Ohhh, the job hunt...

Landing a job like getting into Harvard

So it turns out that Stephen's not the only one underemployed.  The update is that a GREAT shipyard company in downtown SEATTLE wants to interview Stephen...and he didn't even apply for the job, they just found his resume on an employment website.  Ironic, we know.

We could use all the prayer and connections you've got!

"The Nobodies"

A poem shared in my Poverty & Development class this week, written by an individual reflecting on how he feels he and his people are perceived in the world.  It also reveals perceptions of the non-poor.  

"The Nobodies"

Who are not, but could be.
Who don’t speak languages, but dialects.
Who don’t have religions, but superstitions.
Who don’t create art, but handicrafts.
Who don’t have culture, but folklore.
Who are not human beings, but human resources.
Who don’t have faces, but arms.
Who do not have names, but numbers.
Who do not appear in the history of the world, but in the police blotter of the local paper.
The nobodies, that are not worth the bullet that kills them.

Eduardo Galeanao
The Book of Embraces
W. W. Norton, 1991

World Relief Seattle Celebrating 30 Years!

Hey friends- 

The letter below is from Cal Uomoto, director of World Relief Seattle.  I got this in an email this week and just wanted to share, since WR is close to my heart.  World Relief is an international organization, and may have offices in your area if you are interested in getting connected. 

*****

Dear Friends,

World Relief is excited to celebrate our 30th year of impacting lives here in Seattle. And we could not have done it without you!

In 1979 World Relief began as an answer to the growing needs of refugees fleeing the war in Southeast Asia. Our services soon expanded to the resettlement of persecuted refugees from over 25 countries as diverse as Burma, Bosnia, Iraq and Sudan.

We are thankful for you – our partner churches, community members and volunteers. It is encouraging to see that our work is having an impact. People are thriving! I’d like to invite you to join us in reflecting upon a few of the inspiring people we’ve met…

Rosa fled the war in Sudan after losing two of her four children. She arrived in 2001 and, with help from the Seattle community, found employment and a home. Because she knew how much a home meant after being uprooted, she wanted to give back to others.  Rosa is now a licensed foster mother and her home is a safe place for orphaned refugee children.

Sergei and Alla fled the former USSR after Sergei was imprisoned for his Christian faith. Once settled, they founded the Slavic Gospel Church in Federal Way. The church has grown to 1,200 members and has sent teams to help rebuild communities in Ukraine, Russia, India, Mexico, and Argentina.

Eric was a teenager when bombs exploded around his home in Freetown, Liberia. He grabbed his 6 year-old brother and fled, not knowing if other family members survived. They lived alone on the Ivory Coast for six years until joyfully discovering their mother was alive. As a family, they were resettled in Seattle, and Eric is now the proud owner of his own fleet of rental cars.  

 

These stories are a celebration! When we – as a community – give to strengthen refugees, refugees are successful at strengthening others and giving back.

As we look ahead to the next 30 years we are keenly aware of the vital role that our partners play. Please consider giving to directly meet the needs of refugees and further our work. We thank you for joining us in impacting lives!

U2 + grilled corn

Short story: we have an incredibly generous Swiss friend named Levin.  He called us an hour before the U2 concert started at the Rose Bowl and told us to be ready to go in 20 minutes.  ...he bought us tickets!  The show was amazing and it was really fun to go to such a huge event only five minutes from our place, not to mention for free. :)

 

Giant expanding screen that Stephen says is very detailed, in terms of engineering. ;)

 

 

We also helped grill corn for Allelous at Fuller's annual Harvest Party- we were the Asia Crew.  Brianna (my exercise buddy!) grew up in Papua New Guinea and Arthur is 1/2 Japanese and just got back from living in Tokyo for five years. 

 

The boys made a big fire...not so good when lots of little kids are around...:)