and started giggling so much that David had to take over. We laughed a lot with and at her... but some of the folks that came to hear us didn't. oops! (haha... they weren't upset, either, for the record).
Then some stories I can't take the time to tell here (haha!) but I will say that Don and Mike introduced themselves as each other... and good stories can come from that as well, lol. Oh, how I love this team!
We spent the evening talking about personality types. Specifically, Don is really into the Enneagram. I haven't really ever looked at it... so I started reading through the types and saw myself in a couple. I took the free 2-minute "test" and it was interesting... but I think I'm too tired to think about where I actually fit into it. Don pegged me straight away as a certain type... and I can see why, but I'm not sure I 100% agree with him. And b/c he already told me, I'm not sure if I'm just being biased!?!?! Anyone who reads this and knows me well familiar with it? I'd be interested in hearing what you think. (either here or send an email!) I plan to read through them tomorrow when I'm better rested (if that will actually be tomorrow?) and see how it goes. Things like this are so interesting... and yet it puts people in boxes sometimes too, so its hard to fully appreciate them. But who knows... I do love the Myers Briggs test!!!
1 week to DC. Crazy.
oh, and by the way... we're staying at First United Methodist Church of Princeton, West Virginia tonight. Awesome, generous, hospitable folks. LOVE them!
In UMC news, we have elected a new Bishop, Rev. Dr. Julius C. Trimble of East Ohio, at our North Central Jurisdictional Conference. He will be annointed on Sunday. Keeping that conference in thoughts and prayers, and wishing I could be there! (but I wouldn't miss this for anything!!!)
It was a long, hard day anyway. Then for the presentation Criselda got up to talk about Blood:Water and couldn't stop laughing. She said, "we are trying to build 1,000 water wells in 1,000 different communities..." and started giggling so much that David had to take over. We laughed a lot with and at her... but some of the folks that came to hear us didn't. oops! (haha... they weren't upset, either, for the record).
Then some stories I can't take the time to tell here (haha!) but I will say that Don and Mike introduced themselves as each other... and good stories can come from that as well, lol. Oh, how I love this team!
We spent the evening talking about personality types. Specifically, Don is really into the Enneagram. I haven't really ever looked at it... so I started reading through the types and saw myself in a couple. I took the free 2-minute "test" and it was interesting... but I think I'm too tired to think about where I actually fit into it. Don pegged me straight away as a certain type... and I can see why, but I'm not sure I 100% agree with him. And b/c he already told me, I'm not sure if I'm just being biased!?!?! Anyone who reads this and knows me well familiar with it? I'd be interested in hearing what you think. (either here or send an email!) I plan to read through them tomorrow when I'm better rested (if that will actually be tomorrow?) and see how it goes. Things like this are so interesting... and yet it puts people in boxes sometimes too, so its hard to fully appreciate them. But who knows... I do love the Myers Briggs test!!!
1 week to DC. Crazy.
oh, and by the way... we're staying at First United Methodist Church of Princeton, West Virginia tonight. Awesome, generous, hospitable folks. LOVE them!
In UMC news, we have elected a new Bishop, Rev. Dr. Julius C. Trimble of East Ohio, at our North Central Jurisdictional Conference. He will be annointed on Sunday. Keeping that conference in thoughts and prayers, and wishing I could be there! (but I wouldn't miss this for anything!!!)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Quick, Brief, Over-due Update
It has been far too long since I've updated, and for that I apologize to any looking forward to thoughts from the road. I've had only minimal opportunities to get online, and am often so busy with life on the road that I find minimal time to catch up by taking time to write!
Today is no exception... I think we have most of the evening free, but I have some miscellaneous tasks I must get done, and it is my goal to ACTUALLY get some good rest tonight. I haven't done that in quite some time.
Since I last wrote, we exited Texas, and entered into Louisiana, where we stayed for only one night but had the chance to go and meet Matthew's dad in the hospital. We also got to eat dinner as a whole team with Matthew again, which was great. To top it off, my good friend Katie McKay was able to join us... and it was GREAT to see her!!! So refreshing...
We had a brief run in Arkansas, during which time Matthew joined up with the team to ride for the week (until we reach Nashville). Turns out after his dad met us and saw how wonderful the team is, he kicked him out and told him to join us ;). We are glad he did.
Upon leaving Arkansas, we had a day ride through Mississippi and landed in Tennessee. In Memphis we had a great place to stay - Habitat for Hope. Initially we were going to camp on their property, but it turned out they had no one staying that night, so we were blessed to be welcomed inside, free from mosquitoes and dreadful humidity.
Yesterday we were in Jackson, where we stayed in a place far more "LARGE" and eloquent than any place I imagined I'd find myself in!!! Our hostess could not have been more wonderful, though... and I had a GREAT conversation with another hostess, Leighann, that blessed me so much! I loved chatting with her, and this brief stay absolutely made me wish we could stay in some of these places longer!!! Check out the ride:well site for pictures of this palace... it was gorgeous and I'm sure others got pictures.
