Comforting lie (part 2)

I think every Christian needs to watch this, liberal and conservative. I think every non-Christian should watch this, to get a better idea of who the real Jesus is, not what the loud mouths on tv claim.

My favorite part: If this is going to be a Christian that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus is just as selfish as we are, or we have got to acknowledge that He commands us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

Just beautiful.

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Our (town) was too small

So we had to move! I'm happy to tell you that we are officially residents of the booming metropolis of Alamosa! It's about 15 miles north of La Jara with a population of 10,000. All my housemates can now walk to work and my commute is about 25 minutes shorter. Pretty much our lives are in Alamosa- our friends, church, work, shops, etc. Our house is also really great- open and bright. Our house in La Jara really didn't have that much natural light, but this house has huge south facing windows in all the common rooms. We've been here for 2 weeks and have already had many people over (our church meets at our house as well) and people can just drop by to say hi! It will be just nice to be part of the larger community out here and be more connected. My favorite part? It's 4 blocks to my coffee shop! It is sort of weird that we're sort of starting this house here after volunteers have been living in La Jara for about 30 years. Here's to new traditions!

I'm excited to be going to Seattle at the end of the week! With the move and this trip, it gets me thinking about "home" and community. I like living here and I like why I'm living in community, however I miss Seattle and I miss living by myself. I've been alone at the house all week and it's made me realize just how much I miss living alone- I miss the freedom and the sense of ownership. While my community here is solidifying, I don't really know where home is or what that really means. When people ask where I'm from, I say "Originally, Seattle". Seattle is more home to me than anything else, I guess. I can't wait to be there for 5 full days!

May I present, the NEW MVS house in Alamosa...

The kitchen with lots of counter space:

Our welcoming living room:

My room! Yes, it's a bit smaller:

And, just to remind you that I'm living in Colorado:

Love from Alamosa!

Stand and deliver

I'm constantly amazed by God's faithfulness to me and those around me. True, there's crap in the world and I've personally dealt with crap, but it's easier to deal with when you know that someone is in control and there is a reason for the madness. When going through difficult times, it's hard to see the light, but when you get those glimpses of sun light coming or when you finally get out of the darkness, the light is blinding and amazing.

Remember how I kept saying "this is the least stressful time of my life", well I am grateful for that time as it as prepared me for the past month (well, honestly, I'm still not stressed out). I have heard of and experienced more death, sickness, and problems in just the last month than I am used to, but I'm at peace with it. One thing I love about the Bible is that it doesn't say that everything is going to be great if you just believe in God, it gives reason for the crap in the world. It's beyond me why people fall into the "health and wealth" gospel, aren't they just constantly disappointed and feeling guilty?? We live in a fallen world with fallen people, it's going to be hard, but you're not alone and God is in control. Really, there's nothing that I can do on my own to change the junk and I'm thankful that is not all on me in my weakness.

There are many things to be thankful (and I really didn't mean this to be a "What are you thankful for on Thanksgiving?" post, honest). Being cynical about what you are not thankful for is not going to get you anywhere- well, I guess just depressed and pathetic. I fight cynicism almost daily- I want to hope and be encouraged! I'm thankful that I am here in the valley and I'm excited about what I'm doing in my job and the relationships I'm forming out here. I'm thankful for this little church that we're starting- it encourages me to be excited about church again and it's freeing me to think and feel how God leads me without fear of judgement. I'm thankful for my friends and family wherever they might be (in life and the world) at the moment. I love that I have so many great people in my life doing amazing and different things, you spur to move forward and evolve. I'm thankful for changes and beauty, so thankful to see the sunrise and sunset over the snowcapped mountains everyday!

I'm remembering last thanksgiving, biking to work on the surprisingly deserted streets of Chicago. I am thankful for that time, I loved biking around that city and I did like my job. You never know what is going to happen when you free yourself from expectation and obligation!

It's my life

I'm sure you know this, but I don't love evangelism. There's a part of me that doesn't care if you don't believe. I guess I care to a certain degree, but ultimately it's your decision and you have to live and deal with it. I don't love defending my beliefs is another thing- whether it be my politics, faith, life outlook, etc. For me, it's more I'm going to do my own thing and you can do yours.

