The Winged Energy of Delight
As once the winged energy of delight
carried you over childhood's dark abysses,
now beyond your own life build the great
arch of unimagined bridges.
Wonders happen if we can succeed
in passing through the harshest danger;
but only in a bright and purely granted
achievement can we realize the wonder.
To work with Things in the indescribable
relationship is not too hard for us;
the pattern grows more intricate and subtle,
and being swept along is not enough.
Take your practiced powers and stretch them out
until they span the chasm between two
contradictions. . . For the god
wants to know h(er)self in you.
God Speaks
God Speaks to each of us as he makes us,
then walks with us silently out of the night.
These are the words we dimly hear:
You, sent out beyond your recall,
go to the limits of your longing.
Embody me.
Flare up like flame
and make big shadows I can move in.
Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.
Just keep going. No feeling is final.
Don't let yourself lose me.
Nearby is the country they call life.
You will know it by its seriousness.
Give me your hand.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Colombian Connections: Christmas
This year will be our first Christmas celebrated in a different culture. We have been asking friends and reading about traditions in Colombia, and we share some of these with you as we anticipate the Advent season.
Colombians decorate for Christmas starting in mid-November. We have Christmas trees up in our building, and decorations around the city. However, the Christmas lights are not turned on until “El Dia de las Velitas” or “Day of the Candles.” December 8 commemorates the immaculate conception, and also lights the way for Mary to find Bethlehem. Families set up candles all over the streets. The whole city is illuminated. We are looking forward to spending this night outside, and we will think of the symbolic “Advent Wreath” lit at Bethel College during the “Lighting of the Green.”
When we attended family camp at Camp Friedenswald, we learned how to light fire kites. Here in Colombia there is a similar tradition, where paper globes are lit called “voladores,” and released into the sky.
While there is some religious diversity in Colombia, Catholic traditions are deeply infused into many of the Christmas traditions here. This year, our family is hoping to celebrate the Novena. Beginning on December 16 and for every night until the 24th, we will eat dinner with friends or family. Each night there will be music, special things to eat, small gifts for the children, and a specific Novena prayer. Part of our prayer time will include a portion of the Christmas story from the bible. On Christmas Eve, family and friends stay up until mid-night and later celebrating, lighting fireworks, singing, dancing, and sharing good food and games.
There is s strong spirit of generosity here in Colombia. Families help other families. Children purchase gifts for other children. Food is prepared to share with those who have none.
And while there is a “Papa Noel” the emphasis here on Christ is much stronger. In some households, children write letters requesting gifts form the “Baby Jesus,” and it is he that leaves gifts for them by their beds at night. Often they hide these notes inside a nativity scene somewhere for Baby Jesus to find it.
Christmas Day is much less celebrated. There are still gatherings with friends and families, but mostly we are told it is a day for recovery, rest, and laying low.
The New Year is also celebrated here in Colombia and is called “El Ano Viejo.” They clean and smudge their houses very well to rid negative energy from the past year. They eat 12 grapes in the last 12 seconds of the year. They sometimes wear yellow for good luck. And we have also heard that they make a giant rag doll, stuff it with firecrackers, cry around it for the things past from the former year, and light it up at midnight.
While we are sad to miss traditions at home, we are also looking forward to learning more about Colombian culture and traditions while we are living here. We continue to keep all of you close in our hearts, and wish you a warm and festive Christmas.
This month we have gratitude for: Our biggest Christmas gift, which will be a visit from my parents, Terry and Bobbie Chappell.
This month we ask for prayers/intentions/comfort for: Those who feel pain and sorrow more fiercely during the holiday season, especially those in Colombia who have lost loved ones in the violence.
Something else you can do is...Be generous this Christmas. Give what you have and share it with others, remembering what Christ shared with us.
Colombians decorate for Christmas starting in mid-November. We have Christmas trees up in our building, and decorations around the city. However, the Christmas lights are not turned on until “El Dia de las Velitas” or “Day of the Candles.” December 8 commemorates the immaculate conception, and also lights the way for Mary to find Bethlehem. Families set up candles all over the streets. The whole city is illuminated. We are looking forward to spending this night outside, and we will think of the symbolic “Advent Wreath” lit at Bethel College during the “Lighting of the Green.”
