Prayers for VT

Last night, walking back late from Wednesday Night Worship on campus, I whinned with my friends about how cold it was outside. Walking back is never fun when it causes your limbs to go numb. We would have side conversations, but the comments always came back to complaints about how cold it was outside and how we could no longer feel our faces.

My friend Emily was the first to finally blurt out, "THIS SUCKS!"
As we all grumbled and agreed, the realization hit me in the face. Here we are, walking back on our safe, small campus, whinning about a couple of cold appendages. We go to a small private Christian college located in the center of a calm suburban town. There isn't a single street that leads the entire way through campus, so traffic is light and typically just students or staff. Every hundrend yards, there is a security phone which sends a call directly to the security office, which is open and available 24/7. Any instances that ever occur on campus are very minor. Yet we take all this for granted.

In 2007, the Virginia Tech massacre shocked the nation. With 32 murders and 25 injured, it became the deadliest shooting incident from a single gunman in the U.S. Only one week ago, another gunman killed two people on campus, including a police officer. Flashbacks from the tradegy four years prior were on everyone's mind.

The reality of it is that we are lucky to be so safe here. There are place, even college campuses like Virginia Tech, that are potentially severely dangerous environments.

We need to suck it up and be thankful for at least being safe on our campus. And we need to lift up our fellow students on these types of campuses that may frequently come under fire. No one deserves to live in fear.

Toys, toys, toys

Today, I was once again faced with the reality that my life doesn't suck after all. I may complain here and there, and sure, bad stuff has happened in my life, but compared to some children, I am very blessed.

This morning I volunteer wtih City Team again. Typically going on Saturdays to help, my group of students would sort clothing and serve lunch to the residents of the shelter. However today, we got to work in the toy warehouse. Here, they house thousands of donated toys that are to be used to shop for and provide presents to adopted children. As we sorted through tons of Barbies and Nerf footballs, we all nostagically looked back onto the Christmases we had as children.


I can honestly say that I have always gotten what I've wanted for Christmas. Learning about all those children who don't get that every year, I began to feel guilty. So, I think I need to be more conscious of my life experiences and blessings. I also need to be more conscious of those who are struggling and do whatever I can to help, whether that means donating toys and stuff animals, or volunteering my time to help organizations that help give gifts to these children. It's something that everyone should do.

Standing in the run down gym, staring at the lines of bags packed with toys, ready to be shipped off on Christmas, I was in awe. I was happy to be a part of something that will make others' lives more blessed.

I know my life doesn't suck, and the lives of others shouldn't either, especially on Christmas.

Christmas is coming!

This week I would just like to say that my life does not suck.

I suck.

Every year, it never fails. I get so caught up in Christmas for what our culture has made it. Tons of presents, Santa Clause and possible snow is all that occupies my mind. I start to dream of all the things under the Christmas tree that will have my name on them. What is my dad going to surpirse me with this year? Did mom get me that bracelet I wanted? Its like I'm a kid again, anticipating Christmas morning with every fiber of my body.

But I'm just plain selfish. I suck because I'm not thankful for how blessed I am.

Here in Philadelphia, tons of kids go through the holidays without receiving a single present while I sit at home wishing the mountain of gifts I have would only grow bigger. Whether their parents are unable to shower them with presents or perhaps they don't even have a family, these kids deserve that joy on Christmas morning that I have always been blessed enough to experience.

This past week I have really been able to recognize the need of these kids. Not just are their basic needs important, but, in my opinion, blessing them with these other simple joys is important.

So check this out. A organization in City Team Ministries located right here in Philly is just one of many organizations that is hosting an annual Christmas toy drive. I encourage everyone to put aside their own selfishness this holiday season and give to these kids who don't have. I know that I personally need to stop being awful and suck-ish and give to these kids.


Maybe then, we can really focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Click here for more details on City Team's toy drive!

Oh Materialism...

This past Friday, which happened to be Black Friday, I had a terrible day. I went out early, hoping to get all the good deals only to be miserable all day. First, I was super sick. I was coughing and blowing my nose all day long. I found myself just walking around in a haze, unable to appreciate all the great sales going on. Secondly, I didn't even find great sales. I found myself buying things and not really saving much money.
My life sucks.
Not only am I sick on the greatest shopping day of the year, I didn't even buy hardly anything for myself because the sales were lousy.

