ec.entries

2011-12-26T11:57:00.004-05:00

Anger, bitterness, pride ... are so unfortunately contagious. And being someone who is naturally pessimistic (I have had to unlearn pessimism and learn the balance with optimism), it has been a huge challenge for me to practice grace the way the Gospel teaches it. It is so hard to love someone who has a hardened heart and is themselves a very unhappy person. And when this unhappy person makes

2011-12-17T16:47:00.006-05:00

Why is it that when a corrupt regime calls itself a democracy, we Americans see that it is not democracy but the people who are the problem (because we recognize what democracy is supposed to look like and we recognize that it is people who are screwing it up) yet. when it comes to Christianity, we don't say that it's the people who are the problem, but rather Christianity. ?? maybe it's

tough mind & tender heart

2011-12-06T21:24:00.004-05:00

This is a conversation I've had more than once upon meeting a young, recent college grad and making small talk: me: so what do you want to do? I want to work for a nonprofit Why do so many youth I meet these days want to work for nonprofits? The answer of "I want to help people" doesn't convince me. You could do that anywhere. It would make more sense to me if I heard things like "I want to

2011-11-07T20:39:00.002-05:00

just added a new link in the US group to your right - "I Am Second" check it out!

fruition

2011-10-23T21:41:00.003-04:00

I am amazed, time and time again, at how much knowledge there is to attain always. Never does one week go by when I'm not reminded of how much potential people have in restoring what is broken in our world - whether it be regarding neighborhoods full of kids who grow up around drug and crime as the norm ... exposure to how real hunger is in South Africa ... the ever-present, ever-changing,

2011-09-23T20:59:00.007-04:00

As someone who came out of graduate school wanting to go straight into Peace Corps, I've always looked at non profits with much hope and certainty in their implicated good will. I knew in my head that not everything is rosy with non profits or organizations that claim humanitarian values, but I developed this innate bias toward non profits or non governmental org's. These past couple years have

Reveal & Restore

2011-09-04T23:18:00.003-04:00

So I was browsing the web for jobs (again) tonight, and whenever I start doing this I always end up reading on some amazing individual(s) doing some great service to underserved groups. I somehow found myself reading up on Reveal NYC (not to be confused with Restore NYC), and an event they put together on Valentine's Day of 2009 with help from partners including Trinity Grace Church, theory,

exhortations

2011-08-23T22:59:00.004-04:00

...we need to understand something. The core problem isn’t the fact that we’re lukewarm, halfhearted, or stagnant Christians. The crux of it all is why we are this way, and it is because we have an inaccurate view of God. We see Him as a benevolent Being who is satisfied when people manage to fit Him into their lives in some small way. -Francis Chan, Crazy Love If we don’t reach this generation,

2011-07-10T21:57:00.004-04:00

I've been reading a book by Ravi Zacharias called The Grand Weaver, with some new friends who I find lovely. You know the famous Psalm 23? Well check out this elaboration on it (author unknown). Reading this brings refreshment for me as of late. The Lord is my Shepherd - that's relationship! I shall not be in want - that's supply! He makes me lie down in green pastures - that's rest! He leads

2011-07-05T23:57:00.000-04:00

I feel more blessed than I deserve. It is like being loved on when I feel imperfect at best. It is an overwhelmingly magnificent feeling

beauty

2011-06-05T23:59:00.001-04:00

I got to drive, surrounded by this sort of a thing today: pictures never do justice to the real thing I want to live, sometime in my life, in a place where there are mountains :)

2011-05-30T14:19:00.000-04:00

i really hate pursuing holiness sometimes. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

sing barren woman

2011-05-15T21:33:00.006-04:00

Barren Woman Adam Gatsi Opal One of my favorite passages in the Bible lately is from Isaiah 54:1 "Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband," says the Lord. the Lord tells the woman who doesn't bear any children - the woman who in the world's

re: Gratitude

2011-05-01T21:13:00.003-04:00

if you click on the title your computer'll bring you to the blog entry, "Gratitude" I am thankful that God brought me, against my will, to NY. Thank God for his perfect timing for everything. I am thankful for my job. It is one of the most challenging jobs I've had, mostly because it absolutely requires emotional and mental perseverance - in other words, a strength that I know only Christ

