Fire!

The adventure began Saturday evening. We were relaxed on the hammock under the shade of a pine, with the creek running next to our campsite. There were no shouts, or people running to get away - but when a sheriff came by telling us of voluntary evacuations of the campsite, a decision had to be made. 

What do you do when you are in the middle of possibly the most beautiful place in California and black and orange clouds loom ominously overhead?

Evacuate. (voluntarily)

Vacation was over - and all hands were on deck.

Here are some shots Merrick and I took in the middle of the frenzy. After a police escort down the hill we were on our way home - sad but safe!

You can see all the fires that are going on around here.

American Culture: The Democratically Confused Christian

Disclaimer: This is a very touchy subject, that I pray I do not sound judgmental in presenting. I mentioned in my previous posts that these topics would come from daily observations. This is merely my developing opinion which is doing exactly that - developing.

I do not mean in any way that all of American society is like this, nor that it is the most prevalent thought - however people that fall under this category are out there.

Observations Day Two: The Democratically Confused Christian

Definition: A misunderstanding of the difference between identity as American and as a Christian. One with this perspective may tend to be elderly and reflect the worldview of previous generations. 

Often feels strongly about one or more of the following issues:

The supremacy of America

Immigration Issues

The defense system

Terrorists

Their chosen political party as the only logical choice

The defining feature of those that fall into this category is the claim to represent a part of the church with their views.  The identity as American is simultaneous with the identity as Christian.

Again, this is an invitation for additions, comments and questions.

American Culture: Sarcasm

Throughout talking to international students that have come to America I have discovered that the most difficult things for them to understand are idioms. Learning English is one thing. Learning the culture is a completely different type of story!

So, as I observe life throughout my day I have decided to keep a record of the things that make up our culture, that may not be learned from a textbook.

For Today: Sarcasm.

My Definition: Words said in a manner (that may appear serious or joking) that mean the opposite of the vocabulary used.

Example: "That looks cheap." (Said about something that clearly is expensive - like a European car that I saw last weekend in Irvine.)

The reason: Americans highly value entertainment and humor. We like things that make us laugh! When something is not inherently funny, we will use sarcasm and make it entertaining.

Expanded Use: When used in extreme measures may appear to be derogatory to an individual. It is often used in making light or fun of another individual or circumstance.

If you have anything to add, or questions about other uses or situations regarding sarcasm, feel free to leave a comment.

Twitter - Part Two

In an edition of the Banner (08-09) (@j_at_cbu) I wrote an article on the now infamous twitter.

Shortly thereafter, an event occurred which can be labeled as no less than a phenomenon. 

Suddenly facebook status' are filled with "@"s and underscores and hyphens that have created a new language. This language has been just a part of what I declare is redefining the face of society. With unlimited texting, iphone galore and wireless internet expanding, there seems to be no end in sight to the new face of communication. 

While my original article reflected pure fascination, a new rockumentary by David Crowder Band* has released new and vital information about its dangers.

I have no choice but to share in the warning I have received. Take heed my friends.

Iraq (Ee-Rock)

Keep Our Brothers and Sisters in Prayer in Iraq. Just today, Four Christians were killed and many others wounded after bombs went off outside of a church.

The BBC reports that there are 750,000 Christians in Iraq, and the Joshua Project reports that 1.6% of the population is some form of Christian. 0.1% is Evangelical.

Getting Political

Every day you learn something new.

Yesterday I learned that if you fill out the survey on the bottom of your T.G.I. Friday receipt, you can get a free dessert the next time you come in... or if you fill someone else's out who left in the restaurant, you can get it while you are actually there :)

On another not-so-serious note, I ran into Barack and Michelle Obama at Barnes and 

Noble.  

Yes, that's right - The Official Barack and Michelle Obama Paper Dolls are here. 

Complete with the Red and Black inauguration outfit, (as well as everything Michelle has ever been seen in...) 

I admit, I was a little offended by the "Africa Foreign Relations Outfit"... with giraffe and elephant masks. 

Seriously?

Way to dignify our nations leadership, America. At least our elections don't resemble that of Iran right now. 

Don't know much about the history?

Spend about 4 hours and $7 to read Persepolis, and see what has developed these people into a very persistent nation. 

