Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
It might be just a little bit illegal, but just a little...!
After that we walked back over to the beach where the rest of the crew were hanging out. A few more roadies arrived and we all laid around on beach towels and tanned int he glorius San Diego sun. Becky and I ate some delicious Japenese jello cups she got from the Asian market and took pictures of our hands making a heart at sunset. So cute!! My hand is on the left :)
Five of us stayed at the beach intil after sunset and then we walked back towards the bus stop. We got some pizza, which was super cheap, on our way back. We had so much fun on the trolly ride back. Carlie ended up sitting next to this guy who was playng this crazy Indian music right in her ear the whole way home. We laughed a lot. When I got back to the house, I ended up going out with four other roadies to a place downtown in La Mesa and we sat around and talked for about two hours. It was great fun.
Today, I went to church at a place called Harbor OB, which was amazing. It is a really small church plant right next to Pacific Beach. The worship was amazing, and I felt like God filled be back up because I was feeling empty. After that we went over to Pacific Beach and had lunch with a large group of homeless people that Lisa, an IC staff member has lunch for each Sunday. I met a woman named Karen, who prayed the most beautiful blessing over our lunch. I also met a group of kids who were right about 20 years old that had the most amazing stories to tell. We laughed a lot, and they gave me some of the best advice I could get on how to be an effective teacher. It was moving. After that, I came back to the roadie house, took a short nap then went back to church at The Flood. IT WAS SO GREAT! I jumped and danced and sang and worshiped like there was no tomorrow. I was double full after that! :) God is so great.
I leave for Uganda in less than a week now! I can't believe it. I have no idea what God has in store for me other than I am supposed to go...and he wants me there.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Stop and Enjoy Your Time With Others!!
Ok, so it has been a long time since I blogged, but can you blame me? I usually wake up at 5:45 in the morning, get to work by 7:15, work until 6:30 (but mostly 9 or 10) and then go home only to go to sleep and do it all over again. The mornings are early, the days are long and my nights are spent sleeping as much as I can!
Recently my new computer, that is barely a month old, broke. I have to send it back to ASUS the people who made my computer and have them fix it. I am a bit frustrated because I just bought it, and I bought it so I can use it to work here at Invisible Children, and now I can't and won't get it back until December because I will be traveling the East Coast for three months this fall and have nowhere to get it sent. My teammates all have laptops, so I will get to use theirs.
I leave for Uganda in 8 days and I am so excited! I just found out today that I need to get a yellow fever shot that costs $125 and I have to pay for my visa which is $50. I am kind of bummed because that is another $200 ish that I have to pay. It is just hard when I don't get paid, and my fundraising account is empty because I used the money in it to pay for my trip to Uganda. God has been leading me hear, and blessing me to I am trying my best to keep my faith and trust in him. He wants me there, and he wants me here as well so I know he will provide. In the meantime, I am trying not to get too stressed! I need to raise about $1,000 within the next few weeks. I have some people who are already supporting me; I am just trying to keep my faith that God will provide like he always does.
Today we had a really awesome day where we got to spend a lot of time with our teammates and hang out. I had a blast! We talked about so many things, and got to spend the rest of the evening at Pacific Beach. It was great! I took a whole bunch of jumping pictures with my friends and had a great time laughing at how ridiculous we all look! I love the roadies! I do my best to stop and enjoy the time that I get to spend with them. I booked some screenings this week, and it was amazingly fun! Oh, my team and I got to hang out with Jason Russle, one of the filmmakers. It was so fun! He is a really nice, caring guy. I really like working for Invisible Children because I feel valued and cared about. I wish every job was like this! (Minus the 12-13 hour days!)
Saturday, August 15, 2009
A couple of new pictures!
We had a roadie photo shoot competition and these were the best that we came up with. The most "San Diego" and a free "Creative" category...It was a lot of fun! My facebook has a lot of new pictures in a new photo album!
Friday, August 14, 2009
"Hi, this is Christa from Invisible Children. How are you?
Guten Morgen!