When we attended family camp at Camp Friedenswald, we learned how to light fire kites. Here in Colombia there is a similar tradition, where paper globes are lit called “voladores,” and released into the sky.
While there is some religious diversity in Colombia, Catholic traditions are deeply infused into many of the Christmas traditions here. This year, our family is hoping to celebrate the Novena. Beginning on December 16 and for every night until the 24th, we will eat dinner with friends or family. Each night there will be music, special things to eat, small gifts for the children, and a specific Novena prayer. Part of our prayer time will include a portion of the Christmas story from the bible. On Christmas Eve, family and friends stay up until mid-night and later celebrating, lighting fireworks, singing, dancing, and sharing good food and games.
There is s strong spirit of generosity here in Colombia. Families help other families. Children purchase gifts for other children. Food is prepared to share with those who have none.
And while there is a “Papa Noel” the emphasis here on Christ is much stronger. In some households, children write letters requesting gifts form the “Baby Jesus,” and it is he that leaves gifts for them by their beds at night. Often they hide these notes inside a nativity scene somewhere for Baby Jesus to find it.
Christmas Day is much less celebrated. There are still gatherings with friends and families, but mostly we are told it is a day for recovery, rest, and laying low.
The New Year is also celebrated here in Colombia and is called “El Ano Viejo.” They clean and smudge their houses very well to rid negative energy from the past year. They eat 12 grapes in the last 12 seconds of the year. They sometimes wear yellow for good luck. And we have also heard that they make a giant rag doll, stuff it with firecrackers, cry around it for the things past from the former year, and light it up at midnight.
While we are sad to miss traditions at home, we are also looking forward to learning more about Colombian culture and traditions while we are living here. We continue to keep all of you close in our hearts, and wish you a warm and festive Christmas.
This month we have gratitude for: Our biggest Christmas gift, which will be a visit from my parents, Terry and Bobbie Chappell.
This month we ask for prayers/intentions/comfort for: Those who feel pain and sorrow more fiercely during the holiday season, especially those in Colombia who have lost loved ones in the violence.
Something else you can do is...Be generous this Christmas. Give what you have and share it with others, remembering what Christ shared with us.
Monday, November 30, 2009
MCC Retreat #2: Santendercito
So much of our experience here has been about contradictions. This MCC retreat included many of these, and "filled us up" to return to our work in a very holy way. Our family is tremendously grateful to be a part of a nurturing team of fellow MCCers.
wetness
candlelight
warmth
puppies
tears
salt
laughter
connections
lonliness
sweetness
singing
sleep
sorrow
muddy legs
fire
relaxation
intention
silence
love
Flickr Slideshow
wetness
candlelight
warmth
puppies
tears
salt
laughter
connections
lonliness
sweetness
singing
sleep
sorrow
muddy legs
fire
relaxation
intention
silence
love
Flickr Slideshow
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Fourth Month in Colombia
We do not yet feel like time is going quickly, probably because we are still wading through a fairly steep learning curve, and each month there is more that we discover about Colombian culture. These lists have helped us document what we have learned, and have pushed us to ask questions in order to learn more. Please understand that these are simply our observations. We want to share them with you, but we also do not want to contribute to stereotyping. This list does not apply to ALL Colombians.
Colombians decorate for Christmas very early, but do not turn lights on until December 8. Palm trees are included in nativity sets and other decorations.
Disposible coffee cups look like pudding/yogurt cups (with a little rim on the edge).
When showing how tall a child is, you put your hand like this.
When showing how tall an animal is, you put your hand like this.
When there is a red light, street vendors run out and place items for sale (cell phone chargers, candy, fresh fruit, pirated movies, drinks, newspapers) on the windshield, rear view mirror, or window of the car. Then, before the light turns green, then run back and pick up the items that were not sold. We are always amazed at their impecable timing for this task.
Toilet paper and bathroom lights are usually outside of the bathroom.
There are many dogs on the street. Bogota is a very dog-friendly place. However, they are NOT like the dogs we experiences in Mexico. They are very well behaved, don't bark or growl at you, and simply walk by, as if they were another being on the street like you. Dogs are taken care of by everyone.
Dog-walking is a common service here. We have heard that some will walk your dog for three hours per day. We have seen dog-walkers here with up to 10-12 dogs at once.
