I'm an ordinary radical?

I’ve decided I want my next post to be a book review. I’ve been reading The Irresistible Revolution: living as an ordinary radical by Shane Claiborne and I can’t put it down. I’ll start by giving you some quotations from the books so you can get a feeling for it. These are also quotations that really spoke to me.

Over and over, when I ask God why all of these injustices are allowed to exist in the world. I can feel the Spirit whisper to me, “You tell me why we allow this to happen. You are my body, my hands, my feet.” (65)
This just makes me want to cry. How many times do we almost boast as Christians about being the hands and feet of Jesus one minute and the next we’re struggling, blaming God and asking him why he allows horrible things to happen in our world? Why doesn’t he just snap his fingers and make everything better. It’s because I’m that finger. And it’s my job to snap, to jump to action and do God’s will and work in this broken world.

As my teacher, Tony Campolo used to ask, “Even if there were no heaven and there were no hell, would you still follow Jesus? Would you follow him for the life, joy, and fulfillment he gives you right now?” (117)
As I was reading this book I kept thinking that this is the Christianity I’ve been searching for my whole life. I wonder how much stronger and secure in my progressive thoughts I would be if I was introduced to this Christianity my whole life. I used to ask people this question when I was younger. Most people in my church didn’t understand. I claimed that I didn’t care if the whole Jesus thing was a host, the joy and fulfillment that knowing Christ brings to my life is worth the possibility that I may be a fool.

So it’s important to understand that redistribution comes from community, not before community. Redistribution is not a prescription for community. Redistribution is a description of what happens when people fall in love with each other across class lines. (163)
Classism is an ism in our world with which I have the most trouble grappling. It’s so hard for me to not judge people (especially Christians) who are so fiscally conservative. Who think they’re entitled to their money. Now of course this is true to a certain degree, but if you claim to believe in Christ and try to follow in his footsteps then how can you sleep at night with all your money knowing there are people who die of starvation everyday. I know that’s a harsh statement and I know it’s a complicated issue. But I strongly believe that when people see other people as their brothers and sisters in Christ and get to know those people, they will not be able to resist the intense desire to make sure their basic needs are met.

… in the Lord’s Prayer … we are taught to pray for our daily bread. (To pray for “my” daily bread is a desecration; we are to pray for “our” daily bread, for all of us.) Over and over, we hear the promise that if we take only what we need, there will be enough. (170)
I think about all the food that is wasted in our society; from restaurants and family homes alike. Live simply so that others may simply live.

There are so many signs of hope, dear friends, and not just within the Christian underground. The crazy thing is that we are beginning to make sense; ordinary radicals are all around us. So we mustn’t allow ourselves to detach from the church in a self-righteous cynicism. That’s too easy and too empty. To those communities that have severed themselves from the established church, please build a bridge, for the church needs your prophetic voice. We can do more together than we can do alone. (354)
This pretty much sums up the reason I’m so passionate about going to seminary and becoming a minister. It’s silly, but I know I won’t be taken seriously by a lot of Christians unless I’ve been to seminary. I also want to be a part of the church and help to revitalize it and break the stereotypes and stigmas (ha) that surround Christianity. It won’t help to detach myself from the church and strike out on my own. I need to embrace the community that gives so much to help it discover a way to mend its brokenness.

Welcome to the irresistible revolution, a new and ancient way of life that is so attractive, who would settle for anything else? Welcome to the revolution of little people, guerrilla peacemakers, and dancing prophets, the revolution that loves and laughs. The revolution begins inside each of us, and through little acts of love, it will take over the world. Let us begin to be Christians again. Jesus, give us the course. (356)
What could be better than that?

City Year. Give a year. Change the world.

So it’s been a good while since my last post. I’ve been traveling all over! It’s been so wonderful. First I flew to Toronto to see my dad and Heather. That was an amazing trip and I wish so so much that it could have lasted much longer. Then I flew to Philadelphia for the Diplomas Now training. That felt so productive for the most part. We worked out a lot of details about how we’re going to implement this partnership at McAuliffe. After Philly it was off to Boston. For the first few days it was just Mary Elyse, Ethan and me. I got to see a lot of Boston. I did some site seeing on my own. Then the rest of the senior corps team from San Antonio came on Saturday night and we went to Charlie Rose’s (the Dean & VP of City Year) restaurant called Bella Luna. That was a great time. The rest of the week was filled with the inspirational training of Academy and getting to know all the other wonderful team leaders from all around the country. We worked hard and played hard. I never felt tired… not once the whole week. There was just too much energy and idealism swimming all around me and in my head. I don’t know how much I’ve stressed in this blog just how much City Year and all the people who work in this amazing organization inspire me and fuel my fire. I’m part of a national movement; a movement of service aimed specifically at eliminating the education gap and empowering the next generation to not just graduate from high school, but change the world. It seems so basic. But I think it’s just the answer I’ve been searching for. It’s just the place for me to start my travels and adventures in the non-profit world that I feel certain will be my life. Education. Not only as a means to a job or university, but maybe more importantly a means of feeling connected to your community and your world, a way to learn about different cultures and ways of thinking, and to learn that you’re not an island; to be inspired to see your potential come to full fruition.

