La Playa!

If you asked any Venezuelan to name some of their favorite things about their country "la playa" would definitely make the list. The Caribbean water is bath water warm and you can float for hours while watching the mist move over the top of the mountains. Here are some pictures from my latest trip to the beach. And here's hoping you're taking time to soak in the beauty

Home Home on the Callejon

In mid May, I moved in with my teammate KT on Callejon Sucre, just a short winding walk down the hill from the IC office. Here are some outside shots of my new digs.

The incredible view from the balcony




Two views looking up the hill









Walking down the stairs towards the door

Hometown Musical Musings

It's funny how much I've thought lately about what it means to be from Detroit. In a new context, culture and climate, knowing where you've come from is just as important as where you are and where you're heading. So what does it mean to be from Detroit? Being from the D goes beyond loving the Tigers, drinking Fago and Vernors and smothering my hot fudge sundaes with Sanders' hot fudge. I'd like to think that I learned a thing or two about putting in a hard days' work, taking pride in what I've accomplished and gutting it out during the hard times from the people I was fortunate to be around growing up. Yet I'm also painfully aware that I grew up in the 'burbs of one of the most racially segregated cities anywhere with some of the highest rates of child poverty. And the current economic crisis and the government takeover of General Motors are harsh reminders that the "glory days" of Detroit are far behind us and things won't ever return to the way they were.


So what does it take to rebuild a city? What does it look like for Detroiters to be the change they want to see in their hometown? What lessons can we learn from the mistakes and successes of the past that can shine light on the present and the future? Some of the best things are build out of destruction. Change often comes after we've been brought to our knees.

Jesus was once asked if anything good can come from Nazareth, his hometown. I think we're being asked the same question about Detroit. And I think we're being challenged to start being the "good" that is coming out of Motown.

So in the spirit of reflection and dreaming, here's one of my favorite videos. It's from Canadian rocker Sam Roberts' newest album about his reflections crossing the Ambassador bridge into the U.S. on childhood family vacations. And just for fun, I've included Tito the Bambino's song "Amor" that I'm hearing all over Venezuela. Enjoy! And let's keep dreaming and being the good that comes from our hometowns.

El Amor

Here's the missing video from the "Hometown Musical Musings". Enjoy!

Missing Pictures from the Newsletter

Here are the missing pictures from my newsletter. Above is a picture of the new mural across the street from the IC office. The Spanish on the side translates "happy are those who fight for peace". Our friend Arturo coordinated the mural and did much of the artwork. The fingerprints are from kids in the neighborhood.

April was an incredible month of learning, growing and being challenged. I spent most of the month getting used to Venezuelan culture with Maria and her family in San Pablito, a barrio here in Caracas. We're gearing up for two summer interns who will be leading a kids' club in this neighborhood in June and July. Please join us in praying for the kids, their families and a powerful movement of God's Spirit in San Pablito.





Celebrating Gaby's birthday at the zoo. Front row L-R: Andrea, Luis, Gaby, Adrienne and KT. Back row L-R: Cameron, Rolan and me.





Maria, Gaby and I.




Luis and Brayan playing volibol.






Some views of San Pablito.

Don't Just Do Something, Stand There!

This is the title of a chapter in a Max Lucado book I remember reading in high school. I've thought of this phrase often this past year as I've transitioned from a clear-cut, rigorous teaching schedule to a happily busy, but much more fuzzy missionary schedule. So much of the time I base my worth on how hard I work and how productive I am. My identity gets wrapped up in what I do rather than who I am.

As an American do-gooder, it's so easy to put on my "Superman cape" and swoop down to save the day, solve the problem or fix something that's broken. What often lasts longer and makes more of an impact in people's lives, however, is an ongoing compassionate presence. Someone to step into the mess, dwell in it, and offer a word of hope. It's not glamorous or flashy. Too often the "results" take years, even generations, to emerge. My work here is not as much about what I do, but rather the person I am, the greater body of Jesus followers that I belong to.

I was reminded of this last week when I came down with tummy troubles thirty-six hours after landing. I was forced to sit, think, pray, refect and just be. I read, I slept, I listened to music. I took a walk up to the roof of the InnerCHANGE office and watched the sun slowly dip behind the hills, then illuminate the underbellies of the clouds with light and color. I had no choice but to simply sit and behold. It was beautiful.

So as I stumble my way through a new environment feeling much like a little child trying to figure out a world of adults I don't understand, I take comfort in knowing that I loved, I am valued, I have a purpose. I am slowly learning to stand.

Is Anybody Listening?

I watched a report on this video last week on The News Hour With Jim Lehrer. It was created by a group of AP English students at Village Academy High School in Pomona, California in reaction to their teacher asking them how they were doing in lieu of the current economic crisis. Their thoughts are heartfelt, well articulated and very, very real. I think they express really well what so many people around the world are thinking and feeling right now. Take a look:




President Obama watched the video and adressed the students directly in a speech he gave earlier this month, mentioning a student on the video by name. Although the president's shout out was no doubt flattering and boosted morale, I think the students realize it's going to take more than an economic stimulus package to turn things around. This community has banded together to support each other emotionally and practically through donating food and other basic items at school. Hopefully they've discovered the power of their own voices to bring awareness and effect change. And hopefully they've discovered that people are listening and together we can make a difference.

For further reading, click on the link to read more about the Village Academy video in the LA Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-pomona-school13-2009mar13,0,2036324.story