Hmmm since I am thinking about things about me, and because Harmony and Hallie have done this, I think I will write about things I dont like... then about things that I do.
I dont like....
dis respectful kids
ADD boys
people who make chewing noises
complaining
pants that show butts
steyrafoam
mice
scremo music
fake people
toys with like one noise
waking up early in the morning
mustard
onions
scallions
pickles
school
being bored
cursing
bad drivers
hot days
being hot
high heels
money
lavender
velvet
TV
Lots of stuff
locks on doors
clothes
slow days
math
disorganized kitchens
dirty dishes
shopping for clothes
Friday, January 30, 2009
25 Things
This is for those of you who perhaps do not have Facebook. I wrote a note of 25 random things about me.
1)I would love life most if I could just volunteer and never work for money.
2)I really do like some hardcore music.... sometimes I listen to the one or two songs I have on repeat.
3)I like the look of books on my shelf probably more than I enjoy reading them.
4)Orange is my favorite color, but I dont have very many orange things.
5)I always have to have some sort of instrument in my room, cause like the books, I like to look at it, maybe someday i will learn to play.
6)I absolutly love being in the kitchen
7)I adore Kids! and coloring books!
8)My deepest thoughts come after 1 am
9)I like the smell of insense burning
10)I enjoy getting rid of things
11)I dont like money
12)I hope to someday live out of the country
13)I am happiest when barefoot
14)I do not enjoy putting clothes away
15)Rain is pretty much the best thing ever
16) I like to just drive
17)I like going to places where all I can see is nature, where all I can see are things that could have been here 2000 years ago, not powerlines or electricity or noise. Just God.
18)I like the smell of old peoples homes
19)I like shaking homeless peoples hands
20)I collect thimbols
21)Someday I will publish a book
22)I really do like to sing and dance
23)Once my mind is made up, I am unstopable
24)I would rather wear cordoroys than jeans
25)I prefer following to leading
1)I would love life most if I could just volunteer and never work for money.
2)I really do like some hardcore music.... sometimes I listen to the one or two songs I have on repeat.
3)I like the look of books on my shelf probably more than I enjoy reading them.
4)Orange is my favorite color, but I dont have very many orange things.
5)I always have to have some sort of instrument in my room, cause like the books, I like to look at it, maybe someday i will learn to play.
6)I absolutly love being in the kitchen
7)I adore Kids! and coloring books!
8)My deepest thoughts come after 1 am
9)I like the smell of insense burning
10)I enjoy getting rid of things
11)I dont like money
12)I hope to someday live out of the country
13)I am happiest when barefoot
14)I do not enjoy putting clothes away
15)Rain is pretty much the best thing ever
16) I like to just drive
17)I like going to places where all I can see is nature, where all I can see are things that could have been here 2000 years ago, not powerlines or electricity or noise. Just God.
18)I like the smell of old peoples homes
19)I like shaking homeless peoples hands
20)I collect thimbols
21)Someday I will publish a book
22)I really do like to sing and dance
23)Once my mind is made up, I am unstopable
24)I would rather wear cordoroys than jeans
25)I prefer following to leading
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Power of Words
Tonight at work on the the girls said "You look really nice tonight." That made me smile.
Then a few hours later, when it was really busy, an angry man came up to the podium and accused me of dis-honesty and scrutinized my character. He bitterly left, taking his family with him and quite upset that he had to wait longer than I had quoted him.
Later, I was holding the door for a woman moving turtle like with her walker. I commented on how wonderful it was that her husband was getting the car for her. "Oh Yes, my prince charming." I had to smile that she was so much in love. She proceeded to say " Thank you so much for walking me out. You are very sweet. Drive safe home tonight." And I assured her I would.
So, three comments made to me tonight. two of them were compliments, one was critical. What I found interesting as I drove home was how much the negative comment ate at me. I keep role playing the situation over and over in my mind, wondering what I could have done different to not have been wrongly accused. I believe there is nothing I could have done.
It just got me thinking about the power of words. I know I am not a dis-honest person. I know that the first and latter comments are more accurate in describing me. But still, words stick... I need to remember that.
Then a few hours later, when it was really busy, an angry man came up to the podium and accused me of dis-honesty and scrutinized my character. He bitterly left, taking his family with him and quite upset that he had to wait longer than I had quoted him.
