Today, I actually got to work on a Habitat house. I spent the day working with some folks from my new church, Downtown Pres. To say that I was a bit nervous would be an understatement. Last week at worship wasn't so great, and I was unsure of what an entire day with DPC people would be like. Well, as usual, God surprised me.
When I got to neighborhood, all of which are Habitat houses, I couldn't find the one DPC was to be working on. I wandered from house to house, trying to figure out where "my people" were. Eventually, I found them all at the top of the hill. I tried to blend in, all the while feeling like I was sticking out. Soon though, I began to make conversation. Rachel, a middle aged woman, started telling me about the DPC history and the upcoming organ concert her cousin from Duquesne is going to give. Sarah and her husband Doug were incredibly friendly as well. Then I met Faye, my Nashville "host mother." She's another sweet woman, and her husband Jim was wonderful too.
After an orientation meeting and seeing Susan the NEP site coordinator, I headed back to our house. I felt again that I was sticking out awkwardly. But then I noticed other people just waiting for instruction. Eventually I began to paint interior walls with Rachel and Samera. Samera quickly became my new best friend, as we shared laughs, paint splatters, football talk, and fun places for me to visit in the city.
Later, while taking a break (and trying to get paint out of my hair!), a woman name Ann introduced herself. We quickly realized that we had exchanged emails. Then, rather suddenly, Ann asked: "Can you explain your shirt to me?" Looking down, I realized I had a Westminster College Titans Football shirt on. I explained that I went to college at Westminster, a small Presbyterian related school north of Pittsburgh. A smile flashed across her face. Ann responded with a simple statement that changed my day: "My first teaching job after getting my Ph.D. was at Westminster in the Religion department. Do you know Kang Na?" To say that I was floored would be an understatement. Kang Na was my adviser, and one of the people who encouraged me to explore doing a YAV year. Consequently, Ann and I shared many New Wilmington/Westminster stories throughout the day.
It was a great day, a day I hope to not forget, for just when I was beginning to think that I would not have a warm church community, I found connections I never expected to find. Samera wants to take me to live music concerts, movies, and the art crawl. And we both have birthdays this week, as does Beth, another DPC member. Faye wants to take me to lunch. Sarah suggested that I was "Our Bethany." Ann and I shared a "WC moment" of great joy. It's almost hard to believe that a week ago I dreaded almost everything about that place. Now it is starting to feel like home; a home with friendly faces!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
promised pictures
Today was suppose to be a day of working with the PSF students on a Habitat build. Instead, I brought a sick student home early and spent the day relaxing. So, I thought it a good time to try to get some pictures up of our house, the Cabana. . .
Looking from the front door, a view of the living room & into the kitchen:
This is the Cabana living room from a different angle (front door is to the right):
Cabana kitchen:
my bedroom (French doors to the back yard are behind the navy curtains):
my super sweet, not so "simple living" walk-in closet:
Just a great piece of art which is not in the Cabana, but should be:
Looking from the front door, a view of the living room & into the kitchen:
This is the Cabana living room from a different angle (front door is to the right):
Cabana kitchen:
my bedroom (French doors to the back yard are behind the navy curtains):
my super sweet, not so "simple living" walk-in closet:
Just a great piece of art which is not in the Cabana, but should be:
Thursday, September 24, 2009
routine
I never know how to start a blog post. Should I tell you that I'm sitting in my office, eating my lunch? Or that my desk is a mess with all the things I need to be doing? Or that I am always checking my email, waiting for a student to get back to me about a potential coffee date? Each of these things happen most days. I guess you could almost say that it's all becoming a routine. A fun, always changing, routine.
Like this routine I've found, my life is good. Lisa, my housemate, is doing well. I plan on visiting her this afternoon. Gramps is doing well too, which is a blessing to hear. I'm finding all sorts of things to work on for PSF: writing notes to students, more coffee dates, creating Guatemala information sheets, taking walks around campus, working on Habitat rides, reaching out to Belmont students, helping to get fundraising information out, creating a Bible Study, helping with the Alternative Gift Fair. . . it's certainly not boring.
It can, however, be frustrating when "results" are hard to see. I totally understand now why Jennifer gardens; she can see results and responses from plants. Students aren't always like that. But I did get excited when students were calling out to me on Tuesday, when they were leaving. The smiles, the waves, the "catch you laters" made me feel like I've got a good start on this ministry thing and having new friends! Which is certainly an answer to all my prayers.
