A late Christmas Eve making (even more) cookies.

Snow Play

Snow ball fights with seven year olds are lovely, but, half a mile later, frozen and late for the next load of kids, I find I would rather have had a Snow Day.

Spot the Typo!

A handmade holiday card from one of our Sunday school kids subtly tips us off to trouble at home. Can you figure out why?
Answer in comments!

Off-topic

Kinda missing my last St Louis Sunday school class.

Definitely wishing my fourth grade girls here were allowed to sleep over at church, but Chinese parents are notoriously strict.

Party In My Tummy!

This is possibly my favorite video ever, and definitely the theme song for Thanksgiving!

Yanyan photographs AM Sunday school

Today one of my morning kids offered to work as my photographer at Sunday school. Most of the pictures were blurry (a facet of cameraphone photography, alas), but a couple came out better than my own attempts!

Hello!
These are two of the few SS students whose fathers attend the church. The boy is Autistic, and the girl is (usually!) great at helping him fit into SS.

The Killing of a Conscience

Recently I came across a copy of the book Pinocchio, by Carlo Collodi. Having grown up with the silly, simple Disney version of the puppet boy, I was amazed to discover the intentional wickedness of Pinocchio in this book on which the film is based! The scene that shocked me most was his first encounter with the Talking Cricket.

Pinocchio, just born, has already kicked his father, made him cry, and gotten him arrested under false accusations of child abuse. He returns home, "happy at his escape," and soon hears a strange chirping in the rafters. This is the insect conscience anomaly that Disney will later dub Jiminy Cricket. In the cartoon, you may recall, this introductory scene stars a cute insect/puppet signalong about whistling when you want your conscience to appear. Their banter, however, doesn't quite play out that way in the book.

"Shall I tell you something?" asked Pinocchio, who was beginning to lose patience. "Of all the trades in the world, there is only one that really suits me."
"And what can that be?"
"That of eating, drinking, sleeping, playing, and wandering around from morning till night."
"Let me tell you, for your own good, Pinocchio," said the Talking Cricket in his calm voice, "that those who follow that trade always end up in the hospital or in prison."
"Careful, ugly Cricket! If you make me angry, you'll be sorry!"
"Poor Pinocchio, I am sorry for you."
"Why?"
"Because you are a Marionette and, what is much worse, you have a wooden head."
At these last words, Pinocchio jumped up in a fury, took a hammer from the bench, and threw it with all his strength at the Talking Cricket.
With a last weak "cri-cri-cri" the poor Cricket fell from the wall, dead!

I don't know about you, but I never saw that one coming.

Original Pinocchio murders his would-be conscience less than one page after meeting him. Just like that! Just for warning him about his behavior and telling him obvious truth about what he really is!

I was astounded and horrified when I read this. What kind of person - er, puppet - would fly off the handle like that and kill Jiminy Cricket?! Pinocchio has proven himself to be wicked already, but you really can't go lower than hurling a hammer at a tiny singing being, you know? And Pinocchio doesn't even feel bad: Collodi writes, "If the Cricket's death scared Pinocchio at all, it was only for a very few moments." Then the wooden boy is back to running around causing mischief and avoiding the one man who really loves him, his father and creator Geppetto.

...Wait, what was that?

This isn't the Disney movie we're used to, but it's definitely starting to sound familiar. A created being hand-crafted from nature in the image of his maker... A lesser form given life by a greater one, even adopted as a son... Sin that starts at conception, selfishness that destroys... A winding path of rebellion, and the relentless pursuit of a loving and long-suffering father...

So which story is this again? Because, honestly, it's beginning to sound a lot like mine. And yours. And mankind's.

If I must resemble a marionette, I like to think I'm closer to the cartoon character. I admit I stray easily, letting others pull my strings, but I'm not trying to cause trouble. Surely I'm not this original Pinocchio, who deliberately seeks his own way, even when he knows it's going to inflict hardship and pain on those who love him most. Right?

Unfortunately, all I have to do is re-read his first exchange with the Talking Cricket to know I have more in common with the naughty Pinocchio than I'd like to admit. The trade he spoke of may not be my official career, but it's how I prefer to spend my time. And when others confront me about it, or any pet selfishness, I get defensive like Pinocchio did. I evade, or escape, or counter-attack. Even if I go so far as to nod and agree outwardly, inwardly I've tuned out. And when my conscience follows up by chirping from its shadowy perch in the rafters, I admit I can be exactly as brutal as that puppet. I may not sling chisels, but I've found many ways to silence that still small voice inside of me, telling me the truth when I least want to hear it. I've ignored it. Laughed at it. Slammed the door in its face. I've turned up my music. I've starved it, or drowned it. And maybe, if I'm really honest, I'll confess that I've tried my best to kill it.

