Is it a sin to see a homeless man on the street and keep walking?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Fresh Air
Today was a good day. A beautiful day, if you will. But I will begin with yesterday, because of that, I have not told you yet. So yesterday was our first day of Immigrant LA, and we were extremely bored. She taked for hours with few breaks. But she did say that she would and she hated that, but she had to give background. I guess pretty much every oher class is going to have a site visit now, so I suppose that's alright. Most of our grade in that class is going to come from a huge project we do. We have to do a study on an immigrant community in LA. We must write a paper and give a presentation on what we learn. I'm not looking forward to the academic side of it, but I am excited to learn about life. Lydia and I hope that Boyle Heights can be categorized as an immigrant community, because we'd both really like to get to know our neighborhood and the neighbors and even Juanita better. After all, she is an immigrant; she'd be the perfect person to interview. I guess I'm excited for this class. I'm definitely not happy about the book though, it's hecka boring. And we have like 50 pages of reading for each class. Blegh. But whatever. I'll do it. After class yesterday, a bunch of us went to Hollywood to go to a thrift store. I found nothing worth buying. But such is the life of thrift store shopping! Then Lydia and I jetted out of there to go meet Luis for our English practice. We went to the grassy area/fountain by the outdoor starbucks. It was SO beautiful! And we got to hear a little bit more about his life and his job. After that, we went straight to Alice's restaurant again. At dinner we talked a little bit about Lent and what people were giving up. I decided that I would not give anything up, but take on the practice of reading my Bible everyday. I have been doing horribly at it. And I'm finding that I'm extremely frustrated by the fact that I do not know how to study the Bible. I want to know it, really know it, but all I've ever done is simply read it. I'm finding I'm hungry for substance, not fluff. I'm tired of trusting other people to teach me something important. I want the true Teacher to show me something new. So that is my hope for this season of Lent. To learn to really read and study the Bible, to find something new and applicable in every reading. So yes, after dinner, we went again to Brianna and Bethel's for worship and fax machine. I realize I need to memorize more songs, so that I can play up there on the rooftop without hindrance. Alicia had the beautiful idea to begin telling life stories every week. I think it will be a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level and am super excited to commence.
Today was not all that bad at my internship, granted I didn't do much again today, I had a completely different attitude. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that both yesterday and today I started the day by listening to worship music. It just puts me in a completely different mindset, and I see the beauty in everything rather than the negative.
So here are my prayer requests: that I'm able to follow through with my Bible goals so that I may know better the heart of God, that this new class won't be boring or too complicated, for me and everyone else here who is doing a lot of self-examination. I cannot even think of anything else at the moment. I'm listening to worship music again and am finding that I'm getting lost just thinking about my Lover. :) I don't suppose that's a bad thing. But really, pray that I may fall more in love with my Savior and that I come to know Him better through His Word.
I pray the same for you.
Your sister,
T
Today was not all that bad at my internship, granted I didn't do much again today, I had a completely different attitude. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that both yesterday and today I started the day by listening to worship music. It just puts me in a completely different mindset, and I see the beauty in everything rather than the negative.
So here are my prayer requests: that I'm able to follow through with my Bible goals so that I may know better the heart of God, that this new class won't be boring or too complicated, for me and everyone else here who is doing a lot of self-examination. I cannot even think of anything else at the moment. I'm listening to worship music again and am finding that I'm getting lost just thinking about my Lover. :) I don't suppose that's a bad thing. But really, pray that I may fall more in love with my Savior and that I come to know Him better through His Word.
I pray the same for you.
Your sister,
T
Monday, February 23, 2009
Oh Goodness...
There goes almost another week without writing. I guess I should write more often so that I can process more quickly. But this week has been a heck of a week. Tuesday night when I got home from my internship, I found that I had been tagged again in one of those stupid "25 things" blogs. So I decided to do it. But I wanted to be different, so I decided to write about ways that I have changed or things I've learned since moving to LA. And I did not expect the response I got. At all. People were challenging me left and right on my opinion. Crazyness ensued. Everyday until Sunday I had received some sort of feedback on my note. But I'll donate an extra section to that on this blog.
Wednesday was another day to make me angry at the systems in the world. We discussed education. I learned that California used to be around 34th in ranking on how much money was spent per pupil in public schooling. With the recent budget cuts, we now are at 50th. Dead last. I was SO angry. Ignorant people perpetuate the problems we already have! But yea, back to the day. We went to visit Los Angeles Leadership Academy, a charter school about a block away from the regional center. They are doing good things there, approaching education differently than the failing LAUSD. But still, it's really disappointing to hear that privilege (yet again) has a lot to do with how far one advances in their education. I'm tearing up even thinking about it again. It's just not fair. All men were not created equal. Some were born into lives that will never allow them the luxuries that I have without even asking for them. Afer our site visit, we briefly went over some environment issues. Okay, we watched a movie on the LA river- we didn't really say much. But since it was our last class, we let out a little bit early and all went to get yogurt! Yay for our class! Then Alicia, Jessi, Christy and I went to protest the American Idol producers for not giving their writers proper pay or benefits. They won't even acknowledge that their shows have writers. Even though they are part of the screen writers' union. But how ironic is it that I saw the contestants at church on Sunday and then protested the show on Wednesday! After that most of the students met up at Alice's restaurant (she's the homestay mom for Brianna and Bethel) and then we went over to their house and played fax machine. It's such a bomb game. The best. I need to teach everyone at some point. After the hilariousness was over, I looked at the bus times and saw that the next bus didn't come til 10:58. Juanita told me to stay there because it wasn't safe to come home at that time. So that was my first night away from home!
It kinda sucked, though, because I had to find some of their clothes to wear for my internshipon Thursday, but it worked out. They were only barely too small or too big. Manageable. My presentation was fine. The meeting was a lot more casual than I had anticipated. It was overall a good day. I liked the interaction with other people! Later, I went back to Angelus Temple with Jonathan and Josh (because they hadn't been to church yet, and I needed people in my group for the presentation). Another show. But I do recognize and admire that they such a service to the community around them and for those who are hurting.
Friday morning, Lydia woke up sick again. Worse than any previous time. So she didn't come to school. And I went early so we could type our outline for our presentation. But I don't know whhy I had to go early. I could have typed it on my own, because that's what I ended up doing anyways. But whatevs. If you want it done right, you do it yourself. Turns out, though, that the church we were supposed to go to was West Angeles something. Woops. But I'm pretty sure P. Diddy won't dock us too many points. Not worried. At the end of class, the LA101 group from APU joined us, and we had a presentation from Night Light. Human Trafficking. I don't know why, but that gets me more than a lot of other injustices. It brings me to tears almost every time. After class, Jessi went with me to buy soup and gatorade for Lydia. Then we went to gather my stuff and her stuff and got ready to go dancing! We met at Brianna's and then were off to the Ruby! I think I've been there at least 4 times. I need a new place. But the outside was totally redone this time! I was impressed. We had mucho fun. It was grand ole times. Then Jessi and I stayed the night with Brianna.
Saturday I went home. My parents came and picked me up and we went home, my mom and I discussing my note pretty much the entire ride. I watched Taken with them, then started my reading for class. We're now beginning Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s autobiography. I'm excited for it because Shane Claiborne talked about it so much.
Sunday, I woke up bright and early to get to church by 8. My mom wanted me to sing with her in the choir for first service, so I did. It was kind of a fun song, too. Then after that, I went over o the gym to practice for third service, because Dino (my high school pastor) had asked me to sing with him. That was fun, too. After church, I went to the Macaroni Grill with my parents. I had been craving Italian food for the longest time. And there, we talked a little bit more about what I was learning in class. Mostly discussing socialism vs. capitalism. Then we went home, I did my paper, and went back to church again. Dino had asked me to lead worship for the high school group. It was alright. The coolest thing, though, had to be when I thought I had started out off key. So I didn't sing the second line of the song, but allowed them to get me back on. But when I heard them singing, I didn't want to come back in. They didn't need me. So I just nodded for them to continue without me, and I just kept playing while they sang together. It was beautiful. That was that for Sunday.