Like this routine I've found, my life is good. Lisa, my housemate, is doing well. I plan on visiting her this afternoon. Gramps is doing well too, which is a blessing to hear. I'm finding all sorts of things to work on for PSF: writing notes to students, more coffee dates, creating Guatemala information sheets, taking walks around campus, working on Habitat rides, reaching out to Belmont students, helping to get fundraising information out, creating a Bible Study, helping with the Alternative Gift Fair. . . it's certainly not boring.
It can, however, be frustrating when "results" are hard to see. I totally understand now why Jennifer gardens; she can see results and responses from plants. Students aren't always like that. But I did get excited when students were calling out to me on Tuesday, when they were leaving. The smiles, the waves, the "catch you laters" made me feel like I've got a good start on this ministry thing and having new friends! Which is certainly an answer to all my prayers.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
overwhelming weekend
It's been quite the weekend here in Nashville. It was suppose to be a fun, no schedule weekend. And while it was to begin with, it took a tragic turn. I'll start at the beginning:
Friday: Diana, Leslie, and I got up early (6:30is) to wander around at a yard sale. Unfortunately, it was not what we expected, but we still had fun looking around. We ventured then to Starbucks. It was my third Starbucks stop in two days. . . I felt like Kayla! After Starbucks, we had our Vocational Discernment as YAVs. We discussed one of my favorite books, Let Your Life Speak. We had great discussion and I left feeling challenged to reexamine my spiritual life and my vocational goals. The rest of Friday was spent preparing to celebrate Lisa's birthday. We had the other YAVs over for pizza, cake, drinks, and a movie night. It was fun to be together. I was sad going to bed though, because we watched Flashdance, which is set in Pittsburgh. Watching the incline go up Mt. Washington, I felt pangs of homesickness.
Saturday: I woke up feeling rested for the first time since moving to Nashville. I started and finished "Five People you Meet in Heaven," which was a great way to take sometime for myself. I had no plans for my day, and I was really excited to have it that way. But with one phone call, that all changed. The birthday girl, Lisa, had a bike accident, and called me. I ended up calling her back, trying to calm her down, and found where she was. She was a few blocks away, with several bumps, bruises, and open wounds. The ambulance showed up, and took her to the hospital. My roommates and I followed, where we learned that Lisa had broken her jaw in three places. She ended up having surgery which was to fix her broken teeth and wire shut her jaw. Spending the afternoon in the ER was draining. . . I had to leave to get some fresh air, as all the traumas coming in got to me. I still can't believe how well I generally behaved there though.
Sunday: I woke today, dreading having to do anything. Yesterday had certainly taken its toll. But it was the first Sunday I was to worship at Downtown Pres. so I got up and headed over early. There was a Titans game starting at noon, so I left to make sure I wouldn't be late. Luckily, there wasn't much traffic going into the city, so I got there too early. I parked, tried to get into the church, but all the doors were locked. It ended up that while venturing around the church, I walked through urine left by the homeless men that frequent the church's alley. Disgusted by that, I continued to the streetfront. I still couldn't get in and my summer skirt was flapping in the breeze. Getting frustrated, I tried to walk away, only to be stopped by David, a mentally ill homeless man. David started talking about all sorts of things: the weather, professional women, overdrawing his bank account, what a horrible city Nashville is, and how a young woman like me should eat more Mexican food. I was so frustrated, so angry that church doors were locked etc. I was trying to listen to David, but I allowed lots of other things to cloud my mind. Eventually, David made some comment about how tense I was. And I was. He totally called me out on that. Finally, the doors opened, I got into the church, met a few people (Lee, a sweet older man; Jeff a younger elder; Laura the Habitat woman). Even though I met them, I found myself sitting alone in worship. I hate sitting alone in church. Needless to say, this morning left me very frustrated. I felt so alone and yet horrible for feeling that way, as Lisa was pretty much alone in the hospital on her birthday. I'm trying to keep it all in perspective, to be thankful that things aren't any worse, that Lisa is going to be okay, that church is sure to get better as I meet more people . . . but right now it's hard.
Friday: Diana, Leslie, and I got up early (6:30is) to wander around at a yard sale. Unfortunately, it was not what we expected, but we still had fun looking around. We ventured then to Starbucks. It was my third Starbucks stop in two days. . . I felt like Kayla! After Starbucks, we had our Vocational Discernment as YAVs. We discussed one of my favorite books, Let Your Life Speak. We had great discussion and I left feeling challenged to reexamine my spiritual life and my vocational goals. The rest of Friday was spent preparing to celebrate Lisa's birthday. We had the other YAVs over for pizza, cake, drinks, and a movie night. It was fun to be together. I was sad going to bed though, because we watched Flashdance, which is set in Pittsburgh. Watching the incline go up Mt. Washington, I felt pangs of homesickness.
