I ran across this job description and opening tonight when I was performing my hourly job search. If this job description was not written for me, then no description is written for me. It literally encompasses "The Bek" and what job she needs to pursue (and yes I just referred to myself as the bek).
Here it is:
Overview:
Have people ever told you to act your age? Have you, like, used “like” in a conversation, like, a thousand times? Something may be seriously wrong with you, but that’s OK. You could have a home with The Mash. The Chicago Tribune’s teenage media brand is looking for a Digital Editor who can “think teen” and create a fun, engaging environment in print and online. It can be tough—to teach and edit teen writers, you really have to be up on your journalism skills. But it can be exciting and unpredictable as well.
Candidates should have the enthusiasm for a start-up venture and the willingness to learn and do a little bit of everything. This job will require daily editing, reporting, writing, web production, and management of student freelancers.
Qualifications:
The ideal person should be enthusiastic about working with 80 or more students, confident speaking in public, open to non-traditional ideas, familiar with teen trends and social media, and ready and willing to do a little bit of everything. You’ll be asked to handle multiple projects and know how to prioritize them. You’ll also be responsible for daily editing, writing, web production and management of student freelancers and bloggers. A bachelor’s degree or higher is required, as is.
I really don't know anyone else more perfect for the job...:) I would thrive in this position. Speaking of job hunting, it kind of sucks. I've applied to dozens, heard from a few, rejected by several, and interviewed by one. Looking for jobs is a full time job as it is. I look forward to hopefully hearing from The Mash but I have to keep applying and searching. I appreciate all your prayers, suggestions, and encouragement during this time of waiting.
My nephew Isaiah (aka Zae) and I
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Let the countdown begin...11 days
Ok so I realize its been five weeks since i've last posted. I know all of you are thinking, "What the heck, Bek?" Well its been a busy 5 weeks on the campaign. There is tons I would like to share but I have decided go put that after the campaign because I cannot disclose too much information while its going on and I would like to wait on that anyways. But we've got 11 days left...I won't be giving you specifics of the inside view of the campaign but how about a little snapshot into my world and what I will be doing over the next 11 days?
wake-up early, drive to work, spill coffee in car on my white shirt, arrive at work, work for a few hours, use punching bag at frustrating times, eat lunch, make phone calls, help volunteers know what to do, ask ryan (campaign manager) at least 30 questions, stay late doing work, help volunteers, maybe eat a 7-11 brownie, eyes glaze over from staring at computer or call list to long, wait, wait, wait, ryan drives me home, sleep for a few hours, pete and repeat.
I said a little snapshot, didn't I? This is the busiest time of the campaign. And that really doesn't even show how busy we really are...Don't you worry - they'll be plenty more where that came from and when I have time, it will get written about. Well, I am going to make some phone calls asking for people to support Ben in this upcoming november. Hopefully next time, a post will be more inspiring....
wake-up early, drive to work, spill coffee in car on my white shirt, arrive at work, work for a few hours, use punching bag at frustrating times, eat lunch, make phone calls, help volunteers know what to do, ask ryan (campaign manager) at least 30 questions, stay late doing work, help volunteers, maybe eat a 7-11 brownie, eyes glaze over from staring at computer or call list to long, wait, wait, wait, ryan drives me home, sleep for a few hours, pete and repeat.
I said a little snapshot, didn't I? This is the busiest time of the campaign. And that really doesn't even show how busy we really are...Don't you worry - they'll be plenty more where that came from and when I have time, it will get written about. Well, I am going to make some phone calls asking for people to support Ben in this upcoming november. Hopefully next time, a post will be more inspiring....
Thursday, October 14, 2010
19 more days (Post Election)
So, this was a post I had started during the middle of the campaign but I chose not to post it at the time because I wanted to wait until after November 2nd.
Here is what was written 19 days before election day..
"But my life has been consumed by the campaign. I've actually started writing earlier about the campaign but I have to be careful with how much I share before its over, for several reasons but one of the main reason is I don't want to publicly process through it while it is still going on. Something I've learned while working on this campaign is that its a roller coaster of emotions, busyness, constant work, etc. Before I move too far down the road of doing something I just said I wasn't going to, I'm going to stop there.
Something the campaign has challenged me with that I'm going to expound upon in this post actually has more to do with my faith. As I have gotten more and more involved in the campaign, I talk more and more about it. I tell people daily what Ben stands for and why I am voting for him. It has hit a point of passionate zeal in my life, which is to be expected with my involvement and personality. But the other day, I was writing to some friends about it and a question hit me like a ton of bricks, "Bek, are you this passionate about Jesus?" I was completely halted in my tracks by this pondering and in a way I still am. After a conversation with my fellow coworker, Ryan, we expounded on the idea of "canvassing for Jesus." Basically applying the standard election get-the-word-out-about-your-candidate procedures. I'm sure you can simply imagine on your own what these might involve and some faiths even practice door-to-door sharing customs. Although our conversations and thought process went beyond this standard application and dove further into the subject of focusing on the amount of passion for talking about our faith in Christ.
I've hit the point where I no longer fear telling people that I am both working and supporting a democrat, even in situations where I know that it may be frowned upon because it is an important part of my life. But how often do I restrain myself from sharing my faith with strangers or in those same type of frowned upon situations? Why do I refrain or give short answers if I so choose to mention it? Fear.Awkwardness.Rejection.Persecution.Worry.etc. The list could literally go on probably for days. These same excuses could be given when applying it to sharing Ben's message, yet they rarely stop me.
This is something that has been on my heart in different ways over the past few months. I spent some serious time this summer looking into an organization called GoCorps. Similar to PeaceCorps but with the mission of sending recent grads out on the mission field for two years. On their website, a message hit close to home. The Great Commission is command, not an option. We often will hesitate when someone challenges us with the great commission verses by saying, "I"ll pray about it." Which often means for me at least pushing it off to the side because it makes me uncomfortable. Yet the Great Commission is not an optional command, it is just as relevant and important to follow as the 10 commandments or others that Jesus speaks to us."
Now post-election day...
This topic is something that has been a pretty constant theme in my thoughts right now. How often did I purposefully bring up the subject of politics just to talk to Ben and why you should vote for him verses how much do I purposefully bring up God to give Him the glory in how he has worked in my life? With all that said, I do not think I should feel bad for how much I talked politics and the Lowe for Congress campaign. It really is just a point of reference that I can easily access and compare it to.
My challenge to you, (and even more so to myself) is to not live in fear or worry about what people will think when you bring up God in everyday conversation. My challenge to you is to not just pray about the Great Commission, but act it out as Jesus commands. My challenge to you is to think about how willing you are to bring up other controversial subjects like politics compared to how much you end up sharing The Gospel. While I was a part of the campaign and even still now, I took every opportunity to share Ben's message with the people of the 6th District. I persuaded, argued, conversed, shouted, whispered, and shared as much as I could. Ultimately Ben's campaign is over for 2010. Will I take this opportunity to persuade, argue, converse, and share how Christ has changed my life and can change yours? How much longer will I be able to share the message of Jesus Christ with those around me? I don't know that time line. But what I do know is what Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Dear Editor:
One of my goals of this blog was to post some of my writing - so far its been mostly editorial, whatever-the-heck-comes-to-my-mind, stuff. This summer it has been extremely refreshing since I do a lot of technical, journalism writing for my job. But I also thought I would share a couple of Letter to the Editors that have been published in the Daily Herald with the campaign. I've worked hard on the campaign writing press releases, email blasts, templates for endorsements, and other important literature. Here are two more interesting pieces which were written this summer.