I haven't finished the book yet. There's a lot going on, and I'm having my doubts about whether it will ever reach that fairytale end Disney taught me to expect. I've peeked ahead, though, and it looks like there's hope: just like a real conscience, the Talking Cricket reappears, a ghost of his former self but still speaking the truth.

There on a beam sat the Talking Cricket.

"Oh, my dear Cricket," said Pinocchio, bowing politely.

"Oh, now you call me your dear Cricket, but do you remember when you threw your hammer at me to kill me?"

That brief interaction shows me the cricket's the same, but Pinocchio's quite different. And I guess if there's redemption for a wayward wooden boy who defies his earthly father, I have much more to hope from my heavenly One.

Barbie and Ken 101

I love this so, so, so much, but I have to issue a language warning before you watch it...

Halloween!

At 1pm, a bunch of us (The Ks, the Ws, Jimmy, Joy, Nick, Luke, Amy, Kevin, Cecilia, Connie, Sharon, and three women from Chinese Church) met at church to compile 300 bags of candy and tracts in Chinese, Spanish and English.
At exactly 4 o'clock, we moved the tables outside.
And by 4:05, all 300 bags were gone! We handed out hot dogs, and those, though less popular, were gone by 4:15. We passed out brownies after that, and by 4:30 we were all back inside, incredulous and catching our breaths after the whirlwind of our Halloween outreach.

Last year's event went quickly, but this has to be a new record! After cleaning up, we collapsed around a table at church, sipping tea and hot chocolate, completely blown away by how quickly our weeks of planning had passed into nothing. Hopefully, of course, the work of those bags has just begun, and tonight 300 kids around the neighborhood will flip through the tracts inside and see, some for the first time, how much Jesus loves them. Please pray that these papers would be viewed, understood and accepted rather than simply thrown away or forgotten.

Images of October

Beloved

My baby brother and new partner in ministry just finished his first Citi Serve support letter! I know it's long, but please give it a skim and see what you think. Personally, I love being reminded of the strategic way God has drawn me and my family to this ministry! Seeing His presence year after year reassures me that He's brought me to this point for a purpose, and there's so much work still to be done!

Dear friends and family,

I would like to share with you my current ministry in Brooklyn, New York.

But first, I will give you a quick overview of how exactly I got here.

September 11, 2001, changed the world forever. The events of that day took many lives, shattered many dreams, and spread panic and devastation across the country and beyond. It left people asking why this happened, which in turn opened many doors. People began to reflect on not only their physical safety, but their eternal safety as well.

FEFC of St Louis, Missouri, quickly dispensed mission teams to New York to aid in this time of turmoil. Among those sent were my mother, Paula, and sister, Rachel. The work of those teams sparked a five year partnership agreement between my home church and SEFC in Brooklyn, New York, along with the passion of my family. In the following years, my mother and Rachel participated in every one of the summer teams my home church sent, eventually encouraging my other sister, Sara, and my dad to join in the ministry as well. In June, 2008, Rachel was called to stay at Second Free, where she has since become an active member and the Sunday school superintendent.

I bet you’re wondering where I come into all of this. For eight years I watched my family grow through their involvement at Second Free. Every single member of my household had gone, yet I didn’t feel the calling.

That all changed this February 2009, when Sara and I spent a month visiting Rachel in Brooklyn. For four weeks I got to work at the church’s elementary after-school program, S.A.Y. Yes, and with the two Sunday schools - one for the English service and the other for the Chinese congregation. My time flew by, and as I returned to my regular schedule in St Louis, I realized I was no longer content with my life there. Ministry at Second Free had changed me, as it had my family members before me, and I felt an intense call to join in the fellowship there. After a lot of prayer, I decided to return in July to work at the church’s summer school, and see where the Lord might lead me.

