Yorkspace

Project2010

2010-02-22T11:53:00.000-08:00

VLog

2010-02-04T20:19:00.000-08:00

2009 State of the University Address

2009-09-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Yeah I work at a pretty cool place!

I Hope We Fail

2009-08-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

I recently came upon a small essay written by Jon Carroll, who is a columnist at the San Francisco Chronicle. It strongly reminded me of a conversation I had with a longtime hero of mine, Steve Garber. Dr. Garber once spoke to me about the "pedagogy of pain". This conversation took place during the end of my first year in my masters program, and to be honest after the conversation I had to run home and look up the word "pedagogy".

I will admit that I think I barely, scarcely, timidly understood the conversation at all. Dr. Garber told the store of a rabbi who in putting this pedagogy to practice choose not to speak to his first born son until the young man turned 13... In this the father explained that he had nightly prayed that the child would be heart broken, torn down, and met with severe failure- but only to the point that the child would come to know and rely upon God. I'll admit first hearing this story I was confused, appalled, and -I now realize- blind to its point. I do, however, think that this is one of those situation where time has departed some wisdom to me. After reading Jon Carroll's article I have a deeper appreciation of failure and of its value in our lives. I have copied the article below, and embedded the reading of it by Jon Carroll for those of you'd like to listen.

Failure is a Good Thing

Jon Carroll October 9, 2006

Last week, my granddaughter started kindergarten, and, as is conventional, I wished her success. I was lying. What I actually wish for her is failure. I believe in the power of failure.

Success is boring. Success is proving that you can do something that you already know you can do, or doing something correctly the first time, which can often be a problematical victory. First-time success is usually a fluke. First-time failure, by contrast, is expected; it is the natural order of things.

Failure is how we learn. I have been told of an African phrase describing a good cook as "she who has broken many pots." If you've spent enough time in the kitchen to have broken a lot of pots, probably you know a fair amount about cooking. I once had a late dinner with a group of chefs, and they spent time comparing knife wounds and burn scars. They knew how much credibility their failures gave them.

I earn my living by writing a daily newspaper column. Each week I am aware that one column is going to be the worst column of the week. I don't set out to write it; I try my best every day. Still, every week, one column is inferior to the others, sometimes spectacularly so.

I have learned to cherish that column. A successful column usually means that I am treading on familiar ground, going with the tricks that work, preaching to the choir or dressing up popular sentiments in fancy words. Often in my inferior columns, I am trying to pull off something I've never done before, something I'm not even sure can be done.

My younger daughter is a trapeze artist. She spent three years putting together an act. She did it successfully for years with the Cirque du Soleil. There was no reason for her to change the act -- but she did anyway. She said she was no longer learning anything new and she was bored; and if she was bored, there was no point in subjecting her body to all that stress. So she changed the act. She risked failure and profound public embarrassment in order to feed her soul. And if she can do that 15 feet in the air, we all should be able to do it.

My granddaughter is a perfectionist, probably too much of one. She will feel her failures, and I will want to comfort her. But I will also, I hope, remind her of what she learned, and how she can do whatever it is better next time. I probably won't tell her that failure is a good thing, because that's not a lesson you can learn when you're five. I hope I can tell her, though, that it's not the end of the world. Indeed, with luck, it is the beginning.

I realize that this revelation to me, is probably not so remarkable to those of my readers who are older than me; however, I think often the most profound things in life we simply need to remind each other of from time to time. I am sure that I will need to be reminded of the value of failure the very next time I fail. I am comforted to know that even in my greatest weaknesses there rests the ability to grow my strongest. It is in the redemptive paradox of reality that I see and thank God for his perfect Grace. And for a achievement oriented, control freak... I am joyful to have a different perspective to view my failures.

Shows Galore

2009-07-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Hey friends so my building's internet has been having huge issues this past week. Between the network going down completely and sporadically kicking people off every 30 seconds, it has been hard to have the patients to work out a post. Supposedly its fixed, but it's not... but I've decided I owe to my loyal readers to work through this challenge! Today's post is to share a little about some incredible broadway shows that I've had the privilege of seeing the past two weeks. Most of them have been work related, but I also have been getting lucky at some student rush and lottery rushes which have enabled me to get some incredible seats at super cheap prices! In particular I want to share about two shows that are distinctly different yet both breathtakingly amazing.