Monday, I woke up and got my hair trimmedish. And then went to the chiropractor (one of the parts I was most excited for), and basically told me that I was an idiot for not taking care of my ankle. He told me that I should have been icing it everyday, not just the first day. I figured that, but whatever. I'm now to ice it for no more thatn 20 minutes at least three times a day. Then maybe the underlying swelling in the deep tissue will go away. No doctor necessary. :) Thanks for the prayers! Then My dad and I went out to lunch with my grandparents at Applebees. It was good to see them, too. And after that, we hit the road. I have to admit, I wasn't super excited to be coming back, but I knew I had to. Laura (Lydia's old roommate and the one who moved into my room when I left) came and visited Lydia and we all had a dance party and snacked and just generally had a good time for a few hours. Then she left, and we went to bed.
Today I did not want to wake up. I did not want to go to my internship. I did not want to be in LA. I wanted to be home with my parents, away from the city and its problems. Then I waited over 30 minutes for the bus and then another 20 minutes for my second bus. I was an hour late to work, but still left at the normal time, just because I dislike it so much. One good thing is that someone brought in gumbo and jambalaya for everyone to eat for our Phat Tuesday lunch. On my way home I thought about why I didn't want to be here. It came down to satan. He wants me to lose hope. He wants that I do nothing with what I've learned. So I need your prayers to fight against that spirit of despair.
I now need to address the note that I wrote, though I'm over the drama of it all. I wote something about being more liberal now, and people jumped on that. I didn't necessarily mean governmentwise. I like the ideas, but I don't necessarily think that the government should be the ones implementing htem. The church should pick up the slack. I feel as though there are a lot of things the government wouldn't have to do if the church were doing its job concerning the orphans and the widows and the poor in general. And I know Jesus would pick neither party, but I was simply saying that I feel the ideals of the left side more accurately reflect Jesus than many of those on the right side, the side with which the church is most closely aligned. Now do you see my thought process? And I made the claim that I thought homosexuals should be able to be pastors because their sins are no worse than our own. But since then, I have talked with wise counsel (my mommy) and have reconsidered. But let me say that in my mind, I had not defined pastor as one who has chosen to live above reproach. I had defined pastor in my mind as a normal human being who struggles with sin, but happens to have the gift of preaching. So that's where I was coming from. But as my mother and I talked, I realized that pastor is something different from that. Pastors choose to live setting an example for those they teach. So now I will say that homosexuals can make great teachers, showing us other perspectives that we may miss, but that the pastoral position is reserved for someone who has given up a sinful lifestyle. So in that sense, yes- a reformed homosexual may be my pastor. Because he has renounced the life he once used to live. Yes? Yes. I'm pretty sure those were the two bigest claims that everyone was so very unhappy about. But there they are. I addressed them, and now I'm moving on with my blog.
Prayer requests. Continue to pray for me as I work out these types of issues. Pray that I use my Bible correctly to find true support for what I should or shouldn't believe. Pray that satan be hushed in his attempt to squelch my passion for this world. Also pray that I find a way to enjoy my internship, rather than feeling stuck and isolated. Pray for this upcoming class (Immigrant LA), that God would open our eyes to what He wants us to know about those coming to our country. And that my roommate and I are able to bond more and more. Pray for my summer plans, because I have no idea what they are at this point. I have a basic outline, but no specifics, so yea.
And at this point, I will say farewell.
Grace and peace to you, and God bless.
Tracy
Wednesday was another day to make me angry at the systems in the world. We discussed education. I learned that California used to be around 34th in ranking on how much money was spent per pupil in public schooling. With the recent budget cuts, we now are at 50th. Dead last. I was SO angry. Ignorant people perpetuate the problems we already have! But yea, back to the day. We went to visit Los Angeles Leadership Academy, a charter school about a block away from the regional center. They are doing good things there, approaching education differently than the failing LAUSD. But still, it's really disappointing to hear that privilege (yet again) has a lot to do with how far one advances in their education. I'm tearing up even thinking about it again. It's just not fair. All men were not created equal. Some were born into lives that will never allow them the luxuries that I have without even asking for them. Afer our site visit, we briefly went over some environment issues. Okay, we watched a movie on the LA river- we didn't really say much. But since it was our last class, we let out a little bit early and all went to get yogurt! Yay for our class! Then Alicia, Jessi, Christy and I went to protest the American Idol producers for not giving their writers proper pay or benefits. They won't even acknowledge that their shows have writers. Even though they are part of the screen writers' union. But how ironic is it that I saw the contestants at church on Sunday and then protested the show on Wednesday! After that most of the students met up at Alice's restaurant (she's the homestay mom for Brianna and Bethel) and then we went over to their house and played fax machine. It's such a bomb game. The best. I need to teach everyone at some point. After the hilariousness was over, I looked at the bus times and saw that the next bus didn't come til 10:58. Juanita told me to stay there because it wasn't safe to come home at that time. So that was my first night away from home!
It kinda sucked, though, because I had to find some of their clothes to wear for my internshipon Thursday, but it worked out. They were only barely too small or too big. Manageable. My presentation was fine. The meeting was a lot more casual than I had anticipated. It was overall a good day. I liked the interaction with other people! Later, I went back to Angelus Temple with Jonathan and Josh (because they hadn't been to church yet, and I needed people in my group for the presentation). Another show. But I do recognize and admire that they such a service to the community around them and for those who are hurting.
Friday morning, Lydia woke up sick again. Worse than any previous time. So she didn't come to school. And I went early so we could type our outline for our presentation. But I don't know whhy I had to go early. I could have typed it on my own, because that's what I ended up doing anyways. But whatevs. If you want it done right, you do it yourself. Turns out, though, that the church we were supposed to go to was West Angeles something. Woops. But I'm pretty sure P. Diddy won't dock us too many points. Not worried. At the end of class, the LA101 group from APU joined us, and we had a presentation from Night Light. Human Trafficking. I don't know why, but that gets me more than a lot of other injustices. It brings me to tears almost every time. After class, Jessi went with me to buy soup and gatorade for Lydia. Then we went to gather my stuff and her stuff and got ready to go dancing! We met at Brianna's and then were off to the Ruby! I think I've been there at least 4 times. I need a new place. But the outside was totally redone this time! I was impressed. We had mucho fun. It was grand ole times. Then Jessi and I stayed the night with Brianna.
Saturday I went home. My parents came and picked me up and we went home, my mom and I discussing my note pretty much the entire ride. I watched Taken with them, then started my reading for class. We're now beginning Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s autobiography. I'm excited for it because Shane Claiborne talked about it so much.
Sunday, I woke up bright and early to get to church by 8. My mom wanted me to sing with her in the choir for first service, so I did. It was kind of a fun song, too. Then after that, I went over o the gym to practice for third service, because Dino (my high school pastor) had asked me to sing with him. That was fun, too. After church, I went to the Macaroni Grill with my parents. I had been craving Italian food for the longest time. And there, we talked a little bit more about what I was learning in class. Mostly discussing socialism vs. capitalism. Then we went home, I did my paper, and went back to church again. Dino had asked me to lead worship for the high school group. It was alright. The coolest thing, though, had to be when I thought I had started out off key. So I didn't sing the second line of the song, but allowed them to get me back on. But when I heard them singing, I didn't want to come back in. They didn't need me. So I just nodded for them to continue without me, and I just kept playing while they sang together. It was beautiful. That was that for Sunday.
