It's hard to believe I have already been in New Zealand for a week... part of me feels that I have been here a month, another part of me feels like I literally just stepped off the airplane an hour ago.
Over the past week, besides doing a little sightseeing, hanging out with my host family, and getting to know the ReChurch staff, I also had a little orientation time with Hamish, the pastor of leadership and teaching, Whitney, the communications director, and Amy, the children and family director. We discussed my personality, strengths, weaknesses, how to handle conflict, culture, and the necessity of spiritual, mental, and emotional growth all in preparation for my internship. Now that that week is over however...
I started my first day in the ReChurch office TODAY! YAY! Last week was great to get a little insight into the background of what I might be encountering over the next six months, but it was nice to come into work today and actually have some things to do. Basically, all my tasks right now are decently minor and seem more like research or homework than anything else. But as time goes on, I am going to become more and more actively involved in the areas of Community Outreach as well as Children and Family ministry.
For example, here is what some of my current and upcoming tasks are: Writing a report on the Kairos class (for any potential future interns ReChurch may have), Cultural Observations (going out into certain areas of the city, talking with people, and just basically writing down everything about the NZ culture I see and hear), Reading a couple books (My first one is No Perfect People Allowed by John Burke), journaling daily about my experiences and everything going on spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and relationally), and creating some props for ReSound, the new Children's music class that I apparently am going to help lead... HILARIOUS).
I love how intentional the people are at ReChurch with making sure that I am actively involved with people, especially the "unchurched" and "de-churched" peoples of ChristChurch, at all times. I am strongly encouraged to find a part time job (and if I can't, then volunteer elsewhere or join communal clubs around the area). For example, I am going to be going to a local pub every week and joining a pub quiz team (a good place to meet young, single non-christians), I am starting to run again (so hopefully I can meet people at the gym or around town on the trails), joining a Bible Study built for skeptics of Christianity, and I am also, as I mentioned before, helping lead a music class for parents of young children once a week! I am not sure what everything will look like quite yet, but I am really exited for all of these new and exciting opportunities.
Please continue to pray for my internship - That I can approach each encounter and event with a loving, Christ-like heart and attitude, that I would be unwavering in speaking truth in my encounters with unbelievers, and that I would have really great work ethic and be able to complete the tasks that ReChurch assigns me.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Kiwi Dictionary
I know I have been in New Zealand for less than a week, but admittingly, there is one aspect of Kiwi culture that I am struggling with... well, for now. Language.
You'd think, Oh well they speak English there! That shouldn't be an issue! I mean, yeah, they might have an accent, but it's like Australia, it shouldn't be that hard to understand... Yeah, I thought this too. Oh Beth, you were so so wrong. I mean, it is of great advantage that I do know English and speak it fluently, but between the heavy heavy accents of most kiwi's (especially here on the Southern Island), the slang terminology, and the fact that they speak incredibly fast, language has quickly become the means to my first dose of culture shock.
Here is a paragraph. Read it and try to figure out what I might be saying:
Last Sunday, we took the old bomb up into the wop-wops to a place where my parents used to have a bach. I had forgotten the way, and we did a bit of a tiki-tour because a cockie put us crook. Then we asked another joker whose directions were spot on and once we found the right road, we had it sussed. By the time we thought of going home it got a bit late, so we had to rattle our dags. On the way, we took home some shark and greasies and had them with a couple of stubbies.
If someone says this to you, would you really understand what they were saying? No, me neither... well, NOW I would. If you can have a go at what this is saying (without looking at a REAL kiwi dictionary), I will give you a prize.
Here is a list of words I have quickly learned so far:
JANDALS = flip flops
TORCH = flashlight
FRINGE = bangs
BIKKIE = a biscuit (hard cookie) you would have with tea
NOZZLE = nose
LOLLIES = candy (as a general, not just lollipops)
SAMMIES = sandwiches
SAUSAGE SIZZLE = barbecues
CRACKER = a compliment to something you think is really good (food)
BANGER = sausage
TOGS = swim suit
PUCKEROO = broken
PUSH CHAIR/PRAM = stroller
CHEMIST = pharmacy
GUMBOOTS = rainboots
SHARK AND GREASIES = fish and chips
BUBBLE AND SQUEAK = leftovers
TRAMP = a hike
PLASTER = bandaid
DUNNY = bathroom
HOKEY POKEY = a specific flavor of ice cream originated in NZ
COURGETTE = zucchini
COLLEGE = high school
RELLIES = relatives
BOOT = trunk of a car
And the most confusing of them all?
