Month: November 2008

ruined

Here I am, feeling a mix of Walden Pond, hippie, gypsy, dusty road, crisp lempira bills, the tantalizing smell of fresh bread baking, disgust with things material, these keys under my fingers, the sunset view from this thatched-covered rooftop.

It’s not supposed to make sense.

Have you ever felt inextricably bound? Have you ever felt you simply couldn’t do without ______ (you fill in the blank) in your life? After a couple days in Copan Ruinas, home of the ancient Mayan civilization, my sleeping philosophy is quite alive. So, here I am on this thatched-covered rooftop, typing away my thoughts on life while the little town buzzes many, each with their own story.

Right now, I’m reading two more Elisabeth Elliot books. The first, “Slow and Certain Light” has been both challenging and punctual. It seems to leaves question marks in my life where I was satisfied with periods. The second, “The Shadow of the Almighty” has left me feeling a bit depressed about the progress of my pilgrim journey. The things Jim Elliot thought about and wrote about make my faith seem very small.

But, the sun is setting now on this little town of Copan and tomorrow I’m going to leave my ‘ruins’ here (get it – Mayan Ruins) and start new.

Posted on by Caroline 0

Secret Life of Bees

Last week, amidst almost constant power outages, I was searching for a good novel to drink in with my endless cups of tea and decaf coffee. My roommate lent me, “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd and within pages I was hooked.

I fell abruptly into the room of an awkward adolescent who was dealing with trauma too great for her tender spirit and just kept turning pages. I met the brokenness with a dull ache for all things wrong in the world. The loud, bold anthem of “justice rolls down like a mighty water” fought against the things little Lily faced in her family, culture, and within herself.

But, as much as I resonated with the brokenness seeping off the pages, I couldn’t help but hurt most for the proposed solution, a confused picture of religion.

Now, I finished the book in three short electricity-absent days, so you must understand that I do appreciate the cleverness with which it was written. Every time I turned the page, I seemed to rub shoulders with one of the characters and resonate with their search for meaning and most importantly, hope.

Lily, the main character, is forced to look beyond her circumstances, prejudice, tradition, and her own fears to find something that’s worth living for. She ends up in a delightful, loving, bright pink home outside small-town Tiburon, South Carolina. From the remnants of her little, broken life, we see a splendid new girl emerge.

I struggle, though, because in the end I see Lily just as lost as in the beginning. She has found a place where she feels loved, wanted, and treasured. But, I can’t say that she has truly found hope… a hope that does not disappoint. She ends up putting her trust and faith in this idea of virgin Mary – seeing her in everything and believing she protects and guides. But, I know that no one – not one person – is found to be without sin, even Mary. And to put our hope in a human will certainly lead to disappointment.

This post is shorter than my true thoughts on the subject, but I have a funny feeling that the more I write the less sense I will make. So, I invite your thoughts – for those who have/have not read this book. What do you think of the message woven throughout the pages?

Posted on by Caroline 1

A New Kind of Thanks

I so cherish the thanksgiving traditions of my growing up years… family gathered together from all across the countryside to celebrate the many blessings. Even if I tried to hide it in my adolescence, I loved the closeness created in the crowded room, stomachs full with Aunt Jill’s infamous mashed potatoes, Aunt Shirley’s stuffing, and hearts glad with conversation.

Well, this year I am enjoying a new tradition. We met last night with the staff to give thanks for the blessings of the past year. I’m still learning, but sitting down with Hondurans and listening to visions of justice and change made me think about the clash of cultures at the first “thanksgiving.”

I know it’s completely cliche, but I resonated a bit last night as I listened very closely to the inflections of my Honduran brothers and sisters. I continue to pray God will prepare the way for greater understanding in the language as well as the culture. Because He is moving here, where his creation is crying out for redemption.

I am so very thankful for who God is, and the more I see of His creation, the more my heart is to bring Him praise!

What are YOU thankful for today?

Posted on by Caroline 0

Apartment C-3 Makeover

Almost.

I would be lying if I said we were completely done with our little home makeover, but let’s just say we went from zero to 60 this weekend. Tonight at 10 pm I cleared as much as I could to take the final photos. I still have some creative touches to add, but here are some pictures of the past few days and the “final.”

This is the closest to “rust” we could find. Before we were finished, I’m pretty sure some of my joints actually rusted from overuse… is that possible?
My favorite Heather phrase from the past couple weeks, “I’m easy.” Now, don’t get the wrong idea… by “easy” she means that she could go along with anything. Like painting… she would walk in the room and say, “Put me in coach.” Umm… pretty awesome!

I’m not sure if this was Friday or Saturday night, but either way it was the last few strokes before we cleaned and crashed… as you can see from the excitement on my tired, painted, dirty face!


