Kendra and I have been home from Northern Ireland for about two weeks now and things have been crazy. In those short thirteen days we've already had two weddings, a family reunion, and gave a presentation at Laramie UPC about our first YAV year. But in the midst of all of the traveling around and seeing friends and family, Kendra and I have had to repack our suitcases for a much warmer climate. In November of last year, while in Belfast, Kendra and I decided to do a second YAV year. As the months carried on, we narrowed our options down to New Orleans and Tucson. Both sites were appealing to us, offering Kendra opportunities to use her engineering skills and offering me a variety of completely new endeavors to choose from, but in the end, Tucson was clearly the right choice for us to make. Therefore, in two weeks we'll be moving to the southwest to experience a climate completely opposite of the one we left behind in Belfast.
In Tucson, Kendra will be working for Habitat for Humanity. I will be working with CHRPA (Community Home Repair Project of Arizona). CHRPA is a non-profit that seeks to assist low income and disadvantaged homeowners in the Tucson area by providing emergency home repairs and safety modifications for people living with disabilities. I'm incredibly excited about strapping on the tool belt each day and living out my faith with my hands. I'm also looking forward to getting to know our clientele, as one of the reasons I chose to work with CHRPA was the promise that they strive not to remember their clients as "the roof repair" or "the broken furnace" but take the time to hear their stories. The work was described to me as a combination of handiwork and social work. It is really shaping up to look like an exceptional year, one that will compliment the year in Belfast perfectly.
One of the challenges we will face in Tucson is living in intentional Christian community. We will be in a house with eight other people, six YAVs and two YAVAs (Young Adult Volunteer Alumni). Contrary to the belief of most people we've told this to, however, we are excited about the prospect of this living arrangement. One focus of the YAV program is living in community and we began to explore this in Belfast with our comrades on the north side of town by having meals and other get togethers frequently, always gathering with purpose. This was a nice, easy introduction to living in intentional community since Kendra and I lived in a different house than Christina and Zoe, but as the year went on, we decided we wanted to explore living in community more. Thus, we definitely brought this on ourselves but are looking forward to it!
Because we're doing a second YAV year, we also have to fund raise a second time. Last year we had to raise $16000 for our year in Belfast, and, due to an incredible support system of family and friends, we were able to meet that goal. This time around we have been asked to raise $10000 for our time in Tucson. If you would like to support us in meeting this goal, you can do so by sending checks made out to Tucson Borderland YAV with Heimbuck in the memo line to:
Linda Marshal
716 S. Lucinda Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85748
In addition to financial support, and more importantly, we also need your prayers! Please support us by keeping us in your prayers over this next year.
Thank you! We look forward to beginning our time in Tucson and keeping you up to date with what we're doing there.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
a year in review - part 1 of ?
Today someone asked me what my "Aha!" moments were this past year. I sat and thought. I thought a little more. Eventually, I came up with a couple. The first and most striking revelation about the year was simply that the conflict in Northern Ireland is way more complex than most people think. It's been hard to understand it while living here and seeing it firsthand. Even people who have lived here their whole lives tell me that it's difficult to understand. I can't begin to fathom how I am going to explain the situation to people back home. Yet, in light of that, I've learned the importance of dialogue this past year. I've learned how nonviolent efforts can make a significant impact. And really, how can violence ever lead to peace? The need for nonviolent efforts in the peace and reconciliation process are more importantly than anything else and I was incredibly lucky to be a part of these types of efforts at the 174 Trust and Woodvale Methodist.
My second "Aha!" moment came through my work with the Disabilities Club. This moment didn't occur as a quick flash like so many "Aha!" moments do but was a subtle aha. It crept up on me through the year as I began to understand so many different things through this work. First, the club helped me to understand the importance of letting people know they have value and worth. I felt like we worked hard to help the kids succeed in the different activities we presented to them and I tried to always let the kids know how great of a time I had with them. And truly, I always did. From the night I spent in the bathroom taking care of one of them who was sick to the night one of them began chatting "Baldy!" at me and others joined in, I've always looked back fondly on each night at the club.