City Year. Give a year. Change the world.

Head over heels?

I’ve been walking my dogs around Lexie’s neighborhood in Decatur and every time my senses are flooded once again by the smells of Georgia. The smoky smell of a barbeque from someone’s backyard hit me right in the face like childhood. The other morning the scent of rain was thick as fog in my nose and unlike San Antonio; I knew it meant I would be able to enjoy a nice afternoon thunder shower. I’ve decided on these nice walks that if I were to move back to Georgia I would live in Decatur. It’s a few miles away from downtown Atlanta, Little 5 Points, Freedom Park, and Hwy 78 connects Decatur to Athens so it’s a straight shot. All of these places come with amazing restaurants, shops, food markets, parks, and other recreation. I’ve also discovered that there are 4 Indian Restaurants and a couple Indian Markets less than a mile from my sister’s house as well. Decatur itself has an amazing culture. The Dekalb International Farmers Market is in Decatur, I mean, what more do I need? Katy Roe and I went there today and after I found out they take food stamps it definitely became one of my favorite places in the world. I bought some amazing fresh juice for my second juice fast experience which I will be starting tomorrow with Leigh. Here are some of the Little 5 Points wonders I’m talking about.

This is the spice wall in Sevanandah, a community owned natural food market. They have an amazing selection of bulk foods, coffee, fresh produce, plus a board that tells you what’s local this week. And I can’t forget the wide array of incense and aromatic candles.

This is amazing, fun, crazy store called The Junkman’s Daughter. They have a sister store in Athens called the Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother. They have zany clothes, costumes, jewelry, gifts, posters, home accessories and a lot more.

We ate at the Vortex. It’s known for its burgers (any of which you can substitute a veggie, turkey or bison burger for the regular beef patty). It has so much flavor and spunk. It reminds me a lot of the Blind Pig Tavern in Athens, they have the same sassy attitude. Those are just a few reasons why I love Decatur. It’s a part of Atlanta I’ve always been attracted to but never got the chance to get to know it like I am now. I may be falling in love.

Puppy Post!

I’ve been in Athens since Thursday. Leigh, Lexie and I went to Pain and Wonder for a consultation about the tattoos we’re getting. I’m pretty darn excited about getting another tattoo. We’re actually leaving in about 10 minutes to go to Athens and have them done!!

Here is Ashley’s new puppy, Dylan, looking adorable! This is at the Terrapin Brewery. We went there Thursday night and took some of the dogs. You buy a glass for the taste testing and then you hang out in a great field where the dogs get to run around. Oh, and there is always a band playing. Koda and Falkor are definitely enjoying hanging out with the old pack. Here is proof how much Koda has taken a liking to Dylan. They were so adorable sharing the bed.

I also got to see one of Koda’s puppies, Clover! She’s the one who looks the most like Koda, check it out!! She looks exactly like her momma bear.

So after lots of awesome puppy time, Brooke, Ashley and I went out Saturday night to check out AthFest. I noticed there is a distinct feeling when being out in downtown Athens and I love it. So nostalgic. I got to see Katy Roe and hear about her amazing trip to the Pacific Northwest. I’m definitely jealous. We ended the night perfectly with some sushi and Girl Scout Cookie Martinis.

Hot 'Lana

Just observe the beautiful Gelato. Leigh and I had a great day together that started at Whole Foods with some delicious Sushi (observe below), Kombucha and Gelato. It was so delicious! It’s kinda our tradition to go buy Sushi and usually a pint Ben & Jerry’s (this time Gelato) and eat out in the beautiful Georgia weather.

This Sushi was amazing! A California Roll with Soba noodles instead of rice. I highly recommend you try it.

Salmon Avocado Roll. A good one for sure. And of course you can see my Superfruit Kombucha in the background. If you haven’t tried Kombucha, it’s definitely an experience.

Here is evidence of the wonderful Georgia weather that graced our presence. This bright umbrella was surrounding us in yellow warmth during our lunch.

After lunch we went to 1,000 Villages, which you know is my favorite store. I just had to share these beautiful chopsticks. Leigh and I went back to Lexie’s and watched He’s Just Not That Into You. Then we went to Freedom Park. It’s right near Lexie’s house and there is a beautiful view of the Atlanta skyline from the park. Koda and Falkor went crazy over some squirrels. Then Leigh and I went up to Olive Garden to visit with Lexie and Philip. All and all a wonderful day! Tomorrow we’re going to go to the Vortex and then head up to ATHENS!!!! Yay vacation.