**SUPPER = afternoon tea
**DINNER = lunch
**EVENING TEA = supper
WHY make everything more confusing? Ha. I am sure I am going to be learning "heaps" more over the next 6 months.
You'd think, Oh well they speak English there! That shouldn't be an issue! I mean, yeah, they might have an accent, but it's like Australia, it shouldn't be that hard to understand... Yeah, I thought this too. Oh Beth, you were so so wrong. I mean, it is of great advantage that I do know English and speak it fluently, but between the heavy heavy accents of most kiwi's (especially here on the Southern Island), the slang terminology, and the fact that they speak incredibly fast, language has quickly become the means to my first dose of culture shock.
Here is a paragraph. Read it and try to figure out what I might be saying:
Last Sunday, we took the old bomb up into the wop-wops to a place where my parents used to have a bach. I had forgotten the way, and we did a bit of a tiki-tour because a cockie put us crook. Then we asked another joker whose directions were spot on and once we found the right road, we had it sussed. By the time we thought of going home it got a bit late, so we had to rattle our dags. On the way, we took home some shark and greasies and had them with a couple of stubbies.
If someone says this to you, would you really understand what they were saying? No, me neither... well, NOW I would. If you can have a go at what this is saying (without looking at a REAL kiwi dictionary), I will give you a prize.
Here is a list of words I have quickly learned so far:
JANDALS = flip flops
TORCH = flashlight
FRINGE = bangs
BIKKIE = a biscuit (hard cookie) you would have with tea
NOZZLE = nose
LOLLIES = candy (as a general, not just lollipops)
SAMMIES = sandwiches
SAUSAGE SIZZLE = barbecues
CRACKER = a compliment to something you think is really good (food)
BANGER = sausage
TOGS = swim suit
PUCKEROO = broken
PUSH CHAIR/PRAM = stroller
CHEMIST = pharmacy
GUMBOOTS = rainboots
SHARK AND GREASIES = fish and chips
BUBBLE AND SQUEAK = leftovers
TRAMP = a hike
PLASTER = bandaid
DUNNY = bathroom
HOKEY POKEY = a specific flavor of ice cream originated in NZ
COURGETTE = zucchini
COLLEGE = high school
RELLIES = relatives
BOOT = trunk of a car
And the most confusing of them all?
**SUPPER = afternoon tea
**DINNER = lunch
**EVENING TEA = supper
WHY make everything more confusing? Ha. I am sure I am going to be learning "heaps" more over the next 6 months.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
ReChurch Staff
Starting Tuesday, I am "officially" a staff member at ReChurch... well... for 6 months.
I have spent the last two mornings at the ReChurch office (right across the street from the pub and movie theater they meet in every Sunday for church). I have been going through a little but of an orientation with a couple of the different pastors and directors I will be working with over my time here. Even though we haven't gone into too much depth about all of my responsibilities and my specific tasks, it's been good to get an idea of Kiwi culture and team/personality dynamics.
In preparation for day one, I had to complete two surveys: one being a personality profile and the second being a basic values chart/survey. (For the personality profile, I found out I am an ENFP... which means Extrovert, iNtuitive, Feeler, Perceiver... no surprises there after reading the discription: "Curious, energetic, adaptable, creative... unconventional approaches to life... talkative and playful... conversations with these people can be very circular as they move excitedly from one topic to the next... sees significance in all things and has a strong sense for the possible.) The orientation was basically spent evaluating my personality, my potential role on the team, the personalities of other team members, and strengths and weaknesses. We also talked about conflict and conflict resolution. It wasn't a very long day, but provided me with a lot of information on how to work with a church planting team and address future conflict while aiming toward similar goals.
Today was the second day of orientation. The first part was talking about culture, culture shock, and different stages of adjusting and dealing with change and living in New Zealand. It was really interesting learning about comparisons of New Zealand versus American culture and was also so so so helpful to understand more fully the values and objectives of ReChurch in relation to the culture patterns and beliefs of ChristChurch. I also met with the family director to discuss spiritual accountability, boundaries, and continuing to strengthen my relationship with the Lord.