2011-04-21T22:10:00.003-04:00

thank you Jesus, my little sister's spring brk is this week. one of the busiest weeks at work. one of the most frustrating. one of the most physically uncomfortable, trying to fight my cold on Sunday. I really want those Vicks tissues that Charmin has...you know the ones I'm talking about? the ones with like lotion in it? anyway her being here has alleviated some of the stress I would've felt

brunch at NYU, B&N, and Pillow Fight Day 2011

2011-04-02T22:28:00.006-04:00

Had brunch with my sister and the wonderful future Dr. Grace Shih ;) at University Restaurant (we were going to go to The Grey Dog's Cofee, but it was PACKED!). So we caught up over sandwiches, a muffin and an apple pie a la mode before she'll have to go back to the grind starting Monday. Afterwards, Beau and I wandered through the farmer's market at Union Square, perusing all the apples,

worship, women in ministry, and fish

2011-03-27T22:58:00.002-04:00

Today we had Pastor Ben Ward speak to the English ministry at NTACC. I thoroughly enjoyed his taking us deeper into what "worship" means with the illustration of the tabernacle. I just get so excited when I hear about things like this, I am one of those people who can't stop nodding their heads and smiling and making noises in response haha. I think the youth group's perception of music as an

the face game

2011-03-20T22:59:00.002-04:00

I was playing the face game with some kids from church this afternoon ... the face game, if you don't know it, is one of my favorite games to play with people because you can play it with ppl in any age group and any country. I've played this game with friends in America, Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand and Taiwan! And it's always fun. If you are with me and we're with a large group of people, we

2011-03-17T00:12:00.001-04:00

there are times I wish I get to divide people in my life into two simple categories. people I like people I don't like but Christ does not call His disciples to commodify relationships unfortunately. because that'd just be too easy wouldn't it : )

2011-03-11T11:53:00.005-05:00

I've been carrying this book around with me everywhere ... reading while waiting or riding on the bus :) On another note, I 'officially' start my new job on Monday. Meaning, officially start getting up early enough for the 2 hr commute (which means ... personal book/newspaper reading time!). Meaning, officially work M-F 9am - 6pm (but probably like 7 or 8, given I'll be working with Asians. You

this is me forcing myself to see the positive

2011-03-10T20:27:00.004-05:00

So I've been super lucky these past six years of meeting really cool people - people who inspire me and people who hold characteristics I want to grow in myself. Currently I am learning the characteristics I definitely don't want in myself ... Lord give me wisdom in how to draw the line between when to tolerate certain behavior and when to stand up against certain behavior. Sigh...

disclaimer: vital statistics in this post

2011-02-23T22:27:00.004-05:00

Here's an excerpt from the book I've been reading all day (lots of long subway commutes today). This is from a book a girlfriend of mine gave me - True Grit: Women Taking on the World, for God's Sake,by Deborah Meroff. There are just so many stories in this book that are worth hearing, but I'll only share the ones that are highlighted in my mind. (on complications in childbirth) In some parts of

2011-02-14T00:02:00.011-05:00

*so many things about this predicament tells me to: leave. but the noble thing to do would be to: stay *i want nothing to do with you because you are unlovely to me. but what I am taught to do is to love you because it doesn't make sense and is totally against my nature but above all, because i am loved, though I am completely undeserving of it character building sucks sometimes sigh.

yes.

2011-02-05T00:26:00.002-05:00

2011-01-28T23:56:00.001-05:00

me: I'm so hungry dad: (turning into a parking space by a Greek restaurant) then let's get some gyros me: but if I eat it this late my stomach will hurt dad: so eat less ... here's some money because of this, I was able to see a girlfriend for the last time before she heads off to be a missionary in Africa (plus my lamb gyro was deeelicious) :)

brown

2011-01-27T14:13:00.007-05:00

A new template! Holler at one of my favorite colors - brown. To... poo (to our amazing GI system!); bark; the sweater I'm currently wearing; the mug I am currently drinking out of; a journal I got for Christmas; soil; hardwood floor; cocoa; coffee; some of my aunt's dogs; my hair after much sun exposure; roasted chestnuts; $2 bags of roasted peanuts in NYC; pretzels; whole wheat bread; chocolate

ubuntu

2011-01-19T09:46:00.012-05:00

Ubuntu is a Bantu word that embodies the idea of .. you are who you are through other people. From wikipedia (I could never do this in academia, so I love that I just cited wiki), Archbishop Desmond Tutu explains: Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you

in honor of this past movember

2011-01-17T21:15:00.007-05:00

I am lucky to have these brothers also thinking of Haiti (anniversary of earthquake 1/12/10), Sudan (referendum started 1/9/11),and the pursuit of restoring all that is broken (in honor of the work of Martin Luther King Jr. & Marion Cloete)

i am woman!

