11.11.2008

Real Beauty

Today at work, a member of the church called to say she was bringing in some socks and things for the men we host on Tuesday nights for Room in the Inn. (Room in the Inn is an outreach program of Campus for Human Development, which helps the homeless in the winter to feed them, give them a warm place to sleep, a place to shower, etc.) She and her son came in with their "socks and things":
  • 12 men's coats
  • 14 women's coats
  • 9 women's sweaters
  • 15 pairs of adult gloves
  • 1 pair of children's gloves
  • 36 men's undershirts
  • 18 pairs of men's underwear
  • 24 children's jackets and sweatshirts
  • 18 pairs of women's socks

These were all new and from Costco. She clearly bought every coat they had left. She even insisted we call her if we need more! Amazing. This is the kind of person who redeems the greedy/selfish qualities of others who have so much but give so little.

11.05.2008

Obama supporters eat granola?

Amusing article from the New York Times about voter preferences of food based on their choice of presidential candidate. It probably has little or no merit, but I thought it was amusing!

11.04.2008

For the People

Election Day 2008

I have decided that the highlight of my evening actually happened after we left Kara and Jon's little Election Day party. On the way home, we stopped by Kroger and there were 5 people at the front of the store: 4 African Americans, and 1 Sudanese girl. As we walked through, someone announced over the PA system that Barack Obama was officially announced to be the next President of the United States. The people looked up as we walked in, and I gave a little kick of excitement at the announcement. Their faces were lit up with smiles, and this young guy who had just voted in what could only be his first Presidential election, gave Chris a huge high five as we walked past. The Sudanese girl was running around on her cell phone and talking excitedly in another language to the person on the other end of the line. This was not about the candidate. This was about American people feeling empowered and influencial in a governement that otherwise seems distant and unlikely to affect our small lives. I am so excited to stand up with record numbers of Americans, especially young adults, and prove that we can be informed and active citizens, no matter who we voted for today. I am thankful for Barack Obama's campaign, that he gave us a platform to unite us as a group, and I hope that we continue to be informed as the transition begins and real work starts to take place. This is not an end. This is only the tip of an iceberg-for black Americans, young adults, and for people who never thought their voice would make a difference. Welcome to the government that was designed by the people and for the people of America.

11.03.2008

Putting things in perspective

So I was at a party last night, and of course, when you put a bunch of women together, there's bound to be lots of laughter, gossiping, and "Oh my gosh-you're kidding!"-ing. But towards the end of the night, the conversations in the room took a quieter and more serious turn, and it set me in a very reflective mood. I often worry (as Chris would confirm!) about money, jobs, family, what-ifs, etc... And seeing all of these other problems that were below the surface made me more confident about the choices Chris and I have made. We don't have much money, but we make smart choices to help us use what we have wisely. To me this is common sense, but I don't think all people make hard decisions like that intuitively. Anyway. It makes me sad to think of what so many people I know struggle with, but it is also encouraging to realize that in comparison, we're not as badly off.

AND I am SO excited about election day, I might actually scream. I can't believe how many young adults are involved, voting, and excited for their candidate! I voted a couple of weeks ago, and I have been dying with anticipation to see what will happen! I will seriously be glued to any TV or internet connection within my reach all. day. tomorrow.

I <3 Obama.