This isn't to say this is what I think we're called to be. Yes, I do believe that God calls us to tell others about Him, but I think that manifests differently for everyone. For some, it will be to straightforwardly tell others about Jesus, and I'm sure there are people that would respond to that type of evangelism (I wouldn't relate with them, so I'm not going to be doing that anytime soon). For me, I think it's more of... well, this is a big part of my life, it's bound to come up and it will when it will, then I'll talk about it, but I'm not going to force the conversation. I can only talk about my life and experience. I don't represent Christianity as a whole, and I probably don't fall in line with the few Christians represented on TV (notice: that's a representation of a handful of Christians). And, if you don't believe what I believe, that's fine (and I'm pretty sure you're not Hitler), just reciprocate that respect I want to show you.

On the other hand, it does make me sad when people don't believe the Truth of the Gospel. It does. I would like you to believe and understand. I would love for you to know the hope and joy that comes through seeing life through the promises and work of God. One thing I will say, that a friend told me quite a while ago: Figure it out before you die. You don't have your whole life to think about things, but you have right now. It is a balance of living and enjoying life, while thinking about the bigger picture. You really don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. This is the best time of your life, think about it.

I sip on dreams

I think I am in love. With Public Health. Got your attention, didn't I?

Last week I was in Denver at the American Public Health Association annual conference. The theme was social justice- awesome! I just feel like this where I am supposed to be. I would be bored out of my mind at a med/surg conference, but I'm fueled by all these talk of public health. It's exciting to be on the other side of problems- trying to stop them before they happen or looking into the root cause of issues.

This conference was a little overwhelming- attendance was the amount of people who live in Alamosa. I basically went to presentations of research projects, sometimes really boring and obvious (yes, people are going to make trade offs when they have high medical bills) and sometimes pretty interesting (the calories on menus really are affecting eating habits). I've already been able to apply some of the things I've learned to everyday and my practice. Now, I love public health nursing, but I only went to one session by that group. And, I was a little disappointed- “Innovations in Environmental Nursing” was explaining a new sort of social network for information on our effect on the environment, starting with “Now you enter http://...” Come on, nurses.

It definitely made me think about wanting to go back to school for more training in this field. Hmmmm....

So far, the climb

I've never been a part of a memorial service. I hope it's a long time until I have to do another one. It was a nice celebration of life. I put together a slideshow of pictures from her time out here. The music selection stressed me out, I had so many to choose from and people had their ideas. I had to make the 'exec dec' and pick one the one that I was most at peace with. This was "I'll Cover You (Reprise)" from 'Rent'. We sang 'Rent' many times and as a 'Rent' fan I would be honor if she played this for me. Although, I did have to use the movie version because that is the one she knew, so it was a little different for me.

I also had the privilege to say a few words about my time with Chloe. Here were my thoughts:

I believe everyone is put into your life for a reason- sometimes it's to help them, sometimes to help you. Well, usually I think I'm helping them and then I'll, humbly, realize it's just the opposite. Every once in a while it goes both ways.

Chloe is the closest I've come to a little sister. She was so interested in life and the bigger picture. My favorite memories of our time together are sitting in her room on our “wonderful” MVS chairs, drinking tea, and just talking about anything and everything. I would have my Seattle mug and she would have her Colorado mug. We were in different places in life and both appreciated that about each other. She reminds me of how to be young and carefree; I hope I didn't do the opposite to inspire her to be old and boring. She was full of questions about life outside of her own, which I had the privilege to encourage and attempt to answer when possible.

I have been so excited to see where life takes her and I have just known that she is going to impact many, many people through her years. I'm humbled to be a part of it and thank God for the rare opportunity to know a spirit like Chloe's, even for such a short time. It's amazing to think that her life is a part of this group and God is working through her here today, tomorrow, and for the rest of our lives. His work through her is not done- I see it in everyone here.

One of my favorite stories of hers is how every time she sees her Grandma, she tells Chloe “Remember, this is the best time of your life”. She lived that.

EDIT:

Before the service, we had the opportunity to dedicate a tree to her in front of our new house in Alamosa. This was such a beautiful thing, as she was the "caretaker of all living things" of the house- including her housemates! It will be such a blessing to see the tree blossom and be reminded of Chloe, her spirit and life.

Please don't be sad for me

"The world is my community" Chloe, 2nd grade. Amazing.

Today was Chloe's memorial service. This is never easy, but can be joyous as we a celebrate a wonderful life. There was laughing and crying, singing and clapping, stories and readings. She will be missed around the world.

