I just watched a video called the Invisible Children (rough cut). In the spring of 2003, three young American men traveled to Africa in search of a story that could change the world. It is both a disgusting an inspiring story that made my heart go "Mannnnnn." It is a film that exposes the 20 year-long war on the children of Northern Uganda. And how they mostly live in fear of being abducted by rebel forces and forced to fight as part of the violent army. Jeannine Smith, the Founder of Small Village Foundation, and the mission organizer for my mission to South Africa gave it to me to view as an example for the kind of feel we would like to perhaps portray during the mission. Obviously we probably will not encounter violence - but something deeply moving - that inspires individuals to be involved. We need to see that Africa along with many other mishaps of the world as world problems - humanities problems, that together we can help one another - that we are not separate from our brothers and sisters who live here on Mother Earth. It is very easy for people to make excuses or to be detached when it is out of sight out of mind. I know a handful of people who think that the power of one is nothing - when in fact - a ripple eventually becomes a tidal wave.
I was just outside in the studio talking to Jeff about the movie. I was crying while I was talking - it really rocks your core. I feel like the Universe is putting things into motion for me, unfolding my destiny. I have always wanted to start a non-profit where I could bring necessities to needy communities in the Philippines (my momma's home country) - yet now I think that God is directing me to South Africa. In hindsight it is enlightening when you start to see how things were put in motion - long before you are aware of the direction. The journey has already begun - I will now for the next four to five months immerse myself into African history - watch movies, read books, get creative in gaining sponsorship for my trip as well as funding a play pump for a village. Life is an amazing thing - and when one gets involved on the heart level it's powerful.
Be not afraid.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Vacation all I ever wanted...
Vacation had to get away...vacation. I desperately need a vacation. A minimum of 365 days would do. I just completed my Masters on Tuesday. I have been on vacation from any kind of housework and so forth for the past five days. I've been gearing up for the Holidays sorta - we picked up our tree and some decorations. You can only guess with the Broncos going to the Fiesta Bowl that our tree is in fact blue and orange and we're going to top it with a minature helmet.
I went to Market this Saturday. It poured a little, all in all a great day. I went to a show after the Market with Mike at Paul & Mary's. I made a little money, and the money I made I spent. It was a great afternoon mingling with other artist and talking about life. It is enlightening when you meet new people who are of similar mind - itt doesn't matter where you fo or what you do you always manage to fill your circle with similar people. Never two alike, but of similar philosophies - always complementary.
So - I cancled my plans for Hawaii and am going to Centacow, South Africa instead. Funny how the Universe listens. I am going on a mission trip with the Small Village Foundation May 30 - June 15, 2007 with a group of young adults. Originally the mission team was full then a gentleman couldn't go and a spot opened up. I meet with Jeannine on Tuesday to find out what the mission entails. My primary objective is to be the photo, video, journalistic documentator. I am a bit scared or leary to be away from Te for two weeks, yet I know all things will be grand in my absence. I will just miss my sweet boy.
Great things are knocking at the door. I need to be open and fearless.
I went to Market this Saturday. It poured a little, all in all a great day. I went to a show after the Market with Mike at Paul & Mary's. I made a little money, and the money I made I spent. It was a great afternoon mingling with other artist and talking about life. It is enlightening when you meet new people who are of similar mind - itt doesn't matter where you fo or what you do you always manage to fill your circle with similar people. Never two alike, but of similar philosophies - always complementary.
So - I cancled my plans for Hawaii and am going to Centacow, South Africa instead. Funny how the Universe listens. I am going on a mission trip with the Small Village Foundation May 30 - June 15, 2007 with a group of young adults. Originally the mission team was full then a gentleman couldn't go and a spot opened up. I meet with Jeannine on Tuesday to find out what the mission entails. My primary objective is to be the photo, video, journalistic documentator. I am a bit scared or leary to be away from Te for two weeks, yet I know all things will be grand in my absence. I will just miss my sweet boy.
Great things are knocking at the door. I need to be open and fearless.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Febrile Seizure
Today is suppose to be the last official day of my MBA study, however, instead of completing my project at this moment I am blogging instead. A lot has happened since my last note. It seems there are always new challenges stretching my faith and trust in the dynamic world we live in.
Te picked up a cold around the 10th of November that lingered for about ten days. We managed to manage the cold great and steered clear of the wheezes. Two days after the cold seemed clear out Te picked up a lovely belly bug which lasted for about a day and a half - in conjunction with getting the flu shot - so it could of all been relative. So for Thanksgiving we decided to stay home from Salt Lake - our friend Ryan sprang on that he wanted to rent our little house - so something that had not been a priority for a long time suddenly had to be done, and done quickly. Instead of having five days off from work - I worked almost every day through the holiday which took away from my study time in my original attempt to complete my class early. Who am I fooling? I always work best under the gun - the last minute gun. Anyways - Jeff spent most of his free time working on the house. Granted we all had a nice holiday it culminated in Te picking up yet another viral thing sometime during the week and having a febrile seizure Sunday (26) at about 840ish.