Click HERE to see the one that was printed in June. And click HERE to see the one printed in August. Lots of other LTE'S have been printed by other excellent writers for the campaign as well. This is just a tasting of what I've been doing for the AIM HIGH, VOTE LOWE CAMPAIGN. Check it out! Only 49 more days on the campaign...I think I'll be a little sad when it ends, actually I know I will miss it. Hope you enjoy a little bit of my work.
Bek Soen
Director of Communications
Lowe for Congress
Cell: 630-967-4628
Email: bek@loweforcongres.com
Click HERE to see the one that was printed in June. And click HERE to see the one printed in August. Lots of other LTE'S have been printed by other excellent writers for the campaign as well. This is just a tasting of what I've been doing for the AIM HIGH, VOTE LOWE CAMPAIGN. Check it out! Only 49 more days on the campaign...I think I'll be a little sad when it ends, actually I know I will miss it. Hope you enjoy a little bit of my work.
Bek Soen
Director of Communications
Lowe for Congress
Cell: 630-967-4628
Email: bek@loweforcongres.com
Friday, September 10, 2010
Four years, two schools, one degree
September 9, 2010
Dear Rebekah,
Congratulations! It is my great pleasure to inform you that you have completed your degree requirements and officially finished your Bachelor of Arts in English/Communication from Trinity International University. Congratulations on this exciting and momentous occasion.
After a somwewhat rough morning, I opened up my trinity email and found this surprise. After four years of two different schools, 16 busy semesters, thousands cups of coffee, many late nights and early mornings, papers, exams, finals weeks, tears, and laughter, I completed college. With just the click of a button, I was finished with all of it. Obviously I will continue having thousands of cups of coffee, staying up late, crying and laughing, especially as I continue working on this political campaign. But in the direct college context, I have completed my time, degree, and years as an undergrad student.
Last week I went up to Trinity to see all of my close friends, acquaintances, and favorite staff members. It was great to be able to see everyone but weird all at the same time. Life had continued on at trinity with hundreds of new faces, new carpets, a new section of a building, etc. The community of Trinity was busy and moving along, and I was no longer a part of its daily routine. It was an extremely bittersweet notion to realize, part of me was so excited to be out of it and the other part of me yearns to remain in that tight nit community.
I miss the random coffee times with Sarah, I miss going to chapel, I miss stopping on the sidewalk to say hi and having an hour long conversation with a friend, I miss the closeness of it all. I don't miss staying up until three finishing the paper I forgot, I don't miss stressing out over an exam, I don't miss awkward interactions that only happen with college students, and I don't miss trinity expectations (WHAT? I enjoy a glass of wine occasionally).
I know that I've already written about finishing up college and stepping into life, but I guess I can't but continue to reflect about it yet again as I am in such a transitional part of life. Thankfully I still have friends that I keep in contact with almost as much; Sarah and I contact each other like every 12 hours. And thanks to the campaign I am still drinking too much coffee and working long hours and will be for the next 53 days, until the campaign is over.
My goal of this blog was to celebrate the fact that I graduated and I have digressed into reflecting over my four years. Oh well...these are just my thoughts
Dear Rebekah,
Congratulations! It is my great pleasure to inform you that you have completed your degree requirements and officially finished your Bachelor of Arts in English/Communication from Trinity International University. Congratulations on this exciting and momentous occasion.
After a somwewhat rough morning, I opened up my trinity email and found this surprise. After four years of two different schools, 16 busy semesters, thousands cups of coffee, many late nights and early mornings, papers, exams, finals weeks, tears, and laughter, I completed college. With just the click of a button, I was finished with all of it. Obviously I will continue having thousands of cups of coffee, staying up late, crying and laughing, especially as I continue working on this political campaign. But in the direct college context, I have completed my time, degree, and years as an undergrad student.
Last week I went up to Trinity to see all of my close friends, acquaintances, and favorite staff members. It was great to be able to see everyone but weird all at the same time. Life had continued on at trinity with hundreds of new faces, new carpets, a new section of a building, etc. The community of Trinity was busy and moving along, and I was no longer a part of its daily routine. It was an extremely bittersweet notion to realize, part of me was so excited to be out of it and the other part of me yearns to remain in that tight nit community.
I miss the random coffee times with Sarah, I miss going to chapel, I miss stopping on the sidewalk to say hi and having an hour long conversation with a friend, I miss the closeness of it all. I don't miss staying up until three finishing the paper I forgot, I don't miss stressing out over an exam, I don't miss awkward interactions that only happen with college students, and I don't miss trinity expectations (WHAT? I enjoy a glass of wine occasionally).
I know that I've already written about finishing up college and stepping into life, but I guess I can't but continue to reflect about it yet again as I am in such a transitional part of life. Thankfully I still have friends that I keep in contact with almost as much; Sarah and I contact each other like every 12 hours. And thanks to the campaign I am still drinking too much coffee and working long hours and will be for the next 53 days, until the campaign is over.
My goal of this blog was to celebrate the fact that I graduated and I have digressed into reflecting over my four years. Oh well...these are just my thoughts
Friday, August 27, 2010
A day of travel...Bek style
Spend a week in California; enjoy the sun by a pool, smell the pacific ocean, go to a winery, have lots of laughs with your best friend. Final day of the trip starts off by getting ready, going to church, and head home to pack up stuff. Eat a burger at In and Out and mentally prepare for the next 6 hours of travel. 3 p.m. Arrive at LAX, get out of the car into wheelchair and put backpack on the shoulders with purse around my front. Need to check bag and pay 25 freaking dollars to stupid American Airlines. Hug Jenna goodbye after one of the best vacations ever and head into the airport. Start wheeling in the opposite direction the sky cap specifically directed. Realize elevators are the other way and turn around. Head up the elevator in order to find security to check in. Sit in line while listening to babies cry and foreigners complain about not getting to take their liquids with them. Wheel forward in the line after getting my ID checked. Take off purse and backpack, in that order. Unzip backpack and pull out lap top to go through the scanner. Leave all of my belongings behind with no one watching. Have shoes, wheelchair, and hands wiped and tested for drugs or anything else that can be hidden. Listen to the pat down procedure for the thousandth time. Lift arms and let the pat down begin. No worries, she uses back hand in the "sensitive" areas. Belongings are brought over by nice, security guard who smiles as he sets them on a nearby chair. Pat down complete with no surprises. Stuff computer back into backpack and glance at cell phone, 25 minutes until boarding. Make way to gate 40H. Surprisingly not the last gate like O'Hare. Head up to front desk to let the attendants know of my arrival and wheelchair. Ask for closer seat as they assigned 26C, not ideal for the disabled. Grumpy lady tells me to go sit down and she'll figure it out. Already seated, wheel ten feet away. Make arbitrary phone call while waiting. Head back when name called and receive closer seat ticket. Go to bathroom before boarding. Arrive back at 40H to people already boarding the plane. Grumpy lady attempts to board the entire plane before 2 wheelchairs get on. Epic Fail. Stops boarding for the aisle chair to wheel on two people, including me. Transfer to tiny aisle chair and awkwardly head inside the plane. Stop at Row 7, chair D. Stand out of aisle chair into airplane seat. Text important people before turning off cell phone. Take off. Sit for 4 hours, have two complimentary beverages. Fall asleep. Mentally finish crossword puzzle of the guy sitting in chair F. Descend for 20 minutes. Land. Turn phone on and text yet again. Wait for everyone to get off the plane. Get hit several times with too large of suitcases. Wait. Wait. Wait. Aisle chair arrives. Get off the plane and into wheelchair. Put on backpack. Head into empty O'Hare at 10 p.m. Find elevator. Troke towards gate number 4 for suitcase. Cell phone rings. Find mom and suitcase. Hug and kiss on head. Leave the airport. Get out of wheelchair into minivan front seat.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
First day of life??