How is everyone this morning? It is 7:10 and I am relaxing in the living room, enjoying a quiet house. I usually try to get up by 6:30 so I can get the first shower and get out of the room before the madness begins with all the girls getting ready at the same time. It is nice, I get to have a little bit of time to myself to start the day and prepare myself for insanity when I get to the office. It is always a new and exciting adventure when we get in between the walls of the office!
I had the opportunity to hang out with Jen (one of the people I went to China with last summer) this past Sunday and go to church with her. It was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed getting to spend time with her. I love her, and am so blessed by her friendship! We have officially heard the history of the war as presented by Laren, which is very long, mind boggling and complicated. We have also met with the Representative for San Diego, and were able to discuss how a bill becomes a law, and personally thank her for co-signing the Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act ourselves. VERY exciting.
We began making phone calls yesterday. Our hope is to set up at least 90 screenings before we hit the road, but my team has a personal goal of 120, and we are going to rock it in the next few weeks. I had a lot of fun talking with the students representatives that I will be working with this Fall, and I am really excited by their enthusiasm. It was really funny calling people yesterday and listening to their reaction when I say "Hi, this is Christa from Invisible Children, how are you?!" Their tone would immediately change, like they were the most excited person in the world! It was so fun knowing that I was helping make people's day a million times better.
The roadie house is still wonderful and amazing. I have yet to post some pictures. Honestly, it comes out of pure lack of motivation. We work anywhere between 9-11 hours a day, and come home to work on our homework. By the time that is done we are cooking dinner (if we have not already done it) and ready to go directly to sleep. I will do my best this weekend to see if I can get some pictures up for all of you. We have been having a great time in San Diego, and I have really enjoyed getting to know so many different people. I am excited for the adventure ahead, and I am REALLY looking forward to meeting the students and staff we will meet when we get to the school sites. I already love the people I am working with, and I want to see them succeed in everything!!!
LOVE YOU!
Christa
How is everyone this morning? It is 7:10 and I am relaxing in the living room, enjoying a quiet house. I usually try to get up by 6:30 so I can get the first shower and get out of the room before the madness begins with all the girls getting ready at the same time. It is nice, I get to have a little bit of time to myself to start the day and prepare myself for insanity when I get to the office. It is always a new and exciting adventure when we get in between the walls of the office!
I had the opportunity to hang out with Jen (one of the people I went to China with last summer) this past Sunday and go to church with her. It was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed getting to spend time with her. I love her, and am so blessed by her friendship! We have officially heard the history of the war as presented by Laren, which is very long, mind boggling and complicated. We have also met with the Representative for San Diego, and were able to discuss how a bill becomes a law, and personally thank her for co-signing the Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act ourselves. VERY exciting.
We began making phone calls yesterday. Our hope is to set up at least 90 screenings before we hit the road, but my team has a personal goal of 120, and we are going to rock it in the next few weeks. I had a lot of fun talking with the students representatives that I will be working with this Fall, and I am really excited by their enthusiasm. It was really funny calling people yesterday and listening to their reaction when I say "Hi, this is Christa from Invisible Children, how are you?!" Their tone would immediately change, like they were the most excited person in the world! It was so fun knowing that I was helping make people's day a million times better.
The roadie house is still wonderful and amazing. I have yet to post some pictures. Honestly, it comes out of pure lack of motivation. We work anywhere between 9-11 hours a day, and come home to work on our homework. By the time that is done we are cooking dinner (if we have not already done it) and ready to go directly to sleep. I will do my best this weekend to see if I can get some pictures up for all of you. We have been having a great time in San Diego, and I have really enjoyed getting to know so many different people. I am excited for the adventure ahead, and I am REALLY looking forward to meeting the students and staff we will meet when we get to the school sites. I already love the people I am working with, and I want to see them succeed in everything!!!
LOVE YOU!
Christa
Friday, August 7, 2009
Feelin' the love
I love the roadies. This is quite possibly the most amazing thing that I have ever done in my entire lifetime. I am sitting next to my friend Chad, who is from Australia. He came all the way here to spread the word about Invisible Children. We also have thee people from Canada and everyone else is from across the United States. I am so excited!