Let me start with In The Heights a new musical that has received endless praise and a tony for best new musical. This high energy show tells the true story of a young latina woman, Nina Rosario, and her family's struggle to pay for her education. The show is packed with great actors, incredible hip hop and latin dancing, and the passionate yet honest music of today's realities. To top it off this incredible cast has taken their success to a new high by using it to create a scholarship for deserving students to help them reach their dreams of higher education. To help fund the scholarship the cast is auctioning off amazing prizes (even a walk on roll in the show, and dance lessons with the show's choreographer!). Bid, apply, or find out more at www.GradutateToNewHeights.com.

Wicked... I mean I probably don't need to say much more, right?! People from all walks have been shouting the praises of this show for years, but I proudly stand along side them today as I tell you this is a must see. The story, the set and costumes, and the most incredible music that has graced the great stages of New York! And if you haven't seen it, I encourage you to do like myself... resist the urge to you tube the best-of's, or to ask you one friend who's undoubtable seen the show 5 times already... in fact, try not to find out anything about the show. Let this cast take you on the adventure of your life as you are taken behind the scenes of the beloved Wizard of Oz, to find out the true story of the Witches of Oz. I guarantee you'll not only love the show, but its end you'll have found yourself awe struck, singing along, and more than anything wanting it to begin again! This was the show that all of my students repeatedly said, "This is the best show I've ever seen!" and trust me they've seen a lot!
These are must sees for any of you the next time you get to the Big Apple! And don't forget to plan your trip a little ahead of time. While ticket prices can be expensive, paying full price should always be your last option. Rush, Lottery, and even going TKTS in time square are all ways that the savvy show goer can see the best of what New York has to offer without breaking the bank. Playbill.com is a great resource to find out information cheap ways to get tickets. Oh and always invite your friends, cause that makes everything more fun!

Billy Elliot the Musical

2009-07-01T13:59:00.001-07:00

Even though we were held up by traffic and a bus driver who wasn't too sure exactly where we were going, we were able to get into our seats right as the lights began to dim. Within seconds of the first note being played the crowd was completely silent. Looking across the aisle all I saw were my students on the edge of their seats and eyes completely captured by the show unfolding before us.

Set in Durham, England, the set was strikingly familiar to me from my time spent living in Sheffield. The hard edged cast with their northern english accents and coal smudged faces, snag your attention with an intensity that is literally palpable as they include you in the struggles they face as coal workers on strike desperately fighting for livable wages. Adding to this conflict the show centers upon a family of four. An aged grandmother who is loosing her memory, a older brother wanting to find justice while learning its true costs, a father working desperately to take care of his family alone, and then there is Billy- a young eleven year old w

ho discovers his giftedness for an art form that is completely alien to world. All of them grieving the loss of the mother that was the family glue, embroiled in a highly political strike, money is tight, emotions run high, and from this crucible Billy discovers ballet.

Of course many of you have realized I'm talking about the incredible Tony Award winning Billy Elliot. A truly amazing and inspiring story that had my laughing, crying, laughing again, and truth be told crying again too! This remarkable story is a must see. And if you're not able to get to Broadway or London anytime soon to see the musical, do yourself a favor and rent the movie. I fell in love with it long before the show was written. As we got on the bus to head back home my students couldn't stop talking about the incredibly moving experience they had just had: "That was the best show I've ever seen!" "I want to see that again and again!" "The dancing was great, the music was incredible, the story was breath-taking, it was the best kind of art!" "It takes a truly good show to make me cry from both laughter and emotions!"

And remember to be yourself in all you do, be true. -Billy's Mom

Life Lessons

2009-06-24T22:14:00.001-07:00

Read about this column written by Regina Brett, a 90-year-old resident of Cleveland, Ohio the other day on another blog. In her column, Regina recounts 45 of the most important life lessons. I think they are all worth my attention, and I hope I can learn them for own life and for the sake of those around me!

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

What are some life lessons you would add to this list?

Dinner at the Mesa Grill

2009-06-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday night I was able to get my work finished a little early, so I made plans to go to dinner with Rachel. Rachel called me and told me she had a special place she wanted to take me. We headed downtown and went to dinner at Bobby Flay's famous Mesa Grill on 5th Ave. We started off with crispy squash blossoms filled with ricotta and corn with a sweet yellow pepper sauce. Rachel and I chose to accompany this appetizer with margaritas. Rachel ordered a cactus pear margarita and I went with a white peach. Delicious!

