VN government has put out a ban on Facebook!
I guess it's back to good old emails...
audgeq@gmail.com
Hope to hear from you!!
=)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Love
I taught tonight for the first time in about a week and a half. I didn't really know what it would be like, but it's always hard to go back to work after a long length of time off...
I got to school early to prepare my lessons, same old routine. 2o minutes before classes were to start, the power went off--not unusual. But today we're having another storm..not like Ketsana, but reminiscent of it. We're getting a lower intensity sprout of what recently hit the Philippines. Anyway! The strong winds knocked out the power but the generator soon kicked in and we were in business.
Before my class began, I realized it would be a quiet night. Due to the fact that the majority of people travel by motorbike rather than cars, the rain (especially tropical storms) effects if people drive or not. I had 5 out of 15 students come to my first class, and 6 of 12 in my second class.
But that didn't bother me at all, because at the sight of my first student (they came in one at a time which was strange) my heart leaped. Sam saw me from the end of the hall and yelled "TEACHER!!!" and ran to me, kicking his shoes off and giving me a big hug. AHHHH it was so great, I didn't realize JUST how much I missed them until I saw them each and was so overwhelmed with love for them. As each student entered I felt this feeling over and over and over, hugging and kissing the life out of them (not literally... :) ) I love my kids so much! Maybe this time off was the "eye opener" to mix things up for me to rediscover why I'm here. I don't necessarily think I'm in Vietnam just to be a teacher, but right now I needed to be reminded just how much I feel and care for these students. It reminded me that I'm in Vietnam to LOVE. For a few hours a day, I am to Love in the role of a teacher. For a few hours a day, I am to Love in my role as a co-worker. When I'm at home, I am to Love as a housemate. When I'm in my neighborhood, I am to Love as a neighbor. All day, I am to Love everyone I meet. Throughout each and everyday, I feel Love for everyone I know, everyone I am in relationship with, and everyone I know I will meet soon. Yes, there are different roles I have for different parts of the day, but the Love I have doesn't stay at the location I am seen to express it. It is a part of who I am and I hope that through my words and actions people will know this Love.
I got to school early to prepare my lessons, same old routine. 2o minutes before classes were to start, the power went off--not unusual. But today we're having another storm..not like Ketsana, but reminiscent of it. We're getting a lower intensity sprout of what recently hit the Philippines. Anyway! The strong winds knocked out the power but the generator soon kicked in and we were in business.
Before my class began, I realized it would be a quiet night. Due to the fact that the majority of people travel by motorbike rather than cars, the rain (especially tropical storms) effects if people drive or not. I had 5 out of 15 students come to my first class, and 6 of 12 in my second class.
But that didn't bother me at all, because at the sight of my first student (they came in one at a time which was strange) my heart leaped. Sam saw me from the end of the hall and yelled "TEACHER!!!" and ran to me, kicking his shoes off and giving me a big hug. AHHHH it was so great, I didn't realize JUST how much I missed them until I saw them each and was so overwhelmed with love for them. As each student entered I felt this feeling over and over and over, hugging and kissing the life out of them (not literally... :) ) I love my kids so much! Maybe this time off was the "eye opener" to mix things up for me to rediscover why I'm here. I don't necessarily think I'm in Vietnam just to be a teacher, but right now I needed to be reminded just how much I feel and care for these students. It reminded me that I'm in Vietnam to LOVE. For a few hours a day, I am to Love in the role of a teacher. For a few hours a day, I am to Love in my role as a co-worker. When I'm at home, I am to Love as a housemate. When I'm in my neighborhood, I am to Love as a neighbor. All day, I am to Love everyone I meet. Throughout each and everyday, I feel Love for everyone I know, everyone I am in relationship with, and everyone I know I will meet soon. Yes, there are different roles I have for different parts of the day, but the Love I have doesn't stay at the location I am seen to express it. It is a part of who I am and I hope that through my words and actions people will know this Love.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
7 months
Today, October 28th 2009 is my 7 month anniversary in Vietnam!
I took myself out to celebrate this afternoon. I drove south to the cute little Hoi An town. I went to my favorite restaurant, Cargo Club, and ordered a pot of mint tea which I sipped while reading and journaling. After awhile, I ordered a chicken fajita and a hot mocha. I was overlooking the river as the sun was falling behind the buildings casting light on the river and dirt roads in a very magical way. As I was finishing my fajita it started to rain a bit so I moved one seat over to be covered by the big umbrella. I finished my mocha as the rain continued to fall and the sun completely set. It was lovely.
The drive home was in the dark and rain off and on, but not stressful. I was singing out loud (laugh if you want) and enjoying the liberating feeling as the breeze carried my voice off to the ocean next to me. Once I got back into the Da Nang city limits I chose to continue driving along the beach road to the other end of town to drive over the new bridge and enjoy the view of the city at night. I love this place. I can't imagine being anywhere else but here. And today helped me refocus and remember why I'm here: to seek the Father and where He is at work in this place. There is nothing else that I need to focus on or worry about. He is here all around, and I want to spend all of my energy and moments seeking Him and joining Him where he is at work. Nothing else matters!
Happy 7 month anniversary, Vietnam! I've loved every day.
I took myself out to celebrate this afternoon. I drove south to the cute little Hoi An town. I went to my favorite restaurant, Cargo Club, and ordered a pot of mint tea which I sipped while reading and journaling. After awhile, I ordered a chicken fajita and a hot mocha. I was overlooking the river as the sun was falling behind the buildings casting light on the river and dirt roads in a very magical way. As I was finishing my fajita it started to rain a bit so I moved one seat over to be covered by the big umbrella. I finished my mocha as the rain continued to fall and the sun completely set. It was lovely.
The drive home was in the dark and rain off and on, but not stressful. I was singing out loud (laugh if you want) and enjoying the liberating feeling as the breeze carried my voice off to the ocean next to me. Once I got back into the Da Nang city limits I chose to continue driving along the beach road to the other end of town to drive over the new bridge and enjoy the view of the city at night. I love this place. I can't imagine being anywhere else but here. And today helped me refocus and remember why I'm here: to seek the Father and where He is at work in this place. There is nothing else that I need to focus on or worry about. He is here all around, and I want to spend all of my energy and moments seeking Him and joining Him where he is at work. Nothing else matters!
Happy 7 month anniversary, Vietnam! I've loved every day.
sudden downpour
October breeeeeeeeeeezed right on by. Why do I feel like this keeps happening? Time needs to take a break and let me acclimate.
This month has been filled by numerous early morning walks (multiple 13K+...!) in the gorgeous weather we've been having, as well as coffee dates with friends, relaxing trips to the beach, organizing and participating in a newly forming young adults group from the fellowship I attend, interviewing for new staff at work, an this past week, a much needed vacation to Ha Noi and Sa Pa.
Out of everything that has been happening that has been seemingly "major," there are some specific events that have been on my heart that I've wanted to share.
One morning I was out walking with a friend and we got caught in a downpour. We ducked under a tarp where some people were selling food, to wait out the rain. While we were standing there, we saw two older women pushing a very old man in a wheelchair. They didn't stop but kept walking in the pouring rain, obviously cold. An approaching motorbike slowed down and stopped next to this three-some. A man in his 30s or 40s was driving with a young boy, his son probably. The got off the bike, opened up the seat and pulled out two rain ponchos to give to the group. He also gave them his umbrella. I didn't hear any words being exchanged, just this man covering the older man in the wheelchair with the poncho, and helping the women get situated and on their way again. The man and boy got back on their motorbike and headed on their way.
I was so touched in seeing this act of service. In Vietnam it is interesting because it is a very communal culture where everyone takes care of one another, especially the older people in the family. But when it comes to public displays, it is more common to see the "every man for himself" attitude displayed: motor accidents, robbery...people often stand by and watch, not doing much to help. It warmed my hear to see this man act so selflessly, giving up his own comfort for the sake of these other people. Watching this exchange also gave me hope for the future generations of Vietnam. This young boy saw his father act this way. The role of a father is important in every culture, and in Vietnam the family dynamic is immensely effected by the involvement or lack of involvement of the father. Having such a positive, impacting display of selflessness will most definitely leave a lasting impression on this young boy and will help mold him into a better man.
Thank you Father for your ultimate example. Let us watch you and follow your ways and directions.
This month has been filled by numerous early morning walks (multiple 13K+...!) in the gorgeous weather we've been having, as well as coffee dates with friends, relaxing trips to the beach, organizing and participating in a newly forming young adults group from the fellowship I attend, interviewing for new staff at work, an this past week, a much needed vacation to Ha Noi and Sa Pa.
Out of everything that has been happening that has been seemingly "major," there are some specific events that have been on my heart that I've wanted to share.
One morning I was out walking with a friend and we got caught in a downpour. We ducked under a tarp where some people were selling food, to wait out the rain. While we were standing there, we saw two older women pushing a very old man in a wheelchair. They didn't stop but kept walking in the pouring rain, obviously cold. An approaching motorbike slowed down and stopped next to this three-some. A man in his 30s or 40s was driving with a young boy, his son probably. The got off the bike, opened up the seat and pulled out two rain ponchos to give to the group. He also gave them his umbrella. I didn't hear any words being exchanged, just this man covering the older man in the wheelchair with the poncho, and helping the women get situated and on their way again. The man and boy got back on their motorbike and headed on their way.
I was so touched in seeing this act of service. In Vietnam it is interesting because it is a very communal culture where everyone takes care of one another, especially the older people in the family. But when it comes to public displays, it is more common to see the "every man for himself" attitude displayed: motor accidents, robbery...people often stand by and watch, not doing much to help. It warmed my hear to see this man act so selflessly, giving up his own comfort for the sake of these other people. Watching this exchange also gave me hope for the future generations of Vietnam. This young boy saw his father act this way. The role of a father is important in every culture, and in Vietnam the family dynamic is immensely effected by the involvement or lack of involvement of the father. Having such a positive, impacting display of selflessness will most definitely leave a lasting impression on this young boy and will help mold him into a better man.
Thank you Father for your ultimate example. Let us watch you and follow your ways and directions.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
signs of fall
Fall is here, there are leaves on the ground!
(and not just because there's still debris from the typhoon....)
Leaves are falling =)
The Lunar year's Mid-Atumn Festival was this weekend.
The air is getting a hint of maybe being chilly at night.
Robin made chocolate chip cookies last night.
I want to watch American football.
(and not just because there's still debris from the typhoon....)
Leaves are falling =)
The Lunar year's Mid-Atumn Festival was this weekend.
The air is getting a hint of maybe being chilly at night.