2011-01-10T22:28:00.001-05:00

Just came back from dinner with two women who run their own companies. Those who serve as wife, mother, working woman, friend, sister, daughter, and more are just so inspiring! I come home to an email from girlfriends who are getting their Master's in things of the urban planning, women's studies, and theology-nature. :) One of them organizing Sudan's referendum down in D.C. and getting ready for

neither do i condemn you

2011-01-03T23:55:00.008-05:00

a brother of mine reminded me of the John 8:3-11 story about Jesus and what he does in response to a bunch of Pharisees asking him what should be done to a woman caught in adultery (probably means like nothing in this day in age in NY, but let's use our imagination here - adultery a BIG DEAL to say the least, in this setting) The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught

:)

2010-12-28T20:48:00.003-05:00

Mother, mother There's too many of you crying Brother, brother, brother There's far too many of you dying You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today - Ya Father, father We don't need to escalate You see, war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today Picket lines and picket signs Don't punish me

holla from Boston

2010-12-26T17:50:00.006-05:00

Pushing aside Malcolm S. Thaler's The Only EKG Book You'll Ever Need, I am listening to Sara Bareilles and enjoying being stuck inside due to the expected 20" of snow to be had here in downtown Boston. All I see when I look out is my own reflection in a seemingly frosted-over window. Just wanted to share how on Christmas Eve I found myself in a used bookstore, reading Yann Martel's Life of Pi,

the life of freedom \\ excerpt from a letter by Paul to the Galatians

2010-12-15T22:28:00.007-05:00

affection for othersexuberance about lifeserenitywillingness to stick with thingssense of compassion in the heartconviction that a basic holiness permeates things & peopleloyal commitments (not needing to force our way in life)ability to marshal and direct energies wisely galatians 5:22-23 [the message] ("But what happens when we live God's way?") Exuberance, by Lael Har http://

highlights of recent happenings

2010-12-14T21:28:00.006-05:00

So lately most of my time has been occupied by two things: clinicals and my part-time job. Clinicals: aka take patients' vital signs, draw blood, do EKGs, order lab reports, and do front desk work // the highlight of this are the old gmas and gpas who come in. The old grannys are just so friendly and strike up conversation so easily, I just can't help but feel warm fuzzies when they happily let

2010-12-11T07:38:00.002-05:00

during my run this morning, I listened to a talk by Dr. Tim Keller. In it, he references D.A. Carson's book Love In Hard Places. Here's an excerpt that stuck out to me ... can you imagine this? I find this beautiful I suspect that one of the reasons why there are so many exhortations in the New Testament for Christians to love other Christians is because this is not an easy thing to do. Many

2010-12-03T23:34:00.002-05:00

I have been meeting and learning some of the most imperfect, amazing, inspiring, beautiful brothers and sisters there are in (cue in Alicia Keys) Newwww Yoooooooork And sometimes I think about the friends who have changed me for the better and I just shake my head in disbelief and wonderment at how much grace is shown - who am I to deserve such loving, intentional friends? And such a sweet,

2010-11-28T21:01:00.007-05:00

spent the weekend at a random IBM conference center somewhere in NY with less than 100 others learning about humility. but sometimes it's not necessarily the speaker/s or small group discussions that are the highlight of the conference. sometimes it's meeting a woman who: (1) has been incredibly hurt by life; (2) yet realized the possibility of healing and consequently, (3) now works full time

meditation

2010-11-23T10:27:00.005-05:00

In the spirit of thinking about all that I am grateful for, here I will take a moment to meditate on where I currently am in my life. Right now, what do I do with my time? Study for PCT license exam Dec 3 Study (also) for clinicals starting Nov 29 Teaching myself how to teach 2nd-4th graders Study Romans Listen up Eunice, you don't need a Master's and thousands of dollars of debt in order to

role of after school programs

2010-11-17T20:24:00.007-05:00

I recently started working as a teacher for the 2nd-4th graders at a local church's after school program. This specific type of work is quite new to me, and I've been busy learning the ins and outs of it. I have only five kids in my class, which is great because the individual attention they get here is a lot more than that from school. Now the #1 priority of this three hour after school program

2010-11-15T03:37:00.001-05:00

going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. i learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice. king David ps 51.16-17

