je parle anglais!

Bonjour! Ca va? Je suis bien!

That's about as far as it goes... So I started French this weekend. After five years of Spanish you would think my language skills would be more diverse, but it seems those classes were in vain because I can not put a coherent sentence together outside of my mother tongue. Now this will just not do for an ambitious world traveler as myself. Therefore I am navigating the waters of foreign language education yet once again... this time with serious motivation, and hopefully increased success.

It's a small class which is nice. We meet once a week for about 3 hours. Being a person dedicated to promptness, and understanding of the weight of first impressions, I left my house (only three miles from the school) with 45 minutes to spare. I planned to arrive 30 minutes early, acquire my book and orient myself.

Now here is the thing about DC, the metro system may be extraordinarily easy to navigate... but the roads are more complicated than you can imagine. I had clear directions that followed a familiar path... so no reason to fret. At least I thought so...

I was driving down Massachusetts avenue like I have dozens of times, and ran across a road block. Police were diverting traffic for some reason. I felt a slight twinge of panic, but I followed traffic to the right and reached in my bag to get my phone, to do what I always do when I am lost. Call my mom and ask her to google map me.

Slight panic turns into frustration when I realize that my phone is nowhere to be found. For this first time in months, I have neglected to put my phone in my purse!

It will be ok... I will follow traffic around the road block and get back on Mass Ave as soon as I can. Each attempt meet failure as we (meaning myself and the cars around me) realize that Mass Ave is apparently closed for some way.

No remember what I said... the roads in DC don't make the slightest bit of sense. There is no grid... the roads run on diagonals to traffic circles. Therefore it is virtually impossible to guess your way around.

I had a choice to make... return home to get my phone guaranteeing I will be late for my first class... or keep following traffic and pray for a miracle. Contrary to my nature, I decided to stick it out. I have become pretty familiar with the area and I calculated minimal risk in getting too lost or too far off the mark.

Well, I would have been accurate...

I got to Adam's Morgan where my class was to be held and I saw a street that was on my map and turned on it in order to get in the right direction. I was only a few blocks away... unfortunately that road acts as an access point to the Rock Creek Parkway and is not a thoroughfare.

As I worked my way around the park, helplessly driving in the wrong direction I glanced at the clock. 10:00am... class was starting without me.

I exited the parkway on a familiar street. I was in Georgetown and apparently so was everyone else. Frustration gave way to despair. A few tears were shed.

I knew I had to head North (I was at the South end of the park now) so I followed it around it's west side. I still can't believe I found my way with little problem after that. It was a genuine miracle. Anyone who knows me know that being late, much less for the FIRST of anything, is pretty much... the end of the world. Or, at least, it feels like it at the time. I was only about 40 minutes behind, and it turns out my teacher got stuck in the same situation and was a little late herself.

At least I made it! And without help. I feel accomplished. Although, next time I think I am going to take public transportation.

(You have just read my justification for purchasing a blackberry when it comes time to replace my phone...GPS! My mom needs a break.)

The Perks

DC is full of opportunities to do/see amazing things. Today I had one of those opportunities and I am extremely glad I took it.

President Koroma, of Sierra Leone, held a Town Hall meeting on campus. Apparently this sort of this happens often... in fact John Garang (The former leader of the SPLA, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement... for those of you who either haven't been around me long enough, or don't listen to a word I say) before he died. Man! My jaw dropped when I heard that... he came to MY college to speak... CRAZY!

Anyway, President Koroma has been in office for one year after being elected in a completely transparent democratic process of free and fair election. (hand clap inserted here). Now, you might not be familiar with the history of Sierra Leone, but if you have seen the movie Blood Diamond, you have a glimpse at their issues. The movie was based on what happened during the civil war in 1999 (the war lasted from 1991-2000). The diamond trade is a HUGE problem for the Sierra Leonians... but it certainly not the only one. They are the LOWEST country on the UN's Human development Index. Life expectancy is 42! 30% are literate, and only 10% of the population is even holds a birth certificate... which presents a huge barrier. Even when the social services are available (i.e. education, pension, etc.) You can't access it if you aren't registered, therefore your are not a citizen and have no record of your existence!

Sierra Leone is also a HUGE exporter of drugs and is incredibly reliant on imports for basic foods, which is unstable and unsustainable. There biggest industry is diamonds, but the Sierra Leonians are not making the money... Western organizers are. Add on top of all of that chronic governmental corruption and insufficient infrastructure and you have quite the mess for President Koroma to address.

President Koroma has been universally praised for his dedication to the democratic process, his stance in combatting corruption through extreme transparency, and his comprehensive plan to reform the basic infrastructure for the country. He spoke about his plan to address a consistent and reliable energy source, to increase wattage in the city as well as in rural communities. He addressed his plan to enhance the agriculture industry and to increase rice production and negate the need for import. He outlined issues from combating drug trafficking to building bridges and roads.

