New Year's Resolutions

So, on an earlier post, my mom said she thought my New Year's resolution should be to blog more. Well, because she told me to do it, I am going to do the exact opposite and make my New Year's resolution to blog LESS.

Not really. But sort of, in a way. The start of a new year means a fresh start, in a sense. I have never really been one for New Year's resolutions, mostly because I usually last approximately 2.5 days and then I give up. But, this year I have decided that I will have two New Year's resolutions. That are actually extremely contradictory, so we'll see how this goes. I have decided that what I need more than anything in this job and in this year is to be present. To be fully immersed in my job, to give it my all, to be there fully for these kids and this organization. These past few months I have been a bit distracted, to say the least. I have had too much on my mind to be fully present in Florida City. And that stops now. I am there for one year, to give my time, my energy, and my all to these children and youth. And that is what I am going to do in these next eight months.

The other half of the resolution is to reconnect the bonds that I have lost. This move has been a hard transition as has the graduation from college. I, up until this point, had not really figured out how to juggle my Texas life with my Florida life. I now have a lot more figured out and feel a lot more centered. I am ready to take on this challenge and promise those that have not heard from me in a while will be hearing from me soon. So look out!

On a sadder note, just as I have started to feel happy to be in Texas again, I have to fly back to Florida tomorrow. And what's worse is that my flight leaves at 10:45 AM, which means I will have to endure my black eyed peas for good luck in the New Year at about 8 AM, because, let's be honest, I'm not going to buy black eyed peas and eat them in Florida.

Christmas Time at Branches

Wow. People sure are generous during the holidays. I am luckily in a position where I get to see people's generosity for these kids and this organization year round, but Christmas time is truly an amazing site. And an interesting one.

We have a partnership with a church a little further north of Florida City. This church was one of the first supporters of Branches when it opened it's doors about 16 years ago. Since then, their support has never ceased and actually only grown throughout the years. Early in November, they asked us to hand out flyers to all of our children and youth, (well over 100 in numbers) asking the kids what their favorite candies were, what size clothes they wear, what they wanted for Christmas, and who was someone in their family that they wanted to give a gift to. Now, I thought these flyers were guidelines for the church to take back with them to give them some ideas for 'a' gift for each child. I was wrong. The things that these kids wrote down is exactly what they got. They each got pants, a shirt, lots of candy, whatever gift they wanted and gifts to give their family members. And these overambitious children did not write down small things that they wanted for Christmas. One girl is learning to play the guitar from our pastor, so the church bought her an acoustic guitar. Another girl got a digital camera. I was shocked to see the generosity of these congregation members.

But, the gifts don't stop there. A graphic design company that has connections to Branches also did the same things for our kids. As did numerous families and organizations in the community. I couldn't believe the amount of gifts these children received. I know they were thankful and I know that this generosity is welcomed, especially in this time of our poor economy. But, what I couldn't help wonder is what the parents thought of all of this. I know they were extremely overjoyed to see the joy on their children's faces, but at the same time, I think I would feel a little slighted. These parents are migrant farm workers, taxi cab drivers, fast food service employees, fruit stand workers, etc. And that's IF they are lucky enough to have a job. Some of our families have 10-12 children living in a house built for 4. I can't help but wonder if they feel upset knowing they can't give these kinds of gifts to their children. Or, maybe they feel the love and joy of the Christmas spirit knowing their children can be provided for. It is a fine line, in my mind, of being upstaged verses thankful. Regardless, there's not much that our organization can do except thank God for people like these congregation members, these organizations that want to give back, these families that want to share their wealth, and for anonymous donors who give solely because they are moved by the Christmas spirit. Because of these people, it is truly a happy, blessed, and merry Christmas for our families down in south Florida.

Pimp My Ride

So, if you have not heard about the tragedy that was the community car, here's update: it's dead. Since I have such a long commute, I was driving the "community car," an old car of my site supervisor Heidi's, which happened to be pushing 300,000 miles. Toyota's, man, you gotta love those Japanese. Anyways, I did my share of adding to those miles driving the 30 mile commute each way to work everyday. Needless to say, the little car just couldn't go anymore. It broke down late one night, thankfully close to Heidi's house. (Her husband Richard likes to tell the story as "the car was trying to find it's way home...") Regardless, the repairs would cost some where in the $1,000 mark, which is more than what the car is worth. So, it's a goner. Sold off to a junk yard and probably on it's way to Mexico for parts.

BUT. Here's the fun part. Since I still don't have a car in Florida, I get to drive the 15 passenger van! (Ahem...I mean 12 passenger for insurance purposes...) It looks like this: (Except it usually has lots of seats in it)

That's right, folks. I am driving The Mystery Machine in all it's glory. Now, if only I could find some of those fun "Flower Power" decals.

Graphic Design

So, I have been doing a little work on the side. (Don't worry, Americorp, it's unpaid!) :) But, I have been working for Pastor Audrey, the pastor at the United Methodist Church in Florida City that Branches is connected with. Literally connected with, in both physical building and spirit. Branches is actually such an integral part of it all that Audrey (and others) have decided to change the name of the church to Branches United Methodist Church. It makes sense, considering everyone knows that building complex as "Branches" anyways. So, I was asked to create a logo design for the church. Here's where we landed:

The other design she had me work on was for the Non-Violent Coalition of Florida City. I don't think I like this one as much, but it was a lot of fun to design. This is a coalition that Audrey is helping start down in FLC. Last Sunday there was a prayer vigil where most of the prominent members of the community came out to show their support, including the chief of police and mayor. Hopefully this coalition with be able to do some strong work down south. Major prayers for them and the hard work they are all about to embark on!

Raspas and Rewards

Fridays at Branches are always fun. And quite a bit stressful. Most of the teachers give the kids a break with the homework since they are headed into a weekend, so there's very little tutoring that actually takes place. My schedule is worked out so that on Fridays, since there is no middle or high school tutoring, I get to help out with the forth graders. This has to be one of my favorite grades of all time. I have nine forth graders that I get to hang out with on Fridays and they are nine of the most amazing kids I know. They were the first group to learn my name once I got down here and even on all the other days of the week when I don't work with them, they run up to me and give me the biggest hugs.