女

2010-11-05T00:14:00.007-04:00

just thinking about how in love I am with the women in my life. While my mother is not always the prime example of who I wished for her to be (to me), I have looked to other avenues through which I may be nourished and taught. I was going to name names, but that won't mean anything to someone reading this who doesn't know them, huh? So here is a preliminary list of characteristics of specific

玩

2010-11-02T23:33:00.010-04:00

I miss playing with kids ... my favorite little cousin. I love it when kids don't try hard to be cute. She just is. This cousin is like a little adult (小大人) that's Mohammed in the red tshirt. he was my favorite in Lindi. he would always be by himself, laughing wildly, rolling in the dirt and running around with arms open playing with our host families' kids in the Andaman Sea - when was

my heart aches

2010-11-02T20:04:00.007-04:00

Why We Laugh and Cry by Wendy Norlund "Crying is a more complicated process than one would at first imagine. First of all, there are really three different types of tears. Basal tears keep our eyes lubricated constantly. Reflex tears are produced when our eyes get irritated, like with onions or when something gets into our eyes. The third kind of tear is produced when the body reacts emotionally

stories manifest in wrinkles and gray hair

2010-11-01T17:30:00.015-04:00

Something I have never understood is why a woman would be embarrassed of her age – especially if she’s older. I always thought that age would be something to be proud of. With age comes life experience. We welcome a higher number of years of work experience on our resumés, don’t we – why not life experiences? I am a 24 year old Asian-American woman. I know I’m still young and have a long ways to

2010-10-31T23:49:00.007-04:00

there are times i dream of living in a c o m m u n e with edifying challenging loving single people. it would be a commune with a mission to share the Gospel and serve the underserved.

shopping

2010-10-28T16:06:00.021-04:00

if you scroll down to right before my blogroll, you'll see a preliminary collection of organizations that sell quality products that support the empowerment of people. so before you decide to buy that scarf or necklace or pair of wedges from Target or Banana Republic, think about where your money is going first. and check out some of the incredible work these organizations are supporting/doing :)

reasons

2010-10-27T23:07:00.007-04:00

Been watching a talk by Dr Tim Keller this evening, and he responded to several arguments on why God doesn't exist (you can go to youtube and search for "atgoogletalks tim keller") Evil & suffering argument: (1) God is good but not powerful enough to stop this; (2) god is powerful but not good enough to want to stop it; or (3) evil exists and therefore the all-good, all-powerful God does not

twitter cloud

2010-10-26T01:56:00.002-04:00

2010-10-25T18:15:00.010-04:00

much time spent with Ruth // support from TACC brothers and sisters // met up with cousin // support from 林口 Baptist Church brothers & sisters // funeral service // singing 爺爺‘s favorite hymn // reminiscing, grieving and learning with family // sleeping in 爺爺‘s bed // not wanting to leave 台灣, not looking forward to job searching // lots of self assessment on flights home // lots of prayer /

to be blessed through mourning

2010-10-14T14:06:00.005-04:00

This past Sunday, 我爺爺過世了. My grandpa died Sunday morning 4 am in Taipei surrounded by loved ones. This is the second time I've lost someone in my family, but the first time I felt such a deep sadness. I've had plenty of good cries this past weekend. I am completely amazed at how influential my emotional and mental state of mind has on my physical well-being. I feel bad saying this but

re: parker hu blog

2010-10-09T23:16:00.009-04:00

today is a good day 0730 woke up to find wallet is missing 0750 drove ruth to piano lesson 0801 frantically looking for wallet (still can't find it) 0915-1000 picked up people to go to friend's wedding (no wallet) 1030 friend's wedding ceremony 0100 friend's wedding reception 0600 praise team practice at church 0600+ prayer and lots of crying with friend 0800+ dinner with the tacc youth group,

2010-10-07T03:56:00.006-04:00

It's almost 4 am and I have an exam tomorrow at 9 in my EKG class. I can't fall asleep because (of): i keep thinking about that song I'm supposed to sing at a friend's wedding. still need more time learning it powerful songs that may be potential new songs to be learned for the worship team I serve with how worship songs can be distracting from, well, worship my bed, or rather couch, is

vision [pending]

2010-09-20T14:38:00.007-04:00

I guess I haven't done a very good job using this as an update about my life. Note to the Eunice in 2011/2012: use this as a monitoring and evaluation tool for this life-long process of self improvement you are so involved in. So last thing that happened was I withdrew my Peace Corps application, and have been living back and forth between NY and CT. I've been studying for the state exam I need

where music and loving people come together

2010-09-17T00:19:00.000-04:00

FRAGILE by Ten Shekel Shirt from Lamont on Vimeo. A favorite.

