Ameseginalehu (thank you in Amharic)

Tomorrow is thanksgiving and it is really hard for me to articulate all of the beautiful things that God has given me and how thankful I am. Beyond words.

It's not all clear now but in the future it will be...

Steve Jobs--Apple CEO and visionary--once said, "you can only connect the dots looking backwards." By this he meant that you can't fully see God's plan for your life when you are living it. It is only once you are removed from that time period in which you can reflect and "connect the dots." Right now the picture of my life is not all clear but, I can really feel that this is a year I will look back on years from now and say, "wow, I didn't know it then but God was doing some really super sweet stuff in my life!" These 3.5 years since I graduated high school have been crazy and I honestly don't regret anything. I am happy with the woman I am becoming. For the first time in my life I feel at peace with where God has placed me. I  still day dream about traveling and world adventures almost constantly but I now realize the importance of what I am doing right now and how God will connect all these dots in the future. I just feel really excited about my major and can't wait until I am actually a teacher-- I have begun ignoring those voices that tell me I can't do it, that it's too hard, that I won't succeed and that I am not smart enough. I can't believe I bought into those lies for this many years. This time of year is extremely important to me. So many memories, anniversary's both good and sad that are coming up. 4 years since I was in Africa, 1 year since my beautiful friend passed on and 1 year since meeting my Tanzanian brother Heri for the first time. It's really a time that makes me reflect.

God & politics

Okay I have to admit something, it's really getting to me and I have tried to keep my mouth shut but that's just not who I am. When did republican come to equal Christian and when did liberal mean that your automatically an atheist? Why is anti- welfare and supporting war a "Christian" value? (I am generalizing jokes/ statements recently seen on facebook) I don't get it. I wonder at one point politics and nationalism will polarize us from God. There's more I want to say but I am trying to be careful in my words and not offend.

Flashback and forward at once

Last time Obama got elected I was 17, a few months shy of voting, a senior in high school who had volunteered on his campaign despite being underage. I remember being told that I was too young to understand the man I supported but 4 years, 3.5 more years of education, world experiences and lots of learning by mistakes later looks like I haven't changed as much as I sometimes think. 


I remember pretty soon after the election traveling to Ethiopia where I found a barrage of Obama support and people in another country who were as excited as I was for Obama to be President. It makes me wonder if the general support from Ethiopia is the same as it was 4 years ago. I hope so :)

Would Mother Theresa have supported Romney?

Although this ad aims to point out that Obama doesn't respect religious rights, the more subtle advertising message and the first thing everyone in my family pointed out when they saw this ad was that the message was, Mother Theresa supports Romney. 

No, I don't think Mother Theresa would have voted for Romney if she could have. In fact, I don't think she would appreciate having her image tied to this ad released by The Catholic Association. I need to be careful here and qualify this by saying that no one knows who she would have voted for in this election if she could have, this is only my opinion. One thing I do know about Mother Theresa is that she was a devote Catholic and dedicated the majority of her life to providing care to those in need around the world. Her mission was dedicated to the idea of Health Care for all. Sounds to me a lot like Obamacare. She is one of the few people I can look to that truly lived her life as an example of Christ. She lived as true to the Bible as anyone I have yet to find throughout history.

In high school she was a huge influence to me. I noticed at that time in my life, a lot of hypocracies within the Church but, Mother Theresa was aside from all that.When I was a Senior in high school I had one of the most profound experiences of my life after visiting one of Mother Theresa's orphanages in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This was an orphanage set up for kids who were HIV positive and had been abandoned by their families. It was heart wrenching the way the kids would grab your hand and crawl all over you- they just wanted some attention, some love. Under Romney's plan these kids would possibly not receive the care they so desperately need.

When I first saw this ad I was really personally offended. First by the notion that Mother Theresa supports Romney and later by the notion of the Church being so politically active and using their power to persuade voters. Did God not grant us freewill for a reason?

So, I feel like I am at the point in my shpeel where I have become incoherent and am not making a solid argument. Sorry if my ideas are jumbled, they make a clear picture in my head but to be honest this post was hard to form into words. So sorry for that. Anyway, opinions, words, shpeel below if you feel the need.
-A

Tonight: A perfect example of why living at home sucks sometimes

When you & your brother want to get tacos at midnight, and your parents get mad/ freak out.
Annoyed-- I feel like I'm still in high school.

How effective are street corner missionaries and door to door sales people for Jesus?

Last December I attended a Christian based conference in Denver known as DCC (Denver Christmas Conference). One of the events I participated in was going down to 16th street mall and 'evangelizing'. we would walk up to random strangers and ask them how their walk with Jesus was going. If they seemed interested we would give them a 'run down' of Christian basics... Jesus died for man on the cross erased our sins (although we are still sinners), loves us, wants to save us so we can spend eternity in Heaven with him. We would then ask if the person(s) was interesting in accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior right there on the street. One memorable lady said yes and we stood next to her praying and rejoicing. Then we handed her a small booklet (not a Bible) and wished her well encouraging her to get involved in some other Church. I remember walking away feeling clearly saddened. While the other student I was with was glowing; I felt like that wasn't enough. Sure it gets a person to think and maybe even be proactive about accepting Christ but it doesn't help them in the days that follow. It's so easy to be wooed by a group or truly feel the love of Christ but it's harder the next morning when you wake up and go about business as usual with no one to help hold you accountable.

