...Seriamente?!?

WEEK 6 WEEK 6 WEEK 6 WEEK 6! tomorrow will be the half way-half way mark! un-freaking-believable.

Research:

I've gotten to the "love-hate" stage in my relationship with my research.
Love:
- it's simple. It's the same questions every time and only takes about 30 minutes for each interview.
- it's people based. and I like people.
- Some of the stuff I learn is SUPER interesting.
- It's well structured. there's not a lot of room for surprises, which is good because I don't like surprises.

Hate:
- it's the same questions every time.
- Some of the answers are pretty predictable "what are some of your programs needs?" "funding. funding funding funding, and um...funding funding funding funding. Donations would be great, and so would more money. funding funding funding."
- I'm misunderstood (go ahead, make a joke. now I'll explain). Secretaries of the program offices think I'm either 1. signing up to volunteer 2. asking for all the family secrets or 3. want to interview actual mentors. None of which are the case. I honestly had a woman tell me, "well, you don't want to talk with her, you want to talk with one of the actual mentors because they'll get you excited about mentoring and volunteering with us. She can't tell you that. She can only tell you about the structure of the program." no, no.
- Some organizations want me to interview 2 different people. which is dumb because the answers are still the same.
but, the Lord is teaching me patience with every day. And, Mary added a side project of creating a directory for volunteer organizations. That way volunteers can find a mentoring program that suits their needs.

Miami:
Ok, so the beautiful thing about Miami is how progressive it is. It changes with it's populations needs and the economy. This is good because if it sticked to some of the "old Florida" ways, it wouldn't be home to the diverse community that's here. Along those lines, I'm a huge fan of the compassion that's shown to the different people groups here. I say compassion and not tolerance because tolerance sounds like you're obligated to deal with it. Here, there's a concern for the well being of others regardless of ethnicity, economic status, religion or sexuality. For example, there are a lot of illegal immigrants here who run their own businesses. NO ONE goes to a flower stand and asks to see their papers before making a purchase. They pick up a bouquet of beautiful sunflowers and buy them. I love that very few people sit stewing about border protections, calling illegal immigrants "problems" like they're not human beings, like they only want to come to the US to screw all American citizens.

The problem is that because of it's progressiveness, there's a lot of grey area. Example, in July, there's a HUGE weekend event called "Aqua Girl" which is a GLBT event to raise money for breast cancer awareness and cures. I support the cause of breast cancer, but not the GLBT lifestyle, but at the same time the members of the GLBT community have hearts and it's not a sin for them to care for others. Another example of this is Hip Hop weekend (memorial day weekend) it brings unity to the African American community (especially the young adults and youth), but the crap that happens on that weekend is by no means healthy.

I got to talk with some of the women in my small group about Miami and it was interesting to hear about their struggles with loving the city. I remember certain friends and family members reaction to me going to Miami and it was instant concern about my well-being. A lot of people called me brave for coming here, but the main thing I'm afraid of is the way that satan has used the brokenness in the city to discourage and scare away God's bride.
I'm staying in Homestead (just south of Miami) for 2 weeks house/dog sitting. So my commute is longer, but it's nice living in a "family" house and not a house that no one is consistently living in. Plus, the dog is really sweet and keeps me company.

And for you other interns who find yourself with a lot of time alone, here is my list of suggestions:
- put on music and dance. I've been reading through the Psalms, and the whole dancing to praise the Lord thing amazes me. Put on some jams and busta move.
- Write someone a letter.
- I'm fortunate to have a piano in my house, so I sit down and play it when no one is around.
- Read a book out loud. A book you're reading for fun, not a depressing historical book (jessica) I suggest Lemony Snickett' Series of Unfortunate Events (no, it's not that depressing).
- Sit outside by the front door. I don't like doing this with other people around because it's kinda strange, but it's fun to people watch and just enjoy the weather.

oh, right and pray:
- patience. patience. patience. I'm at the point where I don't even think I have the patience to wait for patience.
- Joy in my interviews and write ups.
- Miami and the brothers and sisters in Christ who are called to work and live here.