You don't get a video today. most of the pics/Video I've been taking you'll never really be allowed to see due to the protection of the Kids. I could give you another monologue with my beautiful face but I just plainly don't feel like it, and your currently subjected to my blogging whim.
Today was pretty long. started early with a staff meeting as usual. And then off to wal-mart. We bought a LOT of groceries today so we could fix dinner for the whole Hovdi House and their staff, with us about 85 in all.
They currently house almost 50 kids. from age 3-22. I was working with a couple of the older kids yesterday. The Havdi House is a preventative safe house for abandoned/ abused youth. And I just have to say that these kids are the best things with skin on!!! One of the younger boys (10 years old) wanted to help me with something yesterday, I asked him to go get a bucket of water for me, but within a minute I had to run and get something out of the same room as the water. So we talked for a moment (kindof...again, I don't really speak spanish.) But both of us stopped watching the bucket as it nearly overflowed. I told him that I would take the water, but he pushed my hand away. "No Chris, yo llevo el ague." and this 80 some pound 10 year old quiveringly lifted a FULL 5 gallons of water on his shoulders and carried it across the compound for me; Not accepting a second thought and even traversing a small flight of stairs. No brake, no stop for a breath, In fact he was quit head high and fearless. Today he and I painted a part of the house. I was on the roof, and was on the ground, under stairs, and hanging 10 feet off the ground from windows brush in hand. At one point I looked over and he had placed his hand print in yellow paint square on his face. (I did something like that the day before) so I went and got a hand full and encompassed his little mug with my gargantuan digits. he tried A matching one but it looked more like I stuck my nose and lips onto a freshly painted wall. He did however get a near perfect one on the tip of my pointy lil bald head. (at this point I feel the need to mention that this roof that I was on today was the very one that earned me a nickname yesterday with a few of the kids... "spiderman." You see, I kinda fell through the roof the day before, caught myself on a beam and swung down. Before I hit ground, as I'm dangling from the beam I hear someone behind me say "spiderman"... I feel as though I earned that one)
I connected with three of the older guys yesterday; and Jeff, from the Huvdi foundation that owns the house said "wanna get teenage boys to like you, fall through a roof." and I got to hang out with all three of them all day today, Working and playing a lot of fútbol. The one I got to know the best is 18, with about a 10 year old sister. She's adorable. She kissed me on the cheek today when she said goodnight.
We received two peaces of bad news today though, the first and the reason that the older kids hung around today instead of going to school in the afternoon as their supposed to, is their van driver was in a serious accident driving back from dropping off the younger kids. This is the same driver that drove me home yesterday and many of the kids know him well obviously. He was due to have inter-cranial surgery this evening but they postponed till tomorrow. The second, and unfortunately worse news. One of our local contacts within the government, an amazing lady that I'll tell you about at a later date, Called to tell us that she had to shift around our schedule for the rest of our time here, A 13 year old girl being trafficked for sex was murdered today. Our friend, being head of the anti-trafficking reform has been involved now in the investigation. Sadly, the norm here is that the girl was an abandoned child who's family likely doesn't know, or doesn't care. I don't know if thats worse or better than for her to be one of the many children that are taken and then trafficked.
Tomorrow, (thursday) after staff meeting we will be going out to some of the kids that live on the streets still and seeing where they're living. Followed by my team setting up our trafficking exhibit at the attorney Generals Office here in the capital district. The Attorney General is the third most powerful man in the country (also third in line for El Presidente should anything happen to the two above him.) His office is also key any success with new legislation against Trafficking. And with that... I have a big day tomorrow, so I'm going to retire.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
So Far So Good...
Summer update...
Where to begin; even only sitting in early June it seams that so much has gone on this summer that I'm way behind on blogging. I just got back to Colorado from North Platte, Nebraska. I was doing the music for the week for a early middle school camp. And I just have to say... those kids are CrAzY!*%!! The first set, the first night and they were far from the deer in the headlights look I'm used to getting as the music guy. they were interactive, LOUD, and bouncing all over the place. I love Middle Schoolers, they will tell you when their wanting to be there or wanting to be somewhere else. There is no guessing with them and thats why I like them so much more than adults. All in all the week went well. Most camp weeks you see the end of chapel recommittals; and such. And I have no real authority to decipher what is genuine and what is hype. But especially as the music guy, I commonly get used as the emotional driver to fake or flimsy committals to God. And this week didn't really do that. Although there was opportunity for kids to do that, they seamed to be driven more to interaction. The stage time instead was joyous and fun, and I like that.
