I am working on another fundraising letter. I am planning to mail it on Friday. If everything goes well I will post it here in a few weeks. I don't want anyone to read something here before they get it in the mail. Getting a letter is so rare these days that I want people to be able to truly enjoy that. It is hard going, though. I am not sure what to say. I want to tell people about my work here - but I what do I tell them. Do I tell them the many different things I have done (Met with the Zimbabwean organization, Youth Empowerment and Transformation, attended a meeting at the United Nations, talked with a man from Rwanda about his experiences, spent much time learning about the cultures of my colleagues, talked about HIV/AIDS in context of our spirituality and what the Pope recently said, and prepared presentations on what the WSCF does.) I am doing all of this while I am also trying to learn the inner workings of this organization. What is the IRO? (It is the office where I work). What is the UNDP? (It is the United Nation's Development Program). Like all organizations there are important people to know. (A few days ago I accidentally asked a former General Secretary if she was the former assistant... oops). I am learning slowly. I am also concerned that I will not be able to stay until March of next year. God willing, I will be able to, but perhaps I will be heading back to Austin in only a few months. I need to start praying harder! Prayer is our way of changing our own hearts, by listening to God. I am still working on fundraising. I am still praying.
I suppose it's not that I don't have anything to say - I clearly have quite a lot to say - but I don't know what to say or how to say it.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Language.
I have been thinking about language a lot recently. On Saturday night I went out with some couchsurfers from Madrid. (I am a member of this website.) We call this an “invasion.” Around 15 people invaded Geneva. The group was very international: a few Spaniards, a few South Americans, an Australian, a German and me. In the group, only three of the Madrid invaders spoke English. The rest spoke Spanish or Portuguese. My Spanish is very limited. The reason I am thinking about language is that even though we could not communicate with words I still managed to make friends with many of them. There was something that we shared that was not definable; something that we could not communicate even if we had had a language in common.
Language is what we have invented to help us communicate. It is just that – an invention. People are human no matter what language they speak and we can join together despite language barriers. We use language to communicate concrete ideas that help us live together. We use language to share our joys and sorrows. We use language to give an idea of what we perceive as our mission in life. We use language to connect. However, language is not the only way we can connect. As humans we have something inside of us that can connect, something that does not need a language or words to share with another person.
I think back to my week in Taize. I spent a few days in silence at the end of that week. I was in silence; but I was silent with other people. Another young woman and I had Bible reflections together with the same sister every morning. I never spoke to that girl during our time of silence. However, on Sunday, when we broke our silence, we found each other and embraced. Despite not knowing each others’ names and having never shared a word, we knew each other. We had shared something that is not sharable in language.
As I write this, I am also acutely aware of the fact that my job currently depends on language. I am the Communications Intern. Although I will not always be communicating through language that will probably be my primary medium.
An update on the housing search:
I did not get the house that I was very excited in the past post. I have been looking at more flats, but I have not found one that I really like that is within my budget. I will probably spend the month of April at a “foyer” while I search for more permanent housing. (A foyer is much like a dorm in college, although they are for any young people and not necessarily related to a particular school).
I have been thinking about language a lot recently. On Saturday night I went out with some couchsurfers from Madrid. (I am a member of this website.) We call this an “invasion.” Around 15 people invaded Geneva. The group was very international: a few Spaniards, a few South Americans, an Australian, a German and me. In the group, only three of the Madrid invaders spoke English. The rest spoke Spanish or Portuguese. My Spanish is very limited. The reason I am thinking about language is that even though we could not communicate with words I still managed to make friends with many of them. There was something that we shared that was not definable; something that we could not communicate even if we had had a language in common.
Language is what we have invented to help us communicate. It is just that – an invention. People are human no matter what language they speak and we can join together despite language barriers. We use language to communicate concrete ideas that help us live together. We use language to share our joys and sorrows. We use language to give an idea of what we perceive as our mission in life. We use language to connect. However, language is not the only way we can connect. As humans we have something inside of us that can connect, something that does not need a language or words to share with another person.
I think back to my week in Taize. I spent a few days in silence at the end of that week. I was in silence; but I was silent with other people. Another young woman and I had Bible reflections together with the same sister every morning. I never spoke to that girl during our time of silence. However, on Sunday, when we broke our silence, we found each other and embraced. Despite not knowing each others’ names and having never shared a word, we knew each other. We had shared something that is not sharable in language.
As I write this, I am also acutely aware of the fact that my job currently depends on language. I am the Communications Intern. Although I will not always be communicating through language that will probably be my primary medium.
An update on the housing search:
I did not get the house that I was very excited in the past post. I have been looking at more flats, but I have not found one that I really like that is within my budget. I will probably spend the month of April at a “foyer” while I search for more permanent housing. (A foyer is much like a dorm in college, although they are for any young people and not necessarily related to a particular school).
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friends
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| From Pictures from Office Camera March 2009 |
Here is a photo of me hanging the Zimbabwean flag in Marlon's office.
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| From Pictures from Office Camera March 2009 |
Here is the finished product.
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| From First Pictures in Geneva |
Here is a picture of me reading our publication Student World. At the bottom of the page are links to the PDF files for the most recent copies. They are a good read. I highly recommend checking it out.
I haven't heard yet about my housing situation. I'm still searching. It's Friday today and I am planning to go to a Chocolate Festival tomorrow. So I will definitely put up pictures from there.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Housing Search
I have been here in Geneva just over a week. Luckly, the General Secretary of the WSCF has been on vacation. This is lucky because I am getting to use his office and live in his flat while he is gone. I did not know this when I arrived. I was worried about where I was going to sleep that night, but God provided for me. During this week I have been looking for housing. I did some searching before I came, and I read about the "housing crisis" that Geneva is facing. I thought I would still be able to find something rather reasonably. I have so far been to see three different living options. The first was by far the most reasonably priced, however, there were many drawbacks. A woman here would rent her attic room out for only 200francs in exchagne for babysitting two nights a week. Atlhough this seems reasonable at first, the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was not a good idea. Firstly, her house was situated far from where I work. In addition to that, the room was small and the living situation would be difficult. I cannot imagine sharing one bathroom with two children and another adult. So, I politely said I would continue searching. I looked at another apartment a few days ago. For only 825 francs ($732)I could have a room in a small two room apartment. The kitchen was tiny. There was no shared space. (I imagine this was originally a one bedroom apartment that the current tenant was choosing to live in the living room and rent out the bedroom) I also have declined that apartment. I have been to see one other room. This room I am very excited about. Although I have not found out yet if I will get it. The room is in a house (!) in Carouge. This is an area of Geneva that is like an older smaller village. It is not very close to my work - but my work is easily accessible by tram and bus from this house. I would have my own room, but have 6 other housemates. The kitchen is HUGE! Which is important for me as I love to cook and spend time in the kitchen. They also have a very large living room and a smaller salon. I am hopeful that I will get this house. They interviewed a few people last night and they said they will decide over the weekend. I am hoping and praying that I can live in that house.
I just finished a meeting and lunch with a woman from Zimbabwe. We have in our office the Zimbabwe Geneva Advocacy Office. She came to meet with us and talk with us about her work with Youth Empowerment and Transformation in Zimbabwe. Although there are many, many problems right now with the government and the economy in Zimbabwe, I am hopeful because of the work I see people doing here. It is empowering to hear stories of success, and of failure, where people are really being transformed and are creating change. I think that the people I am meeting here are enacting the Gospel.
For the next issue of Federation News, I was asked to write a brief summation of why I am glad I am an intern here. I thought you might like to read it as well. (Federation News is the twice yearly report on what the Student Christian Movements around the Federation are doing.)