Later, I was holding the door for a woman moving turtle like with her walker. I commented on how wonderful it was that her husband was getting the car for her. "Oh Yes, my prince charming." I had to smile that she was so much in love. She proceeded to say " Thank you so much for walking me out. You are very sweet. Drive safe home tonight." And I assured her I would.
So, three comments made to me tonight. two of them were compliments, one was critical. What I found interesting as I drove home was how much the negative comment ate at me. I keep role playing the situation over and over in my mind, wondering what I could have done different to not have been wrongly accused. I believe there is nothing I could have done.
It just got me thinking about the power of words. I know I am not a dis-honest person. I know that the first and latter comments are more accurate in describing me. But still, words stick... I need to remember that.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Jonathan
Jonathan was at College Group tonight, he is there about once a month. I spent the early years at peoples church with him in my sunday school class, I think my mom watched his sister. he was always weird. and now he is tall, and kinda stinky.
He came to Dennys tonight, he likes to come to Dennys. I think he likes feeling included. We like having people along! He told me that his mom kicked him out of his house cuase they fight too much. " Do you think you do?" " Ya" was his guilty reply.
"So Now I am living downtown. With my friends, you know. We slept under the bridge last night, I didnt sleep very well... We have to get to the Mission before they close... they close too early. Jeff invited me to sleep at his house tonight, but him and his wife go to sleep at 10, we wont be done at Dennys by 10, besides I have to leave when they get up at 6, I hate waking up at 6... I think I will just go back downtown. I might be going to Vancover this week, I might have job, I just need 1200 dollars, then I will go to Australia."
He came to Dennys, nobody new anything, they just thought he was, ya know, Jonathan. They didnt know that my $4.60 was buying him and I both dinner. They didnt know that the back back he had pushed under his feet was all he owned. They didnt know that he stinks becuase he hasnt been able to get to a shower. They didnt know.
I offered to take him to Jeffs, but he decided not too, it was too late. He said he had a friend nearby who would let him in and he opted to walk anyway. He's only like 17. I had never seen him so hopeless. He has gone to Peoples church for as long as I could ever remember, and now he is on the street and he is still making an effort to go, despite the jeering from his street friends. I decided something else. Homelessness is awkward, kinda like death... because it is just not suppose to be. It's one of those things that we want to fix, and cant. I didnt have any cash on me to give Jonathan. I didnt have a place to offer him to stay. I had nothing to give him except the hope of running into him again next week, assuming he can get there. I have no way to contact him... unless I go looking under the bridge.
I also have been keeping my eye out for Ron, he is the homeless guy whose corner is by the gas station on portland road. I saw him once at New Harvest Church. I think I liked the church just becuase there was a homeless guy there, well actually there was two, and another church member was sitting by them. I liked that. It reminded me of the song by Todd Agnew, My Jesus
I like the homeless ministry that Salem Alliance Church does, how they feed them every week. How it is not a job they have to do, but something they love to do. After serving one week, Heather said to me "I like how the people working there know the homeless people by name." I thought that was pretty cool too. They are treated like people. They are people.
Jesus said "Blessed are the poor for they will inherit the earth." I wonder what that means... to inherit the earth. Other translations say "the kingdom of heaven is theirs." I guess it is this humbleness that comes from poverty. Its the vulnerability and rawness that fully encompasses a person who has, of worldly standards, little worth. The kingdom of heaven is ours for the grasping - how much easier for those who have little to see the riches our Father has for them, not all accept... but maybe we should be a little more like Ron, and Jonathan, and the guy feeding the birds.
I guess... I decided I like homeless people. I dont know why, most of them are depressed, and I really dont like depressed people, but... at least they are raw. They have nothing left to hide. Maybe their vulnerability is forced, but they are vulnerable. I like that.
He came to Dennys tonight, he likes to come to Dennys. I think he likes feeling included. We like having people along! He told me that his mom kicked him out of his house cuase they fight too much. " Do you think you do?" " Ya" was his guilty reply.
"So Now I am living downtown. With my friends, you know. We slept under the bridge last night, I didnt sleep very well... We have to get to the Mission before they close... they close too early. Jeff invited me to sleep at his house tonight, but him and his wife go to sleep at 10, we wont be done at Dennys by 10, besides I have to leave when they get up at 6, I hate waking up at 6... I think I will just go back downtown. I might be going to Vancover this week, I might have job, I just need 1200 dollars, then I will go to Australia."