In our household, it was common to call one of the kids "chico" or "chica." We learned this in Mexico, and it stuck with us. Here they do not use those terms at all. Instead it is "Nino" or "Nina."
Colombians do not generally say "Adios" for goodbye. It is much more common to say "Chao."
Using grid/graph paper is more common here than simply lined paper. Jen likes this.
Goals and Objectives are switched around here. "Objectivos" are the more general, overall thing (like our goals) and "Metas" are the more detailed, "how-to" thing (like our objectives.
If you dream about snakes here, it means you have trouble with debt.
Hot dogs come corporately and individually wrapped in plastic. (Oops, Andy had to eat a bite of plastic in order for us to figure this one out.)
Adults sometimes do the potty dance.
Personal space here is very close. It is very common for us to feel crowded in a personal conversation because people are comfortable standing/sitting very close to you.
Jay walking is a very common occurrence here. People cross the street however, and wherever they can.
People are ALWAYS recognized/greeted, even if you are walking into a meeting late.
"Oracion" is a word which means both a prayer and a sentence. (hmmm.)
We think that it is more commonly accepted to do other things during meetings here. It seems like people talk on cell phones, text, check email, or make other connections, even during a work meeting.
When you hurt yourself (no matter how) you are supposed to pour water on it. We discovered this during one of Andy's basketball games when someone twisted their ankle, and they ran to get some water to pour on it.
Street vendors take anything with wheels (strollers, grocery carts, bikes, carts, even a remodeled porta-potty) and transform it into a mini-tienda to sell things. Usually they sell chips, gum, candy, drinks, individual cigarettes, cell phone minutes, peanuts, fresh juice, or fruit salad.
It is pretty common to eat cold hot dogs for breakfast.
Public display of affection is very common here (thought of you, Toby and Megan).
Colombians spell "haha" like "jeje" and it is pronounced "huahua."
Colombians believe in cooties. If a seat on the bus opens up, and someone unpleasant was sitting there, they kind of "hover" over the seat for awhile. We were told this is because they need to let the "hot air" of that person go away before sitting on it and absorbing it.
Recently our family took a picnic to the recreation center where we like to go swimming and skating. We ate sandwiches, veggies, chips, etc. We were stared at the entire time, and we did not understand why. Then we learned that upper and middle class Colombians do not go on picnics. Picnics are reserved for the lower class, and when they do go, they cook a large pot of chicken, rice, vegetables, etc and they all sit around the pot, each dishing out what they want to eat. We later witnessed this at the park.
The garbage trucks here play recorded music (like ice cream trucks in the US) to let you know they are coming.
Honking a horn in a car is used for communication. It can mean any of the following:
get out of my way
move, please
I am backing up now
hey friend, how are you doing?
would you like a ride in my taxi?
I am coming around this corner
Colombians decorate for Christmas very early, but do not turn lights on until December 8. Palm trees are included in nativity sets and other decorations.
Disposible coffee cups look like pudding/yogurt cups (with a little rim on the edge).
When showing how tall a child is, you put your hand like this.
When showing how tall an animal is, you put your hand like this.
When there is a red light, street vendors run out and place items for sale (cell phone chargers, candy, fresh fruit, pirated movies, drinks, newspapers) on the windshield, rear view mirror, or window of the car. Then, before the light turns green, then run back and pick up the items that were not sold. We are always amazed at their impecable timing for this task.
Toilet paper and bathroom lights are usually outside of the bathroom.
There are many dogs on the street. Bogota is a very dog-friendly place. However, they are NOT like the dogs we experiences in Mexico. They are very well behaved, don't bark or growl at you, and simply walk by, as if they were another being on the street like you. Dogs are taken care of by everyone.
Dog-walking is a common service here. We have heard that some will walk your dog for three hours per day. We have seen dog-walkers here with up to 10-12 dogs at once.
In our household, it was common to call one of the kids "chico" or "chica." We learned this in Mexico, and it stuck with us. Here they do not use those terms at all. Instead it is "Nino" or "Nina."
Colombians do not generally say "Adios" for goodbye. It is much more common to say "Chao."
Using grid/graph paper is more common here than simply lined paper. Jen likes this.
Goals and Objectives are switched around here. "Objectivos" are the more general, overall thing (like our goals) and "Metas" are the more detailed, "how-to" thing (like our objectives.