Rainbows and Rambles

As part of the internship today, my fellow volunteers and I ventured to the great unknown of South Orange County, on a quest to educate and inform clinics and urgent care centers of the plight of human trafficking victims. 

After several long hours of driving and talking, frustration and laughter, we ended our days journey in San Clemente - the tip of the County. 

Just as we turned around to come home, we spotted something out of the corner of our eyes. 

It was the elusive Rainbow Outlet -- a bit smaller than I had imagined. 

10 minutes and $15 later, I had a brand new pair of mens rainbows (not a big fan of the womens style)

You see, my last pair of rainbows were last seen in a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. It would be cool to have a GPS on them to see where they are now.

Too bad I didn't think of that before.

While talking in the car I made an observation about ... well... talking.

Towards the end of a great conversation about religion and our different perspectives on life, I realized more than ever that it is too easy to focus on the message we want to convey in a conversation, rather than intently listening and trying to understand what is being said. Thus, utterly ruining any attempt for successful communication. 

I wonder what went through Jesus' head as he communicated with those around him. I mean... he already knew what was in their hearts. Crazy to think about.

Sunday Afternoon Thoughts

What if we believed together that God not only loves us, but really likes us? 

"When the imitation of Christ does not mean to live a life like Christ, but to live your life as authentically as Christ lived his, then there are many ways and forms in which a man can be a Christian." - Henri Nouwen (*as found in The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning)

I have been thinking about India a lot lately. 

The BBC is featuring a photo gallery about the (Sikh) Golden Temple in Punjab.

Also, The Lakers won tonight.

No longer enough

I'd like to introduce you to Jean Sasson.

For my Islam class this last semester I had to read the first book of her Princess trilogy. The true story of a Princess in Saudi Arabia, Jean Sasson uses her friendship with the Princess to tell her life story in three books. After the first one, I had to keep going and find out what happened! It offers perspective on the Islamic faith by one who holds its values dear, yet clearly depicts a world that has bound women specifically in chains of cloth. Though most Saudi Women do not have it this good, If you are interested in human rights, Islam, the Middle East, or Compassion at all... this trilogy is worth the read. My perspective continues to grow on human rights... 

With the internship I have I am learning that we have an incredible governmental system in the U.S. to be able to give victims of trafficking and oppression a place of refuge and safety. However, even the government cannot change cultural norms. For example, recently an Egyptian girl was rescued from working as a servant in a Southern California Home for most of her life. Though she was rescued over two years ago, and is now doing incredibly well, her family has broken ties with her. The $19 a month that her family was paid for her to serve here in the States no longer comes in, and her family "responsibility" appears to have been severed. We do what we can to help victims using the resources we have, but the issues involving injustice are deep and complicated. 

No matter what, I am convinced that the image that has driven me to want to work in this field is no longer enough. The image of a girl lying on the floor of a brothel, hidden from sight and mind. That image evokes emotion strong enough to work for a day... a week... a month. But ultimately it leaves me drained. Unmotivated. Overwhelmed. For me, it can only be the LOVE of GOD that motivates action against injustice. From this never ending fountain comes a stream of grace that each soul is an image of the creator, and that the compassion I feel is only a glimpse of the heart of My Savior. 

Summer update #2

This past week I started an internship with the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force.

The new website should be up later this week, so if you check it out once... check it out later to see some more interactive opportunities!

Tomorrow we start visiting local hospitals and check into cash locations to continue education on how to identify victims of human trafficking.

There are a few things I have learned from just one week in action.

1. Trafficking is very real here in Orange County. Check the Sports section of the OC Register... look at all the Asian Massage advertisements.

2. It is incredibly useful to speak another language - I am currently on the hunt for language speakers!

3. All it really takes for trafficking victims to be identified is people to KNOW what to look for.

4. Trafficking is ORGANIZED CRIME, and should not be investigated by the everyday person - 

5. Call 1-888-3737-888 if you have any questions about trafficking, if you think you suspect a location or a victim, or for any other related reason!!! It is an incredible resource!!! Use it!!!

Hopefully these posts will be more organized as I figure out more of what exactly I will be doing this summer, but until then - 

Welcome home Rwanda, UK, Central Asia, Canada etc.... !!!!

