To teach like Jesus

Jesus is often regarded as one of the greatest teachers. What was it that made him so great? Was it simple because he was God’s son, and his content exceeds any other content that could ever be taught?

I would say, yes. Jesus had the most important message to ever be taught on earth. But I think he also knew how to make his teaching effective for each person. He used visuals in his sermons, told stories and parables, and sometimes taught while walking with his disciples. Jesus incorporated the three categories of learners: visual, auditory, and tactile/ kinesthetic.

Now that we've established that Jesus used learning styles, let’s look a little more into what that means. A learning style is defined as “one’s preferred way to engage and process information”*. We all have preferences, even when it comes down to simple things like how we take our coffee, what our morning routine looks like, or what our hobbies include. Having preferences in learning styles is similar, in that we each connect with learning in a different way, in one that is unique to us.

The first type of learner- the visual. A visual learner loves to see pictures, charts, or objects when they are learning. We see this in Matthew 19.  Jesus is speaking to a large crowd of Pharisees, and the topic of Caesar comes up. To illustrate his point, Jesus asks to see a denarius, the coin for paying taxes. The coin has Caesar’s face on it, and Jesus responds to "give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God’s"*. Everyone in the crowd would have been familiar with a denarius coin, but using the actual coin creates a more lasting impression and helps those who are visual learners to process that information.

The second type of learner- the auditory. An auditory learner learns best when they listen, and talk about the information they are learning. This is Jesus most common form of teaching. In our own school classrooms and church congregations, people might say it is the most common teaching style seen today. Jesus used auditory learning when he told parables to the masses, and when he conversed with his disciples. In Matthew 13, Jesus tells a parable of a farmer scattering seed to the crowd who was following him. Afterwards, Jesus expands even further with more parables to his disciples. Jesus helped the auditory learners to engage with his lesson by teaching them through a parable. 

The third type of learner- the textile/ kinesthetic. These types of learners prefer to be learning with their hands, and being physically active when they learn. Mark 2:23 demonstrates just that. It says, "One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain"*. In the verses to follow, we learn that as the disciples were walking, they were confronted by the Pharisees. Jesus used this opportunity to teach them and his disciples about God's purpose and design for the Sabbath. By using their hands, and walking when they were taught, the textile/ kinesthetic learner would be able to grasp onto Jesus's lesson more easily. 

Another important aspect of Jesus’ teaching is that he taught in both large and small group settings. Going back to the example in Matthew 13, we can see that Jesus spoke to two sizes of people- the crowd, and his 12 disciples. Some lessons are taught best when in a larger group of people. This could mean to a whole crowd, group of believers, or classroom. Other times information needs to be processed in a smaller group setting. Jesus often did this by going deeper into his teaching with his disciples. Using a variety of group settings, such as having large and small group lessons, can help different individuals. Be mindful of the setting in which you are teaching, and what size group would create the best learning opportunity for your students.

To teach like Jesus- be mindful of who your students are, discover the best way for them to learn, and always be praying for them.

References:

Nill, John G. 2010. Foundations of Educational Psychology. Springfield, MI: Global University.

Holy Bible: New Living Translation. 2^nd Ed., Gift & Award ed. Carol Stream, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.

August. September. October. November.

Thanksgiving. In a couple days I have the privilege of going home for the holiday. I haven't been able to go home for Thanksgiving since I was a Senior 4 years ago. When I was going to school in Canada, this was often the thing I wished I could get back home for. I find that having been more removed from my home area, I am not sure I look forward to this time with the same anticipation as I might have a couple years ago. I wouldn't say it's any less anticipation, just not the same.