Robin made chocolate chip cookies last night.
I want to watch American football.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Ketsana!
Typhoon Ketsana came into town this past Monday...what a surprise! I woke up to lots of wind and rain, and I was about to head out to the house I volunteer at, not excited about going out in the rain. I checked my email before heading out and I saw an email forwarded from the pastor about the typhoon scheduled to hit Da Nang! What a surprise, it seemed unreal. I've never had to be concerned about a typhoon before. So I decided it best not to venture out in the elements which were promised to worsen as the day went on.
Sure enough within a few hours the wind was wrecking the trees and structures all around us. There was a small break in the strong winds, and our friend took us to the market in her car. We picked up tofu and veggies to make dinner that night. It was delicious! We invited friends over for vegetable curry and rice, and some thrilling rounds of Phase 10, Apples to Apples, and Nerts. We held onto power until we were sleeping Monday night. We put some mattresses together in one of our common areas and a few of us slept together. With the massive rains, many bedrooms in the house were flooded, and the strong winds made those of us with (glass)
doors to the outside in our rooms a little bit nervous...! The winds were loud and strong all through the night. Sleep was hard to come by.In the morning we were strangely excited and found comradery in our entrapment. We knew our classes would be canceled again that day, as they had been the night before. We made breakfast and lunch together with the food that would soon spoil in the fridge and freezer. Pancakes, eggs, chao, oatmeal, taco meat, vegetable curry, homemade tortillas (which turned out more like nan bread), tea, hot chocolate, coffee....mmm it was like a mini-vacation for a few days trapped at home! It was nice because the six of us were just spending raw, quality time together--something that hasn't really happened yet. All six of us at the same place for any length of time has been rare. So this much time together was I think really good for each of us.
As of about 24 hours ago, we've had power back again, though we're still waiting for the flooding to dry up and the running water to work completely. The power at school is still off, but we're planning to teach tonight, probably on generator power. Having three days off is really off-putting! Hopefully the students are all ok and safe and haven't endured harm or damage to their homes. There are news reports of over 30 deaths in Da Nang from effects of the typhoon, and many many homes, farms and businesses wiped out. Just going around the town its crazy to see the billboards completely torn down, trees uprooted, roofs lying next to the houses they used to shelter. I am very thankful for the house we're staying in: yes it flooded and leaked and a few things are wrong with it, but it protected us and kept us safe and dry. What more could we ask for? It also provided a safe place for the six of us and many of our friends to come together and be there for each other for entertainment, comfort, prayer and support.This disaster was devastating for so many people and I pray that through all of this, glory and honor will come to the Creator. I don't understand Him sometimes or why things happen when and where they do, but I find comfort in knowing He has it all figured out and my thoughts and feelings about it are nothing to worry about, because He knows what will come of everything and the best path for each of us. I continue to seek to know His will and to join Him where He is at work, in obedience and service. I hope to grow in this process and to be a blessing to
those I encounter, in any way I can.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Engagement
I just got home from a friend's Engagement ceremony. In Vietnam there is an engagement ceremony and then a wedding ceremony.
Today was at the bride's home in Da Nang. Her family hosted and welcomed guests, then the groom's family entered bringing gifts of food and drink (a full roasted pig!). The fathers talked (not exactly sure what was said), then the fathers introduced their family members. Then the couple was brought to the front to take pictures in front of the table of food and gifts, and to exchange rings. It was so special!
Very formal, but intimate and personal. I tried to take some pictures, but the flash on my camera hasn't been working too well...
Monday, August 24, 2009
Where you're meant to be
"There's no where you can be that isn't where you're meant to be."
Hai and Teresa had us (some teachers and staff-whoever could make it) over for dinner tonight. Hai BBQed some chicken marinated in salt, pepper and oyster sauce, which was tender and delicious, Teresa made a wonderful salad with green olives, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, cashews....mmm, and Teresa also made baked beans, baked potatoes, and apple cake. It was a beautiful meal, and I believe the hospitality, love and good company made the food taste even better. I love being in a home. Yes, I live in my home with Ashleigh, Andrew, Kaitlyn, Christa and Robin, but going to a long-established home where kids are running around outside, people are cooking and chatting in the kitchen and living room, and some are out gathered in the garden around the BBQ--people existing for each other, not just with each other.
After eating, we all took a walk through the fields and dirt roads surrounding the Huynh Family Compound. It was so simple, so nice, so leisurely. It wasn't a power walk with a destination in mind; we were just sauntering forward, stopping here and there, not all at once but sometimes all together. People were having conversations, skipping rocks on the pond, throwing a frisbee, giggling, chasing the children, or just walking side-by-side or hand-in-hand taking in the beauty and serenity of the fading light of day. We walked without knowing when we would stop or what we were heading towards. I never even heard anyone ask. No one was talking about their other plans they were waiting to get on with, we were all just there, in that moment, for the evening.
Eventually we headed back to the house, ate dessert (I had flan, yum!), chatted a little more, and we all went our ways home. At this point it was still pretty early, I think we were home by 7:30pm. So I went with Ashleigh, Andrew, Karen and Dave to the beach. At night there are beach chairs and tables set up at certain beaches, where you can eat or drink and enjoy the ocean. I haven't been to the beach at night yet here, and let me tell you I will be doing it as much as possible from now on! Again, it was just incredibly peaceful and enjoyable being in the presence of caring, authentic, quality people. The ocean was dark and the sound of the waves couldn't have been more tranquilizing. I could feel myself smiling for no apparent reason, other than being thoroughly pleased and content with the people surrounding me and genuine nature of who they each are. You'd be surprised at how fulfilling a real and true relationship can be when you're not thinking about what TV program you're missing by being out, or constantly texting people who aren't with you...
"There's no where you can be that isn't where you're meant to be."
I've been learning lately to be where I am. It hasn't been some huge lesson I learned with a major epiphany and transformation of thought. But I did realize it was something I've been living out which is pretty different than how I've lived in the past. I've always looked forward to the next major event or change or landmark in my life--getting to high school, graduating, getting to college, graduating, moving to Vietnam...and now I don't know what's next! There's "nothing to look forward to" in my life, because there's no set agenda I feel that I need to fulfill now. I've completed all the required tasks given to me by society and not I am free to be where I am and not worry about planning my next life change or adventure. I'm here. I love being here. I don't need to plan my next move. I can't plan my next move because I don't believe I'm the one calling the shots. I am here, living my life, trying every day to act in faith and obedience, abiding in grace and mercy and love and hope. I'm glad I'm not the one deciding my future. It's exciting to follow the One who created the earth and everything in it-He's no much more creative and orchestrating than I'll ever be! Yeah, He's the one I'll listen to. Life will be so much greater with Him calling the shots. I like where I am, because He is here with me. And it'll be that way forever.
"There's no where you can be that isn't where you're meant to be."
{The Beatles}
Hai and Teresa had us (some teachers and staff-whoever could make it) over for dinner tonight. Hai BBQed some chicken marinated in salt, pepper and oyster sauce, which was tender and delicious, Teresa made a wonderful salad with green olives, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, cashews....mmm, and Teresa also made baked beans, baked potatoes, and apple cake. It was a beautiful meal, and I believe the hospitality, love and good company made the food taste even better. I love being in a home. Yes, I live in my home with Ashleigh, Andrew, Kaitlyn, Christa and Robin, but going to a long-established home where kids are running around outside, people are cooking and chatting in the kitchen and living room, and some are out gathered in the garden around the BBQ--people existing for each other, not just with each other.
After eating, we all took a walk through the fields and dirt roads surrounding the Huynh Family Compound. It was so simple, so nice, so leisurely. It wasn't a power walk with a destination in mind; we were just sauntering forward, stopping here and there, not all at once but sometimes all together. People were having conversations, skipping rocks on the pond, throwing a frisbee, giggling, chasing the children, or just walking side-by-side or hand-in-hand taking in the beauty and serenity of the fading light of day. We walked without knowing when we would stop or what we were heading towards. I never even heard anyone ask. No one was talking about their other plans they were waiting to get on with, we were all just there, in that moment, for the evening.
Eventually we headed back to the house, ate dessert (I had flan, yum!), chatted a little more, and we all went our ways home. At this point it was still pretty early, I think we were home by 7:30pm. So I went with Ashleigh, Andrew, Karen and Dave to the beach. At night there are beach chairs and tables set up at certain beaches, where you can eat or drink and enjoy the ocean. I haven't been to the beach at night yet here, and let me tell you I will be doing it as much as possible from now on! Again, it was just incredibly peaceful and enjoyable being in the presence of caring, authentic, quality people. The ocean was dark and the sound of the waves couldn't have been more tranquilizing. I could feel myself smiling for no apparent reason, other than being thoroughly pleased and content with the people surrounding me and genuine nature of who they each are. You'd be surprised at how fulfilling a real and true relationship can be when you're not thinking about what TV program you're missing by being out, or constantly texting people who aren't with you...
"There's no where you can be that isn't where you're meant to be."
I've been learning lately to be where I am. It hasn't been some huge lesson I learned with a major epiphany and transformation of thought. But I did realize it was something I've been living out which is pretty different than how I've lived in the past. I've always looked forward to the next major event or change or landmark in my life--getting to high school, graduating, getting to college, graduating, moving to Vietnam...and now I don't know what's next! There's "nothing to look forward to" in my life, because there's no set agenda I feel that I need to fulfill now. I've completed all the required tasks given to me by society and not I am free to be where I am and not worry about planning my next life change or adventure. I'm here. I love being here. I don't need to plan my next move. I can't plan my next move because I don't believe I'm the one calling the shots. I am here, living my life, trying every day to act in faith and obedience, abiding in grace and mercy and love and hope. I'm glad I'm not the one deciding my future. It's exciting to follow the One who created the earth and everything in it-He's no much more creative and orchestrating than I'll ever be! Yeah, He's the one I'll listen to. Life will be so much greater with Him calling the shots. I like where I am, because He is here with me. And it'll be that way forever.
"There's no where you can be that isn't where you're meant to be."
{The Beatles}
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Relief & ....Tutti Frutti!!
Things went great in Saigon, PTL! Smooth interactions with the US Consulate and Department of Foreign Affairs. They granted me all of the approvals and documentation I need in order to now apply for my work permit. So yay! Thanks Vietnam! :)
Saigon is a great city with many attributes I'd forgotten exist...overpriced shopping malls, ridiculous, over-the-top "designer" fashion, corner espresso stands, public transportation, high-rise buildings, FROZEN YOGURT! That's right, ladies and gentlemen: Fro-Yo. I'm not talking about your simple, sweet, soft-serve fro-yo--but tart, yummy, choose your own toppings, pay-per-gram (weight, not cracker) Fro-Yo.