The second part of the "Aha!" moment at the club had to do with how we look at ourselves. We went mini-golfing in March and one of the kids pushed another into the water hazard. It was knee deep and as the girl stepped out she looked at me and laughed, "I'm soaking!" It didn't phase her the rest of the night. She couldn't do anything about it really, so she just continued having a good time. It was a great lesson for me as I am someone who seems to constantly worry about what could go wrong or what has gone wrong. As my parents would say, "Lighten up!"
The last part of my lesson with the club was an understanding of the size and inclusivity of God's kingdom. The children at the club had so much to offer me. Each week I learned something new from the kids. I thought I was supposed to be helping them out but it really worked the other way around. I never left the club with a frown on my face. Our first Christmas away from family was eased by the impromptu carols we sang on the bus in December, and in all of the more difficult situations we had, the kids showed me that I had what it would take to make it through. They helped me understand that we all have important places in the kingdom and important work to be done. More importantly, they helped me learn that that same work can be a whole lot of fun.
I've learned much more in Belfast than what I've written above and will reflect more upon what the year has meant and the lessons I have learned as I better understand what those things are in the weeks and months to come. But it's been a terrific year in Belfast. I'll look back on this year with great memories. I'm going to miss climbing Cave Hill, talking with the young adult group at Woodvale, Tayto Cheese and Onion crisps, teaching my guitar kiddos, Guinness from so close to the brewery, our Woodvale Methodist church family, our Whitehouse church family, our 174 Trust family, not having a car, riding in the up top and in the front of the double deckers, and all of the great friends we've made at our placements (just to name a few things). Thank you to everyone who helped to make this year possible by supporting us through prayer, financially, with a nice meal, with a nice conversation or just with a warm hug. It's been an experience of a lifetime for me and Kendra and we are so thankful to have had it.
Cheers for now,
Karl
My second "Aha!" moment came through my work with the Disabilities Club. This moment didn't occur as a quick flash like so many "Aha!" moments do but was a subtle aha. It crept up on me through the year as I began to understand so many different things through this work. First, the club helped me to understand the importance of letting people know they have value and worth. I felt like we worked hard to help the kids succeed in the different activities we presented to them and I tried to always let the kids know how great of a time I had with them. And truly, I always did. From the night I spent in the bathroom taking care of one of them who was sick to the night one of them began chatting "Baldy!" at me and others joined in, I've always looked back fondly on each night at the club.
The second part of the "Aha!" moment at the club had to do with how we look at ourselves. We went mini-golfing in March and one of the kids pushed another into the water hazard. It was knee deep and as the girl stepped out she looked at me and laughed, "I'm soaking!" It didn't phase her the rest of the night. She couldn't do anything about it really, so she just continued having a good time. It was a great lesson for me as I am someone who seems to constantly worry about what could go wrong or what has gone wrong. As my parents would say, "Lighten up!"
The last part of my lesson with the club was an understanding of the size and inclusivity of God's kingdom. The children at the club had so much to offer me. Each week I learned something new from the kids. I thought I was supposed to be helping them out but it really worked the other way around. I never left the club with a frown on my face. Our first Christmas away from family was eased by the impromptu carols we sang on the bus in December, and in all of the more difficult situations we had, the kids showed me that I had what it would take to make it through. They helped me understand that we all have important places in the kingdom and important work to be done. More importantly, they helped me learn that that same work can be a whole lot of fun.
I've learned much more in Belfast than what I've written above and will reflect more upon what the year has meant and the lessons I have learned as I better understand what those things are in the weeks and months to come. But it's been a terrific year in Belfast. I'll look back on this year with great memories. I'm going to miss climbing Cave Hill, talking with the young adult group at Woodvale, Tayto Cheese and Onion crisps, teaching my guitar kiddos, Guinness from so close to the brewery, our Woodvale Methodist church family, our Whitehouse church family, our 174 Trust family, not having a car, riding in the up top and in the front of the double deckers, and all of the great friends we've made at our placements (just to name a few things). Thank you to everyone who helped to make this year possible by supporting us through prayer, financially, with a nice meal, with a nice conversation or just with a warm hug. It's been an experience of a lifetime for me and Kendra and we are so thankful to have had it.