唱歌跳舞

2010-09-15T16:09:00.006-04:00

Dancing with Masai women in Tanzania from Eunice Lee on Vimeo. Upon sorting through old files on my laptop, I find this video from my time in Tanzania last year. Featured in this video (aside from the Masai women) are my classmates from the Nyerere Centre for Peace Research in Arusha. My favorite part is at 2:02 when one of the Masai women cracks up. Enjoy! *Thanks Dan for revealing to me the

generation Facebook-is-more-real-than-real-life

2010-09-12T23:49:00.002-04:00

Is it just me or is there a trend in Chinese-American teenagers to be more real on Facebook than in person? (Or maybe this trend is just happening with teenagers in general?) I have a 16 year old sister who is very involved with her church youth group. She has developed some great friendships with girls her age there, and this is something that delights me. Particularly because these friends at

my decision

2010-09-09T03:47:00.080-04:00

It comes down to this. There are two ways through which I can deal with my current predicament: (1) constant sadness to the point of depression with moments of temporary joy here and there; or (2) humor. Except ... who am I kidding? Pretty much my conclusion is that #1 is unavoidable but that I can at least add #2 in order to mitigate the feelings of hopelessness and sadness and loneliness and

Screwtape Letters excerpt so speaks to me

2010-09-06T17:27:00.003-04:00

My dear Wormwood, [...] Work hard then, on the disappointment or anticlimax which is certainly coming to the patient during his first few weeks as a churchman. The Enemy allows this disappointment to occur on the threshold of every human endeavour. It occurs when the boy who has been enchanted in the nursery by Stories from the Odyssey buckles down to really learning Greek. It occurs when lovers

2010-09-01T22:47:00.007-04:00

thought#1I used to think that my hero is someone who would sacrifice anything to follow his/her dreams and travel and live abroad and lead exciting lives that are not "normal" for the average middle-upper class American.. But now, my hero is someone who is willing to sacrifice his/her dreams to commit to family members or other certain responsibilities - even if it means having to live the (to

Ixnay on Cambodia

2010-07-30T17:43:00.022-04:00

I was supposed to leave last week for San Francisco and then straight for Phnom Penh, and then not come back for 27 months. I was so ready for this new chapter in my life. Finally! A chance to learn Khmer, to live in a village, to make new friends and live with a family, to eat Cambodian food, to teach English, to live on Cambodian earth... But about four days before I had to leave, my dad

Summer in Redding

2010-07-14T17:07:00.000-04:00

"may you assist us with anything you have"

2010-07-07T11:15:00.015-04:00

Here's an excerpt of an email I received this morning: I HAVE A FAITH Iam building the house startig with the only50 usa. dollars that sended to us by *** and now the house it needs a roof. may you assist us with anything you have coz we have reach there by collecting whatever we had and now our situation is not so good financial. but only we are doing all these by faith so when you join us,

2010-06-25T12:43:00.011-04:00

Aside from munching on all the snacks that 爸爸 (baba) brought back from Taiwan, I've been spending most of my time at home by myself, learning Khmer, reading several books at one time, preparing for Bible study (we're going through the book of Genesis), trying to reconnect with my Ibanez, researching Cambodia with no agenda, journaling, listening to jazz like nobody's business, having deep

Building rapport

2010-06-07T15:31:00.009-04:00

Naturally, I'm curious of what to expect as a PCV in Cambodia. Don't know where I'll be yet, though from what I gather it seems like I'll be in a rural community teaching high school students alongside the regular Cambodian teacher. Cambodia's Ministry of Education is currently trying to reform its education system. Many of the country's educated and professionals were killed during the Pol Pot

In memory of part of my Osprey Pack...an email to Moosejaw.com

2010-05-28T15:20:00.008-04:00

Dear Moosejaw, I ordered the Osprey Women's Ariel 65 Pack #200445 off your website back in 2008 (see email history below), and it has been wonderful to me! I love the backpack. One of my favorite things about it is that you can detach the top of the backpack and hipbelt and use it as a daypack. I did this many times and would go running with this "daypack". It's great. Unfortunately, I lost

learning Khmer

2010-05-24T10:32:00.007-04:00

I am now a Peace Corps volunteer, heading to Cambodia this summer. Meanwhile, I'll be filling out whatever forms and statements PC needs me to do, and learning Khmer thanks to online lessons and YouTube - so fun! (Sawsdey kinom chimooah Eunice = Hello my name is Eunice)