Monday, I woke up and got my hair trimmedish. And then went to the chiropractor (one of the parts I was most excited for), and basically told me that I was an idiot for not taking care of my ankle. He told me that I should have been icing it everyday, not just the first day. I figured that, but whatever. I'm now to ice it for no more thatn 20 minutes at least three times a day. Then maybe the underlying swelling in the deep tissue will go away. No doctor necessary. :) Thanks for the prayers! Then My dad and I went out to lunch with my grandparents at Applebees. It was good to see them, too. And after that, we hit the road. I have to admit, I wasn't super excited to be coming back, but I knew I had to. Laura (Lydia's old roommate and the one who moved into my room when I left) came and visited Lydia and we all had a dance party and snacked and just generally had a good time for a few hours. Then she left, and we went to bed.
Today I did not want to wake up. I did not want to go to my internship. I did not want to be in LA. I wanted to be home with my parents, away from the city and its problems. Then I waited over 30 minutes for the bus and then another 20 minutes for my second bus. I was an hour late to work, but still left at the normal time, just because I dislike it so much. One good thing is that someone brought in gumbo and jambalaya for everyone to eat for our Phat Tuesday lunch. On my way home I thought about why I didn't want to be here. It came down to satan. He wants me to lose hope. He wants that I do nothing with what I've learned. So I need your prayers to fight against that spirit of despair.
I now need to address the note that I wrote, though I'm over the drama of it all. I wote something about being more liberal now, and people jumped on that. I didn't necessarily mean governmentwise. I like the ideas, but I don't necessarily think that the government should be the ones implementing htem. The church should pick up the slack. I feel as though there are a lot of things the government wouldn't have to do if the church were doing its job concerning the orphans and the widows and the poor in general. And I know Jesus would pick neither party, but I was simply saying that I feel the ideals of the left side more accurately reflect Jesus than many of those on the right side, the side with which the church is most closely aligned. Now do you see my thought process? And I made the claim that I thought homosexuals should be able to be pastors because their sins are no worse than our own. But since then, I have talked with wise counsel (my mommy) and have reconsidered. But let me say that in my mind, I had not defined pastor as one who has chosen to live above reproach. I had defined pastor in my mind as a normal human being who struggles with sin, but happens to have the gift of preaching. So that's where I was coming from. But as my mother and I talked, I realized that pastor is something different from that. Pastors choose to live setting an example for those they teach. So now I will say that homosexuals can make great teachers, showing us other perspectives that we may miss, but that the pastoral position is reserved for someone who has given up a sinful lifestyle. So in that sense, yes- a reformed homosexual may be my pastor. Because he has renounced the life he once used to live. Yes? Yes. I'm pretty sure those were the two bigest claims that everyone was so very unhappy about. But there they are. I addressed them, and now I'm moving on with my blog.
Prayer requests. Continue to pray for me as I work out these types of issues. Pray that I use my Bible correctly to find true support for what I should or shouldn't believe. Pray that satan be hushed in his attempt to squelch my passion for this world. Also pray that I find a way to enjoy my internship, rather than feeling stuck and isolated. Pray for this upcoming class (Immigrant LA), that God would open our eyes to what He wants us to know about those coming to our country. And that my roommate and I are able to bond more and more. Pray for my summer plans, because I have no idea what they are at this point. I have a basic outline, but no specifics, so yea.
And at this point, I will say farewell.
Grace and peace to you, and God bless.
Tracy
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Woops
It's almost been a week since I last wrote. That's really bad, considering I'm supposed to be writing everyday or every other day for class. Oh well. I can't really change that now, can I? I'm just doing this over my lunch break at my internship instead of my usual 30 minutes of Minesweeper. Good game.
But back to life. Wednesday, we discussed our readings on the Garment District and sweatshop labor. Then Paul's acquaintance from church came and told us about her job as a fashion designer. It was interesting to see how oblivious she was to abuses factory workers experience. After her little diddy, we all went to the Garment District and toured Santee Court, which is a new area of lofts. Then we broke up into small groups and went our different ways. Each group went to a ocuple sweatshops. It was fascinating; you just find a store and look up. If there are curatins over the windows, chances are, it's a sweatshop. Then you just find the entrance, climb the stairs, and walk right in. Easy as pie. I found the accessiblity so odd. But there, my group went to two sweatshops and talked for a while with each owner. I was so surprised. I had expected these awful conditions and miserable employees, but it seemed fine, and the workers were just chilling, sewing and listening to their headphones. We learned that the first factory owner was having difficulty because of the recession. She was getting less product orders and was a litle worried, but still her business kept going. Lydia at one point asked if it got really hot in the room and the owner told us yes and that it got especially hot during the summer. I think the second factory was more eye-opening than the first, because the woman who owned this one admitted that it wasn't a great job. She told us the workers would be better off elsewhere. She also explained to us, very honestly, that sometimes the manufacturers don't pay her on time, and so she cannot pay her employees on time. It's a cycle, and the contractors are not the ones to blame. Well, sometimes they are, but Ive found that the real culprits are the CEOs of big retail companies who take their enormous salaries and ignore the workers underneath them who can barely afford housing. After our visits, we all came back together and ate at Taco House #3. So good. I got two tacos, beans and rice and tarmarindo for $5. I was happy. We discussed our findings and were dismissed for the day. I went back to the center with Jonathan, Josh and Alicia. Alicia worked, and Jonathan wrote a paper, but we also hung out and watched the lost Anchorman movie, entitled Wake Up Ron Burgundy! It wasn't as good as the first, but still hilarious! Then the four of us ate dinner at McDonalds and then proceeded to Brianna's and Bethel's for a rooftop worship session. It was fun hanging out with everyone outside of a school setting.
Thursday I arrived at work to find some cute little flowers on my desk. I thought to myself, "This place is great." I did my work and then Heili told me about the staff Valentine's Day party. They had forgotten to inform me previously, but I didn't mind. They all had drawn names to see who their valentine was and they made litttle gifts for those people. So cute. Heili made me one that day. It was really nice of her. And then we all snacked on the foods, and I went home. And Allie, Emily, and Gabriel came to visit me!! That was the best night in a while. We just talked and laughed and played Tourette's. Fun game that prompts intense laughter! (Especially when you're playing with Emily!) Then Gabe went home and Emily and Allie stayed the night so they could go to class with me in the morning!
Friday we went to school and mostly just discussed how our internships were going. I'm not going to lie, I was jealous people are out doing cool things while I'm stuck in front of a computer in my lonesome cubicle for 6 hours. I'm learning that I'm more of a "go, do" person. Then, because it was raining, we went back to the house and played cards some more and watched Friends. Then they went home and Lydia and I watched Ella Enchanted. It's such a cute movie. I don't care what you say. It was good to just have some roommate time.
Saturday, I took off and went to APU for the day. I can't tell you how good it was to get out of the city and away from all its problems. I'm glad I was able to be there for Carolyn in her time of need, even though I didn't do anything personally. But we took attention off of her and made truffles! Emily and I are experts now! Then I almost missed my bus back to LA, but ran and got there just in time to have the doors shut on my body. Oh well, I was on the bus! And on my way to USC, where I was meeting Becca and Casey, the man siting next to me on teh bus silently handed me his phone number. Thank you, PJ, but I will never call. Then we met Guy and Alvin and all their UCLA friends at La Fonda, apparently a world-famous Mexican restaurant with live mariachi. I found my husband that night, but he doesn't know it yet. Guy bought me their CD, too! Then after the show, I went home.
Sunday, I went back to the Dream Center for another show, I mean, service. But I had to go so I could do my project due Friday. Four of the top 30 American Idol contestants were there, and the pastor invited them up onstage. They talked a little bit about how they are excited that God has placed them where they are in this time, and they asked us to pray for their ability to use their gifts to witness. After church, there was almost a catfight outside. Really? I found that incredibly ironic. Then I went home adn wrote my papers.