Starting July 2009, I spent six weeks in Brooklyn teaching second grade from 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. During that time I continued to fall in love with the ministry at SEFC. I connected with the kids and the community, and more and more I knew this was where God wanted me to be. As I worked and prayed, the Lord opened numerous doors for me. I began to meet with the pastor of SEFC, and he asked me if I would consider partnering with Citi Serve as a missionary. Citi Serve (formerly U.T.O.P.I.A.) is a ministry of the Evangelical Free Church of America that assists young adults in serving urban churches across the United States. After meeting with the director of Citi Serve, I prayed about the opportunity and felt led to accept.

That brings us to now. I’m currently working as a teacher with the S.A.Y. Yes after-school program, Sunday school (which includes services for both our English and Chinese congregations), and various other ministries. I’ve made a minimum commitment of one year, and during that time I know I will need continuous support in my endeavors. First and foremost, I need constant prayer for my daily interactions. Please pray for spiritual strength and integrity, as well as good communication, since English is not the first language here.

Secondly, because my position is not compensated, I also need monthly financial support. If you would like to partner with me in the ministry here, then thanks be to the Lord for He has helped me in my time of need. With this letter I’ve included a form that tells how you can contribute.

I’m looking forward to growing in the forthcoming year, emotionally, physically and most of all spiritually. Though my time here may prove to be a challenge, I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for me.

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”

Revelation 22:1-5

May the Lord be with you in the coming months.

God bless,

Luke

P.S. Luke's started a blog! You can keep up with his side of the ministry at BelovedUntilSleep.blogspot.com

Pete's birthday!

My package arrived in St Louis safely! :) The full spread:

Totoro gift (flowers, engraved acorn in artificial leaf)
Black Black energy gum
Mini Pete & Rachels (Hasboro gummy bears)
Fruit Drops from Grave of the Fireflies
Japanese candy I can't name
Stamped tea card
Haw flakes
Hawthorne "memups" (or wine rollups, as Luke calls them)
Mr Poop, plus optional glasses.

Betsy-Tacy Day!

Today celebrates my favorite book series in the entire world!

The city of Mankato declared Betsy-Tacy Day on October 7, 1961

Meeting Baby W!

I met CGW! He looked like this:Sar and I happened to leave for school at the exact time the Ws were driving home from the hospital! The whole family seemed exhausted but very happy, and Sara was thrilled to get to meet their little guy before she leaves for CA tomorrow. Doesn't he look tiny and adorable??

Dubb(s)ed

Meet Dubbs.
For three years he's been Janet W's baby. Chris, on the other hand, is hardly a cat person, and so the couple agreed that they'd find Dubbs a new home once their human baby was born. Which, as you may recall, was yesterday. Three weeks early. Which is great for the Ws and not so much for their poor newly-bumped cat. My generous brother offered to foster Dubbs till a new home can be found. Nice, right? Um, sort of. I'm allergic. Emily had a cat when I moved in last year, and she ended up getting rid of him in part because of that fun little reality. But Luke's been pining for his own cats (Cloverfield, Monster, and multiplying offspring) since he left home last June, and he jumped at the chance to not only help a friend but a feline too. It's temporary, he keeps telling me. All right. We'll see how this goes.

We've nicknamed Dubbs "Muta," after the fat, cantankerous cat in Whisper of the Heart (one of my favorite movies!) / The Cat Returns. There's definitely a resemblance.

He was pretty hideous at first, attacking anybody who came near him. We had to wear pants and shoes in the living room, because otherwise he'd assault our legs! We were terrified of him! He's settled down a lot since Sunday, but we still keep him in the basement when the kids come over. I think he's scared, mostly, and hopefully he'll get used to us and our apartment. Um, and hopefully SOON he'll have a permanent home some nice place without small children or allergic asthmatics.

Baby W birth update!

Chris just came over! He seemed ready to pass out, and apparently Janet's worse. Poor things. But CGW is healthy and normal and already greatly beloved, so it's worth it. They're coming home tomorrow afternoon. Luke and I got to hear all sorts of birthing details: how Janet started having contractions around 2am Sunday, yet they didn't go to the hospital til around 4. By 5 Janet was in the room, and by 6 Charles was born. It was all super fast - Chris managed to call both of sets of parents before they were admitted, and he texted, "the baby's being born right now!" to their best friends one-handed while holding onto Janet during the birth, but that was it. The quick, painless birth we've all been praying for after a difficult pregnancy.

