Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thank you!
The youth group had its last meeting of the school year yesterday! We brainstormed activities for the coming year so get ready for really fun activities. One thing we discussed was becoming more integrated into the church community. The kids are looking forward to spending time with our congregation members and becoming even more involved with St. Paul's! Thank you to Pat Jackson for providing the meal last night. Thank you to Mary Craig for all of her support, and, as always, thank you to my parents for your unwavering support and faith in me!
Friday, May 27, 2011
The Case for the Latino Ministry
Imagine that you live in a place where you do not have enough food, clean water or medicine. You work long hours for little pay. You are lucky to even have a job when most of your neighbors do not. Your children are sick and hungry. You become too sick and hungry yourself to help them. When a friend offers to help you immigrate to the considerably wealthier country to your North, you jump at the chance. There you will still have to work long hours, but you can make a lot more money. Unfortunately, you cannot afford to pay the fees to apply for a visa. Especially, when, in all likelihood, your application will be rejected, and the fees are non-refundable. Nor can you wait much longer, because your family is starving. You know that the journey is long and very dangerous, but you cannot bear the idea that your children—if they survive childhood without proper nutrition and healthcare—will face the same poverty you have always known.
As U.S. citizens and residents, we know that there is poverty and strife in the world. We understand that places in Africa, Latin and South America, the Middle East and Asia are impoverished and that millions of people do not have food, clean water, or medicines. We do not have the opportunity to interact with people in absolute poverty on a daily basis, as this type of destitution is rare in the United States. However, if you approach the average day laborer of Mexican origin, you will meet someone who has experienced the hopelessness of extreme poverty.
Half of the population in Mexico live in poverty. The majority of this 50% are of indigenous descent, usually characterized by their darker skin and smaller stature. Mexico has no welfare and few social services to speak of. If laborers are able to find work, they work long, labor-intensive hours for little pay without the benefit of sick-leave or vacation. The country is considered to be one of the four worst places in Latin America in terms of income distribution. Unemployment in Mexico is estimated at 40% caused by extreme corruption in the private and government sectors. The statistics surrounding child and maternal mortality are sobering as so many of the Mexican poor do not have access to quality healthcare.
So, many Mexicans (an estimated 500,000 per year), enter the United States without documentation. They do so, because legal immigration is prohibitively expensive, complicated and time-consuming. Acceptance is also extremely unlikely as the United States generally only allows immigration papers to skilled workers of the middle class. They face great danger in traveling to and crossing the Mexico-United States border. Many immigrants--mostly women and children--die of dehydration or exposure while walking through the desert. However, these 500,000 people a year continue to risk their lives and the lives of their children and families to escape destitution in Mexico. Like the exodus of the Jews out of Egypt, they seek a better, happier life away from slavery to corruption and poverty. There is no doubt that U.S. immigration policy is in need of reform. However, to those Latinos living in our own community, we must extend a hand of welcome.
“Assimilation” is a word many U.S. citizens use when bemoaning the influx of immigration. Many of those arriving on U.S. soil do not speak English and know very little about our American way of life--something that, we claim, they should learn quickly. It is true that immigrants will benefit from learning English and adapting to American culture and that it is important for them to do so. However, if we continue to isolate the Hispanic communities from our “American” communities, businesses, and churches, we must take the blame for an immigrant’s inability to assimilate. There are two essential elements to inviting the Latino community to participate in American life.
First, we must recognize the importance of their language, Spanish. We take for granted our ability to communicate so easily with our ubiquitous tongue. However, when thrust into a culture that does not speak English, we would cherish our language as part of our identity and a reminder of home. If a church service were offered in our language, would we not jump at the chance to hear such familiar words? Would we not wish to worship God in the most comfortable fashion? Services that mix English and Spanish, like the ones at St. Paul’s, are especially helpful and effective, as it will allow both parties of speakers to worship God easily and yet emphasize the importance of English in American life.
Second, we must reach out to the U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants. These children are a generation of Americans with a rich cultural heritage of both Mexico and the United States. They take pride in this and, yet, often suffer for it. As a minority in the Newport School system, the children of immigrants are viewed as outsiders. It is difficult for them to navigate our American world, because their parents do not have those skills to pass on. Many do not attend college, because the FAFSA is prohibitively complicated to their parents. Welcoming these children into American fellowship and teaching them the skills they need to succeed in the United States will empower them and end the circle of poverty that plagues so many immigrant families.