My time in Minneapolis continues to be a journey of adjusting. Sometimes it has been really difficult in finding my place in this new school. Throughout this time I have been able to grow in my dependency on God. He is forever faithful. This weekend I helped represent my school at South Dakota's youth convention in Sioux Falls. As I was sharing about North Central and encouraging students to check it out, I realized some things that I really do love about where I am at right now.

living in Minneapolis. Especially downtown. I wouldn't want to live here forever, but for this season I am enjoying it. I can ride by bike down to the Stone Arch bridge in 10 minutes and find some biking paths. Sometimes I need that little escape to nature. close to family. What a blessing to be able to travel home for the weekend. Something I haven't been able to do the last few years. I have been able to go see my sister at various occasions and visit family more than just my Christmas break. spiritual life. I am grateful for the spiritual life of this campus. It is very different than any other school I have experienced. Sometimes I find that the pendulum sways too heavily on the outward worship, and not enough on studying the Bible. Of course they are biblically grounded, but I just think it could be more balanced. One thing North Central does have going for it is its ability to lead others into worshiping through music. Because this is my primary way of worshiping, I am blessed to be a part of this community that desires more of God.

Home

I don't really know why I'm blogging right now. Is blogging even still "in"? I was just looking through some of my previous blogs. I'm glad to have small memories and segments of my life documented because of this blog. In looking through my previous posts, I'm stuck by how different my location, college major, desires and goals have changed over the course of the past year. And though change is always a part of life, and I have certainly experienced a lot of change the last year, I am still very much the same person. It's fun to see how I can still resonate with the prayers that I wrote out a couple years ago.

Right now I am studying Music Education at North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. After three years in Alberta, Canada, it feels good to be back in the Midwest. This summer I was telling a friend that I was looking forward to going back to the Midwest. When she inquired why, I couldn't put to words what it was about the Midwest that excited me. Another friend piped up, "It's home." So true. I love it because it is home.

Midwest feels like home. But simultaneously, so does Alberta. I spent my 18-21 adult years there, and it no doubt has had influence on shaping me. I have a hard time answering where I'm from when people ask. Naturally, I say where I grew up- South Dakota. But I often add in that I've lived in Alberta the last three years. It's harder for me to associate being from SD because it seems so long ago that I lived there. I suppose for now, I have two homes. Two places that I associate myself with. I have a feeling that will change, now that I am living in Minnesota, and being only 4 hours from SD, as opposed to 24.

I am really enjoying school. I am taking 17 credits, so it's a good amount of work. I am so thankful for the community and spiritual life here at school. God is so good. I am really glad to finally be here at NCU. Back when I was a Junior in High School, I was dead set on coming here. I've taken a little detour, and I don't have any regrets with where I have been, but I am glad that I am actually here.

beauty in simplicity

Here I am, sitting at in my apartment. Crazy how quickly time goes.

More than a month ago I came back from Uganda. I am so glad that I went there for the summer. It wasn't always easy or fun, but I really did enjoy it. God is so good. The things I learned there I gained only from my experience there. One thing that has been a main theme throughout my summer was finding beauty in simplicity. In Africa, things are so much simpler there. Not much technology, food is cooked over the fire, little electricity and no running water. People go to bed shortly after the sun goes down. As different as it was, I found it to be beautiful in how simple the way of living is there. 

Coming back home, it was difficult adjusting back to what was "normal." I had grown used to life in Africa, even as varying as it was. I couldn't take a warm shower without thinking of how much easier things are in North America. And yet I knew the differences in the simple, routine things of the day would quickly be forgotten. I suppose that is part of how one gets used to change and adjusting to a new location.

Starting school this week at King's University brought a lot of change. I'm really glad I'm here, but again, being in a new location brings differences in living. Living with 3 other roommates, taking classes with other new students, and living in Edmonton, Alberta. It's different, but good. I'm excited for what this year will bring, friendships that will form, and ways that I can be involved in school. I'm hoping to be on a worship team that plays for Chapel services, as well as join a small group bible study. I feel really eager to get involved, meet people and have this feel like my new home. Sometimes I just have to remind myself that God is with me, wherever I go. I just love that :)

A lot has happened in the last couple weeks! The director/co-founder of Village of Hope was here for a couple weeks. She was a lot of fun to have around. She even treated all of us to Macaroni and Cheese- KD for the Canadians ;) and spam. It was so good. Last week we to the school's music, dance, and drama competition. We got to ride there in a cattle car with the tubs of beans and rice for the kids. The kids did so well, we were all like very proud mothers. When we arrived at the school where the competition is, everyone saw us white people and swarmed us. It was one of the most memorable things I've experienced. Some of the kids there had never seen white people before. As soon as I reached out my hand to shake some of the kids hands, nearly 50 hands came at me. We felt like celebrities, always being watched. The kids received first place so tomorrow they are going to the next level of competitions. We're hoping we can go to see them perform. It might work out to pay for sometime to drive us on a motorcycle, or "boda" as they call it. We've gotten to ride a couple times and it was a lot of fun. It reminded me of some video game, having to maneuver all the pot holes and go around vehicles and people.