He came to Dennys, nobody new anything, they just thought he was, ya know, Jonathan. They didnt know that my $4.60 was buying him and I both dinner. They didnt know that the back back he had pushed under his feet was all he owned. They didnt know that he stinks becuase he hasnt been able to get to a shower. They didnt know.
I offered to take him to Jeffs, but he decided not too, it was too late. He said he had a friend nearby who would let him in and he opted to walk anyway. He's only like 17. I had never seen him so hopeless. He has gone to Peoples church for as long as I could ever remember, and now he is on the street and he is still making an effort to go, despite the jeering from his street friends. I decided something else. Homelessness is awkward, kinda like death... because it is just not suppose to be. It's one of those things that we want to fix, and cant. I didnt have any cash on me to give Jonathan. I didnt have a place to offer him to stay. I had nothing to give him except the hope of running into him again next week, assuming he can get there. I have no way to contact him... unless I go looking under the bridge.
I also have been keeping my eye out for Ron, he is the homeless guy whose corner is by the gas station on portland road. I saw him once at New Harvest Church. I think I liked the church just becuase there was a homeless guy there, well actually there was two, and another church member was sitting by them. I liked that. It reminded me of the song by Todd Agnew, My Jesus
Cause my Jesus would never be accepted in my church
The blood and dirt on His feet might stain the carpet
He was accepted in that church. I see Ron on his corner when ever I go by, and I pray for him. I know his name is Ron cause I gave him my lunch a few weeks ago, and he smiled, and I shook his hand, and we exchanged names.
I like the homeless ministry that Salem Alliance Church does, how they feed them every week. How it is not a job they have to do, but something they love to do. After serving one week, Heather said to me "I like how the people working there know the homeless people by name." I thought that was pretty cool too. They are treated like people. They are people.
Jesus said "Blessed are the poor for they will inherit the earth." I wonder what that means... to inherit the earth. Other translations say "the kingdom of heaven is theirs." I guess it is this humbleness that comes from poverty. Its the vulnerability and rawness that fully encompasses a person who has, of worldly standards, little worth. The kingdom of heaven is ours for the grasping - how much easier for those who have little to see the riches our Father has for them, not all accept... but maybe we should be a little more like Ron, and Jonathan, and the guy feeding the birds.
I guess... I decided I like homeless people. I dont know why, most of them are depressed, and I really dont like depressed people, but... at least they are raw. They have nothing left to hide. Maybe their vulnerability is forced, but they are vulnerable. I like that.
Monday, January 12, 2009
I saw Jesus.
Today I saw Jesus in some birds being fed. They were hungry and ready to receive. He was the birds, gentle, white and giving of joy.
Today I saw Jesus in the Homeless man feeding the birds. He gave what little he had to those who were in need. He was the man, quiet, poor, and giving of joy.
Today I saw Jesus in the girl who stopped and gave money to the Homeless man who was feeding the birds. She gave to one who was giving away. He was the girl, glorious, respectful, and giving of joy.
Today I saw Jesus in the Homeless man feeding the birds. He gave what little he had to those who were in need. He was the man, quiet, poor, and giving of joy.
Today I saw Jesus in the girl who stopped and gave money to the Homeless man who was feeding the birds. She gave to one who was giving away. He was the girl, glorious, respectful, and giving of joy.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Death is awkward.
I went to a funeral this week. I don't remember ever being to a funeral before. I think I might have been at my grandmas, but the only thing I remember about that day was riding in the limo with my Grandpa. I also think I was at my Uncle Charlies funeral a few years ago, I was so sick that weekend that I mentally wasn't there enough to remember it. I think I will remember this one for a long time.
Victor Hoffer died a week ago Friday in a car crash. Him and his new bride (only six weeks married) were on his way to his families house when he hit a slick part of the road and crashed into another car. I have only met Victor a few times. He was the much older brother of one of my once closest friends, Paul. When Heather told me what happened... I was shocked, I mean stuff like this happens to other people right? He was 31 and full of life.
I went to the funeral out of respect for Paul, for the family. I was amazed at how many other people did the same.... so many young people from school, students that may have never met Victor before - but were there for respect of the family that has been so involved in all of our lives. It really was a celebration of life, a life lived to the fullest. We sang hymns about heaven and of our glorious Lord, and heard how God hears the tears of those who weep.
It was when Paul spoke that I really listened up. He stood from his chair, slowly and gently letting go his grasp of both his parents hands. He raised the mic and said these short words....