St. Paul’s website says that “when we worship we are called to see the risen Christ in the persons around us” and that “we are called to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to strive justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being.”
For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. Matthew 25: 35-37.
The King will answer and say to them, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25: 40.
We, as Christians and as members of the common nation of humanity, are called by our faith and goodness to serve others. Ministering to the Latino community of Newport is simply the right and Christ-like thing to do.
As U.S. citizens and residents, we know that there is poverty and strife in the world. We understand that places in Africa, Latin and South America, the Middle East and Asia are impoverished and that millions of people do not have food, clean water, or medicines. We do not have the opportunity to interact with people in absolute poverty on a daily basis, as this type of destitution is rare in the United States. However, if you approach the average day laborer of Mexican origin, you will meet someone who has experienced the hopelessness of extreme poverty.
Half of the population in Mexico live in poverty. The majority of this 50% are of indigenous descent, usually characterized by their darker skin and smaller stature. Mexico has no welfare and few social services to speak of. If laborers are able to find work, they work long, labor-intensive hours for little pay without the benefit of sick-leave or vacation. The country is considered to be one of the four worst places in Latin America in terms of income distribution. Unemployment in Mexico is estimated at 40% caused by extreme corruption in the private and government sectors. The statistics surrounding child and maternal mortality are sobering as so many of the Mexican poor do not have access to quality healthcare.
So, many Mexicans (an estimated 500,000 per year), enter the United States without documentation. They do so, because legal immigration is prohibitively expensive, complicated and time-consuming. Acceptance is also extremely unlikely as the United States generally only allows immigration papers to skilled workers of the middle class. They face great danger in traveling to and crossing the Mexico-United States border. Many immigrants--mostly women and children--die of dehydration or exposure while walking through the desert. However, these 500,000 people a year continue to risk their lives and the lives of their children and families to escape destitution in Mexico. Like the exodus of the Jews out of Egypt, they seek a better, happier life away from slavery to corruption and poverty. There is no doubt that U.S. immigration policy is in need of reform. However, to those Latinos living in our own community, we must extend a hand of welcome.
“Assimilation” is a word many U.S. citizens use when bemoaning the influx of immigration. Many of those arriving on U.S. soil do not speak English and know very little about our American way of life--something that, we claim, they should learn quickly. It is true that immigrants will benefit from learning English and adapting to American culture and that it is important for them to do so. However, if we continue to isolate the Hispanic communities from our “American” communities, businesses, and churches, we must take the blame for an immigrant’s inability to assimilate. There are two essential elements to inviting the Latino community to participate in American life.
First, we must recognize the importance of their language, Spanish. We take for granted our ability to communicate so easily with our ubiquitous tongue. However, when thrust into a culture that does not speak English, we would cherish our language as part of our identity and a reminder of home. If a church service were offered in our language, would we not jump at the chance to hear such familiar words? Would we not wish to worship God in the most comfortable fashion? Services that mix English and Spanish, like the ones at St. Paul’s, are especially helpful and effective, as it will allow both parties of speakers to worship God easily and yet emphasize the importance of English in American life.
Second, we must reach out to the U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants. These children are a generation of Americans with a rich cultural heritage of both Mexico and the United States. They take pride in this and, yet, often suffer for it. As a minority in the Newport School system, the children of immigrants are viewed as outsiders. It is difficult for them to navigate our American world, because their parents do not have those skills to pass on. Many do not attend college, because the FAFSA is prohibitively complicated to their parents. Welcoming these children into American fellowship and teaching them the skills they need to succeed in the United States will empower them and end the circle of poverty that plagues so many immigrant families.
St. Paul’s website says that “when we worship we are called to see the risen Christ in the persons around us” and that “we are called to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to strive justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being.”
For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. Matthew 25: 35-37.
The King will answer and say to them, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25: 40.
We, as Christians and as members of the common nation of humanity, are called by our faith and goodness to serve others. Ministering to the Latino community of Newport is simply the right and Christ-like thing to do.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Busy Summer Ahead
First, I would like to announce that we have added three new members to the youth group bringing our total to 15! Welcome to Derek Dean (9th grade), Noble Dean (10th grade) and Augenay Dean (8th grade)!
Second, congratulations to our seniors Melissa de la Rosa, Berenice Morales, and Whitney McIntosh! You will all be missed! Their graduation is Friday (tomorrow) at 7:30 pm at the Newport High School football field.
