The cemetery really lends itself to black and white, so it was exciting to explore with that in mind. I especially love the one of the spider in the flower holder.
8.13.2010
Exploring the Cemetery
I had a few extra minutes yesterday, so I decided to roam around the cemetery. I know that sounds weird, but it is right next to where I work. It has been raining for the last two days, so I was stoked about getting outside, even in the heat. I even had to wait for my camera to un-fog and adjust after being in the air conditioning all day.
The cemetery really lends itself to black and white, so it was exciting to explore with that in mind. I especially love the one of the spider in the flower holder.
The cemetery really lends itself to black and white, so it was exciting to explore with that in mind. I especially love the one of the spider in the flower holder.
8.11.2010
Istanbul, Turkey and Beyond
It was 1999, when an organization I was involved in decided to take a trip to Istanbul, Turkey for fall break. I was 19 years old and so stoked about my first trip out of the U.S. Shortly before our scheduled departure, an 7.2 magnitude earthquake aftershock struck in Duzce. I don't remember what our original plans were, but they quickly became earthquake relief.
It was November and growing increasingly cold, so we bought blankets to distribute. On our third day, my team went out to the earthquake zone to distribute the blankets.
I think that day and the following days changed me forever. I saw the complete devastation with my own eyes. Buildings flattened, families on the street, the smell of death in the air, and some people still buried underneath all the rubble. It was unimaginable for me, but it was a complete reality for the people of Turkey.
I distinctly remember one place that we stopped for distribution. The people there were living in a self made tent city. Their shelter was comprised of found materials. During the distribution, I spent my time talking to people, playing with children, and throwing a football in a nearby field. I was invited, along with some friends, into one family's tent for tea that afternoon. I was completely blown away by their hospitality in the face of such desperate circumstances. They had nothing, but they were still very quick to offer up what little they had to us.
Later, we returned to our bus. At that moment, everyone was standing around waving and watching us leave. I know we were a spectacle there, but I felt completely helpless as we left. I wanted to do more; I didn't want to leave. I cried for a long time after that; I couldn't help myself. I tried to stop, but I couldn't get over what I had seen and experienced.
On a semi funny note and to make matters worse, our guide told us that the field we played football in was where they were throwing out their waste. That's right, I had played in feces. Not only were we filthy, but then we didn't go back to Istanbul. We stayed in a hotel for the following two nights without a change of clothes because commuting back to the city was just too far. This hotel smelled like death, had no hot water, and no electricity. They also kept serving hard boiled eggs for breakfast; I'm pretty sure I didn't eat anything but oranges I bought on the street for three days. Despite all of that, I still felt like the luckiest person on earth.
One thing I learned and continue to learn is that life is short; it can be gone in an instant. I'm doing my best to make the most of what God has given me...right here, right now!
It was November and growing increasingly cold, so we bought blankets to distribute. On our third day, my team went out to the earthquake zone to distribute the blankets.
I think that day and the following days changed me forever. I saw the complete devastation with my own eyes. Buildings flattened, families on the street, the smell of death in the air, and some people still buried underneath all the rubble. It was unimaginable for me, but it was a complete reality for the people of Turkey.
I distinctly remember one place that we stopped for distribution. The people there were living in a self made tent city. Their shelter was comprised of found materials. During the distribution, I spent my time talking to people, playing with children, and throwing a football in a nearby field. I was invited, along with some friends, into one family's tent for tea that afternoon. I was completely blown away by their hospitality in the face of such desperate circumstances. They had nothing, but they were still very quick to offer up what little they had to us.
Later, we returned to our bus. At that moment, everyone was standing around waving and watching us leave. I know we were a spectacle there, but I felt completely helpless as we left. I wanted to do more; I didn't want to leave. I cried for a long time after that; I couldn't help myself. I tried to stop, but I couldn't get over what I had seen and experienced.