But that isn't what got me. I was in a room full, and I mean FULL, of Sierra Leonians living in the states. It was fascinating to interact with such a alrge group of Africans within the borders of my own county. It made me miss it. During the opening they expressed their desire to keep the program short to allow for more Q&A at the end. We went through the national anthems, etc... then they had two guys come up to pray, one Muslim and one Christian. SL is about 60% Muslim, 30% Christian and 10% indigenous and tribal religions.

I quickly realized i had never heard a Muslim prayer before, at least I had not been present for one. The Ambassador who introduced him reiterated their need to keep it short (not normal practice in Africa, heh). The guy started chanting/singing and they got a point where everyone joined him and said AMEN. Thought it was over... but I was wrong... the guy kept going... Everyone started mumbling to each other... it was very strange.. then suddenly a chorus of voices started saying amen(not in unison)... the guy just stopped and glared at everyone. Then when they stopped.... he kept going! It was soo crazy. After another round, where people didn't seem to care he was still going... loudly talking amongst themselves. Suddenly everyone said Amen again, in unison. The guy had a completely straight face and said something like, "I know I am supposed to be quick (insert laughter from audience) but I have a few words for our president (insert crazy groaning and whining)"... It was sooo strange, comical even. He quieted them down by promising it would only take one minute. He gave the president the gift of the Koran, "the greatest gift a Muslim can give," he said. Anyway... they basically chased in off the stage. Then the Reverend gets up to resounding cheers... could this audience be a little bias? The guy took like 45 seconds. It was hilarious.

Anyway, I know this doesn't translate well, it's one of those 'you had to be there' experiences, but trust me... it was a cultural one.

After the president spoke, he took questions... the people did not hold back! They asked things like... how are you fighting corruption and encouraging national unity in your own government? how long do you plan to stay in office? what are you doing about female genital manipulation? Not only is he pushing legislation to encourage transparency (I.E. politicians now have to declare their personal assets), he is including opposition in his government and seriously pursuing unity. He is actually obeying the constitution of the country! He is pursuing the interest of human rights and working to empower and educate the people.

It was amazing to see what could possibly be one of the first free democracies in Africa emerge! If president sticks to what he said tonight and serves the two terms allowed within the constitution, and makes the changes he says he will... we are talking about only the second country to make such progress on the entire continent!

Cross you fingers and say a prayer... because this could be the beginning of real change for the people of Sierra Leone. His first year has been a great start.

home?

You know I felt a weird sensation when I looked out upon Dupont Circle after descending the bus stairs... I have no idea what to cal it, but it was a comfortable feeling. Like a relief, or a contentment. It felt welcoming. like... 'welcome home.'

It's kind of strange to think I have only lived here a month. I really must say I missed it while I was in NYC. New York is not my scene. I mean, it's a really cool city, but it just didn't feel right.

All in all, I had a great trip. The last day we just chilled in Brooklyn... went out to breakfast (french toast dipped in amaretto batter and smothered in pecans), read in Prospect Park, went to church and then grabbed some yummy vegan food for dinner.

I ate soo much this weekend. I am going to be detoxing form this trip for awhile.

Back to the 'grind'... it feels less like a grind than life used to. I am enjoying the freedom of being a students while simultaneously disliking the level of stress school always brings me. Getting over that is one of my goals for this year.

Check out my Facebook for pictures from my trip. that is... if I ever get them loaded. I have been trying all day but the upload always seems to fail.

NYC: Highlights

Here are just a few of the highlights of my trip so far:

- The Daily Show taping, with Tony Blair! I reserved the tickets for the show over four months ago without a clue who the guest would be. Just so happens I picked the date with one of the most significant guests and well publicized and poignant interviews this season. Tony Blair was very professional and gracious while Jon slowly ripped a hole on his legacy, in a very nice and respectful way of course. Very funny skit with John Oliver had to be cut from the front of the show since the interview was so long. You can check it out online.

- Sigur Ros LIVE. What an experience. The show was held in a restored theatre in which every wall and the entire ceiling was covered in intricate carvings and designs. Add some ambient, instrumental Icelandic folk music and you have a piece of heaven. The band did not disappoint! Brilliant show.

- Grimaldi's. The best pizza in the world. period.

- MOMA. There was a brand new Van Gough exhibition on preview that we got into. Saw the famous 'Starry Night' and sooo much more. Also saw some Pollack, Matisse, Picaso, and Monet.

