denver childrens home

today was a fun day at work. We went to Denver Children's Home...the oldest non-profit in Colorado and the recipient of some much needed help from Oprah's Big Give winner Steve Palleta. Both Steve and Eric, another contestant on the show, came back to Denver to celebrate and see what's been happening at the home. It was neat to talk with them about their experience on the show and what they are hoping to do next.

Although they did kind of burst my bubble about reality tv...it's all planned in advance....and totally scripted...bummer :(

My favorite part of the day was when a few of the kids performed their raps they had written about their lives. A local band, The FLobots, volunteers with these kids every friday. Talk about a perspective check! It was incredible to see what these kids have come from and the hope and perseverance they have now! It's neat how much their lives have changed because someone decided to step in and give them some time and love.

sunflower farmers market made my day

Today after sushi with Tifah and Sarah, we went to Sunflower Market and I felt like a little kid in a candy store. I got blackberries for $.88, kiwis and strawberries and watermelon and lots of other great stuff. They are able to keep their pricing down by buying direct in bulk from farmers. It's basically like the colorado version of Trader Joes. So, you should go too!

p.s. all of you need to throw away your plastic Nalgene's. They are pulling them from the shelves because of a harmful plastic in them.

soundtrack of my life

I think I've told you before how I feel like there is a soundtrack to my life. Like when people watch it there is probably music playing in the background that they aren't even aware of. Every once and a while I have a soundtrack moment where I'm listening to a song the totally would be on the soundtrack of my life at the moment and here are a couple of recent.
First is breakable girls and boys...not so much in the little kid sense but more in the fact that we are just breakable as people...


New Soul...I totally took this from Brooke's blog..but it's so good!

in-flight entertainment

After the flight cancellation saga of american airlines over the past few days I am now back in San Antonio visiting the fam before Kate's wedding. I was on the plane from Dallas to San Antonio and was thinking about how much time I have spent in airports in the past few years, realizing I end up flying somewhere at least once a month- that's alot of time sitting huh? So if you have ever wondered what I do on planes, here's the breakdown...

Normally I bring a book, which I swear to myself I will finish before I land, but that normally lasts about 30 minutes and then I'm ready for what's next. When the flight attendants begin their safety demonstrations I always feel a little weird because they look right at me, like I'm really the one who needs to hear what they are saying. But then I realize I am the only passenger actually looking at them and nodding as point to all my exit options on the plane.

Next comes people watching... on my way back from Denver I could not stop staring at the guy's ears in front of me. He kept pulling on them and rubbing the edges while he was reading his book and I just could not get over how big they were- which brings me to a flashback of my junior high days of being really self-conscious of my own big ears...so I empathized with him and wanted to give him a pat on the back.

Next comes the inevitable trip to the bathroom. Is it just me or does it seem like everyone stares at you when you are walking down that long aisle to the bathroom? On my way back I passed the family I remembered seeing at the gate eating McDonalds. Their 3 kids had long hair and I honestly could not tell if they were girls or boys. I tried to get a good look when I was walking by- but that one is still a mystery to me.

Then the drink cart! Who knew that a quarter cup of soda over tons of ice could be something we all look forward too? I debate the whole way down, dr. pepper, gingerale or water. dr. pepper, gingerale or water...normally i decide i don't need the caffeine and opt for gingerale or if I'm being really good I decide I don't need sugar at all and I go for water...but secretly I want a dr. pepper the whole time.

Finally the plane lands, which I always but both feet firmly on the floor to land cause I'm convinced landing with my legs crossed messes up my alignment...crazy.. I know. Then it's time to deboard, and I don't know if you feel this way, but it seems like people walking off planes always look like they are on a mission. But when I walk off the plane to the gate door, I have to try really hard not to look, smile, and wave at everyone who is waiting for their plane. I can't help it, I feel like I'm walking down the aisle as a bridesmaid at a wedding and just want to smile at everyone. But don't worry, I put on my busy face and I think people are totally convinced that I'm important.

Ok, I realize this is getting long so I will say my baggage claim experiences for tomorrow.

letter to supporters

Here's a letter I wrote to some of my old supporters catching them up on my life...I thought I'd post it just in case you wanted an update too... I tried to fit a million things into one letter so it might be a little confusing...so is life :)

new season

I know it has been a while since I last updated you on life, but you have been such an important part of my life for the last few years through your prayer and support and I wanted to share with you more of the journey God has me on. It’s been a season of transition and change but the Lord, as always, has been teaching me new things and showing me more of Himself in the process…

I am working at Amali Public Relations—a consulting firm that works exclusively with non-profit organizations and I am learning a ton. I almost feel like I am in grad school. Non-profits are a world of their own and I’m learning what makes non-profits effective, what is sustainable overseas, how they connect with people, and how they can collaborate with others to see their missions accomplished. My favorite part of my job is thinking through how to creatively and clearly communicate a non-profit’s vision to their community, supporters and the people they serve. I still love getting to connect people to the worlds needs and how they can play a part in change!

Starting with my trip to Africa this past summer, I have been learning a lot about what it looks like the view our world through a “lens of redemption”...ie.. What would it really look like if Jesus came and fully redeemed every part of our world... people, families, neighborhoods, cities, cultures, and environments... to be the way He intended it to be? In reading through scripture, we see over and over again how Jesus cares for people who are oppressed and marginalized and we cannot avoid the call on our lives to bring the holistic power of the gospel, in both word and action, to change and redeem lives.

With not being on campus anymore, I have definitely missed interacting with students and over the Christmas holidays, I started thinking more about how the Lord would use the things that I have learned to effect change in our world. In the midst of our ever changing culture and world, Campus Crusade has been in the process of figuring out how to connect people with the needs of the world in a tangible and sustainable way. After meeting with a few different staff and directors over the past few months, the Lord has provided a neat opportunity to collaborate with Crusade through connecting them with needs and organizations they can come alongside to see change happen around the world and in their students’ lives as well.

College students today are thinking through their role in the world and have a huge desire to make their life count.. Our generation is starting to ask the question “if God’s kingdom is here and coming...what are we doing?” For years there has been such a dichotomy between the way students view their every day lives and how serving plays into that. When I think about today’s students ten years down the road, I don’t want them looking back on the “glory” days of their time in college and how they “once” were involved in meeting the needs of the poor and advocating for the oppressed. Rather, my hope is that as they go on to be doctors, or businessmen, living in urban areas and rural towns, their experiences in college would be a spring board to lives that are passionate about meeting needs and investing in lives of the people within ten feet of their lives everyday and around the world. That they would be men and women who truly see the gospel play out in their lives both in word and in deed.

Some things never change, I still love community, miss Texas, love writing, love Africa, and have a list of 20 big projects I want to do at once! If nothing else, I am continuing to realize that life is messy and God is way more concerned with meeting peoples needs than I will ever be cause He is right there in the midst of them all the time. I’m just thankful to go with Him on the adventure! Would, you also pray with me, that the Lord would give me wisdom and clarity in what capacity to invest my time with Crusade and in students’ lives? Thanks again for being a part of my life and I’m excited to continue to share with you what God has in the future!