It's been really nice getting to know all the staff of ReChurch and being able to spend time with them over the past few days I have been here. It's refreshing to see a team of church planters so eager to see the Gospel lived out in the community while also acknowledging the challenges that they will face while in the culture so they can problem solve. They desperately want to see God rejuvenate this city and nation that is 40% non-religious affiliated. I am excited and honored to live and work amongst these people. Pray that Kiwi hearts would see the freedom and truth of a relationship with Christ.
I have spent the last two mornings at the ReChurch office (right across the street from the pub and movie theater they meet in every Sunday for church). I have been going through a little but of an orientation with a couple of the different pastors and directors I will be working with over my time here. Even though we haven't gone into too much depth about all of my responsibilities and my specific tasks, it's been good to get an idea of Kiwi culture and team/personality dynamics.
In preparation for day one, I had to complete two surveys: one being a personality profile and the second being a basic values chart/survey. (For the personality profile, I found out I am an ENFP... which means Extrovert, iNtuitive, Feeler, Perceiver... no surprises there after reading the discription: "Curious, energetic, adaptable, creative... unconventional approaches to life... talkative and playful... conversations with these people can be very circular as they move excitedly from one topic to the next... sees significance in all things and has a strong sense for the possible.) The orientation was basically spent evaluating my personality, my potential role on the team, the personalities of other team members, and strengths and weaknesses. We also talked about conflict and conflict resolution. It wasn't a very long day, but provided me with a lot of information on how to work with a church planting team and address future conflict while aiming toward similar goals.
Today was the second day of orientation. The first part was talking about culture, culture shock, and different stages of adjusting and dealing with change and living in New Zealand. It was really interesting learning about comparisons of New Zealand versus American culture and was also so so so helpful to understand more fully the values and objectives of ReChurch in relation to the culture patterns and beliefs of ChristChurch. I also met with the family director to discuss spiritual accountability, boundaries, and continuing to strengthen my relationship with the Lord.
It's been really nice getting to know all the staff of ReChurch and being able to spend time with them over the past few days I have been here. It's refreshing to see a team of church planters so eager to see the Gospel lived out in the community while also acknowledging the challenges that they will face while in the culture so they can problem solve. They desperately want to see God rejuvenate this city and nation that is 40% non-religious affiliated. I am excited and honored to live and work amongst these people. Pray that Kiwi hearts would see the freedom and truth of a relationship with Christ.
Hobbitland.
Well, after 10 months of planning and preparing, I have finally arrived safely in New Zealand. It is still extremely surreal that I am here... Living in ChristChurch... for 6 months... WHAT?! Yeah. Nuts. Seriously, I have not really been able to find the right words and I have been here almost 3 days...
Sorry that this is my first post since my arrival, but it's been a crazy couple of days between adjusting to being here, getting situated in my new Kiwi home, and meeting all the staff at ReChurch. I PROMISE that I will write more starting... Well, TODAY! HURRAY!
I left Chicago on Sunday... three long flights, two layovers, and one helpful travel buddy later (shoutout to BEN!), I finally landed in NZ on Tuesday. I arrived at the airport in ChristChurch in the morning and was greeted by Hamish (the pastor of ReChurch) and his wife, Molly, as well as my host family (Yolande - Yo for short - Neil and Ethan - who is almost 3). After this, we headed right over to the house where I will be living and dropped my things off. Not too long after this, Hamish and Molly picked me up and wanted to take me on a quick tour of the city! They KNEW how exhausted I was... and looked (yikes)... but they knew how important it was to keep me up and adjust to the time change... 19 hours ahead of Omaha and Chicago to be exact... We went to the Botanical Gardens downtown, visited the Cathedral square at the center of town, went to the Canterbury museum, and went to the Pier along the beach. After this, I had dinner with my host family and basically just sat around with them the rest of the night and had tea. Kiwis are HUGE coffee and tea drinkers... which is perfect for my lifestyle! I will fit right in in that area of life. I, miraculously, stayed up till probably 10:30. Don't know how that happened, but it was good.
