Things I Love #4 - Salsa Dancing + Fountain Square + Nathalie Hayes + Orange Slushies
Have you been to Fountain Square in the summer? Oh man, it's a serious treat - and one of the things that makes Cincinnati in the summer so fantastic. Every night in the summer, they have a particular type of event. Most nights consist of a concert...various evenings of the week have various styles of bands. It's kinda nice as you can choose the type of music you'd like to hear and head down on that night. Sunday night has a bit of a different flavor as it is movie night. A movie is projected onto the big, huge screen that's up high in the sky. That's a fun night for sure. On of my favorite nights, however, is Thursday night Salsa dancing!
At Salsa on the Square there are dancers who teach you how to salsa from the stage. I so enjoy seeing the totally random crowd of people all standing in front of the stage, uninhibited, trying to salsa dance. The dancers go step by step, teaching us various moves to try. I marvel at the fun moves. I marvel at the teachers' great legs... After the lesson, the latin band comes up to play and everyone gets down to business trying to incorporate what has been learned. There is smiling. There is laughing. There is ridiculously bad talent, many who know a little, and a few people who actually know what they're doing. Regardless, it really seems that nobody cares. There are people of poverty. There are people of wealth...and everything in between. There are Black people, White people, Hispanic people, and I believe I've even seen Indian people. I consider this one of the most diverse events in our city...perhaps THE most diverse event. I love seeing all walks of life in the same space, smiling, dancing, trying something new, and enjoying a great summer evening with friends in this great city called Cincinnati. It's spectacular.
The last time I went was with Nathalie Hayes....so why did I add her to my list of what I love? First of all, I just love Nathalie...but beyond that, I was SO thrilled to see that I had come with a friend who seriously had no inhibition to trying salsa dancing. Because she was so willing and excited to do it, we had a total blast. Nathalie has such a great ability to throw caution to the wind and just go for it. I love that about her. We did some serious dancing and laughing - and burned some calories to boot.
In addition to our dancing, we found a little shop that had some slushie machines. Talk about Jackpot! We both got an orange slushie and then sat by the iconic fountain on the square - savoring the amazing summer treat on a hot night. And then...on to more dancing.
What a fun evening?! What incredible community event?! What a great place in our city?! This is why Salsa + Fountain Square + Nathalie Hayes + Slushies ended up on my list of things I love.
You really must go this summer!
www.myfountainsquare.com
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Things I Love - Number 3
#3 - The Flying Pig Marathon!
When I think of the things I love most about this city, the Flying Pig Marathon is up at the top of the list. And with the 5K and 10K on Saturday, in addition to the full and half marathon on Sunday, it consumes a good part of my first weekend in May each year...and my life is most definitely better because of it. This year I watched the participants of the Step Forward Team run the Saturday races...what a FUN day! It's such a joy to see people involved in these races....the sense of community, the encouragement...it is beautiful. There's something great about watching people run towards the finish line while cheering your guts out. There is something great about watching people run, push through pain, and go through a finish line....I think that will always be something worth seeing...
Not only do I love cheering on my family and friends, I am always moved by the people who complete this with disabilities. I stand in awe as I watch young boys and girls cross the finish line with physical and even mental limitations. I watch the people who do this race with them and marvel at the love, kindness, and sacrifice of these people...I love it when people buck the system - the system that says what you can and can't do in this life - the system that says what you are and aren't capable of. These people show their strength, character, and courage just by being in this race.
There is one man in particular who completes this race with a severe disability. This was not the first year it was completed by him...I saw him last year too, and I'm pretty sure, last year wasn't his first year either. He moves with a walker and an assistant. Every step is a struggle and it takes him a painfully long time to move one foot in front of the other. I've heard they allow him more than one day to work on the course, and by the day of the race, he completes the final stretch. It is beautiful. It is amazing. It's emotionally riveting. The announcer, yells for him. He is known in that race. He is brave. He is courageous. He is a hero. And HIS race, is not about winning...it's about defying the odds, perseverance, redemption...among other noble things no doubt. Our lives are better just by watching him. To Brad Fritz - thank you. You are an inspiration.
