Thursday, April 10, 2008
Donuts, Dentures, and Life
The last two days in San Francisco have been really fun with my teammates. The first day we ate at Barnie's --- amazing hamburgers! I had the Parisian hamburger. Then we were off to find our hotel and to get the lay of the land and the essence of why people love San Fran.
Matt and Krista used to live around the area so they were great guides. We walked around North Beach (Italian sector) and China town. Saw some protesters afar off dealing with Tibet and the Olympic Torch and human rights. We hiked up one of many steep hills to Coit Tower which has a great view of Alcatraz and the city. Went to the wharf and then ended our day with an Italian meal.
The next day we met with the San Francisco team to hear about the history of the city, missions in the city, challenges and opportunities to share Christ there. Then we were off to San Francisco State University. We prayer walked. I heard a Palestinian speaker on the quad speaking against Israel and the Hillel group set up nearby to talk to people about Israel and being Jewish all while walking around campus and learning about the campus.
Then we met in the student union to talk through some partnership items for the city and our region. It was hard to stay focused.
We were sitting in the student center.... I was listening to Mikalatos talk and this man walked behind him and sat at the table behind Matt. Was was bizarre is that as he was walking he took his dentures out, stuck them in his pocket, and then happily sat down to eat his newly bought donut.... instead of chewing away, he was gumming at it very pleased indeed. Quite fascinating and gross at the same time. It was amazing that I could keep my focus!
We topped the day off with some Thai food family style.
Today, we have a few loose ends to tie up and then I'll stay an extra day in which I get to see 3 good friends and then I'll head down to a friend's wedding in Pasadena.
Matt and Krista used to live around the area so they were great guides. We walked around North Beach (Italian sector) and China town. Saw some protesters afar off dealing with Tibet and the Olympic Torch and human rights. We hiked up one of many steep hills to Coit Tower which has a great view of Alcatraz and the city. Went to the wharf and then ended our day with an Italian meal.
The next day we met with the San Francisco team to hear about the history of the city, missions in the city, challenges and opportunities to share Christ there. Then we were off to San Francisco State University. We prayer walked. I heard a Palestinian speaker on the quad speaking against Israel and the Hillel group set up nearby to talk to people about Israel and being Jewish all while walking around campus and learning about the campus.
Then we met in the student union to talk through some partnership items for the city and our region. It was hard to stay focused.
We were sitting in the student center.... I was listening to Mikalatos talk and this man walked behind him and sat at the table behind Matt. Was was bizarre is that as he was walking he took his dentures out, stuck them in his pocket, and then happily sat down to eat his newly bought donut.... instead of chewing away, he was gumming at it very pleased indeed. Quite fascinating and gross at the same time. It was amazing that I could keep my focus!
We topped the day off with some Thai food family style.
Today, we have a few loose ends to tie up and then I'll stay an extra day in which I get to see 3 good friends and then I'll head down to a friend's wedding in Pasadena.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Going to San Fran
Tomorrow marks another adventure to another city. This time San Francisco is the destination. 4 of my teammates and I will meet up with the staff in the city as well as some other folks to learn more about the city, campuses, students, and how our staff/students can best serve the San Francisco area.
Some of my teammates grew up or have lived in the area and are excited to show us around the city as well as some good food. San Francisco is known for their food so I'm going anticipating good eating.
Along the way, I'll get to see a friend that I met while living in Champaign and possibly some friends that live in the Oakland area. As always it will be a new experience.
Some of my teammates grew up or have lived in the area and are excited to show us around the city as well as some good food. San Francisco is known for their food so I'm going anticipating good eating.
Along the way, I'll get to see a friend that I met while living in Champaign and possibly some friends that live in the Oakland area. As always it will be a new experience.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Long day traveling
Yesterday, I began my travel day at 6:30AM. I got on the plane and I must of been pretty tired for I fell asleep almost as soon as I sat down.
Midway through the flight, I woke up just in time for the snack and beverage. I introduced myself to the woman sitting next to me and it is one of the few times, I wish I would have stayed asleep. She talked and talked and talked and really didn't ask me any questions. I found myself becoming very tired indeed.
Then I took a pleasant train ride and bus ride home, but I must of been really tired 'cause I tripped and fell pretty hard on the pavement resulting in a skinned knee, some torn jeans, and a bruised ego. Oh, well.... not one of my favorite endings to a trip but I did laugh later.
Midway through the flight, I woke up just in time for the snack and beverage. I introduced myself to the woman sitting next to me and it is one of the few times, I wish I would have stayed asleep. She talked and talked and talked and really didn't ask me any questions. I found myself becoming very tired indeed.
Then I took a pleasant train ride and bus ride home, but I must of been really tired 'cause I tripped and fell pretty hard on the pavement resulting in a skinned knee, some torn jeans, and a bruised ego. Oh, well.... not one of my favorite endings to a trip but I did laugh later.
Time Exploring Denver
After the Nations Summit, I had time to visit Doug and we had some great experiences together. Saw a Star Trek movie for the first time, went to see My Fair Lady, explored two neighborhoods in Denver -- Highlands and Washington Park. We had great food and conversation. Denver is very different than Portland. It is dry and can be chilly and then warm up very fast. Never quite sure what to wear all year long. The landscape is more vast and brown. The houses are made of brick more than wood 'cause there really aren't a ton of trees. I learned a lot about the city as we spent time together.
Native Culture
Kremmling, CO was the destination for our Nations Summit. It was a beautiful view with the mountains. We started our time by honoring the tribes represented which were 5. All different stories with common themes. Truly fascinating to hear all the various belief systems as well as how these 5 men and women became followers of Christ and now they are navigating what it means to be a Native American to their own tribes as well as follow Christ. Many challenges as well as joys. It was a great opportunity to be there to listen, learn, and soak up all that God is doing in their lives and communities.
Donnie, who is from the Navajo tribe, said that Natives have had Christ shared with them over the years; however, many have not demonstrated Christ. Very sobering thought as we trust the Lord for what that can look like for our ministry to not only share Christ but demonstrate His love, forgiveness, power, justice.
Renae who is Zuni brought with her Zuni bread and tamales that her grandmother made for us. It was amazing food. Also, Casaje taught us how to make fry bread from the Crow tradition. We had a feast.
The Lord provided many conversations and fun while I was there.
Donnie, who is from the Navajo tribe, said that Natives have had Christ shared with them over the years; however, many have not demonstrated Christ. Very sobering thought as we trust the Lord for what that can look like for our ministry to not only share Christ but demonstrate His love, forgiveness, power, justice.
Renae who is Zuni brought with her Zuni bread and tamales that her grandmother made for us. It was amazing food. Also, Casaje taught us how to make fry bread from the Crow tradition. We had a feast.
The Lord provided many conversations and fun while I was there.