Yesterday was Monday. (And someone's lunch smells really good right now!)We had just read all about homelessness, and it was time to see it first hand. So we broke up into pairs and went to Skid Row. Bethel and I ended up taking Sweet Dreamer out to lunch. It was pretty obvious how she got by. When we got to the small cafe, she took off her jackets to reveal this tiny little dress thing that had a deep plunge and no back. Did I mention that it had been raining? Even with her three jackets, she must have been cold, with wet jeans and socks and flipflops. Poor woman. But we bought her a pastrami sandwhich (her favorite!) and talked about life. We talked about boyfriends, and she told us it was better to have many and not just one. "More money that way!" (yep..definitely a prostitute)She mentioned that her sons were taken away from her becasue of her drug problem, so we assumed that this was the reason she was living on the streets. It was pretty cool getting to chat with her. After she left us to go smoke, Bethel gave the rest of her lunch to a man we passed on the way in. Then he proceeded to talk to us for 20 minutes, neither of us understanding a single thing he was talking about. But there was a point when I looked in his eyes and suddenly thought, "Hi, Jesus." Because I could see his kindness in this man's eyes. It was ironic then, when another man walked by and warned us that the other man bites. We ignored him and kept listening. I think that man just needed some ears to talk to. After that we all met up back at the regional center where people began to tell the stories of their encounters, each getting a little more heavy as they went. The last group, Christy, Brianna, and Jesse, had met two men who felt worthless. Both had been in and out of jail, completely devoid of any hope. One of them had even tried to hang himself the last time he was in jail. Most of us were in tears by the end of class. We prayed for all we witnessed and heard about. When we got home, there were SO many people there. Nayeli is in the hospital again. Juanita says it's worse than last time. Lydia and I went to our room to watch Taken. It was so intense, but it was an amazing movie. Incredible. Then we kind of did homework and went to bed around 9. Beautiful.
Pray. For the homeless people we met. For Nayeli and for our patience that runs thin with all the little kids around all the time. For Carolyn and her family. For my ankle, which still hasn't returned to normal yet. Miguel Lozano told me to get it checked out, but I'm stubborn. And what pain it does cause is avoidable. I just can't ever point of flex my foot. And even then, the pain is tolerable. But still, pray for healing so that I don't have to see a doctor. And keep praying that I find a church. I think I may go to New City again this week, because Brianna's group invited their homeless friends to church, and I'd like to support them. But after that, I'm going to continue looking.
Thank you for your prayers and your continued support. You are greatly appreciated.
But now, it's back to work for me!
Tracy
But back to life. Wednesday, we discussed our readings on the Garment District and sweatshop labor. Then Paul's acquaintance from church came and told us about her job as a fashion designer. It was interesting to see how oblivious she was to abuses factory workers experience. After her little diddy, we all went to the Garment District and toured Santee Court, which is a new area of lofts. Then we broke up into small groups and went our different ways. Each group went to a ocuple sweatshops. It was fascinating; you just find a store and look up. If there are curatins over the windows, chances are, it's a sweatshop. Then you just find the entrance, climb the stairs, and walk right in. Easy as pie. I found the accessiblity so odd. But there, my group went to two sweatshops and talked for a while with each owner. I was so surprised. I had expected these awful conditions and miserable employees, but it seemed fine, and the workers were just chilling, sewing and listening to their headphones. We learned that the first factory owner was having difficulty because of the recession. She was getting less product orders and was a litle worried, but still her business kept going. Lydia at one point asked if it got really hot in the room and the owner told us yes and that it got especially hot during the summer. I think the second factory was more eye-opening than the first, because the woman who owned this one admitted that it wasn't a great job. She told us the workers would be better off elsewhere. She also explained to us, very honestly, that sometimes the manufacturers don't pay her on time, and so she cannot pay her employees on time. It's a cycle, and the contractors are not the ones to blame. Well, sometimes they are, but Ive found that the real culprits are the CEOs of big retail companies who take their enormous salaries and ignore the workers underneath them who can barely afford housing. After our visits, we all came back together and ate at Taco House #3. So good. I got two tacos, beans and rice and tarmarindo for $5. I was happy. We discussed our findings and were dismissed for the day. I went back to the center with Jonathan, Josh and Alicia. Alicia worked, and Jonathan wrote a paper, but we also hung out and watched the lost Anchorman movie, entitled Wake Up Ron Burgundy! It wasn't as good as the first, but still hilarious! Then the four of us ate dinner at McDonalds and then proceeded to Brianna's and Bethel's for a rooftop worship session. It was fun hanging out with everyone outside of a school setting.
Thursday I arrived at work to find some cute little flowers on my desk. I thought to myself, "This place is great." I did my work and then Heili told me about the staff Valentine's Day party. They had forgotten to inform me previously, but I didn't mind. They all had drawn names to see who their valentine was and they made litttle gifts for those people. So cute. Heili made me one that day. It was really nice of her. And then we all snacked on the foods, and I went home. And Allie, Emily, and Gabriel came to visit me!! That was the best night in a while. We just talked and laughed and played Tourette's. Fun game that prompts intense laughter! (Especially when you're playing with Emily!) Then Gabe went home and Emily and Allie stayed the night so they could go to class with me in the morning!
Friday we went to school and mostly just discussed how our internships were going. I'm not going to lie, I was jealous people are out doing cool things while I'm stuck in front of a computer in my lonesome cubicle for 6 hours. I'm learning that I'm more of a "go, do" person. Then, because it was raining, we went back to the house and played cards some more and watched Friends. Then they went home and Lydia and I watched Ella Enchanted. It's such a cute movie. I don't care what you say. It was good to just have some roommate time.
Saturday, I took off and went to APU for the day. I can't tell you how good it was to get out of the city and away from all its problems. I'm glad I was able to be there for Carolyn in her time of need, even though I didn't do anything personally. But we took attention off of her and made truffles! Emily and I are experts now! Then I almost missed my bus back to LA, but ran and got there just in time to have the doors shut on my body. Oh well, I was on the bus! And on my way to USC, where I was meeting Becca and Casey, the man siting next to me on teh bus silently handed me his phone number. Thank you, PJ, but I will never call. Then we met Guy and Alvin and all their UCLA friends at La Fonda, apparently a world-famous Mexican restaurant with live mariachi. I found my husband that night, but he doesn't know it yet. Guy bought me their CD, too! Then after the show, I went home.
Sunday, I went back to the Dream Center for another show, I mean, service. But I had to go so I could do my project due Friday. Four of the top 30 American Idol contestants were there, and the pastor invited them up onstage. They talked a little bit about how they are excited that God has placed them where they are in this time, and they asked us to pray for their ability to use their gifts to witness. After church, there was almost a catfight outside. Really? I found that incredibly ironic. Then I went home adn wrote my papers.
Yesterday was Monday. (And someone's lunch smells really good right now!)We had just read all about homelessness, and it was time to see it first hand. So we broke up into pairs and went to Skid Row. Bethel and I ended up taking Sweet Dreamer out to lunch. It was pretty obvious how she got by. When we got to the small cafe, she took off her jackets to reveal this tiny little dress thing that had a deep plunge and no back. Did I mention that it had been raining? Even with her three jackets, she must have been cold, with wet jeans and socks and flipflops. Poor woman. But we bought her a pastrami sandwhich (her favorite!) and talked about life. We talked about boyfriends, and she told us it was better to have many and not just one. "More money that way!" (yep..definitely a prostitute)She mentioned that her sons were taken away from her becasue of her drug problem, so we assumed that this was the reason she was living on the streets. It was pretty cool getting to chat with her. After she left us to go smoke, Bethel gave the rest of her lunch to a man we passed on the way in. Then he proceeded to talk to us for 20 minutes, neither of us understanding a single thing he was talking about. But there was a point when I looked in his eyes and suddenly thought, "Hi, Jesus." Because I could see his kindness in this man's eyes. It was ironic then, when another man walked by and warned us that the other man bites. We ignored him and kept listening. I think that man just needed some ears to talk to. After that we all met up back at the regional center where people began to tell the stories of their encounters, each getting a little more heavy as they went. The last group, Christy, Brianna, and Jesse, had met two men who felt worthless. Both had been in and out of jail, completely devoid of any hope. One of them had even tried to hang himself the last time he was in jail. Most of us were in tears by the end of class. We prayed for all we witnessed and heard about. When we got home, there were SO many people there. Nayeli is in the hospital again. Juanita says it's worse than last time. Lydia and I went to our room to watch Taken. It was so intense, but it was an amazing movie. Incredible. Then we kind of did homework and went to bed around 9. Beautiful.