The next morning, I woke up and met up with Molly so we could go to the bank to finish setting up my bank account. However, after a couple mishaps, we ended up missing my appointment (read my Bethisms blog for the story, ha ha ha!) but ended up rearranging it and meeting with the banker later in the day. After the meeting, I sat around and had tea with Yo, we went to the local mall to pick up dinner, and then that evening, I went to coffee and a movie with some girls that go to ReChurch. It was great to start getting connected with more and more people... even if most of them are older than me, married, and have kids.
Today, I had my first orientation day for my internship with ReChurch. I met with Hamish and the communications director and we discussed my personality profile, my strengths and weaknesses, and discussed conflict a little. Tomorrow will be my second day of orientation and we'll talk more about cultural encounters and such. The rest of the day involved lunch, unpacking my bags and organizing my room (FINALLY!!!!!!!), going to the beach, dinner, and then Bible Study.
Even though I have had much time to sit and relax and reflect on my experiences in NZ so far, it's been really good staying busy. I have loved meeting more people and getting right into things and being really active in what is going on around the city and with the people I am living with and interacting with the most over the next 6 months.
I will make sure that my next posts aren't just broad daily recaps! Love you all.
Sorry that this is my first post since my arrival, but it's been a crazy couple of days between adjusting to being here, getting situated in my new Kiwi home, and meeting all the staff at ReChurch. I PROMISE that I will write more starting... Well, TODAY! HURRAY!
I left Chicago on Sunday... three long flights, two layovers, and one helpful travel buddy later (shoutout to BEN!), I finally landed in NZ on Tuesday. I arrived at the airport in ChristChurch in the morning and was greeted by Hamish (the pastor of ReChurch) and his wife, Molly, as well as my host family (Yolande - Yo for short - Neil and Ethan - who is almost 3). After this, we headed right over to the house where I will be living and dropped my things off. Not too long after this, Hamish and Molly picked me up and wanted to take me on a quick tour of the city! They KNEW how exhausted I was... and looked (yikes)... but they knew how important it was to keep me up and adjust to the time change... 19 hours ahead of Omaha and Chicago to be exact... We went to the Botanical Gardens downtown, visited the Cathedral square at the center of town, went to the Canterbury museum, and went to the Pier along the beach. After this, I had dinner with my host family and basically just sat around with them the rest of the night and had tea. Kiwis are HUGE coffee and tea drinkers... which is perfect for my lifestyle! I will fit right in in that area of life. I, miraculously, stayed up till probably 10:30. Don't know how that happened, but it was good.
The next morning, I woke up and met up with Molly so we could go to the bank to finish setting up my bank account. However, after a couple mishaps, we ended up missing my appointment (read my Bethisms blog for the story, ha ha ha!) but ended up rearranging it and meeting with the banker later in the day. After the meeting, I sat around and had tea with Yo, we went to the local mall to pick up dinner, and then that evening, I went to coffee and a movie with some girls that go to ReChurch. It was great to start getting connected with more and more people... even if most of them are older than me, married, and have kids.
Today, I had my first orientation day for my internship with ReChurch. I met with Hamish and the communications director and we discussed my personality profile, my strengths and weaknesses, and discussed conflict a little. Tomorrow will be my second day of orientation and we'll talk more about cultural encounters and such. The rest of the day involved lunch, unpacking my bags and organizing my room (FINALLY!!!!!!!), going to the beach, dinner, and then Bible Study.
Even though I have had much time to sit and relax and reflect on my experiences in NZ so far, it's been really good staying busy. I have loved meeting more people and getting right into things and being really active in what is going on around the city and with the people I am living with and interacting with the most over the next 6 months.
I will make sure that my next posts aren't just broad daily recaps! Love you all.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Kiwi Friend
So at my training here in Kentucky, like I mentioned before, there is a great range of people from different backgrounds and experiences. On the first day, I met one of the facilitators named Tim. I quickly came to find out that Tim was a missionary in New Zealand for five years but now worked for the organization, Team Expansion. We talked a long time about what I would be doing there and where I was going to be living. After the class was done while I was waiting for my hosts to get out of their facilitator meeting, Tim began showing me hundreds of pictures and videos from his experience there. I LOVED seeing them... and I could tell he loved showing them.