For dinner Rachel ordered a mango-spice rubbed tuna and I went with crispy 16 spice duck breast. Of course these delicious main courses came with sides: pine nut couscous, goat cheese and chorizo tamale, oh and I'll never forget the Roast Corn with Smoked chilies, cojita cheese and lime! Dessert was equally as amazing... A Chocolate Cornbread Pudding with a Tres Leches sauce. I tell you the truth when I say that this was a feast that was incredible!

What could top such a delectable dinning experience? Hello, I was hanging out with one of my best friends RACHEL! Our dinner was very good, but far better was the time I got to spend with my dear friend. Rachel I know you'll be reading this so I take the time to thank you here for a great evening, but an even better twelve years of friendship and hopefully many, many, more to come!

Video Blog = Vlog

2009-06-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

Each Day

2009-06-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today I came across the blog of an artist named Ben Sollee. He is a young cellist who is doing something really unique... instead of doing a super fast tour through cities that you don't ever get the taste of, he and two of his friends are actually biking through the appalachians doing tours in several small towns while also promoting the work against poverty that Oxfam has been doing. What's sweet about this idea is how much is happening, there's the fact that they are riding bicycles through the entire tour (over 330 miles) which is a 100% green mode of transportation. As they are traveling through this method they end up spending time the towns they go to enjoying the people they meet, making friends a long the way and really experiencing some amazing opportunities along the way. And then there's the promotion of Oxfam.

Quite honestly I am captured by what the these three people are doing. It's really simple idea, but also incredibly wonderful. Here's this group of people who are living out loud their passions. I am touched by it, and I am sure I'm not the only one. Their example reminds me that each day we have the opportunity to have an effect on the world around us. And you will, you will have an effect whether you want to or not. The question is will you enliven that choice or choose by default. I want to be a person who intentionally chooses... chooses to live, love, and learn. To have a positive effect upon the world I get to live in and empowers others to do the same. What effect will you have today?

Check out an excerpt from Ben's Blog "Pedaling Against Poverty" below. I have posted a link to his blog in the side bar under blogs I follow. They've got some great videos that they're posting, and I haven't even begun to talk about what a fantastic musician he is!

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to give a quick introduction to this blog. Here you can find daily video logs on my bicycle-driven tour to Bonnaroo 2009. I want get away from the conventional high-speed methods of touring and really take the time to embrace each town. I hope to be more a part of the community that has invited me to share my music with them. My cello, equipment, and merchandise will be strapped to an Xtracycle extended-frame bicycle (www.xtracycle.com) and I'll be spreading the word about the amazing things that Oxfam America (www.oxfamamerica.org) is doing to help alleviate societal and economic hardships both abroad and here at home.

I'm kicking off the tour in Frankfort, KY and then zig zagging through Appalachia for some performances at Bonnaroo. We're putting 330 miles under our wheels! If you're in the region, I'd love to have you come bike along with me and my friends Katie and Marty Benson, who are documenting, the tour. You don't have to ride the whole thing, even a mile would be fun. To get up-to-date information about our location and traveling progress, head over to Twitter and follow @bensollee.

Irvin House Wines and Firefly Distillery

2009-05-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Today my mom and I traveled to Wadmala Island to visit this local winery and distillery. It was a gorgeous day and a fantastic trip! They are the makers of Firefly Vodka along with several wines. Firefly Vodka Sweet Tea is a local favorite and well worth trying, in fact... I think it's one of the best drinks around. The tea is made with vodka from this distillery and tea from a local plantation too, the only thing in it not from here in Charleston is the raw sugar cane used from Louisiana. All in all a true southern creation. The same distillery is also a winery that uses the native muscadine grape (in four varieties) to makes some terrific wines. Cool little fact, the muscadine grape is the only grape variety with one extra pair of chromosomes. It is quite literally the smart grape, and as such is immune to all known grape diseases. This means they can be grown and harvested without pesticides or chemicals. Muscadine grapes also have 8 times the amount of antioxidants and some other good for you thing than any other grape which makes this wine actually good for you! What better excuse do you need to enjoy a wonderful glass! Check out the video below...