Jackson did bring with it some terrible circumstances that have been resolved to be okay by now. As the house was out in the country and kind of hard to find, one of the bikers put her bike (less one wheel) out by the front gate so others would see it and turn in. It worked! Don said he almost missed it, but because of the bike, didn't. When the last riders arrived, we went to get the bike... and it had been stolen. It was kind of like a bad dream and incredibly surreal... Our hosts could not have been more understanding, compassionate, and wonderful, and were on the phone with others in the community within minutes. By the end of the night, a bike shop had offered a great deal (half price!), someone had offered to donate the money, and she had the exact same bike (except colors) with all new equipment - including a pump and computer. AMAZING. God is so good... I'm not sure how that all happened, really.
We rode into Dickson today. Its a short ride tomorrow to Nashville, where we will spend the weekend with Blood:Water folks. There's even a city ride! Then Sunday night there's a concert (Matthew Perryman Jones, Sixpence None the Richer) to benefit Blood:Water. I'm really excited for it. I'm also really excited to have some down time. I think there are dinners with the team and Blood:Water folks, but that is SO different from a presentation or something... the Blood:Water folks are becoming increasingly like friends more than anything. So it will be good to see them. We have the ride Saturday morning, then are free until the show Sunday. AWESOME.
A bug has also been planted... and there is an extra bike... and someone offered to fit me for it tonight... so if we can work it out, I might ride a bit tomorrow. The team is, by now, a bunch of beasts!!! So I KNOW I'll have a hard time keeping up... and I'm not entirely convinced I can whip out 46 miles on my first ride on a road bike EVER (after doing minimal exercise over the past 6 weeks), but I'm excited to see how it goes. I am, after all, up for trying anything once. And who knows... I might surprise myself, haha
Today is no exception... I think we have most of the evening free, but I have some miscellaneous tasks I must get done, and it is my goal to ACTUALLY get some good rest tonight. I haven't done that in quite some time.
Since I last wrote, we exited Texas, and entered into Louisiana, where we stayed for only one night but had the chance to go and meet Matthew's dad in the hospital. We also got to eat dinner as a whole team with Matthew again, which was great. To top it off, my good friend Katie McKay was able to join us... and it was GREAT to see her!!! So refreshing...
We had a brief run in Arkansas, during which time Matthew joined up with the team to ride for the week (until we reach Nashville). Turns out after his dad met us and saw how wonderful the team is, he kicked him out and told him to join us ;). We are glad he did.
Upon leaving Arkansas, we had a day ride through Mississippi and landed in Tennessee. In Memphis we had a great place to stay - Habitat for Hope. Initially we were going to camp on their property, but it turned out they had no one staying that night, so we were blessed to be welcomed inside, free from mosquitoes and dreadful humidity.
Yesterday we were in Jackson, where we stayed in a place far more "LARGE" and eloquent than any place I imagined I'd find myself in!!! Our hostess could not have been more wonderful, though... and I had a GREAT conversation with another hostess, Leighann, that blessed me so much! I loved chatting with her, and this brief stay absolutely made me wish we could stay in some of these places longer!!! Check out the ride:well site for pictures of this palace... it was gorgeous and I'm sure others got pictures.
Jackson did bring with it some terrible circumstances that have been resolved to be okay by now. As the house was out in the country and kind of hard to find, one of the bikers put her bike (less one wheel) out by the front gate so others would see it and turn in. It worked! Don said he almost missed it, but because of the bike, didn't. When the last riders arrived, we went to get the bike... and it had been stolen. It was kind of like a bad dream and incredibly surreal... Our hosts could not have been more understanding, compassionate, and wonderful, and were on the phone with others in the community within minutes. By the end of the night, a bike shop had offered a great deal (half price!), someone had offered to donate the money, and she had the exact same bike (except colors) with all new equipment - including a pump and computer. AMAZING. God is so good... I'm not sure how that all happened, really.
We rode into Dickson today. Its a short ride tomorrow to Nashville, where we will spend the weekend with Blood:Water folks. There's even a city ride! Then Sunday night there's a concert (Matthew Perryman Jones, Sixpence None the Richer) to benefit Blood:Water. I'm really excited for it. I'm also really excited to have some down time. I think there are dinners with the team and Blood:Water folks, but that is SO different from a presentation or something... the Blood:Water folks are becoming increasingly like friends more than anything. So it will be good to see them. We have the ride Saturday morning, then are free until the show Sunday. AWESOME.
A bug has also been planted... and there is an extra bike... and someone offered to fit me for it tonight... so if we can work it out, I might ride a bit tomorrow. The team is, by now, a bunch of beasts!!! So I KNOW I'll have a hard time keeping up... and I'm not entirely convinced I can whip out 46 miles on my first ride on a road bike EVER (after doing minimal exercise over the past 6 weeks), but I'm excited to see how it goes. I am, after all, up for trying anything once. And who knows... I might surprise myself, haha
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
An Amazing Weekend on Tour
The past few days have been the most amazing days of the trip for a number of reasons.