You might wonder if we got ANY paint on the walls.
We did, slowly but surely.
And then, we started looking around to see what else we could paint. These cabinets, which were so delightfully colored purple and blue, were a strange sight to greet a morning wanderer in search of breakfast in the morning… which is why we decided to mix a few colors to find chocolate brown. Who doesn’t like something chocolate?
We couldn’t leave the project without making our mark. So – here are the initials of the 2008 girls of apartment C-3.

So, remember on Saturday we were having a hard time locating a ladder? Well, I tracked one down. The only problem emerged when the ceiling was about another ladder’s worth high. Did that stop us? No. Neither did this cautionary sign on the top of the ladder. I think it’s more of a suggestion than anything.

This is the inspiration for our entire common space. I picked up this piece of fabric a LONG time ago in a scrap pile at the fabric store (which, as it turns out, is not any cheaper than the normal piles!) and they are now our kitchen curtains!

Here’s the piece where my creativity got a chance to run free. Since my roommates didn’t care, I let loose! I drew a tree on an overhead projector and then painted it right into our kitchen. I’ll add leaves eventually, but for now this is it.


I wish you could see the sweat on these walls! But, you CAN see the amazing, fabulous “wall words” now stuck to our living area wall. There really couldn’t be a more fitting verse for us to see every time we enter our apartment. Thanks, Shelli, for sending this great addition!

Well, there you have it. We’re almost done. A few touches… like a subtle hint that we’d like our furniture re-upholstered (or get slipcovers), curtains for the living and dining areas, and something to make those metal doors a little less… well, metal.

C-3 Makeover 2008
We spent way too much money on paint, laughed way too hard at very lame jokes, danced to Mariah Carey, Hanson, Switchfoot, Frank Sinatra, and the WICKED soundtrack, went crazy several times from the fumes, giggled without reason, and FINISHED a very big job, despite minor and major setbacks!

If YOU have a crazy remodel story – share it with us!

Posted on by Caroline 0

Weekly Lineup

Last week, we tried something a little different. We asked YOU to submit a blog to post. Of the generous outpouring of clever submissions, we found a gem (which we quickly published). If you didn’t get the chance to write something… please do! We’re not like those crazy people who don’t have enough time to read what you’re writing. We will read it and love it!

So, this week here’s what you can probably, most likely, maybe see up here on musings.
Apartment C-3 Makeover
Read about the finishing touches on our apartment remodel. It was a combined 4 days work, 3 girls, 7 gallons and two pints of paint, 8 walls, 6 furniture pieces, several chocolate and tea breaks, and a LOT accomplished. Look for pictures!

Secret Life of Bees
Many of you have probably read this. Some of you are maybe curious. Well, I was looking for some good fiction to read by flashlight last week during power outages and borrowed this from a friend. Read my thoughts on this interesting novel.

Thanksgiving
When I was younger, we would go around the table and list the things for which we were thankful. I know we kind of bemoaned the practice as kids, but I secretly loved it (maybe not so secret… I bet if you asked my siblings they would say I was as cheesy as Mom when it really came down to it). So, what new Thanksgiving traditions do you make on your own?

Watching God Work
I’ve given up. Of course, I’ve given up before, but I’m hoping this sticks. I hope that this time, when I give up control it will be lost somewhere deep under the mudslides of this mountain with no hope of retrieval. God is sometimes curious in His might… but the more I behold, the more I desire to “treasure these things” as Mary did and trust God for Who He is.

There may be more, may be less. Feel free to chime in though, at any time!!

Love from C.A.

Posted on by Caroline 0

weekend inspiration

So, my roommates and I have long lamented our strange, bare, cement walls and dreamed of a paint makeover. All sorts of obstacles loomed in our way: getting the paint from the hardware store to the mountain without a car, explaining a vision for the color rust, recruiting everyone to see the same vision, finding the perfect color from 16 cheap choices to somehow fit the vision, carving out time to tear up our common space, being crazy enough to just do it.

Well, as you can see from these pictures, we somehow overcame every obstacle and right now are in the middle of the transformation.

If you are wondering why we are painting only to about 8 feet, it’s because we have not yet located a ladder and we thought a straight line would be nice until we can find one to finish.

The obstacle of being “crazy enough” … well, let’s just say that as the night progressed our craziness only increased, to the sounds of Relient K, Def Leppard, the Now and Then soundtrack, and Coldplay.

Halfway through our fume-filled evening, I noticed our countertop had accumulated a curious mixture: paint cans, spinach, grapes, 70% cocoa chocolate, half-drunk mug of tea, placemats, potholders, camera case. Also – what you don’t see – fresh pumpkin bread, and several multi-purpose tools.

Color two went on pretty well, until we realized we were painting with two different colors. Yes, that’s right. Apparently, in Honduras, you should never assume that two paint cans of the same label are actually the same paint. Things are just a bit different here.

But, we made do.

And, if you remember, way, way back when I wrote about buying fabric and being inspired…. well, it’s finally going to have an outlet! After we finish the coats of paint in the kitchen and living area, I’m going to do a little experiment inspired by Christina’s posts awhile back.

