I was out of the country for 10 days on a mission trip with the Methodist Student Network (MSN) at USC. We went to Ahuachapán, El Salvador. For most people, you come back from a mission trip on a "high" feeling like you can conquer the world and some even feel guilty coming back to the lavish lifestyle in the United States. When I returned from my trip last year from Brazil, I definitely felt this way, yet that was my first mission trip. Since then, I have had the opportunity to travel to several Latin American countries apart from a church trip and live (more or less) like a native.
So, how did this affect my trip this year to El Salvador? Well, firstly, I had more responsibility on this trip planning and orchestrating vacation bible school for the native niños. I was more able to see the inter-workings and planning of mission trips. I appreciate the trip much more knowing all that I do. Also, I was equally as affected but not as shocked by the poverty we saw in El Salvador, specifically Ahuachapán.
Now aware of my call to ministry, I was more inquisitive about how the United Methodist Church operates in El Salvador, as we worked very closely with 3 UM churches and the President of the UMC. My favorite part was worshiping in Spanish. This makes me feel so close to God and reminds me that He is global yet universally the same. It's so incredible! There was one night in particular where I felt the very real, raw, beautiful presence of God. This is what I would love to see in every place of worship.
There are not enough words to describe the wonderful country of El Salvador, a country filled with blue&white, volcanoes, and pupusas. There is definitely something beautiful happening in El Salvador.
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" -Matthew 6:1
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places
I honestly never thought I would say this but I LOVE the state of South Carolina. But, I really do. In my four years of attending the Univ. of South Carolina, I have been able to experience lots of wonderful things in this state. Here are a few things I have experienced and learned about this state....
1) Palmetto Pride: Oh that SC state flag and those car stickers... I have a real appreciation now for the palmetto tree and crescent moon combo. Every time I see that tree, I feel a little bit of Carolina pride. I also love the pride that born and raised South Carolinians have for their state. I have never felt that for the state of Georgia (I think I developed more Atlanta pride after I left for college), but I cannot blame anyone for being proud of SC because it is an amazing place to live.
2) THE University of South Carolina: What an outstanding university and place to study. I could talk about how much I love USC until I was blue in the face. Though this is not where I pictured myself going to school, I know that God had me go here for a reason. And, now I know what it is. I have met the greatest friends, in addition to coming to college with my best friends from high school, have grown so much as a person, and have defined my passions. This is where I am supposed to be.
3) The Hispanic Community: Coming from Atlanta where, in certain areas, English is not the dominant language spoken, I was initially shocked at the lack of diversity I saw in SC. However, I was not looking in the right places. Through my church and my friend, Mary Allison, I was able to star immersing myself in the Hispanic community in West Columbia. Since last year, I have started tutoring Spanish-speaking ESL 1st grade students at BC Grammar Elementary twice a week and just recently started working with adult ESL students at Brookland United Methodist through the West Columbia Metro Hispanic Ministry. That has opened lots of doors for me learning about the struggles and injustice going on in this state. I say that not as a negative thing, but as something we all need to be aware of. This has been a blessing to me and I cannot wait to come back to SC after seminary and serve these people.
4) Columbia: It is so fun to live in the capital city!! I remember my freshman year during the primaries, we had a lot of politicians come to Columbia and the campus. Most notably, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and OPRAH, Mitt Romney, and Mike Huckabee. It was really fascinating to be able to experience that. I have also become more interested in local/state politics because it all takes place right in town. There have also been rallies and demonstrations in front of the state house, which is a great way to remember our freedom of speech. I also love how quaint some parts of Columbia are, like Trenholm Road and Forest Drive. Even though the weather here is brutal 7 months out of the 12, sometimes on a nice day I just drive around Columbia with my windows down and thanks God that I am here. I have found living in Columbia for four years more advantageous than I thought and it has been a real blessing to know this city so well.
Thank you, South Carolina, for touching my life.
“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD" --Leviticus 19:17-19
1) Palmetto Pride: Oh that SC state flag and those car stickers... I have a real appreciation now for the palmetto tree and crescent moon combo. Every time I see that tree, I feel a little bit of Carolina pride. I also love the pride that born and raised South Carolinians have for their state. I have never felt that for the state of Georgia (I think I developed more Atlanta pride after I left for college), but I cannot blame anyone for being proud of SC because it is an amazing place to live.