First, it was great to see Aaron and the Blood:Water folks. We were treated like royalty in Red Oak (I actually stayed in Cedar Hill) by the folks of Oaks Fellowship. I am not exaggerating. They were absolutely amazing. We were blessed beyond ways we could even have imagined or anticipated, and it was like heaven to have a sabbath day and the opportunity to rest in Paul's home with friends that have become family. It was sad to leave there... and we definitely still wish Paul and Candice could have joined us...
As if Dallas wasn't already too much, Tyler was astounding as well. We had riders join us for the day, a HUGE event including a Sara Groves concert, and raised $86,000 (and counting)! It was awesome to meet Sara and her husband Troy afterwards... I've been a fan of her music for some time, and it was a strange turn of events for her to come to where we were staying after the show because she wanted to meet us. I was later forwarded an email from Troy that concluded with, "Everyones gifts coming together for a greater purpose. The most satisfying night in our 10 year career." Absolutely incredible.
I look forward to the journeys ahead with great anticipation...
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Ride:Well Tour
Family, Friends, and Readers of this Blog:
I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a member of the support staff on a bicycle trip from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. The goal of this cross-country trip is to raise funds and awareness for Blood:Water Mission and the 1,000 Wells Project, an initiative designed to bring wells, sanitation projects, and health clinics to underdeveloped communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. I will be joining beneficiaries of this program and stopping in towns to enlist churches, businesses and individuals in active support of this project.
The Ride:Well Tour is scheduled for June 6-July 28. More information about this ride and Blood:Water Mission may be found online at www.ridewelltour.org. There you will also be able to see my profile page and read my trip journal during my tour.
In an effort to keep all donations raised throughout the summer going directly into grassroots projects on the ground in Africa, each member of the team is required to raise enough money to pay for their place on the team. This means I need to raise US$3,000, which includes $1,985 that will go directly to Venture Expeditions (the company running the tour), pus plus an additional US$1000 for other costs such as airfare and my cell phone while we're on the road.
I will meet my fundraising goal if 30 of my friends and/or family donate $100.00 each.
All donations to Venture Expeditions (the company running the tour) are tax-deductible. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation for this trip, please make your check payable to Venture Expeditions and mail it to:
Venture Expeditions
350 W. Burnsville Parkway,
Suite #200
Burnsville, MN 55337
If you would like to help me offset my other costs for the trip, I have set up an easy way for you to donate online through Paypal. Simply click on the button on the right of this page, and all donations will be wired to a special account I have set up for the Ride:Well Tour. Please know that any funds raised in the manner that go over and above expenses I have will be donated back to Blood:Water Mission and the 1000 Wells Project.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, or leave a comment here and I will gladly contact you.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Summer 2008
Well, friends, a decision has finally been made!
This summer, I will be joining the Ride:Well Bike Tour as a member of the support staff for the cross-country (LA to DC) bike trip. The goal of the trip? To raise money and awareness for Blood:Water Mission. My role in this is not yet clear, though it may include a number of things from driving the support vehicle to running errands and picking up groceries, to things that fit in line with my gifts... like helping to lead daily devotions and the like. More than anything, this is going to be an adventure of the unknown for me... and if you know me at all... you know that's a good thing!
This will be a fun, wonderful, rigorous trip to be sure. If nothing else, it will be an adjustment to move into camping daily and getting up with the sun! The map of where/when we'll be traveling is available online here. If you are in/around any of the places we're going through, I would LOVE to see you!
One thing I have to do (in a VERY short amount of time!) to be able to go on this trip is raise quite a bit of money. As the goal of this trip is to raise support for Blood:Water, all bikers and volunteers must raise their own support to go on the trip. Inclusive of flights to LA/from DC, all transportation, lodging and food during the trip, my cell phone on the road and related expenses, I am seeking to raise my estimated need of $3000. That is a LOT of money in a LITTLE bit of time, but I really believe this is where I'm called to be for the summer, so I also believe it is possible. I am hoping for a couple of big sponsors, and a couple of smaller ones. Don't let the big number scare you... its as simple as 30 people donating $100!
PLEASE let me know if you or some one/agency you know would be interested in donating. Because the money is going through an agency, all donations can be tax-deductible! I will have more information soon, hopefully including a place to donate online. Until then, please check out the Ride:Well website (or feel free to contact me!) for more information... and watch for updates on my profile!
This summer, I will be joining the Ride:Well Bike Tour as a member of the support staff for the cross-country (LA to DC) bike trip. The goal of the trip? To raise money and awareness for Blood:Water Mission. My role in this is not yet clear, though it may include a number of things from driving the support vehicle to running errands and picking up groceries, to things that fit in line with my gifts... like helping to lead daily devotions and the like. More than anything, this is going to be an adventure of the unknown for me... and if you know me at all... you know that's a good thing!