I’ll post the finish product for you to see!

Posted on by Caroline 2

crazy routine – delightful and unexpected (guest writer!)

So, our mom took the bait and has shared this little gem. Hop on over to her blog to read more about her crazy, routine adventures!

Crazy routine – delightful and unexpected


Two phrases stuck out to me when reading this blog last night:
“….routine…….crazy”

“..delightful, unexpected, life things…”

So, because she was asking for guest writers for this week (and it’s already Thursday), and because I am enjoying a wonderfully relaxing day while my students are at an honor choir, I am sharing this tiny space of …space… with her.

At some point in everyone’s life, if they are productive and passionate and purposeful, (please note alliteration- I worked very hard at that), they find out that, oddly enough, routine and crazy actually work out very well together. The key is realizing that each have their time and place, and knowing when to roll with routine and rock with crazy. Flexibility! Those of us who are control freaks have a hard time with this, but believe me it’s one of the most valuable lessons to learn in life. Side benefit: aids in learning to trust our Heavenly Father!

Which leads to the second phrase rolling around in my head. If we are flexing, trusting, rocking, and rolling, we will discover “delightful, unexpected, life things!” Those serendipitous moments that push us out of our routine and into crazy. Those “out of control” things that happen when we least expect it, but we learn to cherish because of their infrequency. Things like unexpected compliments, deep conversations, touching compassion, random acts of kindness, surprise encounters.
Enjoy your crazy routine, my daughters. In it you will find the delightful and the unexpected.

Posted on by Caroline 0

sunshine

The mountain finally has power! After three days, my mountain has electricity. I heard a transformer blew, but I’m wondering if it might be because of a little confusion in the wiring.

I don’t know, I’m just saying.

So, the past three days have been a mix of chilling rain and murky clouds on the mountain and blue, bold skies in the city. I thought I would share a few pictures of other things that make me think of sunshine:

Pictures of Myla Paige French

The thought of my family gathering around to sing, “Count Your Many Blessings,” next week in Iowa.

The half painted walls in our apartment … which means it’s becoming our home!

These are just a few things – what makes your day sunshine?

Posted on by Caroline 0

line-up, change-up

Well, this week is out of the ordinary… and late, of course.

Why? You might ask. Well, for starters, for two straight days my mountaintop has been without power. The winds rattle the walls and windows all night and darkness greets our mornings.

Needless to say, my routine has been a bit crazy.

Several thousand miles away, I haven’t talked to the other (more creative genius) half of this blog in awhile and I don’t want our next conversation to be about this blog.

So….

Because of these delightful, unexpected, life things, I was wondering something…

I was wondering if YOU could be our lineup this week. Respond to this post with suggestions for future blogging, things you are thinking, questions you are pondering, blessings you are thankful for… pretty much anything goes (that you think my mom would also approve and enjoy :).

So – let’s see what you got, my lovely readers. But, you’ve got to write it down!

Posted on by Caroline 3

nobody wants to be lonely

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what it means to be included. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m immersed in junior high drama, counseling around the ins and outs of friendship circles, or if it’s because I’m still getting used to the idea of being a resident and not a foreigner in this land.

Either way, today I’m reminded of the song, “Nobody Wants to Be Lonely” that was popular when I was in junior high/high school, sung by Ricky Martin and Christina Aguilera. (Come on – I can’t help the ridiculous songs that get stuck in my head!)The song is thick with illustrations of exclusion, interwoven, of course, among heartsick expressions of “love and longing.”

I’m trying to find a way to fit all these things together… to make some sense of my thoughts on the stronghold of self-pity in relation to my experiences of the necessity of human interaction.

And what I’ve come up with is this: the world likes it when we feel lonely, excluded, outcast, disregarded, cut down, ashamed, and worthless. I say the world, but what I really mean is the king of this world, our enemy satan. The tricky thing is the world is both the source of all these feelings and the seeming solution. Somehow, satan positions himself in a way that, though he deceives us first into feeling this way, he also manages to deceives us into thinking only he can get us out.

Am I making sense?

It’s kind of like that old, old story of the two people who were deceived into thinking they could become like God. Nothing good came of their being deceived, but their first line of defense was to cover up with some flimsy leaves, thinking they could hide the feelings of shame.

It’s frustrating. The world promises all sorts of things, like: thinness, self-confidence, wealth, fame, friendship, love, and satisfaction, but when it (inevitably) fails to deliver, there are endless worldly antidotes, like: therapy, diet pills, luxury vacations, divorce lawyers, ice cream, and get-rich-quick schemes.

Frustrating.

I suppose I’m no closer to understanding junior high drama, nor have I captured completely my transition. But, I do know that the schemes of our enemy satan constantly seek to frustrate my Creator’s plans of redemption.

I can be frustrated – the righteous indignation kind – but I must know and believe that, though the world will fail us, God will not. And His plans will not be thwarted.

Posted on by Caroline 0