Moving on, I leave for Mexico City this saturday. I'm an odd form of excited, considering what the trip is. For those of you that don't know I'm with a group called IEmpathize going to advocate against sex and human trafficking in Mexico City. I'll be meeting with members of the Mexican Congress and touring different brothels that the Mexican Police have busted recently. CNN published a report this week about sex trafficking in Mexico City; with an estimated 10,000 sex slaves in the city alone, there were only 12 arrests last year. Anyone with a sense of justice should be shattered by these figures. and this is only one issue in one city on the Globe. The problem presents society with a mountainous traverse that no individual has the ability to climb solo. thats why the awareness of the issue is so important. But like always "its not the education we get but the empowerment we give that makes a difference to others." (-John C Maxwell) I think that best surmises the journey I get to take next week. Personally its more out of my comfort zone that I had to raise the money to go than the nature of the trip itself. The Business side of ministry is still something of work in process to me. Below I've put the shortened video from Iempathize about the work in Mexico City, I'm trying to keep this post more of a cleft note's type of update, so I'm gonna just leave you with the video and keep coming back to this site next week as I'm in Mexico City, I'll be updating here about the trip as I get opportunity too each day.
iEmpathize Mexico City Short: The Way Home (English Version) from Simon Scionka on Vimeo.
If you would still like to support the trip, were still short on funding, and you can do so on the link below. Then Click the "support me" link on the right.
Support Mexico City Expedition
Other than all of these happenings, I'm getting behind on school already, I don't know how a thing like that could happen taking 15 credits over a summer with all of this also happening. It just blows my mind.
And I've been presented with a familiar crossroads, to operate in my nature. turning down the opportunity to put down roots and do what society sees as the normal or wiser plan for the next few years. OR... in line with all my life decisions and flighty nature. To choose instead to operate even more as a drifter than I am now? Hmm perplexing choices. Roots creep me out honestly. So I'm at an impasse with wanting to be responsible but also being who I've always been and wanted to be; Active, extreme, and living a life like few have tasted seeing both the world being involved with people all over instead of an isolated few...we shall see ;)
The prospect went with an interesting conversation, one that I have with myself often, but none the less was a feature our dialogue. It was about the nature of this itinerant life style. This conversation was with a man that knows me well, and he observed how uncomfortable I am with settling in. weather that be with a normal job, a house, a girl... "its like your so used to change that your afraid to commit to anything that will keep you from the ability to be where you feel you need to be from moment to moment." I couldn't agree with him more... that is me (hence the tittle of the blog in case you were wondering)! And I mean that as a very good thing. I like writing my address in pencil (I've lived in the same place for a year and a month now... that's a record in a nine year time frame) I enjoy that I get to live a life outside of a 9-5 prison cell, looking back 10 years later and realizing you've only existed well and not actually lived. I get to experience life that few do... and what affords me this right. I pathetic gross income every year and zero stability. I can deal with that. So I guess the only thing on that list to figure out is the Girl part.... yeah... I haven't figured that one out yet obviously. (How emphatic can you make one "!" ?) Perhaps i'll post a blog when I get back from mexico with a girlfriend application section. Except I think the "need not apply" section would be depressingly limiting :/ ... Well 2/3 figured out is nice I suppose, story of my life! (lol)
Where to begin; even only sitting in early June it seams that so much has gone on this summer that I'm way behind on blogging. I just got back to Colorado from North Platte, Nebraska. I was doing the music for the week for a early middle school camp. And I just have to say... those kids are CrAzY!*%!! The first set, the first night and they were far from the deer in the headlights look I'm used to getting as the music guy. they were interactive, LOUD, and bouncing all over the place. I love Middle Schoolers, they will tell you when their wanting to be there or wanting to be somewhere else. There is no guessing with them and thats why I like them so much more than adults. All in all the week went well. Most camp weeks you see the end of chapel recommittals; and such. And I have no real authority to decipher what is genuine and what is hype. But especially as the music guy, I commonly get used as the emotional driver to fake or flimsy committals to God. And this week didn't really do that. Although there was opportunity for kids to do that, they seamed to be driven more to interaction. The stage time instead was joyous and fun, and I like that.
