Relocation

Moving forward in life and in the virtual world, find me at

http://justineholguin.wordpress.com/.

Thanks for the good space, blogger. You were first first blog experience and I am grateful!

It's Complicated

Over the past few years, I have been on a journey.
It was marked by an experience in Nairobi, Kenya - where I fist saw the faces of those I now know are my sisters and brothers - in the midst of rubbish and dirty streets of the Mathare Valley.
Since then, I was a part of leadership of the CBU campus chapter of International Justice Mission, and LEARNED a lot about the issues tied up with poverty in developing nations. One summer, I volunteered with the Orange County Human Trafficking task Force, where I met some incredible people that taught me a lot, simply by the way they live.
I've learned a lot about a little, and a little about a lot.

Micro-financing
Human Trafficking
Prostitution
Illegal Land Seizure
Oppression of Women
Immigration
Refugees

One thing that I've learned is that... it's complicated. I just read an article by Nicholas Kristof on the lack of access to birth control (specifically in the Congo - but really all over the impoverished world.)

Interesting to think how many things could be different if there was more access to birth control. It does seem that addressing the lack of contraceptives can be part of the curbing of pregnancies and related illnesses (including illnesses and death related to abortions and other things such as fistulas...). But I am also reminded that at the heart of the issues is ... selfishness.

How are we to get anywhere without dealing with the issues of the heart?

Returning.

I have started a few blogs to post, and have quit halfway through. There is too much I have learned in these past few months to summarize in a blog post. Moreover, my few faithful readers are probably people who have walked with me through at least part if not all of the past few months.

So, here I am.

Back in Blog-action.

I may be moving soon, I'll keep you posted on my new virtual home.

For today, my thoughts are all over the place. Today's post is mainly to break the silence since my post responding to Glen Beck.

A little over a week ago I graduated from college, and already have opportunities that I will share soon.
One of the greatest things about college that any who has attended can attest to, is the ways that it shapes identity.
In the process of learning about the way people communicate (an accomplishment signified by a very expensive piece of paper), I have learned a lot about myself.... moreover, who I am in Christ.

Here is one thing that perhaps others can identify with

1. I thrive on conversations. I can accomplish a few big tasks during the day, but if I don't have a quality conversation with someone, I feel restless and without purpose as I finish the day.

As far as intercultural communication goes, that means I am more RELATIONALLY-oriented vs. CONTENT-oriented.
Yes, I do love relationships... but don't we all?

Dragging myself into the discussion...

Glenn Beck.


Though his words are outrageous, I can appreciate one thing that he said. He pointed out that many Christians do not understand what “social justice” or “economic justice” means. In working on my capstone this semester, I have learned a lot about how “justice” has been interpreted from Aristotle til the present. Granted, I have more questions than answers, but I have learned that the term “social justice” can be quite vague. What is this justice we are called to? Perhaps this is a future series of blog posts that will be filled with yet more questions... Yet in the midst of this all, we are still called to seek justice. We need to know what we mean when we seek to follow what we have been called to as part of God’s kingdom. In fact after writing these words I read an article by John Schmalzbauer (that I do NOT claim to agree with completely) that addressed this very issues.

Stanley Hauerwas’ name is being brought into the discussion as one who does not believe that there should be “social justice,” but for very different reasons. While I am still trying to understand exactly what he means by this, perhaps this quotation will leave a sense of where he is coming from.

“What makes the church ‘radical’…is not that the church leans to the left on most social issues, but rather that the church knows Jesus whereas the world does not. In the churches view, the political left is not noticeably more interesting than the political right, both tend towards solutions that act as if the world has not ended and begun in Jesus. Big words like Peace and Justice, slogans the church adopts under the presumption that, even if people do not know what ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’ means, they will know what Peace and Justice means, are words awaiting content. It is Jesus’ story that gives content to our faith, judges any institutional embodiment of our faith, and teaches us to be suspicious of any political slogan that does not need God to make itself credible…Most of our social activism is formed on the presumption that God is superfluous to the formation of a world of peace with justice.” — Stanley Hauerwas

That’s about all I can pull out of this Glenn Beck thing, I don’t even feel like I can address the things he said – to think that the gospel deals with only souls, and is separated from the present-age is too ridiculous too imagine. Yet history has shown that pendulum can easily swing either way on the popular interpretation of the gospel. Is there anyone who has taken him seriously?

Stephen Colbert had some interesting things to say

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Glenn Beck Attacks Social Justice - James Martin
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Reform

Check out the “million Christians for social justice” on the sojourners website.
It is fascinating watching the discussion go on – “to do social justice” or not to…
Is it a questions of semantics or is it something bigger?

The kids of America

According to Teen Rescue there are currently over 20,000 children enslaved in the U.S. today.

80% are girls

80% of those girls are undergoing sexual abuse and exploitation.

Check out Teen Rescue to see stories of people that are doing something to bring HOPE.

To Learn More:

Check out the documentary Very Young Girls, filmed in New York City about the Organization G.E.M.S. (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services)

Watch Shyima's story and hear of a girl RESCUED because of a tip from a neighbor, and the help of the local law enforcement.