Its been forever since I have posted - I have tried writing and nothing amazing has come from it...Let's hope this works out better.
This summer has been a crazy one with working two different internships, hanging out with new and old friends, saying hellos and goodbyes, breaking legs, traveling around the United States and reading my Bible. Its been a roller coaster of amazing moments with friends and sadness of saying goodbye to close ones. I have been learning and realizing that despite whether its good or bad, I am truly blessed and that God is working it for good (Genesis 50: 19-20 - Don't worry this will show up later)
The past few days I have been reconnecting with some old, dear friends of mine and it has been one of the biggest blessings to learn about what is going on in their lives and how they are living their lives for God. I've always had a hard time saying goodbye to friends and people in general. I think its because I did it so much since I was the youngest of 8. This summer I've been learning that friends are sometimes in your life for only a season, sometimes they come back though. My friend Jesse was one of those friends this summer - God placed him in my life at the perfect time. We actually worked together but became even better friends. He was exactly what I needed - a friend, and just that. Jesse left in July for the Peace Corps. Although I do miss him, I am starting to understand that its not goodbye forever and that God had him in my life as long as he needed to be.
Breaking my leg was serious challenge for me this summer - I have an earlier blog about it. It was frustrating, painful and took wayy to long to heal. I just went to the doctor today and he told me I don't have to where my boot anymore and I'm about 80 percent healed. Praise God!! Again, this was extremely hard and one of those huge hills on the roller coaster but God used this for good. I cannot tell you how many people I got to share with what happened and even be a witness through it, and by that I mean complete strangers even. Sometimes I get angry at myself for tattooing "count it all joy" on my wrist because of the constant reminder which it offers.
I think I'll save talking majorly about my trip for another post but I went to Mississippi, St. Louis, and Chicago in two and a half weeks. While in Miss, my brother phil (his blog - http://philstalmud.blogspot.com/) talked a lot about the Bible. I told him about my struggle with not knowing what to read. He encouraged me and showed me a new way to read it. So over the past week or so, I have been reading Genesis with new and refreshed eyes. After discussion with Phil, he showed me that a key point of Genesis is that God takes everything for good, even if its intentions were of harm. *19 But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them NIV.* This amazing truth has helped bring a lot of healing to hurt and struggles that I have been dealing with this summer.
So many people have been asking me what the next step is in life, since I am a college grad. All my friends are starting their first day of school today, which really makes me want to be there. But I have to start this supposed "life." It's not easy, not that college was either, there are tons of twists, turns, uphills, downhills, and sometimes even getting stuck along the way. But I know that if I continue to hold God's promise to my heart - no matter what happens, "God has intended it for good to accomplish what now is being done, the saving of many lives vs. 20."
This summer has been a crazy one with working two different internships, hanging out with new and old friends, saying hellos and goodbyes, breaking legs, traveling around the United States and reading my Bible. Its been a roller coaster of amazing moments with friends and sadness of saying goodbye to close ones. I have been learning and realizing that despite whether its good or bad, I am truly blessed and that God is working it for good (Genesis 50: 19-20 - Don't worry this will show up later)
The past few days I have been reconnecting with some old, dear friends of mine and it has been one of the biggest blessings to learn about what is going on in their lives and how they are living their lives for God. I've always had a hard time saying goodbye to friends and people in general. I think its because I did it so much since I was the youngest of 8. This summer I've been learning that friends are sometimes in your life for only a season, sometimes they come back though. My friend Jesse was one of those friends this summer - God placed him in my life at the perfect time. We actually worked together but became even better friends. He was exactly what I needed - a friend, and just that. Jesse left in July for the Peace Corps. Although I do miss him, I am starting to understand that its not goodbye forever and that God had him in my life as long as he needed to be.
Breaking my leg was serious challenge for me this summer - I have an earlier blog about it. It was frustrating, painful and took wayy to long to heal. I just went to the doctor today and he told me I don't have to where my boot anymore and I'm about 80 percent healed. Praise God!! Again, this was extremely hard and one of those huge hills on the roller coaster but God used this for good. I cannot tell you how many people I got to share with what happened and even be a witness through it, and by that I mean complete strangers even. Sometimes I get angry at myself for tattooing "count it all joy" on my wrist because of the constant reminder which it offers.
I think I'll save talking majorly about my trip for another post but I went to Mississippi, St. Louis, and Chicago in two and a half weeks. While in Miss, my brother phil (his blog - http://philstalmud.blogspot.com/) talked a lot about the Bible. I told him about my struggle with not knowing what to read. He encouraged me and showed me a new way to read it. So over the past week or so, I have been reading Genesis with new and refreshed eyes. After discussion with Phil, he showed me that a key point of Genesis is that God takes everything for good, even if its intentions were of harm. *19 But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them NIV.* This amazing truth has helped bring a lot of healing to hurt and struggles that I have been dealing with this summer.
So many people have been asking me what the next step is in life, since I am a college grad. All my friends are starting their first day of school today, which really makes me want to be there. But I have to start this supposed "life." It's not easy, not that college was either, there are tons of twists, turns, uphills, downhills, and sometimes even getting stuck along the way. But I know that if I continue to hold God's promise to my heart - no matter what happens, "God has intended it for good to accomplish what now is being done, the saving of many lives vs. 20."
Monday, June 21, 2010
"He was the handsomest thing ever..."
On Saturday, Rachel and I decided it was finally time go out shopping for our Father's Day present after learning the theme was "grill" this year and our job was to buy steak for the grill. So, we headed to the local Omaha Steaks to pick out some beef for dad. Well, as we strolled into the store, we started looking at different cuts of beef. As we started comparing the cuts of meat, the worst customer service fiasco went down right in front of us.
A women had come in with a coupon she wanted to use in making a purchase. The man who was helping her continued to insist that the coupon she was using would not be valid for her particular purchase because it was for a different item or larger purchase...something different than what she wanted to use it for. Well, the two fought for what seemed to be like forever but only maybe a minute or two. It ultimately came down to the man basically shaming the customer out of the store through a fighting/yelling match. Rach and I could barely move while it was going, let alone decide on whether we were buying the prime beef or fillet.
After she left, we slowly regrouped and made a quick decision on our choice. Another man was our cashier rather than one who had shamed the lady away. As we waited to pay, an older woman stood next to us also finishing a purchase. She smiled at me and I responded with a smile and a hi back. She took a second more and then asked the question which was on the tip of her tongue.