Cheers for now,
Karl
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Laramie UPC Day 4 - C'mon In Cafe, Clonard, Disabilities Club
Tuesday (4 weeks ago today!) was Laramie UPC's fourth day in Belfast and it started early (by the standards I've become used to)! We met at Woodvale Methodist at 9:30 for a presentation from Margaret (the minister at Woodvale) on working on a peace line. She also talked about the Shankill community and the problems that plague it. It is a difficult place to minister but there is certainly hope in the area. That was Margaret's main message. Hope. The Shankill is a community that sees about a 50% unemployment rate. It is also steeped in history from the Troubles and that history is something the people live with each and every day. There are few, if any, people in the community that were not affected by the Troubles in some way.
After our visit with Margaret, we worked at the C'mon In Cafe, Woodvale's community cafe that is on each Tuesday. It was a great thing that the Laramie group was there because a number of our normal volunteers were either sick or on holiday and the extra hands on deck sure were helpful. The group helped out in the kitchen washing dishes and preparing plates as well as on the floor taking orders. When not helping, the group was sitting and eating with those who come into the C'mon In Cafe each week. It was a great opportunity for both the folks of Laramie and folks from Belfast to share about each other's lives and homes.
After helping with the Cafe, we headed through the gates of the peace wall to Clonard Monastery. I've mentioned Clonard before, as that was where the Good Friday Peace Walk started from that I blogged about earlier this year. At Clonard we met with Ed who was incredibly helpful and insightful! He gave us a great tour of the facilities and then engaged in a terrific theological discussion with the group. Multiple people said that this was one of their favorite parts of the mission trip.
Tuesday evening found the group back at the 174 Trust to help with the Disabilites Club that is on. I write this blog almost a month after this happened but doing so has allowed me to better understand the impact that the group had that night on many of the kids. The week after Laramie left, one of the kids asked me if Nikki (she did mention her by name) and the rest of my friends from the week before would be coming. It broke my heart to say no. But later, when we were playing with water balloons, the girl again remarked "I'm going to get Nikki so good with a water balloon next time I see her!" Elizabeth on the other hand made a different type of impact. She spent a lot of the night with one of our girls who isn't very verbal or active. Elizabeth was able to give this girl attention and work with her in ways that the typical volunteers we have (high school students) wouldn't be able to because they don't have the training or feel comfortable in that role. All in all, it was amazing to see the Laramie group at work that night kicking footballs around, getting their faces painted (can't tell you how awesome that was Sarah!), and overall helping the kids have a memorable night. Day 4 of the mission trip was truly a fantastic day in Belfast!
After our visit with Margaret, we worked at the C'mon In Cafe, Woodvale's community cafe that is on each Tuesday. It was a great thing that the Laramie group was there because a number of our normal volunteers were either sick or on holiday and the extra hands on deck sure were helpful. The group helped out in the kitchen washing dishes and preparing plates as well as on the floor taking orders. When not helping, the group was sitting and eating with those who come into the C'mon In Cafe each week. It was a great opportunity for both the folks of Laramie and folks from Belfast to share about each other's lives and homes.  |
| Marcia and Ray |
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| Carole chatting with a local (Brian) |
After helping with the Cafe, we headed through the gates of the peace wall to Clonard Monastery. I've mentioned Clonard before, as that was where the Good Friday Peace Walk started from that I blogged about earlier this year. At Clonard we met with Ed who was incredibly helpful and insightful! He gave us a great tour of the facilities and then engaged in a terrific theological discussion with the group. Multiple people said that this was one of their favorite parts of the mission trip. 
Tuesday evening found the group back at the 174 Trust to help with the Disabilites Club that is on. I write this blog almost a month after this happened but doing so has allowed me to better understand the impact that the group had that night on many of the kids. The week after Laramie left, one of the kids asked me if Nikki (she did mention her by name) and the rest of my friends from the week before would be coming. It broke my heart to say no. But later, when we were playing with water balloons, the girl again remarked "I'm going to get Nikki so good with a water balloon next time I see her!" Elizabeth on the other hand made a different type of impact. She spent a lot of the night with one of our girls who isn't very verbal or active. Elizabeth was able to give this girl attention and work with her in ways that the typical volunteers we have (high school students) wouldn't be able to because they don't have the training or feel comfortable in that role. All in all, it was amazing to see the Laramie group at work that night kicking footballs around, getting their faces painted (can't tell you how awesome that was Sarah!), and overall helping the kids have a memorable night. Day 4 of the mission trip was truly a fantastic day in Belfast!