If you have nothing to do this summer, and are in the OC area... let me know! We can definitely use some more volunteers!

Check your... brake lights

My brake light has been out for a few days... or maybe a week or so. I know, i need to fix it - but its one of those things that just seems to slip out of my mind unless I am in my car. 

So tonight after dropping my brother off I promise my dad I will go to Kragen Auto Parts and get a new brake light.

Overwhelmed, I walked into a world where I could speak the same language yet everything seemed foreign. Cars confuse me.

A very nice clerk (Robert) carrying out the trash asked if I needed help.

Apparently my confusion showed.

After getting the make of my car, he said the total would be 649.

My head swirled, I called my dad to make sure I was getting the right thing.

He asked if I had enough money, and I remembered my extra loan money I had been given.

Sadly, I said yes - knowing that this was an emergency that this money was for.

He walked outside with me to take off my old light, grabbed a new pair from the store and another clerk rung it up.

"Six dollars even," he said. 

I felt like I had been tricked.

"Are you sure? I thought he said six hundred and forty nine dollars!" I responded.

They looked at my like I was crazy, but I could tell they were laughing inside. Apparently both clerks and my dad clearly knew that 649 meant $6.49.

I did not.

Lesson for the day: Brake lights are typically around 6 dollars. Not 600.

Mission accomplished?

I've been asked to blog again. So here goes.

I have struggled to figure out exactly what I want to use this blog for - to show the latest trafficking information I have heard, to tell funny stories from the day, to pour out the confusing mess of stuff in my head called thoughts... or to be creative and innovative and create something entirely different out of it.

Considering there has been a lot of life since International Women's Day, a brief synopsis seems appropriate.

School ended.

I'm moved back into Sophie's place.

I thought I would be stoked to be done with responsibilities - 

but it turns out that I am addicted to being needed.

or something like that.

When you think of "home" what comes to your mind?

A good friend said that it is wherever the most of her stuff is... another talks about home as the place where her family is...

I am not sure what my definition is as of yet. But I am convinced of one thing, that K White shared with us in our last mentoring group. I want this to be my prayer - for summer and for life.

From Psalms 73

You're all I want in heaven! 
      You're all I want on earth! 
   When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, 
      God is rock-firm and faithful. 
   Look! Those who left you are falling apart! 
      Deserters, they'll never be heard from again. 
   But I'm in the very presence of God— 
      oh, how refreshing it is! 
   I've made Lord God my home. 
      God, I'm telling the world what you do!

We are women

Today is International Women's Day.

There are events going on in 64 countries around the world! Unfortunately, I haven't found any near-by that have not already occurred - way to go Justine, and be late on the discovery.

But I know now, so as we Spring Forward today - let's remember the ladies of the world in prayer and in thought!!! Here are just a few of the amazing women I have had a chance to meet in life:

Kathy Ham (center) in Kenya, and her amazing daughters Karisa and Kelcey

Kim Van Geloof - and her daughters, Sophie and Allie

Jaya (in the center) in South Asia - and my teammates around (who are also wonderful women !!!)

And of course my family. My mom, to the left of me, my aunt to the right. My grandmothers in front of me. They have believed and poured so much of themselves into me.

My doctor, Anne Ford, and Mary Jo - this picture was taken during the medical part of our Kenya trip. 

There are so many more - but as you read this, remember to lift up in prayer the women of the world that do not have the same dignity that we are privileged to have in the United States.

Particularly:

Widows in Iraq

women in afghanistan and saudi arabia

Haha, you said DOOTY!!!

I have heard this phrase far too many a time - but despite the silly jokes -

I love being an R.A. in the cottages :)

This weekend I am on duty with Sam - and tonight we accomplished a lot!

She learned some chords on the guitar, started her own blog AND we figured out how to transfer pictures from the cell to the mac!

When we do rounds, we go around to make sure that everything is in check - no CBU handbook rules being broken and the such.

Sometimes there are crude messages on the whiteboards of certain cottages of the male gender. Not too bad - just lame.