I just finished a meeting and lunch with a woman from Zimbabwe. We have in our office the Zimbabwe Geneva Advocacy Office. She came to meet with us and talk with us about her work with Youth Empowerment and Transformation in Zimbabwe. Although there are many, many problems right now with the government and the economy in Zimbabwe, I am hopeful because of the work I see people doing here. It is empowering to hear stories of success, and of failure, where people are really being transformed and are creating change. I think that the people I am meeting here are enacting the Gospel.
For the next issue of Federation News, I was asked to write a brief summation of why I am glad I am an intern here. I thought you might like to read it as well. (Federation News is the twice yearly report on what the Student Christian Movements around the Federation are doing.)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
One Week
It's Official. I've been in Switzerland exactly one week. One Week! It has been an enormous week. Things I've done this week (not in order of importance)
- Opened a Bank Account - I did that this morning, actually!
- Learned to type on a Swiss keyboard (The Y and Z are reversed, and various punctuation is different)
- Saw two possible housing situations, which I am not going to take
- Got a video card - I can rent videos now!
- Made Banana Bread
- Went grocery shopping
- Read some of the Book of Romans
- Started working with the WSCF
- Attended a meeting that United Nations European Headquarters
- Got a mobile phone with a Swiss number (I will email that out if anyone is interested)
- Got lost
- Had fondue
- Attended Emmanuel Episcopal Church for the first time
- Made some new friends
- Went to a meeting about the Millenium Development Goals
- Went to a party
- Ate a Kebab
- Baked a chocolate cake
- Continued Reading Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller
- Put in my application for my "permis de résidence"
- Learned what WCC, YWCA, UNDP, LWF, and ACT mean.
My week has been very eventful. I am very excited about the WSCF, the work we do and the work that I will be doing to make that happen. I am still in the process of figuring out exactly what my job will look like. I am very hopeful, though. I am praying for guidance in my work and personally as I set up a life here in Geneva.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Getting Lost
Getting Lost
I had one of those moments tonight that you have when you move to a new place, especially a foreign place. A moment of culture shock where nothing feels right and you feel like you can’t do anything about it. In those moments it is hard not to cry, and I’ll admit I did tear up as I was walking around the streets of Geneva tonight. The moments are brought on by seemingly simple, ordinary events. Then somehow, because you are in a foreign place, it doesn’t quite work. The small things that you take for granted are just not there.
Tonight the rector at the Episcopal Church here in Geneva was nice enough to invite me to dinner at a parishioner’s home. I gladly accepted the offer – thinking how nice it would be to meet people from Church and become part of the community. He emailed me the address and directions using public transit. I thought I could find the apartment, no problem. I left my apartment feeling very upbeat; excited as for my very first dinner party in Geneva. Then I got lost. When I got off the tram I spent about 10 minutes just staring at the map, trying to locate the streets I had written on the small sheet of paper in my hand. Trying to figure out where I was, exactly. I headed off. Confident that I could find the address.
A fifteen minute walk. That’s what Google maps said. Fifteen minutes. Uphill. Fine. I can do it. It’ll be up here. Just keep going uphill. Where is the street? Is that it? No. Is that it? No. This street’s not labeled. What street is that? Where is the street sign? Where am I going? Is it this way? How long have I been walking? Why do my feet hurt so much? Is there another map near here? Ok. I can find it. It’s just around the corner. Keep going uphill and it’ll be the next street. No. It’s not that one. It must be the next one. No not that one either. It must be this direction, let’s turn here. I can still make it. I’m probably only half an hour late now. Oh, no. I missed it. It must have been the last street that had no sign. Okay. It must be just up this way. I’ll take a right here. Right there. No. That’s not it? Is that is? No. Is this it? No. Where is this street? Okay. Good. Another map. I missed it? Where am I? Okay. Just a few blocks away. Let’s ask someone. “Excusez moi, vous savez ou est la rue que je cherche?” non. Merci quand meme.” That was useless. Oh look. Another map. It’s just right there. I can’t be more than three blocks away. I’m sure I’ll find it this time…..
My interior dialogue for more than an hour. I wandered the streets of Geneva looking for this a street that I’m not quite sure even exists. I was without a phone and without any way of telling time. I eventually gave up and headed back to my current home. While I was wandering I was also thinking about the metaphors of wandering that are in the Bible. There are many.
God says that we are lost sheep and he finds us. I HATE being lost. Perhaps I need to admit sometimes that I am lost. Then, I can be found. I have trouble, a lot of trouble, accepting God’s Grace. God gives us this Grace freely and we cannot earn it or lose it. As I’m beginning this new job, very unsure of what I’ll be doing or where it will take me, I am going to try and admit that I’m lost; I don’t know where I’m going. I am going to trust God to take me. God loves me no matter what I do. God loves me because of who God is, not because of who I am or what I do. I am trying to remember that as I literally get lost in Geneva.
I had one of those moments tonight that you have when you move to a new place, especially a foreign place. A moment of culture shock where nothing feels right and you feel like you can’t do anything about it. In those moments it is hard not to cry, and I’ll admit I did tear up as I was walking around the streets of Geneva tonight. The moments are brought on by seemingly simple, ordinary events. Then somehow, because you are in a foreign place, it doesn’t quite work. The small things that you take for granted are just not there.
Tonight the rector at the Episcopal Church here in Geneva was nice enough to invite me to dinner at a parishioner’s home. I gladly accepted the offer – thinking how nice it would be to meet people from Church and become part of the community. He emailed me the address and directions using public transit. I thought I could find the apartment, no problem. I left my apartment feeling very upbeat; excited as for my very first dinner party in Geneva. Then I got lost. When I got off the tram I spent about 10 minutes just staring at the map, trying to locate the streets I had written on the small sheet of paper in my hand. Trying to figure out where I was, exactly. I headed off. Confident that I could find the address.
A fifteen minute walk. That’s what Google maps said. Fifteen minutes. Uphill. Fine. I can do it. It’ll be up here. Just keep going uphill. Where is the street? Is that it? No. Is that it? No. This street’s not labeled. What street is that? Where is the street sign? Where am I going? Is it this way? How long have I been walking? Why do my feet hurt so much? Is there another map near here? Ok. I can find it. It’s just around the corner. Keep going uphill and it’ll be the next street. No. It’s not that one. It must be the next one. No not that one either. It must be this direction, let’s turn here. I can still make it. I’m probably only half an hour late now. Oh, no. I missed it. It must have been the last street that had no sign. Okay. It must be just up this way. I’ll take a right here. Right there. No. That’s not it? Is that is? No. Is this it? No. Where is this street? Okay. Good. Another map. I missed it? Where am I? Okay. Just a few blocks away. Let’s ask someone. “Excusez moi, vous savez ou est la rue que je cherche?” non. Merci quand meme.” That was useless. Oh look. Another map. It’s just right there. I can’t be more than three blocks away. I’m sure I’ll find it this time…..
My interior dialogue for more than an hour. I wandered the streets of Geneva looking for this a street that I’m not quite sure even exists. I was without a phone and without any way of telling time. I eventually gave up and headed back to my current home. While I was wandering I was also thinking about the metaphors of wandering that are in the Bible. There are many.
God says that we are lost sheep and he finds us. I HATE being lost. Perhaps I need to admit sometimes that I am lost. Then, I can be found. I have trouble, a lot of trouble, accepting God’s Grace. God gives us this Grace freely and we cannot earn it or lose it. As I’m beginning this new job, very unsure of what I’ll be doing or where it will take me, I am going to try and admit that I’m lost; I don’t know where I’m going. I am going to trust God to take me. God loves me no matter what I do. God loves me because of who God is, not because of who I am or what I do. I am trying to remember that as I literally get lost in Geneva.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday
I think I am mostly over jet-lag. Of course saying that will mean that I will be hit by a very severe case of jet-lag tonight. I've never found jet lag to be too hard to overcome. That is because I can always sleep. Even when I get 8 or 9 hours of sleep at night I still want to take a nap the next day for at least an hour. I sleep a lot. I think it's good for me.