Sitting in the quad of my college campus I have watched this same scenario play out over and over again. I have even been on the receiving end of this scenario. I have heard peers in my classes say, "whenever I see them I put my headphones in and stare straight ahead" , "I pretend I am on the phone" or "I tell them I am late to class." Even I will willingly admit that I have also pulled the music, cell phone, late to class bit. When I have spare time I will sit in the quad, silently reading, staring and inevitably a street corner missionary- door to door sales person for Jesus will approach me. We will talk (mostly them); it doesn't seem like they appreciate me asking questions. Then they will then hand me something a card or a brochure depending. And before I even get their name they are lurking, looking for anyone else sitting, staring, silently alone. It's a numbers game and they waste no time. I would like to add that not ALL follow this outline but most I have encountered do. Also, they will usually invite me to their church or Bible study which is nice but it seems almost like an after thought. I feel it's necessary to add that I don't see people who evangelize this way as bad or mean or anything of that sort I just don't see it as an effective method but at least if nothing else they get people to think and question which is GOOD!

It seems to me that people generally enter a conversation about Christianity with a lot of preconceived notions and experiences; weather these be positive or negative it effects their attitude and willingness to open up to a complete stranger. Through my short lived 21 years I have found that the best and deepest conversations happen with those whom you feel comfortable with. They happen with friends and family. That is why I believe that to really reach someone and connect with them it takes more than one interaction, more than the spectrum of one topic, more than a one sided conversation and more than polite casualties. If you really want to minister to college students or homeless people- immerse yourself in their world, get to know them, be their friend, eat meals with them, be someone they can count on not just a fleeting memory from the chaos of their daily lives. It takes TIME but I think the experience would prove to be more effective for all involved. If you get rejected it doesn't mean you need to stop being their friend, with this method you have a solid base that you can keep trying to build off of.

When I attended school at Mesa we had a solid group who participated in Tuesday (or whatever day) soccer where we would all gather and play for fun, blow off steam and connect. Through that experience I made so many new friends, so many new foundations and awesome people to have in my life. To be honest I am not sure how often Jesus or the Bible was brought up but I think the effects were seen in the actions of the players.

Now, I have a few other things I would  like to rant about such as: crude abortion protesters on campus but I am trying to stick on topic and not turn this into a me babbling session. I hope I don't sound like I am on my high horse- just therapeutically writing what is on my mind.

So here it is one more story... of rejection. I was walking through campus one day when I got asked if I would be interested in attending a Christian retreat up in the mountains. Sounded awesome to me and made me think of my days in GJ and at the Lodge in Durango. When I went on those retreats we were asked to pay like $20 to help cover the costs. That seemed reasonable to me. as this girl gave me a sales pitch for the retreat she said something along these lines, "We will be staying at a mansion in Vail and it ONLY cost $75 to attend for two days!" I responded as politely as I could (I really tried to be nice!), "So I am honestly not trying to be mean but $75 is a lot don't you think that money could be used more effectively? I mean a mansion? What about those who can't afford it?" Her response was something like this, "Well it's super fun and I have seen a lot of people brought to Christ through it (which is awesome don't get me wrong) but if you can't afford it we do other stuff throughout the year as well." And that was that. I walked away stunned.

Jesus was homeless and he preached out on the street, he shared everything he had and encouraged Christians to give away their possessions. Maybe it's just me (I pray not) but what happened to the ideals he preached? This interaction still leaves me feeling cold- I can't count the number of homeless students Auraria campus hosts. Sure we have free daily lunch and 3 food banks but there is still more we can do and I don't only mean monetarily. Let's LOVE on everyone. Let's go out into the world on fire to make friends and preach like Jesus did.

I don't really know how to wrap up all of my thoughts coherently but I would love to get your take on what I have laid out. Just remember to be intentional and kind in your words. Thanks for letting me spill my heart to you.
-Andrea