I just counted that there are 8 days left at the Village counting today. My parents are coming tomorrow which I'm really looking forward to. Pray that the rest of their traveling will go well. They got delayed in Chicago because of thunderstorms.

It seems weird to be leaving here after spending a lot of time here with the kids. Some kids know that I am leaving soon and are already asking when I will be coming back. I think it's hard for them to understand how difficult it is to come and visit. It's really cool seeing how healthy, friendly and intelligent these kids are. Knowing some of their backgrounds, and seeing where they are today is amazing. It's hard to imagine them as the same person. One of the boys here, Norman, was forced to kill his parents because of the LRA. I see him today and his brother and sister, and can't even picture what they have been through.

I asked the director about the 11-year old girl Mercy, who I had mentioned earlier. I was really curious about her story. She told me that Mercy's parents were killed by the LRA. Mercy had told her all the places her father was cut. I'm guessing she was there when her parents were killed. Her grandmother took her in, along with her younger brother. But her grandmother was too old to take care of her, so she went to one of the IDP camps (internally displaced persons). Today she is at Village of Hope and doing really well. Miracles do happen.

faces

Lawrence having fun with the guitar I brought through DuncanAfrica

enjoying Novida (pineapple-flavored) pop.. so good!!

Aunt Janelle balancing a bag of mangoes on her head.  

Kari with David. He has the cutest squeal laugh :)

Rachel

Cute little Aaron. He's a lot of fun. :)

Me and my friend Mercy. So precious!

Goofy girls. Rebecca, Ruth and Innocent.

A little boy from Mile 8, a small town a mile from the Village. He always runs up to us and waves whenever he sees us. I like him. 

Riding in the back of the pickup on the way to the Nile only 8 miles away.  Kari on  the left, with Kayla in the middle, obviously having a good time, and Tanya, the leader of one of the missions teams. 

Our girls (cousins plus one) hut! Erin, Jenna, me, Kari and Kayla

When the crocodile becomes President.

It's Sunday afternoon here. I imagine most back home would just be getting up for church. As I sit inside our mud hut, I hear the rain and the voices of some young boys nearby playing Uno, or as they call it "Huno." These boys always come by our hut asking us for the Uno cards. They just love it. (These boys are in my facebook profile pic.)

We said farewell to the second team that we have had the pleasure of being here with. The team said goodbye to everyone at church. Some of them were slightly teary after there week of being with the kids here. I thought to myself how much harder it will be for us being here a lot longer.

I wish I could share with all of you the true beauty of the people here. I was observing yesterday how beautiful their smiles are. My little friend Mercy is 11 years old. She's a bit more shy than the other girls, doesn't jump at the chance to dance, like most of the girls do, but loves singing songs. She's taught me quite a few songs, one of them is even in Acholi. It doesn't take too much to make her smile or laugh. She is just precious. I was sick one morning -I learned the lesson to not take my malaria pill first thing in the morning- and when Mercy heard from Kayla that I wasn't feeling well, she came running to my hut to see me. She also told me when she was talking with her friend Sheila, Sheila said to her, "Victoria is my best friend." "No," Mercy replied, "Victoria is my bestest friend in the whole wide world. When the crocodile becomes President, then she will be your best friend." Turns out Sheila was referring to Kayla instead of me. It was really cute. :)

Dirty feet, cold bucket baths and posho are now the new norms that I have grown accustomed to. Posho and beans are the main foods at most meals. At first glance it looks like mashed potatoes, but it is actually made out of corn flour. "It is a flavorless mush that is kind of hard," adds Kayla. I can't really say I like it, but it's food. When teams are here, we have the treat of rice and pineapple. The fruit here is really good and fresh. We walked a mile into town this week with Aunt Janelle and some cooks and bought some mangos. 3 mangos for 10 cents. Pretty good deal, huh? Kayla attempted carrying the bag of mangos on her head. I don't think it lasted too long. :)

Today we washed some of the walls in the church building. It is an cement building that has open sections that act as windows. The kids often sit on the open areas, and their dirty hands and feet have a way of sticking to the wall. We didn't get it all done, but it's a start. We also taught some younger boys how to play 500, or Jackpot. We all had fun playing with them. Still trying to learn names. Not a super easy job with about 200 kids here. But I have gotten to recognize and remember a few groups of names.