The whole exchange was incredibly endearing. Chris seemed exhausted but so excited, too! After the birthing story we joked about new babies and his responses were slow but genuine. Every time he laughed he sounded relieved somehow. As we said goodbye, Chris hesitated a little, glancing awkwardly at our arms and then his own; it seemed as if he kind of thought we were all going to hug or something. Um, cute? But, yeah, odd. I'm terrible with touch (as in, I'd rather not be), and it's infinitely weirder when it's someone you see every single day. I guess this would have been an event for it, though, huh?

Honestly, I'm SO excited these two incredible people finally have their baby. I keep thinking of the comment Chris left on his own facebook status: baby facts, then, "wow! my son!" Last night I honestly fell asleep with this HUGE, stupid smile, thinking of that. "My son!" Oh man. It makes me feel overwhelmed in the best possible way. Like this is right and it's finally happening for them! Because it is! It feels like an end to all this waiting and anxiety - the months of bedrest and midnight rushes to the ER. Even before that, the years they spent hoping to start a family. It goes so far back, way farther than that! I love that it's all been orchastrated to bring them to this point, this little baby Charlie. Isn't that incredible? I'm rambling, but it is. It really, really is.

Some of the things I see on my street every day

All photo credit to Sara

AGH! AGH! AGH!

Chris and I are in the midst of planning our annual Halloween outreach. In past years, the church has thrown elaborate Fall Festivals with games, food, prizes, etc. Unfortunately, we don't have the money or volunteer base to pull off another of those this year, especially since Chris could be a dad any day. We've decided to go for the route we went last year: passing out homemade brownies and hot chocolate in the late afternoon. We had a stack of tracks on the table in front of church, and tried to pass them out with the brownies. Unfortunately, we saw a lot of those in the streets later, or tossed in the garbage with the napkin the brownie was served in. This year we'd like to at least get the tracts into the homes of those we serve, and maybe Bibles as well. We also plan to focus more on the Spanish-speakers who are moving closer to our avenue every year. Please pray for us as we try to find a simple yet effective way to reach the many in our neighborhood who have no idea who Christ is or what our church is trying to do. Pray that our memories will be discerning as we recall what worked (and didn't) last year, as well as other years.

IFC, I love you!

"Office star and director John Krasinski will appear in person Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 at the 6:25, 8:20, and 10:15pm shows of his new film, the David Foster Wallace adaptation Brief Interview With Hideous Men."

EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS WAS MADE FOR ME

On our way to Redeemer

Student Spotlight: Silverio

Kind of a weird picture, but this is the only portrait I have of this quick little boy.
Silverio is in the same 1st grade class as two of our other students, and he's fit right in at afterschool. He's very intelligent and energetic. He loves all things action, but particularly superheroes, Nintendo characters, Bionicles and Bakugan. He also tends to think that he's right about EVERYTHING, and loves to push limits, whether that be by climbing on top of the piano or counters, or lecturing other kids until fights break out. Please pray that he would use his exploration to discover what he needs to know, but not simply to be disrespectful or inconsiderate of others.

Pierced!

So in Philly last week, Sara and I randomly decided to get our ears pierced. No big deal, right? Except I've never, ever done it. Well - I have one cartilage piercing, which I got when I was 15. But after 23 years, my earlobes remain intact. I like that. The problem is that it's the main reason I've abstained all this time. I tend to define myself not by what I do, but by what I don't do, or haven't done, and when it comes to something as harmless as this, that's kind of dumb. I like earrings! I've toyed with the idea of piercing my ears for more than a decade, and there's no reason to be stubborn about this issue. I particularly wanted to get them done with Sara, who's leaving soon. In the past we've swapped friendship bracelets or clothing before separating; this time, it's ear gear. So when we passed a Claire's on our recent trip to Philly, we agreed to do it together. That's right, we did it 12-year-old girl style: a handheld gun in a mall kiosk. See, we're already making up for lost time.

A little nervous...
Sara's Ready-or-Not face(s).

I'm so punk.

Please parden my pity party, but it's that time of year.