Sunday, the day of the race, comes and at 5:30 a.m. I am in the Target parking lot by my house catching a ride downtown with a few others. We arrive downtown and in the dark there are people all around - excited, milling, running, stretching, parking...the energy is unmistakable. The four of us walk towards the race, chattering excitedly about it. I stop to pee behind a dumpster (who wants to wait for a port-o-pot?), and then we head to our "pig pens", which is the spot where we are supposed to start the race. The other 3 I'm with are in an entirely different "pen" than me, so I say goodbye to them and then continue on another 100 yards or so to my "pen". I enter my designated area and wait among other excited runners to start the race. I am alone, and for a brief moment I feel some sadness over not standing with someone at the start...but then as I look around, I let go of my aloneness and celebrate the massive community of which I am a part in that moment. We are waiting in anticipation. We are excited. We are doing something that many people will never do. We are blessed. They start the announcements. A former winner speaks. A local priest prays. And once Katy Perry "Fireworks" starts playing loudly over the speakers, I can hardly contain my joy! I stand there a part of a large community, downtown in the city that I dearly love - the city to which I have been called, and in that moment I am happy. Really, really happy.
I love really happy moments.
The race was a success. The course was finished. I had a medal. And I ran it within the time I had hoped for. I am thankful. Really, really thankful.
Recap Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RdZkLOQ8uQ&sns=fb
This...and many more details that I did not share...is why I love the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon. Someday maybe you can join me on that start line.
When I think of the things I love most about this city, the Flying Pig Marathon is up at the top of the list. And with the 5K and 10K on Saturday, in addition to the full and half marathon on Sunday, it consumes a good part of my first weekend in May each year...and my life is most definitely better because of it. This year I watched the participants of the Step Forward Team run the Saturday races...what a FUN day! It's such a joy to see people involved in these races....the sense of community, the encouragement...it is beautiful. There's something great about watching people run towards the finish line while cheering your guts out. There is something great about watching people run, push through pain, and go through a finish line....I think that will always be something worth seeing...
Not only do I love cheering on my family and friends, I am always moved by the people who complete this with disabilities. I stand in awe as I watch young boys and girls cross the finish line with physical and even mental limitations. I watch the people who do this race with them and marvel at the love, kindness, and sacrifice of these people...I love it when people buck the system - the system that says what you can and can't do in this life - the system that says what you are and aren't capable of. These people show their strength, character, and courage just by being in this race.
There is one man in particular who completes this race with a severe disability. This was not the first year it was completed by him...I saw him last year too, and I'm pretty sure, last year wasn't his first year either. He moves with a walker and an assistant. Every step is a struggle and it takes him a painfully long time to move one foot in front of the other. I've heard they allow him more than one day to work on the course, and by the day of the race, he completes the final stretch. It is beautiful. It is amazing. It's emotionally riveting. The announcer, yells for him. He is known in that race. He is brave. He is courageous. He is a hero. And HIS race, is not about winning...it's about defying the odds, perseverance, redemption...among other noble things no doubt. Our lives are better just by watching him. To Brad Fritz - thank you. You are an inspiration.
Sunday, the day of the race, comes and at 5:30 a.m. I am in the Target parking lot by my house catching a ride downtown with a few others. We arrive downtown and in the dark there are people all around - excited, milling, running, stretching, parking...the energy is unmistakable. The four of us walk towards the race, chattering excitedly about it. I stop to pee behind a dumpster (who wants to wait for a port-o-pot?), and then we head to our "pig pens", which is the spot where we are supposed to start the race. The other 3 I'm with are in an entirely different "pen" than me, so I say goodbye to them and then continue on another 100 yards or so to my "pen". I enter my designated area and wait among other excited runners to start the race. I am alone, and for a brief moment I feel some sadness over not standing with someone at the start...but then as I look around, I let go of my aloneness and celebrate the massive community of which I am a part in that moment. We are waiting in anticipation. We are excited. We are doing something that many people will never do. We are blessed. They start the announcements. A former winner speaks. A local priest prays. And once Katy Perry "Fireworks" starts playing loudly over the speakers, I can hardly contain my joy! I stand there a part of a large community, downtown in the city that I dearly love - the city to which I have been called, and in that moment I am happy. Really, really happy.