[pending]

2010-05-17T17:29:00.007-04:00

Can't help but feel slightly embarrassed about all the fanfare and fluff that is graduation ceremonies. Graduation is this Thursday. Everyone will dress up, look their best, take pictures. I will be sure to take pictures with my cap and gown and medal and send it to my family. But c'mon people, the degree is worth nothing if I do not act upon the injustices that permeate our world that has long

poetry from an old, dusty Lisa Frank folder

2010-03-24T20:06:00.005-04:00

by my sister, at 11 yrs old. Makes me look even more forward to finishing my dissertation. Here are two of my favorites.S-W-I-S-HDribbling down the court,Basketballs my favorite sport,Cross-in, cross-out, turn all around,Off the back board, miss the scoreboard,Dribble down low how low can you go?Jump to the top like you never can stop,Flick! Goes the wrist with my fingers follow through,My

要走了!

2010-03-12T12:45:00.012-05:00

This has been my last week in Taiwan. I've spent it doing research on ASEAN, hiking, visiting night markets and hanging out with my cousin and her flatmate. It's been so, so wonderful and this past Wednesday I had the opportunity to visit my cousin Ryan, at his school in Taizhong. Such a contrast between living in Taiwan and living in Tanzania. I mean aside from the fact that I was living with

grooving aka studying to Frédéric François

2010-03-02T01:28:00.010-05:00

I LOVE music. I will listen to anything that gets me moving - hip hop, to jazz, to musicals, whatever! Except classical. Please, nothing to remind me of those eight horrible years of mandatory piano lessons and the scary piano teacher and those ugly frilly dresses my mother made me wear for recitals. What a terrified child I was. (Of course I regret not taking in and enjoying those eight years

update from Taiwan

2010-02-17T23:35:00.011-05:00

Since my last post, I arrived in Taiwan January 29th, traveled around the island meeting and learning family, and will be here until March 14th - when I return to NY. Since being back to Taipei from Gao Xiong, I've been staying with one of my aunts at her studio just outside of Taipei. The environment I have been in this past week is everything a student like me could ask for: rain, a studio with

blood and money welcome

2010-01-16T13:10:00.002-05:00

If you haven't heard what's happened in Haiti, a massive earthquake on Tuesday has resulted in 10,000s of people in Port-au-Prince injured or dead. If you haven't heard of ways to help, you can help by donating money, volunteer time, and/or blood to the the following organizations (though if you know more, by all means, please spread the word):American Red Cross | http://american.redcross.org/

home as at lately

2010-01-10T17:11:00.010-05:00

Since being home, there have been several situations I’ve been in, where there has been a conflict between my experiences and other people’s comments. In particular, these ‘other people’ are Christians who my parents have befriended through their church (and who are of my parents’ generation). I couldn’t help but generalize and feel this incredibly uncomfortable divide between me and the typical

run as if your life depends on it

2009-12-31T18:29:00.008-05:00

It's been awhile, hasn't it, since last I wrote on this thang? Here's a summary of what this past month has entailed: finishing Development class, traveling throughout the east coast of Tanzania, traveling 30 hours from Arusha to home, and getting reacquainted with my family. Much of this reacquaintence has been happening by way of General McArthur museum tours, strolls through downtown

to do: Expert Meeting, Thanksgiving dinner, safari, graduation ceremony & Serialy's

2009-11-30T09:47:00.008-05:00

This past Mon-Wed, Melissa and I had the opportunity to participate in the "Expert Meeting on improved interaction between UPR, APRM with increased consideration of the right to development" and the "Expert Meeting on the development toward a human rights strategy in Africa" at this ritzy hotel about a 5 minute walk down the road from our apartment: Kibo Palace. Melissa and I arrived at the

2009-11-12T09:18:00.007-05:00

Weekend in KenyaThis past weekend the IPCR crew (minus Lago) took 6-hour Impala shuttle (except that it was actually 8 hours) from Arusha to Nairobi. We arrived there at 4 pm Friday afternoon and met with Michael's friend, who had graciously found us a 4-bedroom apartment to stay in over the weekend. During our time there, we visited Kazuri, a fair trade-focused NGO that employs women to make

don't worry i'm alive

2009-11-05T02:29:00.004-05:00

Hi friends,Just wanted to update you and let you know that I am alive! It's been a busy month, with classes, my internship and everything else outside of that. This week is the last week of my African Organizations class, after which I will be travelling to Nairobi with the rest of the IPCR crew. I anticipate a very bumpy 8 hour trip there. Next week marks the beginning of our last class:

this is life

2009-10-11T10:36:00.005-04:00

This week has been one of the busiest, craziest weeks. This was our last week of International Law class, meaning a research paper and test due by Friday. Interesting updates in regard to this week: Michelle and were "Ford car girls" Wednesday night, after work at the UN. Ha. One of our friends is an event manager/planner in Arusha, and there was an opening ceremony for the new Ford Everest and