Saturday: I woke up feeling rested for the first time since moving to Nashville. I started and finished "Five People you Meet in Heaven," which was a great way to take sometime for myself. I had no plans for my day, and I was really excited to have it that way. But with one phone call, that all changed. The birthday girl, Lisa, had a bike accident, and called me. I ended up calling her back, trying to calm her down, and found where she was. She was a few blocks away, with several bumps, bruises, and open wounds. The ambulance showed up, and took her to the hospital. My roommates and I followed, where we learned that Lisa had broken her jaw in three places. She ended up having surgery which was to fix her broken teeth and wire shut her jaw. Spending the afternoon in the ER was draining. . . I had to leave to get some fresh air, as all the traumas coming in got to me. I still can't believe how well I generally behaved there though.
Sunday: I woke today, dreading having to do anything. Yesterday had certainly taken its toll. But it was the first Sunday I was to worship at Downtown Pres. so I got up and headed over early. There was a Titans game starting at noon, so I left to make sure I wouldn't be late. Luckily, there wasn't much traffic going into the city, so I got there too early. I parked, tried to get into the church, but all the doors were locked. It ended up that while venturing around the church, I walked through urine left by the homeless men that frequent the church's alley. Disgusted by that, I continued to the streetfront. I still couldn't get in and my summer skirt was flapping in the breeze. Getting frustrated, I tried to walk away, only to be stopped by David, a mentally ill homeless man. David started talking about all sorts of things: the weather, professional women, overdrawing his bank account, what a horrible city Nashville is, and how a young woman like me should eat more Mexican food. I was so frustrated, so angry that church doors were locked etc. I was trying to listen to David, but I allowed lots of other things to cloud my mind. Eventually, David made some comment about how tense I was. And I was. He totally called me out on that. Finally, the doors opened, I got into the church, met a few people (Lee, a sweet older man; Jeff a younger elder; Laura the Habitat woman). Even though I met them, I found myself sitting alone in worship. I hate sitting alone in church. Needless to say, this morning left me very frustrated. I felt so alone and yet horrible for feeling that way, as Lisa was pretty much alone in the hospital on her birthday. I'm trying to keep it all in perspective, to be thankful that things aren't any worse, that Lisa is going to be okay, that church is sure to get better as I meet more people . . . but right now it's hard.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
needs & stretching
Last night, as I was falling asleep I asked God to open my eyes to those who are forgotten and to open my ears to the stories that are often left untold. I don't know why His answering of my prayers still surprises me. . . but that's just how it is.
On my way to work, I saw a group of men, who I presume to be homeless, gathered under a bridge. They appeared to be a community, laughing, talking, and very much present with each other. As I drove from beneath the cover of the bridge, I wondered how many of my fellow commuters saw these men. If they did see them, did they recognize them as people? So often I think we (generally speaking) don't recognize that men, like this group, have gifts to share with others. They all have gifts, all have spirits, and all have problems. Just like me. Exactly like me. My circumstances have been different in some aspects, but I'm sure if I talked with them, we would have similar life experiences in one way or another.
Those thoughts have been heavy on my heart today. Each time I look out into the rain, I think of them. And then I think of the Vandy students who are walking along, who have just as many needs as those men do. Some needs might be the same; some could be very different. But needs all the same, just like the needs I have.
Where do I go from here? How do I meet those needs?
I'm going to keep praying that God open my eyes and ears, even if it means knowing things I would rather not see or hear. But I guess that's what this year is all about. A year of stretching myself and remembering that stretching (of any kind) keeps us flexible, making it easier to meet all those needs.
On my way to work, I saw a group of men, who I presume to be homeless, gathered under a bridge. They appeared to be a community, laughing, talking, and very much present with each other. As I drove from beneath the cover of the bridge, I wondered how many of my fellow commuters saw these men. If they did see them, did they recognize them as people? So often I think we (generally speaking) don't recognize that men, like this group, have gifts to share with others. They all have gifts, all have spirits, and all have problems. Just like me. Exactly like me. My circumstances have been different in some aspects, but I'm sure if I talked with them, we would have similar life experiences in one way or another.
Those thoughts have been heavy on my heart today. Each time I look out into the rain, I think of them. And then I think of the Vandy students who are walking along, who have just as many needs as those men do. Some needs might be the same; some could be very different. But needs all the same, just like the needs I have.
Where do I go from here? How do I meet those needs?