This will be a fun, wonderful, rigorous trip to be sure. If nothing else, it will be an adjustment to move into camping daily and getting up with the sun! The map of where/when we'll be traveling is available online here. If you are in/around any of the places we're going through, I would LOVE to see you!
One thing I have to do (in a VERY short amount of time!) to be able to go on this trip is raise quite a bit of money. As the goal of this trip is to raise support for Blood:Water, all bikers and volunteers must raise their own support to go on the trip. Inclusive of flights to LA/from DC, all transportation, lodging and food during the trip, my cell phone on the road and related expenses, I am seeking to raise my estimated need of $3000. That is a LOT of money in a LITTLE bit of time, but I really believe this is where I'm called to be for the summer, so I also believe it is possible. I am hoping for a couple of big sponsors, and a couple of smaller ones. Don't let the big number scare you... its as simple as 30 people donating $100!
PLEASE let me know if you or some one/agency you know would be interested in donating. Because the money is going through an agency, all donations can be tax-deductible! I will have more information soon, hopefully including a place to donate online. Until then, please check out the Ride:Well website (or feel free to contact me!) for more information... and watch for updates on my profile!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Sons of Lwala
Tonight in Nashville is the Premier of a new documentary Blood:Water has sponsored titled "Sons of Lwala."
I have been anxiously awaiting this release for some time, as it has been in the making for a couple of years. I have heard Milton and Fred speak, I have watched this trailor (and others) a few times... it is going to be a GREAT film... and I hope you all will see it! I'll be sure to keep you posted when it comes out on DVD. Until then, keep an eye on local film festivals as they do hope to have it on tour this summer!
A little more on the film...
Check out the official website (that is www.sonsoflwala.com) for more information. Or, shoot me an email. :)
I have been anxiously awaiting this release for some time, as it has been in the making for a couple of years. I have heard Milton and Fred speak, I have watched this trailor (and others) a few times... it is going to be a GREAT film... and I hope you all will see it! I'll be sure to keep you posted when it comes out on DVD. Until then, keep an eye on local film festivals as they do hope to have it on tour this summer!
A little more on the film...
Milton and Fred Ochieng’ are two brothers from Kenya whose village sent them to America to become doctors. But after losing both parents to AIDS they are left with a heartbreaking task: to return home and finish the health clinic their father started before getting sick. Unable to raise enough money on their own, the brothers are joined by students, politicians, and a rock band who launch a fund raising
Check out the official website (that is www.sonsoflwala.com) for more information. Or, shoot me an email. :)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
World Water Day
Today is Holy Saturday. A day of waiting as Jesus rests in His tomb... and with anticipation of the Resurrection that we know is to come, we take time today to instead focus on what has been lost, focusing on on the Passion and death of Christ.
In this day of mourning and reflection, it somehow seems all too appropriate to me that today is also World Water Day. It is appropriate because this weekend more than any other of the year, Christians are remembering the Living Water that was offered to us as Christ came and lived among us. Just as this water of life sustains us, so too do we need physical water of the earth for our lives to be sustained.
World Water Day is an international day of observance- and a call to action- so that we can draw attention to the 1 billion people in the world who do not have access to clean [safe] drinking water. Our brothers and sisters around the globe have many needs, and it can be daunting. But for me, it is hard to have hope- to see light away from the darkness- without first seeing hope in the possibility of fulfilling the most basic, essential needs for all people. Clean water is as basic and essential as it seems to get... and so I have chosen to start there.
For only US$1, a person in sub-Saharan Africa can be given clean water for an entire year. $1! So for the past 4 years, I have been working with organizations like Blood:Water Mission to raise money and awareness for this urgent need. Whether you can donate your time, money (you can donate to B:W here!), a voice to raise awareness or even just taking the next few steps to become more educated yourself, I hope you will make time to do so. And of course as you do, feel free to contact me, as I would love to answer any questions you may have!
Closing today with a piece of hope, courtesy of Dan Haseltine, founder of Blood:Water Mission, "a huge body of water has kept us apart from Africa, but water is also the very thing that can connect us."
In this day of mourning and reflection, it somehow seems all too appropriate to me that today is also World Water Day. It is appropriate because this weekend more than any other of the year, Christians are remembering the Living Water that was offered to us as Christ came and lived among us. Just as this water of life sustains us, so too do we need physical water of the earth for our lives to be sustained.World Water Day is an international day of observance- and a call to action- so that we can draw attention to the 1 billion people in the world who do not have access to clean [safe] drinking water. Our brothers and sisters around the globe have many needs, and it can be daunting. But for me, it is hard to have hope- to see light away from the darkness- without first seeing hope in the possibility of fulfilling the most basic, essential needs for all people. Clean water is as basic and essential as it seems to get... and so I have chosen to start there.