On a semi funny note and to make matters worse, our guide told us that the field we played football in was where they were throwing out their waste. That's right, I had played in feces. Not only were we filthy, but then we didn't go back to Istanbul. We stayed in a hotel for the following two nights without a change of clothes because commuting back to the city was just too far. This hotel smelled like death, had no hot water, and no electricity. They also kept serving hard boiled eggs for breakfast; I'm pretty sure I didn't eat anything but oranges I bought on the street for three days. Despite all of that, I still felt like the luckiest person on earth.
One thing I learned and continue to learn is that life is short; it can be gone in an instant. I'm doing my best to make the most of what God has given me...right here, right now!
8.10.2010
Looking Forward Through the Past
The people who know me well, know that I've done some traveling outside of the U.S.
Seven countries to be exact.
These trips have taught taught me so much, have helped to shape my worldview, and have caused me to look at my own life here in America through a very specific lens. I'll admit it up front; there are days when I have a hard time being an American. Don't get me wrong, I love where I live and I appreciate those who are laying down their lives for freedom in this country.
Despite that, I know that I'm spoiled. I have to constantly remind myself that so many things that I enjoy daily are a privilege. Air conditioning is one of those things; I don't NEED it. It is not critical to my survival here. I'm confident in my perspective because I actually lived without it for two years in a very hot climate. Now, I'm not saying air conditioning is bad; if you enjoy air conditioning, you're not a bad person. I enjoy air conditioning too. I have a hard time justifying it when I know that the rest of the world is living on so little. My family is paying more for electricity in a month that some families earn in several months in the third world. That's nuts!
Children are being born hungry (as a good friend pointed out), mothers are giving birth knowing that they're unable to care for children, children are born with AIDS, entire people groups are being exterminated, children are taken from their families and forced to be soldiers or prostitutes, families are separated by rebels, and so much more...
That's a lot to think about and completely overwhelming for me. I've been blessed with so much. Funny thing though, most of the people I've met who live on less than $20 a month are truly joyful. They're so much happier than me. They're not concerned with schedules and tasks...their focus is on people.
If I focus on people, how does that change me? What would it look like if I was genuine with everyone I came into contact with, not just the people I care about? How do I make a difference in even one of the areas I've mentioned above? If I tried to make a difference, what would it look like? How will God change my life if I take steps in any of these areas?
All that to say, once a week I'm planning to share a story or experience from each of the seven countries I've had the privilege to enjoy. I hope that by looking through some past experiences, we'll gain some insight for now. I'll be sharing them chronologically. Tomorrow is country number one...Turkey!
Seven countries to be exact.
These trips have taught taught me so much, have helped to shape my worldview, and have caused me to look at my own life here in America through a very specific lens. I'll admit it up front; there are days when I have a hard time being an American. Don't get me wrong, I love where I live and I appreciate those who are laying down their lives for freedom in this country.
Despite that, I know that I'm spoiled. I have to constantly remind myself that so many things that I enjoy daily are a privilege. Air conditioning is one of those things; I don't NEED it. It is not critical to my survival here. I'm confident in my perspective because I actually lived without it for two years in a very hot climate. Now, I'm not saying air conditioning is bad; if you enjoy air conditioning, you're not a bad person. I enjoy air conditioning too. I have a hard time justifying it when I know that the rest of the world is living on so little. My family is paying more for electricity in a month that some families earn in several months in the third world. That's nuts!
Children are being born hungry (as a good friend pointed out), mothers are giving birth knowing that they're unable to care for children, children are born with AIDS, entire people groups are being exterminated, children are taken from their families and forced to be soldiers or prostitutes, families are separated by rebels, and so much more...
That's a lot to think about and completely overwhelming for me. I've been blessed with so much. Funny thing though, most of the people I've met who live on less than $20 a month are truly joyful. They're so much happier than me. They're not concerned with schedules and tasks...their focus is on people.
If I focus on people, how does that change me? What would it look like if I was genuine with everyone I came into contact with, not just the people I care about? How do I make a difference in even one of the areas I've mentioned above? If I tried to make a difference, what would it look like? How will God change my life if I take steps in any of these areas?