The next day, when I showed up to class in the morning, Tim walked right up to me..."I have something for you," he said. He told me to hold out my hand and once I did this, he puts this little guy on my palm. It's a little toy kiwi (Kiwi's are native birds to New Zealand and the term 'Kiwi' is describing the native New Zealand people) that is holding a NZ flag and has a little hat and shirt that say, "I love you New Zealand."
Yes, it's a little piece of fake fur and plastic, but I loved Tim's thoughtfulness in this gift and the little piece of Kairos and home it represents in my heart! It is definitely going to be my little mascot for when I am there. Now I just have to think of a name for him...
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Training in KY
I am currently in Louisville, Kentucky at a world missions training course (in preparation for my internship with ReChurch in New Zealand) called 'Kairos', meaning "an opportune moment." Even only being here one day, and I believe the title of the course is completely compatible with the teaching and experience...
Honestly, I signed up for the course because the pastors at ReChurch recommended it to me. So I registered and bought my plane ticket... to Kentucky... not knowing ANYTHING about the class except for it was about cross-cultural training and the mission field. Pretty broad if you ask me...
I arrived in Louisville last night later to be picked up by a young couple, who are also facilitators of the class, who were generous and hospitable enough to house me for the week! I spent the night reading my Bible and journaling. For the first time in a long time, I have set a New Years Resolution... to learn something new about God and my relationship with Him every single day... this means reading Scripture, journaling, doing daily devotionals, reading other theological material, etc... so far, it has been going well, I just hope this is one New Years resolution I actually keep... I just had no idea what God wanted to do in my heart this week. I felt like I came to Louisville to just fulfill the training requirement for my internship, but I know God works in greater ways than that. There was a reason this course existed and why it was so recommended to the leaders of ReChurch... there was a reason it was recommended to me. Even after one day of the class, I realize how intentional God's plans are (especially in relation to this course).
This course is intense. Today, we started at 8:30 am (Yeah, I'm definitely not a morning person), but they did get us all coffee, so that was wonderful! After the head facilitators introduced themselves and explained a little bit about the schedule for the day and week, we all had to introduce ourselves to the rest of the class. There are almost 30 people taking it... and let me just tell you, it is one DIVERSE class. I am talking men and women ranging in ages from 19 to 68. Full time missionaries to people who have never even traveled out of their own state. Missionary children to an individual who became a Christian 2 months ago. I think that's just INCREDIBLE that God brought all of us together to share in the experience and to better understand mission. After introductions, this is basically what the rest of our day looked like: lecture, intensive prayer for designated countries, video lecture, scripture study, lunch break, lecture, intensive prayer, scripture study, devotional, small groups, video lecture, intensive prayer... End.
There was SO much information and the material was so meaningful, but it all was weighing so heavily on my heart. Since I am leaving next week, all I wanted to be was a sponge... And it's exhausting, but in a good way. I feel like my brain just had a really good workout. I pray that my heart can continue to reflect and live out the information that we are learning.
Here are the main points we studied and examined today:
Like I said, I am both exhausted and exhilarated. Nervous yet anxious to be in New Zealand. Desiring for the Lord to break my heart with full knowledge of how much I need to give up. I cannot wait to see the way God is going to work in that class the rest of the week.
Honestly, I signed up for the course because the pastors at ReChurch recommended it to me. So I registered and bought my plane ticket... to Kentucky... not knowing ANYTHING about the class except for it was about cross-cultural training and the mission field. Pretty broad if you ask me...
I arrived in Louisville last night later to be picked up by a young couple, who are also facilitators of the class, who were generous and hospitable enough to house me for the week! I spent the night reading my Bible and journaling. For the first time in a long time, I have set a New Years Resolution... to learn something new about God and my relationship with Him every single day... this means reading Scripture, journaling, doing daily devotionals, reading other theological material, etc... so far, it has been going well, I just hope this is one New Years resolution I actually keep... I just had no idea what God wanted to do in my heart this week. I felt like I came to Louisville to just fulfill the training requirement for my internship, but I know God works in greater ways than that. There was a reason this course existed and why it was so recommended to the leaders of ReChurch... there was a reason it was recommended to me. Even after one day of the class, I realize how intentional God's plans are (especially in relation to this course).