Celebrating 50 Years of Alvin Ailey

2009-05-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Last night my mom and I went to see the Alvin Ailey company's performance at Spoleto. The production was chronicling the past 50 years of his Alvin's choreography and work. It was incredibly beautiful, moving, and left the entire audience in awe. It was one of the best dance performances I have ever seen, and a true experience. I have always wanted to see this company before and they far exceeded my expectations. Check out the video clip and pictures below from the performance!

Spoleto Sand Sculptures

2009-05-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Blog Buddies! I'm on vacation and enjoying my time at home in Charleston so much! I got here a few days ago and spent the first couple days sleeping, tanning, grilling out, and meet up with old but still great friends. Yesterday a famous art festival here in Charleston kicked off. It's called Spoleto, and it is this huge festival that lasts a couple weeks. Yeah, a couple weeks cause it's that awesome and my favorite part is that it includes all different types of art: music, dancing, visual arts, sculptures, acting, and more. Today I went over to Isle of Palms to check out the sand sculpture competition (which you probably read about on my twitter- if not follow me, my sn is travisyork). Here are some photo's I snagged...

Best in Show, it was pretty sweet.

Best Architecture! I really liked it.

Peace

This is a replica of a light house off of Folly Island.

Corny!

The SC Quarter, very South Carolinian!

I loved this Sea Serpent! His name is Sam.

I liked the boat with the dock... it was a good idea.

I kept wanting a coke after seeing this polar bear!

My grandmother will love this one... she loves pigs, and this one's got wings!

Her Morning Elegance

2009-05-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Check out this new artist a friend of mine introduced me to this past weekend... Awesome music and an incredible video!

DAZE

2009-04-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

There are times in life when so much is going on that I find it hard to really enjoy each minute. Times when I am running from one event to another, from one meeting to another, from one moment to another... and when I lie down at the end of the day already thinking about the deadlines, preparations, events, finals, and work that the next day holds. All this spinning puts me into a daze.

I am thankful for the times when I hear that still small voice calling, when creation itself halts me in my tracks and reminds me just how small I am and how completely connected I am to everything else. Those are the times when I can step outside of myself and embrace the present for what it is... A glorious opportunity to enjoy life. To actually live the life within and around me. Yes those deadlines are still there, my finals will still happen next week, but they'll also be over after that. The semester is closing and there are a million things to be done, but they will also be done soon enough. If I don't slow down enough to live through it, all of it will simply pass me by. It will be time spent not time enlivened.

I find it curious that we even speak of time in this way. Always in the terminology of currency. Time is spent, saved, passed, lost, used, invested... Those are all things we do with money. I want to start enlivening my time... to view it as a chance to live and be lived in. The ancient Greeks had a separate word for time like this... Kairos. It's a word for time meaning a moment or an event- this is opposed to Chronos or chronological time (I always wondered how we go that term!). A Greek statue named Kairos shows a man with winged feet who has long bangs and is bald on the back of his head. The Greeks say this is a lesson in appreciating time, opportunities must be grabbed onto (bangs) as they come, for when they pass there is nothing to grab onto (bald).

Don't let your life pass you by, it's the only one you have. Enjoy every moment.

Weren't that we had died in Egypt

2009-04-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

These are the words of the Israelites as they wandered through the wilderness and came up on the promise land. They wouldn't return for many decades to come because their lack of trust in God's faithfulness and provisions. The book of Numbers even reports them as saying, "Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will be become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?"

It isn't with judgement that I read over the actions of the Israelites, it is with sadness and empathy. The saying hindsight is 20:20 is made overwhelmingly poignant in situations such as this. Knowing that God would give the promise land over to the Israelites despite the seemingly overwhelming odds makes it easy for us to think poorly of them for not trusting in God. But how often is this very theme displayed in our own life?

God always keeps his promises, not matter what, and fortunately for us he doesn't always punish because he leaves room for repentance and grace. God is a good father, his mercy and grace strike me to the core and fill me with awe in a way that nothing else in the world ever has, and like nothing I can imagine ever will.

A Person is a Person

2009-03-22T11:53:00.001-07:00

Abortion is a tough issue... For some reason this issue has come up a lot in my life in conversations with other or through related media in the last six months of my life. As a result I have been forced to think critically about this issue and the complexity of the problem that exists. I say complexity because I believe that when discussing abortion there are actually two competing issues that are being addressed.