Saturday. Today is Saturday. I got all my shopping done this morning. I finally got a Swiss adaptor, so now I am using my computer. They only had European to Swiss at the store, so my US plug is plugged into an adaptor for Europe which is then plugged into the Swiss adaptor which is then plugged into the wall. Perhaps not ideal, but it works. I had taken some things for granted here in Switzerland and just assumed they would be like France. However, I am learning very quickly that this is NOT France.
I have nothing to do today until 6 pm. At 6 o'clock tonight I have my first party. Two of the World Council of Churches' Interns are hosting a party tonight. I am going to bake chocolate cake (or maybe cupcakes) for the party. Of course I will also bring a bottle of wine.
I survived two days of work. Yesterday was different. Both Charite and Christine were out sick. Henriette doesn't work on Fridays. So, it was just Monika and I. I also met with Laurent and talked about my salary. I have a retirement plan! When I turn 65 I can claim retirement from the Swiss Government. First time in my life that I've had a retirement plan.
Fundraising update:
I totalled all my donations and all donations given to the NY WSCF office and pledged donations. I have raised just over $6,000 USD. I am very happy with that amount of money. I wanted to have about $5,000 USD before I arrived here in Geneva. So I am over my goal! However, I found out that my fundraising does not influence the amount of money I will be paid. The WSCF will pay me a full month's salary every month. However, if I have not raised enough money to cover my expenses then perhaps I will leave early. In the past the WSCF has taken a loss on the interns. However, this year the WSCF is facing a financial crisis, like so many other organizations and the world, so they are not sure that they will have the excess capital that they used in the past to cover the interns' cost. This means two things for me, one positive and one more difficult. Firstly, it means that I do not have to worry about having enough money each month. The salary the WSCF is giving me will be adequate to live in Geneva. That is good - I will be able to afford a place to live and have food to eat. However, on the other hand it means that no matter how frugally I can live I will still have to raise the full amount for my salary, more than $20,000 USD. Although, the WSCF might be able to supplement my money depending on their fundraising. However, I have a very long way to go.
Yesterday I met with the woman who was offering the reduced cost housing. She is very nice, however I have decided to not accept her offer. I think that I want more freedom in my living situation. I am still looking for housing. I have free housing until the end of March and then I will have to find something else. We have lined up a temporary place for at least April, but I am still looking. I am also praying for guidance in my housing situation. I know that turning down such inexpensive housing is risky, but I feel that it is not the right situation for me.
Saturday. Today is Saturday. I got all my shopping done this morning. I finally got a Swiss adaptor, so now I am using my computer. They only had European to Swiss at the store, so my US plug is plugged into an adaptor for Europe which is then plugged into the Swiss adaptor which is then plugged into the wall. Perhaps not ideal, but it works. I had taken some things for granted here in Switzerland and just assumed they would be like France. However, I am learning very quickly that this is NOT France.
I have nothing to do today until 6 pm. At 6 o'clock tonight I have my first party. Two of the World Council of Churches' Interns are hosting a party tonight. I am going to bake chocolate cake (or maybe cupcakes) for the party. Of course I will also bring a bottle of wine.
I survived two days of work. Yesterday was different. Both Charite and Christine were out sick. Henriette doesn't work on Fridays. So, it was just Monika and I. I also met with Laurent and talked about my salary. I have a retirement plan! When I turn 65 I can claim retirement from the Swiss Government. First time in my life that I've had a retirement plan.
Fundraising update:
I totalled all my donations and all donations given to the NY WSCF office and pledged donations. I have raised just over $6,000 USD. I am very happy with that amount of money. I wanted to have about $5,000 USD before I arrived here in Geneva. So I am over my goal! However, I found out that my fundraising does not influence the amount of money I will be paid. The WSCF will pay me a full month's salary every month. However, if I have not raised enough money to cover my expenses then perhaps I will leave early. In the past the WSCF has taken a loss on the interns. However, this year the WSCF is facing a financial crisis, like so many other organizations and the world, so they are not sure that they will have the excess capital that they used in the past to cover the interns' cost. This means two things for me, one positive and one more difficult. Firstly, it means that I do not have to worry about having enough money each month. The salary the WSCF is giving me will be adequate to live in Geneva. That is good - I will be able to afford a place to live and have food to eat. However, on the other hand it means that no matter how frugally I can live I will still have to raise the full amount for my salary, more than $20,000 USD. Although, the WSCF might be able to supplement my money depending on their fundraising. However, I have a very long way to go.
Yesterday I met with the woman who was offering the reduced cost housing. She is very nice, however I have decided to not accept her offer. I think that I want more freedom in my living situation. I am still looking for housing. I have free housing until the end of March and then I will have to find something else. We have lined up a temporary place for at least April, but I am still looking. I am also praying for guidance in my housing situation. I know that turning down such inexpensive housing is risky, but I feel that it is not the right situation for me.
Friday, March 20, 2009
First Impressions and First Days
In my last post I simply stated that I was here in Geneva and that I had made it to the offices of the World Student Christian Federation. I will tell you a little more about exactly what I've been doing in the past 48 hours. It has been an eventful 48 hours.
Noon Wednesday: I arrive at the Geneva International Airport. After a small luggage scare (I thought my bags did not arrive, but in reality I was just at the wrong turnstile..oops). Christine Housel meets me at customs. She is my direct supervisor. I had never met her before so she had a nice little sign that said "Maryann Philbrook". Christine is an American woman who has been living in Geneva for 7 years now. She is also an Episcopalian. (Although we are an ecumenical groups everyone that works here is Anglican).
13:00 Lunch with Christine at Cafe du soleil. We have traditional fondue. Very tasty! Hot melty cheese that we dip small pieces of bread into. Yum. We also have a side cured meats and a small salad. A perfect introduction to Geneva.
15:00 Meet people at the office. Charité, the Human Rights intern. She is amazing. I'm looking forward to working with her. Henriette, the accountant. She's in charge of money. I don't get to meet Monika or Marlin. They're both out of the office. I get to spend a little bit of time on the internet.
17:00 Get a ride to my temporary home. Michael, the director is out of town for the month of March. He and his wife and kids are at home, in New Zealand, visiting friends and family while he is getting ordained. So I am staying in his house and using his office. Pretty swank digs for someone just arriving. I was so worried about where I was going to stay, but God and the people here at WSCF took care of me. Thank You!
18:00 After my shower, I go to the local grocery store. I wander around in a jet-lagged daze and pick out a few items for dinner and breakfast the next morning.
19:00 zzzzz...zzzzz...
6:45 am. Woke up and can't go back to sleep. That could be because I went to bed at 7 o'clock last night... Christine had said she would pick me up at 9 am to take me to the Office to get my ID card. So I have some time. I make myself a leisurely breakfast and then I decide to read the Student World from 2007. The theme is migration; there are articles from students and clergy discussing different ideas.
9:15 No Christine. I decide to brave the Swiss phones and use the one in the house to call the number I had been given for Christine. An automated message in German. Oops. I try the number I had been given for Charité. No answer. I try the WSCF offices. No answer. What to do next?
9:45 Still no Christine. I try all the numbers again. Finally, when I call the number for Charité I hear an American accented voice. Christine? Apparently, she had not recovered from her jet lag yet - she got back from the States on Tuesday. So she had not slept at all the night before and then slept through her alarm. Change of plans. She gave me directions to the office on the Public Transit. Let's meet at the office for a 1pm meeting at the UN.