The statistics are staggering, because the numbers represent people. Individuals no different from you and I.

I've been talking a lot with people about the church's role in the midst of this brokenness... more thoughts to come later.

Want to work with a non-profit?

Are you looking to work for a non-profit organization? As I am searching for jobs, I am finding out that there are a lot of resources that are out there.

If you are still going to be an undergraduate, I suggest applying for Oxfam's CHANGE initiative.

The deadline is coming soon, so applications should be turned in quick!

If not, there are lots of other opportunities available. Check out Idealist.org, a job site where non-profits post volunteer and job opportunities.

There are often internship available through International Justice Mission, and many other organizations... I will post them as I find them!

We are responsible.

"The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we as Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly." - Soren Kierkegaard

Though I read it in Irresistible Revolution (by Shane Claiborne from The Simple Way these words have been running through my head. Not necessarily because of the premise that the Bible is easy to understand. In fact, as a Communications Major I have learned too much about the misinterpretation of ANY sort of text... But that's for a later post.

Today, what is sticking with me from this quotation is the obligation to act accordingly with the knowledge we receive.

As I come to the close of my undergraduate degree I think back on the things I have learned that have shaped who I am.

Introduction to Global Studies my Freshman year OPENED up my heart and mind to see the nations woven throughout scripture. The gospel is NOT to be kept in one people group, I learned. In fact, God blessed Abraham originally so that he would be a BLESSING to the nations. Why? So that the name of the LORD would be proclaimed to all nations.

I wrestled with God's desire for His own glory - and ended up in AWE of the grace he uses to reveal it.

The slums of Mathare opened up my eyes to see firsthand the effects of extreme poverty.

Learning that the homeless have names - in Mathare and in Riverside began the process of ISSUES becoming people.

New Delhi, India shocked me with its culture and taught me to love those I do not understand. I began to see the power of a story, and the deep spiritual darkness that can be broken with NOTHING aside from Christ.

International Justice Mission taught me at last year's Global Prayer Gathering that the most powerful weapon we have in the struggle against injustice, is coming before the Lord on behalf of others. Together: In community. Oh, and that we should stop asking "Where is God?" and begin to ask... "Where are God's people?"

An internship at the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force revealed the web of human trafficking RIGHT next door. It EMPOWERED me to know that there are resources available for victims, but it is the responsibility of EVERYONE to keep their eyes open and REPORT things that look suspicious.

Of course there are many other things we learn every day that we are responsible for. And it does not seem like that trend will end any time soon. Today's information?

At least 200 North Korean Refugees to China are forcefully returned to the DPRK (North Korea.) Their whereabouts are unknown. Most likely they are sent to detainment camps. Those that do escape live in fear of being found. What a recipe for victimization. Women end up in trafficking, and have children who are born without a state to belong to. Abandoned, because there is no way to support them. It is illegal in China to adopt these children.

I also read an update on the situation in Morocco from the BBC.

Responsible for the information above, I hope that those of you who know me well have heard about these at some point or another. It may get annoying that I can't seem to find anything else to talk about than what I am learning...

But I... and now you... are now responsible for what we know.

If you feel like leaving a comment, I would like to know what you have learned that you now feel responsible for.

Here in...

"In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand"

Today, 6 aid workers were attacked and killed in the Pakistan World Vision office.

As we sang these words in chapel, I could not help but think about the power of the words that we are singing.

During this season of my life, the reality of the strength of Christ - BEYOND what I can reason and explain... has been part of my everyday reality.

A dear friend has parents who work and live in North Africa, and who recently had 20 (foreigners) expelled from the country for "proselytizing."
That's a whole group of children who have been rejected and neglected, who will once again have those that they trust have to tell them that they are leaving.

On a global scale, with the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and these two events...
and on a personal scale with heartache of my own and those that are near to me...
I am reminded that as we stand in chapel, whether our eyes are closed and our legs are tapping...
The words we sing proclaim TRUTH, HOPE, and RESCUE in the middle of situations that are otherwise overwhelming.

"No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand"

The Story of Stuff

A friend posted this link on facebook - so I looked it up. 

2o minutes later, I had been taken through a brief summary of The Story of Stuff.

The information shared is a great introduction to understanding the history of consumerism in our society. There are many great points, but also some underlying theme which my wonderful fiance continually reminds me of.

1. The growing fear of death (particularly as a growing motivator for why we need to care about the environment) 

2. The "bad-ness" of everything that is manmade. I think there are more reasons than just to pollute our environment that "stuff" was made - perhaps having to do with the idea of "convenience" - making things easier.

3. The idea that changing the power structure in the government is possible... that we can take away the power from the big corporations is a wonderful idea - but (as a very uneducated non-economic minded young adult) seems (like to video says...) idealistic. This does not mean that we should not care about the things that the video proposes.

Contrarily, as Christians we should care about this even more than those who are not following Christ. Our approach to the issues surrounding injustice in the world ought to be centered in prayer. Perhaps we can learn from "another way" that Annie Leonard suggest, but learn even more from "another way" proclaimed by Jesus.

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.