Believe it or not, there is a little place known by the name of Tutti Frutti across from Azusa Pacific that opened during my senior year, owned by a Vietnamese-American. Kaitlyn told me she spoke with him once and found out that he had stores in Vietnam also. Well, as Hai and I were walking around the city doing some sight-seeing in our (unexpected) free time, we sat to rest on a bench and through the trees, across the park, a few streets away, a familiar looking sign caught my attention. I told Hai about the Tutti Frutti in Azusa, and he was intrigued as well so we went to check it out. 
Sure enough, TUTTI FRUTTI! We went in and enjoyed some amazing treats--it was Hai's first Fro-Yo experience, so I explained how it all worked.He created:
Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry & taro fro-yo, with I believe peanuts and raisins on top.
I created:
Strawberry & taro fro-yo with kiwi, mango and strawberries on top.
For those of you who have not spent any length of time in Southern California to experience this phenomenon, I am truly sorry. I don't know how to feel for you, but I advise you put this on your "Bucket List" for sure.
As we were sitting enjoying our cups of heaven, we asked one of the workers if there was a connection
between this shop and one in California. She said she wasn't sure, but probably because it is owned by a Vietnamese-American man. So yes, I'd say so. And here's the great news: among many "Stores coming soon..." Da Nang is on the list!!! Who knows how soon it will be, but mmmmmm it's definitely worth the wait.This may all seem very trivial to you, especially if you haven't experienced a place such as Tutti Frutti, Paradise Juice Cafe (PJC), Cherry on Top, Pinkberry, or 21 Choices...so if you're rolling your eyes at me that's ok. I know I'm Frutti for fro-yo and I'm ok with that. Thanks for loving me anyways.
Peace & Love with some fruit on top
AQ
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Raise it Up
Wow wow wow, life is speeding up here--
that's very true and very far from the truth actually. The pace of daily life continues to slow me down and keep me in check, but days seem to be passing without any regard for those of us involved.
A few days after my last blog I came home from work
feeling very sick. I went to bed early and was sick all night. I went to the hospital in the morning and got all checked out: tests, ultra sound, chest x-ray...the doc said I had food poisoning and a bad cough. They gave me many many pills and drink mixtures to treat both, and after 4 more days of constant sleeping and pill popping, I started regaining strength. It was not fun! I am very fortunate to have friends and housemates who care about me and take care of me. They told me the would come check on me, and once or twice a day Kaitlyn or Christa would help me take medicine or drink water. I've never felt so completely helpless and dependent, and at the same time truly confident that I was taken care of.
Once I got back on my feet there were a few fun adventures I got to participate it:
-learned how to drive a motorbike
-went with some friends on a motorbike ride to the top of Monkey mountain, overlooking all of Da Nang
-Went to Michael Jackson Tribute night at a local lounge (so great!)
-Began volunteering at a local home for young single mothers and their babies
-Two more Parent Meetings concluding two more courses
-Crazy downpour causes my balcony to flood inside and put my bedroom under water
August is pulling me along and today I will leave with my boss to Saigon to work on getting my diploma verified to be authentic and to make it possible for me to apply for the proper documents I need to stay in Vietnam. I'll keep you posted on what transpires there, hopefully it will go smoothly and when I return all will be well and resolved.
"Sometimes it seems impossible, that's why we pray. So raise it up!"
-"Raise It Up," Jamia Simone Nash & The IMPACT Repertory Theatre (August Rush Soundtrack)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Hello August, where'd you come from?
Quick little tid-bit...
There is some trouble on our end over here dealing with visas. The government has made some new rules and stipulations for foreigners working in Vietnam, and so we are in the midst of working through that and trying to figure it all out. Please lift this up for us if you can--it's a sticky situation!
I just actually felt the need to put up a little post...for no reason at all. I just got home from teaching my one Saturday class, so my weekend has started!--------------and I'm home alone. The other 5 housemates are all teaching still. =)
I had a really good laugh today. That's a very important event, I think. Good laughs are something I don't really think about until I have one--then it's like "OHHHH goodness, this is wonderful, I haven't laughed this hard in awhile!" You know what I mean?
You're gonna laugh when I tell you what I laughed about, because it might be a "You had to be there" situation. Let's see:
Ashleigh and I were video chatting (yes, she lives in the bedroom about 30ft from mine), just 'hanging out' from our separate rooms. Being silly. Talking. Making faces. Typing. Stuff like that. She left her screen for a second and I needed to get up and get something, so I pointed my web cam at the fan in my room and typed "Here's some extra breeze for you." Then after a minute or two of whatever I was doing, I went into Ash's bedroom and saw her laying on her bed looking at her computer (reliving this right now is making my laugh out loud to myself), watching the fan in my room/on her screen, oscillate back and forth. She looked back at me and we both just started cracking up. Haha, there was a dose of silly joy in this instance today, and for that reason alone, I wanted to share. So, if you don't think it's funny, I'm sorry, but I hope you maybe laughed at the fact that you thought it was silly for me to think this is so funny............! =0)
That's all.
Peace, Joy, & Laughter,
Audrey
There is some trouble on our end over here dealing with visas. The government has made some new rules and stipulations for foreigners working in Vietnam, and so we are in the midst of working through that and trying to figure it all out. Please lift this up for us if you can--it's a sticky situation!
I just actually felt the need to put up a little post...for no reason at all. I just got home from teaching my one Saturday class, so my weekend has started!--------------and I'm home alone. The other 5 housemates are all teaching still. =)
I had a really good laugh today. That's a very important event, I think. Good laughs are something I don't really think about until I have one--then it's like "OHHHH goodness, this is wonderful, I haven't laughed this hard in awhile!" You know what I mean?
You're gonna laugh when I tell you what I laughed about, because it might be a "You had to be there" situation. Let's see:
Ashleigh and I were video chatting (yes, she lives in the bedroom about 30ft from mine), just 'hanging out' from our separate rooms. Being silly. Talking. Making faces. Typing. Stuff like that. She left her screen for a second and I needed to get up and get something, so I pointed my web cam at the fan in my room and typed "Here's some extra breeze for you." Then after a minute or two of whatever I was doing, I went into Ash's bedroom and saw her laying on her bed looking at her computer (reliving this right now is making my laugh out loud to myself), watching the fan in my room/on her screen, oscillate back and forth. She looked back at me and we both just started cracking up. Haha, there was a dose of silly joy in this instance today, and for that reason alone, I wanted to share. So, if you don't think it's funny, I'm sorry, but I hope you maybe laughed at the fact that you thought it was silly for me to think this is so funny............! =0)
That's all.
Peace, Joy, & Laughter,
Audrey
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
overdue update
Summer is in full swing, and the weather is not letting us forget it! As I'm sitting here at 6:45AM sweating buckets, I have no plans on leaving the position I hold in front of my fan blasting me, until I absolutely have to.
And apparently it's not just in the tropics of Vietnam--I've heard many reports of the over-dramatic heat hitting my friends in LA and yes, even Seattle. Craziness! I hope you're all finding ways to stay cool and find energy. My favorite answer: a nice fruit slushy!!
Because of the heat, the city turns the power off for different neighborhoods for certain amounts of time every once in awhile, in order to save energy and prevent uncontrollable blackouts. This has come at seemingly horrible moments at home--in the middle of lesson planning or getting ready for work; until we get to work and realize the power is off there too! Last week this happened about 4 times, once during class. I recently changed classrooms, so I am now in a middle room with no windows...my students went a little crazy in the pitch black. Luckily another teacher down the hall came to my class with his laptop open as a flashlight, to guide me and my class to join him in his room with a window. It was hot, smelly, chaotic, and tiring.
After about 45 minutes I think, the power came back on, so teaching my second class was just fine. What an experience though! Talk about change of plans...
This weekend I went with some friends to get massages again. The place we go to is a project to benefit the blind. The masseuses (is that the right word?) are mostly all blind, and very good at what they do. Both times I've gone I've had the same woman, and she's great! It's interesting though, since we don't speak the same language, and she can't see so I can't even use gestures or facial expressions to communicate with her. But she can hear my tone and hear when I laugh, so we had some good "conversations" through these means. And of course I could see her smile and hear her tone as well. I am really learning a lot about communication in all forms and senses of the word.
Since the other teachers have been here I've been trying to reestablish a routine that adapts to my new home, neighborhood, mentality, schedule and community. Kaitlyn has started joining my on my morning walks, which is nice. That, like so many other things, was a time I have been used to having just to myself, so it was really hard at first to share it. But we set up a system that the night before, we decide if it's going to be a talking walk or a solitaire walk. If it's a solitaire walk, we'll go together, but not talk; listen to our own music or whatnot. It's been really great, and again another learning experience for me in change and adaptability.
Sunday evening the pastor at DIF (Danang International Fellowship) and his wife invited the 20-30-somethings out to eat elephant fish. So we all met at their house and then rode our bicycles to a patio restaurant to eat wonderful fish and get to know one-another. After, some of us went out to Karaoke, something I've now done twice since I've been here. It is so much fun! My mom likes to do it at home with her friends from work, and she'd tell me how they had private rooms and it was really quaint and fun. It always sounded a little uncomfortable to me, because in my head it's like on the movies when there's a stage at a bar or something, and all eyes are on you. Actually not just the movies, also in reality like at O'Houlies! =)
But here, it's so common, there are multiple Karaoke places on every street, and they are just small rooms for a group of people to hang out in. No pressure, just lots and lots of fun! A great experience indeed.
I'm getting to know my new housemates more and more each day, and it is wonderful. Even Kaitlyn and Ashleigh, who I knew well before I came here, I am getting to know them more and more as we all spend more time together and in a different capacity than ever before. I am truly excited to see what lies ahead for us.
And apparently it's not just in the tropics of Vietnam--I've heard many reports of the over-dramatic heat hitting my friends in LA and yes, even Seattle. Craziness! I hope you're all finding ways to stay cool and find energy. My favorite answer: a nice fruit slushy!!
Because of the heat, the city turns the power off for different neighborhoods for certain amounts of time every once in awhile, in order to save energy and prevent uncontrollable blackouts. This has come at seemingly horrible moments at home--in the middle of lesson planning or getting ready for work; until we get to work and realize the power is off there too! Last week this happened about 4 times, once during class. I recently changed classrooms, so I am now in a middle room with no windows...my students went a little crazy in the pitch black. Luckily another teacher down the hall came to my class with his laptop open as a flashlight, to guide me and my class to join him in his room with a window. It was hot, smelly, chaotic, and tiring.