"I am curious what happened to you..? I was a nurse." She was obviously asking why I was in a wheelchair. I explained that I had broken a leg but that I was also normally in a wheelchair full time anyway.
She responded, "AH, I see. I kind of was wondering that. I am very used to getting wheelchairs in and out of cars. My husband lost his legs in the Korean War, so I was always getting him in and out of cars." This older lady spoke with such love about her late husband. I was close to tearing up as she told me about him.
I told her, "It's so great that you could serve him like that." She had probably one of the best responses I've ever heard.
"Oh, well he was the handsomest thing ever, at two feet high." I couldn't help but laugh as she slightly joked about him not having legs but she did it in such an endearing way.
She continued by telling me, "You know I never knew him any other way but I loved him so much." After this interaction we both left after saying goodbye. This women had a love for her husband that was incredible. She didn't hesitate in sharing with me how much she cared for him, whether disabled or not. The love that she had for him went beyond his disability and was truly a treasure. This interaction was a gift to me. It is obviously a fear and a reality that some people have a difficult time look beyond the wheels that drive me around. But this lady, (along with my dear sister-in-law) modeled a love for her husband that not only looked beyond but through the disability into a person and companion for life.
A women had come in with a coupon she wanted to use in making a purchase. The man who was helping her continued to insist that the coupon she was using would not be valid for her particular purchase because it was for a different item or larger purchase...something different than what she wanted to use it for. Well, the two fought for what seemed to be like forever but only maybe a minute or two. It ultimately came down to the man basically shaming the customer out of the store through a fighting/yelling match. Rach and I could barely move while it was going, let alone decide on whether we were buying the prime beef or fillet.
After she left, we slowly regrouped and made a quick decision on our choice. Another man was our cashier rather than one who had shamed the lady away. As we waited to pay, an older woman stood next to us also finishing a purchase. She smiled at me and I responded with a smile and a hi back. She took a second more and then asked the question which was on the tip of her tongue.
"I am curious what happened to you..? I was a nurse." She was obviously asking why I was in a wheelchair. I explained that I had broken a leg but that I was also normally in a wheelchair full time anyway.
She responded, "AH, I see. I kind of was wondering that. I am very used to getting wheelchairs in and out of cars. My husband lost his legs in the Korean War, so I was always getting him in and out of cars." This older lady spoke with such love about her late husband. I was close to tearing up as she told me about him.
I told her, "It's so great that you could serve him like that." She had probably one of the best responses I've ever heard.
"Oh, well he was the handsomest thing ever, at two feet high." I couldn't help but laugh as she slightly joked about him not having legs but she did it in such an endearing way.
She continued by telling me, "You know I never knew him any other way but I loved him so much." After this interaction we both left after saying goodbye. This women had a love for her husband that was incredible. She didn't hesitate in sharing with me how much she cared for him, whether disabled or not. The love that she had for him went beyond his disability and was truly a treasure. This interaction was a gift to me. It is obviously a fear and a reality that some people have a difficult time look beyond the wheels that drive me around. But this lady, (along with my dear sister-in-law) modeled a love for her husband that not only looked beyond but through the disability into a person and companion for life.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Troking Incident...
DISCLAIMER 1: I don't love this title - Let me know if you can think of something better
DISCLAIMER 2: Be ready to laugh your pants off - this is hysterical
So, this morning my dad told me we needed to leave around 7 so he could drop me off at my internship work and he would go to his hospital. So I got up at 6 and got dressed, make up done, lunch packed, hair pulled up all in time to leave. Well, right before leaving my mom had put up my hair and told me to go look at it. I also needed to grab my purse and backpack for the day. At the end of the school year, I discovered I loved using backpack for carrying around large amounts of needed things, like my computer. I took a glance at the mirror to make sure my hair looked ok and quickly grabbed my turquoise, plaid backpack. I do this awesome swing around move to get the bag on my shoulders. This morning I was moving especially fast because Dad was already in the car waiting for me. As I swung the bag around with its especially heavy contents, I suddenly found myself on my back, laying on top of my backpack with my legs up in the air and my arms flailing upwards. As soon as it happened I yelled out of frustrating, my brother Tim happened to be walking toward the bathroom. He timidly asked me, "Are you dressed?" I responded with a simple, somewhat defeated yes. Once my brother and my mom walked around the corner to see me clearly being out-weighed by my backpack - we all burst out in laughter! Mom and Tim swiftly helped me up in order for me to head outside and go to work. It was definitely one of the funniest ways to fall and be seen by others. The next time I put on my backpack, I will remember to be careful it doesn't weigh too much and that I'm not trying to move to quickly. :) What a troking incident to have happen at 7 a.m.
DISCLAIMER 2: Be ready to laugh your pants off - this is hysterical
So, this morning my dad told me we needed to leave around 7 so he could drop me off at my internship work and he would go to his hospital. So I got up at 6 and got dressed, make up done, lunch packed, hair pulled up all in time to leave. Well, right before leaving my mom had put up my hair and told me to go look at it. I also needed to grab my purse and backpack for the day. At the end of the school year, I discovered I loved using backpack for carrying around large amounts of needed things, like my computer. I took a glance at the mirror to make sure my hair looked ok and quickly grabbed my turquoise, plaid backpack. I do this awesome swing around move to get the bag on my shoulders. This morning I was moving especially fast because Dad was already in the car waiting for me. As I swung the bag around with its especially heavy contents, I suddenly found myself on my back, laying on top of my backpack with my legs up in the air and my arms flailing upwards. As soon as it happened I yelled out of frustrating, my brother Tim happened to be walking toward the bathroom. He timidly asked me, "Are you dressed?" I responded with a simple, somewhat defeated yes. Once my brother and my mom walked around the corner to see me clearly being out-weighed by my backpack - we all burst out in laughter! Mom and Tim swiftly helped me up in order for me to head outside and go to work. It was definitely one of the funniest ways to fall and be seen by others. The next time I put on my backpack, I will remember to be careful it doesn't weigh too much and that I'm not trying to move to quickly. :) What a troking incident to have happen at 7 a.m.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
"That's enough projectile vomit for one day..."
Well....That may seem like a graphic quote for a title but it has seemed to literally explain my past week. My two friends have probably seen me almost, if not, my worst at least for a few moment.
On the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, my friend Lizzy Erb and I were headed up to the Milwaukee area for our friends David and Lindsey's wedding. We had to leave especially early because it was a 10 a.m. wedding ceremony. For some reason, we ended up leaving even earlier then we actually needed to but God knew we needed the extra time.
We stopped for Panera breakfast and speedily headed our way up north. We spent almost the entire time chatting away about our post-college stress disorder (PCSD) and other imp
ortant topics. Well, about half-way up on the ride, I started not feeling super hot and a little nauseous. But I didn't say anything because 1) I didn't want to admit I wasn't feeling well and 2) I though not acknowledging it would make it go away. Well, eventually I had to admit I wasn't feeling well but this came a tad too late. About one minute after actually telling Lizzy I wasn't feeling, I vomited in my purse and some on her dashboard.