"At my High school Graduation I spoke on living life to the fullest - Victors life was just that..." I was in that graduation, I was one of the students he spoke to, and I was here to hear part two of that speech, neither of which he probably wanted to give. His speech is complete now in my mind and cemented with a visual that surpasses all else. What he was talking about was real - and achievable.
After the ceremony, and the funeral procession, we returned to the church for "refreshments." We walked through the door and Kirsten gave Lynell (Paul and Victors mom) a hug and said to her "How are you?" she just kinda shrugged and smiled. We walked on and Kirsten shook her head and looked at me.... "that was a stupid thing to say. I cant believe I just asked her how she was. That was really awkward." Heather Kirsten and I stood around not knowing what else to do. It was awkward. We wanted to talk to Paul, we had nothing to say, nothing that wouldn't be awkward. We haven't talked in like a year anyway. We didn't say anything... I guess either way, it was awkward.
Later as I was thinking about it I decided that death is awkward. It is suppose to be awkward. Although it is a part of life and we all experience it and can expect it - it will always be awkward. God didn't create the world to have death, and anything apart from God is awkward because his presence is absent. So I decided that it is OK for death to be awkward, and there is nothing much we can do to make it less so... because God is life. So in that respect, I will celebrate life.
Victor Hoffer died a week ago Friday in a car crash. Him and his new bride (only six weeks married) were on his way to his families house when he hit a slick part of the road and crashed into another car. I have only met Victor a few times. He was the much older brother of one of my once closest friends, Paul. When Heather told me what happened... I was shocked, I mean stuff like this happens to other people right? He was 31 and full of life.
I went to the funeral out of respect for Paul, for the family. I was amazed at how many other people did the same.... so many young people from school, students that may have never met Victor before - but were there for respect of the family that has been so involved in all of our lives. It really was a celebration of life, a life lived to the fullest. We sang hymns about heaven and of our glorious Lord, and heard how God hears the tears of those who weep.
It was when Paul spoke that I really listened up. He stood from his chair, slowly and gently letting go his grasp of both his parents hands. He raised the mic and said these short words....
"At my High school Graduation I spoke on living life to the fullest - Victors life was just that..." I was in that graduation, I was one of the students he spoke to, and I was here to hear part two of that speech, neither of which he probably wanted to give. His speech is complete now in my mind and cemented with a visual that surpasses all else. What he was talking about was real - and achievable.
After the ceremony, and the funeral procession, we returned to the church for "refreshments." We walked through the door and Kirsten gave Lynell (Paul and Victors mom) a hug and said to her "How are you?" she just kinda shrugged and smiled. We walked on and Kirsten shook her head and looked at me.... "that was a stupid thing to say. I cant believe I just asked her how she was. That was really awkward." Heather Kirsten and I stood around not knowing what else to do. It was awkward. We wanted to talk to Paul, we had nothing to say, nothing that wouldn't be awkward. We haven't talked in like a year anyway. We didn't say anything... I guess either way, it was awkward.
Later as I was thinking about it I decided that death is awkward. It is suppose to be awkward. Although it is a part of life and we all experience it and can expect it - it will always be awkward. God didn't create the world to have death, and anything apart from God is awkward because his presence is absent. So I decided that it is OK for death to be awkward, and there is nothing much we can do to make it less so... because God is life. So in that respect, I will celebrate life.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Monopoly and the man and stuff
I've been getting into trouble for not blogging.... well not a lot has happened. Outside of getting snowed in, seeing Santa, working a whole lots, making double batches of gingerbread men, hanging with my sister and my totally cool nephews and David and gorgeous Ellenor, cleaning my car, not finishing my parents Christmas present, going to the movie theatre a couple times, making a bazillion hats, shopping, more snow, more work, more cookies....... outside of all that stuff I haven't been too busy. :)
The MAN came into outback again, the same night the GYPSIES returned. It was a few weeks ago, but I made a mental note to blog about it. I learn that the Man only became a paraplegic after a tragic accident in his teenage years. He spoke at my co-workers high school and she told me part of his story... he is now an inspirational speaker. The Gypsies were fun and happy and a little culturally rude (but then again so am I when I am in another culture) - but I like seeing them. I like being nice to them and not joining in the crappy gossip the rest of the staff give them behind the scenes.
On the night it snowed the most I made a fire outside with Heather. It snowed like 4 inches while we were out there with our hot tea and shooting flames. It was a really fun night, Heather then got stuck at my house for the next 3 days.... that was cool.