After about 45 minutes I think, the power came back on, so teaching my second class was just fine. What an experience though! Talk about change of plans...
This weekend I went with some friends to get massages again. The place we go to is a project to benefit the blind. The masseuses (is that the right word?) are mostly all blind, and very good at what they do. Both times I've gone I've had the same woman, and she's great! It's interesting though, since we don't speak the same language, and she can't see so I can't even use gestures or facial expressions to communicate with her. But she can hear my tone and hear when I laugh, so we had some good "conversations" through these means. And of course I could see her smile and hear her tone as well. I am really learning a lot about communication in all forms and senses of the word.
Since the other teachers have been here I've been trying to reestablish a routine that adapts to my new home, neighborhood, mentality, schedule and community. Kaitlyn has started joining my on my morning walks, which is nice. That, like so many other things, was a time I have been used to having just to myself, so it was really hard at first to share it. But we set up a system that the night before, we decide if it's going to be a talking walk or a solitaire walk. If it's a solitaire walk, we'll go together, but not talk; listen to our own music or whatnot. It's been really great, and again another learning experience for me in change and adaptability.
Sunday evening the pastor at DIF (Danang International Fellowship) and his wife invited the 20-30-somethings out to eat elephant fish. So we all met at their house and then rode our bicycles to a patio restaurant to eat wonderful fish and get to know one-another. After, some of us went out to Karaoke, something I've now done twice since I've been here. It is so much fun! My mom likes to do it at home with her friends from work, and she'd tell me how they had private rooms and it was really quaint and fun. It always sounded a little uncomfortable to me, because in my head it's like on the movies when there's a stage at a bar or something, and all eyes are on you. Actually not just the movies, also in reality like at O'Houlies! =)
But here, it's so common, there are multiple Karaoke places on every street, and they are just small rooms for a group of people to hang out in. No pressure, just lots and lots of fun! A great experience indeed.
I'm getting to know my new housemates more and more each day, and it is wonderful. Even Kaitlyn and Ashleigh, who I knew well before I came here, I am getting to know them more and more as we all spend more time together and in a different capacity than ever before. I am truly excited to see what lies ahead for us.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
and so it begins
Well, this past week has been a whirl wind for sure. With the arrival of Kaitlyn, Ashleigh, Christa, Robin and Andrew, along with moving into the new house, I feel like my time in Vietnam has just begun as well! I honestly didn't realize what sort of adjustments I would go through just in moving to a new neighborhood, and not living on my own anymore. Having people around all the time is a major change for sure. It is definitely nice having them all here, and also exciting to get to experience all of their "firsts" with them as I did just a few months ago. Each one of my new roommates are amazing and wonderful and I am so excited to know them each better as the days roll on.
Losing the independence I grew comfortable in has been hard in the past couple days. Of course I can spend time alone when I want to, or go somewhere alone if I chose. But I don't have to anymore. I've had a hard time even piecing this together for my own understanding, so forgive me if this sounds ku ku. I just am going through a transition from the way I've been living for over 3 months, to another way of living. It's not bad, it's just what it is: a transition. It's not easy and smooth as I anticipated it would be. But my roommates are all understanding and aware of this, and I love them dearly. This transition marks the next chapter of this story, and it is one I am eager to unfold.
Let me tell you about life in this new house!
There are 7 bedrooms, a roof, a kitchen, and a large entry-way space where we keep out bicycles and refridgerator. The past 2 nights we've had some major rain along with thunder and lightening. The rain flooded our roof as well as the bedroom (Robin's) that is on the roof! Needless to say, there was a mini-stream making its way down the stairs. Quite the adventure, but everything is fine, hot and dry this morning!
It is common in Vietnam for families to have a helper, to clean and cook in their home. The school has hired a wonderful woman to help us. She is a great cook and a very sweet lady. She will bring her 10 month old son with her on Saturday for us to meet!
That's one thing about the people here--everyone is family. Welcoming, loving, accepting, caring, sharing, and interested in the well-being of others. I feel like Ubuntu is going to materialize in so many more ways than I could've anticipated or dreamed of, and I'm praying for an open heart to be able to learn and learn and learn what I can of love and sharing and community and self-sacrifice. I am filled with excitement and a loving fullness when I think about the character and personalities of each person I am going to be living with for the next year or two. I know I have a lot to learn, and I am filled with the hope and possibilities that God will reveal to each of us through one another.
"We affirm our humanity when we acknowledge that of others."
What does it mean to acknowledge the humanity of another? Is it possible to think that one person has more or less humanity than another? I can't think of a circumstance that that could be true. Thinking like that puts many things into perspective: in my daily life, how do I chose who I will or will not make eye-contact with, will or will-not smile at, will or will-not talk to, will-or will-not help carry a large basket from one side of the road or another....? Do I compare one person's humanity to another? or to my own? Why am I more willing to help or become involved in the lives of some people and not others?
Am I alone in this? Maybe this is something that I am falling victim to because I am so wrapped up in my life and situation. I find that this is often truest in my life in regards to the people I see the most regularly, the people I am "closest" to: family, friends, roommates. It's easier to connect with the people you don't have to answer to at the end of the day. The people I'm "closest" to should be the first place I open myself up to for sharing, caring and loving. If I can't do it at home, it makes my efforts in the community a joke.
Going back to my transition to living in a community now, I feel that this is a major issue I'm dealing with. Now that I have people to come home to and do life with, I think I am filled with a fear of being known and completely vulnerable. I will be held accountable for maintaining relationships and living out what I talk about. It's a great fear in that it will challenge be to become the person I feel I am being molded into, but also in that it will be uncomfortable, hard and trying.
and I can't wait.
ubuntu ubuntu ubuntu ubuntu
"Ubuntu is the essence of being a person. It means that we are people through other people. We cannot be fully human alone. We are made for interdependence, we are made for family. When you have ubuntu, you embrace others. You are generous, compassionate. If the world had more ubuntu, we would not have war. We would not have this huge gap between the rich and the poor. You are rich so that you can make up what is lacking for others. You are powerful so that you can help the weak, just as a mother or father helps their children. This is God's dream."
-Desmond Tutu
Losing the independence I grew comfortable in has been hard in the past couple days. Of course I can spend time alone when I want to, or go somewhere alone if I chose. But I don't have to anymore. I've had a hard time even piecing this together for my own understanding, so forgive me if this sounds ku ku. I just am going through a transition from the way I've been living for over 3 months, to another way of living. It's not bad, it's just what it is: a transition. It's not easy and smooth as I anticipated it would be. But my roommates are all understanding and aware of this, and I love them dearly. This transition marks the next chapter of this story, and it is one I am eager to unfold.
Let me tell you about life in this new house!
There are 7 bedrooms, a roof, a kitchen, and a large entry-way space where we keep out bicycles and refridgerator. The past 2 nights we've had some major rain along with thunder and lightening. The rain flooded our roof as well as the bedroom (Robin's) that is on the roof! Needless to say, there was a mini-stream making its way down the stairs. Quite the adventure, but everything is fine, hot and dry this morning!
It is common in Vietnam for families to have a helper, to clean and cook in their home. The school has hired a wonderful woman to help us. She is a great cook and a very sweet lady. She will bring her 10 month old son with her on Saturday for us to meet!
That's one thing about the people here--everyone is family. Welcoming, loving, accepting, caring, sharing, and interested in the well-being of others. I feel like Ubuntu is going to materialize in so many more ways than I could've anticipated or dreamed of, and I'm praying for an open heart to be able to learn and learn and learn what I can of love and sharing and community and self-sacrifice. I am filled with excitement and a loving fullness when I think about the character and personalities of each person I am going to be living with for the next year or two. I know I have a lot to learn, and I am filled with the hope and possibilities that God will reveal to each of us through one another.
"We affirm our humanity when we acknowledge that of others."
What does it mean to acknowledge the humanity of another? Is it possible to think that one person has more or less humanity than another? I can't think of a circumstance that that could be true. Thinking like that puts many things into perspective: in my daily life, how do I chose who I will or will not make eye-contact with, will or will-not smile at, will or will-not talk to, will-or will-not help carry a large basket from one side of the road or another....? Do I compare one person's humanity to another? or to my own? Why am I more willing to help or become involved in the lives of some people and not others?
Am I alone in this? Maybe this is something that I am falling victim to because I am so wrapped up in my life and situation. I find that this is often truest in my life in regards to the people I see the most regularly, the people I am "closest" to: family, friends, roommates. It's easier to connect with the people you don't have to answer to at the end of the day. The people I'm "closest" to should be the first place I open myself up to for sharing, caring and loving. If I can't do it at home, it makes my efforts in the community a joke.
Going back to my transition to living in a community now, I feel that this is a major issue I'm dealing with. Now that I have people to come home to and do life with, I think I am filled with a fear of being known and completely vulnerable. I will be held accountable for maintaining relationships and living out what I talk about. It's a great fear in that it will challenge be to become the person I feel I am being molded into, but also in that it will be uncomfortable, hard and trying.
and I can't wait.
ubuntu ubuntu ubuntu ubuntu
"Ubuntu is the essence of being a person. It means that we are people through other people. We cannot be fully human alone. We are made for interdependence, we are made for family. When you have ubuntu, you embrace others. You are generous, compassionate. If the world had more ubuntu, we would not have war. We would not have this huge gap between the rich and the poor. You are rich so that you can make up what is lacking for others. You are powerful so that you can help the weak, just as a mother or father helps their children. This is God's dream."
-Desmond Tutu
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Another new beginning
The other APU teachers have arrived!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so so happy they are here, FINALLY! =)
It is absolutely amazing to see them and hug them and chat and laugh. Marvelous I tell you. My heart is smiling very very big right now.
For the four days before their arrival I was down with the flu, and that was no fun. Lots of sleeping, coughing, fever, blah blah blah. I'm slowly getting better, but not quite there. I took two days off from teaching but now am back into classes, which are moving along quickly it seems.
When the new teachers arrived we moved into a new house! It's beautiful, and we're making it our home, little by little. Pictures to come soon.
It's only been one full day since everyone has been here, but I've already gotten to share parts of my life here with them--having coffee from my favorite coffee lady, riding bikes to the market, and a few of them have even sat in on some of my classes! Tomorrow morning I am taking two of them to the beach for sunrise. Mmmmmm.
More to come soon, I just wanted to quickly share with you this exciting week and new chapter of my time in Vietnam.
I hope you're all well and loving life, wherever it's leading you! Follow THE Leader.
Be kind, rewind.
