We may not get days off at Thanksgiving, but we do everything we can to make sure we get to eat turkey! On Sunday, L and I cooked a full Thanksgiving meal for 13 of our American, Northern Irish and German friends. It's a lot of work to cook that much food!! But we were very lucky to have an industrial kitchen with FOUR ovens, which meant everything could still come out hot and at the same time. It was good eating, good company and good laughs. Link to photos is at the left.
This city is so beautiful at Christmas. City centre is decked out in lights, the Christmas Market has taken up residence on the front lawn of city hall, and Black Mountain has even seen a few dustings of snow. I went to a charity event at my favorite coffee shop last week (raising money for World AIDS Day) and alongside several super bands, they sang Christmas carols and served mulled wine and mince pies. Yea, I love this time of year. It's a miracle in itself that year in and year out hearts soften and people get a little nicer for one month of the year.
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
confessions
I've just started catching up on the speeches, forums, and media appearances of McCain and Obama. I would never in a million years consider myself politically minded, rather, I'm really, really trying to raise above my innate apathy toward politics. Living internationally during the most- hyped American presidential election of my lifetime has made me feel like I need to know my stuff. My European friends know more about it, and have stronger opinions, than I have. And, I've actually sometimes wondered... America has SUCH an influence around the world, maybe the international community should have some sort of wee small percentage vote. Hum. That's probably not a patriotic thing to say.... (confession #1)
Confession #2: I've been caught up in the hype. It's exciting to me that we have two historic tickets. I love that when I was in college my social worker classmates were dreaming of a time when Obama would run, and here it is. And, regardless of her qualifications, it's pretty exciting to me to see an "every woman" on a ticket- I mean, that's the embodiment of the American Dream isn't it? Ever since Mr. Malo's eighth grade civics class I have LOVED "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" and while Jimmy Stewart wasn't in line to be President, the idea of a normal person, someone outside of the system getting involved makes me smile a little (Matt Damon does make an interesting case, though, for the "really bad Disney Movie" side of the coin).
Confession #3: I watched both acceptance speeches... and got a little teary eyed at both. Obama is good. He's inspiring, he's intriguing, he makes me feel like it's a real possibility that he could get into office and make everything wonderful. (That's the problem with a good orator, I suppose. There's more to government than pretty words.) But McCain. Ah. It killed me. There are things I like McCain for. I respect him for his story (although, I'd kinda like to hear the post-Vietnam chapters, too), and I think he, too, could be a breath of fresh air for America. But his closing words made me really sad, and I wondered if they made God sad, too.
Here's what he said (from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94302894):
"I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your president. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank him: that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on Earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me.
Fight for what's right for our country.
Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future.
Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.
Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.
Thank you, and God bless you."
I wish he could have exchanged every "fight" with "love." How much more power could we have in the world if we loved together. If we loved for what's right for our country. If we loved for ideals and character of a free people. If we loved for our children's future. If we loved for justice and opportunity for all. If we stood up to love our enemies. If we stood up to love each other; to love beautiful, blessed, bountiful America. If we stood up, stood up, stood up and loved. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up loving. We never quit loving. We never hide from a history that lacked loved, but we make history by loving our fellow man. Thank you, and may America bless God.
That's a candidate I would vote for, hands down.
Confession #2: I've been caught up in the hype. It's exciting to me that we have two historic tickets. I love that when I was in college my social worker classmates were dreaming of a time when Obama would run, and here it is. And, regardless of her qualifications, it's pretty exciting to me to see an "every woman" on a ticket- I mean, that's the embodiment of the American Dream isn't it? Ever since Mr. Malo's eighth grade civics class I have LOVED "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" and while Jimmy Stewart wasn't in line to be President, the idea of a normal person, someone outside of the system getting involved makes me smile a little (Matt Damon does make an interesting case, though, for the "really bad Disney Movie" side of the coin).