Besides getting a break from my argumentative, punky middle school boys, Fridays are fun because after the elementary students are picked up from school (meaning all the kids up to fifth grade), the staff takes them to go get "Raspas." A raspa is the equivalent, in my mind, of a snow cone. There is a little old man, who looks like he has leather for skin and only speaks Cuban, who sits on the corner down the street from Branches every day, all day, out in the hot sun, selling raspas out of a cooler attached to a bicycle. I like to think that Fridays are his favorite days too. We drive up with a fifteen passenger van full of screaming elementary kids and buy thirty or forty raspas from this man. I have never seen him work harder. Or smile more. He knows on Fridays to make sure he has extra "pink" flavor. The first Friday I was working at Branches, I got a phone call asking what flavor of raspa I wanted. Since I had no clue what was going on or what a raspa was, I told them to surprise me. (My favorite answer to a lot of questions.) I received a bubble pink, milky-looking snow-cone-like icy drink and was pleasantly surprised. Fredy, my coworker, told me he got me the "pink" flavored raspa, a local favorite. I later found out the flavor is called "fresas con leche," or strawberry milk flavored. Regardless, they are good! Probably not sanitary, but GOOD!

Fridays are also fun for the elementary students because of the Branches Rewards Club. This is something that I watch every week with fascination. Everyday, the kids get tickets based on their behavior. If they are bad they get tickets taken away, if they are good, they receive extra tickets. If they do something without having to be asked, like say something nice to someone or pick up trash from outside, they can earn even more tickets. They are taught the difference between spending and saving and the importance of saving, since some big items require that they receive a lot of tickets. I feel that this system is just genius. Not only do the kids really love getting rewarded, but it is a fantastic discipline tool to be able to "take tickets away," rather than having to yell or discipline kids in other ways. What fascinates me about rewards club is the prizes. There are your average "kid prizes" like candy and junk food (spicy hot Cheetos being a popular choice...GROSS.) But, the big ticket items, the items the kids are always trying to save up for and coveting from one another when one child finally gets enough tickets, are school supplies. Of all the things a child could want in this world: stuffed animals, action figures, candy, toys, electronics, etc. The things these kids want most are trapper keepers and spiral notebooks.

Why? The only reason I can think of is the fact that school supplies are expensive. It's something I have never had to think of in my life. If it was on the list needed for school, my parents bought it. Down to the hundred dollar calculator needed for calculus. (Thank you Mom and Dad for helping me pass my math and science classes...) School supplies were not ever something I had to worry about not having. Of course, there were limits. I may not have been able to get the Lisa Frank binder or expensive (and quite unnecessary) locker shelf that all my friends had, but I had everything I ever needed for school. These kids don't have that privilege. They have the basics. If even. Branches gave these kids their backpacks and school supplies at the beginning of the year. If that runs out, we will provide them with more. But, if Branches did not do that, they would not have these supplies and they would not be adequately prepared for school. Getting to "purchase" school supplies from the Branches Bucks Rewards Club is like Christmas for these kids. It is an incredibly humbling experience to see these kid's faces light up as they carry their new notebooks around.

Fridays are also extremely stressful because after a full afternoon of tutoring elementary kids, I want to go home. However, that is just the start of my day. From 7-10, the middle school and high school students come for youth group. It's a very high energy, fun, exciting night. And it requires a lot of stress and energy from the staff. But it is beyond worth it to see these kids, about 60-70 youth on a given night, crossing boundaries of race, culture, and class which they would never ever do anywhere else. The youth that come to Branches range from Latino to Cuban to Haitian to Jamaican and everything in between. Never in a million years would these different cultures mix as smoothly as they do at Branches. That is just one of the many cool things to witness on a Friday night. And just one of the many cool things that happen on a daily basis down in Florida City.

Where is God?

The other day at Bible study, we studied hell. Quite a daunting topic, I must say. I am in charge of writing all the Bible studies and it was a very hard one to wrap my head around. I have to be in the right mood to write a Bible study, and with everything that was going on in the outside world with my personal external forces, I couldn't center myself enough to focus on writing on this particular day. I finally ended up getting something down on paper and had my boss tweak it a bit for Tuesday night: Bible study night. I have to say, despite being a little nervous to see how they would respond, I don't think I was quite prepared for their reactions. They enjoyed this study. More than I have ever seen them enjoy anything at Branches. I teach the 8th and 9th grade girls and I have never heard so many questions fly out of their mouths at once.

My supervisor had told me to write on this topic because it's something they don't really know about. Their vision of hell comes from what their parents and friends have told them and what the media has sold them. They have never actually opened their Bibles as far back as Revelation. They found it fascinating. Which I, of course, was very pleased to see. However, their questions made it hard to actually get all the way through the Bible study (to the Good News!)

I have one girl who is a freshman in high school and comes to Branches everyday, but always with a terrible attitude and a scowl on her face. I actually do not like it when she shows up to Bible study and secretly hope that she doesn't walk in the door every Tuesday. But, every time, without fail, she walks through that door. (And my heart sinks just a bit knowing I will have to deal with her difficult attitude and mouthiness.) She always tells people she's not a Christian and she doesn't believe in God. But, she shows up to Branches everyday, including Bible study and church, and participates, and obviously enjoys herself (despite what her face and actions tell us) because she keeps coming back. Day after day after day. I think she kind of uses the fact that she is a newly deemed "atheist" (she just found out what that meant...) as a way of not taking responsibility for her actions. She knows that if she gets caught cheating or lying or if she goes out drinking or smoking with her friends that she won't have to answer to anyone, because she's "not a Christian." Regardless of the reasoning behind it, she asked some very insightful questions that night. She kept spitting out things like, "if God loves us so much, why does he let good people die so young?" And "how come there's a rapist running free, but an honest man dies of cancer?" Questions, mostly about God and His character that I honestly didn't have very good answers to. Finally, she said something that made me pause and realize I had no answer for her because I was in the same boat. She said, "I think I am going to consider myself and atheist until God speaks to me." (It sounded quite juvenile at first...) But then she kept going, "You know, cause all the time I pray to God for help and I cry out to Him and I ask Him to keep my family safe and nothing happens. The same bad stuff keeps happening and nothing that I do or say can fix it."