After shedding a couple tears and calming my body shakes, I immediately started laughing. At this point, Lizzy had entered mom care-taker mode as she reassured me we had plenty of time to stop by target to get some ginger ale and shout wipes. Lizzy also pointed out that I could've used the empty panera bag sitting right next to me rather than my rather full, bright pink, target purse. I wasn't thinking clearly so it seemed like the most logical solution.
After entering target, I realized there was no use for trying to salvage my vomit and coffee spills on my dress with a shout wipe so I picked out a super cute new one or 20 dollars. It was even 9:30 a.m. It made for a great story to tell during the day. Probably one of my favorite people that I told this story to was the Graham Aitken. He had heard it once and then brought it up later while at the reception by telling Lizzy, "That's enough projectile vomit for one day." Not everybody at the table had heard the story so I again told everyone my crazy day before the wedding. Graham loved the fact that I threw up in my purse rather than the empty paper bag...:) which is quite humorous.
Lizzy saw me in one of most ridiculous moments of throwing up and was an amazing friend. She didn't even stop to think about herself or how disgusting it was that I had just puked on her buggie. I am so thankful for Lizzy – she was so awesome during the time of crisis. Overall the wedding day ended up being really awesome after the early morning drama.
The second moments and friend who saw me at my worst over these past couple of weeks was Jesse Flanagan. As I wrote in my last blog, I’ve been volunteering for a congressional campaign with Jesse. Well, just about a week ago, I went in to work with Jesse on Friday. We had spent a good part of the morning doing work and different types of research as we worked together. Right around the time that we usually break for lunch for a few minutes, I decided to head towards the bathroom, which ended up being one of the worst trips I have ever made.
As I stood up and was about to sit back down on my chair, I fell extremely hard on the floor. After the immediate cries and cursing, Jesse came running (at least that’s what I imagined he did) to see how I need help. Well, after composing myself, I had him open the door to me sitting with my arm resting on the toilet as tears streamed down my face. I was able to laugh about the fact that I was resting on the toilet. Finally I scooted my way out of the bathroom and sat on the floor. Jesse offered any help I would need but I decided to take a few minutes to rest.
My left leg was extremely piercing in pain which would not relent. Jesse sat there with me as I cried, trying to be strong but ultimately giving up. After a couple of minutes, I sloppily explained that I didn’t know if something was wrong or not because I have a hard time centralizing my pain because of my nerve disorder. Jesse calmly offered the idea of calling my nearby sister, Rachel, to come help me. She headed over immediately once hearing about the fall, although it would still be about 20 minutes.
I knew as I sat there that Ben (the guy running for congress) would be coming in soon. My whole being fought against wanting him to see me like that – it is so freaking hard to let a stranger see you at your worst moment. Within a couple of minutes, Ben arrived slightly confused over me sitting near the bathroom on the floor and Jesse nearby on the couch. After the explanation, we sat and waited for Rachel, occasionally talking some business while I hid my tears as my leg throbbed. Once Rach came, we decided right away to go to urgent care. Ben and Jesse collected my stuff and helped me get into my chair and the car. Jesse helped me get into my chair but giving me a big hug and sliding me over. He told me later that next time I should just ask for a hug. Jesse possibly saw me at my worst but was an incredible friend through it all.
After an extremely long urgent care visit, the doc told me I had fractured my fibula, the smaller lower leg bone. I was given a script of Vicodin and a referral to an orthopedist. I now have an awesome black boot and am going in 10 days to get it xrayed to see how the healing is going.
It’s been a rough week. I won’t lie. A broken leg bone hurts like hell. And it is hard because it’s disabling to me even more so. I’ve had multiple breakdowns which are often pain-induced about it. The fear that something could take away even more of my mobility is always there and even more so when something like this happens. I know God is there and I need to put my complete trust in him, especially with my fears but I don’t have that figured out right now. If you think of me, pray that I would be able to do this and also for healing of my leg.
What I do know is that my friends and family have been amazing. Lizzy, Jesse, Rachel, I can’t thank you all enough for helping me through my worst. I literally could not be here without you guys. If I were by myself right now, I would be wearing a vomit, coffee-stained dress and have an unprotected broken leg. You guys have been a huge blessing along with everyone else who has helped me this week. Thank you so much.
On the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, my friend Lizzy Erb and I were headed up to the Milwaukee area for our friends David and Lindsey's wedding. We had to leave especially early because it was a 10 a.m. wedding ceremony. For some reason, we ended up leaving even earlier then we actually needed to but God knew we needed the extra time.
We stopped for Panera breakfast and speedily headed our way up north. We spent almost the entire time chatting away about our post-college stress disorder (PCSD) and other imp
ortant topics. Well, about half-way up on the ride, I started not feeling super hot and a little nauseous. But I didn't say anything because 1) I didn't want to admit I wasn't feeling well and 2) I though not acknowledging it would make it go away. Well, eventually I had to admit I wasn't feeling well but this came a tad too late. About one minute after actually telling Lizzy I wasn't feeling, I vomited in my purse and some on her dashboard.
After shedding a couple tears and calming my body shakes, I immediately started laughing. At this point, Lizzy had entered mom care-taker mode as she reassured me we had plenty of time to stop by target to get some ginger ale and shout wipes. Lizzy also pointed out that I could've used the empty panera bag sitting right next to me rather than my rather full, bright pink, target purse. I wasn't thinking clearly so it seemed like the most logical solution.
After entering target, I realized there was no use for trying to salvage my vomit and coffee spills on my dress with a shout wipe so I picked out a super cute new one or 20 dollars. It was even 9:30 a.m. It made for a great story to tell during the day. Probably one of my favorite people that I told this story to was the Graham Aitken. He had heard it once and then brought it up later while at the reception by telling Lizzy, "That's enough projectile vomit for one day." Not everybody at the table had heard the story so I again told everyone my crazy day before the wedding. Graham loved the fact that I threw up in my purse rather than the empty paper bag...:) which is quite humorous.
Lizzy saw me in one of most ridiculous moments of throwing up and was an amazing friend. She didn't even stop to think about herself or how disgusting it was that I had just puked on her buggie. I am so thankful for Lizzy – she was so awesome during the time of crisis. Overall the wedding day ended up being really awesome after the early morning drama.
The second moments and friend who saw me at my worst over these past couple of weeks was Jesse Flanagan. As I wrote in my last blog, I’ve been volunteering for a congressional campaign with Jesse. Well, just about a week ago, I went in to work with Jesse on Friday. We had spent a good part of the morning doing work and different types of research as we worked together. Right around the time that we usually break for lunch for a few minutes, I decided to head towards the bathroom, which ended up being one of the worst trips I have ever made.
As I stood up and was about to sit back down on my chair, I fell extremely hard on the floor. After the immediate cries and cursing, Jesse came running (at least that’s what I imagined he did) to see how I need help. Well, after composing myself, I had him open the door to me sitting with my arm resting on the toilet as tears streamed down my face. I was able to laugh about the fact that I was resting on the toilet. Finally I scooted my way out of the bathroom and sat on the floor. Jesse offered any help I would need but I decided to take a few minutes to rest.
