AUGUST....

has certainly been busy!

I was the maid of honor in my friend Lisa's wedding. I went to college with her, but I didn't know her until post-Bethel. She is currently doing Teach for America in Charlotte, NC. The wedding was beautiful and it was truly an honor to be in it. My good friend/former roommate ( Marissa) was also in the wedding. She just returned from an internship in Rwanda with International Justice Mission.




The day after the wedding I left for camp with the DinoMights... ( after accidentally sleeping through my alarm). Thank God for housemates who wake you up!
Camp was phenomenal. The kids got to experience so many new things. One of my favorite stories is of Brian.. He had never made a smore before. He began to toast his marshmallow and as it started on fire he poured water on it! It kind of makes sense, right?

Also, Lucy asked if sharks were going to get her in the lake before taking the swim test. I explained that sharks do not live in lakes....



Overall, it was a great couple of weeks. It is hard to believe how fast this month is going!

On a side note- I've been reading "Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne this summer. It has really made me examine so many aspects of my life. It has also made me question "the purpose " of so many experiences in life... It was really cool to look at the DinoMights camp experience through that lens. Camp allows kids to simply be... to laugh, explore, catch frogs and turtles, canoe, horseback ride, and grow.

I am amazed that I have been with my job for a full year! I can honestly say I love it. Their are challenges, but so many great aspects as well. It is the perfect job while being in school.

Next Fall around this time I will be leaving for tanzania for 8 weeks to student teach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

National Night Out.

wow.. 2 posts in one day!
Tonight for the first time ever I took part in my neighborhood national night out.

National Night Out in Minneapolis is an annual event that involves all segments of the community in building a healthier, safer community; generate support for anti-crime programs and strengthen police/community relations.
National Night Out is not just one night of the year, but the culmination of year-long crime prevention activity in all Minneapolis neighborhoods: people working together in block and apartment clubs and other networks to prevent and address crime and other neighborhood problems. It is an occasion to celebrate past successes, discuss current challenges or issues, and re-dedicate to collaborative efforts with neighbors, police, businesses and others to improve the quality of life in our city. National Night Out is the largest event of its kind in Minneapolis and the nation.

The best part was that I met some neighbors who actually live across the street. For quite some time we have wondered who actually lives at their house, and who is just "stoppin by." It was so cool to meet Tom & Julia and their kids; Jordan, Tommy, and Eliza. Tommy & Eliza are the same age as Delone and Savannah ( who live below us).

It was hard to get all of the kids together for a picture.

Tom, Jordan, Tommy, Eliza, & Savannah

4 in 4....

Today I decided to take pictures of 4 of my favorite places within 4 minutes of my house...

1) The first two pictures are of the Midtown Global Market. I frequently have meals at the global market, or buy produce there. The building was once the second biggest building in the twin cities, holding Sears Robuck stores. Now, it has multi-income apartments,condominiums, Allina medical center, restaurants from all over the world, shops, and a little grocery store. They also host various events for the community such as salsa lessons, family nights, etc.




2) The second picture is of Powderhorn park. I frequently take neighborhood kids to the playground at Powderhorn. In the winter kids can borrow ice skates from the community center for free. They also offer community ed pottery, basketball, and other activities. In the Spring the May day parade takes place at Powderhorn. This past weekend they had an art festival which was phenomenal.


3) The third picture is of the Greenway. This bike path goes all the way from West River parkway ( Mississippi river) , around the chain of lakes, and to some of the bordering suburbs of Minneapolis. It is a well maintained bike trail, with many community gardens surrounding it. Quite often I bike past kids that I know which is so great.



4) The fourth picture is of the Youth Farm which is two blocks from my house. I would like to get more involved with Youth Farm this next year. This week I ate at a local restaurant that makes all of the meals with vegetables from the Youth Farm. The Youth Farm & Market Project is about youth gardening, cooking, nutrition, and entrepreneurship. It’s about youth connecting to their food and the environment – YFMP youth currently farm 9 garden sites – over 2 acres of urban land in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

now let me see ya do that dance....

Last week I went over to Lacy's to go on a bike ride with her. Her younger brother Aaron decided to entertain us with a few songs/dance moves.

The first one is his attempt at singing "let it be."



The second video is Aaron dancing to part of the Cupid Shuffle. Lyrics can be found here


The third video is Janaya & Aaron doin the Cupid Shuffle.