This course is intense. Today, we started at 8:30 am (Yeah, I'm definitely not a morning person), but they did get us all coffee, so that was wonderful! After the head facilitators introduced themselves and explained a little bit about the schedule for the day and week, we all had to introduce ourselves to the rest of the class. There are almost 30 people taking it... and let me just tell you, it is one DIVERSE class. I am talking men and women ranging in ages from 19 to 68. Full time missionaries to people who have never even traveled out of their own state. Missionary children to an individual who became a Christian 2 months ago. I think that's just INCREDIBLE that God brought all of us together to share in the experience and to better understand mission. After introductions, this is basically what the rest of our day looked like: lecture, intensive prayer for designated countries, video lecture, scripture study, lunch break, lecture, intensive prayer, scripture study, devotional, small groups, video lecture, intensive prayer... End.
There was SO much information and the material was so meaningful, but it all was weighing so heavily on my heart. Since I am leaving next week, all I wanted to be was a sponge... And it's exhausting, but in a good way. I feel like my brain just had a really good workout. I pray that my heart can continue to reflect and live out the information that we are learning.
Here are the main points we studied and examined today:
- That we need to see the Bible as God's love story... not just how God loves people, but how He is calling people and transforming them to become a people who can fully love Him
- God's covenant with Abraham and how that will be fulfilled no matter what
- 10/40 window and the 40/70 window in the world
- That mission didn't begin with the Great Commission in Matthew, but in Genesis when He was first dealing with humanity
- True worship is God's love accomplished
- Our motive for mission should be a love for God's glory, to see His name be exalted to ALL the nations
- That while not all of are called to work as missionaries in the field, we ARE called to pass on the blessings to all the families of the earth
- Jonah, ethnocentrism, and his hesitation, reluctance, and anger in obeying the call and will of God
Like I said, I am both exhausted and exhilarated. Nervous yet anxious to be in New Zealand. Desiring for the Lord to break my heart with full knowledge of how much I need to give up. I cannot wait to see the way God is going to work in that class the rest of the week.
Monday, January 10, 2011
An Artist's Heart.
Well, I officially moved out of my apartment in Omaha at the end of last week and headed home to Chicago to spend a week with family and friends, then a week in Kentucky taking a training class about world missions, and then after that, I will be flying out to New Zealand.
Unreal how fast time really goes by.
Carolyn, one of my best friends, was living in Bolivia for 6 months and just returned back to the U.S. before Christmas. She decided to come home with me this past weekend (which, in four years of being best friends never happened... messed up, I know). I was so thankful for her safe return back to the states and so happy that I was going to get the opportunity to just spend good quality time with her before my departure. The eight hour drive back to the Chi in combination with a tour of my entire life in the NorthShore, multiple dinners with my family, and an eventful trip downtown to the Amtrak train provided Carolyn and I the time we really needed to have with each other. Heartfelt conversations, honesty, discussions about faith and love (oh, and not to mention WAYYYY too much wedding talk), and brutal hilarity. It was something I really needed - A healing encounter. Love you, Lynn.
Well, one of our little pit stops after our tour of Lake Forest was her Grandma's apartment. Her grandmother lives in a different suburb of Chicago, and I was hearing so much about her and how fabulous she was, I felt such a great desire to meet her and just spend some time with her. I saw the way Carolyn lit up when she talked about her Grandma and I just knew I had to meet her. And I am SO glad I did.
After helping her grandma move a couple things around in her apartment and hang some paintings, we just sat down in her room to talk. Eventually, we got to discussing my future plans. Carolyn told her that I was an artist and I told her that I hope to eventually teach art. She asked me how that job market was... "Not good", I told her in all honesty. After telling me this, she said some of the most beautiful things I have ever heard... words I have been trying to speak for SO long, but have been unable to find. Her wisdom and transparency at this moment was breathtaking:
It's such a shame that so many art programs are being removed from schools and that students can't take them. Art and music are such essential parts of not only school, but life. They are a part of us... they are a part of our hearts. Just look at how creative God was with designing the earth and all the colors and things and nature that we see. He designed a beautiful world. Our hearts LONG for creativity and for beauty because God is a Creator. Our hearts long to reflect our Creator. Without creativity and without art, we are incomplete. Kids are incomplete in those schools.
