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!