Last Saturday I had a sleepover with Vicky. Kari and I slept in the same room and got to hang out with the girls there. The two of us took a nap before the girls came to get us from our hut. Kind of ridiculous having a nap at 9, but for some reason I feel like I need so much sleep here. They were having a movie night with the whole village watching The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. They had subtitles on because the only sound coming out was from the computer's speakers. The reactions of the kids were the best. When they saw Mr. Tumnus, they all gasped and then laughed. I don't know if they had ever seen something like him before. During the fighting scene, they were all cheering and getting excited. The kids here are really fun and talented. They pick up games and music quickly. I have been able to teach some guitar chords to kids. Some already know a couple basic chords. Even the music teacher Dennis wants to learn and has come up to me a couple times asking how to play a certain song. Hopefully I can do more with music here. Even though there is no radio or TV, there is no shortage of music. People are constantly singing songs, humming, or whistling.

Dear Victoria
How are you my friend? I am happy to see you my friend. Thank your kindness and prayers. I will pray for you every day and may God bless you in everything you do. Always remember how much he loves you and you are never alone. He surrounds you with his love, mercy and grace. Always kind to understand and work hard and study hard in school. I can see that you have a kind and gentle but strong spirit. Let the spirit of God guide you and follow your dreams. God bless you my friend
Love
Simon Kinyera
I have five sisters and three brothers. How many in your family? Bring your family picture.


I received this note tonight from one of the guys here. Such a sweet, sweet note that I just had to share. To be honest, I don't even remember who he is... Oh dear.. Today we did some random jobs, like pruning bushes, cleaning out a closet (where Jenna ran into a rat), helped kids make beads, threw around a frisbee, and helped women from Gulu learn how to knit. Fun day. Hot, too. It actually feels generally cooler than South Dakota or Alberta. Except today was pretty hot in the sun. 


I have gotten around 8 notes from kids here. I have to write them back but the problem is, I don't even remember who some of them are, or what house they live in. This one from Auma Stella writes," I love you so much my lovely best friend. You look beautiful in my eye. If you enter in my heart you will see my love for you." How poetic :)

We've had 3 full days at the Village! It seems like a lot longer. It's been good, hanging out with the kids, and getting to know the American team from Texas who is here till next Tuesday. Our first night here, we were so exhausted from traveling that we slept 14 hours. We were quite surprised we could sleep for that long. It's kind of hard right now, to know exactly what we're supposed to do, how to interact with the kids, and how to spend our time. Our days are pretty much up to us how much time we want to spend with the kids, or resting, or helping out with random jobs. I'm looking forward to getting more comfortable here, and getting a routine down. This morning Kayla, Kari, Jenna and I got to help with the bead project. We took the beads off of a string that had been dipped in vinyl and then sorted out the good and bad beads. We even got to make a pattern and string a bracelet. Now people will buy a bracelet thinking it was made from Ugandan children. haha- not that one :)

The people here are so friendly and welcoming. Their common greeting is "You are welcome," or "We welcome you." I really like it. The kids are often smiling and laughing. The kids are so respectful. Whenever we walk by a couple kids walking the other direction, they will often kneel down until you pass. It's kind of strange. Almost like they're bowing down to you, but it's just a cultural thing to get used to. 

