Story of Stuff

I just finished watching "The Story of Stuff" on-line. It is a site I have been meaning to check out for about 6 months, but something about watching a 20 minute video kept causing me to put it off... I know, weak. In the past year I have made a conscious effort to reduce and reuse more instead of just relying on recycling... I know I could do much better though. This video gave me a much needed glimpse into the effects my laziness has on people and land all over the world when I don't follow through with these intentions.

As I watched this video I was saddened, yet I was also re-energized about making a change. It hit home when Annie Leonard said that our current system operates and relies on us as Americans putting all of our efforts into being consumers... Sick, right? 

From fashion, to ill-made products, we are constantly "needing" to go out and buy more... just to throw away the old.  Yet, I know I haven't given enough thought to where the "away" in "throw-away" is. 

Take time if you can to check out the video at http://storyofstuff.org. Keep it in mind as you anticipate Christmas, and the mindset of overindulging and over-consuming that we seem to fall into... I know I want to rethink my habits of convenience.

I would love to see our country care more about "health care, education, safe transportation, sustainability and justice" (SoS) than about consumerism. 

Today my eyes are opened a bit more to the effects of my purchases and actions... 

Constitution Day

So today is Constitution day in America. Not a widely celebrated holiday, but important to bring up in public schools. We started the day talking about the constitution, and what we can feel free to do because of it. Now, this is second grade so we didn't get too involved with it, but I was amazed at the interest of my students when I broached the idea that globally, it is not like this everywhere. Their eyes got big and their heads cocked as I told them my limited knowledge about other countries around the world and how they operate. We talked about how fortunate we are to have public education. We talked about places where people have to pay for an education that they need, but can't afford. 

Their reaction was beautiful, and was the reaction that Jesus knows children will have when He calls people who belong to the kingdom of heaven to be like children. (Mat 18:3) My students said in various ways, "That's not right, I want to help."

Tonight is the meeting of the elders at my church to consider the future of MCC and the PEACE plan in Rwanda. I am praying that God would speak and direct us how He wants us to go. I pray that I might be open to whatever that may be. I pray that I can also share this experience with my students and they can act on their hearts.

wide awake

So, the inspiration for my blog title was the book "wide awake" by Erwin McManus. I have been reading it over the past few weeks and finished it tonight. It asked the questions:

"What do you want?

Who are you to become?

What will you embrace?

What must you face?

Are you ready to live?" (p31)

I love conscious, purposeful living. This book further encouraged me to seek, question, and dream. 

I have been losing sleep lately out of excitement for a potential trip. It is looking like I will be a part of a team heading to Rwanda in February!

 I am praying that God will help me to prepare for what He wants to do with me there. I am seeking out books on Africa, and information on orphan care so that I go with purpose. I know that God has freedom in the unplanned, but God also encourages us to be wise. I pray that I would be diligent in learning what will best prepare me for my time there. 

I am so blessed and thankful to be surrounded by amazing people in my church with a heart for those stricken with poverty. McManus's book emphasized the importance in investing in people and relationships. I truly agree with this and thank God for putting such incredible people in my path. People from whom life pours out of... life which has fully been lived.