Confession #3: I watched both acceptance speeches... and got a little teary eyed at both. Obama is good. He's inspiring, he's intriguing, he makes me feel like it's a real possibility that he could get into office and make everything wonderful. (That's the problem with a good orator, I suppose. There's more to government than pretty words.) But McCain. Ah. It killed me. There are things I like McCain for. I respect him for his story (although, I'd kinda like to hear the post-Vietnam chapters, too), and I think he, too, could be a breath of fresh air for America. But his closing words made me really sad, and I wondered if they made God sad, too.
Here's what he said (from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94302894):
"I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your president. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank him: that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on Earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me.
Fight for what's right for our country.
Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future.
Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.
Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.
Thank you, and God bless you."
I wish he could have exchanged every "fight" with "love." How much more power could we have in the world if we loved together. If we loved for what's right for our country. If we loved for ideals and character of a free people. If we loved for our children's future. If we loved for justice and opportunity for all. If we stood up to love our enemies. If we stood up to love each other; to love beautiful, blessed, bountiful America. If we stood up, stood up, stood up and loved. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up loving. We never quit loving. We never hide from a history that lacked loved, but we make history by loving our fellow man. Thank you, and may America bless God.
That's a candidate I would vote for, hands down.
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Friday, 12 September 2008
catch up ...again.
*Camping was excellent. The weather wasn't great, but clear enough for some lovely walks and damp enough to not feel guilty for a 4 hour Saturday afternoon nap. Our tent neighbors, however, were not so great, and spent the better part of Sunday wee hours screaming and yelling and cursing at each other. It was a bit frightening, and really sad, because I am certain that it's exactly what a lot of our kids and yp are exposed to at home. But. Aside from those 3 hours, it was a wonderfully refreshing weekend.
*This past weekend I spent in Belfast and it felt so good to not go anywhere. A free Saturday afternoon was golden!! Our friends at QC had us up for a traditional Sunday Dinner (on Saturday). It was Thanksgiving in September- AMAZING. H took the lead on that and treated us to one of the best English traditions.
*A German vol from several years back and his friend were in Ireland for a holiday last week. They were the best possible guests, cooking for us and with us, helping with dishes, good conversations, and, best of all, led several jam sessions. They had been hitchhiking around the country, busking with a guitar and violin, so we made them play for us and with us. We rocked out on lots of worship music, and it felt so Irish to be sitting in a house session.
*Finally got to take a tour of the Crumlin Road Gaol last Sunday. It only lasted about an hour, but it was interesting to see the jail behind the big wall that I pass at least a few times a week. And, morbidly enough, I think jails are fascinating. The whole idea of prison reform and punishment verses rehabilitation (is that even possible?), and an entire population of people living in an alternative society just baffles me. It was a bit uncomfortable to be one of the token Americans in the group, though, as our tour guide was talking of the 17 hangings that took there. The presentation was very much skewed toward the archaic nature of the death penalty, and it felt so true. And then I had to remember that the country that I am from STILL kills people like that. And, even worse, the state I am from is second in the country in terms of how many people get the death penalty. It turns my stomach and makes me sad for our country. So much of the world can't comprehend killing one of their own, why can we?
*My housemates and I hosted dinner for our guests and some FS workers who knew them. J and cooked 3 types of quiche, which all turned out really well. It's so nice to have people over and to be able to host a nice evening. I think we'll probably do a lot of that this year. (It also makes me really happy about the rearranging of the room. We use our dining table daily. It's amazing how furniture arrangement can so drastically change a space.)
*And then began birthday week. Three German vols had birthdays three days in a row. The first was on Tuesday, and he decided we all needed to go clubbing at the Limelight. Clubbing is a stretch for me and on a Tuesday even more so. I wasn't excited, but it turned out ok. It wasn't a bad night, although I did have to laugh at the situation: a club in Belfast, on a Tuesday, in a group of one NI guy, TWELVE Germans, and me. Who'd have thought?