I miss you guys. This has been a really busy week, but every moment is worth it. I love learning everything that I am about Invisible Children, and I am so excited to learn more next week!
-Christa
Thursday, August 6, 2009
I smile because I make the choice to
I had this long profound update to give all of you, but my computer froze so I am going to highlight the main points.
1. I am exhausted, and all I have done today is sit in a chair and listen to people speak for 8 hours
2. We discussed this idea of saying a "deeper yes" to serving others, which means daily saying NO to things that we want to do, or ideas that others may have of how to live our lives. Saying yes to Invisible Children has meant that I needed to sacrifice a great deal, but when I consider the deep impact that I will make, and the significance of being apart of this movement, it makes all of my sacrifices seem insignificant.
3. I am tired. Really tired.
4. I get to do this again tomorrow, with a smile because I have made the choice to! :)
1. I am exhausted, and all I have done today is sit in a chair and listen to people speak for 8 hours
2. We discussed this idea of saying a "deeper yes" to serving others, which means daily saying NO to things that we want to do, or ideas that others may have of how to live our lives. Saying yes to Invisible Children has meant that I needed to sacrifice a great deal, but when I consider the deep impact that I will make, and the significance of being apart of this movement, it makes all of my sacrifices seem insignificant.
3. I am tired. Really tired.
4. I get to do this again tomorrow, with a smile because I have made the choice to! :)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Home Sweet Home
The past 36 hours have been the most terrifying, exhausting and exciting hours of my life thus far. When I was on the plane to San Diego I could not stop thinking "What have I gotten myself into?" I mean seriously, I could potentially be making full time salary, and living in my own comfortable room without having to budget! Instead, I have traded it all in to live in a 7 bedroom house with 60 people, share a room with 7 other girls, and get paid $1500 over 5 months. What HAVE I gotten myself into?
Here is what I have come up with today.
I have gotten myself into a situation that is going to change my life, and challenge me to become a better person. Living with 60 people is going to teach me a lot about community, and how to love others, even when it is difficult. Yesterday we went grocery shopping and decided to take meals as a team of 7 people. I only have to cook dinner once a week, which is great because I only have to cook once every 7 days, but I also get the opportunity to cook with my new family, and sit down to dinner with them every night. I get to learn how to listen, and develop friendships.
I have also gotten myself into one of the most demanding jobs that I will ever have. Yes teaching is demanding, but I think that this internship is going to require a lot from me in different ways that can be MORE difficult at times. The office is so big, and there are so many well respected, hardworking and inspiring people who work there. The filmmakers are fun, imaginative and dedicated to seeing this war to its end, and rebuilding the lives of the Ugandan people. They see a future full of hope and love. Many of the projects they have been working on really focus on teaching the Ugandan people to become economically self-sufficient, and independent. Especially for the women who have been most affected by the war.
The office area that the Roadies will be working in is huge! There are enough tables to sit 15 teams of four, each with a phone on the desk. We will be spending long hours and working hard to be sure we book our tour!! Today we sat in training almost all day listening to speakers. The vision of Invisible Children is so beautiful, and I am just trying to soak it all in. I could write forever about the things I am learning, but I will save that for later!
I miss you all, but I keep reminding myself why I am here, which is to follow Jesus and seek out what God's justice looks like. I have been reading Isaiah lately, and God keeps reminding me of this idea that we are called to be seekers of justice. But what does that look like? AND how do I decide what true justice is? Who says that what I believe is right? What I need to do is to seek out how God defines justice, and let that be reflected in my actions and choices in life. I feel that God is stirring so much in me, and that he is preparing me for a future that I can only dream or imagine about. What is holds I am really clueless about, but one thing that I know for sure is that I do not ever want to live outside the will of God. Each day is an adventure when you follow his will for you weather you are in San Diego working for Invisible Children, working in a restaurant or in an office running soil samples. God has us where we are for a purpose, I want to encourage you to discover that purpose, and actively seek out what it means to live out God's justice. That is what I am doing, and what I believe the rest of my life will be about.