Letter to my brother who robbed me

2009-09-24T06:44:00.004-04:00

There is not much that separates you and I, is there? We are both made out of the same type of material – you and I bleed, feel hungry, feel joy, feel sadness, and so on. Yet the environments in which you and I have been raised sometimes convince us otherwise. We are human – it seems as though we have to use labels for everything. How else do we process everything we go through in life? So we

2009-09-21T02:48:00.008-04:00

So lately this 9 year old girl who lives next door has been visiting us a lot – last night she came and worked out with Selina and I (we used these great exercise bands) and invited herself over to our place for dinner afterwards (she made the chapatti). Selina laughs and says she has been sent my God in response to our prayer for patience. The electricity at our apartment goes out a lot – this

post-genocide

2009-09-12T09:31:00.004-04:00

I spent last week in Rwanda with Melissa, Michelle and Selina. We met with some of Melissa’s friends at the Kigali International Airport, and stayed at St. Paul’s Guesthouse for the week. St. Paul’s is a Catholic church and guesthouse that housed many who sought refuge during the genocide. We shared two bedrooms, and each paid only 20 USD for the whole week.Let’s see if I can recap what we did

an away message of sorts

2009-09-06T04:51:00.005-04:00

I am writing this from the Impala Hotel, which is literally just next door to our apartment complex. The four of us girls just moved into a cheaper and larger apartment - too good to be true. Hence, post-moving in, we found cockroaches, spiders, and freshly painted closets. Which is fine - don't get me wrong, I am incredibly grateful for a place that has running water and electricity (most of the

spur

2009-09-02T02:53:00.009-04:00

Every once in awhile I enjoy insight unrelated to war or genocide or suffering. In an attempt to grasp this sort of insight, I began reading a book called Infinite In All Directions, by Freeman Dyson. I thought to myself, if this book gave me insight no more than 5 pages into it, there are two things to be said: (1) it is because I lack fresh insight; and/or (2) this really is a great book and I

week 8 in Tanzania

2009-08-25T03:29:00.019-04:00

Last week has been quite busy at work. It's been nice, though, to really feel useful - I feel like I'm learning a lot of new things, which is always good when you're an intern. Free labor for free training in new skills. These past couple weeks it's also been nice to see staff coming back from vacation - the tribunal doesn't feel as empty as it was before. Let's see, I'm still going running every

i'm not very good at coming up with catchy titles

2009-08-17T01:27:00.008-04:00

This past weekend Melissa came from Usa and stayed with us for the weekend, which is always something I look forward to. Saturday Selina and I went jogging through this park right across the street from our apartment complex. Afterward, we met with one of Melissa's new friends and took a 20-30 minute dala dala ride from town to where she lives. The dala dala we took is basically a 15 seater van

usa river & work

2009-08-12T03:28:00.015-04:00

This past weekend the three of us took a 45 minute taxi ride to the University of Arusha (in Usa River - pronounced "oo-sah"), where Melissa lives and works during the weekdays. We stayed at her host family’s house (while they are on vacation in the States) and hung out with their two dogs, Shadow and Cookie. It felt so refreshing to walk around the university

baby pigeons!

2009-08-07T03:46:00.008-04:00

Exciting news from the ledge outside my office window: a pair of yellow baby pigeons were just born!It's kind of hard to tell, but in this picture they are kind of hugging each other (the dark spots are where their heads are - the one on the left facing 'up' and on the right facing 'down').And then while we're watching, the mama pigeon walks on over and sits on them. I was wondering why she was

for your reference

2009-08-04T02:40:00.013-04:00

Let's see, an update. FYI Selina and Michelle have been really good at updating their blogs through words and pictures - if you go to the "Walking the Earth" list on the right side of your screen, you can find their blogs. Feel free to follow up on them as well. (Especially if you're interested in pictures.)Last week, IPCR's Program Manager came to Arusha to help prepare for the upcoming graduate

excerpts from an email to a good friend

2009-07-28T01:30:00.006-04:00

My internship is definitely keeping me busy – what my friends and I are working on is compiling a list of protective orders for witness protection. The tribunal is aiming to close down next year, and the idea is that after this organ closes, measures toward protecting witnesses and victims of the genocide will continue – just in other hands. Upon researching the protective orders (e.g. motions,

working at the tribunal

2009-07-17T05:34:00.006-04:00

My internship at the tribunal has been a nice balance between independence and supervision. Michelle, Selina and I are all working from the same pool of projects but we work on them at different times. I am unsure of the confidentiality of our work, so I will briefly explain what the projects we're working on, are all aiming for.All the projects are in accordance with the ICTR mandate ...

update. lots of it.