That statement hit me hard. So much so that I just kind of sat there staring at her. I finally managed to tell her that as cliche as it sounded, she needed to make an effort to get to know God in a different way. Prayer is good, but it can be helpful to open her Bible too. (She didn't like that answer.) But it actually helped me maybe a little more than it helped her because I realized I needed to take my own advice. I had been feeling the exact same thing that she had just put into words. I have been looking for God and not finding Him anywhere. As it says in Job, "But if I go to the east, He is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find Him. When He is at work in the north, I do not see Him; when He turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of Him."

I sat in on a rather impromptu church service this morning at a new church (seeing as how I am STILL shopping.) It was impromptu because the main pastor had been called to help out at Ft. Hood Saturday evening and someone had to fill in for her and completely change the service the night before. However, the man filling in did a great job. The title of this blog happened to be the title of his sermon. Where is God? In the midst of all of this hatred and grieving and destruction and death, where is He? In the back of my head every once in a while would pop up the old saying, "if you don't feel as close to God as you used to, guess who moved?" But I always dismissed this and continued on with my busy day. Burying God further and further beneath the work load and external forces of my life. This sermon today, along with the happenings at Bible study, made me realize. I have moved. I have shifted. Farther and farther away from God to a place where I no longer even recognized Him in my life. It was a tough realization; however, I now feel that I can slowly start rebuilding the relationships that I have lost and torn down over the past few years.

Sweet Little Lies

Sometimes lies are easier to swallow than the truth. Sometimes I like it when my youth say things like, "Nah, miss, I don't mess around with drugs." Or, "Alcohol's for losers!" Even though it is obvious they are just patronizing me, I secretly like to believe that they are not lying. I like to believe that we live in a society where alcohol and drugs are not readily available to eleven year olds.

A few days ago, I was assigned to work with a young sixth grader whose family comes from El Salvador. Most of the time, this boy is quite a pill and really hard to handle or get to know. But, every once in a while he'll do something or say something with a giant, flashy smile and you just want to jump up and give him the biggest hug! (But you DON'T, because you realize he will never talk to you again if you do it.) Usually Angelo, my co worker, is assigned to work with the bratty sixth grade boys while I get to work with the angelic seventh grade girls. However, on this particular day, none of my angels had any homework, and of course, all of the sixth grade boys did. So, this young man was assigned to my table for homework help. He sat down and I asked him what he had for homework today. He told me he had to write an essay that his teacher assigned him titled, "Why I Want to be a Better Person." (Whether or not this was a punishment assignment, I still do not know.)

Regardless, we start collaborating on this essay. And by collaborating, I mean that he would write a sentence and then look at me and say, "Right, miss?" I got sick of this method and told him I wasn't going to do his homework for him, but we could discuss what he was going to write about (make an outline...thank you forth grade teachers...) and then he would write it and I would edit it. He started telling me his three main points as to why he thinks it's important for him to become a better person. His second point stunned me. He wrote down that he needs to be a better person so that he can help other people be better too. I thought that this point was one, actually relevant to his topic unlike his other ideas, and two, profound. It's hard to find a middle school student these days who actually care about anyone other than themselves. But, the part that made me stop and turn my eyes to God thanking him for upbringing was that his reason for needing to help others be better is so they don't start doing the "bad things" that he does at such an early age. I, of course, asked him to elaborate and he said, well, it's not good for people to start drinking and smoking when I did. And I said, "Yes, that is very true, how old were you when you starting drinking and smoking?" He gave me his sheepish, mischievous grin and looked at the floor and mumbled "nine."

NINE. NINE? How did I not expect this? I knew this kind of abuse was prevalent in poorer communities and that kids these days had started substance abuse earlier and earlier, but NINE? I was trying to think of what I was doing at the age of nine. I was in 3rd grade. I was still playing with dolls and building forts. I didn't even know what drinking was. My mother had to explain what being drunk meant by using an episode of Full House. How does this happen?? I was so shocked, I didn't even know how to respond. I asked him if he still does those things and he says, "I try not to." I thought that was actually a pretty mature answer for him and we talked a little bit more about what those substances do to your body and what will happen in the future if he keeps using them. But the cancer tactic and the eventual break down of health doesn't always work on middle schoolers. Although the 'not being able to play soccer and football well' worked a little better. It's hard. Life is hard. This world is complicated and complex.

Shameless Plug

So, Branches is trying to raise money. Imagine that. Who isn't in this economy?

I am not sure that anyone can deny the increase of the use of technology in the classroom as well as outside of it. On any given night, we will have from thirty to forty youth come to Branches looking for help on their homework or with a project. And, on any given night, we will have from ten to twelve people needing to use a computer. None of these youth have computers in their homes, given their family's economic state. So, why, might I ask, are teachers giving them projects and papers that have to be typed or made in Power Point? They know the economic state of their students. What are they thinking?

Regardless, that leaves Branches a little high and dry. We have two computers for our youth to use and they are able to use the printers and anything else technological that we have on hand. However, I'm guessing you can kind of see the dilemma. Two computers. Twelve students. What do you do?? What we do is try to raise the money. $1500 to buy three new laptops for Branches. (Not Macs...which I think you know my stance on PCs, but hey, we are in a budget crisis here.)

Branches has found this incredible Christian organization, that matches any monetary donation we receives three to one. Therefore, we really only need to raise $500 in order for our computers to be purchased. Is there anyone out there willing to donate for this cause, or you can tell me where I can find help for this?? Everyone at Branches is doing their part in trying to get this money raised, however in the economy, it's hard. I personally feel like $500 is nothing, considering what I have been attempting to raise all year for YAV. However, I know it's still a daunting task for anyone to be asking for money at this time in our country.

So, that is the dilemma. Email me if you have a solution.

Work Day

Last weekend, we had a family work day at Branches. One of the parents of an elementary student decided since Branches does so much for her child, she wants to give something back. Thus, the first annual Family Service Day was created. I invited all my roommates to come and help as well, partly because I was skeptical that anyone would even show up. Four of us, since JJ was still out of town, piled into the community car and headed down south. We got there early to help set us and to do a lot of the painting before the families got there. We arrived at eleven, and the parents were supposed to get there around three. However, two thirty five rolled around and the biggest rain storm I have seen since living here decided to descend upon Florida City. We looked around at one another and said, "it'll pass." However, almost an hour later, the rain was still pouring from the sky and only one family had shown up. We thought about calling it off, but decided to stick it out and find some inside projects for the family that showed up.