For only US$1, a person in sub-Saharan Africa can be given clean water for an entire year. $1! So for the past 4 years, I have been working with organizations like Blood:Water Mission to raise money and awareness for this urgent need. Whether you can donate your time, money (you can donate to B:W here!), a voice to raise awareness or even just taking the next few steps to become more educated yourself, I hope you will make time to do so. And of course as you do, feel free to contact me, as I would love to answer any questions you may have!
Closing today with a piece of hope, courtesy of Dan Haseltine, founder of Blood:Water Mission, "a huge body of water has kept us apart from Africa, but water is also the very thing that can connect us."
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Baby Steps: Summer 2008
I interviewed with those running the Ride:Well Bike Tour with Blood:Water Mission today. It went really well, feeling like more of an (almost casual) conversation than an interview. They're pretty much 100% excited for me to take the opportunity to go with them for the summer. Before any decisions are made on my side, though, I am waiting for answers to some of my questions. I hope it works out well, as it really does sound like a phenomenal opportunity, and will certainly be a great experience. Some of the questions I was uneasy about with the trip in general, we were able to talk about in vague terms, and I feel a lot better about them.
I am still waiting to hear from GBGM with any news on this summer's Global Justice Volunteers Program.
If offered both positions, I am not yet sure which I will choose. There are a LOT of variables still out there, though. BOTH are great options, and I will NOT be disappointed either way. I'm getting anxious to make a decision, though... as if I need to fundraise (likely!), I need to get going soon. I'll be sure to keep you updated as I pray and discern about which path I will be going down this summer. Then, of course, I'll also be seeking donations in order for it to take place... I'll let you know where they can be sent. ;)
I am still waiting to hear from GBGM with any news on this summer's Global Justice Volunteers Program.
If offered both positions, I am not yet sure which I will choose. There are a LOT of variables still out there, though. BOTH are great options, and I will NOT be disappointed either way. I'm getting anxious to make a decision, though... as if I need to fundraise (likely!), I need to get going soon. I'll be sure to keep you updated as I pray and discern about which path I will be going down this summer. Then, of course, I'll also be seeking donations in order for it to take place... I'll let you know where they can be sent. ;)
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Discerning for Summer 2008
I am trying to discern what my summer plans will be. I feel like I have talked about this a lot lately, but in looking over recent entries, it seems I haven't mentioned it much here, if at all.
I've been in contact with some folks, tried to get in contact with others. I believe I am narrowed down to 3 possibilities, one of which is staying in Chicago for the summer (then would come a whole new set of decisions to make!).
I mentioned over a month ago that I was applying to Global Justice Volunteers. Applications were due for that a month ago, and while I am yet to hear from them (and not surprised in accordance with how it worked last year when I applied), I am anxious to speak with them about where they're sending folks- the website merely says "Africa" - and I cannot help but be intrigued by this and wonder what kind of opportunities could present themselves to me through this. Unfortunately, the person who runs the program is out of the office for another week, which means it will be at least two until I hear from her.
My third option can be viewed here. In short, I would not be doing any riding myself, but would be serving as a support driver for the bikers. 7 week road trip with the Blood:Water team across the country to raise awareness and funds! This would be great for a number of reasons, and would be a challenge for just as many. I don't know many details for this except that it would require some fundraising (though not an unreasonable amount) and that they are indeed still at least hoping I'll "apply" for the spot as a driver. I got an email from them today, and they seem really well organized, so I think I'm gong to take a leap of faith and pay the "application fee" to apply. Who knows what will happen... if nothing else, that money is for a good cause, right?
Praying as I discern what may unfold for me in the next few months. Whatever lies ahead, I am certain it will be challenging and full of opportunity, one of my greatest and most challenging opportunities yet. That says a lot, I know... but I have a funny feeling about this and am almost afraid of what is to come. So no haste decisions... but I do hope you'll pray with me. I'll do my best to keep you updated.
I've been in contact with some folks, tried to get in contact with others. I believe I am narrowed down to 3 possibilities, one of which is staying in Chicago for the summer (then would come a whole new set of decisions to make!).
I mentioned over a month ago that I was applying to Global Justice Volunteers. Applications were due for that a month ago, and while I am yet to hear from them (and not surprised in accordance with how it worked last year when I applied), I am anxious to speak with them about where they're sending folks- the website merely says "Africa" - and I cannot help but be intrigued by this and wonder what kind of opportunities could present themselves to me through this. Unfortunately, the person who runs the program is out of the office for another week, which means it will be at least two until I hear from her.
My third option can be viewed here. In short, I would not be doing any riding myself, but would be serving as a support driver for the bikers. 7 week road trip with the Blood:Water team across the country to raise awareness and funds! This would be great for a number of reasons, and would be a challenge for just as many. I don't know many details for this except that it would require some fundraising (though not an unreasonable amount) and that they are indeed still at least hoping I'll "apply" for the spot as a driver. I got an email from them today, and they seem really well organized, so I think I'm gong to take a leap of faith and pay the "application fee" to apply. Who knows what will happen... if nothing else, that money is for a good cause, right?