From what I've observed here, everything here seems long. Or it's at least done for longer periods of time. Like singing one song in church or doing a traditional Acholi dance. They don't seem to get bored with it. During church, especially, I was thinking of how in our western culture, a worship song will last for about 5 minutes, and even in the song there is variation of harmonies, rhythms, and intensity. Here the songs seem like the same level all the way through. Along with the dancing. The kids performed a dance for the rest of the village and us mizungoos (white people). I was expecting a 30min performance with different types of dancing. They did maybe 4 different dances over the course of 2 hours. I was thinking, "This is really nice and fun.. but it's kind of long.. they've been doing the same exact thing with the same drum rhythm for half an hour....okay, I cannot be getting bored. I'm in Africa. This is crazy!" So my thought process probably reflects a lot of western culture. We like variety. I think I can be learning to enjoy each moment no matter how short or long it lasts. 

Thanks to everyone for your prayers! I so appreciate them. It's really encouraging to know that people are thinking of me and caring about me. Some things you could pray for... getting to know the kids, good sleeps ( the roosters have been waking up Kayla and Kari at 5am), the kids here, and that I would take every opportunity I can to get to know people and really make the most of my time here. 2 months seems like a really long time. But pray that in our time here, God would be working through us and working in us. I miss you all!

1 week prior

5 days till I head out to AFRICA! It's hard to believe that in less than a week I'm going to be completely submersed in a new culture, with new people, new foods, new climate, new new new.. I am so excited.

One of the things I'm most looking forward to is connecting with the kids at the Village of Hope. I don't even know the details of what our time will look like for the next 2 months, but I know that God has really great things planned for us. The spontaneity of how 4 of us cousins are going there adds to the fact that we're supposed to be there.

Some things that we will be helping with...
-the library. There's "library time" where someone reads to the kids, or helps the kids read. The kids go to school, where they actually are taught in English. However, they don't understand that much of the English language.
-making beads. They have a project at the Village, making jewelry out of recycled paper beads. They're pretty sweet. We might be helping with making the jewelry and helping sort beads.
-playing with the kids :) A lot of our time in Uganda is spent how we want to spend it. The more we invest into the kids, the more rewarding it will be.
-teaching music. The kids love music, and some really want to learn guitar. There's also a keyboard there, so I might get to teach some of that.

I would love your prayers for me and the other girls going on this trip. That God would open our eyes and our hearts to serve completely, to grow to love the people we are working with, and to give us the strength we need.

the vision of Village of Hope...

In the 1980s, the Lord’s Resistance Movement, a militant group in Uganda started rising to power. It has been estimated that 66,000 children have been abducted in Uganda and made to work as soldiers, porters, sex slaves, human shields, bait and as “wives” of rebels. Village of Hope provides a safe home for rescued, orphaned children, training widows as “moms” to the kids and supplying the children with an education. This is a unique place where nurture and counseling helps the kids move beyond the pain, wounds, and heartache from years of abandonment, abduction and hopelessness. At Village of Hope, they know that healing comes through time, love, and hope in the grace of God. There are still about 1,200 Ugandan children being held by the Lord’s Resistance Army. God has been at work in Uganda, bringing healing and restoration to the rescued children. Please pray that the children at VOH would be able to feel God’s unconditional love.

 

prayer

I have just been realizing more and more this school year how good prayer is. Ah man... it is so comforting knowing that we can go to God and tell him anything and everything that is on our minds. And he hears us! This year I have felt really blessed to have a lot of one-on-one prayer with close friends. I hadn't really had that much before. To know that I have people who are watching out for me, and notice when I'm down is, well, an answer to prayer. It is also really humbling. A lot of times in prayer, I come before God having to admit that I am not strong enough to do things on my own, that I need God's strength.

If you have a couple spare minutes, I would encourage you to spend some time with God. Stop from whatever distractions you have, whatever is on your to-do-list and just breathe... be with God. be refreshed. be honest. God already knows what's going on in your heart, why not tell him?

Some prayer requests I have right now are...

-Brazil mission trip in January, we have to get our visas done this week

-my health, I feel sick and haven't had energy this week, or even joy for a while

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire,

and it shall be done for you."

John 15:7

no sacrifice

To you I give my life, not just the parts I want to

To you I sacrifice these dreams that I hold on to

Your thoughts are higher than mine

Your words are deeper than mine

Your love is stronger than mine

This is no sacrifice

Here's my life

To you I give the gifts

Your love has given me

How can I hoard the treasures that you've designed for free?