Love Love Love,
Audge
I am so so happy they are here, FINALLY! =)
It is absolutely amazing to see them and hug them and chat and laugh. Marvelous I tell you. My heart is smiling very very big right now.
For the four days before their arrival I was down with the flu, and that was no fun. Lots of sleeping, coughing, fever, blah blah blah. I'm slowly getting better, but not quite there. I took two days off from teaching but now am back into classes, which are moving along quickly it seems.
When the new teachers arrived we moved into a new house! It's beautiful, and we're making it our home, little by little. Pictures to come soon.
It's only been one full day since everyone has been here, but I've already gotten to share parts of my life here with them--having coffee from my favorite coffee lady, riding bikes to the market, and a few of them have even sat in on some of my classes! Tomorrow morning I am taking two of them to the beach for sunrise. Mmmmmm.
More to come soon, I just wanted to quickly share with you this exciting week and new chapter of my time in Vietnam.
I hope you're all well and loving life, wherever it's leading you! Follow THE Leader.
Be kind, rewind.
Love Love Love,
Audge
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Superkids Day Camp
http://picasaweb.google.com.vn/lh/sredir?uname=haisuperkids&target=ALBUM&id=5352631588658834113&authkey=Gv1sRgCKi13Zviv9SLLg&feat=email
(For more Superkids day camp pictures)
Saturday was Superkids Day Camp.
We got there at 7am and prepared for the children to start arriving, though I think some were there before us, their excitement surely pushing the parents to be rid of them for the day! Just kidding. Well, in some cases. Not for the mother of my student, Lewis. She came to me shortly after I arrived telling me in the little English that she knows, that this is the first time she has left Lewis somewhere all day, and she was nervous. She asked me if I would keep an eye on him, and of course I assured her he would be fine and I would keep track of him for her.
And I wasn’t just saying it, I was fairly confident that I would be able to check up on him every so often, since I was set at a station that the groups would rotate through all day long.
Did I mention that Lewis is one of my oldest, and most well-behaved students? I wasn’t worried, though I did feel a twinge of unexpected responsibility after her request.
The camp was set up at the park in Danang. We had a big red and white striped parachute tent set up as “home base” for the day. Then there were 5 white tents set up around the big tent. There was a station under each tent., with activities led by some of us teachers, along with volunteers from Azusa Pacific University, as well as Seattle Pacific University. All of my worlds collided! My hometown, my university, and my current life, all together in Vietnam. It was a nice homey thought.
Activities included tag, making bracelets, face painting, balloon animals, skits, baseball (my station) and a few others. There were 5 in the morning, and then 5 in the afternoon. Baseball was new to ALL the kids. For some reason this really surprised me, but I guess it shouldn’t have. The APU team brought 9 donated children’s mits, an aluminum bat, rubber bases, a tee, and 4 soft baseballs. It was great! We explained the basics to each group that
came through our station, including (and limited to) “This is a ball. This is a bat. This is a glove.” Then Tyler and I would physically demonstrate that they would be hitting off of the tee and the others would be trying to pick up the ball that had been hit.
It was so cute, they were so excited!!! When a child was up to bat, we had to show them how to hold the bat, how to aim to hit the ball, and not to swing until we told them to, as to avoid injury. We devised a more clear “thumbs-up” system after Tyler and I took a few hits while trying to get away from the batter. Things got better.
In the morning session we made sure everyone got to hit, then in the afternoon we instructed them to run around the bases after they hit the ball (and we of course had many runners choose the 3rd, 2nd, 1st base route), and also for the fielders to throw the ball to the teacher after retrieving it. It was a lot of fun! They all had a better understanding of how the game worked—what we had told them at least—in the afternoon, and many were even hitting the ball pretty far!
It was awesome to see, the kind of joy that makes you laugh in pleasure without realizing it.
Overall, it really was a great day. There were a few bloody noses (from the weather, not the baseball), and maybe one knee scrape. No one fell in the lake and we didn’t lose anyone! Obvious markers of a successful day.
I had a lot of fun getting to see my students outside of class, like I’ve mentioned about the field trips, but this was better: A whole day of fun and activities, playing and joking. It was amazing. I really bonded with a lot of my students and it was fun to see them in class this week, sharing with them this new level of knowing and understanding between us. I feel my love for these kids continue to grow more and more every week and I can’t thank God enough for the incredible things He’s doing in my life and for the many ways He is blessing me in my relationships, experiences and support, here and from home. Amen and amen!
(For more Superkids day camp pictures)
Saturday was Superkids Day Camp.
We got there at 7am and prepared for the children to start arriving, though I think some were there before us, their excitement surely pushing the parents to be rid of them for the day! Just kidding. Well, in some cases. Not for the mother of my student, Lewis. She came to me shortly after I arrived telling me in the little English that she knows, that this is the first time she has left Lewis somewhere all day, and she was nervous. She asked me if I would keep an eye on him, and of course I assured her he would be fine and I would keep track of him for her.
And I wasn’t just saying it, I was fairly confident that I would be able to check up on him every so often, since I was set at a station that the groups would rotate through all day long.Did I mention that Lewis is one of my oldest, and most well-behaved students? I wasn’t worried, though I did feel a twinge of unexpected responsibility after her request.
The camp was set up at the park in Danang. We had a big red and white striped parachute tent set up as “home base” for the day. Then there were 5 white tents set up around the big tent. There was a station under each tent., with activities led by some of us teachers, along with volunteers from Azusa Pacific University, as well as Seattle Pacific University. All of my worlds collided! My hometown, my university, and my current life, all together in Vietnam. It was a nice homey thought.
Activities included tag, making bracelets, face painting, balloon animals, skits, baseball (my station) and a few others. There were 5 in the morning, and then 5 in the afternoon. Baseball was new to ALL the kids. For some reason this really surprised me, but I guess it shouldn’t have. The APU team brought 9 donated children’s mits, an aluminum bat, rubber bases, a tee, and 4 soft baseballs. It was great! We explained the basics to each group that
came through our station, including (and limited to) “This is a ball. This is a bat. This is a glove.” Then Tyler and I would physically demonstrate that they would be hitting off of the tee and the others would be trying to pick up the ball that had been hit.It was so cute, they were so excited!!! When a child was up to bat, we had to show them how to hold the bat, how to aim to hit the ball, and not to swing until we told them to, as to avoid injury. We devised a more clear “thumbs-up” system after Tyler and I took a few hits while trying to get away from the batter. Things got better.
In the morning session we made sure everyone got to hit, then in the afternoon we instructed them to run around the bases after they hit the ball (and we of course had many runners choose the 3rd, 2nd, 1st base route), and also for the fielders to throw the ball to the teacher after retrieving it. It was a lot of fun! They all had a better understanding of how the game worked—what we had told them at least—in the afternoon, and many were even hitting the ball pretty far!
It was awesome to see, the kind of joy that makes you laugh in pleasure without realizing it.Overall, it really was a great day. There were a few bloody noses (from the weather, not the baseball), and maybe one knee scrape. No one fell in the lake and we didn’t lose anyone! Obvious markers of a successful day.
I had a lot of fun getting to see my students outside of class, like I’ve mentioned about the field trips, but this was better: A whole day of fun and activities, playing and joking. It was amazing. I really bonded with a lot of my students and it was fun to see them in class this week, sharing with them this new level of knowing and understanding between us. I feel my love for these kids continue to grow more and more every week and I can’t thank God enough for the incredible things He’s doing in my life and for the many ways He is blessing me in my relationships, experiences and support, here and from home. Amen and amen!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Family Time!
Happy Father's Day!!!
And happy marriage, Blaze & Jamie!!
I had a different Sunrise experience this morning...
Last night I was chatting with my neighbors (as chatty as we could be with the language barrier and the limited amount we knew of each others' language), and they invited me to come swimming with them this morning. So at 5am I hopped on the motorbike with them (it took 2 motorbike for the 5 of us) and off we went.
We arrived and headed straight for the water. Usually if I get in the water it's mid-day so it's super hot, or I've biked 20 minutes to get there, so I'm ready to cool down in the water. But today was different, and I feared the water would be shockingly cold.
Who was I kidding?
The water was warm and refreshing, with a slightly cool kick.
We were in the water when the sun rose (is that the proper way to say that...??) and it was incredible. I wonder if the sunrise will ever seem routine or like not a big deal. I can't imagine that being the case. I hope and pray that I will never take it for granted. It is so beautiful and incredibly full of hope, provision, restoration and newness. I am so thankful that I get to experience it and feel blessed by it.
It was fun being there with a family; just me and a family. I got to see the father interacting with his daughters in a way playful and loving way that I did not think existed in this culture of men distant and absent from their families. Or so I thought. I'm glad I had this experience so my eyes could be opened and I could be rid of the false conception I had against the men here, which I didn't really realize I had.
This family is so kind and loving and inclusive, I felt honored and blessed to be apart of their family outing.
I will be moving out of the house I'm living in now, in just less than 2 weeks. I am excited for the move and arrival of my friends from APU, but I have really come to love the street I live on and the families I've gotten to know around the house. I'm really going to miss seeing them multiple times a day, "Chatting" with them and playing with the babies. Hopefully I make the time and effort to come visit for one reason or another. And I want to, so I will. Hold me to that. :)
Like I mentioned before, the rest of the teachers will be joining me about a week into July. I am so excited! Please keep them in your thoughts as they are getting prepared for their journeys and saying their goodbyes. It's a difficult and exciting time, and I hope that they are feeling at peace about tying up their loose ends and beginning a new adventure.
Kaitlyn, Ashleigh, Robin, Andrew & Christa, I'm excited to see you and we're all eagerly waiting for your arrival!!
Peace & Ubuntu
And happy marriage, Blaze & Jamie!!
I had a different Sunrise experience this morning...
Last night I was chatting with my neighbors (as chatty as we could be with the language barrier and the limited amount we knew of each others' language), and they invited me to come swimming with them this morning. So at 5am I hopped on the motorbike with them (it took 2 motorbike for the 5 of us) and off we went.
We arrived and headed straight for the water. Usually if I get in the water it's mid-day so it's super hot, or I've biked 20 minutes to get there, so I'm ready to cool down in the water. But today was different, and I feared the water would be shockingly cold.
Who was I kidding?
The water was warm and refreshing, with a slightly cool kick.
We were in the water when the sun rose (is that the proper way to say that...??) and it was incredible. I wonder if the sunrise will ever seem routine or like not a big deal. I can't imagine that being the case. I hope and pray that I will never take it for granted. It is so beautiful and incredibly full of hope, provision, restoration and newness. I am so thankful that I get to experience it and feel blessed by it.