My sister came to see me. OK well she didn't necessarily come to see me, but she did see me. She really came for Christmas, for Grammy. But during the 5 days they were here, I got to hold Ellenor lots and lots and dress her in the super cute clothes I got her.... and I responded to every "Auntie Heather.... read Me book..... Auntie Heather..... Play with me..." And I got to joke with David about the silly Oreo Snowman Tin. HAHAHA.
I've played 4 games of monopoly in 2 weeks, I am 50/50.... so I need one more game so I can win.
Amanda (my super favorite cousin) came down yesterday. We called Grammy to see if we could come hang out with her.... we decided that since we don't have guys, and that Grammy is better than any guy, that we need to spend valentines day with her. (so were thinking a little far off yes) So we called her and were like....
"Grammy we need a babysitter valentines weekend. Can you babysit us?"
"What are you talking about? you don't need a babysitter? who told you that? your mother?"
"No Grammy, we neeeeeeeeeeed a babysitter and you are our favorite babysitter."
"Well I don't know what your talking about."
"Were talking about you babysitting us. Can we come valentines weekend?"
"Well..... I'll think about it. I just don't know what you girls are up to.
Haha I guess you would have to know my Grammy to understand the significance and hilarity of that conversation. OF Course she wants us! but she knows were up to something. haha.
Hmmm that about sums up the past month... New Years resolution: Write more than once a month on blog. :)
The MAN came into outback again, the same night the GYPSIES returned. It was a few weeks ago, but I made a mental note to blog about it. I learn that the Man only became a paraplegic after a tragic accident in his teenage years. He spoke at my co-workers high school and she told me part of his story... he is now an inspirational speaker. The Gypsies were fun and happy and a little culturally rude (but then again so am I when I am in another culture) - but I like seeing them. I like being nice to them and not joining in the crappy gossip the rest of the staff give them behind the scenes.
On the night it snowed the most I made a fire outside with Heather. It snowed like 4 inches while we were out there with our hot tea and shooting flames. It was a really fun night, Heather then got stuck at my house for the next 3 days.... that was cool.
My sister came to see me. OK well she didn't necessarily come to see me, but she did see me. She really came for Christmas, for Grammy. But during the 5 days they were here, I got to hold Ellenor lots and lots and dress her in the super cute clothes I got her.... and I responded to every "Auntie Heather.... read Me book..... Auntie Heather..... Play with me..." And I got to joke with David about the silly Oreo Snowman Tin. HAHAHA.
I've played 4 games of monopoly in 2 weeks, I am 50/50.... so I need one more game so I can win.
Amanda (my super favorite cousin) came down yesterday. We called Grammy to see if we could come hang out with her.... we decided that since we don't have guys, and that Grammy is better than any guy, that we need to spend valentines day with her. (so were thinking a little far off yes) So we called her and were like....
"Grammy we need a babysitter valentines weekend. Can you babysit us?"
"What are you talking about? you don't need a babysitter? who told you that? your mother?"
"No Grammy, we neeeeeeeeeeed a babysitter and you are our favorite babysitter."
"Well I don't know what your talking about."
"Were talking about you babysitting us. Can we come valentines weekend?"
"Well..... I'll think about it. I just don't know what you girls are up to.
Haha I guess you would have to know my Grammy to understand the significance and hilarity of that conversation. OF Course she wants us! but she knows were up to something. haha.
Hmmm that about sums up the past month... New Years resolution: Write more than once a month on blog. :)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Everything You are...
I give all I am to you
All I hold inside
Everything I am
The things I try to hide
Change me from within
Take my every part
Don't let me stray away
Come and fill my heart
I love all of you, and everything you are.
All the names you have, and how your near, not far.
Please reveal my dusty sins
Make them clear as day
Then open all my doors, keep them open wide
Let me take each on and throw them far away
I love all of you, and everything you are.
The many things you do, and how your near, not far.
I was made to love
and desire just in you
Your love is never ending
and you desire in me too
My love for you is strong
Its not a youthful fling
I only ever long for you
This is why I constantly sing...
I love all of you, and everything you are.
The magnificence of your glory, and how your near, not far.
All I hold inside
Everything I am
The things I try to hide
Change me from within
Take my every part
Don't let me stray away
Come and fill my heart
I love all of you, and everything you are.
All the names you have, and how your near, not far.