Pray. For the homeless people we met. For Nayeli and for our patience that runs thin with all the little kids around all the time. For Carolyn and her family. For my ankle, which still hasn't returned to normal yet. Miguel Lozano told me to get it checked out, but I'm stubborn. And what pain it does cause is avoidable. I just can't ever point of flex my foot. And even then, the pain is tolerable. But still, pray for healing so that I don't have to see a doctor. And keep praying that I find a church. I think I may go to New City again this week, because Brianna's group invited their homeless friends to church, and I'd like to support them. But after that, I'm going to continue looking.
Thank you for your prayers and your continued support. You are greatly appreciated.
But now, it's back to work for me!
Tracy
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Too Long
Soooo... I have a bit to write about. Because it's been a while since last time. So Thursday I went back to CHC and got to pick the menu for the upcoming symposium. And other stuff, but I forget what that was. But it POURED all day! When I left in the morning, I was sunny, so I didnt have a jacket or an umbrella. Luckily my supervisor lent me her umbrella. I would have been drenched! But I was still pretty unhappy, but that's only because I wore new shoes that gave me a fatty blister! I was really happy that my new pants were water resistant, so the droplets mostly rolled off. Yay! Ew! And on my way down to the subway, this guy was walking behind me, and I heard "mmmMMmmm." Three times. I looked up and he was RIGHT next to me, looking at me. Then he said, "That's a mighty nice sweater you're wearing, lady." Ew.
Friday was a good day. We discussed some of Shane Claiborne and what we've been learning. And I got to lead worship. I think it went well. I do know that it was hard for people to sing along becuase I played mostly new songs, but I hate being stuck with an arsonal of like 5 overplayed ones. But I did hear song people singing harmony, which made me VERY happy! All I could do was my best, and I think God used that. Since then, I've had many of my classmates (and even my professor) tell me that I did a great job. So that was great. That night, a bunch of us went to a place called Pairspace or Pehrspace or something. Whatever. It was a small lounge place with live bands. Friday night happened to be Hella Hipster Hoedown night.. Yea. It was BYOB. But they did provide cornbread and cupcakes and apple cider. At first we thought there was weed cornbread because there were two choices: "doctored up" and "just plain good." I avoided those that were doctored up. But we found out they were just made with chilis. Not pot. It was good to be able to hang out with people, even though it wasn't exactly my scene. I'm glad I went. Then Christy spent the night again. We didn't have any adventures while waiting for the bus, because we knew when it would come this time.
Saturday was a great day! The sun was actualy shining for the day! Christy and I headed over to Hollywood for my first time thriftstore shopping! We went to Melrose. I confess, I did buy a dress that wasn't from a thriftstore, but it was super cute! :) And then we went to Crossroads and I bought really nice suede boots for $25, which is a steal! and i got some tights, a sweater, and another dress. Wonderful. Then we went to American Vintage. Cool place. Some of the clothes remind me of my great grandmother. Yessiree. Then we walked for forever and went to Yogurtland, which was delish. And then we went home. I had a great day. And it was even better because we had carne asada for dinner. Nothing tops that!
Sunday, I decided to try out West Angelus church, aka the Dream Center. What a show. A feel-good church. They started at 10 o'clock with "Who's excited to be here today?!" followed by the audience screaming. Really. I'm not making it up. They actually did that. Needless to say, after my assignment (which requires that I go twice) I'll be looking for a new place. I'm really wanting to try First A.M.E. Rod goes there, and he likes it a lot. So maybe I will too. Maybe it will be normal, whatever normal is. It was the worst day to leave my phone at home, though everything worked out in the end. Christy and I found each other at church, and I was able to come home before Krista and Nicholas gave up on seeing me. The three of us wet to lunch and chatted it up for a bit. It was good to see them for a while. We went to the world-famous Tepeyac. I have to admit, I was good, but I was not used to grease! The rest of the day was uneventful as I only started reading for homework. Not much more.
Monday we had our retreat for class. We went to Paul's house for a pancake brunch and were supposed to go hiking at JPL (Jet Propulsion Lab), but we refused because it was pouring. We were soaked simply walking from the metro stop to his house. So instead, we watched Sicko, a movie on public health that we had mentioned in class. So much for getting away from it all. But the movie (by Michael Moore [enough said?]) posed several interesting questions as it looked at the universal health care systems of Canada, the UK, France and Cuba. People were ctually cared for, rather than turned away so insurance companies could save a buck. What happened to the value of human life? There are few drawbacks to universal health care, and many of the believed myths were dispelled. I blame the capitalist system. And I'm moving to France. Ok, I'm not, but still something needs to be done. I'm excited for what Obama's going to do with our health care. I'm hoping he implements universal health care. It's about time we started actually taking care of people. After the movie, we had a short devotion and a 20 minute prayer session, which really rejuvenated me. Then we went bowling! But only one game. That part made me sad, but oh well- APU paid for it! :) After that, we went to some deli across the street with random stuff. I ordered their apparently famous #1, the combination. And it was disgusting. Thanks, Paul, for the recommendation. And the boba thai tea didn't even make it better because that was bitter with bad boba. :( Boo. Then we came home and I got to talk to Gabriel for a while, which made me very happy. I was not remotely interested in watching Gossipgirl after last week's episode. I think I'm done with the show. It was out of line, and I was disappointed. But One Tree Hill was a rerun, just like two weeks ago. Why can't they play two new episodes in a row, dangit! Whatevs. I went to sleep. :)
Today I went back to CHC. I finally figured out what I'm doing there. I'm pretty much the event planer for the symposium, which I found out I get to go to! And I'm speaking at the coalition meeting next week about my discoveries on my Expired Food Policy hunt (which was nothing). I'm home and doing homework. And praying that Emily and Allie get to come on Thursday. We just have to find them a ride.
Prayer time! I have an issue with roommates. Maybe it's that I've just given up and don't really want to try. But I find that I get anoyed rather easily. I know I should, but I just don't care. You live your life, and leave me alone, and I'll do the same for you. I feel like such a jerk writing that. But that's how I've felt lately. Other than that, I feel like I've been getting a better grasp on what's going on around me, so pray that that continues and I don't feel as lost again. Pray that Emily and Allie get to come. I know that sounds small, but to be able to share my experience with people would be so wonderful! That's all I can think of.
Until next time,
T
Friday was a good day. We discussed some of Shane Claiborne and what we've been learning. And I got to lead worship. I think it went well. I do know that it was hard for people to sing along becuase I played mostly new songs, but I hate being stuck with an arsonal of like 5 overplayed ones. But I did hear song people singing harmony, which made me VERY happy! All I could do was my best, and I think God used that. Since then, I've had many of my classmates (and even my professor) tell me that I did a great job. So that was great. That night, a bunch of us went to a place called Pairspace or Pehrspace or something. Whatever. It was a small lounge place with live bands. Friday night happened to be Hella Hipster Hoedown night.. Yea. It was BYOB. But they did provide cornbread and cupcakes and apple cider. At first we thought there was weed cornbread because there were two choices: "doctored up" and "just plain good." I avoided those that were doctored up. But we found out they were just made with chilis. Not pot. It was good to be able to hang out with people, even though it wasn't exactly my scene. I'm glad I went. Then Christy spent the night again. We didn't have any adventures while waiting for the bus, because we knew when it would come this time.