But I think I need a wake-up call.

To be honest, the last thing I need is another article of clothing. I look at my closest and just see t-shirt overflowing from the shelves. I was moping around the mall looking for good sales to buy even more of what I don't need.

In countries around the world, children aren't as blessed as I am. They are lucky to have two good shirts, let alone a different shirt to wear everyday of the month.

Talking with other girls at work today, I realized how materialistic I am. I love buying more things and wearing new, name brand clothes. I realized how blessed I am to have the means to own all that I do.

I hope to be more aware of this as the Christmas season continues. As I go out buying for other and myself and as I ask for more clothes form Christmas, I need to remember all those who don't have material things. My life far from sucks.

No more whining...

As Thanksgiving approaches and, as a student, I long for break, I also whine about the amount of work I have to do. As always, there are papers to write and exams to study for. I realize just how ungrateful I am to be receiving such a good education. So I think its about time for me to stop complaining for once, and just remember the things that I am so thankful for.

So many times I take my family for granted, especially my mom. I think so often people forget about the ones who surround them most of their lives. I was lucky to be raised in a home filled with love. But it hasn't always been a joyful place. Heartache is also a reality we have lived with. It is in those times when I saw how blessed I am. I now know that I can turn to my mom and siblings with anything. We hold each other in the hard times and find ways to make ourselves laugh and smile again. Laughter has been a blessing in my home, especially when we're all so sick of tears. I consider my family to be home; it is where my heart is the most content to be.

This Thanksgiving is going to be very different for several reasons. But no matter what, I am going to remember to give thanks for my family. God has blessed me so much! So no more whining for me!

My Family Last Christmas :)

Gotta love your "friends".

Know what sucks more than anything? People. The worst is when they say one thing, then totally do the opposite. What is that?  And they're supposed to be your friends? ...yeah right.

My life sucks so bad when it comes to dealing with people. I don't know if its my attitude or theirs, but something has gotta change. This weekend, for example, has been a total let down. People were excited to go out and have fun together, only to turn around and make new plans. Friendship is difficult when you're so angry at someone. I don't even feel like calling these people friends anymore. Friends don't ditch friends. Now I'm stuck bored and not liking them very much. What a super friendship.

But some lives are completely different...

Children in Uganda live in a reality of war. There is a constant fear of being kidnapped. Being kidnapped means a new hell begins. After being brainwashed and drugged, they are made into soldiers, fighting for the Lord's Resistance Army and the infamous Joseph Kony. The army has abducted 20,000 children, mostly boys, from their homes and villages in this 17 year war. This is a struggle that continues everyday and has received national attention. Even if the children are able to escape, the mental damage that is done requires serious attention. Organizations such as Invisible Children provide relief to this situation as well as battle the reign of Joseph Kony by raising awareness using their 2003 documentary film Invisible Children.

The fear that these children live with in Uganda prohibits hope. Friendships are severed when they're stripped from their villages. Making plans to have fun with their friends is the last thing on their minds with the threat abduction always present.

In reality, I'm blessed to have freedom, let alone friends. And I really do have some great friends :)

In fact, one of my good friends, Molly, is really involved with Invisible Children. She fundraises for them in very unique ways...check out her blog!! She is an amazing girl who is looking to make a big difference.

Snow in October? Really?

I love snow more than most people. The white flakes falling down from the sky are so beautiful and peaceful. Even the smell is appealing to me. The way the flakes hit your warm skin and begin to melt...the way everything seems to get quieter...the look of trees covered in white powder...playing outside with my friends and family...I could go on and on and on.

Wait a second...isn't it only October 29th? What is going on??



Because of the snow, my life sucks. This strange early snow has ruined my weekend plans. On top of that, our house and surrounding block completely lost power due to fallen branches. How annoying!

But my weekend weather experience was still relatively pleasant compared to some others. Throughout the Northeast, this early freak storm has caused a lot of issues including power outages, plane and train delays, and even eight reported deaths. These people have suffered a lot more than my minor inconvenience. Yet again, my whining just makes me  selfish.
Click here to check out the reported issues. Other reports show the damage done as well.


Honestly, I'm lucky to have the kind of family who deals well with these circumstances. We know the routine to keep things fun and safe when we lose power. I'm blessed to have a family with a good sense of humor to keep us sane when the situation isn't the best. So although this early storm caused me some problems, I'll get over it. After all, I do really really love snow :)

But it's so far...