10:00 I take the tram into town. It is surprisingly easy. Michael lives about 45 minutes out from the office. I simply take the tram until the final stop. Then I transfer to a bus and get off and walk to the front doors of the Ecumenical Center. (The Ecumenical Center is where the World Council of Churches is headquartered). This is where it gets difficult. This building was clearly built in phases. Some of the stairs and elevators go up to the 3rd floor. However, I work on the 4th floor. I have the receptionist call the office so that someone can meet me to walk me up to the offices.
11:15 I arrive and Henriette guides me to the offices. She looks to see if Monika is there. No Monika. Let's meet Marlin next. Henriette knocks on a closed door and dumps me into a conference of some sort. I sit down next to Charité. Marlin, I assume, is talking about his advocacy work in Zimbabwe. It is fascinating to hear about the work that he has done and the real threats that he is facing and overcoming to help bring stability to his country. Very inspiring guy.
12.45 Charité and I discuss our upcoming visit to the UN. It is also her first time. Christine arrives and whisks us away to the UN. Since we are running late she drops us off the Security Entrance where we can get our badges. She runs off to the meeting. After waiting in line for about 10 minutes (only to discover that an agent was free the whole time but was not signalling us!) we finally talk to an agent. We give him our paperwork and he makes us fill out another form. Then we take a picture and get a badge. I have a badge for the UN. I can go anytime I want to any of the "public" events. I will have to find some in the next few weeks to take advantage of this privilege.
13:35 Wander the halls of the UN looking for the "NGO Room." No one seems to have heard of it or know where it is. The meeting started at 1, so we are running rather late and we're both desperately hungry. Finally, in a last ditch effort before giving up and going to the Cafeteria we ask a security guard. He DOES know where it is. It's actually next to the Cafeteria. We find it and interrupt the meeting, only 45 minutes late.
14:30 Meeting adjourned. We leave with Christine. She runs into a colleague, who's statement she has to sign. Charité goes back to the office for a 3 o'clock meeting. I hang out with Christine while we wait to sign the statements. (At the UN NGO's can create statements about upcoming resolutions. Other NGO's can then sign them, putting more weight behind the statement.) I chat with some other interns that work in this same building, but for a different organization.
16:25 Finally make it back to the office. Get a minute to check my email.
17:15 Christine calls to me from the hall. An impromptu celebration of my arrival. Complete with Chocolate Cake and Sparkling Apple Juice. So sweet!
18:00 Charité and I leave to run some errands. I get a monthly bus pass. She tries to get her phone fixed, only the store is closed. So we end up eating at Kebab place near the train station.
19:45 Head home.
20:10 I arrive at my temporary flat. Read some more the book Searching for God Knows What.
21:00 Get into bed to read.... I can't believe I've only been in this country for 40 hours or so.
Okay, well that's enough for now. I will post more later on my reflections on all these amazing things.
Noon Wednesday: I arrive at the Geneva International Airport. After a small luggage scare (I thought my bags did not arrive, but in reality I was just at the wrong turnstile..oops). Christine Housel meets me at customs. She is my direct supervisor. I had never met her before so she had a nice little sign that said "Maryann Philbrook". Christine is an American woman who has been living in Geneva for 7 years now. She is also an Episcopalian. (Although we are an ecumenical groups everyone that works here is Anglican).
13:00 Lunch with Christine at Cafe du soleil. We have traditional fondue. Very tasty! Hot melty cheese that we dip small pieces of bread into. Yum. We also have a side cured meats and a small salad. A perfect introduction to Geneva.
15:00 Meet people at the office. Charité, the Human Rights intern. She is amazing. I'm looking forward to working with her. Henriette, the accountant. She's in charge of money. I don't get to meet Monika or Marlin. They're both out of the office. I get to spend a little bit of time on the internet.
17:00 Get a ride to my temporary home. Michael, the director is out of town for the month of March. He and his wife and kids are at home, in New Zealand, visiting friends and family while he is getting ordained. So I am staying in his house and using his office. Pretty swank digs for someone just arriving. I was so worried about where I was going to stay, but God and the people here at WSCF took care of me. Thank You!
18:00 After my shower, I go to the local grocery store. I wander around in a jet-lagged daze and pick out a few items for dinner and breakfast the next morning.
19:00 zzzzz...zzzzz...
6:45 am. Woke up and can't go back to sleep. That could be because I went to bed at 7 o'clock last night... Christine had said she would pick me up at 9 am to take me to the Office to get my ID card. So I have some time. I make myself a leisurely breakfast and then I decide to read the Student World from 2007. The theme is migration; there are articles from students and clergy discussing different ideas.
9:15 No Christine. I decide to brave the Swiss phones and use the one in the house to call the number I had been given for Christine. An automated message in German. Oops. I try the number I had been given for Charité. No answer. I try the WSCF offices. No answer. What to do next?
9:45 Still no Christine. I try all the numbers again. Finally, when I call the number for Charité I hear an American accented voice. Christine? Apparently, she had not recovered from her jet lag yet - she got back from the States on Tuesday. So she had not slept at all the night before and then slept through her alarm. Change of plans. She gave me directions to the office on the Public Transit. Let's meet at the office for a 1pm meeting at the UN.
10:00 I take the tram into town. It is surprisingly easy. Michael lives about 45 minutes out from the office. I simply take the tram until the final stop. Then I transfer to a bus and get off and walk to the front doors of the Ecumenical Center. (The Ecumenical Center is where the World Council of Churches is headquartered). This is where it gets difficult. This building was clearly built in phases. Some of the stairs and elevators go up to the 3rd floor. However, I work on the 4th floor. I have the receptionist call the office so that someone can meet me to walk me up to the offices.
11:15 I arrive and Henriette guides me to the offices. She looks to see if Monika is there. No Monika. Let's meet Marlin next. Henriette knocks on a closed door and dumps me into a conference of some sort. I sit down next to Charité. Marlin, I assume, is talking about his advocacy work in Zimbabwe. It is fascinating to hear about the work that he has done and the real threats that he is facing and overcoming to help bring stability to his country. Very inspiring guy.
12.45 Charité and I discuss our upcoming visit to the UN. It is also her first time. Christine arrives and whisks us away to the UN. Since we are running late she drops us off the Security Entrance where we can get our badges. She runs off to the meeting. After waiting in line for about 10 minutes (only to discover that an agent was free the whole time but was not signalling us!) we finally talk to an agent. We give him our paperwork and he makes us fill out another form. Then we take a picture and get a badge. I have a badge for the UN. I can go anytime I want to any of the "public" events. I will have to find some in the next few weeks to take advantage of this privilege.
13:35 Wander the halls of the UN looking for the "NGO Room." No one seems to have heard of it or know where it is. The meeting started at 1, so we are running rather late and we're both desperately hungry. Finally, in a last ditch effort before giving up and going to the Cafeteria we ask a security guard. He DOES know where it is. It's actually next to the Cafeteria. We find it and interrupt the meeting, only 45 minutes late.
14:30 Meeting adjourned. We leave with Christine. She runs into a colleague, who's statement she has to sign. Charité goes back to the office for a 3 o'clock meeting. I hang out with Christine while we wait to sign the statements. (At the UN NGO's can create statements about upcoming resolutions. Other NGO's can then sign them, putting more weight behind the statement.) I chat with some other interns that work in this same building, but for a different organization.
16:25 Finally make it back to the office. Get a minute to check my email.
17:15 Christine calls to me from the hall. An impromptu celebration of my arrival. Complete with Chocolate Cake and Sparkling Apple Juice. So sweet!
18:00 Charité and I leave to run some errands. I get a monthly bus pass. She tries to get her phone fixed, only the store is closed. So we end up eating at Kebab place near the train station.
19:45 Head home.
20:10 I arrive at my temporary flat. Read some more the book Searching for God Knows What.
21:00 Get into bed to read.... I can't believe I've only been in this country for 40 hours or so.