Lately I've been feeling empty without really knowing why, and I guess I've been distracting myself by thinking If I only had this, I'd feel better... I'm fairly anti-consumerist, but fall is always the worst and I find myself longing for seasonal clothes, food, film, travel. Isn't that silly, when I have a closet full of clothes and I live in this exciting city where God wants me? I shouldn't be materialistic, I know, especially when I have no means...but I wish I had something that I felt represented me! I have no favorite outfit, no fallback when I want to feel good. It's quite sad. My dearest green jacket died last spring, too, so that front is bleaker than ever. And I'd like to paint, sew, all that, but it takes money too. I ought to draw more. I settle myself with what I have: the library, wonderful library that I love so much! And fanciful food is an entire other longing, second to fashion but similar in style: simple, elegant. I want tea, tea, fresh fruits and pretty vegetable medleys. Hearty soups and homemade breads. Instead I've got...umm, mac and cheese, if I'm lucky. I shouldn't complain, never never never. And WANTing defeats so much in all the themes I care to claim! Oh well, oh well.

I slept thru staff meeting this morning, but Chris called Luke, who woke me up, and I rubbed on concealer and ran over, half an hour late. Now I feel better, though. The teaching was on encouragement, and everybody kept nodding and sighing and saying how HARD the Christian life always is, how DIScouraging, especially for those of us in leadership and "on the front lines." I've heard it all before, but it DID encourage me - the bad or nothing I feel is spiritual, and it will pass. Like Rilke said to Mr Kappus, right? So do not be afraid, dear....

Suppertime

This is what downtime in a missional community looks like for me right now:


Behind the scenes, it's my siblings and I sharing life in a single room. Eating whatever we can find in the back of the cupboards, everything cooked in that same bent pot. Sitting on the messy floor, waiting for the community vacuum to circulate back to us. Using chopsticks because someone legitimately stole our silverware last time youth group came over. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on VHS and SNES. Chinese candy wrappers all around from an outreach we held here last night. Crushed red pepper flavoring every food. SAY Yes backpacks sorting our belongings and those of our absconded roommate(s). My sister in my clothes because she didn't bring her own. The three of us in this apartment for what feels like forever, no end date in sight or desired at all.

I think I'm okay with all that.

Makkuro Kurosuke

Gotta chase away these types!

Last night we watched Spirited Away and made absurd amounts of pancakes. Perfect! And Chris came over while I was in the kitchen and we discussed business while I baked amid stacks of breakfast foods and dirty dishes, ahh.

I'm in love with fall food. It's the one thing I can focus on and really love about this coming cold, since new scarves, boots, tights and jackets elude my spartan budget. But for $5.69 at market, I got five lbs of potatoes, three big apples, four lumpy pears, two gigantic green bellpeppers, a carton of baby spinach, and four large kiwis! I want to learn a delicious squash recipe, since those are so cheap, and also take advantage of inseason sweet potatoes, corn, cranberries...Oh man! Fall and winter produce! A season of abundant Thanksgiving! Thank You!

Yesterday I deposited my summer bonus check at the bank (yayyyy) and ran to the library to swap out (mostly) DVDs. I now have four old favorites: Laura (a film noir that influenced Twin Peaks), Sullivan's Travels, My Neighbor Totoro, and Whisper of the Heart. Yippee! Autumn is looking all right with these kind of provisions.

Philadephia!

Basically, we
lost our cellphones
met Shane Claiborne
and got our ears pierced.

Further explanation and more photos coming soon!

Consuming Kids

Pete's new apartment has a sturdy porch roof that he regularly paces when we talk on the phone. I'm jealous.

Bubble Gumpas

Six of my first graders blowing bubbles at the park today.
Music: Goon Gumpas, by Aphex Twin.

One step beyond!

My class gets a chance to limbo in the backyard!
Music: One Step Beyond, by Madness

Saw this trailer before Ponyo, and I totally want to see it when it comes out!

Finally saw this cuteness! The ending was silly, but the rest was predictably darling. We all know I'm in love with Zooey (all because of this, actually), but the flame for Joseph Gordon-Levitt, first kindled in Angels in the Outfield (a sigh from my eight-year-old self) is stronger than ever!

Then Sara and I sneaked into The Time Traveler's Wife, which was horrible and full of middle-aged women who hissed at us whenever we giggled.

Ninja!

Since the LA team taught us this simple multiplayer stealth game, our whole summer school - staff and students - have become obsessed. The object of the game is to avoid getting your hand slapped in one move or less. We've found the funnest way to play is in a big group on a moving subway! Here are Luke and James having a showdown in our apartment.



Try it at home! To start, everyone stands in a circle, facing inward, and bows as the chosen leader says, "Ninja." Immediately everyone springs into a ninja pose of their choosing. The player to the left of the leader begins the game by making one offensive move, trying to hit the hand of the player on either side of him. Whoever he attempts to hit must avoid the attack, only using one move. The remaining players must stay frozen until it's their turn or someone else tries to hit them. You're out if your hand is hit, you move more than once, or you move when it's not your turn (and you're not being attacked).