I love really happy moments.
The race was a success. The course was finished. I had a medal. And I ran it within the time I had hoped for. I am thankful. Really, really thankful.
This...and many more details that I did not share...is why I love the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon. Someday maybe you can join me on that start line.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Things I Love - Number 2
#2 - The Stepping Forward Team
In Cincinnati, the Flying Pig is one of the most cherished events of our city. I love this event - the energy, the pink, the pigs, the history, the running, the cheering...it's fantastic.
There is a particular group that trains for this race each year that I am growing to love more and more...
The Stepping Forward Team! This team consists of the men and women in City Gospel Mission's addiction recovery programs as well as the volunteers running alongside them to cheer them on and help them achieve this goal. We run in Over-the-Rhine each Wednesday and Saturday. I am encouraged by these men and women. They have walked through so much in their lives. They have taken the step to clean up their lives. They are warriors.
I have so much respect for what they have done and continue to do to progress their healing. They leave their families, their jobs, everything...and go to live in a location for 12-18 months in order to recover. A couple weeks ago I walked with a lady named Jennifer. She has a boy who is around 10 years old...and he is living with the father right now while she heals. How difficult? To lose a year and a half of your child's life? Of course, she does it because she wants a better life for him - and being clean and sober will certainly mean that in his life...but still, I can't imagine that makes it much easier to do.
I think of Sue, who spoke one Saturday before our run. She started her speech with "I've been running all my life...running from my responsibilites as a wife and mother...etc." She first heard of the Stepping Forward Team while in jail as a heroine addict. The next year, she was running WITH the team. Today, she is an absolute inspiration to all who have the privilege to know her.
Knowing these men and women, running with them, talking to them, hearing them tell their stories...it inspires me. I am better because of it. I am less alone in the struggles and lonliness of my life. I have more courage to face my own challenges. It is an absolute HONOR to be called their friend and to get to partner with them in this beautiful journey of healing and restoration.
I am... STRONG
I am...CONFIDENT
I can...DO ALL THINGS
We are... STEP FORWARD
We are... STEP FORWARD
We are ...STEP FORWARD!!!!!!!!
If you are downtown May 5th or 6th for some of the Flying Pig races, listen for our cheer. You might just be inspired too...
Sue's interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_qdoxutgVk&feature=bf_prev&list=FL7OUVo0X4qFQSQzT0abKXYw&lf=plcp
In Cincinnati, the Flying Pig is one of the most cherished events of our city. I love this event - the energy, the pink, the pigs, the history, the running, the cheering...it's fantastic.
There is a particular group that trains for this race each year that I am growing to love more and more...
The Stepping Forward Team! This team consists of the men and women in City Gospel Mission's addiction recovery programs as well as the volunteers running alongside them to cheer them on and help them achieve this goal. We run in Over-the-Rhine each Wednesday and Saturday. I am encouraged by these men and women. They have walked through so much in their lives. They have taken the step to clean up their lives. They are warriors.
I have so much respect for what they have done and continue to do to progress their healing. They leave their families, their jobs, everything...and go to live in a location for 12-18 months in order to recover. A couple weeks ago I walked with a lady named Jennifer. She has a boy who is around 10 years old...and he is living with the father right now while she heals. How difficult? To lose a year and a half of your child's life? Of course, she does it because she wants a better life for him - and being clean and sober will certainly mean that in his life...but still, I can't imagine that makes it much easier to do.
I think of Sue, who spoke one Saturday before our run. She started her speech with "I've been running all my life...running from my responsibilites as a wife and mother...etc." She first heard of the Stepping Forward Team while in jail as a heroine addict. The next year, she was running WITH the team. Today, she is an absolute inspiration to all who have the privilege to know her.
Knowing these men and women, running with them, talking to them, hearing them tell their stories...it inspires me. I am better because of it. I am less alone in the struggles and lonliness of my life. I have more courage to face my own challenges. It is an absolute HONOR to be called their friend and to get to partner with them in this beautiful journey of healing and restoration.