My left leg was extremely piercing in pain which would not relent. Jesse sat there with me as I cried, trying to be strong but ultimately giving up. After a couple of minutes, I sloppily explained that I didn’t know if something was wrong or not because I have a hard time centralizing my pain because of my nerve disorder. Jesse calmly offered the idea of calling my nearby sister, Rachel, to come help me. She headed over immediately once hearing about the fall, although it would still be about 20 minutes.
I knew as I sat there that Ben (the guy running for congress) would be coming in soon. My whole being fought against wanting him to see me like that – it is so freaking hard to let a stranger see you at your worst moment. Within a couple of minutes, Ben arrived slightly confused over me sitting near the bathroom on the floor and Jesse nearby on the couch. After the explanation, we sat and waited for Rachel, occasionally talking some business while I hid my tears as my leg throbbed. Once Rach came, we decided right away to go to urgent care. Ben and Jesse collected my stuff and helped me get into my chair and the car. Jesse helped me get into my chair but giving me a big hug and sliding me over. He told me later that next time I should just ask for a hug. Jesse possibly saw me at my worst but was an incredible friend through it all.
After an extremely long urgent care visit, the doc told me I had fractured my fibula, the smaller lower leg bone. I was given a script of Vicodin and a referral to an orthopedist. I now have an awesome black boot and am going in 10 days to get it xrayed to see how the healing is going.
It’s been a rough week. I won’t lie. A broken leg bone hurts like hell. And it is hard because it’s disabling to me even more so. I’ve had multiple breakdowns which are often pain-induced about it. The fear that something could take away even more of my mobility is always there and even more so when something like this happens. I know God is there and I need to put my complete trust in him, especially with my fears but I don’t have that figured out right now. If you think of me, pray that I would be able to do this and also for healing of my leg.
What I do know is that my friends and family have been amazing. Lizzy, Jesse, Rachel, I can’t thank you all enough for helping me through my worst. I literally could not be here without you guys. If I were by myself right now, I would be wearing a vomit, coffee-stained dress and have an unprotected broken leg. You guys have been a huge blessing along with everyone else who has helped me this week. Thank you so much.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Yes...He's a Democrat
Today was my first day to volunteer with Jesse on the congressional campaign for Ben Lowe. And to answer everyone's first and most important question of the day - he is in fact a Democrat. I've had a few people freak out on my but the deal is the issues which he has chosen to embrace and move forward on in the 6th District are more important than the idea or whatever that he is a democrat. Any who, let's move on and if you want we can bicker about the overdrawn out argument of democrat/republican at a later moment.
More importantly is what I learned today as I volunteered for my first, most likely not last, political campaign. Jesse picked me up at 8:30 this morning to head over to Ben's apartment. The campaign has an office which is currently being furnished and interneted [:)].
So, today we were working from a small, Wheaton apartment at a somewhat dirty kitchen table. On the ride over, Jesse briefed me on my responsibilities for the day and I quote told me "Bek, your job is waay cooler than mine." That statement is not really true especially since we both interacted with the others job. My to do list for the day consisted of writing a press release, researching on certain issues, and helping create better internet visibility. I was also given more on my list but these were the three things which I tacked over the 9-5 day.
My press release was to be written on the two new community outreach programs which Jesse is the director of and Ben is launching with his campaign. It took me the majority of the morning to learn what these programs were about, write a 250+ press release, and edit it with Jesse. It was good experience to get back into the news writing since I have been taking a semester break from it. Ben still needs to look over and edit but it is complete otherwise.
After writing my press release, I started to focus on researching the two topics which I was given : green jobs and immigration. Over this past semester, I spent the majority of it researching so my skills have become better in knowing what types of articles to look over and ways to research. It proved to be somewhat difficult to research on these broad topics initially but once I started looking at definitions and broader ideas of the topics, I was able to dig deeper into the issues to search through what hasv previously been done. I became extremely educated on both issues which I had none-some idea of what they involved.
I actually found a really good quote which Obama was quoted in saying to the Mexican President when discussing the Arizona law issue. “I want everyone, American and Mexican, to know my administration is taking a very close look at the Arizona law,” he said. “We’re examining any implications, especially for civil rights, because in the United States of America, no law-abiding person, be they an American citizen, a legal immigrant, or a visitor or tourist from Mexico, should ever be subject to suspicion simply because of what they look like.” Obama hit the core of the issue which Arizona is publicly struggling with right now. As I spent a few hours researching these issues, I was able to become more aware of the issues surround them while inform others as well. I think I'll write about green jobs at some other time.
Finally, the project which I started looking into at the end was helping Ben and the campaign to become more internet visible to the public. This is a really interest project that has to be worked on through wikipedia, forums, blogs, and other ways which can provide more and clicks on his links and talk on the internet about him. You should find out more about Ben at his full website and blog on http://www.loweforcongress.com/home/
Once Jesse and I were done working and discussing the next days work with Ben, he offered to take us to dinner. Jesse and I decided while he was making a phone call that we would chose the second option he gave us no matter what. We ended up going to Los Burriotos Tapitos (sp?). It was a great way to end an extremely long day of work to sit and talk about life, politics, and more. I think I'm going to really enjoy this summer of being involved in this political campaign. Don't forget to visit his website to find out how awesome Ben is.
Quick Profile: He's a Wheaton College Grad, Christian, youngest person to run for congress, and so much more...http://www.loweforcongress.com/home/
More importantly is what I learned today as I volunteered for my first, most likely not last, political campaign. Jesse picked me up at 8:30 this morning to head over to Ben's apartment. The campaign has an office which is currently being furnished and interneted [:)].
So, today we were working from a small, Wheaton apartment at a somewhat dirty kitchen table. On the ride over, Jesse briefed me on my responsibilities for the day and I quote told me "Bek, your job is waay cooler than mine." That statement is not really true especially since we both interacted with the others job. My to do list for the day consisted of writing a press release, researching on certain issues, and helping create better internet visibility. I was also given more on my list but these were the three things which I tacked over the 9-5 day.
My press release was to be written on the two new community outreach programs which Jesse is the director of and Ben is launching with his campaign. It took me the majority of the morning to learn what these programs were about, write a 250+ press release, and edit it with Jesse. It was good experience to get back into the news writing since I have been taking a semester break from it. Ben still needs to look over and edit but it is complete otherwise.
After writing my press release, I started to focus on researching the two topics which I was given : green jobs and immigration. Over this past semester, I spent the majority of it researching so my skills have become better in knowing what types of articles to look over and ways to research. It proved to be somewhat difficult to research on these broad topics initially but once I started looking at definitions and broader ideas of the topics, I was able to dig deeper into the issues to search through what hasv previously been done. I became extremely educated on both issues which I had none-some idea of what they involved.
I actually found a really good quote which Obama was quoted in saying to the Mexican President when discussing the Arizona law issue. “I want everyone, American and Mexican, to know my administration is taking a very close look at the Arizona law,” he said. “We’re examining any implications, especially for civil rights, because in the United States of America, no law-abiding person, be they an American citizen, a legal immigrant, or a visitor or tourist from Mexico, should ever be subject to suspicion simply because of what they look like.” Obama hit the core of the issue which Arizona is publicly struggling with right now. As I spent a few hours researching these issues, I was able to become more aware of the issues surround them while inform others as well. I think I'll write about green jobs at some other time.