Praying as I discern what may unfold for me in the next few months. Whatever lies ahead, I am certain it will be challenging and full of opportunity, one of my greatest and most challenging opportunities yet. That says a lot, I know... but I have a funny feeling about this and am almost afraid of what is to come. So no haste decisions... but I do hope you'll pray with me. I'll do my best to keep you updated.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Belated Picture from Nashville
This is a bit overdue, but Lynn sent me pics a couple of days ago from the Blood:Water banquet I went to in Nashville last week. My camera decided to stop working that night, so I don't have any pictures of my own from it. But with teamwork after his battery died, Levi was kind enough to insert my extra battery into his camera just long enough to take a picture of us... then actually followed through with emailing it! Good job! :)
So... here we are. I think its a pretty good picture of each of us, actually. (Which is saying a lot... it seems I've been REALLY picky about pics of me since I started losing weight! Backwards, I know...)
So... here we are. I think its a pretty good picture of each of us, actually. (Which is saying a lot... it seems I've been REALLY picky about pics of me since I started losing weight! Backwards, I know...)
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Blood:Water Banquet
A good day.
I would love to write more, but as you can see, its late. The Blood:Water banquet was tonight, and it was a nice event with a great mix of music and story-telling and meeting lots of folks. Hannah seems fantastic, I wish I could have spoken with and gotten to know her a bit better! I suppose that's actually true for a lot of people... I saw and met and talked to a ton of folks, but little more than small talk. It was nice to be properly introduced to some familiar folks at an event like this one... that is, outside of the usual occasion of a concert or something at which I am attending to be the volunteer.
Lots of notable folks were in the crowd tonight... Jars of Clay played, of course (Light Gives Heat and a new song, from the documentary they did the soundtrack for). We had lovely "digestion music" over dinner to start off our night. (insert joke with Jeremy Lutito of Disappointed by Candy that you won't understand here, lol). Donald Miller was our MC, they interviewed 3 great volunteers, including David Van Buskirk, who I met on the road working for B:W last year. He's gearing up for a summer fundraising project for Blood:Water- a bike tour across the country! We talked a bit about their potential need for another person to drive a support vehicle... maybe I could do that for 2 months? How AWESOME would that be? We'll see what happens with GBGM...
Other things to note from the night: There was an extensive, powerful interview/storytelling of Fred and Milton Ochieng- the two young men from Lwala, Kenya about whom the "Hope for Lwala" documentary has been made. Its big premier is coming up in March, so after that I'll be sure to let everyone know where to find it... you NEED to hear this story and the great work they're doing!
As promised, Hanson was also there. They talked about their time in Africa and the importance of Tom's Shoes. They also played 2 songs for us... but (much to Lynn's disappointment, haha) they didn't play "mmmbop." I do have to admit- I was impressed.
I think thats it for tonight. Its really late- and I need to be rested tomorrow so I can finish up my sermon! I'm a bit sad to go... I hear wonderful things- including a baptism! - are happening at Lynn's church Sunday, and I would love to check it out! But alas, I love my church too... and I kinda have to preach... so its probably good I'll be there ;).
I would love to write more, but as you can see, its late. The Blood:Water banquet was tonight, and it was a nice event with a great mix of music and story-telling and meeting lots of folks. Hannah seems fantastic, I wish I could have spoken with and gotten to know her a bit better! I suppose that's actually true for a lot of people... I saw and met and talked to a ton of folks, but little more than small talk. It was nice to be properly introduced to some familiar folks at an event like this one... that is, outside of the usual occasion of a concert or something at which I am attending to be the volunteer.
Lots of notable folks were in the crowd tonight... Jars of Clay played, of course (Light Gives Heat and a new song, from the documentary they did the soundtrack for). We had lovely "digestion music" over dinner to start off our night. (insert joke with Jeremy Lutito of Disappointed by Candy that you won't understand here, lol). Donald Miller was our MC, they interviewed 3 great volunteers, including David Van Buskirk, who I met on the road working for B:W last year. He's gearing up for a summer fundraising project for Blood:Water- a bike tour across the country! We talked a bit about their potential need for another person to drive a support vehicle... maybe I could do that for 2 months? How AWESOME would that be? We'll see what happens with GBGM...
Other things to note from the night: There was an extensive, powerful interview/storytelling of Fred and Milton Ochieng- the two young men from Lwala, Kenya about whom the "Hope for Lwala" documentary has been made. Its big premier is coming up in March, so after that I'll be sure to let everyone know where to find it... you NEED to hear this story and the great work they're doing!
As promised, Hanson was also there. They talked about their time in Africa and the importance of Tom's Shoes. They also played 2 songs for us... but (much to Lynn's disappointment, haha) they didn't play "mmmbop." I do have to admit- I was impressed.