Moving on, I leave for Mexico City this saturday. I'm an odd form of excited, considering what the trip is. For those of you that don't know I'm with a group called IEmpathize going to advocate against sex and human trafficking in Mexico City. I'll be meeting with members of the Mexican Congress and touring different brothels that the Mexican Police have busted recently. CNN published a report this week about sex trafficking in Mexico City; with an estimated 10,000 sex slaves in the city alone, there were only 12 arrests last year. Anyone with a sense of justice should be shattered by these figures. and this is only one issue in one city on the Globe. The problem presents society with a mountainous traverse that no individual has the ability to climb solo. thats why the awareness of the issue is so important. But like always "its not the education we get but the empowerment we give that makes a difference to others." (-John C Maxwell) I think that best surmises the journey I get to take next week. Personally its more out of my comfort zone that I had to raise the money to go than the nature of the trip itself. The Business side of ministry is still something of work in process to me. Below I've put the shortened video from Iempathize about the work in Mexico City, I'm trying to keep this post more of a cleft note's type of update, so I'm gonna just leave you with the video and keep coming back to this site next week as I'm in Mexico City, I'll be updating here about the trip as I get opportunity too each day.
iEmpathize Mexico City Short: The Way Home (English Version) from Simon Scionka on Vimeo.
If you would still like to support the trip, were still short on funding, and you can do so on the link below. Then Click the "support me" link on the right.
Support Mexico City Expedition
Other than all of these happenings, I'm getting behind on school already, I don't know how a thing like that could happen taking 15 credits over a summer with all of this also happening. It just blows my mind.
And I've been presented with a familiar crossroads, to operate in my nature. turning down the opportunity to put down roots and do what society sees as the normal or wiser plan for the next few years. OR... in line with all my life decisions and flighty nature. To choose instead to operate even more as a drifter than I am now? Hmm perplexing choices. Roots creep me out honestly. So I'm at an impasse with wanting to be responsible but also being who I've always been and wanted to be; Active, extreme, and living a life like few have tasted seeing both the world being involved with people all over instead of an isolated few...we shall see ;)
The prospect went with an interesting conversation, one that I have with myself often, but none the less was a feature our dialogue. It was about the nature of this itinerant life style. This conversation was with a man that knows me well, and he observed how uncomfortable I am with settling in. weather that be with a normal job, a house, a girl... "its like your so used to change that your afraid to commit to anything that will keep you from the ability to be where you feel you need to be from moment to moment." I couldn't agree with him more... that is me (hence the tittle of the blog in case you were wondering)! And I mean that as a very good thing. I like writing my address in pencil (I've lived in the same place for a year and a month now... that's a record in a nine year time frame) I enjoy that I get to live a life outside of a 9-5 prison cell, looking back 10 years later and realizing you've only existed well and not actually lived. I get to experience life that few do... and what affords me this right. I pathetic gross income every year and zero stability. I can deal with that. So I guess the only thing on that list to figure out is the Girl part.... yeah... I haven't figured that one out yet obviously. (How emphatic can you make one "!" ?) Perhaps i'll post a blog when I get back from mexico with a girlfriend application section. Except I think the "need not apply" section would be depressingly limiting :/ ... Well 2/3 figured out is nice I suppose, story of my life! (lol)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
If it bores you... it must be godly!
I watched this video almost two years ago, and haven’t been able to find it since despite a few wasted hours. Grrr… Recently it was found and posted on Christiannightmares, which is great for you… because now you can enjoy it with me (insert overt sarcasm here)!
I’ll give him this much, at least he’s not totally ignorant, he knows basic music theory. However I fail to see where in the bible God revealed this “Body wants to dance” doctrine. I’ve looked for it, yes, even in the ever touted King James Version (you’re supposed to lift your chin a bit when you say that by the way, who knew?) The only original source I’ve found this is in Fundamentalist Christian dogma.