Over and out!
Christa
Here is what I have come up with today.
I have gotten myself into a situation that is going to change my life, and challenge me to become a better person. Living with 60 people is going to teach me a lot about community, and how to love others, even when it is difficult. Yesterday we went grocery shopping and decided to take meals as a team of 7 people. I only have to cook dinner once a week, which is great because I only have to cook once every 7 days, but I also get the opportunity to cook with my new family, and sit down to dinner with them every night. I get to learn how to listen, and develop friendships.
I have also gotten myself into one of the most demanding jobs that I will ever have. Yes teaching is demanding, but I think that this internship is going to require a lot from me in different ways that can be MORE difficult at times. The office is so big, and there are so many well respected, hardworking and inspiring people who work there. The filmmakers are fun, imaginative and dedicated to seeing this war to its end, and rebuilding the lives of the Ugandan people. They see a future full of hope and love. Many of the projects they have been working on really focus on teaching the Ugandan people to become economically self-sufficient, and independent. Especially for the women who have been most affected by the war.
The office area that the Roadies will be working in is huge! There are enough tables to sit 15 teams of four, each with a phone on the desk. We will be spending long hours and working hard to be sure we book our tour!! Today we sat in training almost all day listening to speakers. The vision of Invisible Children is so beautiful, and I am just trying to soak it all in. I could write forever about the things I am learning, but I will save that for later!
I miss you all, but I keep reminding myself why I am here, which is to follow Jesus and seek out what God's justice looks like. I have been reading Isaiah lately, and God keeps reminding me of this idea that we are called to be seekers of justice. But what does that look like? AND how do I decide what true justice is? Who says that what I believe is right? What I need to do is to seek out how God defines justice, and let that be reflected in my actions and choices in life. I feel that God is stirring so much in me, and that he is preparing me for a future that I can only dream or imagine about. What is holds I am really clueless about, but one thing that I know for sure is that I do not ever want to live outside the will of God. Each day is an adventure when you follow his will for you weather you are in San Diego working for Invisible Children, working in a restaurant or in an office running soil samples. God has us where we are for a purpose, I want to encourage you to discover that purpose, and actively seek out what it means to live out God's justice. That is what I am doing, and what I believe the rest of my life will be about.
Over and out!
Christa
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Waiting
Ok, so here I am sitting in the Sacramento airport waiting for my flight to San Diego. My morning has been so rushed, and I feel like I forgot a million things, which I probably have. It was so awesome to have breakfast with a few of my friends before I left. It was by far one of the best birthday presents that I could have received. Thank you to everyone who ate with me, and helped me transition a little better into this new chapter of life.
I have to admit that I cried all the way to the airport when Jensen was dropping me off. Tears were just rolling down my face the entire time. I know I will see him again, but it doesn't stop me from missing him already! I got my bags checked, and I am praying that nothing gets damaged on my backpack because I do not have a cover for flying. *crosses fingers* Now, I am waiting, just waiting for my plane to come in. There are hundreds of people surrounding me as I sit and wait for my plane.
I have to be honest, I have do idea what to expect. I know I probably packed too much, and will end up regretting it later. Luckily I have friends who live in SD that can hold onto my things until I get back from the East Coast. My teammates are all already in SD, and waiting! Faith texted me this morning at 6:30 AM and I thought to my self...FAITH! haha but then I remembered that she is from Georgia...which is normally three hours ahead, so I cut her some slack!! haha
I am going to miss all of you, and I hope you are all well! I miss you mom and I hope that you enjoy all the attention your getting! I love you.
-Christa
PS I feel like there is a flock of butterflies in my stomach. Thought you should know. I have never done anything like this in my entire life.
I have to admit that I cried all the way to the airport when Jensen was dropping me off. Tears were just rolling down my face the entire time. I know I will see him again, but it doesn't stop me from missing him already! I got my bags checked, and I am praying that nothing gets damaged on my backpack because I do not have a cover for flying. *crosses fingers* Now, I am waiting, just waiting for my plane to come in. There are hundreds of people surrounding me as I sit and wait for my plane.