I am... STRONG
I am...CONFIDENT
I can...DO ALL THINGS
We are... STEP FORWARD
We are... STEP FORWARD
We are ...STEP FORWARD!!!!!!!!
If you are downtown May 5th or 6th for some of the Flying Pig races, listen for our cheer. You might just be inspired too...
Sue's interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_qdoxutgVk&feature=bf_prev&list=FL7OUVo0X4qFQSQzT0abKXYw&lf=plcp
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Things I Love - Number 1
I've decided to start a series of blogs entitled "Things I Love"...
Number 1 - Ault Park in the spring
...and the summer, and the winter, and the fall...
I love Ault park. When God gave me this house, I had no idea that there was a little hiking trail from my neighborhood that connected to Ault park and the hiking trails there. I can imagine God in His abundant love sitting back and thinking..."Oh man, she's going to LOVE this!"...and I do. I really, really do.
I have spent many hours hiking through those trails with Tucker - sometimes crying my eyes out, sometimes praying, sometimes crying and praying...sometimes smiling, sometimes with incredible peace, sometimes just talking to God, and sometimes absolutely amazed by His beauty and creation. Sometimes I walk with friends, sometimes I jog, sometimes I sit on logs and just think. Sometimes I meet people, sometimes I run into neighbors, sometimes I run hills, and I've even sat on benches and journaled.
I hike in the snow, I hike in the cold, I hike in the blazing heat, I hike in the mud, I've been in the rain...I've even hiked there with a broken foot :)
Often a latte is in my hand.
I remember the first time I walked through the trails and came out onto the clearing on a spring day and realized that the entrance to this park has about 40 weeping cherry trees lining both sides of the road. They nearly take your breath away when in bloom. I was unsuspecting...the green grass, the blue sky, and this field of trees with gorgeous light pink blooms draping down can almost bring you to tears.
Just yesterday I hiked up there and realized they were in bloom! I saw a person trying to take a picture and I wanted to yell "Don't even try! It's not going to come close to capturing it!" Instead I walked up towards the trees with Tucker and marveled at this little piece of heaven on earth. When I started towards home, I decided that instead of taking a straight line, I would walk under every single blooming tree on my side of the street...so I meandered from tree to tree counting as I walked - 21 trees.
Thank you God for creating weeping cherry trees...and this beautiful park that I love so dearly.
Number 1 - Ault Park in the spring
...and the summer, and the winter, and the fall...
I love Ault park. When God gave me this house, I had no idea that there was a little hiking trail from my neighborhood that connected to Ault park and the hiking trails there. I can imagine God in His abundant love sitting back and thinking..."Oh man, she's going to LOVE this!"...and I do. I really, really do.
I have spent many hours hiking through those trails with Tucker - sometimes crying my eyes out, sometimes praying, sometimes crying and praying...sometimes smiling, sometimes with incredible peace, sometimes just talking to God, and sometimes absolutely amazed by His beauty and creation. Sometimes I walk with friends, sometimes I jog, sometimes I sit on logs and just think. Sometimes I meet people, sometimes I run into neighbors, sometimes I run hills, and I've even sat on benches and journaled.
I hike in the snow, I hike in the cold, I hike in the blazing heat, I hike in the mud, I've been in the rain...I've even hiked there with a broken foot :)
Often a latte is in my hand.
I remember the first time I walked through the trails and came out onto the clearing on a spring day and realized that the entrance to this park has about 40 weeping cherry trees lining both sides of the road. They nearly take your breath away when in bloom. I was unsuspecting...the green grass, the blue sky, and this field of trees with gorgeous light pink blooms draping down can almost bring you to tears.