About ten or fifteen minutes later, families actually started showing up and they poured in steadily for the rest of the afternoon. So many families, actually, that we didn't have enough inside work for them to do. The rain finally subsided, thankfully, and all the families were able to go outside and plant our garden, mulch the playground, clean up all the trash and trim the hedges. It was amazing how much work got done. Every time I ran into my boss Kim, she would just smile and say, "I can't believe people showed up in the rain!" It truly was an incredible thing to witness. It was amazing to see how much these families care about Branches.

P.S. Who's idea was it to give kids paintbrushes?! Oh yeah...mine.

Things I Believe to be True

Having lived in South Florida for a little more than a month, there are quite a few things I now believe to be true.

1) Christian rap is hard to get used to. And yet, I really like it. When my supervisor Tony took me to the airport after my first week in Florida, he asked me if I knew any Christian rap. I obviously said no. The closest I had come to knowing any Christian rap was the Kirk Franklin energizer. Well, on youth nights, this is the praise music we listen to. I find it funny to think about my home church and how the addition of "praise music," aka an acoustic guitar, was a huge step. I wonder how they would react to our Friday night worship services. The first Friday night experience was, intense, to say the least. I found out just how much of a "frozen chosen" white girl I am. Well, I found out that, and the fact that I cannot dance, no matter how amazing I THINK I am, I have to face the facts. Black people can MOVE! And I cannot.

2) Race is in your face down here. Miami obviously has a great mixture of races all attempting to co exist. Sometimes that doesn't go so smoothly. But regardless, it is ok to talk about it. The first week I was at work, I was teased for being white. I have a good sense of humor and knew I was being teased, but my boss was so worried I would be offended because there are very few places in the United States where people can talk so openly about race. I am one of the only white people at my job. And I constantly find reasons to realize this on a daily basis.

3) Bob Schneider's new album Lovely Creatures happens to be the current soundtrack to my life. Not only is it just a decent album, it brings back good memories from this summer. It also reminds me to look into the future. Two issues I am currently struggling with. No matter how much I love Florida, it is hard to be consistently reminded that I need to be looking forward into the future because this is only a temporary fix for me being jobless and homeless.

4) Black people's hair is the coolest! When I was a little girl I used to tell my parents that I when I grew up I wanted to have a black baby. Why did I say this? I was fascinated with the texture of their hair. I am not even really sure where this fascination began, considering Wimberley had approximately 5 black people in it when I was a kid. They were all in one family, and oddly enough, all named Patrick. (Or Patricia.) Had I been in my parent's shoes, I am pretty sure I would not have been able to keep a straight face or take me seriously in the least. But, I think you also would have had to know me as a child to get the full effect of this request. My parents, being the wonderful people that they are, felt the need to acknowledge this desire. Therefore, the next Christmas I received as a gift from Santa, Addy, the black American Girl doll. Now, fifteen years later, I am still fascinated. I have learned so much within a month about "black hair." For instance, weave. The incredible phenomenon of fake hair. Girls get their hair "did" every few weeks. At least that what it seems like. Every Monday at least one of my girls has new weave in. They wear shower caps when it rains to protect their weave, and it comes in a variety of colors; red, pink, and bright yellow being the most popular. What is even more ridiculous is that to get your weave done, especially if you get "micro braids" (very tiny braids), it takes hours upon hours of sitting and having your hair pulled. We're talking three different sessions, each about eight or nine hours long. I need me some weave. I asked if they made weave in my color and my girls told me "yes, but you can't handle the pain." That's the other thing about weave. Apparently it itches and hurts like crazy and you cannot itch it or it'll get messed up. So, instead, these girls just go around smacking themselves in the head because it makes it itch less.

5) South Florida drivers are the absolute worst drivers in all of America. And in most of Europe as well. And that's saying a lot, considering I feel as if I almost died multiple times in Italian vehicles. Everyday on the road I am reminded of the Seinfeld sketch where he discusses Florida being the only state where the "eventual left" is a legal turn. "We ride low and we drive slow!" Maybe Uncle Pauly should move down here. Seriously though, I have never lived in a city with people so full of road rage. If you pause, even just to move your foot from the brake to the gas pedal at a red light, you will be honked at. When a light turns green, however, you should hesitate because the person coming at you will run their red light. At night, everyone uses their brights. There is no courtesy of turning your lights down when you come up behind another car. I don't know, maybe they only make bright lights in Florida. If you are following someone, no matter how close you get behind them, they will not move over. Even if they are going slower than the lowest possible speed posted in the fast lane, you will always have to find a way around them. It's like an odd power struggle where South Floridians see who can be ruder on the highway. Not to mention "flipping someone the bird" seems to be the international sign for "good morning!" in these parts. I never considered myself to be a bad driver, however South Florida would disagree.

Church Shopping

I am torn. For the past two Sundays I have attended a service at Coral Gables Congregation Church. It is a United Church of Christ church in a very affluent part of the city. We worshiped there last week as a community and then decided to go back this week for "green" Sunday because you could supposedly take your old light bulbs and exchange them for energy efficient ones. We were all encouraged to either car pool to the service or ride our bikes. Therefore, we all four (JJ has his own church and is not involved in our "shopping" trips) piled into Erin's tiny car, including all 6'8'' of Isaac, and went over to CGCC. We walked in the door and were handed a bulletin with a giant print out of the senior pastor. I took the bulletin and thought it was weird because it was supposed to be a paperless Sunday. When the senior pastor walked in, everyone got on their feet and gave a standing ovation for her. It soon became apparent that the light bulbs were not the focus of the ceremony. Apparently, we had just walked into a surprise ordination anniversary ceremony. Laurinda, the senior pastor, had been ordained thirty years ago today and her entire family and many friends from seminary showed up to give kind words. This was a really strange service to be a visitor at. It was an oddly intimate service to witness, especially from an outsiders point of view. Even the secretary of health showed up to wish Laurinda well. (Bill Clinton's secretary of health...) Regardless of it starting out as a really awkward situation, I couldn't help smiling when I heard all these kind words spoken about this person I didn't actually know or have any kind of relationships with. I love this congregation. I feel at home there. It feels safe and comfortable. I love the words Laurinda has to say and feel a very closeness to her already. It might be the fact that she has a love for Abba maybe even greater than mine. Or it might be that she is so warm and welcoming. Or it might be that she wishes for everyone in the community to challenge themselves to be accepting to anyone and everyone in the world. Whatever it is, I feel the desire to worship in this community. However, I feel as though I shouldn't want to worship there. It is the first church I have ever visited in Miami. Also, it is in a very affluent part of the city. After visiting for the first time, I turned to my roommates and said, "oh, this is where all the white people in Miami are." Laurinda tries to get her congregation to give as much as possible. In fact, for her ordination, the church set up a fund to give money to a charity in Haiti. However, it is only because they are truly able to give. I feel as though I should be worshiping in a community where I am not comfortable. Where I can truly challenge my faith and my comfort zone. I should want to worship with the people I am serving. I talked for a long time with my friend Alicia about it all. She is an administrator at the Yvonne Learning Center where Isaac works and she worships at CGCC. She struggles with this same issue week after week. The way she put it, she goes to church there in order to be filled. She spends the rest of the week: five, sometimes six days, living in a world where she challenges herself and leaves her comfort zone. Therefore, do I leave my comfort zone in order to stretch my faith, or do I take Sundays as the day to recharge my faith and fill myself spiritually?