I have to be honest, I have do idea what to expect. I know I probably packed too much, and will end up regretting it later. Luckily I have friends who live in SD that can hold onto my things until I get back from the East Coast. My teammates are all already in SD, and waiting! Faith texted me this morning at 6:30 AM and I thought to my self...FAITH! haha but then I remembered that she is from Georgia...which is normally three hours ahead, so I cut her some slack!! haha
I am going to miss all of you, and I hope you are all well! I miss you mom and I hope that you enjoy all the attention your getting! I love you.
-Christa
PS I feel like there is a flock of butterflies in my stomach. Thought you should know. I have never done anything like this in my entire life.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Almost Ready!
Hello again!
My plane leaves in just a few days, and I am getting really excited. I have to admit that I am also starting to feel a little sad because I won't be able to see all of you for the next five months. I suppose that you could say things are starting to feel real. I am looking forward to having breakfast with everyone who is coming to Denny's on the 4th. It will be a really nice sendoff before I leave for the airport that morning. AND it will be a nice birthday present to get to see everyone before I leave.
This past Tuesday I had the opportunity to share with Jonathan Miller's college group, and it was such a blessing to be invited to do so. I had so much fun meeting new people and sharing the story of Invisible Children. Thank you to everyone who listened, and donated financially! Speaking of finances, I am pleased to tell you that I have almost reached my goal of $2,000! I am only $600 short! There are still a few fundraisers in the making, so keep praying that God provides financially.
Another exciting thing to share is that Invisible Children has extended an invitation for ONE of my teammates (on our smaller team of four) to go to Uganda with them for a week in the beginning of September. That means that it is up to my teammates and I to decide who we want to send, or really who God wants to send and follow through with that. In order to go to Uganda we need to raise an additional $2,000. I feel that if God wants me to go, the finances will not be a problem, I know he will provide somehow. AND, if I raise all of my money for my personal goal, and I have raised more than enough it would be awesome to share that with my other teammate if I am not the one to go.
Here are some prayer requests to keep in mind
1. Pray for my team, and the adventures that we have ahead of us. From what I understand the road is going to be long and hard, with many trials. Please pray for grace, forgiveness and patience for the whole team, I know we are going to need it!
2. Please pray for my mom. She just had neck surgery because a chiropractor broke her neck. Pray for a swift recovery, and that things work out well.
My plane leaves in just a few days, and I am getting really excited. I have to admit that I am also starting to feel a little sad because I won't be able to see all of you for the next five months. I suppose that you could say things are starting to feel real. I am looking forward to having breakfast with everyone who is coming to Denny's on the 4th. It will be a really nice sendoff before I leave for the airport that morning. AND it will be a nice birthday present to get to see everyone before I leave.
This past Tuesday I had the opportunity to share with Jonathan Miller's college group, and it was such a blessing to be invited to do so. I had so much fun meeting new people and sharing the story of Invisible Children. Thank you to everyone who listened, and donated financially! Speaking of finances, I am pleased to tell you that I have almost reached my goal of $2,000! I am only $600 short! There are still a few fundraisers in the making, so keep praying that God provides financially.
Another exciting thing to share is that Invisible Children has extended an invitation for ONE of my teammates (on our smaller team of four) to go to Uganda with them for a week in the beginning of September. That means that it is up to my teammates and I to decide who we want to send, or really who God wants to send and follow through with that. In order to go to Uganda we need to raise an additional $2,000. I feel that if God wants me to go, the finances will not be a problem, I know he will provide somehow. AND, if I raise all of my money for my personal goal, and I have raised more than enough it would be awesome to share that with my other teammate if I am not the one to go.
Here are some prayer requests to keep in mind
1. Pray for my team, and the adventures that we have ahead of us. From what I understand the road is going to be long and hard, with many trials. Please pray for grace, forgiveness and patience for the whole team, I know we are going to need it!
2. Please pray for my mom. She just had neck surgery because a chiropractor broke her neck. Pray for a swift recovery, and that things work out well.
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