I think thats it for tonight. Its really late- and I need to be rested tomorrow so I can finish up my sermon! I'm a bit sad to go... I hear wonderful things- including a baptism! - are happening at Lynn's church Sunday, and I would love to check it out! But alas, I love my church too... and I kinda have to preach... so its probably good I'll be there ;).
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Winter.
I love winter. Really, I do.
I love the cold, crisp air that hits you as you walk outside. Freezing winter weather is the only time of year you can get that kind of fresh air even in the midst of a city with millions of people and too much pollution. Its beautiful and refreshing.
I love the beautiful white wintery snow that surrounds us... I love walking in it as it falls even more. Its a beautiful mystery of nature, a blessing God has given us to appreciate, marvel in, play in, take time to reflect and be peaceful in. It is glorious.
I could go on, but I think you get the point (since those are the two things people usually hate most about winter!). This year has actually felt like winter with lots of cold temperatures and snow, which is quite different from last year, in which this weather only lasted a couple of weeks.
As much as I love winter, I also sympathize with those who hate it... it definitely does seem to go on forever at times. That, and it does prohibit life from moving on- whether because the roads are too bad to be driving on or because it is too cold for anyone to safely be outside. This was the case this morning when a car wouldn't start so we did not go to the gym... it is only 3/4 of a mile, but that is a LONG walk when it is several degrees below zero (Fahrenheit) (this morning, I think it was -12 with the wind). Putting life at a standstill for more than a day or two at a time can be frustrating, to say the least.
That is why I am glad to be escaping to a different kind of winter. I'll be heading to Nashville tomorrow for a couple of days (I'll be back Saturday!) to attend an event for Blood:Water. I'm REALLY looking forward to it... and while there, I am also looking forward to the "break" in weather- where it will still be cold and rainy (maybe even some snow), but for the most part should be above freezing. Even if above freezing is only by one or two degrees... its a nearly 40 degree difference from here! I can't wait. :)
Now... back to reading... and writing my sermon for Sunday. I was hoping to finish these things before I leave in the morning, but for some reason God seems to think I should write a more intense message this week, and I'm not quite sure what to do with it. So it might take me a bit longer to figure out than originally anticipated. But hopefully it will be good for all- for me in the learning/writing process, and for the congregation that will hear the message this week.
I hope you are staying warm in this frigid weather! For those of you in warmer climates, in the midst of your summers, enjoy some extra sun rays for us! We could use them!
I love the cold, crisp air that hits you as you walk outside. Freezing winter weather is the only time of year you can get that kind of fresh air even in the midst of a city with millions of people and too much pollution. Its beautiful and refreshing.
I love the beautiful white wintery snow that surrounds us... I love walking in it as it falls even more. Its a beautiful mystery of nature, a blessing God has given us to appreciate, marvel in, play in, take time to reflect and be peaceful in. It is glorious.
I could go on, but I think you get the point (since those are the two things people usually hate most about winter!). This year has actually felt like winter with lots of cold temperatures and snow, which is quite different from last year, in which this weather only lasted a couple of weeks.
As much as I love winter, I also sympathize with those who hate it... it definitely does seem to go on forever at times. That, and it does prohibit life from moving on- whether because the roads are too bad to be driving on or because it is too cold for anyone to safely be outside. This was the case this morning when a car wouldn't start so we did not go to the gym... it is only 3/4 of a mile, but that is a LONG walk when it is several degrees below zero (Fahrenheit) (this morning, I think it was -12 with the wind). Putting life at a standstill for more than a day or two at a time can be frustrating, to say the least.
That is why I am glad to be escaping to a different kind of winter. I'll be heading to Nashville tomorrow for a couple of days (I'll be back Saturday!) to attend an event for Blood:Water. I'm REALLY looking forward to it... and while there, I am also looking forward to the "break" in weather- where it will still be cold and rainy (maybe even some snow), but for the most part should be above freezing. Even if above freezing is only by one or two degrees... its a nearly 40 degree difference from here! I can't wait. :)
Now... back to reading... and writing my sermon for Sunday. I was hoping to finish these things before I leave in the morning, but for some reason God seems to think I should write a more intense message this week, and I'm not quite sure what to do with it. So it might take me a bit longer to figure out than originally anticipated. But hopefully it will be good for all- for me in the learning/writing process, and for the congregation that will hear the message this week.
I hope you are staying warm in this frigid weather! For those of you in warmer climates, in the midst of your summers, enjoy some extra sun rays for us! We could use them!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Blood:Water Wins $10K!
THANK YOU!!!!!!
I just wanted to give an update on my previous shameless plea for all MySpace users to go vote for Blood:Water Mission for MySpace’s December Impact Award. Thanks to your votes, they WON!
Blood:Water is now going to be featured through MySpace, will hopefully receive lots of press… and of course- they are being granted $10,000!!! This money will be funneled directly to the ground efforts of building clean water wells in Sub-Saharan Africa!!
For more information, see the MySpace Impact Awards page or go to www.bloodwatermission.com
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Vote for Blood:Water Mission to win $10,000!