Third, welcome to more new additions (those moving into Jr. High): Alex Gomez, Jorge Martinez, and J.J. de la Rosa! J.J. will be in sixth grade next year; however, he has been accepted as an honorary member.
Fourth, we have a very busy summer coming up! Below, I have written our summer schedule. We will not be having our regular Tuesday meetings during the summer but will be having the special events below.
Sunday, June 5th-Friday, June 10th: Senior High Session at Camp Mitchell
Thursday, June 8th: Arkansas Travelers Double Header at Dickey-Stevens Baseball Park in Little Rock
Saturday, June 18th: BBQ and Pool Party
Tuesday, June 21st-Wednesday, June 29th: Episcopal Youth Event (EYE)
Sunday, July 10th-Friday, July 15th: Jr. High Session at Camp Mitchell
TBD: Lock-In at St. Paul's Parish House
TBD: Service Day to clean up the upstairs area of St. Paul's Parish House
TBD: Youth fundraiser
For those wondering what the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) is, I urge you to visit their website at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/eye2011.htm. Also, I have provided a brief description below.
There will be three very full days of worship, sharing, praying, learning, singing, and working, calling participants into a greater awareness of and commitment to God's mission in the world.
The Core Values of EYE
created by the Provincial Youth Ministers in February 2010
Focusing on Jesus Christ and his presence in our lives, EYE will provide an opportunity and create an environment where our young people and the adults who accompany them can continue to grow on their journey in faith.
Striving to be a uniquely Episcopal Community and acknowledging that each person is a child of God and that we are called together into a full relationship with God and God’s Creation, we claim that we are a sacramental people of common prayer with diverse understandings and cultural contexts, all of whom work together as the Body of Christ.
Celebrating our mission and our ministry as the Body of Christ in Community, we will offer training for young people and adults and equip them to be faithful servant leaders in their local and diocesan communities.
Embracing the “Anglican Marks of Mission” as our charge, we will strive to engage the passion and energy of faithful youth, to embrace their call to ministry and to empower them to put their faith into action.
EYE will be followed by Three Days of Mission, an opportunity for youth groups to engage in urban or rural mission. AR youth members will be engaging in outreach in Kansas City, Missouri.
We are so proud to be sending several of our own high school youth members:
Berenice Morales
Whitney McIntosh
Ana de la Rosa
Miguel Gomez
Monica Gomez
Cynthia Gomez
I will also be attending as one of AR's many chaperones.
Thank you to Randall Curtis for organizing the AR part of EYE! Thank you to Mary Craig for jumping on this opportunity! Thank you to the Vestry of St. Paul's for being so supportive of the youth group and our activities! Thank you as always to my parents for their unwavering support!
Second, congratulations to our seniors Melissa de la Rosa, Berenice Morales, and Whitney McIntosh! You will all be missed! Their graduation is Friday (tomorrow) at 7:30 pm at the Newport High School football field.
Third, welcome to more new additions (those moving into Jr. High): Alex Gomez, Jorge Martinez, and J.J. de la Rosa! J.J. will be in sixth grade next year; however, he has been accepted as an honorary member.
Fourth, we have a very busy summer coming up! Below, I have written our summer schedule. We will not be having our regular Tuesday meetings during the summer but will be having the special events below.
Sunday, June 5th-Friday, June 10th: Senior High Session at Camp Mitchell
Thursday, June 8th: Arkansas Travelers Double Header at Dickey-Stevens Baseball Park in Little Rock
Saturday, June 18th: BBQ and Pool Party
Tuesday, June 21st-Wednesday, June 29th: Episcopal Youth Event (EYE)
Sunday, July 10th-Friday, July 15th: Jr. High Session at Camp Mitchell
TBD: Lock-In at St. Paul's Parish House
TBD: Service Day to clean up the upstairs area of St. Paul's Parish House
TBD: Youth fundraiser
For those wondering what the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) is, I urge you to visit their website at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/eye2011.htm. Also, I have provided a brief description below.
There will be three very full days of worship, sharing, praying, learning, singing, and working, calling participants into a greater awareness of and commitment to God's mission in the world.
The Core Values of EYE
created by the Provincial Youth Ministers in February 2010
Focusing on Jesus Christ and his presence in our lives, EYE will provide an opportunity and create an environment where our young people and the adults who accompany them can continue to grow on their journey in faith.
Striving to be a uniquely Episcopal Community and acknowledging that each person is a child of God and that we are called together into a full relationship with God and God’s Creation, we claim that we are a sacramental people of common prayer with diverse understandings and cultural contexts, all of whom work together as the Body of Christ.