We also have had some amazing French and Thai food, I had my first real New York bagel, and we did some serious shopping in SoHo (I refrained from actually making any purchases, but I enjoyed it nonetheless!). I did get a new coat form H&M yesterday on 5th Ave. DC weather called for it. I made an apple pie from Maria's birthday with the apples she picked last weekend. Turned out better than I thought!

Today is my last day in the city and I think we will stay and Brooklyn and chill. Time to mentally prep for a return to DC.

milestone: 2

So today marks another milestone... It was one month ago that I was within my last day of residency in North Carolina. One month ago today i was frantically packing my belongings.

One month is a long time. So much can change...

I am actually not within the District of Columbia at this point. I am on a bus to NYC to visit my dear friend Maria. I grabbed some Daily Show tickets back in the spring in anticipation of a birthday trip to the Big Apple. found out this morning that the guest on the show today will be Tony Blair....How cool is that? Last week I even scored some tickets to see Sigur Ros tonight. What a way to celebrate our birthday's! (Maria's is Monday)

Considering the minimal price of $50 I paid for this bus I am impressed... free water and wireless internet. It's a democratic system... we voted on whether to watch a movie and A Few Good Men and Ocean's 13 were rejected by a slim margin.

Shortly I will arrive in one of the coolest cities in the world. I am very excited.

I am sure pictures and tales of adventures will follow.

23

I woke up today with the realization that I have passed another milestone. 23 years old.

I was thinking how that means it has been two years since my 21st... TWO YEARS!? How bizarre... it seems not long ago at all. People always say the years go by much faster the older you get... I hope it doesn't get any faster than this because I can barely handle it all now. They say that by the time you turn 21, half you life has gone by in your own perception. How creepy is that? But I can understand, it seems like it takes forever to leave the teen years. There seems to be something magical about being in your twenties, until you get here that is.

You don't magically have anything figured out. Life isn't any less complicated, it's significantly more. Although I would never turn back the clock, I wonder why people are in such a hurry... why was I?

Well, looking forward I am excited about what the future holds. These past few years have been quite an adventure and I know, without a doubt, that the rest will be as well. Wanna take a guess at where I will be in 5 years? How about 3? cause that seems vague enough for me at this point.

Prayer

I have not always had a real appreciation for prayer. I have always found myself bouncing between two realities:

1) You are supposed to ask for what you want
2) You are supposed to trust that God knows best

For me this equated to prayers something like this... "Hey God, I would really like it if you could make this happen for me, but if it is not Your will then help me OK with it." Then I got to the point I didn't even know why I was asking, so it is was... "Hey God, do whatever you want to do." Then, I stopped praying at all... God is going to do what He is going to do, right?

This has been a lifelong struggle. Why do we pray? How should we pray?

I have heard the spiel: you can't get to know and have a relationship with someone if you don't talk to them, right? Well, what if it is just you talking? I mean, it isn't like God doesn't know what you are thinking... What if I hear God speaking to me more when I look at a sunset than when I pray? Does that excuse me from it?

For a long time, even though I wouldn't have admitted it, I would have said yes.

I have learned something profound over the years, God wants to give you everything you want. He loves you so much he wants you to ask for it and he wants to grant your request, EVERY TIME!

If you are thinking, 'yea, I know'... try and let that settle in some more.

I wish I could say that knowing this changed everything, but of course it didn't. It's like knowing God loves you unconditionally... yet we still seek that fulfillment everywhere else.

Here's the other thing I have found, when I am not praying, I am not as aware of God at work in my life. If I ask Him for something, I am going to be more likely to acknowledge He gave it to me. I am going to foster gratitude and awareness of God's love and presence in my life and the world around me.

You know, I still don't have the whole prayer thing worked out, but I am chipping away at it. I think prayer is genius really. Everyone needs to talk to someone. Everything needs to spill their guts every once and awhile and everyone needs to feel like their aren't alone in the universe. Popular culture and hollywood make that argument everyday. God ingrained that desire in us, and he provides the outlet and the solution to our problem within prayer. But, we try and fill it with gossip and therapists. We try and make things happen for ourselves and we experience stress and anxiety from our attempts to control the universe. We weren't made to live this way. We were made to rely on God, and He designed prayer as an integral part to meet OUR needs, because He certainly doesn't NEED us.

Pride Check

This was an interesting weekend.

Convoy of Hope is an event that takes places all over the country. A central organization provides access to tens of thousands of pounds of groceries and other resources that local communities utilize to make the event happen. It includes more than groceries, a fair of available community services (access to healthcare, transportation, food, shelter, life insurance, disability services, etc.), a kids zone (fully equipped with every blow up game you can think of), a full blown entertainment packed stage (singers, dancers, the whole bit), a job fair (with assistance writing resumes and sharpening your interviewing skills), family portraits, haircuts, and all the hotdogs and hamburgers you want (or that you are willing to stand in line for).

