Keep the Faith: March 2007

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Thanks

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...and with as many pictures as I take, I must always be talking ;). But in this case it is true. I could share the many pictures I took Thursday night as I gathered together with some very close friends of mine who I consider my sisters. But there is one photo that just says it all.

Jess, Dina, Ang, and I have developed a wonderful friendship...a friendship we continue to strengthen as we spend time together and celebrate our growing families. Thursday night we met and spent time catching up with each other, laughing, watching the two youngest group members, grace and addison, interact...all while enjoying the best meal I have eaten in a long long time, thanks to Tim and his family who were wonderful hosts. Because of their generosity, we were able to relax and just enjoy each other's company. Because of their hospitality, we were able to really focus on our friendship and how special our time is together.

This photo shows the thanks we have for all that took place Thursday night and over the past several years since the time we first met. I am sure the girls are going to share the great stories that this night created and the moments we shared, but I just wanted to take this time to thank God for bringing these beautiful women into my life, for strengthening our friendships, and creating such special people. I thank Tim and his family for their hospitality and the sharing of their talents. I thank Jess, Grace, Dina, Ang, and Addison for allowing me to be a part of their lives and for the love they share.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Be still...

So much is going through my head...ideas...thoughts...emotions filling me and making me feel anxious, jittery, and little uncertain. I can't describe it in words. I can't slow it down. I can't remained focus enough to sort through it all. I just jump from one thought to another...from one emotion to another...but they just seem to cover the surface of what is really there. Maybe it is the excitement of Spring. Maybe it is the anticipation of meeting my nephew in a few weeks. Maybe it is the thankfulness for the wonderful people in my life and the opportunities to spend time with them. Maybe it is the busyness of all that my life seems to be these days. But it is there. So I will take the time to sort through this...to be still for a moment.

To be still...now that's an idea.

Monday, March 19, 2007

I've Got Rhythm...I've Got Music...

I've Got Rhythm...I've Got Music...definitely great lyrics from the Gershwin song that really describes the night for many of the participants on Saturday night... and for others, specifically the students, they learned a step or two. Saturday night, Kendallville was filled with the sound of a live jazz band playing all of the favorites, the sound of dancers on the floor, and the sound of clapping, singing, and good conversations among those who just sat back and observed those who were dancing.

You see, Saturday night, the PULSE group (a youth philanthropic group I work with at the Foundation) held their second annual senior citizens prom, "Rhythm of the Night". It was another successful event complete with dinner and dancing...door prizes...not to mention we even announced a king and queen, done by random drawing of course.

The youth mingled with the seniors that attended and asked many to dance. Some of the students had rhythm, while others struggled just a bit but continued to work at it in order to make the dance enjoyable for their partner, but both enjoyed themselves. We saw some couples who showed us exactly how swing, the waltz, the cha cha, and even the polka were done as they covered the floor with their graceful moves. It was four wonderful hours of music and conversation. I thank God for the amazing connection that took place, for the relationships we built, and for the opportunity to just spend time with each other. As the participants left, they expressed their excitement for next year, letting us know that they had been waiting for this all year and will do the same next year. I call that a success!

And of course I took pictures...enjoy!

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Argentina es muy especial

Everyone who knows me knows how much I love to travel. When I visit another place, it becomes a part of me. The things I see, the people I meet impact my life and help shape who I am. When I travel I learn and am just amazed at all of God's creation, at our differences and similarities, at the history and culture of the world. And of course no place I travel to can be compared to any other experience. It is it's own unique and special journey. And on that note, I just have to say that...

Buenos Aires, Argentina, was just amazing!!!

After a long journey, I arrived in Buenos Aires where I met up with Sarah. I was so excited to be there, and it was truly wonderful to see her...a familiar face, a great friend. Soon after, we met up with Kelly and met her host family, Carlos and Maria. From that moment on, they made us feel comfortable and were amazing hosts....hosts that soon became friends.

There is so much to Buenos Aires, that we really only saw a bit of it all. Throughout the week we saw several plazas, monuments, museums, and attractions...even a cemetery, which was absolutely beautiful. I do have to say that out of everything I saw, out of the whole experience, I truly enjoyed the conversations the most. We learned some more spanish and Maria and Carlos learned some english. They learned about us while we learned about them and the Argentine culture. Sarah had to ask a few questions for a class, and that enabled us to really get a better understanding of their views on many topics, including the United States. We just really began to understand each other and to learn from each other.

It was a wonderful connection...one that not only opened my eyes to another beautiful culture, but to taking the time to really examine what my life is really centered around.

My experience in Argentina will definitely stay with me. I send a huge thanks to God for this opportunity to see more of His world...to Sarah for the invite and for her wonderful friendship...to Kelly for sharing her room with us and for taking the time to show us around...and to Carlos and Maria for being such wonderful hosts. I am a better person for knowing each one of them.

I leave you with several photos I took in Buenos Aires...wonderful memories!