All that to say, once a week I'm planning to share a story or experience from each of the seven countries I've had the privilege to enjoy. I hope that by looking through some past experiences, we'll gain some insight for now. I'll be sharing them chronologically. Tomorrow is country number one...Turkey!
8.06.2010
Happy Dance!
I'm doing my happy dance because it's Friday, and I'm in an extra good mood. I don't have anything really productive to say today. I'm waiting on a million things to print and fold (okay, not really a million), so I decided to write.
Things are gearing up here at church for the new year, so I've been busy desiging and redesigning. That's the fun part. Now, I'm doing the not fun part that is production, but life is still good.
Anyway, you should stop what you're doing right now and do your own happy dance or heel click. Then, you should definitely show it to me the next time you see me! Please?
Things are gearing up here at church for the new year, so I've been busy desiging and redesigning. That's the fun part. Now, I'm doing the not fun part that is production, but life is still good.
Anyway, you should stop what you're doing right now and do your own happy dance or heel click. Then, you should definitely show it to me the next time you see me! Please?
8.04.2010
Aha!
John 21:19-22
Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, 'Follow me!" Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. When Peter saw him, he asked, 'Lord, what about him?' Jesus answered, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.'
I am just like Peter in so much of my life. I'm walking along and Jesus is sharing something important with me, but then I notice something else. It doesn't matter what it is, but it causes me to take my eyes off of him. In those moments, I'm just like Peter; I say, "Well, what about him?" A million different questions start racing through my mind. None of them are good, because in each one I'm comparing myself or my life to someone else.
Jesus says, "What is that to you? You must follow me." I think that's pretty clear. Don't worry about what anyone else is doing around you...you must follow me.
It's hard to follow someone if you don't look at them. If I'm walking through some place tricky, I want to put my feet exactly where the person in front of me does. Thankfully, if we're following Jesus, he always has the best path picked out for us. It just becomes a matter of keeping our eyes on him.
I'm not sure why this was such an "a ha" for me. Maybe it's because I've been distracted lately. I can't keep looking to the left and the right; I need tunnel vision for the right thing. No matter what anyone else around me is doing, Jesus is saying, "You must follow me."
8.03.2010
MBraves Game
I'm in Jackson, MS for my friend Kirsten's wedding. You remember the wedding invitations that I designed for her, right?
Instead of rehearsal dinner scenario, her family got a box at the MBraves baseball game last night. It was a great evening full of laughter, family, and friends. It was interesting for me because I didn't really know most of the people in attendance. For once, I got to be a "fly on the wall." I pulled out my best introverted personality and enjoyed my obscurity. It was very relaxing just observing the ebb and flow of everything that happened.
I took a few photos, but funny thing happened...none of Kirsten. Oops! I did manage to get a picture of her red Toms; she's planning on gold Toms for the wedding tonight. Kirsten, you're the coolest. See you when you're married. Congrats!
Until then, I'm staying in the lap of luxury; I might never leave.
Instead of rehearsal dinner scenario, her family got a box at the MBraves baseball game last night. It was a great evening full of laughter, family, and friends. It was interesting for me because I didn't really know most of the people in attendance. For once, I got to be a "fly on the wall." I pulled out my best introverted personality and enjoyed my obscurity. It was very relaxing just observing the ebb and flow of everything that happened.
I took a few photos, but funny thing happened...none of Kirsten. Oops! I did manage to get a picture of her red Toms; she's planning on gold Toms for the wedding tonight. Kirsten, you're the coolest. See you when you're married. Congrats!
Until then, I'm staying in the lap of luxury; I might never leave.
8.02.2010
Who Knew?
7.29.2010
Life Lessons | One
Life is all about learning. It seems like there are always things left to be discovered and discovered by me. It's just when I think I've got life figure out, I think I know who I am, or I think I have the right thing to say in a given situation that my train gets completely derailed. Yesterday was one of those days for me.