All That I Know is Keep Breathing

What do you do with the difficulties of life?

What do you do with a young girl who knows she can make more money standing on a street corner than sitting behind a desk?

How do you teach a child to "honor their father and mother" when their parents are the ones telling them they are worthless?

How do you tell someone to stay in school when their family tries to convince them daily to quit so they can make money?

What do you do with a kid who's entire life has been inundated with fight? How can you teach peace when the people who are supposed to love them the most are the ones hurting them?

What do you do with kids who care more about the touch-down dance than the touch down?

How do you show enough love to the child who has eleven brothers and sisters and who's parents work four jobs to provide for them?

What do you do with a boy who is sixteen and still in seventh grade?

What do you do with kids who spend hours perfecting Michael Jackson's dance moves instead of finishing their school work?

What do you say to a young boy who doesn't worry about his school work because he knows he can always go sell drugs for a living?

How do you show kids what is right when all they see in their lives is wrong?

Prayer for Today

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
when there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand,
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying [to ourselves] that we are born to eternal life.

Just to Clarify

An actual conversation:

Marcknal: "Miss, you look Chinese with your glasses."

Tiger: "Wait, miss, you're NOT Chinese?"

5 minutes later...

Me: "Ashley, Marcknal just asked me if I was Chinese."

Ashley: "Oh, a bunch of elementary kids asked me that the other day. You're not Chinese, right?"

First of all, I wish I had made those names up. Sadly, they are real. And sadly, these conversations are real. Do I look Chinese to anyone else?? My boss said she thinks maybe they have never met anyone of Asian descent. Regardless, this is what my day revolved around today. Me, attempting to convince everyone at work that I am not actually of Chinese origin.

Daily life in Miami

Many people have been asking me, "just what are you doing down there?!" So, I realized I haven't taken a lot of time to explain things. I am what is known as a Young Adult Volunteer through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Which means, I have chosen a location to serve for the next year: Miami. Part of the stipulation of being a YAV is that you live in intentional Christian community with one another. So, I live in a house with four other volunteers (see posting below for photos).

I live with two other girls and two boys from all over the nation and ranging in age from 22-25.

Julie is from North Carolina and was the first person I ever met when I moved in. She is also working with Branches, however she works for the South Miami location. We are exact opposites. Not really, there is a lot we have in common, but our "likes" as far as movies, leisure activities, and food are completely different. It has become a joke between the two of us that if I like something, I know she will not, and vice versa. However, we do both enjoy using terrible British accents from time to time. (No jokes from the family, please...)

Erin is the social justice worker from Iowa. She has spent one year (well, really only 3/4 of a year because of sickness) in the Philippines being a YAV in 2006-2007 and a year working for social justice in Iowa. She will be working with migrant farm workers at South Florida Interfaith Worker Justice. We enjoy gardening and practicing our horrible Spanish together! The backyard is kind of our pride and joy.

JJ or Hota Hota as we call him in our Spanish class, is the quiet yet cunning one of the group. He is from Maryland and has been working in Miami for a year already at Latin American Missions. You never quite know what JJ is thinking, but the things that come out of his mouth will make you laugh so hard. He also has the hilarious way of cracking himself up so easily that his leg will start stomping. Quite entertaining. Plus he has a very funny, noticeable laugh. It's a good thing!

Isaac is me in male form. We have taken to calling each other "twin" from time to time because it is a bit ridiculous just how similar we are. He is still in school at Goshen College in Indiana but is from Kansas. He is only going to be here for a semester and is working at the Yvonne Learning Center, a Haitian school in North Miami. He is an art major and is 6'8", which actually seems to generate more conversation than anything else in his life.

So, these four roommates and myself all live in a house together in intentional Christian community. Which basically means, we have to figure out a covenant that respects all of our wants and needs as well as figure out budgeting and daily chores and all the other daily junk that goes into living in a house with five people. However, it is all done in a loving, Christian manner and disputes are dealt with even more so in this fashion. It's a fantastic support group and friend circle to be able to come home to. Every evening we gather and take prayer requests and pray about our day and the days to come. We read books together that discuss topics like community living, poverty, injustice, etc. and discuss the topics openly with one another to generate conversation.

Then, during the week, I work down in Florida City with my organization, Branches. All the other housemates have their work to go to as well. It's an interesting living situation, because even though we don't work together,we all know the issues we are dealing with on a daily basis. We may be doing completely different jobs, but they all in some form or another, deal with immigration, poverty, race, and social injustice. These common themes seem to surround the Miami area constantly and it is so important to have this support group who can identify with what we are all going though so that we don't get bogged down and discouraged as it is so easy to do. The injustice that happens daily in Miami and South Florida would shock some. It's a frustrating world we live in.

The Happiest Place on Earth!