Just yesterday I hiked up there and realized they were in bloom! I saw a person trying to take a picture and I wanted to yell "Don't even try! It's not going to come close to capturing it!" Instead I walked up towards the trees with Tucker and marveled at this little piece of heaven on earth. When I started towards home, I decided that instead of taking a straight line, I would walk under every single blooming tree on my side of the street...so I meandered from tree to tree counting as I walked - 21 trees.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Abundantly Free
There are many things that we can fear in life... and it's true that reality can be excrutiating. But something I've realized that I am most tempted to fear is not specific situations in life, but rather I fear that I will be left in a state of confusion and indecision. It's very possible that I might fear this more frequently than anything else in life. I worry that God will place options before me, and then will say "Well, make a choice."....and I'll be confused, with no clear direction or feeling about where I should go.
This really makes absolutely no sense because nothing in my past reflects this happening...I've always been given directions/inclinations/hearts desires that helped me know what decision I needed to make when I needed to make it. With this kind of track record...why IS it that I fear this? At the very root of it, I know it's a lack of trust in God's abundance and goodness. It stems from a doubt that he does indeed have a plan and that the plan is good. It's a fear that I will be left on my own to figure life out. This is bad, bad, bad.
So I've made a decision in my decision making...when making life choices (small or large) I will choose what most leads to abundant freedom. I believe God is a God of abundance. His plan is not 75% good - rather, it far exceeds expectations every time. I also believe he is a God who wants me to be free. I need to make choices that lead to freedom in my heart and soul. In considering these parameters, I certainly know that detemining what is abundant and free MUST involve more than the immediate...I'm not talking about abundance or freedom for THIS moment...in that case I would quit my job every time it bogged me down and didn't meet my expectations. No, instead, this is abundance and freedom in a place of long-term consideration...a place of wisdom and discernment.
I, once again, surrender myself today to God's power in living a life free of fear...to walking more lightly...to living more freely.
Abundant Life.
This really makes absolutely no sense because nothing in my past reflects this happening...I've always been given directions/inclinations/hearts desires that helped me know what decision I needed to make when I needed to make it. With this kind of track record...why IS it that I fear this? At the very root of it, I know it's a lack of trust in God's abundance and goodness. It stems from a doubt that he does indeed have a plan and that the plan is good. It's a fear that I will be left on my own to figure life out. This is bad, bad, bad.
So I've made a decision in my decision making...when making life choices (small or large) I will choose what most leads to abundant freedom. I believe God is a God of abundance. His plan is not 75% good - rather, it far exceeds expectations every time. I also believe he is a God who wants me to be free. I need to make choices that lead to freedom in my heart and soul. In considering these parameters, I certainly know that detemining what is abundant and free MUST involve more than the immediate...I'm not talking about abundance or freedom for THIS moment...in that case I would quit my job every time it bogged me down and didn't meet my expectations. No, instead, this is abundance and freedom in a place of long-term consideration...a place of wisdom and discernment.
I, once again, surrender myself today to God's power in living a life free of fear...to walking more lightly...to living more freely.
Abundant Life.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Twilight and scrawny men
Some gals in my Bible study decided to go see the 4th Twilight movie tonight b/c several of them are ridiculous about this love story - even to the point of saying things about how they like scrawny men and such?!?! You know when people are saying all manner of ridiculous comments that just make no sense like THAT, that they're hooked on some weird craze...
However, if some gals are going to a movie that's a love story...of course I'm in. I hate missing a good party. I WAS planning to read the books because I generally think that's better, but, alas, there was not enough time. So, knowing that I wouldn't get the "real experience" of reading the books, on Tuesday night with Sandra George (who's in the same boat as me), I started movie number ONE. After #2 (which I watched alone), I decided they were too scary for me to watch by myself as I am NOT very de-sensitized....
It is now Saturday at 3:12, and I have to say I Did It!! - I have 3 movies down, and am ready for the 4th. I'm not going to lie - they're weird, weird, weird, SO WEIRD ... BUT, I'm also not one to ever be a hater about a good love story. I'm just really hoping in the end there's some anti-vampire pill that they can all take and the whole stupid "make me a vampire plan" can be scrapped (and Bella can get some warmth for goodness sake).
...AND I'd love for a cute little gal to come along for that dear Jacob.