So tonight, Sam did a little updating of one of the messages:

The latest on Darfur

On Monday the International Criminal Court charged the Sudanese President Omar-alBashir with murder and war crimes. The humanitarian crisis in Darfur has been going on since 2003, and is not getting better. After the charges, alBashir ordered the humanitarian organizations to leave Sudan. For a brief history visit the BBC website, which is constantly updated with new information relevant to the situation.

A link on the website led me to comments by Sudanese people to the recent charges. 

Here are two of the responses: 

"The issue is not whether Omar al-Bashir is guilty or not, and by all means any individual that is responsible for genocide should be legally charged; but this is an internal affair in a sovereign country with a judicial system. If the international community is concerned about the situation in Darfur, they should be even more concerned about the safely and the stability of Sudan as a whole once such a warrant has been issued. The safety and stability of the whole country is at stake. 
Mohammad Khartoum

The presidency of any nation, whether that nation is the US or Sudan, is an institution which is over and above any one person. This arrest warrant against President Bashir is an assault on the constitution of Sudan, its presidency, all the institutions that serve to uphold its constitution and more importantly its an assault on its people. For a group of lawyers sitting in Europe to believe that they know better and that they are over and above the sovereignty of a nation is an insult to its people. 
Ali, Khartoum"

There are so many aspects to this conflict that I want to understand, and be able to communicate to others, but the more that I learn, the more that I see there is something else going on. As you are reading this, please lift up the people in Darfur in prayer to a God that is far greater than our understanding. That he would hear the cries of his children in Darfur, and his church would be the response - led in humility by the Holy Spirit. 

For more information on how to be involved visit Save Darfur.

This picture was featured in a collection of drawings of children from Darfur. The quotation underneath the picture read, 

"It is very kind to send us food, but this is Africa and we are used to being hungry. What I ask is that you please take the guns away from the people who are killing us."

Lent and Ash

My good friend is giving up facebook for Lent. As the days leading up to Easter I felt like there was something that I should also find to give up for 40 days - but for what purpose? 

In the struggle for the distinction between what is "Catholic" and what is "Christian," Lent can easily slide into the background for an evangelical in America. But since when do we let culture dictate how we are spiritually led?

This morning I came across an article from Christianity today, originally written in the 1960's, then republished in 2000.

Here is the concluding paragraph:

"Lent can become a time when material things are put again in their proper secondary position; when we see in the spiritual the unconquerable forces of life. It can become a time of self-examination, when we reflect upon our present position in the pilgrimage and check our directions. It can become a time of personal readjustment, not through mental resolutions to do better but through yielding ourselves afresh to the God who demands to be obeyed. And it can become a time when, by following the battered path to Calvary, we identify ourselves once again with the Saviour who makes all things new.

The task of the Church during Lent is to make this experience real to the people who are Christ's body. The form is unimportant and may well vary from group to group and from taste to taste. What is all important is that the form support, not obstruct, the way of the Holy Spirit of God who brings life to ritual and free worship alike, and who turns ashes into new men."

I haven't decided exactly what this looks like for me yet this year -but the challenge that it beings is clearer: to reflect on Christ's sufferings, and reevaluate my attachment to things "things" in my life.

Sex slaves in America

During Justice week we talked about this on-campus - today I was referred to some articles showing its existence. Take a look at Jessica's story and an article about a rescue.

Going to get ready for a one-on-one now, so not enough time to blog my response - but I would love to hear your response to these things.

Back to the grind.

Sewers in Delhi,

I ran across this article today that is from an Indian's perspective on the clash of the progress of India vs. the struggle for dignity.

This morning Merrick and I participated in ITW's simulation Indian Market...

reminding me of the culture that I still struggle to understand.

I can hardly understand some cultures that originate from our very own soil.

MMMM.... Hummus

A great friend + good conversation + cultural experience = none other than a wonderful time!

Cindy and I went out tonight to La Sajj Cafe: found on none other than a random google search.

We ate food that looked like this: 

 

along with some amazing hummus and baklava. 

The woman that owned it was the sweetest, and her daughter helped us understand the menu with pictures!

The food was lebanese, which is something I had never tried before.

Tonight served as a wonderful time to reconnect, while being reminded that there are so many cultures even locally in Riverside. Beautiful people with rich culture and tradition - many who do not know the truth of the gospel.