Okay, well that's enough for now. I will post more later on my reflections on all these amazing things.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Relax in a hurry
I am safe and sound in Geneva!
I wrote this in the airport yesterday, but I didn't want to pay to get online so I am posting it now. I am currently at the WSCF (World Student Christian Federation) offices in Geneva.
I am sitting in the Houston Airport waiting for my second flight of the day. I have three more to go. I hate waiting in lines. I really HATE it. If there is a way for me to not wait in line I will take it. If there is a way that I can just not do the thing I’m waiting in line for, I’ll probably take that possibility. For example, I was at the grocery store last week with Kim. We had a few items to buy and there was an “express” line. We could have gone in that line; however there were two people in front of me. I wanted to go and see if there was another line that I could find where I wouldn’t have to wait at all. Kim called me out on it and we waited in line for all of five minutes. I am glad I have friends who call me out when I’m being a bit ridiculous. That being said, I am rather patient when I do not have to wait in line. I’ve never been bothered sitting for hours at an airport. Riding in a car for hours on end to get somewhere is fine with me. I just kill time, as long as I’m not waiting in a line.
Airports seem obsessed with “First Class” or “Elite” passengers. If you are an Elite Passenger please board now. Everyone else wait. If you are First Class please board first. There is a “Preferred Flier” lounge. There are the credit cards you can buy that give you extra points for spending money on flights. There are chairs you can pay to sit in “First Class Seats.” Under the lighted sign that tells you how wonderful you’ll feel if you pay to sit in these plush leather arm chairs are the words “Relax in a hurry.” Relax in a hurry. How do you do that? If you’re in a hurry you’re not relaxed. If you’re relaxed you’re not in a hurry. Quick, let me relax so that I can get back to my stressful life. Let me get back to my stressful life so that I can pay to be better than everyone else.
I also started reading a book by Donald Miller, Searching for God Knows What. I like it so far. It was a going away present from a very special friend. I am sure I will enjoy reading it more on the rest of my flights.
I wrote this in the airport yesterday, but I didn't want to pay to get online so I am posting it now. I am currently at the WSCF (World Student Christian Federation) offices in Geneva.
I am sitting in the Houston Airport waiting for my second flight of the day. I have three more to go. I hate waiting in lines. I really HATE it. If there is a way for me to not wait in line I will take it. If there is a way that I can just not do the thing I’m waiting in line for, I’ll probably take that possibility. For example, I was at the grocery store last week with Kim. We had a few items to buy and there was an “express” line. We could have gone in that line; however there were two people in front of me. I wanted to go and see if there was another line that I could find where I wouldn’t have to wait at all. Kim called me out on it and we waited in line for all of five minutes. I am glad I have friends who call me out when I’m being a bit ridiculous. That being said, I am rather patient when I do not have to wait in line. I’ve never been bothered sitting for hours at an airport. Riding in a car for hours on end to get somewhere is fine with me. I just kill time, as long as I’m not waiting in a line.
Airports seem obsessed with “First Class” or “Elite” passengers. If you are an Elite Passenger please board now. Everyone else wait. If you are First Class please board first. There is a “Preferred Flier” lounge. There are the credit cards you can buy that give you extra points for spending money on flights. There are chairs you can pay to sit in “First Class Seats.” Under the lighted sign that tells you how wonderful you’ll feel if you pay to sit in these plush leather arm chairs are the words “Relax in a hurry.” Relax in a hurry. How do you do that? If you’re in a hurry you’re not relaxed. If you’re relaxed you’re not in a hurry. Quick, let me relax so that I can get back to my stressful life. Let me get back to my stressful life so that I can pay to be better than everyone else.
I also started reading a book by Donald Miller, Searching for God Knows What. I like it so far. It was a going away present from a very special friend. I am sure I will enjoy reading it more on the rest of my flights.
Road Trip!
Here is the Blog I wrote on the 14th:
I took a rather long road trip today. After a later than planned start, I finally got on the road at about noon today. I got a chance to drive in the rain. It takes about six hours to drive from Austin to my parents’ house. While I was driving I had a lot of time to think. I listened to some music. I listened to the rain. I talked to a good friend. I thought about all my amazing friends in Austin. I thought about what I’m about to begin. I thought about my fears of what I’m giving going to give up. I thought about the things I don’t know yet that I’ll learn in Geneva. Yesterday, when I met with the priest at St. James’ he asked me to spend some time every week reflecting on what I’d learned that week. He also asked me what I was most excited about and what I was most afraid of giving up over there. I am really excited about the work I’m going to be doing. Although I do not know exactly what I’ll be doing, I do know that I’ll be asked to write. I’ll be asked to write thoughtful articles about social justice and faith. I know that I’ll be asked to work with students to help them write. Hopefully, the writing that they do will help them to understand better their faith and their works, as well as how the two are interconnected. I told him the thing I’m most afraid of is being poor. That is a cop out answer. I am afraid of being poor, but I know I can deal with that. I have never had excessive amounts of money. I know how to live without many accessories and necessities. What I am really afraid of is my success. I am afraid of the power of what can happen when we work with God. I am afraid of where I will be called to go. In essence, I am afraid of what I will learn about myself and God. I couldn’t have put that into words yesterday when my priest asked me what I was afraid of.
I also have received a lot of money recently. Amazing how people are willing to support me and this mission. I am so grateful to them.
I also thought of a metaphor during my drive today. The metaphor may be a little trite, but I figured I could share it with you. Religion is like windshield wiper blades. We use them to help us see the road in front of us more clearly. Life is the rain that comes down on us. We can either use the blades to figure out where we’re going or we can just drive blindly down the road.
I took a rather long road trip today. After a later than planned start, I finally got on the road at about noon today. I got a chance to drive in the rain. It takes about six hours to drive from Austin to my parents’ house. While I was driving I had a lot of time to think. I listened to some music. I listened to the rain. I talked to a good friend. I thought about all my amazing friends in Austin. I thought about what I’m about to begin. I thought about my fears of what I’m giving going to give up. I thought about the things I don’t know yet that I’ll learn in Geneva. Yesterday, when I met with the priest at St. James’ he asked me to spend some time every week reflecting on what I’d learned that week. He also asked me what I was most excited about and what I was most afraid of giving up over there. I am really excited about the work I’m going to be doing. Although I do not know exactly what I’ll be doing, I do know that I’ll be asked to write. I’ll be asked to write thoughtful articles about social justice and faith. I know that I’ll be asked to work with students to help them write. Hopefully, the writing that they do will help them to understand better their faith and their works, as well as how the two are interconnected. I told him the thing I’m most afraid of is being poor. That is a cop out answer. I am afraid of being poor, but I know I can deal with that. I have never had excessive amounts of money. I know how to live without many accessories and necessities. What I am really afraid of is my success. I am afraid of the power of what can happen when we work with God. I am afraid of where I will be called to go. In essence, I am afraid of what I will learn about myself and God. I couldn’t have put that into words yesterday when my priest asked me what I was afraid of.
I also have received a lot of money recently. Amazing how people are willing to support me and this mission. I am so grateful to them.
I also thought of a metaphor during my drive today. The metaphor may be a little trite, but I figured I could share it with you. Religion is like windshield wiper blades. We use them to help us see the road in front of us more clearly. Life is the rain that comes down on us. We can either use the blades to figure out where we’re going or we can just drive blindly down the road.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Almost leaving
I get on a plane in a little over 16 hours. I am not packed yet. (to be fair, I WAS packed when I left Austin, but I have to repack because of weight limitations). I am going to do that tonight. And everything else. Too much to do!
