Bookworm

That is now my new self proclaimed nickname. I have been here for almost 2 weeks and I have finished 5 books. I think that is a new record for me. While I don't think that this pace will keep up, I do have to say, that I sort of like it. I guess reading every night before bed growing up sank into my bones. It is so gratifying just getting lost in a book and forgetting about everything around you. My latest "conquests" are The Kite Runner and Towing Jehovah. Both of them were recommendations to me and I have to say, they did not disappoint.

The Kite Runner is about a man and his childhood and years in America after emigrating from Afghanistan in the 1980s. While most people know that I am emotional, there were parts of this book that I had tears freely flowing down my cheek. The way that Hosseini (author) takes you drags you into the plot and doesn't let go is an amazing feeling. I would recommend that everyone read this book.

My mom told me about Towing Jehovah because the wife of one of our pastor's is reading it. I went to Barnes and Noble to get the book and it was in the Science Fiction section. I think the category should be between Religious inspiration, Religious Fiction and Science Fiction. The book follows a captain of a merchant ship that has been given the task, by Raphael and Gabriel -- yes the arch angels, to tow the dead body of God to the Arctic for burial. Some might be appalled at some of the different episodes of the book, there were some where I cringed when i read them, but others make you think about what you have learned your whole life. There is one line in the book where an athiest says that God needs to be dead for social justice to work and to that I say, I don't think so, because then I wouldn't be where I am right now and neither would any of our classmates. And yes I know that it is just a book, but that is what I thought at the time. So I would recommend this book also, but beware.

Other than reading, this weekend I traveled to Los Angeles and eventually the Pacific Ocean, but it took so long that I didn't feel like getting out, so maybe I will do that when my parents are here this weekend! I have found that if I am in the car too long here, I start to get this horrible headache (I think it is from the smog). The drive was semi pleasant...a lot of traffic and a lot different than Corpus traffic. I got a little lost and ended up in Beverly Hills, so I drove down Rodeo Dr. I have never seen more fancy cars and stores in my whole life. I would like to go and walk around just so I can say I have done that. What I saw of the beach was beautiful, way different than North Beach or anything on our coast in Corpus. One thing I have noticed in my limited driving is that on the highways there are NO billboards. Just an interesting little tidbit.

I drove past the Staples Center, where the Lakers play and on one of the advertisements said TOOL. For those of you who don't know, TOOL is a rock band that has been around for a long time as far as bands go now a days. I don't know many of there songs, but I really like their lead singer from his other band. I got their new album when it came out in the spring and I was pleasantly surprised. I called Peter and he said that there were still tickets available. Yes I know that I will be going by myself, but this is a chance that I can't pass up. And the ticket wasn't even that expensive (I guess in US-2 standards it was, but oh well), I even got a parking permit, so I won't have to park on the street. So I took some precautions. I am very excited!

Sunday I went to a different church. The one last week, just didn't capture me. Maybe I am just picky, but with churches you have to be picky. The preacher didn't captivate me the whole time, but in the end it was a pretty good sermon. She talked about Tabernacling Faith, not just being a person with faith on Sunday, but taking our faith with us everywhere. I then found out about their outreach programs. They have been a reconciling church since 1993 and a sanctuary church for refugees since about that same time. They also are very involved in some Amnesty International letter writings and post card sendings. They have had Muslims, Methodists a meal and discussion with/between the two religious community since 2001. I think that not only does worship have to captivate your attention, but the church must do outreach that you feel have the same beliefs as yourself or you won't be equally fed. On my action plan that I made during training in New York, I said that I would visit three churches by the end of September so I can weigh my options.

Last week went a little better and I am looking for this week to go a little better. I am looking forward to my parents coming on Saturday and their short visit. There have been several things that I have learned that are different than what I was told, but I am working to self advocate and get them fixed or at least get them to a better place. I went with one of my bosses to help some of the girls register at the public schools in the area. These schools are very upper middle class (at least the majority of what I saw) and these girls that I work with are not. They are already saying that they don't want to go and are not going to fit in. All I can say is that, yes it will be intimidating for awhile, but you will make friends and you will fit in. This is a situation that I never had to face while going to school, I always had those friends who I knew I would see that first day of school. This part of my job is what I am looking forward to the most, at least right now.

Now that I have given you an episode of Reading Rainbow
Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as highTake a look, it's in a book - Reading Rainbow.I can go anywhere!Friends to know and ways to grow - Reading Rainbow.I can be anything!Take a look, it's in a book - Reading Rainbow.Reading Rainbow, Reading Rainbow, Reading Rainbow, Reading Rainbow!
and an update on my life, grace and peace for now!