Please reveal my dusty sins
Make them clear as day
Then open all my doors, keep them open wide
Let me take each on and throw them far away
I love all of you, and everything you are.
The many things you do, and how your near, not far.
I was made to love
and desire just in you
Your love is never ending
and you desire in me too
My love for you is strong
Its not a youthful fling
I only ever long for you
This is why I constantly sing...
I love all of you, and everything you are.
The magnificence of your glory, and how your near, not far.
12
I remember being 8 and dreaming of the day I was 12. I believed in my heart of hearts that 12 was the perfect age. I wanted to never grow older than the age of 12. Maybe it was around this time that I first watched Peter Pan and my fantasy idea of forever childhood became stuck in my mind. Maybe it was because Aileen Carreaga was 12, or my cousin Amanda Bennett. 12 was that age in between, the perfect mix of child/adult. Amanda had been admitted to the adult table at thanksgiving, but she was still allowed with Aaron and I. There was a new sense of respect when you were 12 because it just sounded old, but not too old, not a teenager. 12 was when you were no longer forced to order off the kids menu - but you could if you wanted to. You were allowed to sample food at Costco without your mom, but you were young enough to still be asked your age by the cute old sample ladies.
I was 12 when I was first allowed to babysit by self, an income! I could stay home alone and was given more responsibilities. I could be regarded as an adult, but excused for acting as a child. I was allowed to play with barbies, and also given freedom in the kitchen (only of the stove top.) I could order off the kids menu sometimes still, and get the discount prices at a few places. It was nice to be in between. When I was 12, I wanted to stay 12 forever. It was all I had waited for the past few years.
Then I turned 13, that was cool cause I was a teenager... but there were days I wanted to be 12. I thought it was cool to no pick up the kids menu... but sometimes I wanted to color it still.
I was 16, and I got my license, and that was so super cool! But there were days that I still just wished I was 12.
Last night I spent a few hours in the Infamous Sharies restaurant with Brittany and we chatted about high school and whether it would be worth it to try to get our class together again, (I think we decided on no.) We discussed friendships and stupid people and annoying relationships. We talked about how annoyingly complicated people make things, and why they couldn't be simple like when we were younger, like when we were 12. We talked on how we feel old (but to all those reading this you will laugh because of how 'young' I am) and how responsibilities breath down our necks. Its cool to own cars, and make our own decisions and not have curfews and to be able to stay at Sharies till 1 in the morning. We looked at the good and the bad. I concluded that some days, I still wish I had stayed 12 forever!
I was 12 when I was first allowed to babysit by self, an income! I could stay home alone and was given more responsibilities. I could be regarded as an adult, but excused for acting as a child. I was allowed to play with barbies, and also given freedom in the kitchen (only of the stove top.) I could order off the kids menu sometimes still, and get the discount prices at a few places. It was nice to be in between. When I was 12, I wanted to stay 12 forever. It was all I had waited for the past few years.
Then I turned 13, that was cool cause I was a teenager... but there were days I wanted to be 12. I thought it was cool to no pick up the kids menu... but sometimes I wanted to color it still.
I was 16, and I got my license, and that was so super cool! But there were days that I still just wished I was 12.
Last night I spent a few hours in the Infamous Sharies restaurant with Brittany and we chatted about high school and whether it would be worth it to try to get our class together again, (I think we decided on no.) We discussed friendships and stupid people and annoying relationships. We talked about how annoyingly complicated people make things, and why they couldn't be simple like when we were younger, like when we were 12. We talked on how we feel old (but to all those reading this you will laugh because of how 'young' I am) and how responsibilities breath down our necks. Its cool to own cars, and make our own decisions and not have curfews and to be able to stay at Sharies till 1 in the morning. We looked at the good and the bad. I concluded that some days, I still wish I had stayed 12 forever!
(Hey Harm, did you see that i used the spell check???)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Fish
I got paid on Wednesday. The check went into my pocket. I got to Sharells house and the check came out of my pocket. I left Sharells house and the check went back into the pocket.
Thursday Afternoon I was on my way to the bank and was getting my money out while at a red light.... I didnt see my check in my wallet or purse. "Where is it I thought?" So I went home. It was not there. I called Sharell, It was not at her house. I went back to my car .... nope. Back to the house. Nope. I got a little aggrivated because I kinda, you know, needed the check. I was anoyed but knew that one of two things would happen: I would not find the check, and have to deal with it, or God will bring it to me.