However, if some gals are going to a movie that's a love story...of course I'm in. I hate missing a good party. I WAS planning to read the books because I generally think that's better, but, alas, there was not enough time. So, knowing that I wouldn't get the "real experience" of reading the books, on Tuesday night with Sandra George (who's in the same boat as me), I started movie number ONE. After #2 (which I watched alone), I decided they were too scary for me to watch by myself as I am NOT very de-sensitized....
It is now Saturday at 3:12, and I have to say I Did It!! - I have 3 movies down, and am ready for the 4th. I'm not going to lie - they're weird, weird, weird, SO WEIRD ... BUT, I'm also not one to ever be a hater about a good love story. I'm just really hoping in the end there's some anti-vampire pill that they can all take and the whole stupid "make me a vampire plan" can be scrapped (and Bella can get some warmth for goodness sake).
...AND I'd love for a cute little gal to come along for that dear Jacob.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Ladies Night at the Mission
For the past year and some months, I've been going to City Gospel Mission on Monday nights. I chat with the ladies who come in there and also open the game room so people can play pool, ping pong, etc. I've come to count many people there as friends.
This past Monday night I had a "Ladies Night" at the Mission. I roped my friend Emma (who I've met there) into helping me as well. Ladies Night basically just involves having a fun, easy craft to do with the women who come in. This time we made tissue puffs and had nail polish for nails to be painted. Pretty simple.
As I was driving to the mission, I was having one of those utterly exhausted kind of days....the kind where you don't feel like you can do anything but stare. Not good. So I'm having this prayer to God about how he really is going to have to come through on this one, b/c I don't feel like being loving, kind, generous, etc. etc. etc. I get to the mission, exhausted, and head downstairs to start setting up. I honestly really wondered if anyone was even going to come. I fairly regularly do these kinds of things - get an idea, pass out invitations, and have no idea if it will even work.
However, around starting time, about 10 ladies came down with kids and tons of excitement. We gathered around the ping pong table, and I began to explain how to make the tissue puffs. These ladies were so excited...they could not wait to get started! I show them the little puff I made and they oohed and awwwed over how cute it was! So I began explaining the steps. The next thing you know, there is laughing, smiling, crafting, and all sorts of crazy conversation is happening. I honestly don't understand a good portion of the dynamics that go on when I'm with these ladies...although I do believe I'm understanding it more and more as I have more interactions in this culture.
Some generalizations: They are fiercely honest. If you bother them, they will tell you. They are loud. If they have an opinion, they will share it. They will ask for help. If they don't know how to do something...they will GET you to help them. And they talk fast...I don't understand about 50% of some conversations I'm in.
One lady said she was going to figure out how to make her puff on her own...I looked over at what she was doing and she had made about 5 accordians with the tissue paper and had roped them all together going in all different directions! (Those of you who make tissue puffs are aware of what this means) I said something like "Wow, I can't wait to see how THAT turns out!?" and she said "See, you and me, we can learn from each other!"...and then I had to "give it up" and five her. (She didn't even finish that tissue puff - it was seriously a disaster waiting to happen...) But I bet I high fived her 10 times throughout the evening, as that seemed to be her affection of choice...every 10 minutes, she was wanting me to "give it up" again and high five her over something........hilarous.
Don't get me wrong. There are things I seriously don't like, and even hate that I'm in contact with at City Gospel Mission. I HATE that one of the ladies there is pregnant and supposedly a heroin addict too. HATE, HATE, HATE that. I am a friek about germy stuff...one lady cut her hand while she was using my scissors...the bag with the scissors will be sprayed til kingdom come with germ killer stuff. I Loathe the fact that there are bedbugs in some places of the mission...again, my friekezoidenss...I didn't sleep well that night b/c I was dreaming about bedbugs. And I wish I was making that up.
However, there are some beautiful things too. I LOVE that Emma calls me her friend...(she actually says "best friend" and one time even added "her only friend"). I LOVE that the people there accept me despite obvious cultural differences. I LOVE to see the leadership of the men recovering from addiction. I LOVE that a gal named Kitty came although she seems terribly shy and will hardly speak...and I love seeing her cartoon artwork. I love that one of the older ladies yelled for everyone who was leaving and called them out on not cleaning up. I love Dee Dee's smile. I LOVE Dorothy's faith. Even when her apartment burned down...she believed that God is good and continued to express her faith in Him. And one of the highlights of the evening for me on Monday, was when a somewhat delicate lady who had made a puff went over to the table to get her nails painted quietly said, "I feel better now."