To you I give my future

As long as it may last

To you I give my present

To you I give my past

- Jason Upton

Why is it so hard to give? to surrender? to release? It seems easier when I have things under my control. I have really been struggling with surrendering my life to God. Surrendering plans... hopes... time... relationships... I want everything to be figured out, to know what to do with my life. Why does his timing have to be so different than my own? I have been realizing that it is so much better when I place all of these things in God's hands. But it is so hard to do. The older I get, the more life seems really complicated. I feel really blessed to be at a place like CLBI, where I am surrounded by loving people who are so supportive of me. To be open and vulnerable in a safe place. being real... a good place to be.

.... I get to see my fam jam in two weeks! Can't wait. American Thanksgiving on the coast. oh yeah... :)

Light

We've probably all heard it said before that Jesus is "the light of the world." As Christians, I hope believe it, too. There is definitely plenty of scripture that says Jesus is our light. I was talking with my Nana tonight, and she was telling stories from when she lived in Nepal. She was explaining to me that people in Nepal would not go out in the dark because a fear of evil spirits. They would stay where there was light because they had an knew that there was something evil wherever the darkness was. There was one time when she was coming home from a wedding, and her vehicle broke down. She tried to get people to stop and help her, but no one would stop. She finally decided in order to stop someone she would have to go out in front of the next coming vehicle and take the risk by either getting help or getting hit. Thankfully, the next car was someone coming home from the wedding. What she found out later, however, was that the other people were afraid to stop because they thought she was a spirit. Here she was, out in the dark, alone, wearing a long, black coat, on the side of the road, trying to get someone's attention, and people think she's a spirit . Can you see how their culture would see it this way?

I think the Nepali people's view of darkness can help us understand what it means when Jesus says he's the light of the world. Although some of us have a fear of the dark, it doesn't mean quite the same thing to our culture today as it might have then. John 8:12 says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Never walk in darkness. For some Nepalise who become Christians, they find it so freeing to not have fear of darkness.

1 Peter 2:9 says, " But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." Jesus calls us out of that darkness and to be free from the fear associated with it. We are chosen by God to live in his light. The next time you read something about the light of Jesus, or maybe even sing a song that has to do with darkness or God's light, think about what this really means. What is Jesus speaking to us?

Surprises

January 10th

I had a day full of surprises. I woke up this morning to the sight of girls coming into my room singing happy birthday, holding Tim Horton's donuts and hot chocolate. The donuts had special meanings behind each one, for example, Boston Cream because I'm American, a donut with sprinkles because I "sparkle," an Apple Fritter because of Jonnny Appleseed, and we think he's American :) It was such a wonderful way to start off the day!

Because the roads were not very good weather-wise, we didn't have class until later that day because the teacher wasn't there yet. We had chapel at 10. It was so fun to see everyone again. Because we had no class, I went out in the snow with my cousin and a friend. We climbed piles of snow, made lookouts in a pile of snow and tackled people in the snow. It brought me back to memories of playing King of the Hill and digging tunnels during recess at elementary. During lunch, I had to stand on my chair while people sang "Happy birthday" to me (It's a CLBI tradition). I went back in the snow after lunch and we wrote the letters, CLBI, all nice and big in the snow right under a bridge. We were pretty proud of our accomplishment. When I came back to my room, I was shocked to see a bunch of girls in my room with balloons covering the room! They surprised me with a bunch of messages that they had written on the balloons. Some of them were funny, like "Your eyes are like someone took stars from the sky and jammed them in your face," and "you're pretty fly for a white girl." Others were thoughtful things about me, like "You have a beautiful soul and it shines through in everything you do, love you!" Some friends cards were written on the balloons. It was quite the sight! After all the excitement, I spent some time to open a couple cards and listen to voice messages that I got on my birthday. Man, people are so thoughtful :)

After supper and class, I was hanging out with some friends in the cafeteria. We decided to head to the coed (an on-campus hangout place for guys and girls) to see if there were any people hanging out in there. When we got there, the lights were all off and I was thinking that maybe people were watching a movie. Then all of a sudden everybody popped up and shouted "Surprise! Happy Birthday!!!" I was completely blown away! Almost everyone was there, even the teacher haha. My friends had even gotten my favorite snacks and drinks. Some friends even made me my own cake. I also had to do this funny challenge of finding 19 gummy worms in a bowl of whipped cream. With my mouth. It was, uh.. interesting, and really funny. Did I mention there was a dance party? There was a strobe light and music. Even learned how to waltz :) Today was one of the best days ever. I couldn't have even planned anything better. A huge thank-u to Naomi who planned so much! And so many others who helped with everything-Lenea :) What thoughtful, wonderful, caring, loving people I'm surrounded by.