Sugg: Hit Play

This Year And How To Survive- Chad Sugg

Golden,
If there’s one thing I want you to be it’s—nevermind
I still remember last year and how I’ve never liked me
That bastard knew I didn’t like it either, and so it goes…
Figure up all the moons and suns,
divided by how many times I cared,
and you’ll end up with another day
where the city is still lousy with all of it.
All the streets the hookers,
record stores
and windows
the happy hours
and the drunks
and love
and constant motion
and despair
squinting at the sky yelling so someone will notice
Don’t we all just want someone to notice?
Our quirks, our shortcomings, our happiness?
It’s those mornings alone when you really feel it, or hear it rather.
That voice whispering about the future and how it’s here and how it’s fleeting
and how your feeling a little like it’s about damn time something went my way.
We’re not getting any younger.
That only happens in novels and Brad Pitt movies.
The basis for figuring it all out is throwing it all away
and realizing the words nothing and everything
 were both made up by men as lost as the best of us.
And the best of us are really just tragically as normal as the worst;
Jogging for a position in a race that never ends.
So don’t worry about it.
Haunt which ever cities you want.
I can tell you there are many to choose from
and as excited as you may be they all end up the same.
It’s not a good thing or a bad thing, it just is.
Change what you want about the world around you.
And if something doesn’t work right
go into a bar on a Friday night
and ask a stranger if they have ever wanted to give up.
Everyone’s answer is the same and  three letters wrong.
It’s proof were not alone.
It’s sanity, it’s comforting, it’s a new year now,
and I’ve survived.
I’m 24 and scared as ever.
If I’m not still saying this in five years like I was the five before this
then I’m not sure how I’d feel.
I think it keeps me on my toes.
So be brave and not only to survive but live.
Take it all in and try to smile a bit more often.
I can’t tell you how many times
I’ve had a shitty day turn around
because someone simply smiled
and said good afternoon to me.
It’s these unexpected simplicities
that surprise you
and make it that much more worth it.
And like us, they just want to be noticed, I’m sure.
Amazing and pure as the light that leads us through the darkness.
May it guide us onward where all is illuminated.

Source: Chad Sugg

Ways to know if I love you or even just like you as a friend:

If you answer yes to any of the below than the answer is clear I really do Like and possibly even Love you...
Have I ever made you a mix CD or playlist?
Have you ever received a hug from me?
Have you ever gotten a random text or message out of the blue after possibly months of not talking?
Have you ever received snail mail from me?
Have I ever punched you lightly in the arm?
Have you ever read or seen me perform my poetry?
Have you seen me cry?
Do you know my full name?
Do you know what my biggest dream and deepest fear is?
Have I ever given/loaned you a book?
Have you ever sat around the dinner table with my family?
Have I ever shared food with you?

If you know the answer to these questions it's no doubt were good friends.
Name two of my favorite bands?
What did I do for my 16th birthday?
What traumatic event occurred on my 18th birthday?

Not a typical love story 5: Reflect

Ocean Avenue- Yellow Card

Not a typical love story 4: Love through music

Song In My Head- Sherwood 

Not a typical love story 3: Nerdy

I.O.U One Galaxy- The Ataris

Not a typical love story 2: Modern

Life Less Ordinary- Carbon Leaf

Not a typical love story 1: Nostalgic

The Old Apartment BNL

'Poor but happy' 

-and now my heart stumbles on things I don't know,  my weakness I feel I must finally show... awake my soul-

English is beautiful.

An open letter to those who give unsolicited advice and uninformed opinions (man on the light rail this is for you)

Today -minding my own buisness- a man started talking to me on the light rail. "What's your major?" he asked casually pointing at the pack adorned on my back. "English and secondary education" I replied. "You?" I asked. "Oh NICE, an EASY major FUN yeah, I chose a much HARDER major" he pauses "I am a biology major" he said as if trying to impress me. I was immediately disgusted. 

First off, I would like to say that just becuase you went to school or remember your kids going through k-12 doesn't mean you know anything about being a teacher, educational philosophys , school buracracy or how to manage class of 30 hyped up pre-teens all while trying to achieve success that must be measured on a standardize test. 

Oh yeah super easy, try giving individual instruction similtaneously to 30 hormonal teenagers. Try just try dealing with helicopter parents or neglectful parents. Try having a major where you are heald to a higher moral standard than most. A major where you have to do over 300 practice hours on top of full credit hours before you even graduate and get your first job.  A career field that is really recent and where standards for teachers are always changing. A job that depends on the sway of politics and community support. A job where you physically work in a school from 7-3(ish) but most likely spend the time at home until you fall asleep grading papers, tutoring, holding student interventions or creating lesson plans.

I work my butt off in college,I volunteer helping to toutor high schoolers, I work at an international middle school, I am in NCTE and an English Honor Society and still wont have a guraenteed job placement when I graduate and even if I do, I will be required to get more education with out the pay scale other jobs offer. But, I do it because I love it and because I believe that education is the greatest gift you can give someone. My major is not esay, my job will not be easy. I am okay with that because I realize what I do is important. If education was easy they wouldn't require a degree, a license, that you pass a series of tests, continuing your education or background checks.

You wouldn't last one day man on light rail. Those kids would beat you at your own game so fast. 

Sincerly, 

A Proud Hard-Working Secondary Education, English Major

Had this yelled at me by a guest speaker in class

he looked right at me, pointed at me, asked me to stand up and said,

"Love what you do, there are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the Earth" -Rumi 

he then repeated it yelling with all his might.


*thanks stranger.

W0RDZ

I remember when I was at Mesa someone I had never met or seen came up to me and said, "I have seen you around and you alawys look like your having fun." That was it. That was all they said. Simple but it really impacted me. Funny, no one has said that to me at Metro. Maybe that says something.

Art I made inspired by the music of Townz VanZant