*Afterschools has been nuts lately. Moments of goodness surrounded by TONS of chaos. I got whooped in Memory by a boy who has the foulest language, and generally rowdy behavior, but LOVES beating adults at the game. And I opened the door yesterday for another boy who I haven't seen since I've been back and he, literally, jumped up into my arms. Still makes me smile to think of it, which is good, because lots of the other things he does make me cringe. One girl set out to organize a craft a few days ago, and spent 15 minutes getting out ALL of the craft supplies, but she had all of the girls sitting at the table, excited for an art project. Those moments make the rest worth it- getting hit in the back by a boot throw from across the room and sitting with kids during a 10 minute time out are a little easier when the redeeming qualities of our kids are obvious, too. (I am fully aware of the ridiculousness of a 10 minute time out, but frustration won out and I needed the break as much as they did!! :) )
*So those "recreational riots" a few weeks back?? Well, the neighbors got angry enough to halt youth clubs at FS. They've made attempts at organizing themselves, although, they're still not settled on what kind of outcome they are hoping for. Half of them want the club closed for good. The other half want equal provision for Catholics and Protestants. And we can't do both. So for now, we can't have any youth into the building, which stinks. However, I think there's a major blessing in the midst of the mess: we get lots of time to focus on detached outreach. We've had several great nights out on the street. The weather's been crap- detached in lashing rain isn't so nice- but we've consistently seen several groups of yp and had really great conversation and football games.
The whole situation is intriguing. It's understandable that the neighbors are upset. It's lots of pensioners (who the heck thinks it's smart to put pensioners in government housing on the peace line? There's a reason the wall is up...) and other people who have had windows put out and houses bricked. But my first reaction is "why should these people have so much control over what we do?" And then I remember that it's a community centre, and I believe they should have a say in their community. It would be helpful if they had a good community organizer (and, in my biased opinion, one on the side of the club!!) who had good mediation and communication skills. Their feelings are justifiable, but I think their solutions avoid the problems. And meanwhile, our work has to change. The yp that we work with seem to be starting to understand that their actions led to the club's current closure, and they keep telling us how they haven't been rioting (although none are willing say they'd stop for good), but it's out of our hands now.
*Got tickets for the Swell Season!! It's Glen Hansard and Marketa Irgova from the movie Once and I AM SUPER EXCITED. Show isn't until November, but it'll be good.
*This weekend should be another good one. Shopping with K, volunteer lunch in town and the proms tomorrow (proms= big BBC orchestra concert on city hall lawn). Hope yours is good, too.
*This past weekend I spent in Belfast and it felt so good to not go anywhere. A free Saturday afternoon was golden!! Our friends at QC had us up for a traditional Sunday Dinner (on Saturday). It was Thanksgiving in September- AMAZING. H took the lead on that and treated us to one of the best English traditions.
*A German vol from several years back and his friend were in Ireland for a holiday last week. They were the best possible guests, cooking for us and with us, helping with dishes, good conversations, and, best of all, led several jam sessions. They had been hitchhiking around the country, busking with a guitar and violin, so we made them play for us and with us. We rocked out on lots of worship music, and it felt so Irish to be sitting in a house session.
*Finally got to take a tour of the Crumlin Road Gaol last Sunday. It only lasted about an hour, but it was interesting to see the jail behind the big wall that I pass at least a few times a week. And, morbidly enough, I think jails are fascinating. The whole idea of prison reform and punishment verses rehabilitation (is that even possible?), and an entire population of people living in an alternative society just baffles me. It was a bit uncomfortable to be one of the token Americans in the group, though, as our tour guide was talking of the 17 hangings that took there. The presentation was very much skewed toward the archaic nature of the death penalty, and it felt so true. And then I had to remember that the country that I am from STILL kills people like that. And, even worse, the state I am from is second in the country in terms of how many people get the death penalty. It turns my stomach and makes me sad for our country. So much of the world can't comprehend killing one of their own, why can we?
*My housemates and I hosted dinner for our guests and some FS workers who knew them. J and cooked 3 types of quiche, which all turned out really well. It's so nice to have people over and to be able to host a nice evening. I think we'll probably do a lot of that this year. (It also makes me really happy about the rearranging of the room. We use our dining table daily. It's amazing how furniture arrangement can so drastically change a space.)