3 birthday surprises. 80 some balloons. 132 birthday wishes on facebook. Don't think this birthday can ever be topped ;)

*side note: I've always wanted a surprise birthday party, but of course you can't exactly plan that yourself ;) Also, I recently saw the movie, Patch Adams, and in it there's a birthday party where a room is completely filled with balloons from top to bottom. I thought that would the sweetest thing ever. How fun for these 2 wishes to come true :)

*be sure to check out the photos from this day in the photos tab!

the eyes of Jesus

The first week in November, I took part of an experience called Urban Hike. With 20 other students, I went to Edmonton to live with the homeless for a week. We spent the week helping out in soup kitchens, wandering the streets, hanging out with the homeless people and sleeping in a church. It was a really good experience and time of learning. I was able to see first-hand the hopelessness that was portrayed in the eyes of the homeless. A lot of the people I met seemed stuck in a place that they couldn’t get out of. Some of them didn’t like the way they were living but were unwilling to do anything to change it or weren’t sure how to change. Many of them were bound by addictions.

The people that I met on the streets needed basic possessions that I often take for granted. Some that stuck out to me were: shelter, food, and relationships. For many of the people I talked with, they went to the soup kitchens every day to get meals. They couldn’t provide food for themselves. Some of them had a place to sleep at night but even then it wasn’t a very nice place to be. I observed that when these people were eating their meals, they would usually keep to themselves. It seemed to me that something they need but weren’t getting enough of was friendships.

My favorite thing about Urban Hike was the conversations I had with people who came into the soup kitchens. One conversation that a couple people and I were able to have was with Darryl. We met him while waiting in line for food at a soup kitchen. Afterwards we took him out for coffee to hear about his life story. He is about 50 years old and going through the Herb Jamison rehab program downtown Edmonton. He used to be a farmer until a couple years ago. When his wife left him and took the kids, he turned to alcohol to find relief. He spent at least 10,000 on alcohol. After he lost everything he owned, he came to the city. Soon after, he enrolled in the drug rehab program. Darryl is a very wise, theological man. He understands the value of life and had real hardships in life.

When we first sad down with our coffee at Tim Hortons, he held up a $20 bill. One of the first things Darryl did when we sat down for coffee was pull out a $20 bill. “What is this worth?” he asked us. He then began to crumple it and form it into a ball. “Is it still worth $20?” Darryl asked. “Yes, it’s still the same amount,” we responded. Darryl replied. “Just like this bill, people can’t always see that they are valued. They might be all crumpled and bruised, but that doesn’t change their value. Even when I throw this money on the ground and it gets trampled, it hasn’t lost any of its value. Many people who are living on the streets cannot see their own value. They’ve been hurt and damaged by other people or even themselves that they forget how valuable they are.” Darryl reminded me that someone on the street is not of any less value than me but is equal. They need reminder of how important they are and how valued their life is.

A lot of other things happened this week which I was able to take and learn from. We went on a rose walk, where we gave roses to prostitutes. That was definitely an interesting experience. One thing I struggled with during Urban Hike was realizing that it was not up to me to change these people. The only thing I could do that would have an impact on them was to love them. I wanted so badly for these people to find freedom in Jesus, to not be bound by their addictions or struggles. But it was not up to me to stop their addictions, get them off the streets, turn their life around or make them be a Christian. This is something that only God can do. Urban hike. I learned a lot and grew in my understanding of who God is and who he calls us to be.