I wrote a post the night that I arrived here at my Parents' but I wrote it on my laptop. My laptop cannot connect to the Wireless here. So my post is sitting very nicely on my computer waiting to be uploaded. I'll probably do that tomorrow while I'm at the airport. I will spend a lot of time tomorrow in planes and at airports. In fact, I'll spend so much time it won't even be tomorrow when I finally arrive in Geneva, it will be the day after tomorrow!
I found out a housing possibility in Geneva. A woman is looking for help with her two kids a couple nights a week, in exchange I'd have a room in her house for less money. It is close to where I'll be working too! I am planning to meet with her either Wednesday or Thursday. I am hoping that this will work out for both of us. Saving money on my housing would be a huge help in the financial department. I am still very nervous about my money, but feeling less so in recent weeks because I've received quite a few donations. (I talk about this in the post I haven't yet posted).
I am glad I have a few days to spend here with my parents. Having a few days to decompress and figure out exactly what I'm doing in Geneva is good for me. I have a little pause before I start my next big adventure. My last week in Austin was very rushed. I felt like I was trying to squeeze as much in as possible. I am grateful for the rest that I can get here.
I wrote a post the night that I arrived here at my Parents' but I wrote it on my laptop. My laptop cannot connect to the Wireless here. So my post is sitting very nicely on my computer waiting to be uploaded. I'll probably do that tomorrow while I'm at the airport. I will spend a lot of time tomorrow in planes and at airports. In fact, I'll spend so much time it won't even be tomorrow when I finally arrive in Geneva, it will be the day after tomorrow!
I found out a housing possibility in Geneva. A woman is looking for help with her two kids a couple nights a week, in exchange I'd have a room in her house for less money. It is close to where I'll be working too! I am planning to meet with her either Wednesday or Thursday. I am hoping that this will work out for both of us. Saving money on my housing would be a huge help in the financial department. I am still very nervous about my money, but feeling less so in recent weeks because I've received quite a few donations. (I talk about this in the post I haven't yet posted).
I am glad I have a few days to spend here with my parents. Having a few days to decompress and figure out exactly what I'm doing in Geneva is good for me. I have a little pause before I start my next big adventure. My last week in Austin was very rushed. I felt like I was trying to squeeze as much in as possible. I am grateful for the rest that I can get here.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Packing
I am spending my last Friday in Austin packing. It is a rainy, cold day; a perfect day to spend inside thinking about leaving this place. Yesterday, one of my friends asked me to edit a paper she wrote for a class. It was so refreshing to work with words. I like to think that I am good at crafting these words into coherent thoughts that other people can understand. Working with someone else’s words to make them better and more expressive was a rush, a thrill. A few days ago when my coworkers and I were hanging out after work the owner came by and gave each of us a one word summary of what he sees that we do well. His word for me was “communication.” I don’t believe that he even knows that I am going to be the Communications Intern with the World Student Christian Federation. I think that his choice of words is just one more sign from God that I am choosing this path wisely.
I received a lot of money yesterday. Two of my regulars donated towards my trip as well as an old family friend. I am so thankful to them. I still find it amazing how people are willing and generous with their money. It is inspiring. I also received a lot of praise yesterday. It makes it much easier for me to go on my trip knowing that so many people here will be praying for me and thinking about me. I feel that I am beginning to see the why God wanted me to move to Austin. I am also beginning to see that I can learn to have faith that God is going to support me in Geneva. I am looking forward to moving back to Austin as well.
I leave tomorrow to go to my parents’ for a few days and then I leave the USA on Tuesday. This time next week I will be in Geneva.
I received a lot of money yesterday. Two of my regulars donated towards my trip as well as an old family friend. I am so thankful to them. I still find it amazing how people are willing and generous with their money. It is inspiring. I also received a lot of praise yesterday. It makes it much easier for me to go on my trip knowing that so many people here will be praying for me and thinking about me. I feel that I am beginning to see the why God wanted me to move to Austin. I am also beginning to see that I can learn to have faith that God is going to support me in Geneva. I am looking forward to moving back to Austin as well.
I leave tomorrow to go to my parents’ for a few days and then I leave the USA on Tuesday. This time next week I will be in Geneva.
Don't lose faith
I have amazing friends and coworkers here. As I'm preparing to move to Switzerland the people at my coffee shop and nothing but supportive. One of my regulars gave me a rather sizable donation today. I am so grateful to him! I am more than appreciative for that. Another regular told me I was an inspiration. My coworkers and many of my regulars signed a big poster for me that I am going to bring with me to Geneva to remember all the wonderful people here. When other people love us so openly and genuinely we get a small glimpse of God's love. Some of my friends from Church gave me suitcases! I am so loved. God is so generous and amazing! Thank You!!!
What's amazing is that many of my coworkers are also people of faith. (see my previous blog ) One of my coworkers wrote on my big, poster-sized card that as long I don't lose my faith I will be successful. He is right. As long I remember that God is going to provide for me, as my other coworkers constantly remind me, I cannot fail. I also read my horoscope today. I don't give them much sway. However, today's was very fitting. As another one of my coworkers and friends tells me often, I cannot be lazy. I cannot hold back anymore. That is what my horoscope is telling me. I have to just take that leap into the unknown and have trust and faith that God will provide for me more abundantly than I can imagine. Which God has already done for me, but I am still uncertain about this leap, about how much God will provide this time. Monetarily, I'm doing better than I thought I would be. I have no reason to worry, but I still do. That is the way of life. I am going to try not to worry.
Tomorrow I'll post some more thoughts on Roman's. I'd like to do the whole book before the end of Lent, but somehow I doubt that will happen. Maybe I'll keep on doing it after Lent. I have four full days left in the United States!
What's amazing is that many of my coworkers are also people of faith. (see my previous blog ) One of my coworkers wrote on my big, poster-sized card that as long I don't lose my faith I will be successful. He is right. As long I remember that God is going to provide for me, as my other coworkers constantly remind me, I cannot fail. I also read my horoscope today. I don't give them much sway. However, today's was very fitting. As another one of my coworkers and friends tells me often, I cannot be lazy. I cannot hold back anymore. That is what my horoscope is telling me. I have to just take that leap into the unknown and have trust and faith that God will provide for me more abundantly than I can imagine. Which God has already done for me, but I am still uncertain about this leap, about how much God will provide this time. Monetarily, I'm doing better than I thought I would be. I have no reason to worry, but I still do. That is the way of life. I am going to try not to worry.
Tomorrow I'll post some more thoughts on Roman's. I'd like to do the whole book before the end of Lent, but somehow I doubt that will happen. Maybe I'll keep on doing it after Lent. I have four full days left in the United States!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Overwhelming
Things are seeming a little overwhelming here right now. I have been so focused on leaving and saying goodbye and spending time with people that I have been neglectful of my fundraising. Now things have piled up a bit and I am feeling overwhelmed. I am also overwhelmed by all my wonderful friends here. I want to spend as much time with them as possible.
I also think that I am daunted by the fact that I am actually going to go to Geneva without enough money to support me for an entire year. I am really relying on my faith. I have raised as much money as I had hoped to by this time, but I am still short of my entire salary. However, as one of my coworkers constantly reminds me, God will provide. I am going to live as if I had faith. I will live it until it becomes true. I suppose that is what faith is. I still feel overwhelmed, though.
Yesterday I did spend some time working on my fundraising. Instead of going out with one of my friends I wrote Thank You notes to the people from my Church here in Austin that have given me money. I also called the priest from my Church in Los Angeles and talked with her about my trip. Unfortunately they cannot give me any monetary support, although I am sure their prayers will be with me. Prayers are very valuable. Perhaps even more valuable than direct support.
If I am going to be living like I have faith I suppose I have to let go of my fears that overwhelm me. Maybe tomorrow.