*And then began birthday week. Three German vols had birthdays three days in a row. The first was on Tuesday, and he decided we all needed to go clubbing at the Limelight. Clubbing is a stretch for me and on a Tuesday even more so. I wasn't excited, but it turned out ok. It wasn't a bad night, although I did have to laugh at the situation: a club in Belfast, on a Tuesday, in a group of one NI guy, TWELVE Germans, and me. Who'd have thought?
*Afterschools has been nuts lately. Moments of goodness surrounded by TONS of chaos. I got whooped in Memory by a boy who has the foulest language, and generally rowdy behavior, but LOVES beating adults at the game. And I opened the door yesterday for another boy who I haven't seen since I've been back and he, literally, jumped up into my arms. Still makes me smile to think of it, which is good, because lots of the other things he does make me cringe. One girl set out to organize a craft a few days ago, and spent 15 minutes getting out ALL of the craft supplies, but she had all of the girls sitting at the table, excited for an art project. Those moments make the rest worth it- getting hit in the back by a boot throw from across the room and sitting with kids during a 10 minute time out are a little easier when the redeeming qualities of our kids are obvious, too. (I am fully aware of the ridiculousness of a 10 minute time out, but frustration won out and I needed the break as much as they did!! :) )
*So those "recreational riots" a few weeks back?? Well, the neighbors got angry enough to halt youth clubs at FS. They've made attempts at organizing themselves, although, they're still not settled on what kind of outcome they are hoping for. Half of them want the club closed for good. The other half want equal provision for Catholics and Protestants. And we can't do both. So for now, we can't have any youth into the building, which stinks. However, I think there's a major blessing in the midst of the mess: we get lots of time to focus on detached outreach. We've had several great nights out on the street. The weather's been crap- detached in lashing rain isn't so nice- but we've consistently seen several groups of yp and had really great conversation and football games.
The whole situation is intriguing. It's understandable that the neighbors are upset. It's lots of pensioners (who the heck thinks it's smart to put pensioners in government housing on the peace line? There's a reason the wall is up...) and other people who have had windows put out and houses bricked. But my first reaction is "why should these people have so much control over what we do?" And then I remember that it's a community centre, and I believe they should have a say in their community. It would be helpful if they had a good community organizer (and, in my biased opinion, one on the side of the club!!) who had good mediation and communication skills. Their feelings are justifiable, but I think their solutions avoid the problems. And meanwhile, our work has to change. The yp that we work with seem to be starting to understand that their actions led to the club's current closure, and they keep telling us how they haven't been rioting (although none are willing say they'd stop for good), but it's out of our hands now.
*Got tickets for the Swell Season!! It's Glen Hansard and Marketa Irgova from the movie Once and I AM SUPER EXCITED. Show isn't until November, but it'll be good.
*This weekend should be another good one. Shopping with K, volunteer lunch in town and the proms tomorrow (proms= big BBC orchestra concert on city hall lawn). Hope yours is good, too.
Friday, 29 August 2008
30 foot walls, stones, and bricks = Belfast "fun."
Ok, so it's not fun for youth workers, neighbors and young people who just want to get home safely, but apparently, for a lot of the young people we work with, it's all the rage. The past few nights have seen yp hanging out at the "peace line", waiting for yp to show up on the other side, and even calling each other on their mobiles to set up a confrontation. The frustration is that these really are good kids, young people looking for some excitement and this is what they've seen. Two years ago it was their older brothers, so now it's their turn, right? I think successful community work in Belfast should consist of exporting all of the stones, bricks and anything else detachable...