Finally, the project which I started looking into at the end was helping Ben and the campaign to become more internet visible to the public. This is a really interest project that has to be worked on through wikipedia, forums, blogs, and other ways which can provide more and clicks on his links and talk on the internet about him. You should find out more about Ben at his full website and blog on http://www.loweforcongress.com/home/
Once Jesse and I were done working and discussing the next days work with Ben, he offered to take us to dinner. Jesse and I decided while he was making a phone call that we would chose the second option he gave us no matter what. We ended up going to Los Burriotos Tapitos (sp?). It was a great way to end an extremely long day of work to sit and talk about life, politics, and more. I think I'm going to really enjoy this summer of being involved in this political campaign. Don't forget to visit his website to find out how awesome Ben is.
Quick Profile: He's a Wheaton College Grad, Christian, youngest person to run for congress, and so much more...http://www.loweforcongress.com/home/
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
France Trip 2010
France Trip 2010
For my supporters (financially and prayer), friends, family, and anyone else who is interested:
France!!! How do I describe my trip that involved tons of prayer, evangelism, French soup, the Mona Lisa (which is actually not the size of a postage stamp as some have proclaimed), a stolen wallet, cleaning toilets, high speed train rides, and chocolate éclairs? Well, I suppose that is actually one brief way of doing it but perhaps I will go into a little more detail.
My team and I left on March 4th on a direct flight to Paris, France. I sat by myself on the plane which gave me time to sleep, watch a movie, and prepare myself for the trip. As we were about to land, I prayed a prayer that was quickly answered and not in a way I was expecting. “God, I can’t wait to find out what you are going to teach me on this trip.” An hour later, after getting our bags, buying metro tickets, exchanging American dollars for Euros, a couple shots of espresso, going up several flights of stairs (which I was carried by 4 amazing men who they began calling me Princess because of it all), several metro rides, and checking into our hostel….without my wallet which had my debit and credit card, passport, 120 Euros, and my Trinity room key. I frantically started looking through my bags when we were going to put them in our rooms and realized that my bright, pink, wallet was nowhere to be found. After several searches and even two team members looking through every train, we realized that it was gone for good. I am about 90 percent sure that it was stolen on the train by a person who was looking for money and I wasn’t paying attention.
After about an hour of being upset and feeling stupid, a wave of peace hit me that was only from God. I realized that it was gone, there was nothing I could do, and ultimately God was in control. It was an extremely tangible way of teaching me a greater lesson that I needed to learn for more aspects of my life.
After eating lunch, we decided to go to the Louvre, Notre Dame, and any other touristy thing we could do in one day. After being in Paris for a day and a half, we left on a high speed bullet train (we decided at this point that we would get my emergency passport one our way back) and made our way to Taize. Immediately as we entered into the Taize monastic community, we all felt a sense of simplicity and peace of God. We were welcomed with open arms, along with 70 or so other people from all over the world, to spend a week living with the Brothers of Taize.
Our six days we spent there were filled with specific times of prayer, eating simply, fellowshipping with people from almost anywhere, working in the afternoons, small groups, and having intentional conversations. When living in Taize, everyone partakes together in living, working, eating, and pretty much everything else. Our sleeping quarters were much like camp cabins except much colder as we were on a mountain and the only heat consisted of one small, faulty radiator. All of the meals were eaten together with simple food of French bread, butter, and dark chocolate after the Morning Prayer. Lunches and dinners were often some sort of rice or pasta dishes also served with bread and sometimes cheese.
In the afternoons, after prayer and lunch the young people all worked together to assist in the work which was needed to be done in Taize. I was assigned with a group of mainly other Trinity people to clean bathrooms. We cleaned toilets, washed sinks, mopped floors, and shined mirrors. The times of work offered amazing times of working together as a team and give back to a community which was giving us so much.
Between the times of work, eating, prayer, and sleep, we had a few more packed in activities during the morning of Bible Introduction and small group time. The Bible Introduction was an hour where one of the brothers spoke on a passage of the scripture. These times were actually kind of disappointing. The brother who was speaking that week had an extremely difficult time getting his point across without repeating himself over and over. David, our group leader, told us that the previous times he had been there had been much better. Even though they were not amazing, what happened after them was. We were split into small groups by age. My small group was with two other Trinity people, Jordan and Leslie, four Germans, and one girl from Japan. These small groups were only meant to be a half an hour long but we always ended up staying there until the next prayer time which was like an hour and a half. These times of fellowshipping with other people your same age from around the world were so amazing!! They ended up being times of discussing major issues from the Bible, Jesus’ life, and so much more. It ended up being we were all seeking out the answers even though I went in with the expectation of that I knew the answers. It also created moments of witness as these five other pseudo-adults were so drawn to love of Christ yet couldn’t fully commit. Not only did they learn, but we did too. Jordan, Leslie, and I all struggled to answer their difficult questions be we each took our turns to share how the love of God has worked in our lives. These small groups created some of the most difficult questions but left lasting impressions on all of us as we were all seeking God out more in Taize.
The prayer times all followed a routine and each had their own element. All of the prayers are sung in several different languages and together. The morning prayer time we took the Lord’s supper and read scripture. The afternoon one was shorter with just the prayers and times of silence. The evening prayer also had a scripture reading time and longer time of singing. Each of the prayer times involved a time of silence which was between eight and twelve minutes. These three prayer times surround the days while living at Taize. Initially the times of silence felt difficult to fill and singing in different languages posed to be a challenge. But as I went through the week, I realized that sometimes it was better to listen to the different languages and read the English translation and the times of silence became less cluttered with my own thoughts and moments of listening to what God wanted me to hear. These prayer times were moments of sitting and worshipping God in a beautiful and structured way. Even though it was much more liturgical then most of us were used to, they were beautiful and full of God’s presence and anointing. During our time in Taize, Jordan Devin, and I decided we wanted to host our own Taize prayer services at school which we did weekly for the rest of the year.
God worked on each of the team members in different ways in our lives throughout the week. It was so cool to see how He was doing it as we often did these daily “check-ins” which Dr. Matthias, another leader, suggest we do. Often times we expressed our frustration, difficulties, or even moments of peace which we were all going through. For me, one of the biggest things which God was teaching me was to give my control of my life to Him. I learned that through getting my passport stolen, prayer times, small group conversations, and other moments while at Taize.
On our way back to Paris, we had to rush to U.S. embassy in order to get an emergency passport but thankfully a call ahead resulted in them waiting for us no matter what. David and I were able to get the passport which was a beautiful thing since neither of us wanted to spend three more days there. Even though this is long, there was so much more that God taught and showed me while I was in France this spring break. I am still learning and processing through it all as it made a big impact on my spiritual walk, my passions for the lost, and living a life which is devoted to God.
Thank you for those who supported me emotional, prayerfully, and financially. If you want to hear more details, feel free to call, email, or text me. I love talking about my crazy trip to France. Bek
For my supporters (financially and prayer), friends, family, and anyone else who is interested:
France!!! How do I describe my trip that involved tons of prayer, evangelism, French soup, the Mona Lisa (which is actually not the size of a postage stamp as some have proclaimed), a stolen wallet, cleaning toilets, high speed train rides, and chocolate éclairs? Well, I suppose that is actually one brief way of doing it but perhaps I will go into a little more detail.