It was fun being there with a family; just me and a family. I got to see the father interacting with his daughters in a way playful and loving way that I did not think existed in this culture of men distant and absent from their families. Or so I thought. I'm glad I had this experience so my eyes could be opened and I could be rid of the false conception I had against the men here, which I didn't really realize I had.
This family is so kind and loving and inclusive, I felt honored and blessed to be apart of their family outing.
I will be moving out of the house I'm living in now, in just less than 2 weeks. I am excited for the move and arrival of my friends from APU, but I have really come to love the street I live on and the families I've gotten to know around the house. I'm really going to miss seeing them multiple times a day, "Chatting" with them and playing with the babies. Hopefully I make the time and effort to come visit for one reason or another. And I want to, so I will. Hold me to that. :)
Like I mentioned before, the rest of the teachers will be joining me about a week into July. I am so excited! Please keep them in your thoughts as they are getting prepared for their journeys and saying their goodbyes. It's a difficult and exciting time, and I hope that they are feeling at peace about tying up their loose ends and beginning a new adventure.
Kaitlyn, Ashleigh, Robin, Andrew & Christa, I'm excited to see you and we're all eagerly waiting for your arrival!!
Peace & Ubuntu
Monday, June 15, 2009
Opposing views
Can two pastors disagree and both be right?
I’ve been listening to a few different podcasts of pastors, and two in particular I really like. Both offer so much honesty and biblical foundation, and I feel there is Truth in what both of them are saying.
But
In the overall “circle” of people who read these pastors’ books or listen to their sermons, there seems to be an obvious contention that they are completely opposite.
I beg to differ.
Maybe I am being ignorant or naïve, but I find that I am led to truths and revelations from both of these people. Of course I notice major differences in what they speak about as a whole…one seems more concerned with the global community in a very large sense, and the other seems more concerned with the local community and branching out globally from there.
The Book talks about each person being one different part of the Body. So is it even reasonable to think that two pastors would be the same and have all the same views? Maybe, maybe not. I know that I definitely don’t have the answers…and that in being equally human, neither do these pastors.
There is only one source that knows all the answers. I believe that we’re all here to help each other get to know the One with the answers and keep each other in check in that pursuit, making sure we’re not going too far off from the Book and the Spirit.
This is when it’s frightening to realize that something one of these pastors (a person who devotes their life to studying, learning, deciphering, interpreting and discussing the Bible) believes to be absolutely, undeniably true could be the exact opposite of what another one of these pastors believes, or what I think I believe…it’s scary! I don’t want to live my life based on the wrong theology…
But then I remember that there’s only one side I need to choose. As long as I am in constant pursuit of Truth, Love, Justice, Community, Hope, and His Will, then I think everything else is commentary and I need to take all of it with a discerning ear and open heart. He is my guide and my filter and I trust Him to keep me near to Him and His Truth.
Cause let’s face it: We’re all human, we’re all sinners saved by grace, we all need a little help from our friends. We don’t know the answers, and we can’t expect to get it right, except by His grace. His answer is the only one that matters, and it’s our job to ask the right questions.
I’ve been listening to a few different podcasts of pastors, and two in particular I really like. Both offer so much honesty and biblical foundation, and I feel there is Truth in what both of them are saying.
But
In the overall “circle” of people who read these pastors’ books or listen to their sermons, there seems to be an obvious contention that they are completely opposite.
I beg to differ.
Maybe I am being ignorant or naïve, but I find that I am led to truths and revelations from both of these people. Of course I notice major differences in what they speak about as a whole…one seems more concerned with the global community in a very large sense, and the other seems more concerned with the local community and branching out globally from there.
The Book talks about each person being one different part of the Body. So is it even reasonable to think that two pastors would be the same and have all the same views? Maybe, maybe not. I know that I definitely don’t have the answers…and that in being equally human, neither do these pastors.
There is only one source that knows all the answers. I believe that we’re all here to help each other get to know the One with the answers and keep each other in check in that pursuit, making sure we’re not going too far off from the Book and the Spirit.
This is when it’s frightening to realize that something one of these pastors (a person who devotes their life to studying, learning, deciphering, interpreting and discussing the Bible) believes to be absolutely, undeniably true could be the exact opposite of what another one of these pastors believes, or what I think I believe…it’s scary! I don’t want to live my life based on the wrong theology…
But then I remember that there’s only one side I need to choose. As long as I am in constant pursuit of Truth, Love, Justice, Community, Hope, and His Will, then I think everything else is commentary and I need to take all of it with a discerning ear and open heart. He is my guide and my filter and I trust Him to keep me near to Him and His Truth.
Cause let’s face it: We’re all human, we’re all sinners saved by grace, we all need a little help from our friends. We don’t know the answers, and we can’t expect to get it right, except by His grace. His answer is the only one that matters, and it’s our job to ask the right questions.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
I think I need a sunrise, I’m tired of the sunset…
There’s a line in Augustana’s song, “Boston,” that says “I think I need a sunrise, I’m tired of the sunset…” I’m not tired of the sunsets I’ve seen, but growing up on the west coast of the US, the number of actual sunrises I’ve seen have been few. Now I’m living on the eastern coast of Vietnam with the beach a 20 minute bike ride away.
I woke up at 4:15 yesterday morning to meet the APU team. We took a taxi and went to the beach to watch the sunrise and it was incredible. There were many people there exercising,
swimming, running, playing…I was very surprised! It was a great time. We also saw a few women burying themselves in the sand. Usually you see children doing this for fun and it's silly, but apparently it is good for the bones, and people do this. Hmm. 
We were there for about an hour and a half, just enjoying IT—Vietnam, each other, the scene, the feelings of awe and appreciation, the cool morning air…ok not cool, but not blistering hot.
After the beach I started biking home, and stopped at the market for some veggies and fruit. It was about 6:20am when I got to the market, and I’ve never been there that early before! It was quite the sight: people were still bringing in all of their goods, setting it all up on their carts and tables, there were people still cutting apart their pigs and cows…that was gross—it really threw me off guard and I almost tripped over a guy taking the skin off of his cow because I was so stunned by the bleeding pig’s head on the other side of me.
Other than that I considered myself successful at the market, getting very fresh vegetables and using some Vietnamese in the process! I was able to ask what things were, and ask how to prepare some of the things I bought. It was fun! The women I go to are familiar with me now, and have suggested new things for me to try and tell me what other things to cook them with or eat them with.
Waking up early has been a pretty regular occurrence lately, if not for little outings like this, and sometimes for walking, then it’s just because it’s so hot and impossible to continue sleeping! For the past 2 or 3 weeks, it has been getting relentlessly hotter. My energy is fading, but gallons of water and long afternoon naps have been a great help. I do love being awake so early in the mornings though. And it has made my days feel more productive and I feel like I’m getting more out of myself and of my daily experience.
This morning we had another “field trip” with Superkids. I put that in quotations because it wasn’t really a trip. We started at the school and walked numerous blocks to the big park. It was an Environmental Walk, and we all picked up trash as we were walking. Somehow the local news station heard about it and came to film some footage.
I think we’ll be on the VTV news sometime soon! Pretty exciting. Once we got to the park the kids played on the equipment (ok, so did we) 
for awhile and then their parents came to pick them up from the park. Us teachers, and the APU volunteers, walked back to the school and parted ways for lunch. The park was beautiful! There is a big lake in the middle, and there are many benches surrounding it. Apparently there is no swimming in the lake, it’s too dirty I think. But it sure is nice to look at. There are duck/swan boats to take out though, and petal around. If you’ve ever been to the Lagoon and Public Garden in Boston, that’s exactly what it reminded me of.
This past Tuesday I had two more parent meetings, concluding to more of my classes. Both meetings went very well, and I received some really encouraging comments from my boss afterwards. In a weird way, I was very humbled by him telling me that I was doing a great job and that he was impressed with my teaching style…saying that sounds cocky even, I know. But I just felt so aware that what he was seeing and praising wasn’t me, but what was being done through me. It was the spirit and attitude given to me, it was the love and care for my students from the Father, which was carried out through me. It was humbling to realize how small of a part I am actually playing in this whole teaching thing, and I hope that it continues to be less of me, and more of Him.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
My Address
Because a few of you have asked, I thought I'd put this out into blog land once more.
Audrey Quealey
c/o Fisher Superkids English Center
99 Nguyen Van Linh
Danang, Vietnam
I successfully received a package yesterday, so I know it is possible! :)
Things I'd enjoy receiving include chocolate, soup/sauce/seasoning packets, tampons, gluten-free treats or baking mixes, stickers, pictures of you or you and me, ANYTHING!!!!!!! :) :)
Audrey Quealey
c/o Fisher Superkids English Center
99 Nguyen Van Linh
Danang, Vietnam
I successfully received a package yesterday, so I know it is possible! :)
Things I'd enjoy receiving include chocolate, soup/sauce/seasoning packets, tampons, gluten-free treats or baking mixes, stickers, pictures of you or you and me, ANYTHING!!!!!!! :) :)
Monday, June 1, 2009
The sun is hot, the wind is soft
Today has been a wonderful day. I woke up early, like I've been wanting to lately, and went on a walk down to the river. I walked up and down the river, then stopped and did some stretches and such, then walked home. It was wonderful! There were many other people exercising down at the river, mostly older folks, I'd say ages 65+. It's also interesting around town, some people who have places set up for lunch and dinner aren't out in the morning, and different people are out and in different places for breakfast. It's just something simple, but I'd never thought about that being different, mostly because for the most part, the same foods are served for every meal: rice, soup, meat, egg, porridge...side note, eel porridge is one of my most favorite breakfasts, yummy! I'll have to take a picture of it next time I eat it.
So after I got home from my walk I took a shower and made some coffee and oatmeal. I bought a metal coffee filter the other day so I could make Vietnamese coffee at home. I also of course bought the coffee grounds and sweetened condensed milk. I took a picture off of Wikipedia to show what it looks like.
First you pour the sweetened condensed milk in the glass. Then you put the coffee grounds in the metal filter with the press on top, then pour the hot water in the filter and let it drip down into the milk. Once it's done dripping, you stir it up really well, and then drink! I usually put some ice in it, because let's be honest, I don't need to make myself overheat for no good reason.