Talk about a surreal experience. Little buddy had been feverish all day and I was managing it with Tylenol - now I know the trick of alternating between Motrin and Tylenol every three hours - however, that does not reduce the possibilty of having a febrile seizure. Te was sitting next to me on the couch when he starting convulsing. Flipping scarier then shit...I knew what was happening or assumed I did, I've read about them. All my reading is not wasted time or energy. I picked him up held in on my side in my arms - told Jeff to call 911 and I was looking out the window to see if my neighbor Gus' lights were on. They were and I hussled out the door - he was actually outside taking out his garbage and I asked him if he could help me, he's a nurse anesthesis (?). We laid Te on his side in their living room and the paramedics were at the house about three minutes later. The seizure probably lasted about four minutes. Te and I rode the ambulance to the hospital. We could of probably managed without the ambulance ride - however, when you are riding unchartered territory - it just eliminates the undue additional stress. All in all, we learned that febrile seizures do not cause any harm, that he more then likely will not have another. His temperature was 105+ when we checked into the ER. It is not so much how high the temperature gets it is how fast it goes up or down. The least I can say is we have definitely had our fare share of growing experiences this year. As I complete this chapter of my life I see great things are knocking at our door.
We just bought another kiln and another potters wheel. Jeff has been a busy bee again which gets me excited. Now that I will be done with school when the little man goes to bed I myself will be able to go out into the studio and work a couple hours a night. It is going to be awesome to be able to let my creative juices flow and flourish.
Also - remember to root for those Boise State Broncos on New Years Day when we take on the Oklahoma Sooners! Jeff is going for the three day gala - I am flying the day of the game. Since Te gets asthmatic with colds and now has had a febrile seizure Grandpa Tom is a little leary staying home alone overnight with Te. Understandable - except when you're with the little guy all the time - the challenging times are mostly fast forgotten since he's so busy and such an enlightening experience.
GO BRONCOS! And the funny thing is - they're playing in Cardinal Stadium - sponsored by my soon to be alma mater, UoP.
Te picked up a cold around the 10th of November that lingered for about ten days. We managed to manage the cold great and steered clear of the wheezes. Two days after the cold seemed clear out Te picked up a lovely belly bug which lasted for about a day and a half - in conjunction with getting the flu shot - so it could of all been relative. So for Thanksgiving we decided to stay home from Salt Lake - our friend Ryan sprang on that he wanted to rent our little house - so something that had not been a priority for a long time suddenly had to be done, and done quickly. Instead of having five days off from work - I worked almost every day through the holiday which took away from my study time in my original attempt to complete my class early. Who am I fooling? I always work best under the gun - the last minute gun. Anyways - Jeff spent most of his free time working on the house. Granted we all had a nice holiday it culminated in Te picking up yet another viral thing sometime during the week and having a febrile seizure Sunday (26) at about 840ish.
Talk about a surreal experience. Little buddy had been feverish all day and I was managing it with Tylenol - now I know the trick of alternating between Motrin and Tylenol every three hours - however, that does not reduce the possibilty of having a febrile seizure. Te was sitting next to me on the couch when he starting convulsing. Flipping scarier then shit...I knew what was happening or assumed I did, I've read about them. All my reading is not wasted time or energy. I picked him up held in on my side in my arms - told Jeff to call 911 and I was looking out the window to see if my neighbor Gus' lights were on. They were and I hussled out the door - he was actually outside taking out his garbage and I asked him if he could help me, he's a nurse anesthesis (?). We laid Te on his side in their living room and the paramedics were at the house about three minutes later. The seizure probably lasted about four minutes. Te and I rode the ambulance to the hospital. We could of probably managed without the ambulance ride - however, when you are riding unchartered territory - it just eliminates the undue additional stress. All in all, we learned that febrile seizures do not cause any harm, that he more then likely will not have another. His temperature was 105+ when we checked into the ER. It is not so much how high the temperature gets it is how fast it goes up or down. The least I can say is we have definitely had our fare share of growing experiences this year. As I complete this chapter of my life I see great things are knocking at our door.
We just bought another kiln and another potters wheel. Jeff has been a busy bee again which gets me excited. Now that I will be done with school when the little man goes to bed I myself will be able to go out into the studio and work a couple hours a night. It is going to be awesome to be able to let my creative juices flow and flourish.
Also - remember to root for those Boise State Broncos on New Years Day when we take on the Oklahoma Sooners! Jeff is going for the three day gala - I am flying the day of the game. Since Te gets asthmatic with colds and now has had a febrile seizure Grandpa Tom is a little leary staying home alone overnight with Te. Understandable - except when you're with the little guy all the time - the challenging times are mostly fast forgotten since he's so busy and such an enlightening experience.
GO BRONCOS! And the funny thing is - they're playing in Cardinal Stadium - sponsored by my soon to be alma mater, UoP.
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