I also think that I am daunted by the fact that I am actually going to go to Geneva without enough money to support me for an entire year. I am really relying on my faith. I have raised as much money as I had hoped to by this time, but I am still short of my entire salary. However, as one of my coworkers constantly reminds me, God will provide. I am going to live as if I had faith. I will live it until it becomes true. I suppose that is what faith is. I still feel overwhelmed, though.
Yesterday I did spend some time working on my fundraising. Instead of going out with one of my friends I wrote Thank You notes to the people from my Church here in Austin that have given me money. I also called the priest from my Church in Los Angeles and talked with her about my trip. Unfortunately they cannot give me any monetary support, although I am sure their prayers will be with me. Prayers are very valuable. Perhaps even more valuable than direct support.
If I am going to be living like I have faith I suppose I have to let go of my fears that overwhelm me. Maybe tomorrow.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Last Sunday in Austin
Yesterday was my final Sunday in Austin. I'm going to my parents' house next weekend and then I fly out on Tuesday. A week from tomorrow. So soon!
Yesterday I did many things, including going to Church twice. I went to the morning service to make a final announcement about my trip but found out that we don't do announcements during Lent. So instead I left and went with my friends to Dim Sum. Dim Sum is one of my favorite meals. After that I took a nap and then headed back to Church for my service. I go the six o'clock service at St. James'. It is such a relaxed wonderful service. I feel at home there. They also sent me off with a prayer of traveling mercies. I teared up a little in the service as I realized that would be my last six o'clock service for some time. I am going to miss that place a lot. After the service I got tacos with a couple of my friends. I am going to miss my friends there too.
The sermon at church was about suffering. Suffering is a topic that is hard to talk about. It is hard to talk about because it is hard to live through. However, the priest made a great point in his sermon that suffering is a part of our human condition. We cannot choose not to suffer. We cannot live our lives in such a way as to avoid suffering. We suffer. However, we have Jesus in those moments and hours and years of suffering. We have the hope and knowledge of a love greater than ourselves.
A note about my post from yesterday. I used the New Jerusalem Bible for the first half of the post. Then I went home and finished the second half; my Bible is NRSV. So that is why the translations are a bit different. I also want to say that I only put down what I think; I didn't use any books or any references.
Yesterday I did many things, including going to Church twice. I went to the morning service to make a final announcement about my trip but found out that we don't do announcements during Lent. So instead I left and went with my friends to Dim Sum. Dim Sum is one of my favorite meals. After that I took a nap and then headed back to Church for my service. I go the six o'clock service at St. James'. It is such a relaxed wonderful service. I feel at home there. They also sent me off with a prayer of traveling mercies. I teared up a little in the service as I realized that would be my last six o'clock service for some time. I am going to miss that place a lot. After the service I got tacos with a couple of my friends. I am going to miss my friends there too.
The sermon at church was about suffering. Suffering is a topic that is hard to talk about. It is hard to talk about because it is hard to live through. However, the priest made a great point in his sermon that suffering is a part of our human condition. We cannot choose not to suffer. We cannot live our lives in such a way as to avoid suffering. We suffer. However, we have Jesus in those moments and hours and years of suffering. We have the hope and knowledge of a love greater than ourselves.
A note about my post from yesterday. I used the New Jerusalem Bible for the first half of the post. Then I went home and finished the second half; my Bible is NRSV. So that is why the translations are a bit different. I also want to say that I only put down what I think; I didn't use any books or any references.
Romans Chapters One and Two
For the season of Lent I decided to read the book of Romans. I started at the beginning. Chapter One is very strong. This chapter of Romans is one that is often cited by those who condemn homosexuality. I believe that Chapter Two has more to say about the condemnation than chapter one does. However, I will begin at the beginning. The beginning of Romans is about how faith. God's justice is: "based on faith and addressed to faith" (1:17). What does that mean? A justice based on faith? Is that justice? Paul goes on to write "The retribution of God from heaven is being revealed against the ungodliness and injustice of human beings who in their injustice hold back the truth." (1:18) It is God's justice; not our justice. Paul is setting up the theme for Romans here: our idea of justice versus God's ultimate justice.
To clearly illustrate the differences in our justice versus God’s justice Paul describes the people in Rome that knew God, but have forsaken God. He then goes on to list all the unjust things that people who do not follow God do. He includes in this list “sexual impurities” (1:24) and “women exchang[ing] natural relations for unnatural ones” (1:26). In short, Paul explaining that these people are horrible people. They have no redeeming qualities. He is listing every depraved and immoral thing that can be thought of: “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife deceit and malice…” (1:29). Paul’s point though, is not the sinful nature of the people he is describing. The break between Chapters One and Two give us the false impression that Paul is beginning a new thought. Chapter One ends with the revulsion of these “ungodly” people. Chapter Two begins with the sentence: “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself because you who pass judgment do the same things.” (2:1) These evil people that revile God and flaunt God’s creation are we; we are the ones exchanging natural relations for unnatural relations. When we judge people we are, in fact, showing, “contempt for the riches of [God’s] kindness, tolerance and patience” (2:4). Paul is showing us here, in the beginning of Romans, that when we use to the law to judge others and create our justice it is not in line with God’s justice.
Later in Chapter Two, Paul makes it even clearer that the keeping the law is not the same as justice. In an aside he says, “Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness” (2:14-15). Paul ends Chapter Two with the idea the being a Jew is not about physical or verbal signs – i.e. circumcision and the law. Instead Paul is arguing that being a Jew, having faith, is about inward knowledge. Once again, Paul is clearly showing us that the divisions that we create in order to have justice were not made by God. Paul is not arguing that morality and laws are bad, but he is arguing that when we judge others to be less morally acceptable in God’s eyes than we ourselves are we are lying to ourselves and misrepresenting who God is.
To clearly illustrate the differences in our justice versus God’s justice Paul describes the people in Rome that knew God, but have forsaken God. He then goes on to list all the unjust things that people who do not follow God do. He includes in this list “sexual impurities” (1:24) and “women exchang[ing] natural relations for unnatural ones” (1:26). In short, Paul explaining that these people are horrible people. They have no redeeming qualities. He is listing every depraved and immoral thing that can be thought of: “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife deceit and malice…” (1:29). Paul’s point though, is not the sinful nature of the people he is describing. The break between Chapters One and Two give us the false impression that Paul is beginning a new thought. Chapter One ends with the revulsion of these “ungodly” people. Chapter Two begins with the sentence: “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself because you who pass judgment do the same things.” (2:1) These evil people that revile God and flaunt God’s creation are we; we are the ones exchanging natural relations for unnatural relations. When we judge people we are, in fact, showing, “contempt for the riches of [God’s] kindness, tolerance and patience” (2:4). Paul is showing us here, in the beginning of Romans, that when we use to the law to judge others and create our justice it is not in line with God’s justice.
Later in Chapter Two, Paul makes it even clearer that the keeping the law is not the same as justice. In an aside he says, “Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness” (2:14-15). Paul ends Chapter Two with the idea the being a Jew is not about physical or verbal signs – i.e. circumcision and the law. Instead Paul is arguing that being a Jew, having faith, is about inward knowledge. Once again, Paul is clearly showing us that the divisions that we create in order to have justice were not made by God. Paul is not arguing that morality and laws are bad, but he is arguing that when we judge others to be less morally acceptable in God’s eyes than we ourselves are we are lying to ourselves and misrepresenting who God is.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Answering the Birthday Questions
I ended my last post with the two questions that my family always asks on birthdays. The first is "What was the most significant event of the past year?" The second is similar: "What do you claim as the most significant event of the upcoming year?" I have been answering these questions since I can remember having a birthday. When I was younger it was often a trite answer of something that had happened in the recent past. Now I like to think and reflect on these questions. Really think about all the significant things that have happened to me in the past 12 months and then find the one that is the most significant. This year that is especially difficult. In the past year I have moved from Cannes, France to Austin, TX and prepared to move to Geneva, Switzerland. I have made so many friends that I know I will have for life. I have had an addition to my immediate family in the person of my nephew, Jacob Oliver Philbrook. I have changed jobs three times.