Saturday was a great day! The sun was actualy shining for the day! Christy and I headed over to Hollywood for my first time thriftstore shopping! We went to Melrose. I confess, I did buy a dress that wasn't from a thriftstore, but it was super cute! :) And then we went to Crossroads and I bought really nice suede boots for $25, which is a steal! and i got some tights, a sweater, and another dress. Wonderful. Then we went to American Vintage. Cool place. Some of the clothes remind me of my great grandmother. Yessiree. Then we walked for forever and went to Yogurtland, which was delish. And then we went home. I had a great day. And it was even better because we had carne asada for dinner. Nothing tops that!
Sunday, I decided to try out West Angelus church, aka the Dream Center. What a show. A feel-good church. They started at 10 o'clock with "Who's excited to be here today?!" followed by the audience screaming. Really. I'm not making it up. They actually did that. Needless to say, after my assignment (which requires that I go twice) I'll be looking for a new place. I'm really wanting to try First A.M.E. Rod goes there, and he likes it a lot. So maybe I will too. Maybe it will be normal, whatever normal is. It was the worst day to leave my phone at home, though everything worked out in the end. Christy and I found each other at church, and I was able to come home before Krista and Nicholas gave up on seeing me. The three of us wet to lunch and chatted it up for a bit. It was good to see them for a while. We went to the world-famous Tepeyac. I have to admit, I was good, but I was not used to grease! The rest of the day was uneventful as I only started reading for homework. Not much more.
Monday we had our retreat for class. We went to Paul's house for a pancake brunch and were supposed to go hiking at JPL (Jet Propulsion Lab), but we refused because it was pouring. We were soaked simply walking from the metro stop to his house. So instead, we watched Sicko, a movie on public health that we had mentioned in class. So much for getting away from it all. But the movie (by Michael Moore [enough said?]) posed several interesting questions as it looked at the universal health care systems of Canada, the UK, France and Cuba. People were ctually cared for, rather than turned away so insurance companies could save a buck. What happened to the value of human life? There are few drawbacks to universal health care, and many of the believed myths were dispelled. I blame the capitalist system. And I'm moving to France. Ok, I'm not, but still something needs to be done. I'm excited for what Obama's going to do with our health care. I'm hoping he implements universal health care. It's about time we started actually taking care of people. After the movie, we had a short devotion and a 20 minute prayer session, which really rejuvenated me. Then we went bowling! But only one game. That part made me sad, but oh well- APU paid for it! :) After that, we went to some deli across the street with random stuff. I ordered their apparently famous #1, the combination. And it was disgusting. Thanks, Paul, for the recommendation. And the boba thai tea didn't even make it better because that was bitter with bad boba. :( Boo. Then we came home and I got to talk to Gabriel for a while, which made me very happy. I was not remotely interested in watching Gossipgirl after last week's episode. I think I'm done with the show. It was out of line, and I was disappointed. But One Tree Hill was a rerun, just like two weeks ago. Why can't they play two new episodes in a row, dangit! Whatevs. I went to sleep. :)
Today I went back to CHC. I finally figured out what I'm doing there. I'm pretty much the event planer for the symposium, which I found out I get to go to! And I'm speaking at the coalition meeting next week about my discoveries on my Expired Food Policy hunt (which was nothing). I'm home and doing homework. And praying that Emily and Allie get to come on Thursday. We just have to find them a ride.
Prayer time! I have an issue with roommates. Maybe it's that I've just given up and don't really want to try. But I find that I get anoyed rather easily. I know I should, but I just don't care. You live your life, and leave me alone, and I'll do the same for you. I feel like such a jerk writing that. But that's how I've felt lately. Other than that, I feel like I've been getting a better grasp on what's going on around me, so pray that that continues and I don't feel as lost again. Pray that Emily and Allie get to come. I know that sounds small, but to be able to share my experience with people would be so wonderful! That's all I can think of.
Until next time,
T
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tough Couple of Days
So I last wrote on Sunday? It feels like forever since I updated. But maybe that's because so much has happened since then. Well, Monday for class we went to the courthouse and sat in on a criminal court case. the judge was Lance A. Ito! (If you don't know who that is, it's okay, because they had to tell me, too. But it's the same judge who oversaw OJ Simpson's first trial) The trial was for a guy who possibly killed his pregnant girlfriend. It was really a strange experience, nothing like you'd see on any of those TV shows. I felt like the prosecuting attorney was disorganized and didn't take the case very seriously. One of the alternate jurors appeared to be sleeping for part of it. It was very sad though when the defendant's father was on the stand. He couldn't look at his son. But he knew he had to testify against him. The public defender was actually really good, even though he confessed to us later that it was a difficult case. The jurors were dismissed for early lunch and after they left, Judge Ito talked to us a little bit about the system and the development of the public defense system. When he gave us the background of the case we were hearing, he spoke with confidence, saying that the defendant killed her. I always figured judges were supposed to be impartial. Good thing it's the jury's decision. That day I thought back to when I was a little girl and how I had wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up. I decided that I'd make law school a possibility for when I decided to return from my years abroad. I later shared this thought with my friend Miguel, and he said that he didn't think he'd be able to do it. And I thought about it and immediately jumped to the verse that talks about God being the only judge. I decided to hold off on putting it on the possibilities list until after I visited the jail, which was scheduled for Wednesday. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I didn't talk to Miguel until Tuesday. The rest of Monday was a little disheartening. I found out that I wasn't chosen to be an AC. Even though I kinda knew it was coming, I couldn't say I wasn't disappointed. And I didn't feel like I had anyone to talk to about it. And that led me to realize that I was lonely. I felt so completely isolated. Even though I have a roommate, we don't talk. We travel together and do homework together, but I don't know how to let myself trust her completely. And I felt like everyone in the program lived so far away, so visiting had to be planned in advance. And I was really disappointed that even though my friends at APU live 30 minutes away, they had not once come to see me for even an afternoon. I'd even be down for homework parties! I've realized that after last semester, I live off of interacting with people. I know I hang out with people, but I don't feel any lasting connections. I know I need to give it more time, but it's difficult. But it was amazing, I knew somebody must have been praying for me, because that night, I signed on to Facebook and ended up talking with four people. I felt immensely better afterwards.
Tuesday was the first day at my internship. I had expected a little bit of instruction or orientation, but was kinda just thrown into the job. So I called several places, trying to find out whether or not policies existed on the sale of expired food products. All I found was that the Los Angeles County Department of Environmental Health would "recommend to the stores that they replace the expired foods with fresher ones." No consequence for repeat offenders. I also designed a registration card to attach to emails sent out about the upcoming symposium and recorded my experiences on the phone with the Health and Food organizations. Looking back, I feel as though I didn't do much. Mia told me she'd have more for me Thursday. After I got off at 4:30, I decided to cross the street to go to the Galleria. I needed to buy more dress pants and shoes, because that's the required dress for work. I left Sears (I still am amazed that I shopped at Sears!) at around 5 and didn't arrive home until after 6:45! Public transit takes a while sometimes. But I did get to talk to my dear sweet Emily while I was on the bus. :) I'm so excited that they are coming next week! And even more excited that they are going to experience class with me!