Basically we set up in the parking lot at a stadium in town on Thursday and Friday. The event was supposed to take place Saturday, rain or shine. Unfortunately, FEMA and Homeland Security had a problem with us doing it during a tropical storm.

Therefore, it was delayed until Sunday.

Over the previous couple months, EXTENSIVE outreach has taken place. Over 100,000 flyers have been handed out, door to door. All community leaders and major organization were involved. It was supported by a network of churches who worked together to organize and staff the event.

Due to the change in date, we were a little concerned about turnout. Despite the delay, 1,200 volunteers (the goal amount) came out to serve over 10,000 people! CRAZINESS!!

Convoy of Hope has a core principle... that each participant is a 'guest of honor'. It runs through the entire organization of the event and the volunteers are encouraged to go the extra mile to make every individual fell important.

I think it's a little sad that we have to specify this, but I am glad they did! The entire event had a unique feeling. The volunteer really did go out of their way to make sure every individuals needs were met to the best of our ability. When someone asked where something was, we didn't point... we escorted them. When someone had a concern we didn't refer them we took care of it personally. If they needed something, we got it for them.

This was an amazing, yet humbling experience. I would like to say that we (I mean, I) automatically valued each individual... but today was a reminder of how we can get caught up in ourselves.

The biggest eye-opener came in my section. I worked in the community services tent where all of the local governmental and non profit organizations.

With the 'guest of honor' lens on, I found myself acting differently (what a shame). The representatives of those organizations were not aware of the 'guest of honor' policy, so their behavior was not altered similarly. What happened? I realized that even people who have dedicated their career to helping people in need can lose compassion and respect for them. Not that I am ANY less guilty.

I can relate, considering my previous work at United Way. Even though I have not been a direct service provider, I have worked very closely with many. It is easy to become jaded.

Anyway, I am proud of all the volunteers I had the honor of working along side. I feel like I have been blessed to be a part of this event.

Adjusting

It's funny how you can be so unselfaware (if that's even a word). I am convinced that a year away from school had done my brian some harm.

I can sense a change as I become more accustomed to school related activities such as A LOT of reading, discussion and discourse. I mean, you can't you tell? My vocabulary is already expanding!?

I know one thing, I never thought I could accomplish so much reading without going absolutely insane, but I have to admit to enjoying the majority of it. I don't really know why I was not a reader... maybe TV got in the way.

Class last night marked a change in tide. It was the second week, and assignments completed I felt significantly more comfortable in my classes. I felt obliged to contribute to discussion and knowledgeable enough to add to what was being said. I had a realization: this place isn't as scary as I thought! I might even like it :).

I had FUN last night, at class! I knew I came here for a reason.

Identity: Part 2

So, who am i? (See Identity: Part 1 if you are confused)

If you remove all of the circumstantial things a person is defined by the content of their character (to borrow a line from MLK Jr.).

Now, this definition appeals to me because it denies all of the identities that often lead to discrimination. How twisted is it that inequality is often perpetuated based on uncontrollable aspects of an individual? Racism, sexism, ethnic conflict... all contingent on a situation your were born into and did not choose.

But that is a bunny trial...

After someone has passed, we rarely refer to them as 'plumbers,' 'students,' or 'Californians.' Even in extreme circumstances, where someone holds an extraordinary position, like say 'president'... they are remembered not as much for their position as for how they carried it out, a reflection of their character.

What creates character? nature? nurture? morality? faith?

Although all of the above, most likely play a role, I contend that our world view, how we perceive the world and our place in it, defines how we operate. The majority of the time our world view is defined, in large part by our religion or lack thereof.

Most world views (a term I will now use to identify religion or any other point of view which defines you outlook of the world and your place in it) share a common tenant, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you"... or something like it.

The most extraordinary individuals who have ever lived (as defined by modern popular culture )have taken this tenant to it's extreme. Mother Theresa gave up every comfort imaginable and lived a life of selfless service to the most impoverished and needy of the world. Martin luther King Jr. dedicated himself to the institution of basic civil liberties for all people, regardless of race. Ghandi fought for equality within South Africa and India... the list could go on and on... but the concept is the same. These people were determined to do what they could for brothers and sisters, regardless of whether they would see anything in return!

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.


So, who am I? What is my identity? Regardless of what occupation you hold, where you live, how much money you have, or how much education you received... you are how you treat other people, how you value them. That is what you will be remembered for. That's all that really matters.

Jesus defined this as love. He commanded His followers to "Love your neighbor as yourself." He even takes it a step further and commands us to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"! I leave you with two passages of scripture which I hope never become stale. It is two beautiful passages written by the disciple John and the apostle Paul, charged with truth that will help us make sense of this life. Read it anew and let it invade your soul.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love... We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."



"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."