Last night I saw Chloe. I've never been to an open casket showing, but I'm glad I did. I got to say the good-bye our last phone conversation didn't fulfill. It surprised me how much I broke down when I saw her, man I cried. It was good. Trust me, I've cried a bit and teared up enough, but last night was a hard to breath cry. Again, good and needed.

I spent time with her sister and some of her close friends from high school and college. I'm thankful for this, for their love. I'm thankful that they let us borrow her for a few months. It takes less than a few months to see Chloe's beauty and love.

There were special musical moments for me: The Weaver Boys and 606. Chloe's dad has 6 brothers (no sisters) and they had a band for a while called The Weaver Boys. She had a tape that we never got around to listening to, but I had the honor of hearing them play a few songs. "Don't need this house no more" was perfect. If you've never heard Mennonites sing "Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow", you've never heard it that song the way it was meant to be. They call it "606" because that's the number in the hymnal. It's got a few different parts and just wonderful.

Cari, Chloe's friend from her work in Alamosa, read a poem. It was just beautiful. I could definitely hear Chloe speaking to all of us through it.

All Is Well
Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household world that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It it the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.
Henry Scott Holland
1847-1918
Canon of St Paul 's Cathedral

Sunday is our memorial service here in Alamosa. This is a testament to our work done here over the years- that so many people care after just a few months. We are going to plant a tree for her at our new house. Next week is going to be hard. We are going to start our new normal.

I know just what you're saying

Please note, there are photos of Chloe at the end of this post.

Friends are amazing gifts. I have always known this truth. I'm experiencing it pretty much every minute these days. From friends here and around the country. My house mates and I are really sticking together, for which I am grateful.

I want to write to connect to my home support group, but it also seems it's connecting the greater MVS community to our house. This is an unique opportunity here as I know I would like to be connected to another house going through the same thing. I don't want to be silent.

We miss Chloe. We love Chloe. She is still a part of our house. We are still a unit of 6.

However, I want to be respectful. I don't want to represent the house. It's a bit of pressure. Please be respectful too.

Grief is so personal, but it can be healthy to share it. It's my fear that I'm going to hinder someone else's grieving process. This is never my intention, please let me know if this is the case. Unfortunately, I'm bringing some of what I learned through losing a friend last December- as different as this is, I have been dealing with my thoughts of life and death already.

Please pray. Even if you don't feel it, God is there and listening. His promise is not dependent upon my belief, but upon His Word only. Please pray for Chloe's family. Her friends around the country and world. The greater Mennonite and MVS community. Her friends in Alamosa. Her MVS family here.

As friends are so important, it's important for me to remember my friends. Here are some of my favorite photos of my dear friend, Chloe Weaver....

The closest to a group photo we have

We both have a love of maps

This is probably my favorite of us

Not just a girl

FYI, the following can be intense, but I need to put this out there. Upfront, my housemate and closest friend out here, Chloe, passed away yesterday and this is our story. I won't be offended if you don't want to read this and I will try to not be too intense throughout the rest of my blogging time. However, if I need to be, I will and you can read another blog. Only sort of sorry.

I want to remember. I want to enjoy and love. I don't want to mope around looking at the floor listening to sappy music. Yes, I'm devasted. Yes, I miss her. Yes, this is hard and scary. But, God is faithful (I know it sounds cheesy or maybe trite to say that now, but too bad, I believe it; I've seen it).

Yesterday was just any other day pretty much. Betsy was leaving from a lovely weekend out here. There was some car coordinating that had to be done before we all left. Sue and Gordon went to Sunday school before the church service. Ben went to church later. Chloe was getting ready for a bike ride with a friend. As is a normal occurrence, I sat and chatted with her over tea in her room while we both sat on her uncomfortable chairs (oh, to being volunteers) about the last night, the excitement of the day, and dreams she had last night (that one we never got around to). Jared was up too, but he and Chloe ended up not going to church. We had 2 ex- MVSers from California here and they were getting ready for their day of sightseeing. That was the last time we would all be together, in this world anyway.

Chloe called me while I was at the coffeeshop with Betsy. I ignored it because I follow some etiquette. The message she left was choppy and I have really no idea what she said as her cell service at home was spotty. I decided I would call her later. Thank the Lord I did and we chatted for a minutes about the plan for the day. I was a little distracted as I was getting things together in the car, but I do remember the conversation. She was able to use a different car so was already on her way. We both wanted to tell the other one so many things, so we decided we would wait till the evening to spend time catching up. I started driving home. We passed each other on the highway and waved. That was the last time I saw her.