Last weekend, I got a chance to participate in what is known as "Night of Joy." It is an incredible Christian event put on by none other than...DISNEY WORLD!! We took 42 middle school and high school youth up to Orlando on Friday night, spent the night in a church up there, and then headed on to Disney early Saturday morning. We just went to Magic Kingdom for most of the day, which if you know anything about Disney World was only a small portion of what you could have done inside the park. (Although they really get your money there because every park you go into, you have to pay the full price, it's not like Schlitterbahn where you buy one ticket and go to all the parks...) Anyways, I was more than thankful to get to spend a day in Disney because instead of paying for it, I got paid! The kids have to pay to go to night of Joy, however, the ticket prices are significantly reduced, and most meals are paid for, so it's an incredible deal for these kids to get to see something that is so physically close to them and yet so far out of reach of their normal lives.

I was assigned to look after six middle school and high school girls. So, you can only imagine the drama that ensued when one of them wouldn't want to do what the rest of them wanted. We got to the park around 8 and walked around and rode rides until 3:30. That gave us the chance to ride every ride in Magic Kingdom at least once. It was raining all morning, which ended up being a blessing, because 1) this little white girl didn't get sunburned, (although I had to explain to my youth why I was putting on sunscreen when it was raining outside...let's be honest, I get sunburnt at night...) and because 2) nobody else is crazy enough to be walking around Disney in the rain, so that meant little to no lines on all the rides! By 3:30, the girls were tired, the sun had come out so they were complaining about it being hot and muggy, and I was ready to leave. However, that was only the beginning of the day! Night of Joy actually happens at night. (Makes sense, right?) So, at 3:30, we made our way over to Hollywood Studios to hang out a little bit before the Joy really began. We got to ride the rides there, however, Hollywood Studios is much more about the Hollywood aspect and less about the rides, so there was really only two/three rides available. We rode both the Rockin' Roller Coaster (Aerosmith's ride. I had to explain to my youth who Aerosmith was... A direct quote: "I know Aeropostal, but no AeroSMITH.") and the Tower of Terror, which the youth literally had to drag me on and I have never felt more scared in my entire life. I walked off the ride still shaking. Don't ever ride it. However, since those were the two big rides in the park and everyone was at this one park for Night of Joy, you easily had to wait one to two hours before even getting on the ride. Worth it? Maybe. The girls thought it was. Around 7 was when the Night of Joy actually got started. It's big name Christian artists putting on free concerts from all areas of the park. There were three stages going on at the same time and the concerts ranged from 30 minutes to one hour and lasted until 1 AM. We watched MercyMe, Jars of Clay, and Mandisa, who was on American Idol in 2006. The concerts were fantastic, although I might have gotten more out of the whole night than the youth. It was frustrating to me to hear the youth whine and complain because this was such a gift that they were supposed to be able to enjoy. I'm pretty sure I used the line "This is the happiest place on Earth, therefore, we WILL be happy."

It was an interesting trip. I was able to form bonds with many of the youth in an outside Branches setting, which was probably the best part of the trip. The kids had a blast and were able to participate in something that was out of the ordinary for them. They were surrounded by Christians all weekend long, rather than their friends and families that often act less than Christian, to say the least. However, it was exhausting and frustrating a lot of the time as well. We got back on the bus around midnight and drove back to Branches arriving around 4:30 AM. Then I got to drive back to Miami, putting me in bed around 6 AM, only to have to wake up a few hours later to host one of the most amazing barbeques of all time for the National Director of D.O.O.R. and many of our new friends. I am still recovering from last weekend. However, at the same time, I really felt like I was where I needed to be. These kids need to see that there is a different life available to them. They need to feel loved and appreciated and to get out of the house and have fun from time to time. That is what the true joy of the night was.

Photos!

So, this weekend, we had a barbeque. More blog posts to come about that later. But...because the house and yard was really REALLY clean and because Isaac spent six hours mowing the lawn, I thought I would post photos now, so you all can get a better idea of how the house I live in looks!

**Disclaimer: the house does not always look this good/clean. If you come to visit me, don't expect this. :)

This is my bedroom. Also called the "Florida Room" in most houses in Florida. It is a room off the back of the house, mostly windows, and a door that leads out to the backyard. I'm not sure what else this room would be used for, but everyone's got one! It's a little boring right now, because it's white-ish, but I am painting

it turquoise on Thursday!!!

Other side of the room with my "closet" - only downside to living in the Florida Room. The white door in the corner leads to the Party Patio and the other door leads into the living room.

Wall of photos - or rather, wall of babies!!! I have to brag on my cousins somehow...

Living room. Complete with Isaac working on his computer and Erin sleeping. Can you tell these are pre-party photos? The fireplace to the left of Isaac (the weird white pillar-like thing) has possibly the ugliest fake logs inside ever.

Cute dining room which is fun to sit in and drink coffee and read the paper in the early mornings. Or, actually around noon time... Also fun for community dinner nights!

TINY kitchen. My only grievance for this house. However, it helps to have the dining room. Actually, the small size AND the fact that someone in the fifties thought every kitchen and bathroom needed pink tiles are my grievances. The only two houses I have ever lived in have had pink tile. What's the deal??

The Party Patio! This is right outside of my room, in the back of the house. I have a big love/hate relationship with this patio. When we arrived, the entire patio and yard was so over grown with weeds, you couldn't even walk down the steps. We have since weeded every square inch, mowed the lawn, and planted lots of fun flowers and plants. Once we find the Christmas lights, they will also be added. And then, the party patio shall be complete.

To the right of the table, there is a patch of dirt that has been used as a compost pile for the last year or so, but was so overgrown, it could not be used for anything else. Since then, we have weeded and tiled the area and are hoping to start our garden soon. Here in Miami, gardens that are planted in the late fall tend to do the best. We are going to test out that theory. To the left of this picture is a long strip of dirt that we have already turned into our herb garden, complete with thyme, basil, and something else that I have never heard of...

The outside of the front of the house!!! Photo complete with Godzilla in the grass. Godzilla is the house van which Isaac drives around town because it's the only community car that he can fit in. It's official intended purpose was to use with youth groups and other groups who participate in the D.O.O.R. program and need a way to get around Miami. The giant silver shutters on the windows are actually called "hurricane shutters" and can be removed, if wanted. However, it's easier to keep them on until a hurricane comes. They lay flat against the windows and prevent you from having to board them over.

I kind of think this photo makes our house look like a trailer. However, it is a real house. Just real old. And real blue.

Hope you enjoyed the virtual tour. Come to Miami and see the real thing someday!!! :)

*By the way, Isaac did NOT spend six hours on the yard.