Meanwhile, I spent the past two days confirming my lack of desire to continue on in social work education. It was a roomful of social workers (there are reason for someone only working with one social worker at a time!) discussing, rehashing, arguing over the best course of action for working with hypothetical young people engaging in risk taking behavior. I don't enjoy pulling apart case studies, I don't like arguing theories, and I don't like attempting to work on these things with 15 social workers who think they know it all that because of their degrees. Actually, we could all use a bit of humility and realization of our ignorance, I think. In NI there's this unspoken (but sometimes spoken, too) rift between youth workers and social workers. The social workers think they're better qualified, the youth workers think social workers don't have a clue as to how to work with yp and that they work in terms that are too formal and stuffy. And then, everyone gets on the mental health workers and how inefficient and unreachable they are. Come on now, folks, we're all working toward the same goals and everyone in this field is overworked and underpaid. Why can't we all just get along? (Or maybe we should all just have it out at the peace wall with stones...)
Camping this weekend with (most) fellow NI BVSers. Glad to get out of dodge.
Ok, so it's not fun for youth workers, neighbors and young people who just want to get home safely, but apparently, for a lot of the young people we work with, it's all the rage. The past few nights have seen yp hanging out at the "peace line", waiting for yp to show up on the other side, and even calling each other on their mobiles to set up a confrontation. The frustration is that these really are good kids, young people looking for some excitement and this is what they've seen. Two years ago it was their older brothers, so now it's their turn, right? I think successful community work in Belfast should consist of exporting all of the stones, bricks and anything else detachable...
Meanwhile, I spent the past two days confirming my lack of desire to continue on in social work education. It was a roomful of social workers (there are reason for someone only working with one social worker at a time!) discussing, rehashing, arguing over the best course of action for working with hypothetical young people engaging in risk taking behavior. I don't enjoy pulling apart case studies, I don't like arguing theories, and I don't like attempting to work on these things with 15 social workers who think they know it all that because of their degrees. Actually, we could all use a bit of humility and realization of our ignorance, I think. In NI there's this unspoken (but sometimes spoken, too) rift between youth workers and social workers. The social workers think they're better qualified, the youth workers think social workers don't have a clue as to how to work with yp and that they work in terms that are too formal and stuffy. And then, everyone gets on the mental health workers and how inefficient and unreachable they are. Come on now, folks, we're all working toward the same goals and everyone in this field is overworked and underpaid. Why can't we all just get along? (Or maybe we should all just have it out at the peace wall with stones...)
Camping this weekend with (most) fellow NI BVSers. Glad to get out of dodge.
Monday, 25 August 2008
oh man. I've really had much better intentions than actual actions on this blog lately. Seriously, there have been so many times when I've thought, "I should write about this" and then the moment passes. There's not really a lot of sense to catching up... especially since I've forgotten most of those deep, insightful thoughts. In recent news, though, I have just returned from a wonderful and relaxing retreat week in Berlin. I met up with all of the other 13 BVSers plus our coordinator for our annual week of catching up, meeting newer volunteers, a tiny bit of sightseeing, lots of reminiscing and reflecting, learning and lots of relaxing. The centre we stayed at is on this beautiful river, and we had rowboats, lots of green grass and huge trees. We had history sessions on NI and the Balkans, project sharing sessions with cultural food tasting, 2 guest speakers, a movie night to watch Amazing Grace, yoga, reflection times... the best part though is meeting the volunteers who are also working all over Europe. I am unceasingly amazed at the courage these people have, and the passion for the people they work with and the countries they live in. I am inspired to be a better person, and to live life with the passion that so easily wears off over time. Hearing their experiences, sharing their joys and understanding their challenges reminds me that there are people around me with a similar outlook, a common goal, and experiences to learn from. I think that storytelling is one of our most powerful means of connecting to each to other, and I am thankful for any opportunity to hear someone's story. (And a shameless plug: if you want to read their stories and to be encouraged, check out the blog links on the left. And if you want a platform for sharing your own story, I'm a willing audience!)