A good friend of mine lost his mom. She had been sick for some time, and he had just purchased a ticket to fly back overseas to see her 30 minutes before receiving the phone call of her death.
When I received his text telling me what was going on, my heart sank. He is basically here without any of his family, so I felt the immediate need to rush to his apartment. I had no clue what I would say to him or what I could do to comfort him, but I knew that I needed to be there for him, whatever that meant. Once I arrived, I realized that words weren't necessary. If they were required, I would have failed miserable as a friend because I had none. Thank goodness that he just needed me there, to sit quietly while he made phone calls and arrangements.
God had given him peace, as he sometimes does in times of crisis. God had mentally prepared him for this moment, so he was able to accept God's comfort too. More importantly, she was a believer, so she is enjoying a much better place and is free from the pain she experienced here on earth.
I learned that living life alongside people is a powerful thing; it's what God has called us to do. It's almost always messy and usually calls us to be a better version of ourselves, but it is one of the most rewarding things on this earth.
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
I want to be a better version of me; the person that is only possible with God by my side. "Dying to self" is a difficult thing, but it is something that God has called each of us to do.
Selflessness. I'm up for the challenge, are you?
A good friend of mine lost his mom. She had been sick for some time, and he had just purchased a ticket to fly back overseas to see her 30 minutes before receiving the phone call of her death.
When I received his text telling me what was going on, my heart sank. He is basically here without any of his family, so I felt the immediate need to rush to his apartment. I had no clue what I would say to him or what I could do to comfort him, but I knew that I needed to be there for him, whatever that meant. Once I arrived, I realized that words weren't necessary. If they were required, I would have failed miserable as a friend because I had none. Thank goodness that he just needed me there, to sit quietly while he made phone calls and arrangements.
God had given him peace, as he sometimes does in times of crisis. God had mentally prepared him for this moment, so he was able to accept God's comfort too. More importantly, she was a believer, so she is enjoying a much better place and is free from the pain she experienced here on earth.
I learned that living life alongside people is a powerful thing; it's what God has called us to do. It's almost always messy and usually calls us to be a better version of ourselves, but it is one of the most rewarding things on this earth.
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
I want to be a better version of me; the person that is only possible with God by my side. "Dying to self" is a difficult thing, but it is something that God has called each of us to do.
Selflessness. I'm up for the challenge, are you?
7.28.2010
7.27.2010
Sal & Raina's Engagement
Sal has become a good friend since last November when he first moved to New Orleans. This past weekend I took a road trip to attend his engagement party in Dallas. You see, he's Jordanian and engagements are a big deal. I'm still having trouble completely wrapping my head around everything, but his engagement involved a party, a ceremony with the exchanging of engagement rings and jewelry, singing, dancing, and lots of food. And there was Arabic...lots and lots of Arabic spoken. I pretty much didn't understand any of the ceremony, so it was good that I was focued on taking photographs of everything.
I had a great time; it made me feel like I was traveling internationally. In a way, I kind of did. The whole thing was a great experience, and it was even better just being there to support Sal. Also, I was finally able to meet Raina. She's even more beautiful in person than the pictures I'd seen. I'm looking forward to getting to know her, and I'm so happy for the two of them.
Like I said, it was eventful, so two posts are definitely required. Check back tomorrow for part two.
I had a great time; it made me feel like I was traveling internationally. In a way, I kind of did. The whole thing was a great experience, and it was even better just being there to support Sal. Also, I was finally able to meet Raina. She's even more beautiful in person than the pictures I'd seen. I'm looking forward to getting to know her, and I'm so happy for the two of them.
Like I said, it was eventful, so two posts are definitely required. Check back tomorrow for part two.
7.26.2010
Whirlwind Weekend
I went on a whirlwind trip to Dallas this weekend, and I'm completely sleep deprived at the moment. I hope to have some pictures from Sal's engagement party up tomorrow; until then, here's Joe being Joe.
7.22.2010
7.21.2010
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