When (or IF) I get a job teaching art, this is seriously going to be my mantra everyday. Something I will say to myself before class every day... Why? Because art is not just a subject, it is a way of life... a part of our hearts that needs to be filled. Our Creator is constantly calling us to look to Him and see that beauty... to be encouraged to create beauty ourselves.
Unreal how fast time really goes by.
Carolyn, one of my best friends, was living in Bolivia for 6 months and just returned back to the U.S. before Christmas. She decided to come home with me this past weekend (which, in four years of being best friends never happened... messed up, I know). I was so thankful for her safe return back to the states and so happy that I was going to get the opportunity to just spend good quality time with her before my departure. The eight hour drive back to the Chi in combination with a tour of my entire life in the NorthShore, multiple dinners with my family, and an eventful trip downtown to the Amtrak train provided Carolyn and I the time we really needed to have with each other. Heartfelt conversations, honesty, discussions about faith and love (oh, and not to mention WAYYYY too much wedding talk), and brutal hilarity. It was something I really needed - A healing encounter. Love you, Lynn.
Well, one of our little pit stops after our tour of Lake Forest was her Grandma's apartment. Her grandmother lives in a different suburb of Chicago, and I was hearing so much about her and how fabulous she was, I felt such a great desire to meet her and just spend some time with her. I saw the way Carolyn lit up when she talked about her Grandma and I just knew I had to meet her. And I am SO glad I did.
After helping her grandma move a couple things around in her apartment and hang some paintings, we just sat down in her room to talk. Eventually, we got to discussing my future plans. Carolyn told her that I was an artist and I told her that I hope to eventually teach art. She asked me how that job market was... "Not good", I told her in all honesty. After telling me this, she said some of the most beautiful things I have ever heard... words I have been trying to speak for SO long, but have been unable to find. Her wisdom and transparency at this moment was breathtaking:
It's such a shame that so many art programs are being removed from schools and that students can't take them. Art and music are such essential parts of not only school, but life. They are a part of us... they are a part of our hearts. Just look at how creative God was with designing the earth and all the colors and things and nature that we see. He designed a beautiful world. Our hearts LONG for creativity and for beauty because God is a Creator. Our hearts long to reflect our Creator. Without creativity and without art, we are incomplete. Kids are incomplete in those schools.
When (or IF) I get a job teaching art, this is seriously going to be my mantra everyday. Something I will say to myself before class every day... Why? Because art is not just a subject, it is a way of life... a part of our hearts that needs to be filled. Our Creator is constantly calling us to look to Him and see that beauty... to be encouraged to create beauty ourselves.
Monday, January 3, 2011
2011.
It's a New Year. 2011 to be exact.
It's nuts how fast time flies by... especially 2010. I finished student teaching, had my art show, and graduated... completing these tasks seemed relentless, but in fact, they just FLEW by.
I am really really excited for 2011. I am excited to see where God is leading me and where he is drawing my heart. I am excited for New Zealand and the adventure that I will embark on there. I can't wait to meet new people and strengthen relationships with old friends. 2011 is going to be a year of growing up and maturing I think... I am both freaked out of my mind and ecstatic.
I hope I learn a lot this year. A LOT. I hope that God just breaks my heart. I hope he instills wisdom in me and continues to push me to be the woman He created me to be.
I also really want to (finally) run a half marathon this year.
What do you hope for this year?
It's nuts how fast time flies by... especially 2010. I finished student teaching, had my art show, and graduated... completing these tasks seemed relentless, but in fact, they just FLEW by.
I am really really excited for 2011. I am excited to see where God is leading me and where he is drawing my heart. I am excited for New Zealand and the adventure that I will embark on there. I can't wait to meet new people and strengthen relationships with old friends. 2011 is going to be a year of growing up and maturing I think... I am both freaked out of my mind and ecstatic.
I hope I learn a lot this year. A LOT. I hope that God just breaks my heart. I hope he instills wisdom in me and continues to push me to be the woman He created me to be.
I also really want to (finally) run a half marathon this year.
What do you hope for this year?
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