When my mother and brother posed the questions to me on Tuesday, at first I pleaded that I should wait until my party on Friday. I wanted time to think. Then it struck me. I know the most significant event of the last year. It was none of these momentous things I mentioned above. The most significant event was a small moment that happened at a monastery in Taize, France. During my week there I decided to spend the last three days in silence. I knew that my time in Cannes was coming to an end and I was not sure what the next step in my life should be. I wanted to pray and listen to see if I could hear something from God. I was contemplating moving to Chicago to be with my family there or possibly moving back to Los Angeles to be with friends from college. I had not really thought about Austin. I was even considering staying Cannes and working with my church there. All of these ideas were swirling in my head and I was not sure which path was the path that God wanted me to take. I spent many hours in the sanctuary praying. During one of my prayers it suddenly came to me, with clarity, that I should move to Austin, TX. I had been here a few times, but not spent significant amounts of time here. At first I thought, no, this can't be where God wants me to move, yet the more I thought about it and prayed about it the more sure it became. While I was in silence at Taize it was easy to trust and have faith that God wanted me to move to Austin. I was still two months out from moving and of course I would always do what God told me to do. As I came closer to the impending departure and even as I moved here I began to doubt. I began to doubt that God had ever spoken to me. I began to doubt that moving here was a good idea. I began to doubt that it was right for me. Now, as I am preparing to leave Austin for one year, with the hope of coming back, I see just how right Austin was for me. I have made amazing friends here. I have found a church home here. Austin was where I needed to be. Making the decision to move to Austin was not easy, but it was the right decision. I suppose that is why I listen to God, I have faith that the path God shows me is the right path for me. The most significant event of the past year was my decision to move to Austin and then following through on it.
Question number two. "What do you claim as the most signifcant event for the next year?" Once again I wanted an easy out - a way to answer without answering. I wanted to claim that I have no idea what my most significant event of the next year will be. This is true. I am embarking on a mysterious journey very soon. However, even as I do not know that specifics of the most significant event, I can claim that moving to Geneva will probably be the most signifcant event. The move to Geneva is directly related to the move that I took to Austin. Both were made/are being made on faith. I do not have enough money to support myself in Geneva. I do not know how I am going to make it for a year. I have been telling God that I'm not ready to be poor. But, I have faith that this is what God wants me to do. I have faith that God will provide for me. I also have doubts and fears. I have fears of failing. I have seen how well it worked out moving to Austin. When I have my doubts I can just remember what God did for me here. I am hoping and praying that I can remember that. It's often easy to forget. I forget most of the time. I claim that the most significant for the next year will be me moving to Geneva.
On an unrelated note, I got my passport back today from the Swiss Embassy. I have a shiny new visa inside it! There is nothing stopping me now from going. I have my plane tickets. I have my visa. I have all that I need. God will provide the rest. I pray that I can live that. As the preacher said last Sunday at church, the Gospel is not something we believe or preach - rather it is something we live.
When my mother and brother posed the questions to me on Tuesday, at first I pleaded that I should wait until my party on Friday. I wanted time to think. Then it struck me. I know the most significant event of the last year. It was none of these momentous things I mentioned above. The most significant event was a small moment that happened at a monastery in Taize, France. During my week there I decided to spend the last three days in silence. I knew that my time in Cannes was coming to an end and I was not sure what the next step in my life should be. I wanted to pray and listen to see if I could hear something from God. I was contemplating moving to Chicago to be with my family there or possibly moving back to Los Angeles to be with friends from college. I had not really thought about Austin. I was even considering staying Cannes and working with my church there. All of these ideas were swirling in my head and I was not sure which path was the path that God wanted me to take. I spent many hours in the sanctuary praying. During one of my prayers it suddenly came to me, with clarity, that I should move to Austin, TX. I had been here a few times, but not spent significant amounts of time here. At first I thought, no, this can't be where God wants me to move, yet the more I thought about it and prayed about it the more sure it became. While I was in silence at Taize it was easy to trust and have faith that God wanted me to move to Austin. I was still two months out from moving and of course I would always do what God told me to do. As I came closer to the impending departure and even as I moved here I began to doubt. I began to doubt that God had ever spoken to me. I began to doubt that moving here was a good idea. I began to doubt that it was right for me. Now, as I am preparing to leave Austin for one year, with the hope of coming back, I see just how right Austin was for me. I have made amazing friends here. I have found a church home here. Austin was where I needed to be. Making the decision to move to Austin was not easy, but it was the right decision. I suppose that is why I listen to God, I have faith that the path God shows me is the right path for me. The most significant event of the past year was my decision to move to Austin and then following through on it.
Question number two. "What do you claim as the most signifcant event for the next year?" Once again I wanted an easy out - a way to answer without answering. I wanted to claim that I have no idea what my most significant event of the next year will be. This is true. I am embarking on a mysterious journey very soon. However, even as I do not know that specifics of the most significant event, I can claim that moving to Geneva will probably be the most signifcant event. The move to Geneva is directly related to the move that I took to Austin. Both were made/are being made on faith. I do not have enough money to support myself in Geneva. I do not know how I am going to make it for a year. I have been telling God that I'm not ready to be poor. But, I have faith that this is what God wants me to do. I have faith that God will provide for me. I also have doubts and fears. I have fears of failing. I have seen how well it worked out moving to Austin. When I have my doubts I can just remember what God did for me here. I am hoping and praying that I can remember that. It's often easy to forget. I forget most of the time. I claim that the most significant for the next year will be me moving to Geneva.
On an unrelated note, I got my passport back today from the Swiss Embassy. I have a shiny new visa inside it! There is nothing stopping me now from going. I have my plane tickets. I have my visa. I have all that I need. God will provide the rest. I pray that I can live that. As the preacher said last Sunday at church, the Gospel is not something we believe or preach - rather it is something we live.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
My Birthday
I turned 25 yesterday. I realized just how blessed I am. I have been living here for about eight months. In that time I've found friends that truly love me and that I truly love. Strangely enough my friends at work are almost all Christian. The General Manager at my work hired a whole new crew and everyone she hired, unbeknownst to her, were Christians. She is a self-described buddhist/atheist. We're like a family. We all love each other and want what's best for each other and have those hard conversations and those loving ones. I have been called out for being lazy. (Read this post where I talked about a specific conversation) I have also been told how lovely and wonderful I am. That happens a lot more often. The girls and guys that I work with make me feel like a better person. For my birthday my coworker got to work half an hour early and decorated the shop with balloons and streamers. We start work at 6:30 am so getting there half an hour early is an endeavor! She also went to bed about the same time as me the night before, 2 am. (Although we were not hanging out together). Another coworker brought me flowers. Two gave me sweet, very touching, cards. The crew that I work with is just amazing. I have learned so much from them. My job there has been such a blessing in my life. I also see my regulars as a part of my family too. One gave me a haiku. He said it was my present to him; but I think it was his present to me. I actually wanted to go to work on my birthday. My birthday was wonderful.
I also had a chance to cook for my brother, sister-in-law and mother on my birthday. That was wonderful to be able to spend time with my family. My family has a tradition of asking two specific questions.
1. What was the most significant event of the past year in your life?
2. What do you claim as the most significant event for the next year?
I will answer those questions in my next post.
I also had a chance to cook for my brother, sister-in-law and mother on my birthday. That was wonderful to be able to spend time with my family. My family has a tradition of asking two specific questions.
1. What was the most significant event of the past year in your life?
2. What do you claim as the most significant event for the next year?
I will answer those questions in my next post.
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