Today we went to the County Jail. In our readings, one of the authors had called prisons and jails the embodiment of the spirit of death and despair. I felt that as soon as we passed through the first set of bars. I was uncomfortable. Extremely uncomfortable. In the first room, one of the inmates started singing to get attention from some of us girls and began humping the bars in front of him. I was very offended. Cat calls are one thing. But this? Too much. And because this occurred in the first room, I felt objectified every time I saw one of the inmates looking at me. I know this was not the case for every single one of them and that by thinking this, I'm only encouraging the system of separation. I saw this demonstrated very clearly when we made our way into the homosexual ward. There were four rooms devoted to homosexual men because if homo and hetero were intermixed, heterosexuals would beat up on those who were gay. But the two deputies giving us the tour took us to the room in which they monitor behavior, talking in ways which made us feel as though we were in a zoo, peering through windows at animals. Awful. One thing I found interesting were the red signs stating that it is a felony to engage in any sexual activity in jail. I knew this, but what bothered me was the box underneath the sign where the inmates were to place their used condoms. They stopped enforcing it because they knew it would happen anyways. And they give the inmates protection! I guess AIDS spreads through those rooms pretty quickly. We were then taken to the roof recreational area. A basketball court and a bunch of cages for the most dangerous. The inmates get 3 hours a week of recreation time, and if they take it, they get all 3 hours at once. High security inmates get a small cage for the entire time with only some weights. Cages. That what the deputies called them. They also said that most of the violence in the jail happens up on the roof, so many decline to use their 3 hours. Lastly, we got to see the visiting area. Inmates get one hour a week. And that hour is broken up into four 15 minute sessions. It's so short that many choose not to wait in line for hours, and thus do not get any visiting time. It's really sad. I did not want to be a lawyer anymore. But then we learned that most of the men there were not sentenced. They were awaiting trial. But sometimes this took years. So innocent people (probably few) rotted in jail with criminals while waiting for their names to be cleared. This is not okay. So I decided that instead of spending so much money on the jails, there need to be more courthouses, judges and lawyers to ensure speedy trial. Law school is back on the table. But it's just an option. I have years to decide what I'd like to do with my life. Years to decide how I'm going to use it to further the Kingdom cause. After class, Lydia and I had our first hangout time with Louis, the man at the Civic Center Metro stop who gives us candy. He's a really cool guy. It turns out that he wants to learn English because if he does, he can be promoted at work from busboy to waiter. He kept telling us that we have beautiful souls and was astonished when he learned that Lydia and I both speak Spanish. However, this teaching thing is going to be difficult because Lydia and I have different ideas of how to go about teaching him. Because he isn't in school, I think the best way is simply through practice. In other words, we form a friendship with him and just talk about life. Conversation. Who cares about perfect grammar right now! I wish I had had more conversational Spanish to help me learn. (And you can't really teach proper grammar if you don't know both languages very well. The student will end up confused.) And I got to talk to Kelsey today. It was beautiful. I really know people are praying, because suddenly I had all this contact with people who care about me and for whom I care deeply. So thank you.
It would be lovely if you continued to pray for that for me (the loneliness). And tomorrow I go back for my internship. Pray that I will learn and understand and that I won't be too overwhelmed with simply being thrown in. And pray for the worship and devotion that I'm leading Friday. I'd really like it to be coated in prayer before I go in so that it really is a time all about God and not the Tracy show. I want it to be a time in which each of the other students can connect with each other and God.
Yes Yes.
God is good. Even in darkness, if we look for it, we will find Light.
TJ
Tuesday was the first day at my internship. I had expected a little bit of instruction or orientation, but was kinda just thrown into the job. So I called several places, trying to find out whether or not policies existed on the sale of expired food products. All I found was that the Los Angeles County Department of Environmental Health would "recommend to the stores that they replace the expired foods with fresher ones." No consequence for repeat offenders. I also designed a registration card to attach to emails sent out about the upcoming symposium and recorded my experiences on the phone with the Health and Food organizations. Looking back, I feel as though I didn't do much. Mia told me she'd have more for me Thursday. After I got off at 4:30, I decided to cross the street to go to the Galleria. I needed to buy more dress pants and shoes, because that's the required dress for work. I left Sears (I still am amazed that I shopped at Sears!) at around 5 and didn't arrive home until after 6:45! Public transit takes a while sometimes. But I did get to talk to my dear sweet Emily while I was on the bus. :) I'm so excited that they are coming next week! And even more excited that they are going to experience class with me!
Today we went to the County Jail. In our readings, one of the authors had called prisons and jails the embodiment of the spirit of death and despair. I felt that as soon as we passed through the first set of bars. I was uncomfortable. Extremely uncomfortable. In the first room, one of the inmates started singing to get attention from some of us girls and began humping the bars in front of him. I was very offended. Cat calls are one thing. But this? Too much. And because this occurred in the first room, I felt objectified every time I saw one of the inmates looking at me. I know this was not the case for every single one of them and that by thinking this, I'm only encouraging the system of separation. I saw this demonstrated very clearly when we made our way into the homosexual ward. There were four rooms devoted to homosexual men because if homo and hetero were intermixed, heterosexuals would beat up on those who were gay. But the two deputies giving us the tour took us to the room in which they monitor behavior, talking in ways which made us feel as though we were in a zoo, peering through windows at animals. Awful. One thing I found interesting were the red signs stating that it is a felony to engage in any sexual activity in jail. I knew this, but what bothered me was the box underneath the sign where the inmates were to place their used condoms. They stopped enforcing it because they knew it would happen anyways. And they give the inmates protection! I guess AIDS spreads through those rooms pretty quickly. We were then taken to the roof recreational area. A basketball court and a bunch of cages for the most dangerous. The inmates get 3 hours a week of recreation time, and if they take it, they get all 3 hours at once. High security inmates get a small cage for the entire time with only some weights. Cages. That what the deputies called them. They also said that most of the violence in the jail happens up on the roof, so many decline to use their 3 hours. Lastly, we got to see the visiting area. Inmates get one hour a week. And that hour is broken up into four 15 minute sessions. It's so short that many choose not to wait in line for hours, and thus do not get any visiting time. It's really sad. I did not want to be a lawyer anymore. But then we learned that most of the men there were not sentenced. They were awaiting trial. But sometimes this took years. So innocent people (probably few) rotted in jail with criminals while waiting for their names to be cleared. This is not okay. So I decided that instead of spending so much money on the jails, there need to be more courthouses, judges and lawyers to ensure speedy trial. Law school is back on the table. But it's just an option. I have years to decide what I'd like to do with my life. Years to decide how I'm going to use it to further the Kingdom cause. After class, Lydia and I had our first hangout time with Louis, the man at the Civic Center Metro stop who gives us candy. He's a really cool guy. It turns out that he wants to learn English because if he does, he can be promoted at work from busboy to waiter. He kept telling us that we have beautiful souls and was astonished when he learned that Lydia and I both speak Spanish. However, this teaching thing is going to be difficult because Lydia and I have different ideas of how to go about teaching him. Because he isn't in school, I think the best way is simply through practice. In other words, we form a friendship with him and just talk about life. Conversation. Who cares about perfect grammar right now! I wish I had had more conversational Spanish to help me learn. (And you can't really teach proper grammar if you don't know both languages very well. The student will end up confused.) And I got to talk to Kelsey today. It was beautiful. I really know people are praying, because suddenly I had all this contact with people who care about me and for whom I care deeply. So thank you.
It would be lovely if you continued to pray for that for me (the loneliness). And tomorrow I go back for my internship. Pray that I will learn and understand and that I won't be too overwhelmed with simply being thrown in. And pray for the worship and devotion that I'm leading Friday. I'd really like it to be coated in prayer before I go in so that it really is a time all about God and not the Tracy show. I want it to be a time in which each of the other students can connect with each other and God.
Yes Yes.
God is good. Even in darkness, if we look for it, we will find Light.
TJ
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Gonghey Fat Choy!