I came home and chatted with my mom for a while. A big topic of conversation over the weekend with Betsy was: how do you want to live your life and what will you be remembered by? My mom and I talked about this too and all these conversations were quite interesting. I know Anthony has a lot do with this for me. Hearing about him and remembering him and his life, it really makes you think. This had a lot to do with why I am here. I don't want to be remembered as the girl who spent a lot of time living for herself, hoarding her money, going out whenever she could. I want to leave an impact, I want to make a difference, I want to contribute to the world around me. I want to serve God as He has given me so much life and so much to live for. I want to enjoy Him and this life.

I started hardboiled eggs and chatted with Ben for a bit. Now I'm remembering those eggs are probably still in the pot. I made plans with Sue to have our little Sunday study time together at 5, it was about 2. Went back into my room to work on a blog post. There was a phone call and Jared answered it. He got Ben and me out of our rooms and said to the caller "Ok, we are all here". He listened, we waited not knowing what was going on. I saw his face, I sat down and thought and prayed. Things were going through my mind- Gordon and Sue, oh goodness Chloe is on that bike ride and I forgot to remind her about a helmet. Oh shit. Jared gets off the phone and goes and puts it down. I think I say "We're dying here..." or something equally inappropriate. He was collecting his thoughts and just had to blurt it out: "Chloe was on a bike ride and got hit by a car; she's dead".

I immediately said I had to leave. I went into my room and got my phone. No service, of course. Go outside, call my parents. No answer, of course. I try a few times and finally my dad answers. That's the first time I cry. Through the tears, I tell him. In classic Dad fashion: "WHAT???!!!", he gets mom. I try to ask Dad to tell her, but I'm not clear and have to say it again. In classic Mom fashion: "OH honey, I'm so sorry... I wish I was there". I love my parents. I have to walk as I talk as I start shaking and try to keep breathing. I know I need to go back inside and be with my little family out here. We are all we've got now.

Ben is still standing at the kitchen table, staring at it, I don't think he has moved. I hear Jared in the green house. I sit at the table, Jared comes in. We just sit there, not knowing what to do. The phone rings. What now? It's Gordon, do we want to come over? Well, I think somebody is on their way. He says something I can't even comprehend- I know I hear his words, I just can't put a meaning to them. Ok, we'll be over.

We grab just jackets. We walk in silence pretty much. We don't know what we are doing. We don't know what is going on. We are walking down the hall to Sue and Gordon's apartment. I say "I know I'm going to loose it when I see Sue". We walk in. Sure enough, Sue and I hug and cry for a long time. I am so sad. We sit. We drink tea. We blow our noses. Our friends from Alamosa come over. We are dealing with logistical things. Phones are ringing, voices are solemn. We pray, the only time when phone ringing is acceptable during prayer.

Then, we headed up to Alamosa to be with the La Puente volunteers (her coworkers and friends). This was hard for me. I felt like I was supposed to act a certain way. I felt like all eyes were on me. I'm sure they weren't. I hug Craig, the guy she was biking with. How awful. I can't imagine. I want to see Cari, her closest friend at La Puente. It is sweet when she finally comes back from her walk. We are grieving in a similar way- by wanting to celebrate this wonderful person! We spend a few hours with everyone. It isn't fun, just isn't. People are dealing with it differently, no one knowing what to do exactly. It was amazing to see the community out here. The community of faith, of volunteers, of people who care. I fall in love with the valley and I'm so thankful for everyone.

The next few weeks are going to be rough and different. The next few years are going to be trying and challenging. There will be good. God is faithful beyond our comprehension. A couple of weeks ago I said, in response to "Never Forget", my motto was "Move On". Now I have changed that to "Move Forward", we will take Chloe with us on our journey here and always remember her life and love. God has blessed us with a wonderful member of our house and has blessed me with an amazing little sister. My heart is heavy, my laughter is light, and my God is near.

But in the back of my mind...

Of course this is an intense time here at the house and really all of Alamosa will feel this as well. However, I had just finished this post when I got the news and as this is a blog to keep up with me, I want you to know what I was thinking before our little world was turned upside down. This was finished around 2:30 pm yesterday.

Ok, I'll be honest here (oh, have I not been?), sometimes I get nervous about 2 years here. So far, things have been fine and mostly I'm excited about what is going on here, but 2 years?? A lot happens in that amount time, but then again what's 2 years?