Rather, the girls in house did.

Don't bring me bad news.

There are days, like yesterday, when I go to work and realize I am truly there for a purpose. Then, there are days like today where I sit back and think "Why am I here?" "Am I even making a difference?" I, already within a week, have formed such strong bonds with each and every youth member at Branches. I have heard many of their personal stories and backgrounds and have become invested in this community and in these kids. So, when one of them makes poor choices, it disappoints me.

I had to kick a kid out of tutoring today. Actually, I gave him the choice of staying at Branches and actually doing work or leaving. He chose to leave. He chose to leave the support system we have set up to better his life and future. This student, who we will call JJ, (because I think it's funny to give out fake names that happen to be the real names of my roommates...) is in the seventh grade. He also happens to be fifteen. Almost legal to drive and still in middle school. He was also the first person at Branches to know my name, take an interest in me, and actually greet me with a smile each and everyday. Which made his decision making process all the more disappointing and hard to take.

My supervisor Tony had already talked to him twice today before he was assigned to my tutoring table. He spent the entire time testing the boundaries and while I attempted to be nice, he was disruptive and disrespectful to all. He told me he didn't have any homework and when I asked why not he told me it was because he had skipped school. In fact, in the two weeks that he has been back in school, he has already missed four days. I think the most heartbreaking part of it all was to see how bright he was. JJ knows math like no one else that I have seen at Branches. While I have spent the past two weeks teaching students his age and older long division on paper, JJ can do any of the problems in his head. He enjoys reading when he can force himself to be still enough to focus and he is very good at history as well. So, why is it that he is two to three grade levels behind?

After JJ left Branches I saw him walking with two other boys who do not attend Branches. Instead, these boys stand across the road and cat-call the girls as they walk in and out throughout the afternoon. The girls all have stories to tell about these boys and how they are not the type of boys you want to hang out with. So, why, would someone as bright as JJ choose these hooligans over his Branches family? Why would he willing throw his future away because he is behind in school?

I hate seeing people make bad decisions. It's often like watching a train wreck. I just can't take my eyes off of it and yet I don't want to look. My boss Kim seemed unfazed by the situation. She looked at me sincerely and said, "kids make bad choices." Kim started the Branches program fifteen years ago when she was my age. She has probably witnessed more in this time than most people want to see in a lifetime. She realizes that we can't reach them all. She realizes the depressing, heartbreaking, honest truth. Branches is an incredible organization. However, kids make bad choices. And I wish it were as simple as that...

Florida City Speak

So, I learned in my first week of work that although Florida City is a part of the United States, I still feel like much of it is foreign to me. Besides not knowing my way around town and spending most of my hour long breaks trying to find my way back to work, things that should be simple, like language and culture are completely alien to a white girl from Texas. The very first thing I noticed from day one, even just speaking with the staff is the language. Florida is unique in that only one out of twelve considers themselves Caucasian. I live next door to little Havana, so most of the people in the area speak Cuban. However, most of the other influences come from Haiti, El Salvador, Mexico, and lots of other South American countries. Almost everyone in Florida City is either Haitian or South American. A vast majority of our kids are multilingual and many of their parents don't speak English as their first language, or at all. However, in Florida City, there is yet another language spoken. It's called Florida City Speak. Or, at least, that's what we call it. Here's a little taste of the words and sentences I hear on a daily basis:

"Acts" - This word is spoken instead of "asked," as in: "I just acts Mrs. Kim if I could leave."

"Miss" - Refers to anyone in charge. Mostly heard in a whining tone: "Miss, I didn't do it."

"Is" - Used in all times and places instead of any other tenses. "You is from Texas, Miss?"

"It is" - Always used in this order. "What time it is?" "Who it is?"

"Screet" - Despite the fact that I always think this word sounds dirty, it is actually referring to the STREET. "No, I is walking down that screet."

"Mines" - Refers to anything possessive. "That book is mines!"

"I don't have no..." - The act of having nothing. "Miss, I don't have no homework."

"Kim House" - (Or anyone's name...) Leaving off the "s" in most words is common. "No, I is at Kim House."

"Cakeing" - This word refers to when two people stay up late talking on the phone. "Naomi's been cakeing with some boy!" (Sounds a lot dirtier than it actually is...)

"Dapping" - If you don't want to hold someone's hand you can "dap." Which means put your fists on top of the person's next to you. We do this when we pray as a group, my boss Tony will yell "Dap it up!" and we will all touch fists.

"Rank" - This means to put someone down. "At Branches, we don't rank on one another."

Now, I realize you can find a lot of these common mistakes all over America, however, a few of them are very unique to Florida City and I had never heard of them until I moved here. I have been told to correct the children and youth repeatedly, but that is how they talk in their homes and on the streets, so it is very hard to get them to correct the problem. It is a very interesting world down here. Although I am fully aware of the fact that I am still in America, often times life seems more exotic here than it ever did in Italy. It truly is "a whole other world" in Florida City and Miami.

Revision

Correction: Isaac is 6'8'' and not "lanky."

Maggie

Maggie is our neighbor. Although, I still have no idea where she actually lives. Regardless of the fact that she describes her house to me everyday, "It's the pink house with the hurricane shutters." I nod and smile, while in reality, I am thinking, "You just described every house within the next eight blocks!" She is an older woman, maybe in her sixties, and everyday I have seen her (which is everyday I have lived in Miami) she has been wearing the same clothes. She stops by our house every evening and asks to use our phone. We kindly smile and let her in, let her use the phone, give her water and a place to sit. And a place to vent, apparently. Maggie is a woman of many words. There is always something interesting going on in her life and she is not one to hold back any emotions or stories or excuses.

We enjoy our chats with Maggie. However, what started out as a friendly neighborly gesture has turned into something more. Because she knows she can trust us and because we "are so nice and friendly," she keeps coming over. Sometimes only for a few minutes, sometimes for hours. It's hard and uncomfortable for us to ask her to leave because we have this desire to be hospitable to everyone who enters "the mission house," as it is known and commonly called. It's part of the reason we live in the neighborhood that we do. We throw neighborhood barbeques and block parties as a way to get to know our neighbors and as a way to be fully present in the community.