So I ate my oatmeal and drank my cafe sua da (coffee milk ice) while reading and listening to Mars Hill online. After that I started some laundry and did some journalling. When the wash was done, I hung it on the line and got ready to go. I rode my bike to work to use the internet, as well as drop a few things off and talk to the girls. When I was there, Uyen brought me a slip saying I received a package! I was headed to the postoffice next anyway, in order to send a package home, so it was perfect! I spent some time at the post office filling out forms to send my package, and receive the one from the states. I was so excited! I've been anticipating this for many many weeks now. My mom sent me some fun things from home, and it was wonderful to get! Thanks Mamma :)
Now I am hanging out at a friend's house using her internet and watching the Discovery channel (in English). I am leaving shortly to go to Mr. Hai's house for a welcome dinner for the volunteers from APU. I'm excited to see them! It will be odd to have some familiar faces in the country...but a VERY good odd! Plus I love spending time with Mr. Hai's family and the Superkids staff.
Thank you for the rain yesterday, and thank you for the bright sun and soft wind today. You know what we need each day.
So after I got home from my walk I took a shower and made some coffee and oatmeal. I bought a metal coffee filter the other day so I could make Vietnamese coffee at home. I also of course bought the coffee grounds and sweetened condensed milk. I took a picture off of Wikipedia to show what it looks like.
First you pour the sweetened condensed milk in the glass. Then you put the coffee grounds in the metal filter with the press on top, then pour the hot water in the filter and let it drip down into the milk. Once it's done dripping, you stir it up really well, and then drink! I usually put some ice in it, because let's be honest, I don't need to make myself overheat for no good reason.So I ate my oatmeal and drank my cafe sua da (coffee milk ice) while reading and listening to Mars Hill online. After that I started some laundry and did some journalling. When the wash was done, I hung it on the line and got ready to go. I rode my bike to work to use the internet, as well as drop a few things off and talk to the girls. When I was there, Uyen brought me a slip saying I received a package! I was headed to the postoffice next anyway, in order to send a package home, so it was perfect! I spent some time at the post office filling out forms to send my package, and receive the one from the states. I was so excited! I've been anticipating this for many many weeks now. My mom sent me some fun things from home, and it was wonderful to get! Thanks Mamma :)
Now I am hanging out at a friend's house using her internet and watching the Discovery channel (in English). I am leaving shortly to go to Mr. Hai's house for a welcome dinner for the volunteers from APU. I'm excited to see them! It will be odd to have some familiar faces in the country...but a VERY good odd! Plus I love spending time with Mr. Hai's family and the Superkids staff.
Thank you for the rain yesterday, and thank you for the bright sun and soft wind today. You know what we need each day.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Field Trip to Hai Van Park
This past Saturday we went on a field trip to a park north of Danang, called Hai Van park. Here is a link to some of the pictures that were taken by the staff. I figured this would be easier than me trying to post a bunch of pictures...!
http://picasaweb.google.com/thutrangsuperkids/FIELDTRIPATHAIVANPARK?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeNwtPXopbFTg&feat=directlink
But I also took some of my own:
Yes, that is a huge rock carved into a turtle.
This entire stream is filled with such creations, it really is marvelous.
These two cutie pies are some of the younger students. The one on the right is Kyle, I've shown pictures of him before. He is one of my trouble students...though he's just so dang cute. The boy on the left, his name is Superman. I kid you not. That is his English name. I have a hunch that he helped pick it out when he first began English school...
Here we have Ray and Simba, playing with their water bottles. So cute. They are in my middle level class, very funny. I love talking to them because they are some of the students that know enough English to crack jokes with me :)
This is off to the side of Hai Van Park. Apparently this is a location that the US landed during the war in the 60s. I knew there was a lot of war history in Danang, but this was one of the first times that a specific location has been pointed out to me.
http://picasaweb.google.com/
But I also took some of my own:
Yes, that is a huge rock carved into a turtle.
This entire stream is filled with such creations, it really is marvelous.
These two cutie pies are some of the younger students. The one on the right is Kyle, I've shown pictures of him before. He is one of my trouble students...though he's just so dang cute. The boy on the left, his name is Superman. I kid you not. That is his English name. I have a hunch that he helped pick it out when he first began English school...
Here we have Ray and Simba, playing with their water bottles. So cute. They are in my middle level class, very funny. I love talking to them because they are some of the students that know enough English to crack jokes with me :)
This is off to the side of Hai Van Park. Apparently this is a location that the US landed during the war in the 60s. I knew there was a lot of war history in Danang, but this was one of the first times that a specific location has been pointed out to me.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Classroom Activities
This week in class I had my young ones review each other. I didn't even give them much direction, I just paired them up and gave them each a different stack of flashcards. They just took it upon themselves to "be teacher" and play review games that I usually play with the whole class. It was so cute to see, because each pair did something totally different! This first video is Giggs (the boy) being the teacher to taylor. He is playing the memory game, as well as asking her, "what is it?" He's adorable, because he also copies my "good job!" and thumbs up when she's correct.
I asked Kate to lead the class in the Rainbow song, because I don't know it--they learned it from their last teacher. She got up and started leading it, then without skipping a beat, started in on Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. So directive!
I asked Kate to lead the class in the Rainbow song, because I don't know it--they learned it from their last teacher. She got up and started leading it, then without skipping a beat, started in on Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. So directive!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sabbath
Today was a gorgeous day.
I woke up before 9am (which has been a goal of mine for the past few days, but today was the first time I’ve achieved it in awhile), got dressed, brushed my teeth, got on my bike and went to a nice (air-conditioned) café around the corner to use the internet. I sipped on a nice glass of iced tea (which is the equivalent to getting water at a restaurant in the states) and a very refreshing iced coffee, as I sent emails, returned Facebook comments, downloaded the iTunes Free Single of the Week, and had a wonderful iChat with my parents! All before 10:30am…
I finished my beverages and languagelessly interacted with two adorable little kids under the age of 2 who had wandered over to the chair I was sitting in. I paid my bill and got my bike from the attendant outside, and rode a few blocks over to church.
Church was good, hot and crowded, but full of joy and hope as usual. Plus we sang “How Great is Our God” which I love, and I always think of Kaitlyn when I hear it because for the past four years in college she’d always turn to me in chapel or at church when the song would come on and say “I LOVE this song!” It always makes my heart smile.
After church we all went north to Red Beach for a very yummy lunch and relaxing afternoon in the sun (and water). Red Beach is to the north of Da Nang, where the beaches I’ve gone to before have been to the east. It was different! I really liked it.
From church I rode with a fellow teacher, on the back of her motorbike. It was such a nice ride! The road followed along the river for awhile, and then once we rounded the bend it followed the bay line. It was beautiful, breezy, and altogether amazing.
I love being at the beach! The water was so very warm, in an unimaginable kind of way. Really, it was shocking. I waded for awhile in the shallow parts, chatting with a few others, then I ventured out deeper. I got far out, up to my shoulders, and the water was a little cooler, but not at all cold (and I’m not just saying that because I know what the Puget Sound feels like). For at least 30 minutes I just let the waves take me this way and that, gently growing and dying, going in and out, fast and slow. It was incredible to just give up all control and let go of any sort of anticipation or anxiety about what intensity or direction they would decide to move next. It was blissful, overwhelming, and an amazing revelation if you catch my drift—pun intended, without a doubt.
**Since I’ve been in Vietnam I have adopted this practice called the Sabbath…weird I know. But taking Sunday off as a complete and total day of rest, worship, and fellowship has been transforming to my life. Mostly, I think, because it was an intentional decision I made; to dedicate the day to be something different and rejuvenating, not stressful or dutiful, but an act of resting in Him and enjoying all He did in the past week and looking forward to what He will do and how He might use me in the week to come, and preparing for that mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I’ve never really done this in my life before, on purpose anyway, because I always felt I needed to be productive or get something done, or I had procrastinated on an assignment and really didn’t have a choice but to work. I don’t know if it’s the being out of college part, or the being out of American society part, but I feel I have a very new and different perspective on what take priority in my day, my week, my life—to take the time to observe how God is working in my life and how it’s not a matter of me letting Him work, but me letting myself see His work, not only in my life but everywhere.**
My evening concluded with an adventure with a friend from work. She and her two friends came to pick me up on their motorbikes. We took a drive at dusk (twilight, if you will) across the river to drive along the beach and up Monkey Mountain. We stopped a couple times to look down on the water and the city, and then continued on our way to where we eventually parked and
walked down a very 
steep path, past a restaurant on stilts over the water, to the beach, to enjoy the fading daylight, semi-cool water, and indescribable beauty of the view. My friend told me they like to come here because they “find peace” here. Boy, that is an understatement. We may have broken the peace for the others we were sharing the sand with, because as four 20-something girls, we enjoy laughing. Shocking, I know. But it was grand, and we had a blast.
This was a better day than I could’ve asked for. Last night I felt I was going to begin feeling homesick, and I was having a lot of feelings of separation from things at home such as my brother and friends’ graduations, birthdays, and even just this time of year in California and in Washington. Waking up today I was hopeful for things to turn around, but never could I have imagined provision like I was given. How great is our God!
I woke up before 9am (which has been a goal of mine for the past few days, but today was the first time I’ve achieved it in awhile), got dressed, brushed my teeth, got on my bike and went to a nice (air-conditioned) café around the corner to use the internet. I sipped on a nice glass of iced tea (which is the equivalent to getting water at a restaurant in the states) and a very refreshing iced coffee, as I sent emails, returned Facebook comments, downloaded the iTunes Free Single of the Week, and had a wonderful iChat with my parents! All before 10:30am…
I finished my beverages and languagelessly interacted with two adorable little kids under the age of 2 who had wandered over to the chair I was sitting in. I paid my bill and got my bike from the attendant outside, and rode a few blocks over to church.
Church was good, hot and crowded, but full of joy and hope as usual. Plus we sang “How Great is Our God” which I love, and I always think of Kaitlyn when I hear it because for the past four years in college she’d always turn to me in chapel or at church when the song would come on and say “I LOVE this song!” It always makes my heart smile.
After church we all went north to Red Beach for a very yummy lunch and relaxing afternoon in the sun (and water). Red Beach is to the north of Da Nang, where the beaches I’ve gone to before have been to the east. It was different! I really liked it.
From church I rode with a fellow teacher, on the back of her motorbike. It was such a nice ride! The road followed along the river for awhile, and then once we rounded the bend it followed the bay line. It was beautiful, breezy, and altogether amazing.
I love being at the beach! The water was so very warm, in an unimaginable kind of way. Really, it was shocking. I waded for awhile in the shallow parts, chatting with a few others, then I ventured out deeper. I got far out, up to my shoulders, and the water was a little cooler, but not at all cold (and I’m not just saying that because I know what the Puget Sound feels like). For at least 30 minutes I just let the waves take me this way and that, gently growing and dying, going in and out, fast and slow. It was incredible to just give up all control and let go of any sort of anticipation or anxiety about what intensity or direction they would decide to move next. It was blissful, overwhelming, and an amazing revelation if you catch my drift—pun intended, without a doubt.