2) THE University of South Carolina: What an outstanding university and place to study. I could talk about how much I love USC until I was blue in the face. Though this is not where I pictured myself going to school, I know that God had me go here for a reason. And, now I know what it is. I have met the greatest friends, in addition to coming to college with my best friends from high school, have grown so much as a person, and have defined my passions. This is where I am supposed to be.
GO GAMECOCKS
3) The Hispanic Community: Coming from Atlanta where, in certain areas, English is not the dominant language spoken, I was initially shocked at the lack of diversity I saw in SC. However, I was not looking in the right places. Through my church and my friend, Mary Allison, I was able to star immersing myself in the Hispanic community in West Columbia. Since last year, I have started tutoring Spanish-speaking ESL 1st grade students at BC Grammar Elementary twice a week and just recently started working with adult ESL students at Brookland United Methodist through the West Columbia Metro Hispanic Ministry. That has opened lots of doors for me learning about the struggles and injustice going on in this state. I say that not as a negative thing, but as something we all need to be aware of. This has been a blessing to me and I cannot wait to come back to SC after seminary and serve these people.
4) Columbia: It is so fun to live in the capital city!! I remember my freshman year during the primaries, we had a lot of politicians come to Columbia and the campus. Most notably, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and OPRAH, Mitt Romney, and Mike Huckabee. It was really fascinating to be able to experience that. I have also become more interested in local/state politics because it all takes place right in town. There have also been rallies and demonstrations in front of the state house, which is a great way to remember our freedom of speech. I also love how quaint some parts of Columbia are, like Trenholm Road and Forest Drive. Even though the weather here is brutal 7 months out of the 12, sometimes on a nice day I just drive around Columbia with my windows down and thanks God that I am here. I have found living in Columbia for four years more advantageous than I thought and it has been a real blessing to know this city so well.
Thank you, South Carolina, for touching my life.
“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD" --Leviticus 19:17-19
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Why Something Beautiful?
"Hey now, this is my desire. Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful to touch me, I know that I'm in reach 'cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful"
Hola! Right now the purpose of this blog is to document my journey through exploring my call to ministry (thanks to the idea from my friend, Amanda!). I accepted my call to ministry at the end of my junior year. Once I felt like that is where the Lord was calling me, I went full speed figuring out what the next step was. I started looking into different United Methodist seminaries. I decided to apply to five. This was/is one of the most stressful processes I have been through... drowning in personal statements and letters of recommendations. This has been a real trusting process for me. I often try to be totally in control, but I forget that He is. He has a plan for my life and I have to trust that His plan is better than my own. I will attending seminary starting next fall, receiving my master's in divinity.
Now, what is the purpose of this blog's title? The title is inspired from the song "Something Beautiful" by needtobreathe. In my life, I have been touched by many beautiful things including mission trips, wonderful friendships, and life lessons. This a way for me to appreciate, note, and remember the little things in my life that have touched me. In addition, I would like to discern my call to ministry based on my experiences. This is also to honor my friend, Becky, as this is her favorite song.
My intent is to reflect on and share things that have happened to me in conjunction with current events. I also want to discuss how we as Christians should react to various life and/or world situations.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God -Philippians 4:6
Hola! Right now the purpose of this blog is to document my journey through exploring my call to ministry (thanks to the idea from my friend, Amanda!). I accepted my call to ministry at the end of my junior year. Once I felt like that is where the Lord was calling me, I went full speed figuring out what the next step was. I started looking into different United Methodist seminaries. I decided to apply to five. This was/is one of the most stressful processes I have been through... drowning in personal statements and letters of recommendations. This has been a real trusting process for me. I often try to be totally in control, but I forget that He is. He has a plan for my life and I have to trust that His plan is better than my own. I will attending seminary starting next fall, receiving my master's in divinity.
Now, what is the purpose of this blog's title? The title is inspired from the song "Something Beautiful" by needtobreathe. In my life, I have been touched by many beautiful things including mission trips, wonderful friendships, and life lessons. This a way for me to appreciate, note, and remember the little things in my life that have touched me. In addition, I would like to discern my call to ministry based on my experiences. This is also to honor my friend, Becky, as this is her favorite song.
My intent is to reflect on and share things that have happened to me in conjunction with current events. I also want to discuss how we as Christians should react to various life and/or world situations.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God -Philippians 4:6
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