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| Colleen painting Sarah's face! |
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| and Richard is down for the count! |
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| Jason joining in on a game of Chasies |
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| Patty with Caitlin and Gemma |
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| Carole enjoying a game of Connect 4 |
Friday, May 18, 2012
Laramie UPC Day 3 - The North Coast
Monday of this week was the Laramie group's third day in Belfast. We started the morning at the 174 Trust where the group heard a bit more to the background of the Troubles as well as the history of the 174 Trust. Bill and Geoff (the director and deputy director of the Trust) shared the history bits. Paul, a recent hire for the 174, shared about the project he is working on at Carlisle Circus. His project is a cross community initiative for Carlisle Circus, which is a large area where three different communties come together and where a fourth lies just up the road a little further. It's a great initiative that will use sports and the arts to bring youth together and a variety of other activites to bring together other ages in the communities. The Carlisle Circus project is a great example of the wonderful things that 174 can and is doing.
After hearing about the 174 Trust, a group from Whitehouse Presbyterian picked us up and took us all to the North Coast. We split the Laramie group up into twos and each pair was in a car with two locals or a local and either myself or Kendra. And each car, thanks to Kendra, was equipped with snacks from Northern Ireland. My car had a few different varities of crisps, Haribo, and chocolate. Of the crisps, it was decided that Beef & Onion was pretty good but Roast Chicken and Smoky Bacon weren't all they were cracked up to be.
The different cars took different routes up the coast and had different snacks, so there are a variety of stories to hear, but the car I was in stopped a couple of times to take some photos, including stops in Ballycastle and at Ballintoy Harbor. Ballintoy was an incredible stop as the waves were really crashing into the rocks around the harbor and giving us some terrific photos. But with such high waves we did have to be careful not to get wet!
After Ballintoy Harbor, we made our way up to Giant's Causeway. We had a nice lunch at the hotel near the parking lot and then made our way down the hill to the coast to see the stones. Giant's Causeway is a collection of basalt columns that were the result of volcanic activity. The same lava flow that formed the stones in Northern Ireland formed stones that can be found on the coast of Scotland, too.
It was a cool, windy day but our spirits couldn't have been higher as we saw the majesty of God's creation. I'm used to the mountains and awe-inspiring views that are all around Wyoming and Colorado, but each time I see the sea and the power that it has I can't help but marvel at it all in the same way I do when I'm standing on top of Medicine Bow Peak.
We finished up at Giant's Causeway and got back to Belfast in time to have another great meal. This time we ate at Made In Belfast. Made In Belfast would probably be classified in Denver as a "hipster" restaurant. But the atmosphere and food are both great. On top of that, the food is really pretty reasonably priced given the quality. I had a huge bowl of mussels that was simply amazing. All in all, it was another fun day with the Laramie group!
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| a view from Ballintoy Harbor |
The different cars took different routes up the coast and had different snacks, so there are a variety of stories to hear, but the car I was in stopped a couple of times to take some photos, including stops in Ballycastle and at Ballintoy Harbor. Ballintoy was an incredible stop as the waves were really crashing into the rocks around the harbor and giving us some terrific photos. But with such high waves we did have to be careful not to get wet!
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| Sarah and Patty |
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| part of the group at the Causeway |
We finished up at Giant's Causeway and got back to Belfast in time to have another great meal. This time we ate at Made In Belfast. Made In Belfast would probably be classified in Denver as a "hipster" restaurant. But the atmosphere and food are both great. On top of that, the food is really pretty reasonably priced given the quality. I had a huge bowl of mussels that was simply amazing. All in all, it was another fun day with the Laramie group!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Laramie UPC Day 2
Laramie UPC's second day with us here in Belfast was this past Sunday. I haven't gotten around to blogging about it until now. So here it goes.
The day started out at Whitehouse Presbyterian (Kendra's placement) where the faithful group from Wyoming led the congregation in worship. The Sunday was dedicated to Christian Aid, an organization that fights poverty around the world. Keeping with theme, Jason preached from John 15 where Jesus tells us that he is the vine and we are the branches. Jason used the passage and some great storytelling to explain how we are all connected in Christ, no matter where we are or our economic situation, and that because of this if we can help then we should help. It was a great message and a great service.