Sometimes, walking just sucks.

After a long day of walking all over campus getting from class to class and then work, the last thing I want to do is walk more. But, being a freshman on campus, I do not have the privilege of having a car. So when I'm in need of anything, I rely on my feet to get me into town.

Now the walk is only 10 minutes but after walking all day it seems like 10 miles. It's such an inconvience. It totally sucks.

My treck to the local store is through a nice suburban neighborhood. Along the way I typicall encounter some kids or maybe someone walking their dog. There are always very friendly people. Never once have I come across any conflict on my walks.

This makes me lucky. I'm not faced with road side bombs, prosecution, or attackers of any kind. It may be a possibly, but it's not a daily realily like it is in some countries.

Civilian deaths are the reality of may war-torn countries. On Monday, for example, in Syria, more than 20 civilians were killed when fighting broke out in the city of Homs. Within the past seven months, the United Nations has estimated around 3,000 people. Men, women and children are all affected by these militant clashes sometimes even on a daily basis.

I am blessed that this is not my realily. I would take an annoying but peaceful walk into town over this circumstance any day.

Shameless self-promoting :)

To get the word out about my blog, I have posted some notes around my dorm.

Here's me and my flyer on my dorm door :)

Keep on reading!
Thanks!

Gee, thanks Mom...

This past week has been annoying. So many times I have thought, "This sucks! Things could not be worse." Stressing about all my work is the main issue. So much to do, so little time.

On top of the endless piles of homework, my mom starts to nag me. Remember this! Do that! Work hard! Go to bed!

Uh...mom, I think I'm in college now...leave me alone! It sucks how I can't seem to get any space. I think I can handle myself...thanks anyway mom...

REALITY CHECK:
I'm privileged to have a mom who cares so much about me.

Reports all over the world reveal the high rates of child abuse. Statistics here in the States are incredibly high. They show in 2009 that there were 3.3 million cases of reported abuse involing approximately 6 million children. In addition, about five children die everyday from abuse. Abuse can be either physical, emotional, or sexual. Neglect is also a form of abuse. The perpetrator is not always a parent, however. In most cases, the child know the abuser in some way.

This is truly a sad reality that breaks my heart. These children are faced with lives full of fear and hurt because their parents, the ones who are supposed to love them the best, are abusive. Even neglect of the children can leave them scarred. The effects of abuse last throughout their lives, putting them in a cycle of possibly continuing the abuse themselves as parents.
 The fact that this is the reality for millions of children in the United States and around the world is extremely upsetting.

My mom has always wanted what was best for me and has given me everything I've needed...and more. So when I complain about the way she won't get off my back, I really should thank her for preparing to be able to handle things on my own. She gave me love that not all children get. And for that, I will always thank her.

What can  you do?
Abuse is very much present in our society. The first step in changing this abusive cycle is awareness. The lines between a healthy and an unhealthy relationship can sometimes be blurred. By recognizing abuse, you can help to stop it. There are also counseling resources for those who have experienced abuse. You just have to reach out and get help.

And so it begins...

Being a college student is not easy.
For example, today, I had to walk to class in the rain. You're probably thinking "wow, big deal," right? Well we're not talking "I'm singing in the rain" kind of rain...we're talking a monsoon. The drops of rain were so big that you could make them out as individual buckets being dumped on your entire person. Absolutely terrible.
So I arrive to class and begin to form a little puddle below my seat. Great. Then I open my backpack to find drenched notebooks and running ink. Even better. Now I get to sit through an hour and a half lecture with my soaking clothes clinging to my skin. Wow, this sucks. How lucky am I?

VERY.

After class, I am able to return to my nice dorm and take a nice hot shower and put on some dry clothes. That is a priviledge that many people don't have.

Let's look at the people in Manila.
A year ago, a typhoon hit this region of the Phillipines and not only destroyed homes, but took lives. These people were left with nothing. Complete destruction was their new reality.

Photos courtesy of photoblog.msnbc.msn.com

So sure, it may suck that I was soaked and miserable. But I'm still blessed to have shelter, clothing, and even life. They're not worried about a little water in their backpacks. They're worried about rebuilding their lives.
Wake up call: Wow, my life is simple.