One of the biggest (and superficial) things I think is "Am I really going to go to bed before midnight every night for 2 years??". Oh gosh. It may not seem like a big deal, but I like to stay out late, I like to go out on the town, I looooove to dance for hours. Granted, this wasn't every weekend in Chicago, but it was enough to where it makes me sad to think it's not going to happen much during this time.

Then, of course, there are the finances of this endeaver. As I have mentioned, I'm pretty much not making any money. For those who know this part of me, I love to save, it's so fun! I've already decided to start saving $10 a month out of my $50, wow. I also know it can be an issue for me and I need to let go of that and not worry. Whatev, right? I want to be responsible and a good steward of what God has given me. Also, I want to change my attitudes and thoughts about money. I want to share gifts from God, I don't want to be a burden to others.

I think about friends around the country and world and miss them. I probably won't see you too much in these next few years, please don't forget about me! Travel is another thing I am going to miss, but it is also refreshing to be planting a life here to grow (awww....). It's interesting to be focusing and committing to a community, this comes with it's pleasures and challenges.

My music life will suffer through these years, I can feel it already. For the past few years, I have enjoyed buying tons of CDs (yes, actual CDs, as I am a big supporter of the creative process for the album as a whole). This was wonderful to fall back in love with music and learn more about it. I don't really have access to different music out here (although I'm loving Pandora lately), so I'm going to start soliciting people for mix CDs- if you want to help out this cause, let me know!

All that to say, my life is freeing here and simple. I have more time and interest in things that really matter. I'm seeing more problems in the world, but also trying to work on solutions (well, right now, I'm focusing on just the valley... but watch out, world!). With all this time, I give myself time not think about things and have fun! On that note, here are some photos from the past few weeks:

A lovely fall evening on my street

We travelled to Rocky Ford, CO, for a Mennonite Relief sale. This was a nice glimpse into the Mennonite world. There was food and crafts on sale and a live auction (one for random stuff and one for just quilts). The first item sold every year is a loaf of bread made by someone in the community (it's nothing special). This year, it sold for $1700 and then sliced up and sold for $400-500 a slice! The quilts sell in the thousands and are often redonated to be sold again. This where Mennonites shine- they are known to be thrifty (or stingy), but will give freely to those who really need it. All the proceeds from this sale went to Mennonite Central Committee- the other Mennonite mission group, hehe. [Updated: We stayed here on Friday night before the sale and Chloe's whole family (mom, dad, brother and sister) stayed in a hotel together, what a seemingly small blessing turned into a great gift from God]

I had my first visitor this weekend! My dear friend Betsy came into town for a few days of fun and laughter. We watched our favorite movie "Singles", went to the Dunes (these were so impressive to me), bought her halloween costume for $0.95, saw my new house (eek!), enjoyed the local brewery, went to a little get together with some friends here, and enjoy a morning at my coffee shop. All in all, a great weekend and I was so happy to share this valley that I'm falling in love with!

I see you from a distance

I *finally* got to see little Miss Flannery today... on the computer through Skype. Isn't that an amazing thing? I think she likes me and we'll be friends one day! Oh, miss her already! Can't wait to see her in person...

Overall, I would say that I am healthily, happily busy out here. There's enough down time for me to not get overwhelmed and enough things to do and people to see to not get lonely. I usually have a few weeknights of not doing anything (which gives me time to cook, something I've been doing a lot of), but I do enjoy the little things that I do during the week. Again, least stressful time of my life- seriously, what do I have to worry about? Ok, not going to really ask myself that question because I could easily find (read: not all that important) things to worry about, that's my thing.

Here are some photos from a parade that I was in, a hike I went on, balloons from a lunch, and the Adams State College homecoming football game (it's the small college in Alamosa).

And a little update:

We are moving to Alamosa!! This is going to be a such a good change. This house here in La Jara has been home to volunteers for about 25 years, so it's a big deal to leave. However, pretty much our whole lives are in Alamosa and it's really hard to connect here in La Jara. We are closing on a house right in town: it's a block from the park, the river walk, and a bike path; it's 4 blocks to the coffeeshop (yep, the one and only); and it's going to be so much closer to our community in general. We probably won't move in until after Christmas, I was hoping we would move before, but it's not looking likely. I'm excited about the whole thing! It's going to cut my commute by about 20 minutes. We're already saying "Oh, when we move to Alamosa, we can...."