Friday morning I woke up and immediatly thought of my check.
"God, it would be really cool if you could bring my check to me today."
"Look under your bed."
"What?"
"Look Under your bed."
"Ya, but God, I how would it be under the bed? I didn't even -----"
"How did the coin get in the mouth of the fish? Look under the bed."
So I discontinued my arguing, pushed my warm blankets off and got down on the ground. I reached under my bed (and mind you I don't put things under my bed, I have my suitcases and shoes... but not stuff.... and I hadn't put any bags away in the past 2 days) and moved a bag, under it was the crumpled up check. I just started laughing. How did the coin get into the mouth of the fish? ( Matthew 17:27) Well Just the same way my check got put under my bed... God put it there.
Lets just say it was a really good way to start the day.
Thursday Afternoon I was on my way to the bank and was getting my money out while at a red light.... I didnt see my check in my wallet or purse. "Where is it I thought?" So I went home. It was not there. I called Sharell, It was not at her house. I went back to my car .... nope. Back to the house. Nope. I got a little aggrivated because I kinda, you know, needed the check. I was anoyed but knew that one of two things would happen: I would not find the check, and have to deal with it, or God will bring it to me.
Friday morning I woke up and immediatly thought of my check.
"God, it would be really cool if you could bring my check to me today."
"Look under your bed."
"What?"
"Look Under your bed."
"Ya, but God, I how would it be under the bed? I didn't even -----"
"How did the coin get in the mouth of the fish? Look under the bed."
So I discontinued my arguing, pushed my warm blankets off and got down on the ground. I reached under my bed (and mind you I don't put things under my bed, I have my suitcases and shoes... but not stuff.... and I hadn't put any bags away in the past 2 days) and moved a bag, under it was the crumpled up check. I just started laughing. How did the coin get into the mouth of the fish? ( Matthew 17:27) Well Just the same way my check got put under my bed... God put it there.
Lets just say it was a really good way to start the day.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Gypsies.
A group of people started to walk into our resturant and the employees inside started to freak out. A murmor of wispers and arrows shooting looks were crossing tables and invisable sound barriers....
"Do you see who is coming in?"
"OH my gosh they had better not be coming in here."
"Seriously, do you remember last time they were here?"
"If you seat them in my section I will seriously kill you."
"Its the gypsies, urghhh, their so rude."
"You had better remind them that 15% gertuity IS included and we CANT change it."
"Their so loud."
..........................................
And blah blah blah. I was so tired of hearing the gosip. And it was gosip. They were telling assumptions and spreading them as truth. Through the doors a minute later walked in a large group of gypsies. Not the skirt wearing, tamborine carrying traveling gypsies like out of the old story books, but like the nationality, the group of people based out of Eastern Europe Gypsies... the group of peple I spent 3 months hanging out with last winter.
The little girls were beautiful and I immediatly felt myself drifting back to Bulgaria, where we spent countless days crammed in churches with children whose faces so directly resmebeled those of the girls smiling and laughing in front of me. The women were classy, petite and mission oriented. The husbands were happy, comftorable and domineering. I led them back to their table and talked and joked with them aside from jeering stares from my co-workers.
"I am to inform you that there is a 15% gertuity added onto your bill tonight for having a party of 8 or more." I said dreadedly through smiling gritted teeth.
"Not where I come from," the obvious leader of the group laughingly said to me. I laughed it off, shared a final word with the girls, and walked off to face the gossip once again. I pretty much shut out the story that was lunged upon me about what our resturant "thinks of this group." It was such a bad attitude, it was racist.... I didnt know racisim was so alive still. I didnt get a chance to tell anyone that I hung out with gypsies... and mabye we need to understand a little more of their culture, and maybe we need to extend a hand of graciousness and compassion and willingness to learn. I didnt get the chance, but I should have made one. I hope they come in again. I want to know the origin of their accent, I want to tell people that I dont see them as scum.... I want to know how anyone could think that anyway.... is it just easier to pick on someone? Seriously.
All I know is that the gypsies I have met have changed my life. My weeks in Bulgaria are my fondest of my trip, the hands extended to me during that christmas season weakened me to my knees as I learned how little of hospitality I really understood. I love their simplicity and culture and life.... I was reminded to pray for the missionaries in Greece who have devoted their life to a small group of 42 gypsies who are slowing learning to follow God, to not leave their culture, but to let God chance the bad parts of it. I just..... I just want people to know.
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