Celebrating our mission and our ministry as the Body of Christ in Community, we will offer training for young people and adults and equip them to be faithful servant leaders in their local and diocesan communities.
Embracing the “Anglican Marks of Mission” as our charge, we will strive to engage the passion and energy of faithful youth, to embrace their call to ministry and to empower them to put their faith into action.
EYE will be followed by Three Days of Mission, an opportunity for youth groups to engage in urban or rural mission. AR youth members will be engaging in outreach in Kansas City, Missouri.
We are so proud to be sending several of our own high school youth members:
Berenice Morales
Whitney McIntosh
Ana de la Rosa
Miguel Gomez
Monica Gomez
Cynthia Gomez
I will also be attending as one of AR's many chaperones.
Thank you to Randall Curtis for organizing the AR part of EYE! Thank you to Mary Craig for jumping on this opportunity! Thank you to the Vestry of St. Paul's for being so supportive of the youth group and our activities! Thank you as always to my parents for their unwavering support!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Acolyte Festival at Trinity Cathedral, Little Rock, AR
The youth group visited Trinity Cathedral in Little Rock to particpate in the Acolyte Festival. They had a great time learning about the different aspects of acolyting such as carrying the crosses, flags, banners and torches. They discussed the tradition and symbolism of serving and assisting the priest or deacon with preparing the sacraments. After lunch they partipated in Eucharist with Bishop Benfield. They dressed in their robes and processed into the cathedral. Jose served as First Server and Monica was Second Server. They both did a fantastic job!
I was very moved by Deacon Stephen Kidd's homily. He spoke about the purpose of acolyting and taking the light of Christ into the world. The acolytes carry the candle light, symbolizing the light of Christ, out of the church to show how the people should "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord." Fabulous!
Thank you so much to Stephen Kidd for organizing the festival and making the day really fun! Thank you to everyone who taught the kids about acolyting. Thank you AS ALWAYS to my parents, John and Wendy Shoffner, for taking their time to drive the kids to Little Rock and being such inspiring role models for me and for the group. I love you both!
Below I've posted some photos.
I was very moved by Deacon Stephen Kidd's homily. He spoke about the purpose of acolyting and taking the light of Christ into the world. The acolytes carry the candle light, symbolizing the light of Christ, out of the church to show how the people should "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord." Fabulous!
Thank you so much to Stephen Kidd for organizing the festival and making the day really fun! Thank you to everyone who taught the kids about acolyting. Thank you AS ALWAYS to my parents, John and Wendy Shoffner, for taking their time to drive the kids to Little Rock and being such inspiring role models for me and for the group. I love you both!
Below I've posted some photos.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Meet the Youth
Today in youth group, I introduced the kids to this blog, asked their opinion, and invited them to become active participants. This blog is a window into our sessions and time together; and it's only fair, right and necessary to include the voices of its subjects. They had the wonderful idea to begin their involvement by introducing themselves to you below.
"My name is Berenice. I am a senior in high school. I love playing volleyball and spending time with my loved ones. I also love dancing and learning about chemistry. I'm very friendly and easy to get along with. My favorite colors are lime green and pink. My birthday is December 21st." Berenice has a gorgeous new hairstyle and wants to be a chemist.
"My name is Whitney. I am in the 12th grade. I like to hang out with friends and play fun games. I also like to text and get on the Internet. My favorite colors are purple and yellow. I love to have fun and listen to music. My birthday is also December 21st." Whitney has a gorgeous new hairstyle and will soon be going to college in Louisiana!
Berenice and Whitney are best friends and were born only a few minutes apart!
"My name is Melissa. I am in the 12th grade. I love to spend time with my son and go to church and share laughs!" Melissa has a beautiful 2-year-old, Jeovanny, and wants to be a nurse.
"My name is Monica. I am in the 10th grade. I am from Texas and love the Texas Longhorns. My favorite song is Rocketeer by Far East Movement. My favorite colors are pink, blue and purple." Monica would like to become a medical doctor/surgeon.
"My name is Miguel. I am in the 10th grade. I like to play football, listen to music, draw, and singing/rapping." Miguel is really smart and great at the board game, Taboo.
"My name is Cynthia. I am in the 9th grade. I love to smile and laugh. I'm all about having fun spending time with my friends and family. I am hyper ALL THE TIME!" Cynthia is always the life of the party!