2009-07-14T02:14:00.005-04:00

SIDENOTE: Let me preface this entry with a note that much has happened, and I hope that the next time you and I see each other, I can tell you stories I don't post on my blog. As you will read, the events of this past Friday night has shaken me up a bit, leading me to attempt a blog that is written in a tone that helps me maintain the bit of humor I can muster right now. Enjoy! LIVING It’s been

day one :)

2009-07-01T05:12:00.007-04:00

I am here! After some blessed motion sickness medicine throughout three cities/two connections, I arrived at the Kilimanjaro Airport last night with two friends, Selina and Michelle. This morning we took a short tour of the Nyerere Centre for Peace Research (the Centre is the result of a partnership between Arcadia University and the East African Community), followed by a visit to the UN-ICTR (

2009-06-24T16:52:00.005-04:00

I talk about love, forgiveness, social justice; I rage against American materialism in the name of altruism, but have I even controlled my own heart? The overwhelming majority of time I spend thinking about myself, pleasing myself, reassuring myself, and when I am done there is nothing to spare for the needy. Six billion people live in this world, and I can only muster thoughts for one.

mama's note

2009-06-20T01:08:00.008-04:00

That blasted nascent sore throat (you know the one I'm talking about) visited me this week, leading to painful coughs and a frog-voice by Wednesday. Thursday I get on the 6 am train to Grand Central so I can make it to a 930 appointment with Peace Corps 20 min away from Times Square (yea transfers). I get my fingers printed, go through the hour long interview, take the hour trainride into

2009-06-06T18:49:00.004-04:00

Just got back from Costa Rica yesterday, and just got from Philly to Flushing today. The trip was quite wonderful, having had the opportunities to visit the University of Peace, the Inter-American Court, ICE (government supported institute for electricity), the School for Field Studies, CATIE, Kan Tan (in Boruca), San Manuel Antonio National Park, Uvita National Park, etc.Currently I have 23 days

books, dance, peanut butter sandwiches

2009-05-13T23:11:00.009-04:00

Today after work I came home and finished the book Night - a book I recommend. I have this terrible habit of lying down and curling up in bed after I experience stories like Elie's. For instance, my junior year in college I watched Youtube clips of orphans in North Korea, the Karen in Burma, homeless in Beijing, and I would lay down and think and cry. I would really like to break out of this

gluestick

2009-05-11T22:22:00.004-04:00

So today is my first day of my summer shift of working in the Provost Office at Arcadia - I will be working for 28 hours this week and next before leaving for Costa Rica on the 27th (woohoo!). The Gluestick is what saved me at work today. *Note: the gluestick I use at work is not labeled in Spanish. This is just the most close-up picture of the signature rainbow gluestick I could find on google

Burmese Water Festival

2009-04-19T22:09:00.004-04:00

A couple friends and I networked with the US Campaign for Burma (Philly chapter) back in March, and a result of one of those meetings is the Burmese Water Festival. Basically, we all went to the home of the head of USCB-Philadelphia, had a late lunch, and talked with others about what we can do as activists for Burma. What has been on my mind all evening, however, has been my meeting with some of

on nonviolence

2009-04-10T22:32:00.007-04:00

One of the most political statements Jesus has ever made is to love our enemies ... quite fundamental to nonviolence as both principle and dissent strategy.For one of my classes, I was frantically doing literature reviews on nonviolence, repression and dissent and found quite the disparity between nonviolence literature and repression/dissent nexus literature. I think this piece speaks well to

conversations about white people

2009-03-15T19:39:00.002-04:00

老外: This is Chinese for "foreigner" (pronounced "lao wai"), yet clearly my parents and their friends are talking about white people. Haha. White people aka foreigners in America. Funny.So I'm on spring break with my fam and another family - my parents' friends - pretty cool people. The dad was saying how he saw some white kids rolling around in the snow that right around the hot tub outside.