So yes, Berlin was good. And then I came back and jumped right back into life in Belfast. It's a tricky transition, going from a community where people, although unique, share so much in common, to a place where surface relationships are the norm. It's made me very thankful for the small community that I do have here. I went to church first thing on Sunday and it's always such encouragement. I feel like this church is on a direct line with God (I know we all can be, but it really feels true there). Then to the Belfast Mela (Indian festival) and then, tonight, H, H, L and I got cheap train tix to Jordanstown and went to the free Opera in the Park event, in a park right on the water. It cleared up into a fantastic night and we chatted through the whole thing like we hadn't seen each other in years (it had been about 24 hours :) ). In between it all I read a book written by a BVS alum who moved her family to Egypt for 3 years in 2003. Her goal was to become a bridge for American Christians and Egyptian Muslims and Christians and her stories challenge the stereotypes and ideas we seem to have in the "West." Actually, I started reading the book in Berlin, and felt more like I was transported to Egypt than sitting on the banks of the Spree. I should have chosen more appropriately!
A few pics from this weekend and that's me away to bed. Good night, friends.
1: Berlin Wall (looks a lot like Belfast walls...)
2. All of us
So yes, Berlin was good. And then I came back and jumped right back into life in Belfast. It's a tricky transition, going from a community where people, although unique, share so much in common, to a place where surface relationships are the norm. It's made me very thankful for the small community that I do have here. I went to church first thing on Sunday and it's always such encouragement. I feel like this church is on a direct line with God (I know we all can be, but it really feels true there). Then to the Belfast Mela (Indian festival) and then, tonight, H, H, L and I got cheap train tix to Jordanstown and went to the free Opera in the Park event, in a park right on the water. It cleared up into a fantastic night and we chatted through the whole thing like we hadn't seen each other in years (it had been about 24 hours :) ). In between it all I read a book written by a BVS alum who moved her family to Egypt for 3 years in 2003. Her goal was to become a bridge for American Christians and Egyptian Muslims and Christians and her stories challenge the stereotypes and ideas we seem to have in the "West." Actually, I started reading the book in Berlin, and felt more like I was transported to Egypt than sitting on the banks of the Spree. I should have chosen more appropriately!
A few pics from this weekend and that's me away to bed. Good night, friends.
1: Berlin Wall (looks a lot like Belfast walls...)
2. All of us
Monday, 28 July 2008
Catch Up Blog
Settle in for a collection of random and outdated thoughts from the past week and some more...
*I saw Lisa Hannigan in concert a week back. Fabulous. You may know her from her backup vocals on Damien Rice's last two albums, but she puts on a great show when she's on the lead mic, too.
*One week of Summer Scheme down, two to go. It's been nice working 9:30-4:30 and it's been a really great group of kids. They're trying out some childcare spots (the only difference is that they stay a little longer and pay A LOT more) and those kids are really enjoyable. We play lots of games and have lots of laughs. We still live in Belfast though, and that keeps things interesting. Today we took 14 kids to the park, aged 6-11 and on the way out. the whole lot of us were followed and cursed at and sang political songs to by a boy on a bike and his mates. It amazed me that these kids would follow us the entire way back to the gate (out the other side of the park, down the street and around the corner to the wall that separates the neighborhoods), continuously bullying a group of 14 kids and 6 adults. It kinda broke my heart. But it made it even sweeter to see how our kids responded. They didn't say a word back, they didn't touch the boys, they didn't counter their attack at all and I was so unbelievably proud of them. They stuck together and showed so much strength. I think it proved that what we do can work in little bits, and those little bits grow.
*I've been spending some time with some of the boys in my neighborhood lately as well. I saw them hanging out on our garden wall and figured I should meet them and learn their names... I should have realized that I was jumping into a deep end! I've meet a of them recently, and hung out in the front year with three today. I'm hoping that if they get some positive attention from us, they'll quit throwing water balloons at us mid-BBQ and at our windows all day long. So we sang Green Day and talked about funny words that people use in the States, like "sidewalk," "popsicle," and "trunk," and they asked me if I like George Bush and why there are soldiers in Iraq. The oldest said they just need to all come home, and they youngest said "but then the other side would win" and the oldest said, "it doesn't matter, it just needs to end." I brought up that idea a few minutes later when we were talking about the riots in NI, but apparently it's different here. It's good, though, to feel a bit more connected to the neighborhood.