If you dream about snakes here, it means you have trouble with debt.
Hot dogs come corporately and individually wrapped in plastic. (Oops, Andy had to eat a bite of plastic in order for us to figure this one out.)
Adults sometimes do the potty dance.
Personal space here is very close. It is very common for us to feel crowded in a personal conversation because people are comfortable standing/sitting very close to you.
Jay walking is a very common occurrence here. People cross the street however, and wherever they can.
People are ALWAYS recognized/greeted, even if you are walking into a meeting late.
"Oracion" is a word which means both a prayer and a sentence. (hmmm.)
We think that it is more commonly accepted to do other things during meetings here. It seems like people talk on cell phones, text, check email, or make other connections, even during a work meeting.
When you hurt yourself (no matter how) you are supposed to pour water on it. We discovered this during one of Andy's basketball games when someone twisted their ankle, and they ran to get some water to pour on it.
Street vendors take anything with wheels (strollers, grocery carts, bikes, carts, even a remodeled porta-potty) and transform it into a mini-tienda to sell things. Usually they sell chips, gum, candy, drinks, individual cigarettes, cell phone minutes, peanuts, fresh juice, or fruit salad.
It is pretty common to eat cold hot dogs for breakfast.
Public display of affection is very common here (thought of you, Toby and Megan).
Colombians spell "haha" like "jeje" and it is pronounced "huahua."
Colombians believe in cooties. If a seat on the bus opens up, and someone unpleasant was sitting there, they kind of "hover" over the seat for awhile. We were told this is because they need to let the "hot air" of that person go away before sitting on it and absorbing it.
Recently our family took a picnic to the recreation center where we like to go swimming and skating. We ate sandwiches, veggies, chips, etc. We were stared at the entire time, and we did not understand why. Then we learned that upper and middle class Colombians do not go on picnics. Picnics are reserved for the lower class, and when they do go, they cook a large pot of chicken, rice, vegetables, etc and they all sit around the pot, each dishing out what they want to eat. We later witnessed this at the park.
The garbage trucks here play recorded music (like ice cream trucks in the US) to let you know they are coming.
Honking a horn in a car is used for communication. It can mean any of the following:
get out of my way
move, please
I am backing up now
hey friend, how are you doing?
would you like a ride in my taxi?
I am coming around this corner
Monday, November 16, 2009
Festivo
Another day off school and work to be together, spent at the Parque Simon Bolivar and eating ice cream.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Daily prayers in Spanish
Angel de mi guardia
Mi dulce compania
No me desampares
ni de noche, ni de dia
Hasta que me pongas
en paz y alegria con todos los santos,
Jesus, Jose, y Maria
Amen.
(Guardian Angel,
my sweet companion
do not abandon me
in the night or in the day
Until I am in peace and happiness
with all the saints,
Jesus, Joseph, and Mary.)
Mi dulce compania
No me desampares
ni de noche, ni de dia
Hasta que me pongas
en paz y alegria con todos los santos,
Jesus, Jose, y Maria
Amen.
(Guardian Angel,
my sweet companion
do not abandon me
in the night or in the day
Until I am in peace and happiness
with all the saints,
Jesus, Joseph, and Mary.)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Daily school prayers
Because our children go to a Catholic school, they have daily prayers. While I am opposed to this in a public school setting because of sensitivity to all who attend, it is nice to have them have this time as a routine part of their days, whether or not they choose to do so in the future. They say some prayers in English and some in Spanish. The older kids say the Rosary, or sometimes just the "Hail Mary" or "The Lord's Prayer." I find a sense of joy knowing they use their time saying these every morning instead of the "Pledge of Allegience." I don't have the Spanish prayers recorded yet, but this is what Abby says with her class every morning.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit...
God made the sun
God made the three
God made the mountains
And God made me.
I thank you God for the sun,
I thank you God for the three
For making the mountains,
and for making me.
En el nombre del Padre, hijo, y el spiritu sanctus,
Amen.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit...
God made the sun
God made the three
God made the mountains
And God made me.
I thank you God for the sun,
I thank you God for the three
For making the mountains,
and for making me.
En el nombre del Padre, hijo, y el spiritu sanctus,
Amen.
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