Lent

Lent has never been something I specifically practiced. Not because I don’t believe in the practice of abstaining from something to focus on Christ, but because I honestly haven’t ever felt the need. This year I’ve been learning and trying to live life simply. What that means entirely, I’m still figuring that out. But, I do know that it is important for me, personally, to live intentionally in such a way that is beneficial to me in my growth in Christ, and for others and my community. Sometimes it is just the small steps that matters and the desire to live differently. I’ve been attempting, although not always accomplishing, to limit what I buy. When I do need to buy items such as clothing and shoes, I try to do clothing swaps, sales, or visit consignment stores. Also, I have been constantly going through all my belongings and giving what I don’t need to others. This is a constant growth and battle.

I have always had a heart for those who struggle, especially innocent children. In a class I am currently taking we have been discussing poverty and malnutrition on a consistent basis. Some of the conversations and images I have seen are haunting. I hope someday I will be in a place, whether financially or by location, where I can put my compassion to use. For now, though, there are a few things I can do here, and now that can help. This is where living simply comes. My hope is that I am able to live in such a way where my money, gifts, and actions can benefit others. This is a challenge for me as this unfortunately doesn’t come easily.

As of late I’ve enjoyed getting to know some amazing people from several different communities. Living in Seattle and being in my 20’s the norm is to frequent happy hours… and we’ve been doing this a lot. There is nothing wrong with this at all. It is fun, and I’ve been able to invest in others quite a bit through this avenue. But, when I sit down and see how much, approximately, I spend on alcohol per week, I am astounded. My specific goal for Lent, besides living simply overall, is to give up buying alcohol. I want to set aside that money I have been spending going out and give that to someone who needs it much more than I do. I haven’t quite yet figured out where the money will go. I want it to be personal and not just a website that I donate through. I do hope to specifically send money to hungry children in Southern Sudan, but I’m not quite sure as of yet how to go about it. I guess I am now prayerfully considering where and what this will be.

This is my new adventure, and I invite all of you to join.

Here are a few websites that I have found inspiring and places I feel are trustworthy to donate through.

http://www.water.cc/

http://www.spillinghope.org/

http://thewaterproject.org/

http://www.worldconcern.org/

http://www.worldvision.org

Biking and Friends!

The past few days have been incredibly beautiful. Today a few housemates and I rode our bikes for a bit. It was great. The entire time I was thinking about how blessed I am by my friends. They are encouraging, challenging, amazing listeners, and just beautifully beloved women of God!

This previous weekend a close friend of mind celebrated her 28th birthday. I had so much fun planning her surprise party and just getting a bunch of our friends together to love on her.

I am blessed beyond what I ever thought possible by where I am and who has been placed around me. I can complain and grieve through my constant transitions, but there is a constant hope, and there is light shown to me through those I am blessed to call my friends.

Here are a plethora of pictures of these past few days... just had to share :)

This Winter I have been taking a psychology class on human development. Basically we are just studying early childhood development in a multicultural setting. It's a very interesting class and so fitting for me at the moment. I really enjoy learning something and then putting it to practical use right away. For instance, we are currently focusing on language and positive, secure attachment for infants. I am especially excited about this as it is currently what I am working on with the 5 month old I am taking care of.

One issue that is constantly prevalent within our entire class is poverty. We all know that poverty is a huge issue and to advocate for solving this world-wide is a constant battle. But, it's been through this class where I've really been dumb-founded as to how crucial this issue is to children's development.

In one class a few weeks ago we ended up viewing and discussing a world famous photo. I had never seen or heard this story before this class and it was quite heartbreaking.

Kevin Carter was a famous photographer who started in sports photography and ended focusing on South African political strife. Needing a break from South Africa he went to Southern Sudan to photograph the civil war and famine he thought was overlooked. The photo shown below is of a starving sudanese toddler who was on her way to a feeding centre. The vulture is waiting for her to die.

Carter was known for his strict believf in photography to be an observer and not involved. My first thought when seeing this photo was why in the world didn't that guy pick that baby up and race her to the hospital... at that point who cares what your journalistic beliefs are. Yes, she is one of many, many children that are dying of starvation, but why not help one? Obviously Carter was deeply affected by what he saw in Sudan and South Africa; he quite possibly suffered from severe guilt from not being able to fix what he saw. He committed suicide shortly after taking the photo and receiving a Pulitzer Prize. It was mentioned in an article that the fate of the little girl is unknown, but Kevin Carter did chase the vulture away and the little girl continued her trek. If she did survive her prognosis isn't good. Suffering such extreme starvation at an early age will strongly affect her development.

When seeing this haunting photo I had many thoughts run through my head. Most of it centered around my choice for pursing a degree in education. What purpose will that fulfill in the long fun if so many people in the states and overseas are dying of poverty, or issues caused by poverty/malnutrition? I/we could be doing so much more... right? Why aren't we, and what does that look like? Am I selfish for spending money on getting a degree when I can be using that money to feed a few starving children?

After seeing a picture such as this, how can I not be moved... moved to action.

What are we doing?