"My name is Ana. I am in the 9th grade. My favorite color is purple! I like to laugh...and have fun! I love to play volleyball and hang out with my friends and family!!" Ana has a great smile and makes everyone around her feel happy!
"My name is Leticia, but everyone calls me 'Letty'. I am in the 9th grade. I love to spend time with my friends and family. I love to dance and have fun!" Letty is really smart and very strong. She can take on anything and anyone!
"My name is Marcos. I am in the 7th grade. I play the guard position in football. I like rap and hip-hop music. I like comedy and scary shows. I am an artist in drawing cartoons. My favorite song is Just a Dream by Nelly and Grenade by Bruno Mars. My favorite football team is the Texas Longhorns." Marcos is a very talented artist (drawing).
"My name is Jose. I am in the 7th grade. I like to play football, soccer and basketball. I like listening to rap music." Jose makes the most awesome pancakes! He should be a chef!
"My name is Tony. I am in the 7th grade. I like to play football. I am a guard. I also like to draw and chill with my friends." Tony is also a very talented artist. He can really draw!
"My name is Neida. I am in the 7th grade. I love to dance, listen to music, and help people." Neida loves English, reading, and wants to be a lawyer.
"My name is Felix. I am in the 7th grade. I like to rap, play soccer, basketball and football. I like art. When I grow up, I want to be a lawyer. I am also proud to be a Mexican." Felix is really smart and has the most awesome hair!
Thanks to all youth group members for taking the time to introduce themselves and for just being awesome!
A big welcome to Whitney, our newest member! We are so grateful to have you.
Farewell to Pedro who has moved to Texas. We will miss you!
A big big thank you to Bettye and Robert Newell for the wonderful dinner and for sharing a meal and conversation with us!
Thank you to Mary Craig for facilitating an engaging discussion on "forgiveness."
Thank you, as always, to John and Wendy Shoffner for their continuous support and transportation.
"My name is Berenice. I am a senior in high school. I love playing volleyball and spending time with my loved ones. I also love dancing and learning about chemistry. I'm very friendly and easy to get along with. My favorite colors are lime green and pink. My birthday is December 21st." Berenice has a gorgeous new hairstyle and wants to be a chemist.
"My name is Whitney. I am in the 12th grade. I like to hang out with friends and play fun games. I also like to text and get on the Internet. My favorite colors are purple and yellow. I love to have fun and listen to music. My birthday is also December 21st." Whitney has a gorgeous new hairstyle and will soon be going to college in Louisiana!
Berenice and Whitney are best friends and were born only a few minutes apart!
"My name is Melissa. I am in the 12th grade. I love to spend time with my son and go to church and share laughs!" Melissa has a beautiful 2-year-old, Jeovanny, and wants to be a nurse.
"My name is Monica. I am in the 10th grade. I am from Texas and love the Texas Longhorns. My favorite song is Rocketeer by Far East Movement. My favorite colors are pink, blue and purple." Monica would like to become a medical doctor/surgeon.
"My name is Miguel. I am in the 10th grade. I like to play football, listen to music, draw, and singing/rapping." Miguel is really smart and great at the board game, Taboo.
"My name is Cynthia. I am in the 9th grade. I love to smile and laugh. I'm all about having fun spending time with my friends and family. I am hyper ALL THE TIME!" Cynthia is always the life of the party!
"My name is Ana. I am in the 9th grade. My favorite color is purple! I like to laugh...and have fun! I love to play volleyball and hang out with my friends and family!!" Ana has a great smile and makes everyone around her feel happy!
"My name is Leticia, but everyone calls me 'Letty'. I am in the 9th grade. I love to spend time with my friends and family. I love to dance and have fun!" Letty is really smart and very strong. She can take on anything and anyone!
"My name is Marcos. I am in the 7th grade. I play the guard position in football. I like rap and hip-hop music. I like comedy and scary shows. I am an artist in drawing cartoons. My favorite song is Just a Dream by Nelly and Grenade by Bruno Mars. My favorite football team is the Texas Longhorns." Marcos is a very talented artist (drawing).
"My name is Jose. I am in the 7th grade. I like to play football, soccer and basketball. I like listening to rap music." Jose makes the most awesome pancakes! He should be a chef!
"My name is Tony. I am in the 7th grade. I like to play football. I am a guard. I also like to draw and chill with my friends." Tony is also a very talented artist. He can really draw!
"My name is Neida. I am in the 7th grade. I love to dance, listen to music, and help people." Neida loves English, reading, and wants to be a lawyer.