**Since I’ve been in Vietnam I have adopted this practice called the Sabbath…weird I know. But taking Sunday off as a complete and total day of rest, worship, and fellowship has been transforming to my life. Mostly, I think, because it was an intentional decision I made; to dedicate the day to be something different and rejuvenating, not stressful or dutiful, but an act of resting in Him and enjoying all He did in the past week and looking forward to what He will do and how He might use me in the week to come, and preparing for that mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I’ve never really done this in my life before, on purpose anyway, because I always felt I needed to be productive or get something done, or I had procrastinated on an assignment and really didn’t have a choice but to work. I don’t know if it’s the being out of college part, or the being out of American society part, but I feel I have a very new and different perspective on what take priority in my day, my week, my life—to take the time to observe how God is working in my life and how it’s not a matter of me letting Him work, but me letting myself see His work, not only in my life but everywhere.**
My evening concluded with an adventure with a friend from work. She and her two friends came to pick me up on their motorbikes. We took a drive at dusk (twilight, if you will) across the river to drive along the beach and up Monkey Mountain. We stopped a couple times to look down on the water and the city, and then continued on our way to where we eventually parked and
walked down a very 
steep path, past a restaurant on stilts over the water, to the beach, to enjoy the fading daylight, semi-cool water, and indescribable beauty of the view. My friend told me they like to come here because they “find peace” here. Boy, that is an understatement. We may have broken the peace for the others we were sharing the sand with, because as four 20-something girls, we enjoy laughing. Shocking, I know. But it was grand, and we had a blast.
This was a better day than I could’ve asked for. Last night I felt I was going to begin feeling homesick, and I was having a lot of feelings of separation from things at home such as my brother and friends’ graduations, birthdays, and even just this time of year in California and in Washington. Waking up today I was hopeful for things to turn around, but never could I have imagined provision like I was given. How great is our God!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Kisses
Some days when I enter my classroom I feel very scattered and hectic, never really having a complete grasp on my approaching lesson, and feeling unprepared to handle the unknowns waiting to be discovered upon the entrance of my students…usually the 5 year olds. Last week I had one of those days, but for no identifiable reason. I just felt in a funk, and I couldn’t shake it. Everything the students did seemed obnoxious, out of control, and disruptive. Some of the children are very lovey, to a point at times that I literally have to pry their arms from around my waist or arm just so I can walk. It is adorable, don’t get me wrong, and very flattering, but also not helpful when there are 10 other students getting out of hand because I cannot fully keep order because of my being physically restrained. So this day last week was one of those, “everything that can get out of hand or overwhelming will” kind of days.
Half way through the class, during snack time, I had a chance to regroup and give myself a little pep talk: “Ok Teacher Audrey, these students are 5 and 6 years old. They have a lot of energy. They’ve also been in school all day, so this is the point that they want to play. Cut them some slack. Love them, find joy in their energy, use it to teach them in a fun way. Appreciate their unique and loving ways of expression.”
At that moment, little Emma sprinted at me, almost knocking me over, grabbed my face and started kissing my face over and over again. It was so cute. I couldn’t get out of her grip; her tiny, tiny hands are strong (she is the smallest, most frail and petite student I have, by a long-shot)! Karen saw this and ran over and started kissing me also! It made me laugh really hard, and made my heart smile real big.
As the students left that evening, they each received a sticker from me for having a good day, and they each repaid me with a kiss on the cheek. That had never happened before, and it hasn’t happened since, but it was such an incredible gift and it blessed me more than I ever could have thought. It’s nights like that that I just have to praise Him for His provision and love in even the smallest of crazy/hectic moments.
xoxo
Half way through the class, during snack time, I had a chance to regroup and give myself a little pep talk: “Ok Teacher Audrey, these students are 5 and 6 years old. They have a lot of energy. They’ve also been in school all day, so this is the point that they want to play. Cut them some slack. Love them, find joy in their energy, use it to teach them in a fun way. Appreciate their unique and loving ways of expression.”
At that moment, little Emma sprinted at me, almost knocking me over, grabbed my face and started kissing my face over and over again. It was so cute. I couldn’t get out of her grip; her tiny, tiny hands are strong (she is the smallest, most frail and petite student I have, by a long-shot)! Karen saw this and ran over and started kissing me also! It made me laugh really hard, and made my heart smile real big.
As the students left that evening, they each received a sticker from me for having a good day, and they each repaid me with a kiss on the cheek. That had never happened before, and it hasn’t happened since, but it was such an incredible gift and it blessed me more than I ever could have thought. It’s nights like that that I just have to praise Him for His provision and love in even the smallest of crazy/hectic moments.
xoxo
Monday, May 11, 2009
I Choose Love
Happy Mother's day Mom, and all the other beautiful mothers I know!!!
Happy birthday Blaze!!
=)
My dear friend Kaitlyn shared many words of wisdom with me while we were roommates our sophomore year of college. Some of them were hard to hear, and some of them made me laugh until I cried. But all of them were challenging, inspiring, full of love, and a true blessing. I recently found an amazing poem written by Max Lucado that Kaitlyn shared with me, and that we had posted on the wall of our apartment. It has meant a lot to me since finding it again here in my new location, and I feel inspired and blessed all over again by the truth and passion written here:
I CHOOSE LOVE…
No occasion justifies hatred;
no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love.
Today I will love God and what God loves.
I CHOOSE JOY…
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.
I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…
the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see
people as anything less than human beings,
created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as
anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I CHOOSE PEACE…
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I CHOOSE PATIENCE…
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.
Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll
invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the
wait is too long. I will thank God for a moment
to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new
assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I CHOOSE KINDNESS…
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.
Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to
the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I CHOOSE GOODNESS…
I will go without a dollar
before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked
before I will boast. I will confess before I will
accuse. I choose goodness.
I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS…
Today I will keep my promises.
My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates
will not question my word. My wife will not
question my love. And my children will never fear
that their father will not come home.
I CHOOSE GENTLENESS…
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.
If I make a demand may it be only of myself.
I CHOOSE SELF CONTROL…
I am a spiritual being…
After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal.
I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.
I will be impassioned only by my faith
I will be influenced only by God.
I will be taught only by Christ.
I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
To these I commit my day.
If I succeed, I will give thanks.
If I fail, I will seek his grace.
And then, when this day is done,
I will place my head on my pillow
and rest.
-Max Lucado
Happy birthday Blaze!!
=)
My dear friend Kaitlyn shared many words of wisdom with me while we were roommates our sophomore year of college. Some of them were hard to hear, and some of them made me laugh until I cried. But all of them were challenging, inspiring, full of love, and a true blessing. I recently found an amazing poem written by Max Lucado that Kaitlyn shared with me, and that we had posted on the wall of our apartment. It has meant a lot to me since finding it again here in my new location, and I feel inspired and blessed all over again by the truth and passion written here:
I CHOOSE LOVE…
No occasion justifies hatred;
no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love.
Today I will love God and what God loves.
I CHOOSE JOY…
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.
I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…
the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see
people as anything less than human beings,
created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as
anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I CHOOSE PEACE…
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I CHOOSE PATIENCE…
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.
Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll
invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the
wait is too long. I will thank God for a moment
to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new
assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I CHOOSE KINDNESS…
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.
Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to
the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I CHOOSE GOODNESS…
I will go without a dollar
before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked
before I will boast. I will confess before I will
accuse. I choose goodness.
I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS…
Today I will keep my promises.
My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates
will not question my word. My wife will not
question my love. And my children will never fear
that their father will not come home.
I CHOOSE GENTLENESS…
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.
If I make a demand may it be only of myself.
I CHOOSE SELF CONTROL…
I am a spiritual being…
After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal.
I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.
I will be impassioned only by my faith
I will be influenced only by God.
I will be taught only by Christ.
I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
To these I commit my day.
If I succeed, I will give thanks.
If I fail, I will seek his grace.
And then, when this day is done,
I will place my head on my pillow
and rest.
-Max Lucado
Friday, May 8, 2009
Look to the Sky
This past week I have become aware of how lost I am, but in the opposite way. I am so wrapped up in myself that I am failing to see the big picture. I am seeing the things and events and people within my own bubble, but nothing else. The simplest thing happened yesterday: I was riding to work on my bike and I looked up at the sky, and I gasped in utter surprise-surprised at the sky! I'm not sure what the initial shock was about, I can only guess that it is that I have physically been keeping to myself as well, not looking away from the path I walk on each day, even for a glance to the sky. The grandness and beauty of the sky grabbed my attention and reminded me that there is a world out there, and it grounded me a little bit, to bring me back to what I felt when I first got here, the feelings and knowledge of His greater purpose and plan for us all. It was a very sobering and humbling experience and I am so glad it happened. Now I just need to make a plan about how to intentionally "keep my eyes on the sky," and not focus on my familiar and routine path here.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
My Soul Cries Out
Do you ever have those days when you just feel completely and utterly blessed to be alive?
Like there is no way your life exists by chance, it is completely on purpose and there is a definite plan for you.....even if it is unclear what that plan is?
I have been feeling like this lately--amazed, blessed, thankful, blind.
But the good kind of blind; the kind that is trusting and not anxious. The kind that knows that 'it's gonna be ok,' even if 'ok' isn't what I might think it should be.
Sometimes this feeling even goes so deep physically that I can't even express it. "My soul cries out," in wonder and appreciation, in awe and worship, in love and adoration. The following song by Hillsong captures this feeling and state of being that I've been feeling. If you haven't heard this song, I suggest you do. Hearing the words and passion of the music is incredible and helps convey connection and longing angst like nothing other than music can.
From the Inside Out
by Hillsong
Like there is no way your life exists by chance, it is completely on purpose and there is a definite plan for you.....even if it is unclear what that plan is?
I have been feeling like this lately--amazed, blessed, thankful, blind.
But the good kind of blind; the kind that is trusting and not anxious. The kind that knows that 'it's gonna be ok,' even if 'ok' isn't what I might think it should be.
Sometimes this feeling even goes so deep physically that I can't even express it. "My soul cries out," in wonder and appreciation, in awe and worship, in love and adoration. The following song by Hillsong captures this feeling and state of being that I've been feeling. If you haven't heard this song, I suggest you do. Hearing the words and passion of the music is incredible and helps convey connection and longing angst like nothing other than music can.
From the Inside Out
by Hillsong
A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
my heart and my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out
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