My team and I left on March 4th on a direct flight to Paris, France. I sat by myself on the plane which gave me time to sleep, watch a movie, and prepare myself for the trip. As we were about to land, I prayed a prayer that was quickly answered and not in a way I was expecting. “God, I can’t wait to find out what you are going to teach me on this trip.” An hour later, after getting our bags, buying metro tickets, exchanging American dollars for Euros, a couple shots of espresso, going up several flights of stairs (which I was carried by 4 amazing men who they began calling me Princess because of it all), several metro rides, and checking into our hostel….without my wallet which had my debit and credit card, passport, 120 Euros, and my Trinity room key. I frantically started looking through my bags when we were going to put them in our rooms and realized that my bright, pink, wallet was nowhere to be found. After several searches and even two team members looking through every train, we realized that it was gone for good. I am about 90 percent sure that it was stolen on the train by a person who was looking for money and I wasn’t paying attention.
After about an hour of being upset and feeling stupid, a wave of peace hit me that was only from God. I realized that it was gone, there was nothing I could do, and ultimately God was in control. It was an extremely tangible way of teaching me a greater lesson that I needed to learn for more aspects of my life.
After eating lunch, we decided to go to the Louvre, Notre Dame, and any other touristy thing we could do in one day. After being in Paris for a day and a half, we left on a high speed bullet train (we decided at this point that we would get my emergency passport one our way back) and made our way to Taize. Immediately as we entered into the Taize monastic community, we all felt a sense of simplicity and peace of God. We were welcomed with open arms, along with 70 or so other people from all over the world, to spend a week living with the Brothers of Taize.
Our six days we spent there were filled with specific times of prayer, eating simply, fellowshipping with people from almost anywhere, working in the afternoons, small groups, and having intentional conversations. When living in Taize, everyone partakes together in living, working, eating, and pretty much everything else. Our sleeping quarters were much like camp cabins except much colder as we were on a mountain and the only heat consisted of one small, faulty radiator. All of the meals were eaten together with simple food of French bread, butter, and dark chocolate after the Morning Prayer. Lunches and dinners were often some sort of rice or pasta dishes also served with bread and sometimes cheese.
In the afternoons, after prayer and lunch the young people all worked together to assist in the work which was needed to be done in Taize. I was assigned with a group of mainly other Trinity people to clean bathrooms. We cleaned toilets, washed sinks, mopped floors, and shined mirrors. The times of work offered amazing times of working together as a team and give back to a community which was giving us so much.
Between the times of work, eating, prayer, and sleep, we had a few more packed in activities during the morning of Bible Introduction and small group time. The Bible Introduction was an hour where one of the brothers spoke on a passage of the scripture. These times were actually kind of disappointing. The brother who was speaking that week had an extremely difficult time getting his point across without repeating himself over and over. David, our group leader, told us that the previous times he had been there had been much better. Even though they were not amazing, what happened after them was. We were split into small groups by age. My small group was with two other Trinity people, Jordan and Leslie, four Germans, and one girl from Japan. These small groups were only meant to be a half an hour long but we always ended up staying there until the next prayer time which was like an hour and a half. These times of fellowshipping with other people your same age from around the world were so amazing!! They ended up being times of discussing major issues from the Bible, Jesus’ life, and so much more. It ended up being we were all seeking out the answers even though I went in with the expectation of that I knew the answers. It also created moments of witness as these five other pseudo-adults were so drawn to love of Christ yet couldn’t fully commit. Not only did they learn, but we did too. Jordan, Leslie, and I all struggled to answer their difficult questions be we each took our turns to share how the love of God has worked in our lives. These small groups created some of the most difficult questions but left lasting impressions on all of us as we were all seeking God out more in Taize.
The prayer times all followed a routine and each had their own element. All of the prayers are sung in several different languages and together. The morning prayer time we took the Lord’s supper and read scripture. The afternoon one was shorter with just the prayers and times of silence. The evening prayer also had a scripture reading time and longer time of singing. Each of the prayer times involved a time of silence which was between eight and twelve minutes. These three prayer times surround the days while living at Taize. Initially the times of silence felt difficult to fill and singing in different languages posed to be a challenge. But as I went through the week, I realized that sometimes it was better to listen to the different languages and read the English translation and the times of silence became less cluttered with my own thoughts and moments of listening to what God wanted me to hear. These prayer times were moments of sitting and worshipping God in a beautiful and structured way. Even though it was much more liturgical then most of us were used to, they were beautiful and full of God’s presence and anointing. During our time in Taize, Jordan Devin, and I decided we wanted to host our own Taize prayer services at school which we did weekly for the rest of the year.
God worked on each of the team members in different ways in our lives throughout the week. It was so cool to see how He was doing it as we often did these daily “check-ins” which Dr. Matthias, another leader, suggest we do. Often times we expressed our frustration, difficulties, or even moments of peace which we were all going through. For me, one of the biggest things which God was teaching me was to give my control of my life to Him. I learned that through getting my passport stolen, prayer times, small group conversations, and other moments while at Taize.
On our way back to Paris, we had to rush to U.S. embassy in order to get an emergency passport but thankfully a call ahead resulted in them waiting for us no matter what. David and I were able to get the passport which was a beautiful thing since neither of us wanted to spend three more days there. Even though this is long, there was so much more that God taught and showed me while I was in France this spring break. I am still learning and processing through it all as it made a big impact on my spiritual walk, my passions for the lost, and living a life which is devoted to God.
Thank you for those who supported me emotional, prayerfully, and financially. If you want to hear more details, feel free to call, email, or text me. I love talking about my crazy trip to France. Bek
Monday, May 17, 2010
Graduation...
It seems a little odd to start writing a blog during a time of large transition like graduating college but then at the same time, it is a very fitting moment to start sharing my life and writings. I have often wanted t0 start a blog because it seems like the thing to do, but also because it is a way for me to practice my writing. I am currently finishing up my degree with a major in English/Communications. I have completed all of my normal class work, papers, tests, and finals. I have even "rolled" across the stage. My final three credits which I will be completing this summer is an internship where I take what I have learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world for experience to put on a resume. I am starting this internship in the beginning of June. I will be a Communications and Government Relations Intern for Advocate HealthCare at there corporate offices. I can't wait to start working there and gaining experience which I am sure will be extremely stressful and challenging at times. Also another job/volunteer thingy which I will be doing this summer is volunteering with Ben Lowe's congressional campaign. I am pretty excited to see some behind the scenes of a Christian running for a political office. I don't really know what I will be doing but I am starting this week so I should know soon. After college, I have a couple days of break and then jumping into volunteer work and an internship. I know both of these things will offer huge opportunities of learning experience, contacts, and so much more. I'm really excited to start both of them to avoid just spending time sitting at home. Well, lie after college is a big transition and I sometimes worry if I am really ready for it, but I know that God is guiding my footsteps or rolls as I follow His leading. The purpose of this blog may change in time but for now it is an opportunity to share what is going on in this changing time of life, to post old, current, and new writings of mine in order to recieve critique, post articles and reviews which I find interesting - basically an outlet for me to show my creativity of writing and others, and finally share what God is doing in my life. So, if you want to come along for the ride as I trokke my way through it. :)
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