After worship we heard the story of Whitehouse Presbyterian from Rev. Liz Hughes. Whitehouse has had more than its fair share of ups and downs. In the past ten years alone it has been burned down and flooded. But the congregation has proved hard to keep down and is certainly thriving after many renovations and fixes.
We then had Doug Baker give the group a talk on the history of Northern Ireland before getting on the mini-bus and taking them around the city to see murals, peace walls, and many other sites of interest. We ended the tour at the scenic Scrabo Tower where the wind made us feel like we were back in Wyoming!
After the tour we went to Woodvale Methodist for a tremendous roast dinner. Thanks again to Patricia and all the others in the kitchen who made the delicious meal possible! As we ate, the group from Laramie was able to share in fellowship with many from the congregation at Woodvale. We then proceeded to head over to Malvern Assembly with some of those from Woodvale for an ecumenical Sunday evening service. Malvern Assembly is a Pentacostal church in the Shankill and there were members from multiple churches in the area worshipping together at the service. The service was a little different for the members from Laramie UPC. It was certainly more along the lines of a Pentacostal service than a Presbyterian (or at least a PC(USA) service) but this allowed for some good discussion later in the evening. Sunday was another great day with Laramie UPC! Again, Kendra and I are so blessed to have the support of such a wonderful church family back home.
The day started out at Whitehouse Presbyterian (Kendra's placement) where the faithful group from Wyoming led the congregation in worship. The Sunday was dedicated to Christian Aid, an organization that fights poverty around the world. Keeping with theme, Jason preached from John 15 where Jesus tells us that he is the vine and we are the branches. Jason used the passage and some great storytelling to explain how we are all connected in Christ, no matter where we are or our economic situation, and that because of this if we can help then we should help. It was a great message and a great service.
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| it was windy! |
We then had Doug Baker give the group a talk on the history of Northern Ireland before getting on the mini-bus and taking them around the city to see murals, peace walls, and many other sites of interest. We ended the tour at the scenic Scrabo Tower where the wind made us feel like we were back in Wyoming!
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| Jason and Richard in Scrabo Tower |
After the tour we went to Woodvale Methodist for a tremendous roast dinner. Thanks again to Patricia and all the others in the kitchen who made the delicious meal possible! As we ate, the group from Laramie was able to share in fellowship with many from the congregation at Woodvale. We then proceeded to head over to Malvern Assembly with some of those from Woodvale for an ecumenical Sunday evening service. Malvern Assembly is a Pentacostal church in the Shankill and there were members from multiple churches in the area worshipping together at the service. The service was a little different for the members from Laramie UPC. It was certainly more along the lines of a Pentacostal service than a Presbyterian (or at least a PC(USA) service) but this allowed for some good discussion later in the evening. Sunday was another great day with Laramie UPC! Again, Kendra and I are so blessed to have the support of such a wonderful church family back home.
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| a view from the top of Scrabo |
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| Malvern Assembly |
Saturday, May 12, 2012
lucky
Today wasn't a typical day. It's not that most days are bad. Most days are great. But today was an exceptional day.
I woke up and realized I didn't have any clean underwear (pants) save one pair that should probably go in the bin because they're full of holes and the elastic is shot. Fortunately, my loving wife started a load of laundry since we were up before 7 AM anyways because of the early sun beaming in through the window. We were hoping to be into town fairly early so that we could hit St. George's Market so when my pants (underwear) were done washing, I blow-dried them. Naturally, right? Because really, who hasn't blow-dried their underwear at some point? Maybe in a hotel room on a trip? Maybe just because you were in a hurry in the morning? Maybe because you live in Belfast and just have a washer and hang your clothes to dry? Any of the above would be reason enough.
We got to St. George's and found a stall serving breakfast burritos. Not only breakfast burritos, but breakfast burritos made by a woman from Arizona! She made her own salsa and chorizo because she said she couldn't find any she was happy with in Belfast. It was a real treat to have some real authentic Southwestern food! People often ask me what I miss most about the States. No offense to the rest of my family but after Elsie and Elle (my nieces) I miss Mexican food. (You know I'm kidding. Well, except Curt. You know I miss Mexican food more than you.)