As in all things (yes I do believe this) the bible does have something to say about this. In 2nd Samuel chapter 6 David is bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem. Which was far deeper than simply the return of a national Icon. The Hebrew people are heavily about poetry, and so they would not have overlooked the deep symbolism here. The Ark was the Icon of the presence of the one true God. And bringing it back to the Nation of Israel was also symbolic of the Nations reconnecting to God. And as the Ark was carried into the city after a long journey; King David, warring what was called an “Ephod” (A rob that was worn by priests, which was disgraceful for a king to wear because it showed his knees (*Gasp! I know)) danced through the city streets with the people in celebration of his people being Rejoined with the presence of God again.
You see there are things that are worth throwing a party for! There are things that are worth dancing through the streets! I’ve even heard it said (by a pastor) “It’s honestly a sin to not have fun.”In the psalms it tells us to “praise him with a clashing cymbal and a Gong.” To Praise with both a harp and Lyre (a first century guitar) And I’m sorry if being biblical doesn’t sit as pretty in your church. But I’m going to dance, shout, raise my hands, and dance with my friends when I praise a God who’s presence has been brought back to me by Himself!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
As some of you know I’ve been involved in youth work for some time now in a variety of capacities: Youth pastor/Leader, working with inner city kids and incarcerated youth. My ministry involvement over the past few years has allowed me the opportunity to witness an ever increasing world issue commonly referred to as “social Justice.” This umbrella covers issues like Sex and human trafficking, Child Soldiers, and a host of victimized people used as prostitutes, drug peddlers, and unpaid labor forces all around the world. The specific issues vary, based on the Geographic and political situations. To give you an idea, human Traffickers alone grossed an estimated 3.2 billion dollars in 2010, that’s more than Nike, Google, and Starbucks COMBINED!
This coming June I’m on the first of three teams going to Mexico City with the Colorado based organization “IEmpathize.” Mexico is currently on virtually every top ten list for countries with human trafficking violations. While there, I’ll be from one side of the city to the other; spending time in some of the worst slums and meeting with members of the Mexican senate who are battling social injustices within Mexico. With great respect my team will be spending some time with residents of safe houses in Mexico City. However a large part of my time there will be spent on awareness education in Government, Educational and also public venues; using art, media and other exhibits to boost awareness to the issue within Mexico. These are key strategic efforts to confront the issue with lasting effect, as one of the main reasons human trafficking is able to thrive is its limited awareness.
For more information on Social Justice, my expedition to Mexico City or “IEmpathize” please visit IEmpathize.org or feel free to E-mail/facebook me directly. I would greatly appreciate your prayers for myself and the rest of the team going, as you can imagine this will be both a stressful and emotionally exhausting experience. I would greatly appreciate those of you who would like to be a part of the work by donating to help cover the expenses of making this trip happen. All Financial donations are Tax deductable through IEmpathize. I’m still in need of nearly $1,800, with our leave date steadily approaching. (The $1,800 will help cover air fare, hotel, and transportation costs; projects and advocacy events; gifts/items for the girls and safe home. And over 25% of the cost directly funds our Mexican child protection and restoration partnerships in Mexico.) Checks can be sent to IEmpathize directly (4845 Pearl East Circle, Suite 101, Boulder, CO 80301) payable to” IEmpathize,” Please make sure to write “Chris Cook Expedition” in the memo line. Pre/post trip updates will be here on my Blog with obvious omission of certain details to help protect the people on the ground in Mexico City.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
This is a great watch if you have the time!
Ok this is a bit long I realize but the full version I think gives the best look at what he's exposing. Derren Brown; has made a name for himself in the UK, he's an illusionist/mentalist, and also a sceptic-type whistle blower. Takes an ordinary man and trains him in the so called art of "faith healing."
Now I find that most people are skeptical of faith healers in general but there is a reason why it remains a multi million dollar industry every year, because there are people out there that need and want genuine hope. Brown does (I think) an excellent job in showing both simply and scientifically the methods of these con artist praying on people asking for help. I do wish his finale performance had a higher turnout, but I respect their decision to take a hit on the numbers to protect both the goal of the project and also protect people that didn't know the ruse. Well done Derren Brown.
Now I find that most people are skeptical of faith healers in general but there is a reason why it remains a multi million dollar industry every year, because there are people out there that need and want genuine hope. Brown does (I think) an excellent job in showing both simply and scientifically the methods of these con artist praying on people asking for help. I do wish his finale performance had a higher turnout, but I respect their decision to take a hit on the numbers to protect both the goal of the project and also protect people that didn't know the ruse. Well done Derren Brown.
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