Wow - one tissue puff, a little conversation, and some nice music later...and she feels a little bit better about her life. THAT (all wrapped up in God's love, mercy, grace, and hope) is what this is about.
This past Monday night I had a "Ladies Night" at the Mission. I roped my friend Emma (who I've met there) into helping me as well. Ladies Night basically just involves having a fun, easy craft to do with the women who come in. This time we made tissue puffs and had nail polish for nails to be painted. Pretty simple.
As I was driving to the mission, I was having one of those utterly exhausted kind of days....the kind where you don't feel like you can do anything but stare. Not good. So I'm having this prayer to God about how he really is going to have to come through on this one, b/c I don't feel like being loving, kind, generous, etc. etc. etc. I get to the mission, exhausted, and head downstairs to start setting up. I honestly really wondered if anyone was even going to come. I fairly regularly do these kinds of things - get an idea, pass out invitations, and have no idea if it will even work.
However, around starting time, about 10 ladies came down with kids and tons of excitement. We gathered around the ping pong table, and I began to explain how to make the tissue puffs. These ladies were so excited...they could not wait to get started! I show them the little puff I made and they oohed and awwwed over how cute it was! So I began explaining the steps. The next thing you know, there is laughing, smiling, crafting, and all sorts of crazy conversation is happening. I honestly don't understand a good portion of the dynamics that go on when I'm with these ladies...although I do believe I'm understanding it more and more as I have more interactions in this culture.
Some generalizations: They are fiercely honest. If you bother them, they will tell you. They are loud. If they have an opinion, they will share it. They will ask for help. If they don't know how to do something...they will GET you to help them. And they talk fast...I don't understand about 50% of some conversations I'm in.
One lady said she was going to figure out how to make her puff on her own...I looked over at what she was doing and she had made about 5 accordians with the tissue paper and had roped them all together going in all different directions! (Those of you who make tissue puffs are aware of what this means) I said something like "Wow, I can't wait to see how THAT turns out!?" and she said "See, you and me, we can learn from each other!"...and then I had to "give it up" and five her. (She didn't even finish that tissue puff - it was seriously a disaster waiting to happen...) But I bet I high fived her 10 times throughout the evening, as that seemed to be her affection of choice...every 10 minutes, she was wanting me to "give it up" again and high five her over something........hilarous.
Don't get me wrong. There are things I seriously don't like, and even hate that I'm in contact with at City Gospel Mission. I HATE that one of the ladies there is pregnant and supposedly a heroin addict too. HATE, HATE, HATE that. I am a friek about germy stuff...one lady cut her hand while she was using my scissors...the bag with the scissors will be sprayed til kingdom come with germ killer stuff. I Loathe the fact that there are bedbugs in some places of the mission...again, my friekezoidenss...I didn't sleep well that night b/c I was dreaming about bedbugs. And I wish I was making that up.
However, there are some beautiful things too. I LOVE that Emma calls me her friend...(she actually says "best friend" and one time even added "her only friend"). I LOVE that the people there accept me despite obvious cultural differences. I LOVE to see the leadership of the men recovering from addiction. I LOVE that a gal named Kitty came although she seems terribly shy and will hardly speak...and I love seeing her cartoon artwork. I love that one of the older ladies yelled for everyone who was leaving and called them out on not cleaning up. I love Dee Dee's smile. I LOVE Dorothy's faith. Even when her apartment burned down...she believed that God is good and continued to express her faith in Him. And one of the highlights of the evening for me on Monday, was when a somewhat delicate lady who had made a puff went over to the table to get her nails painted quietly said, "I feel better now."
Wow - one tissue puff, a little conversation, and some nice music later...and she feels a little bit better about her life. THAT (all wrapped up in God's love, mercy, grace, and hope) is what this is about.
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