After St. George's, the real fun began. We headed over to the Europa bus station to await the grand arrival of a group from our home church, Laramie United Presbyterian. After about thirty anxious minutes, their bus pulled in. We were scouting out the people coming off to see if they had indeed caught that bus and just as Kendra said, "Do you see anyone yet?" I recognized Jason's C4 mission trip shirt and said "Yup!" We quickly ran out and exchanged hugs with the whole group.
The evening then featured a wonderful collaboration of Laramie UPC folks and Woodvale folks. The four Wyomingites who are staying with Woodvale people, myself, and Leanne all went out to Jim and Winafred's house in the country for a great dinner. While the chicken curry was probably the best I've had, the fellowship was even better. We shared stories and experienced the great gift that is our family in Christ, even if that family lives on another continent.
It's exciting to have the Laramie group here, to be able to share with them all that we're doing. It's even more amazing to have a church that not only supported us financially but is invested in us enough to come over and see what we're doing and help with it! So to all of Laramie UPC, THANK YOU! We've been truly blessed to be a part of the church and to be able to call you our home congregation.
But all of this got me thinking. As I watched my church family from Laramie interact with my church family from Belfast, I realized I'm incredibly lucky to be involved in both of these churches. I was fortunate not only to be placed in Woodvale Methodist but to have made the friends there that I have. The end of July is certainly going to be an emotional time. We'll be excited to come home and see and share our experiences with the rest of Laramie UPC but we'll be incredibly sad to leave the family that we have found in Belfast. So to both Laramie UPC and Woodvale Methodist, thanks for making today an incredible day and helping me realize how very lucky I am.
P.S. To whom it may concern, thanks for the exciting lift home.
I woke up and realized I didn't have any clean underwear (pants) save one pair that should probably go in the bin because they're full of holes and the elastic is shot. Fortunately, my loving wife started a load of laundry since we were up before 7 AM anyways because of the early sun beaming in through the window. We were hoping to be into town fairly early so that we could hit St. George's Market so when my pants (underwear) were done washing, I blow-dried them. Naturally, right? Because really, who hasn't blow-dried their underwear at some point? Maybe in a hotel room on a trip? Maybe just because you were in a hurry in the morning? Maybe because you live in Belfast and just have a washer and hang your clothes to dry? Any of the above would be reason enough.
We got to St. George's and found a stall serving breakfast burritos. Not only breakfast burritos, but breakfast burritos made by a woman from Arizona! She made her own salsa and chorizo because she said she couldn't find any she was happy with in Belfast. It was a real treat to have some real authentic Southwestern food! People often ask me what I miss most about the States. No offense to the rest of my family but after Elsie and Elle (my nieces) I miss Mexican food. (You know I'm kidding. Well, except Curt. You know I miss Mexican food more than you.)
After St. George's, the real fun began. We headed over to the Europa bus station to await the grand arrival of a group from our home church, Laramie United Presbyterian. After about thirty anxious minutes, their bus pulled in. We were scouting out the people coming off to see if they had indeed caught that bus and just as Kendra said, "Do you see anyone yet?" I recognized Jason's C4 mission trip shirt and said "Yup!" We quickly ran out and exchanged hugs with the whole group.
The evening then featured a wonderful collaboration of Laramie UPC folks and Woodvale folks. The four Wyomingites who are staying with Woodvale people, myself, and Leanne all went out to Jim and Winafred's house in the country for a great dinner. While the chicken curry was probably the best I've had, the fellowship was even better. We shared stories and experienced the great gift that is our family in Christ, even if that family lives on another continent.
It's exciting to have the Laramie group here, to be able to share with them all that we're doing. It's even more amazing to have a church that not only supported us financially but is invested in us enough to come over and see what we're doing and help with it! So to all of Laramie UPC, THANK YOU! We've been truly blessed to be a part of the church and to be able to call you our home congregation.
But all of this got me thinking. As I watched my church family from Laramie interact with my church family from Belfast, I realized I'm incredibly lucky to be involved in both of these churches. I was fortunate not only to be placed in Woodvale Methodist but to have made the friends there that I have. The end of July is certainly going to be an emotional time. We'll be excited to come home and see and share our experiences with the rest of Laramie UPC but we'll be incredibly sad to leave the family that we have found in Belfast. So to both Laramie UPC and Woodvale Methodist, thanks for making today an incredible day and helping me realize how very lucky I am.