Lately I've been having all kinds of adventures. I spend most of my days outside, tilling, planting, harvesting...tending trees and animals alike. I visit my neighbors regularly, helping out however I can. Sometimes I find myself in a strange alternate world where I'm a pale, eerie monk, openly delighted in the face of death. But normally I'm my cute pixelated self, always taking the time to smell the blooming flowers bell peppers.

Just spent 4+ hours on the phone with mi madre maravillosa. Sooo nice! I love her como loco. Aaand I'm working on my Spanish. Obvi.

Friends of Mine

Sorry about the brightness/blurriness! This is me with a beloved 2009 family. They're moving at the end of the summer, so I may not get a chance to see them again. Please pray for their transition and that they would remember everything they've learned at church and SAY Yes the past year. I'm really going to miss them!

Squalor

This is not my closet.

It's actually cleaner than my closet.

And these are not my sister's feet.

But her's are approximately as dirty.


PS Photos are from here & here.

Leah's Last Day

Final Fieldtrip Part 2

After eating lunch on Central Park's gigantic rocks, the second group headed to Mobia while mine migrated to a nearby playground. Most of the staff congregated near the playground's center, keeping an eye on the kids from a distance and feeling leisurely.

Ashley writing a letter to her future husband (This was definitely a conversation starter!)

Chris had to interview two coworkers - me and Nicholas - for his homework this week.

Sara and R.Playing "Ninja" on the rocks.

Rounding up the kids at the end of the afternoon.

Final Fieldtrip!

Today we took our last field trip! It was another repeat from last year, and definitely a favorite. Half the kids played at Central Park while the other attended a workshop at the Museum of Biblical Art. We rejoined at lunch and switched activities in the afternoon.

My group went to the Museum first. There, they got to observe and discuss simple photography before each receiving their own digital camera. Then they were able to tour the busy neighborhood, snapping fifteen photographs of their choosing. After that, we returned to the museum, where they were able to meet individually with photographers to discuss their photos and choose the best to print off and take home.

This is another trip repeated from last summer. It's one of the more challenging - we have to get there early and stay under very specific size limits. Mostly, it's hard to get the kids, many of whom are still struggling with English, to understand the presentation portion. The kids are so thrilled to get the cameras, though, and it's always fun to see them grappling with them for the first time. Some kids show impressive talent we wouldn't otherwise see, and all of them enjoy the chance to make art of their choosing!

Youtube, chicken soup

I don't usually watch TV (ours doesn't even get channels), but Luke dug up this box of '90s cartoons on VHS and they've been perfect for these consecutive sick days. Sonic, Arthur, Pokemon (original series), VeggieTales, Disney singalongs.... When I ran out of Arthur tapes, I started watching episodes on youtube. That's how I found this crazy guy:



As for movies, I’ve been rewatching a lot of classics (Roman Holiday, Double Indemnity). I watched a documentary on Danielson, his family, and Sufjan Stevens, which was pretty good I guess. Daniel Smith is sort of a genius and sort of a terrifying fanatic…which I guess we should all be, so, eh, I don’t know. I mean, he’s really cool but also really intense. Then…yeah, the only other thing I’ve watched is the E! True Hollywood Story of the Brady Bunch. Super boring. I’ve kind of exhausted the decent youtube movie options, though. ...And kids shows, and music videos, and TV classics, and K-dramas....

God's Promises Are True!

"Rainbow" is one of the kids favorite songs, and the lyrics are great: they're all about the way God kept His promise to Noah and keeps His promises to us!

More from Billy

Woke up to a lovely good-morning gift from my roommate: a severed chicken head rolled up in a napkin. Surprise!

C

I had so many random funny videos from this little girl that I decided to make a short tribute.

It Begins!

Walked into work this morning and was immediately greeted by a friendly LA guy I kind of recognized from last year: "Hi Sara!"

Sigh.

Indian Movie Marathon

A typical Saturday around our apartment.
Music: Let Me Tell You About My Boat, by Mark Mothersbaugh

Tracy

Poverty Day

Emily giving briefing this week's BUMP team on Poverty Day protocol.

Staff Shots

Courtesy Billy Z