I'm going to keep praying that God open my eyes and ears, even if it means knowing things I would rather not see or hear. But I guess that's what this year is all about. A year of stretching myself and remembering that stretching (of any kind) keeps us flexible, making it easier to meet all those needs.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
balance
There is so much going on in my life. And while most of it has been enjoyable, I'm exhausted, nearing stressed, and just plain worn out. The weekend trip was great, and I loved the community building . . . but my body is sore (from rafting and daily trips to the YMCA). My personal to do list gets longer each day, and I don't feel like I have enough time to get everything done. I apologize to all those who have called, texted, emailed, or mailed me something without a response. Those expressions of kindness have not gone unnoticed. Thank goodness for leftovers from work, because I haven't gone grocery shopping. There are just so many things to see, to do, to experience. But I'm going to have to find a balance.
Talking of balance, I finally met my pastor yesterday. Ken Locke, the pastor of Downtown Presbyterian church (DPC) is a great guy. He showed me around the church (see pictures at http://www.dpchurch.com/dpctour.php), and then took me out for breakfast. He had me laughing, thinking deep, wanting balance in my life and got me even more excited to become a part of his church community. While they have a small congregation, they are active with two lunches each week for the homeless people of Nashville. It's my hope that I might be able to get Vandy students to go with me on Wednesdays to serve. Ken also was kind enough to get me connected with the Habitat people at DPC. I hope to work with them on the 27th.
After breakfast, I headed over to my office. Right now my office has become my haven. It's my space to simply be. With four roommates and a lot of shared house space, it's nice to have room to call my own. I'm not sure that having my office as my haven is healthy. . . who really wants to spend extra time in their office? But for now, until I can find someplace else, it works.
I'm slowly learning the signs my body gives me about needing to rest, to rejuvenate, and to be. I went to bed early last night, just to find clarity in my scattered brain. I woke this morning with clarity, with new understanding, and a slightly rested feeling. And since I went to bed early and woke early, I have time now before work to get caught up on my to do list. And I'd like to call that success in finding a bit of balance.
Talking of balance, I finally met my pastor yesterday. Ken Locke, the pastor of Downtown Presbyterian church (DPC) is a great guy. He showed me around the church (see pictures at http://www.dpchurch.com/dpctour.php), and then took me out for breakfast. He had me laughing, thinking deep, wanting balance in my life and got me even more excited to become a part of his church community. While they have a small congregation, they are active with two lunches each week for the homeless people of Nashville. It's my hope that I might be able to get Vandy students to go with me on Wednesdays to serve. Ken also was kind enough to get me connected with the Habitat people at DPC. I hope to work with them on the 27th.
After breakfast, I headed over to my office. Right now my office has become my haven. It's my space to simply be. With four roommates and a lot of shared house space, it's nice to have room to call my own. I'm not sure that having my office as my haven is healthy. . . who really wants to spend extra time in their office? But for now, until I can find someplace else, it works.
I'm slowly learning the signs my body gives me about needing to rest, to rejuvenate, and to be. I went to bed early last night, just to find clarity in my scattered brain. I woke this morning with clarity, with new understanding, and a slightly rested feeling. And since I went to bed early and woke early, I have time now before work to get caught up on my to do list. And I'd like to call that success in finding a bit of balance.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Things I learned this weekend
After a successful, yet exhausting weekend trip to Tims Ford lake & the Ocee river for rafting and water fun, this is a list of things I have learned:
*I am much more aware of animals on road trips and nature excursions than others. I spotted a fox, two spotted fawns, and a deer when others didn't. Is that a quality of PA girls or just Olson girls?!
*Staying in the raft while white water rafting isn't too hard; just wedge your feet under the inflated rubber and you won't really go too far.
*Campus ministry can be dirty. Literally. I helped to pack a cooler and got jam all over my hands. (But my cooler packing skills were much appreciated).
*I have a bad habit of over packing and still not having enough of what I really need.
*There is something wonderfully calming and strangely glamorous about sitting near water and just being.
*I am going to get a lot of food leftovers from PSF events. And my roommates love that!
*I am much more aware of animals on road trips and nature excursions than others. I spotted a fox, two spotted fawns, and a deer when others didn't. Is that a quality of PA girls or just Olson girls?!
*Staying in the raft while white water rafting isn't too hard; just wedge your feet under the inflated rubber and you won't really go too far.
*Campus ministry can be dirty. Literally. I helped to pack a cooler and got jam all over my hands. (But my cooler packing skills were much appreciated).
*I have a bad habit of over packing and still not having enough of what I really need.
*There is something wonderfully calming and strangely glamorous about sitting near water and just being.
*I am going to get a lot of food leftovers from PSF events. And my roommates love that!
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