Or at least that's how I think you spell it. It means Happy New Year in Chinese! That's what I did yesterday. But before we get to that, I'll recap everyting since I last wrote. Thursday evening, I pretty much decided for sure that I'm going to intern at CHC, and I'm really excited about it. I start Tuesday, and I get my own cubicle! :) At class on Friday, we went to th emost positive and optimistic site visit of the semester, which is both good and sad. But our visit was to a part of South LA where Sarah lives. We met with a man named Richard, who happened to be the roommate of the author of one of the books we read, so we heard the stories and saw the places in real life. But Richard talked about he and some friends moved into the neighborhood because the passage about loving your neighbors really struck him. He didn't even know his neighbors when he went to USC. God made very clear to them what they were to do and provided that path. Richard told us the story of how there was this liquor store that caused so much trouble at the end of the street, bringing in prosititutes, drunks, drug dealers, and drive-by shootings. This allowed them to rally the neighborhood together to try to shut the place down. It took them three years, but it finally happened, and it brought so much peace to the neighborhood. We also heard stories of how God used them to bring alienated neighbors together in such a way that it could only have been God designed. He talked about the change that they all experienced as a result of their being open to God's direction. One story involves members of the Blood gang. The street they lived on was the dividing line between the Bloods and the Crypts, and so some Bloods were walking down their street, tagging every tree and some doors. Richard had been talking to some of his friends and they were giving these gang members the "mad dog stare." The gangsters approached them and were like "Do you have a problem?" and Richard's friend responded with "Do YOU have a problem?" No so much the right thing to say to an angry Blood. The gangster then asked where Richard lived, and Richard stuck out his hand and told him exactly where. The Blood member was hesitant, but finally shook his hand and said he lived with his momma down the street. The mood of the conversation changed after that, even though there was still some yelling. Later, they tried to get these guys some jobs and developed relationships with them. I guess one day Richard was going to the market and accidentally stepped into the street while the neighborhood Bloods were having a meeting. He decided to keep walking, and pretend like nothing was wrong, though he was terrified. Then he heard someone yell, "Hey Richard!!" and he looked up to see one of those men that he had gotten to know. "Hey B.K.!" All of us students laughed when we pictured the scene. But it was really cool to hear just how vividly God was working there and using Richard and his friends and family.
Friday night, Lydia wasn't feeling well, so she stayed home while Christy, Alicia, Jesse and I went to Universal City walk. We got a little bit dressed up and wandered the brightly lit area. It must have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep that up, but it was beautiful! We watched a girl paint incredible pictures with only spray paint. That was great. Then we had appetizers and dessert at Hard Rock Cafe. It was fun getting to spend some time with them and get to know them better. Christy and I planned to be home by midnight, but we arrived at the bus stop from the Metro at 11:40 or so. I knew then that we'd have to wait for a while to catch the right bus, but I didn't realize that we'd be waiting for forty minutes! Luckily, it was well lit and not in a sketch part of town. While seated on the planter, we heard rats scurrying beneath us, and the man next to us, with red eyes, asked if we smoked bud. We said no. Then he asked if we smoked hash. Still no, buddy. Finally, the bus came and we arrived at home. We went to bed at 1 AM.
Saturday morning, I awoke to the sound of Lydia throwing up into the trash can so conveniently placed by her bed. I was really glad that I don't have a queasy stomach, what with the sound of her wretching and the spew of the vomit into the can. And the smell. Luckily, she made it mostly into the trash can and that was removed. She felt better after that and we both went back to bed. Then I woke up and we caught Christy up on some Arrested Development and then Christy and I took off to China town to celebrate the year of the Ox! (Which year is that anyways?) We got boba and spongey cake and were showered with confetti. It was the best street party I ever witnessed. It made me really happy. :)My favorite was the huge dragon at the beginning of the parade. After that I was pretty much fulfilled. But we also watched samuri men and little kids dressed in traditional garb and the women in their outfits. Beautiful. All of it. Then Brianna joined us and we ate pho. So good. And before we left the restaurant, we also accumulated a Jesse and an Alicia. We then wandered across the street to the plaza and watched balancing acts and ninjas breaking sticks on their legs.. and between their legs.. Then I came home and attempted to start the reading for class, but got really tired. So I went to sleep. At 8:00 PM. I had nothing else to do, though I could have gone on the GYRAD with people from APU because they were in Los Angeles. However, at the time of invitation, I had no details. Needless to say, I was a little bummed, but took the opportunity to catch up on my sleep!
I awoke this morning at about 8:00 AM, 12 hours after I went to sleep. I'm pretty sure I'd never slept a full twelve hours in my life! Lydia and I opted not to go to church today, she is still recovering and I didn't want to go by myself. Lame? Yes. But I am excited about having my own quiet time and playing my guitar for my own worship. Oh! And Sarah asked if I'd lead our class worship on Friday. I'm super excited to do so, I just need to be in prayer about it.
Thank you for your prayers. I feel them. God is teaching me and challenging me, and I cannot wait to continue in my growth. Pray that I'm able to process these things more quickly and that they become more real to me. Pray for my class and the worship I'm going to be leading, that God will use that time for us all to meditate on Him. And I start my internship on Tuesday, so pray that God bless my time with this organization and that our labor proves to be fruitful. Pray for South LA. I learned a lot about the area this last week, and I have developed a heart to serve that community, which I'll be able to do while I'm with CHC. Pray for my relationship with you, that it will not fade and that when I come back, we can still connect, because sometimes I'm afraid that I'll be so different and no one will recognize that, making it difficult for me to retain this character I'm developing.
Grace and Peace to you,
Tracy
Friday night, Lydia wasn't feeling well, so she stayed home while Christy, Alicia, Jesse and I went to Universal City walk. We got a little bit dressed up and wandered the brightly lit area. It must have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep that up, but it was beautiful! We watched a girl paint incredible pictures with only spray paint. That was great. Then we had appetizers and dessert at Hard Rock Cafe. It was fun getting to spend some time with them and get to know them better. Christy and I planned to be home by midnight, but we arrived at the bus stop from the Metro at 11:40 or so. I knew then that we'd have to wait for a while to catch the right bus, but I didn't realize that we'd be waiting for forty minutes! Luckily, it was well lit and not in a sketch part of town. While seated on the planter, we heard rats scurrying beneath us, and the man next to us, with red eyes, asked if we smoked bud. We said no. Then he asked if we smoked hash. Still no, buddy. Finally, the bus came and we arrived at home. We went to bed at 1 AM.
Saturday morning, I awoke to the sound of Lydia throwing up into the trash can so conveniently placed by her bed. I was really glad that I don't have a queasy stomach, what with the sound of her wretching and the spew of the vomit into the can. And the smell. Luckily, she made it mostly into the trash can and that was removed. She felt better after that and we both went back to bed. Then I woke up and we caught Christy up on some Arrested Development and then Christy and I took off to China town to celebrate the year of the Ox! (Which year is that anyways?) We got boba and spongey cake and were showered with confetti. It was the best street party I ever witnessed. It made me really happy. :)My favorite was the huge dragon at the beginning of the parade. After that I was pretty much fulfilled. But we also watched samuri men and little kids dressed in traditional garb and the women in their outfits. Beautiful. All of it. Then Brianna joined us and we ate pho. So good. And before we left the restaurant, we also accumulated a Jesse and an Alicia. We then wandered across the street to the plaza and watched balancing acts and ninjas breaking sticks on their legs.. and between their legs.. Then I came home and attempted to start the reading for class, but got really tired. So I went to sleep. At 8:00 PM. I had nothing else to do, though I could have gone on the GYRAD with people from APU because they were in Los Angeles. However, at the time of invitation, I had no details. Needless to say, I was a little bummed, but took the opportunity to catch up on my sleep!
I awoke this morning at about 8:00 AM, 12 hours after I went to sleep. I'm pretty sure I'd never slept a full twelve hours in my life! Lydia and I opted not to go to church today, she is still recovering and I didn't want to go by myself. Lame? Yes. But I am excited about having my own quiet time and playing my guitar for my own worship. Oh! And Sarah asked if I'd lead our class worship on Friday. I'm super excited to do so, I just need to be in prayer about it.
Thank you for your prayers. I feel them. God is teaching me and challenging me, and I cannot wait to continue in my growth. Pray that I'm able to process these things more quickly and that they become more real to me. Pray for my class and the worship I'm going to be leading, that God will use that time for us all to meditate on Him. And I start my internship on Tuesday, so pray that God bless my time with this organization and that our labor proves to be fruitful. Pray for South LA. I learned a lot about the area this last week, and I have developed a heart to serve that community, which I'll be able to do while I'm with CHC. Pray for my relationship with you, that it will not fade and that when I come back, we can still connect, because sometimes I'm afraid that I'll be so different and no one will recognize that, making it difficult for me to retain this character I'm developing.
Grace and Peace to you,
Tracy
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