Aroma of home

The smell of Georgia. I wouldn’t have believed it either. But on Saturday I drove back into Georgia after being gone for 6 months (the longest I’ve ever been away) and the smell hit me. I speculated that it must be all the pine, the fresh scent of rain or the fireflies. I think the changing seasons much have something to do with the smell. Summer is warm enough or fireflies, but spring and fall are not. Spring is perfect for pine pollination and so yellow snow coats everything. And let’s not forget the rain. Oh Lordy Lordy, have I missed the rain. I was welcomed home with the low rumble of thunder and the misty smell of fresh summer rain in the air.

I have a list of activities and places to fill my time while I’m back in Georgia. I’ve had a couple days to adjust and get over my sadness about my first City Year coming to a close and the miserable car ride home that followed. So now I’m ready and raring to go! My goal is to post at least one picture for each day I’m here. I’m a little behind… So I’m starting today J PS Emeril is making fried Oreos on his show!

So an overview of my first two days in Georgia. Sunday, Father’s Day, we made our way up to Bulldaddy’s house in the north Georgia mountains. I got to see my cousin’s new babies, Shyler and Landon. I also got to play with their older sister, Brinly. What an adorable family! I’m going to go up to Abby’s one weekend so I can hang out with them again. Then we came home and I shaved my puppy dogs. Poor Falkor, I shaved his belly a little short, but I was a pro by the time I got to Koda. I spent some time hanging out with my mom and then went down to Lexie’s to spend the night. Monday morning I slept in until about 12:30, it was wonderful. The rest of my day was filled with necessary errands. Getting a battery for my car, going to the pet store, washing the pups and making dinner with my mom. Then it was back to Lexie’s a hang out and spend the night and that’s where I am now, watching Food Network. I’m going to tromp around Atlanta today. Hopefully Leigh will come down to join me. I’m so excited to see Layton!! AHHH!!!

Leadership Summit

Washington DC.

Monday: Get up super early (didn’t get enough sleep the night before) and head to the airport (THANKS JILL) There I met up with John, Paul, and Patricia Cornales (Exec in SAISD) I was fortunately able to sleep on the plane. Arrived at the hotel. John and I went to the Air and Space Museum. Met up with Colleen and Nick from City Year Columbus and walked around with them, a lot; then walked back to the hotel. Then walked with Paul to dinner; ate a delicious dinner at The Ebbot Grill. Walked back to the hotel and met with all the other corps members with Charlie Rose. Met my roommate for the trip; Caitlin Kelly from City Year Detroit. We had a lot of good talks at night, especially about the state of Detroit. Sleep.

Tuesday: Went to have coffee with Senator Cornyn and talked to a CUTE intern there. Then met with Michelle Chin from his office to convince them City Year is awesome and so the Serve America Act needs to be funded. Then we met up with the rest of City Year at Georgetown to have lunch and hear lots of speakers. Among them were Arne Duncan (Secretary of State), Michelle Rhee (Chancellor of DC Schools and an amazing woman), Joel Klein (Chancellor of NYC Schools), Michael Brown, The Feltonville Diplomas Now! Team and a few more. Then we went to Union Station (beautiful) and mingled with appetizers. Heard from Mrs. Colin Powell and saw 5 amazing City Year alumni awarded the Comcast Awards. Also saw an amazing corps member from LA win the Building Bridges (basically corps member of the year) Award. He reminded me of Jonathan Fletcher. The DC Senior Corps took all the CY CMs to Ben’s Chili Bowl. I got a chocolate milkshake. Talked to interesting people. Then they took us on a tour of the Washington Memorial, WWII Memorial and Lincoln Memorial, which are all beautiful at night. Then sleep.

Wednesday: Got up super early to have Breakfast with Congressman Gonzalez. Next we had a meeting with Moe Vela, Administrator for Biden. He was such a dynamic guy; very very nich. He talked to us for 2 hours!! Then a luncheon. Then a meeting with 2 more representatives. Airport, delayed plane. Talked to Allison; she works in development with World Wildlife Fund. That was an amazing conversation. I learned a lot about the organization. But we missed our flight in Chicago. Took forever getting out of the airport. Drove around Chicago (now I want to live there more than ever!) and finally, sleep.

Thursday: Woke up early, got on plane, tried to sleep… got to San Antonio. Sleep.

That was the outline for my amazing trip to Washington DC. But what I really got from the trip was a bigger better version of the awe I experienced when Charlie Rose came to City Year San Antonio for our ATA. It is amazing to see the impact of City Year on a national level and all the amazing people who support our efforts (see speaker list above). It shows me I have a lot to learn from City Year… maybe more than just my two corps years.