Man, it's been a while since I've blogged. I meant to update on the surprise I put together for Helen, the woman who comes in to work for help sometimes. I ran over to where I've seen her ringing the Salvation Army bell several times, but to no avail! ::sigh:: Finally, after a few more attempts to meet up, we found each other at work, and gave her the gift. I haven't seen her since, and I don't know how well it was appreciated, but I think that being thought of in this way truly surprised her, and maybe even embarrassed her. I hope she didn't view it as charity, but until I see her again, I'll never know.
In other news, I am having a huge love affair with books. When I go to a bookstore, I literally want to take home one of almost every book they have. There are not enough hours in the day to spending reading and getting lost in ideas. I wish I could live in a bookstore. Or a library. Mmm.
1.25.2009
12.20.2008
Sharing a little bit of Christmas Joy
If you don't already know, I work at a large church. Because it's a church, people often come in asking for help with food, gas, Christmas gifts for their children, rent, and all utility bills. There is one woman in particular who has come in many times since I have worked there, and she has touched me.
She often asked for food and bus passes, and occasionally asked for help with some bills. She used to come by frequently to use a phone posted in our hallway by the office entrance. I could see her through the glass walls, and she would wave at me, make a short phone call (which I did not mind), and leave. She eventually got an apartment of her own - which, even in her 60s - is a huge milestone because she has never had a lease in her name. It seemed like she was extremely proud of being able to keep an apartment and to truly own that responsibility. Now, she is also taking care of two grandchildren who are in elementary school and middle school because their mother (her daughter) is in prison. This woman, who has obviously had a rough journey through her own life, is now responsible for taking care of these two girls when she can hardly take care of herself.
She now rings the bell for The Salvation Army outside a shop near my apartment. She yelled a merry christmas at me from across the parking lot one day and gave me a huge hug. Since then, I have seen her there several times, and I have wanted to do something special for her. If I were a gutsier person, I would do so many things.... But instead, on a whim tonight, I spent some time at the store picking out nice lotions and soaps and fancy chocolates (that I don't even buy myself!). A woman who works this hard to make ends meet for the other people in her life deserves something special for herself - and she certainly deserves it more than the rest of us.
I cannot wait to surprise her tomorrow.
Imagine if everyone did something special for the person who least expected it.
She often asked for food and bus passes, and occasionally asked for help with some bills. She used to come by frequently to use a phone posted in our hallway by the office entrance. I could see her through the glass walls, and she would wave at me, make a short phone call (which I did not mind), and leave. She eventually got an apartment of her own - which, even in her 60s - is a huge milestone because she has never had a lease in her name. It seemed like she was extremely proud of being able to keep an apartment and to truly own that responsibility. Now, she is also taking care of two grandchildren who are in elementary school and middle school because their mother (her daughter) is in prison. This woman, who has obviously had a rough journey through her own life, is now responsible for taking care of these two girls when she can hardly take care of herself.
She now rings the bell for The Salvation Army outside a shop near my apartment. She yelled a merry christmas at me from across the parking lot one day and gave me a huge hug. Since then, I have seen her there several times, and I have wanted to do something special for her. If I were a gutsier person, I would do so many things.... But instead, on a whim tonight, I spent some time at the store picking out nice lotions and soaps and fancy chocolates (that I don't even buy myself!). A woman who works this hard to make ends meet for the other people in her life deserves something special for herself - and she certainly deserves it more than the rest of us.
I cannot wait to surprise her tomorrow.
Imagine if everyone did something special for the person who least expected it.
12.12.2008
Christmas Music Wonderment
So I was listening to some ridiculously bad Christmas song while I was buying gifts last night, and the song mentioned something about wishing for (yes, here it is) peace on earth and goodwill toward men. I'm sure most people have thought about what a world like that might look like, but I had not thought about it before in quite this way:
If we perceive good and wonderful things because of their contrast with tragedy and misfortune, then how would we perceive "peace on earth," if there were nothing to remind us of the bad things we were missing? In other words, if Good is good because Evil exists, how can Good exist if there is no Evil in the world? If were actually to achieve peace on earth, would we be able to full appreciate it?
I'm not sure it's possible. . . at least not on earth.
If we perceive good and wonderful things because of their contrast with tragedy and misfortune, then how would we perceive "peace on earth," if there were nothing to remind us of the bad things we were missing? In other words, if Good is good because Evil exists, how can Good exist if there is no Evil in the world? If were actually to achieve peace on earth, would we be able to full appreciate it?
I'm not sure it's possible. . . at least not on earth.
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":
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.
- 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 ther
e 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.
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 ther
e 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.
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.
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