"My name is Felix. I am in the 7th grade. I like to rap, play soccer, basketball and football. I like art. When I grow up, I want to be a lawyer. I am also proud to be a Mexican." Felix is really smart and has the most awesome hair!
Thanks to all youth group members for taking the time to introduce themselves and for just being awesome!
A big welcome to Whitney, our newest member! We are so grateful to have you.
Farewell to Pedro who has moved to Texas. We will miss you!
A big big thank you to Bettye and Robert Newell for the wonderful dinner and for sharing a meal and conversation with us!
Thank you to Mary Craig for facilitating an engaging discussion on "forgiveness."
Thank you, as always, to John and Wendy Shoffner for their continuous support and transportation.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Spring Break Service and Fun Day
The kids are on Spring Break this week. So, we decided to do a Service and Fun Day on Tuesday. From 9:00 am to noon, we worked at the church organizing clothes for the Clothes Closet and cleaning up the church grounds. We picked up sticks, raked leaves and swept sidewalks. The kids are learning what it means to give back, and I think they had a lot of fun.
At noon, we attended the special Lenten Service. Jon Chadwell gave a great talk about redemption. The kids said later that they really enjoyed it. He held their attention which, speaking from experience, is pretty empressive.
For lunch, we had a picnic out at Jacksonport St. Park. It was a bit cold, but we warmed up by playing Superman Freeze Tag and Nuke'em. Nuke'em is a variation of volleyball.
Afterwards, we returned to the church; worked a bit more on the Clothes Closet; and had a fabulous chili dinner provided by Sandy McCormick.
Cynthia and Ana "organizing" scarves for the Clothes Closet.
At the park, Melissa and her son, Jeovanny (almost 2 and wearing my sunglasses).
A big thank you to Sandy McCormick for dinner!
At noon, we attended the special Lenten Service. Jon Chadwell gave a great talk about redemption. The kids said later that they really enjoyed it. He held their attention which, speaking from experience, is pretty empressive.
For lunch, we had a picnic out at Jacksonport St. Park. It was a bit cold, but we warmed up by playing Superman Freeze Tag and Nuke'em. Nuke'em is a variation of volleyball.
Afterwards, we returned to the church; worked a bit more on the Clothes Closet; and had a fabulous chili dinner provided by Sandy McCormick.
Cynthia and Ana "organizing" scarves for the Clothes Closet.
At the park, Melissa and her son, Jeovanny (almost 2 and wearing my sunglasses).
A big thank you to Sandy McCormick for dinner!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Learning Another Language
Learning another language, in this blog, does not literally mean attending a class to study the grammatical and linguistic characteristics of a language such as English, Spanish, French, Chinese, etc. Rather, it means learning about each other. Learning the methaphorical "language" (the lives, rhythms, hopes, dreams, etc.) of your classmate, collegue, brother, sister and/or stranger.
Yesterday, my wonderful classmate and collegue, Ratnasari Dewi, visited our youth group to teach us her "language." She spoke about growing up in Indonesia, being a Muslim, and about the progressive ideology and practices of Islam. The kids loved it! They asked so many wonderful questions and were so engaged. I was really proud of their behavior and curiosity!
I invited Dewi to speak with the group to widen their world-view of people, culture and religion. The lesson was about tolerance and love for all of humanity. We accepted Dewi into our group as another human being and were then enriched by the knowledge that we gained from her.
I also had a wonderful time spending the day with Dewi and learning more about her, the culture and life in Indonesia and Islam. Thank you very much to Ratnasari Dewi, my very good friend!
Thank you also to Luckett McDonald for the fabulous spagetti, bread and dessert!
Yesterday, my wonderful classmate and collegue, Ratnasari Dewi, visited our youth group to teach us her "language." She spoke about growing up in Indonesia, being a Muslim, and about the progressive ideology and practices of Islam. The kids loved it! They asked so many wonderful questions and were so engaged. I was really proud of their behavior and curiosity!
I invited Dewi to speak with the group to widen their world-view of people, culture and religion. The lesson was about tolerance and love for all of humanity. We accepted Dewi into our group as another human being and were then enriched by the knowledge that we gained from her.
I also had a wonderful time spending the day with Dewi and learning more about her, the culture and life in Indonesia and Islam. Thank you very much to Ratnasari Dewi, my very good friend!
Thank you also to Luckett McDonald for the fabulous spagetti, bread and dessert!
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