P.S. To whom it may concern, thanks for the exciting lift home.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
gardening and wondering what'll come next
One emphasis of the YAV year is simple living. There are many aspects of simple living. The one I've seem to have latched onto is growing some of our own food in order to take a small step to lower our carbon footprint. Because of this, since the beginning of March, our windowsills have been covered with plants. Herbs and vegetables like coriander, oregano, basil, a variety of peppers, chives, mint, lettuce and tomatoes are what take up most of the space, but the occasional flower - nasturiums, pansies, petunias, sweet peas, and marigolds - makes its appearance as well.
I've planted a lot of stuff in the past two months and grown everything from seed. The list above starts to show how much I've planted. I guess that seems to be the nature of me getting excited about something. I find some great project and go all gung-ho for it. With that said, I should give a thank you to my amazing wife (insert your gag here but this thanks IS appropriate) for putting up with the plants everywhere and the compost that we've started on our balcony.
One thing I'm finding out with growing vegetables here is that the growing season is tricky. I guess it's like Wyoming in that you might have a nice sunny day and then wake up to clouds and the wind howling the next morning. That would've been Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Because of this, the flowers which have all been transplanted to a large window box that sits outside, are sometimes brought in from the wind that hits them being up on a second floor (third floor for those of you in the States) balcony.
All in all, I've really enjoyed getting into gardening this year. I'm excited to carry over what I've learned to wherever Kendra and I end up next (more on that in a second). I hope to still expand the garden a little bit by planting some root crops like radishes and beets because they'll mature quick enough that we'll be able to use them before heading home. We've already used water cress, coriander (cilantro) and rocket (arugula) that I've grown. Chives and basil should be ready before too long. We may even have lettuce to use within a month. It's been a fun and tasty experiment.
I mentioned earlier that what I've learned gardening so far this year will be fun to carry over to wherever Kendra and I are next year. For those of you who do not know, we will be doing a second YAV year. We are looking at serving in either New Orleans or Tucson, but while we thought we may have had our decision narrowed down, we're finding out that we're just not yet sure where we're being called to at this point. We're excited about possibilities at both sites but would ask that you keep us in your prayers as we discern our next call.
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| early stages of planting |
One emphasis of the YAV year is simple living. There are many aspects of simple living. The one I've seem to have latched onto is growing some of our own food in order to take a small step to lower our carbon footprint. Because of this, since the beginning of March, our windowsills have been covered with plants. Herbs and vegetables like coriander, oregano, basil, a variety of peppers, chives, mint, lettuce and tomatoes are what take up most of the space, but the occasional flower - nasturiums, pansies, petunias, sweet peas, and marigolds - makes its appearance as well.
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| early March |
I've planted a lot of stuff in the past two months and grown everything from seed. The list above starts to show how much I've planted. I guess that seems to be the nature of me getting excited about something. I find some great project and go all gung-ho for it. With that said, I should give a thank you to my amazing wife (insert your gag here but this thanks IS appropriate) for putting up with the plants everywhere and the compost that we've started on our balcony.
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| late April |
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| using some cress at breakfast |
All in all, I've really enjoyed getting into gardening this year. I'm excited to carry over what I've learned to wherever Kendra and I end up next (more on that in a second). I hope to still expand the garden a little bit by planting some root crops like radishes and beets because they'll mature quick enough that we'll be able to use them before heading home. We've already used water cress, coriander (cilantro) and rocket (arugula) that I've grown. Chives and basil should be ready before too long. We may even have lettuce to use within a month. It's been a fun and tasty experiment.
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| jalepenos! |
I mentioned earlier that what I've learned gardening so far this year will be fun to carry over to wherever Kendra and I are next year. For those of you who do not know, we will be doing a second YAV year. We are looking at serving in either New Orleans or Tucson, but while we thought we may have had our decision narrowed down, we're finding out that we're just not yet sure where we're being called to at this point. We're excited about possibilities at both sites but would ask that you keep us in your prayers as we discern our next call.
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| tomatoes in a homemade cage...we'll see how that works |
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