Maggie has recently told us she is moving, and therefore packing up most of her belongings. Everyday she will stop by with something else of hers that she thinks we will want. And while this seems like a very neighborly gesture, she doesn't actually want to give us these items...she wants to sell them to us. So, we bought her DVD player for $20 a few days ago. Then, the next day, when she tried to sell Isaac her husband's wool suits, we had to tell her no, because, big surprise, they didn't fit the 6'7'' lanky, white boy. Plus, wool suits in Florida?! But, we quickly learned that these gestures were more about just getting rid of her stuff. She actually needs the money, considering she said, "Oh, sorry the suits don't fit, can I have $20 anyways? My husband's sick." And the next day when she came over she needed a ride to her new house to talk to the landlord and then asked for more money. The entire house is very torn about what to do about Maggie. We obviously value her presence, but now we get worried when we see her come up to the front door or when we hear her knock because we are unsure of how to approach the money situation. On the one hand, here is someone who is obvious need. On the other hand, we are not making enough money to be giving her $20 everyday. However, it is our responsibility to take care of our neighbors and be kind and generous. On the other hand, she is taking advantage of the fact that five young, caring people live down the street and don't have the heart to say no. Jesus calls us to love our neighbors and help in every way possible. Maggie's background is a very complex and complicated one. She is a person that needs all the love and support and help she can get. However, monetary services are not ways in which we are strongest right now. On the other hand, we are all white, educated, middle income kids from "the center" who theoretically could have alot to offer and share with Maggie.

It is a never ending circle of confusion and prayer and questions. What do we do in a world full of Maggies??

Settled

I feel as though up until this point I have been in one of those stupid snow globes; flying around like a snow flake, being tossed about in some fluid and landing wherever I can find a place to stop for a few seconds and breathe. However, after being in New York for exactly a day and half, I feel settled. That seems to be the comments of most fellow YAVers here. This evening in vespers, we all expressed sentiments of feeling anxious, excited, and just plain confused. However, we also all expressed that this retreat has given us time to feel centered and to realize what it is we are all about to embark upon in this coming year. It doesn't matter that we aren't all going to the same location. In fact, there is only one other person here going to Miami. What matters is that we all have a similar mindset and that we are all going out to have the same purpose for a year. We are bonded by our displacement. And I couldn't feel more grounded than I do right now. This retreat has only reinforced that I am in the right place at the right time and that big things are happening. I love the fact that everyone here is outgoing and energetic and so happy to be in the place where they are. It is like being in a place where everyone is different and unique and yet everyone is the same. I absolutely love that I can walk up and sit down next to anyone and say "hi, my name is..." and be received on the other end with the biggest smile and then talk for hours about our hopes and fears when I only just met the person. This is the best community that I have ever been a part of and feel so lucky to be right where I need to be.

SFLUM

Yes, it looks like gibberish. And when spoken aloud, I often feel the need to say "Gesundheit." However, SFLUM is the organization overseeing my site placement for the up coming year. It is an acronym for South Florida Urban Ministries. Branches, my new job placement, is part of SFLUM. There are quite a few Branches sites in Miami and I have been assigned to the Branches ministry in Florida City, a small community about 45 minutes south of Miami. I have been at training for the last week now in Miami and Florida City. It was an unexpected visit to Miami, and I was frustrated by the lack of notice and by having to fly to Florida the day after I returned home from family vacation. However, it was a blessing in disguise; as I am quickly figuring out, most of these inconveniences are. I was able to get a feel for the area, see where I am working, meet a majority of the children I will be seeing on a daily basis, meet my co-workers, and sit down and figure out my job description. Essentially, I was able to get my questions answered and my fears quelled, for the time being. I will be working mostly with the youth of Branches, which is in connection with a Methodist Church in Florida City. I will be tutoring middle school and high school students and building relationships and community with these youth for the next year. My hours will be odd, there will be a long commute some days, and I have been told not to get upset if the youth don't want to talk to me for weeks. And I couldn't be more excited about the entire process!!! I know that the year, maybe years, ahead will bring challenges beyond my control and beyond my realm of knowledge. I know I will be tried and tried again. And I know I will grow and be shaped and molded into the person I am supposed to be.

Consider the Lilies.

25 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

28"So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;

29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

This passage was read in church on Sunday. We had a guest preacher in the pulpit, and once he was finished reading this passage I literally sat back and thought, "this is the reason why I came to church."

Summer camp has been an incredible breath of fresh air in my life. I have seriously loved every second of it and could not have imagined my summer going any differently. However, in the back of my mind, I have not been able to shake the thoughts that I still have to raise almost $7,000 and that has proven to be more complicated and trying than I originally thought it would be.

This passage truly spoke to me. I have the worst tendency to freak out about the tiniest things. I am way too rational to think that God will provide every need in my life. However, it is times like this when I am thankful for the tiny ways that God gets my attention and lets me know that "every little thing is gonna be alright."

Monetary Update!

As of today, I found out I have raised $2,450 so far. I am so thankful for people giving me such large donations and cannot find enough words to say thank you for your generosity.

That being said....

I still have to raise about $4,500 more. Which is so scary to think about. I would really appreciate it if you spread the word about the cause and kept the donations flowing. This is obviously a fantastic cause, but getting all this money is quite a daunting task!

Thanks to everyone for their support and love.

A million thanks!!!

It's times like these that I wish I knew more languages. As it is, I can only say THANK YOU, gracias, and gratzie. Well, I could probably think of more but I wouldn't actually know how to pronounce them correctly, let alone even begin to spell them.

But, I do want to say thank you! About a million times, if I could without running out of breath. Everyone has been so supportive, both with their words and thankfully, also with their pocketbooks. I have always known that I have had a large support system in my life, but I guess I have not had the opportunity to actually see the effects of how wonderful the people I love can be! Luckily, the money is getting there. So many people are doing their part in helping me raise enough money. And for that, I cannot say thank you enough. With the economy so poor right now, I thought this task was going to be near impossible. I guess I should have known that I should just have a little more faith.

I do not know the exact amount that I have raised yet, and as soon as I find out, I will keep y'all posted, but I do know that the money is coming in, and it's all thanks to people like you!

YAV!

I'm switching gears, just a bit. Imagine that. This is now my blog for my upcoming year as a Young Adult Volunteer! Check back for updates on this exciting year of my life!!!