*I've just finished reading Jesus for President, by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw. It's really challenging, and has lots of good substance to work though. But it presents a lifestyle that makes sense, that resembles the lifestyle that Jesus lived verses the lifestyle of typical "American Christian." And it makes all that stuff about Jesus changing your life and calling you to a new life and living as Christ and death as gain make sense. It also encourages me to continue to shop at the local market on Saturdays (L does this too!), ponder learning to garden (Abby, come visit and let's make a veggie garden in my yard! The fact that I am even thinking these thoughts is definitely God!!), and really compels me to spend time in the front garden with the boys who use my house as target practice when I usually feel like checking out in front of the tv. I'd love to talk more about this- get in touch...
*I've also been taking advantage of evenings off to hang out with people at church. I'd really like to make connections there and it's been a painfully slow process, but I think it's getting better. Some nights are brilliant and I feel like a part of things there and other nights feel like complete failure, but that's life I suppose.
*I saw Lisa Hannigan in concert a week back. Fabulous. You may know her from her backup vocals on Damien Rice's last two albums, but she puts on a great show when she's on the lead mic, too.
*One week of Summer Scheme down, two to go. It's been nice working 9:30-4:30 and it's been a really great group of kids. They're trying out some childcare spots (the only difference is that they stay a little longer and pay A LOT more) and those kids are really enjoyable. We play lots of games and have lots of laughs. We still live in Belfast though, and that keeps things interesting. Today we took 14 kids to the park, aged 6-11 and on the way out. the whole lot of us were followed and cursed at and sang political songs to by a boy on a bike and his mates. It amazed me that these kids would follow us the entire way back to the gate (out the other side of the park, down the street and around the corner to the wall that separates the neighborhoods), continuously bullying a group of 14 kids and 6 adults. It kinda broke my heart. But it made it even sweeter to see how our kids responded. They didn't say a word back, they didn't touch the boys, they didn't counter their attack at all and I was so unbelievably proud of them. They stuck together and showed so much strength. I think it proved that what we do can work in little bits, and those little bits grow.
*I've been spending some time with some of the boys in my neighborhood lately as well. I saw them hanging out on our garden wall and figured I should meet them and learn their names... I should have realized that I was jumping into a deep end! I've meet a of them recently, and hung out in the front year with three today. I'm hoping that if they get some positive attention from us, they'll quit throwing water balloons at us mid-BBQ and at our windows all day long. So we sang Green Day and talked about funny words that people use in the States, like "sidewalk," "popsicle," and "trunk," and they asked me if I like George Bush and why there are soldiers in Iraq. The oldest said they just need to all come home, and they youngest said "but then the other side would win" and the oldest said, "it doesn't matter, it just needs to end." I brought up that idea a few minutes later when we were talking about the riots in NI, but apparently it's different here. It's good, though, to feel a bit more connected to the neighborhood.
*I've just finished reading Jesus for President, by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw. It's really challenging, and has lots of good substance to work though. But it presents a lifestyle that makes sense, that resembles the lifestyle that Jesus lived verses the lifestyle of typical "American Christian." And it makes all that stuff about Jesus changing your life and calling you to a new life and living as Christ and death as gain make sense. It also encourages me to continue to shop at the local market on Saturdays (L does this too!), ponder learning to garden (Abby, come visit and let's make a veggie garden in my yard! The fact that I am even thinking these thoughts is definitely God!!), and really compels me to spend time in the front garden with the boys who use my house as target practice when I usually feel like checking out in front of the tv. I'd love to talk more about this- get in touch...
*I've also been taking advantage of evenings off to hang out with people at church. I'd really like to make connections there and it's been a painfully slow process, but I think it's getting better. Some nights are brilliant and I feel like a part of things there and other nights feel like complete failure, but that's life I suppose.
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