MySpace is helping to do something useful!!
MySpace has something called "Impact Awards" - and each month they honor one MySpace member with an award for making a positive impact on our culture.
This month, the category is International Development, and Blood:Water Mission is up for the award! You can VOTE EVERY DAY for whichever of the three organizations you believe should be recognized. GO VOTE FOR B:W right now!!
The winner receives a $10,000 donation, media throughout the MySpace.com website, featured placement on the Impact Awards community page for one month from the date of the announcement of the winner, featured placement in the MySpace monthly newsletter (which goes out to all active MySpace users) and a bulletin announcing the Impact Awards winner to the community. This would be huge for B:WM!
Voting runs through Christmas... so if you're a MySpace user, log in and vote! It only takes about 20 seconds... so don't forget to do it every day!
One last time in case you missed it... the link to go vote is http://www.myspace.com/impactawards
Thanks!
MySpace has something called "Impact Awards" - and each month they honor one MySpace member with an award for making a positive impact on our culture.
This month, the category is International Development, and Blood:Water Mission is up for the award! You can VOTE EVERY DAY for whichever of the three organizations you believe should be recognized. GO VOTE FOR B:W right now!!
The winner receives a $10,000 donation, media throughout the MySpace.com website, featured placement on the Impact Awards community page for one month from the date of the announcement of the winner, featured placement in the MySpace monthly newsletter (which goes out to all active MySpace users) and a bulletin announcing the Impact Awards winner to the community. This would be huge for B:WM!
Voting runs through Christmas... so if you're a MySpace user, log in and vote! It only takes about 20 seconds... so don't forget to do it every day!
One last time in case you missed it... the link to go vote is http://www.myspace.com/impactawards
Thanks!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Long-awaited return to Blood:Water
As you may know, I have been volunteering for a wonderful organization, Blood:Water Mission, for several years. I initially discovered the organization because it was founded by a band I love and respect, both musically and otherwise. Upon further investigation, it took little time for me to discover that this is quite possibly one of the best organizations for me to work with/for. They are working at a grassroots level to coordinate the most basic essential of life for people of sub-Saharan Africa: clean water (see video below). Long story short, I fell in love with B:WM and in no time became a regular volunteer for them. This includes volunteering at events such as concerts, speaking engagements (such as high schools, etc) and taking part in a "sacrifice" of drinking only water during the Lent season to raise awareness and funds to build water wells. Indeed, it has been a time of growth and encouragement for me.
As chaotic as life has been, I have not been able to do much with B:WM this semester. And I miss it. In a successful attempt to reconnect with them, I discovered there is a need for more volunteers at all 3 of the Jars of Clay/Third Day concerts in the area this week. I have class one of those nights. One of those shows is 3 hours away... I've driven further to volunteer (its WORTH it!), but its pretty short notice AND finals season. So... next Sunday night. Anyone interested? (I can pass on details to anyone sincerely interested!)
This is a cause I have spent years fighting with/for. I LOVE it. It fulfills me. It helps me to see light and hope in God's great Kingdom. I can think of no better way to start off the Christian new year than to spend it working for a global cause that I believe in so strongly.
Here's to hope. Here's to a beautiful, life-giving 2008 as we kick off the Advent season. And HERE is to finding more time for the important events and causes in our lives. Being passionate about something gives us new life. Just ask my close friends, who have seen new life in me in the past 2 days as I realize possibilities of getting involved again. This may be a busy time of year, but God is good. and God will provide the time, energy, and way for God's people who serve in God's name.
There is no better way I would want to begin my new year. Happy Advent.
As chaotic as life has been, I have not been able to do much with B:WM this semester. And I miss it. In a successful attempt to reconnect with them, I discovered there is a need for more volunteers at all 3 of the Jars of Clay/Third Day concerts in the area this week. I have class one of those nights. One of those shows is 3 hours away... I've driven further to volunteer (its WORTH it!), but its pretty short notice AND finals season. So... next Sunday night. Anyone interested? (I can pass on details to anyone sincerely interested!)
This is a cause I have spent years fighting with/for. I LOVE it. It fulfills me. It helps me to see light and hope in God's great Kingdom. I can think of no better way to start off the Christian new year than to spend it working for a global cause that I believe in so strongly.
Here's to hope. Here's to a beautiful, life-giving 2008 as we kick off the Advent season. And HERE is to finding more time for the important events and causes in our lives. Being passionate about something gives us new life. Just ask my close friends, who have seen new life in me in the past 2 days as I realize possibilities of getting involved again. This may be a busy time of year, but God is good. and God will provide the time, energy, and way for God's people who serve in God's name.
There is no better way I would want to begin my new year. Happy Advent.
Blood:Water Video
This is an old video. But since I'm likely going to talk about Blood:Water in many posts in the future, I thought it might be helpful to also offer some background as to why this cause is so important. I hope this is helpful.
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