Under Construction

Dear Saguache County:

Please stay healthy for the next week and a half. Could everyone wash their hands often, sneeze and cough into your elbow? I'm going to be your only hope (nurse) for public health while the director is gone and I'm still a little new to this, please be kind to me. If you have a reaction to your flu shot, could you wait till Tuesday the 19th? It's been fun getting to know, but I don't want to find out dirty secrets this week by myself. Thanks so much and have a nice day!

-Mikaila Holt, PHN (Public Health Nurse)

P.S. Saguache is the county I work for and I'll be the only nurse there till the 19th! Eek! Pray for the residents and me? Thanks!

A comforting lie

Because there were too many pictures in the last post...

I've been thinking about this whole "Real America" bit that Republicans love to throw around. Well, here is my response after living in "Real America" for a couple of months now: If this is "Real America", then I had been living in the "Real World"!

Obviously I don't think this isn't the real world and obviously my views are skewed by the fact that this is not home and I can leave any time with other opportunities for me (oh, wait, how long did it take me to get this volunteer job??). My point is that it is no more real America out here (rural, small town) than in Chicago (or other big cities). People struggle everywhere, people join in group think no matter where they are. [And, I like the play on these pop culture references with a nod to MTV's "Real World". Yes, Palin is pop culture to me, nothing more].

I've been reading the news more and listening to NPR, seeing all the crap that is going on in the world. What are we to do? Does one political party have it right? Obviously not when things haven't "changed" all that much since that amazing day in November 2008. Not saying I wouldn't have voted for Obama, I'm still so happy he's there and not McCain (I wouldn't be in this country now if he were). It's just hard to imagine this country ever being UNITED as we so claim with our loud and proud name.

I liked my Dad's comment while watching "The Story of Us" on the history channel: "I don't think I like Lincoln anymore, he should have just left the south do their own thing. We wouldn't be dealing with them today". Of course, the war was more than that and I'm glad the north won and slavery is abolished (that legal form anyway). It's just sometimes I think this country is too big. Does that mean I'm for smaller government? Not really (because it sounds so Republican, hehe), I just think it should be more localized. But where would the money come from? We need a just distribution of funds.

I'm for taxes, I'm for letting the Bush tax cuts expire, I'm for government programs. I love John Stewert's quote about people at his rally thinking "I don't love taxes, but I like having sewers". Yes, there are problems with government programs which is why things should be localized. If you aren't for government programs, are you going to donate your extra money to causes you would support or volunteer your time? I had a friend once say to me she's not for government programs because she believes it's the church's responsibility. Well, where is the church? What are we doing?

Then, there's health care reform. A friend (apparently you have to be careful about what you say around me...) posed a question about universal health care: "Do you really want the same people that run the US Postal Service running your health care?" Um, good point. I do want health care for everyone, I think we have a broken system and it pains me.

So, Tina and I are going to start a commune... who's with us?? Oh, we're going to be a little socialist, just FYI. Man, I wish that would solve everything and that socialism really worked (it seems like such a good idea).

Homegirl here to represent

Ok, some of these are overdue.

Last weekend, I went to Taos, New Mexico, with my housemates. We spent the day roaming around this cute little artist (read: touristy... who else is really going to support the artists, sorry guys) town. We met up with some of the people from that 'church' I told you about. Actually, this was an outing for the church. There was a past MVS couple who were staying in these houses outside of Taos called "Earthships". Yes, really, that's the name of this environmentally friendly housing community in the desert of New Mexico. It was interesting, to say the least, to see these house made in the side of dirt. There was pretty a purpose for everything in the house. I enjoyed our dinner there.

The next day, I went on a drive with a few friends through the Alamosa and Conejos Canyons in the San Juan Mountains to see the changing of the Aspen tree colors. Wow, this was beautiful (and made me realize I want a nicer camera to capture these beautiful things). I thoroughly enjoyed this. That night we had a "Labest Fest" with some of the La Puente volunteers in Alamosa. This is a Senegalese dish that is eaten communally with your left hand!

Tonight I had the chance to go to a demolition derby. Now, I'm not from 'round these parts, so I thought this was monster cars. I need to get my hickish past times straight! This is like adult bumper cars, but pretty fun to watch. We went south of La Jara to an even smaller town, Manassa. One of my favorite things was that there is an Amish community in this town, so you would be watching these cars ram into each other, then look up at the road and see a horse and buggy go by- that was pretty rad. I do have updates for life out here that I will be sharing soon.