Life is a journey

Life is a journey.

one that we don't always have control of

one that can make your soul take flight

one that can make your heart tear in two

Life is a journey.

not an easy one, which everybody who has lived a life worth telling knows

not one that has easy answers

maybe not even one with any answers

Life is a journey.

worth the risks and the falls, worth trying new paths,

new adventures, discovering new stories

one that can take you places beyond your comfort, beyond your desires of living

one that is harder than a simple yes or no

Take the jump, come out of the box you have made for yourself.

Say yes to this journey of life.

To the journey of life's discoveries.

It's all good

I've been really enjoying my time here. Last Friday our school held a youth event called LOL, which takes place every month. I was asked to lead worship and had only 3 days to prepare and practice for it. For some reason, though, God had everything under control for how well it went. I've never really led worship for something like this before so I was nervous about how it was going to go. It went so well. There were probably 50 kids there and it was really fun for me to see them get into it and also have fun. So many people afterwards came and told me that I did a great job. Someone even said I had a gifting in leading worship. I’m almost scared to accept these compliments. Like for how easy it was to lead worship, it shouldn't have gone so well. If that makes sense? But on the other hand, leading worship is kind of one of those hidden desires that I've always wanted to do but didn't think I was qualified enough to. I’ll just have to wait on God and see where he takes music in my life. I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to lead worship for youth.

Fun experience…

Too soon to dissect the frog

So… I think I freak out a little too easily [in reference to my last post]. Right now I love school and although have only had 2 days of classes and 1 test, I’m already comfortable with being here. God must answer prayers. I’ve been so busy just hanging out with friends. I’m really digging this dorm life. And I’ve only been here 2 nights. Okay, maybe the real problem is that I analyze things a little too quickly?

Tonight I’m heading out to a youth group that I’m a part of helping this year. I think it’s a youth group of about 40 kids...

...Just got back from youth at Solid Rock. It has been made very clear to me tonight that I do try to analyze situations too quickly. I think I changed my mind 5 times tonight whether I liked being a leader in this youth group or not. It’s hard to be a leader in a youth group I’ve never been to before.

One thing that really stood out to me was the lack of genuineness of the students. It just seemed like it was a show. I think that is something I have really taken for granted in my youth group in high school. In worship the students just kind of sang along and those on the team didn’t really seem to make it a part of personal worship for them. When it came time for the small group discussions, everyone had the right answers, but I don’t really know how personal they are with God. I overheard one girl say to another girl about how she was dressed up because she was going to the bar after youth with another guy from the youth group.

I’m not trying to say that I’m looking down on the students in the youth group. I’m just trying to point out [probably more for myself] that this might be a really good opportunity for me to share my realness with God and reach out to them in that way. I really do pray that God will be able to use me in the relationships I form with these students. Again, I need to give what I’m involved in more time before trying to dissect it. There are definitely things that stood out to me in a good way, such as the youth leader’s strong emphasis on how important your relationship with Christ is. That’s always a good thing :)

Today I’m thankful for:

New friendships

New experiences

Meeting a couple new faces at CLBI

My choir tryout- I think it went well J

First test of the year- not too hard even though I before the test I thought I should’ve studied harder

P.s. I needed a random title. I kind of like it, haha..

Adjusting

I don't know why but I'm struggling with coming up with something to write. Maybe I should wait till I feel better. I just started feeling sick just a warm face but enough to not feel like myself.

Oh, I should probably mention that I made it to Camrose, AB on Saturday. I met up with the girls to go on the hiking trip on Sunday. I missed out on the canoe portion of the trip but was able to get in on some of the outdoor experience. It was awkward for me at first but I just tried to be as friendly as I could and tried to remember a couple names of the 40 some I met that day. Everyone was so welcoming to me, so that was a huge blessing. I was so glad to get to have good conversations with some of the girls throughout the couple days there. The last night on our trip, we all went around and shared our "story of grace." It was a really good way to be personal with each other and share our story.

Right now I feel kind of like I'm back at square one. like I don't fit in. like everyone knows each other except for me. I know this isn't true, but my blog is supposed to be honest, right? I feel like going and finding a quiet spot to read and be my introvert self. I probably just need to give it some time. I've only been on campus for a few hours.

time. time. time.

I will give it time.