The most prominent issue is certainly about the rights of a child vs the rights of the mother/parents. Who's rights take precedence? How are these rights awarded? Is the very notion of rights a social construction, or are they imbued or granted by an external? If they are innately a part of some one's life, then when does life begin? Does life begin at conception, does it begin at some point of consciousness, or does life begin in a theoretical way at possibility or potentiality of life? As of this issue isn't complex enough we now add another issue that is inextricably tied to this one. Despite where you come down on the issue of priority of rights, a separate question is whether or not it should be the government or public's role to limit in any way the rights of any party? In my opinion I find this question easier to tackle... and perhaps it is through first handling this issue that informs my decision on the primary issue of rights. I believe that one of the primary and most foundational responsibility of Government (and hence the public) is to protect the rights of those that cannot protect themselves. In this case, through no fault of their own by through the decisions of others a fetus is conceived. This fetus, which I believe has life at the very least at the point of conception, I believe does have rights. I believe that it is the government's job to consider how and seek to protect that life from the harm of others.

What about a mother who is wrongly taken advantage of and thus has had pregnancy imposed upon her for some reason other than her own decisions (such as rape)? We can address this in our legal system! All laws have caveats and particularities. By the way, instants of abortion related to these causes are about 1% o all the abortions that occur. This percentage is certainly manageable and not a viable cloak for others to hide behind to maintain their oppression of others.

So, back to our question of who's rights should be exonerated? I have to side with the child in this case. Clearly this is a tough issue no matter how you come at it. But I think that abortion for many has become another way for people, especially young adults or children, to disengage with the reality of their actions. While carrying a child to birth can be a very impacting process for any woman research has shown considerable damage or impact up on participants of abortion, both physical and moreover emotional. The option of adoption is certainly a better choice for all involved. I think that at this point in time there are others that can give more information and justification for this point of view... and in fact I have a short clip to show how one incredibly thoughtful and engaging twelve year old has done that. Check out her clip:

Even though you can't hear them or see them at all, a Person is a Person no matter how small. ~ Dr. Seuss, Horton Hears a Who

What do you think?

New Generation

2009-03-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

Thank YOU!

2009-03-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

Hey blog buddies! I know it's been a while since my last post when I get a friendly reminder from my mom saying that I need to post. (By the way thank Mom!) So i looked back at my last blog thinking it's probably been a few weeks. WRONG!

Yeah, my last blog was right after MLK day! Sorry I suck at keeping this thing updated. So often I feel like its not a big deal if I don't post because for some reason I think no one reads my post. But then I hear from wonderful friends who encourage me to blog more. So this Blog is really a little thank you note! I was recently talking to a friend over dinner and she and I were discussing the development of gratitude in people. She made a comment about keeping a "grateful journal" (basically a journal where you commit to writing down something your grateful for everyday. I can barely remember to pray every day, so I'm not ready to start this venture! But her mentioning did remind me of one of my professor's wives at Geneva who did this. She said it was really easy at first because there are so many big things we are grateful for like our family and stuff; but after the first month she said that she really had to think about things and then she started noticing that she was looking for things throughout her day that she was grateful for. This attention began disciplining her thought life into noticing all things in her day to day life that she was truly grateful for.

In that spirit, I would like to say that I am grateful to my blog encouragers. In an attempt to really show you my gratitude, I am going to make a bold and dangerous move by naming you: Jan (aka Mom), Danny Clapp, Christian Lorey (MFU), Rachel Menke (BT), Rachel Hundley (even though you encourage me more to reply on facebook), April Emery, and YOU! Okay, Before I go any further, please, please, please... If I have left you out, I am deeply sorry! My biggest deterrent to mentioning people directly was the fear that I would forget important encouragers like you. So, if you're reading this and thinking, "That jerk, what about me!" You are the YOU at the end of the list. And the fact that you are even reading my blog is a HUGE encouragement to me! So feel free to comment, subscribe, or just keep reading, because I am grateful for your prescence here.

Celebrating an Icon: Inspiring a Better Future

2009-01-15T22:37:00.000-08:00

Thursday night I was honored to be able to go to a gala Penn State hosts each year to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was a night that remembered not just the actions of a man who caught the world's attention; but the ideals and truth his actions were based upon. What was so special about Dr. King? How was he able to communicate so effectively to so many? What is the true measure of his impact?

He was one person. One person who realized he was called to do something beyond himself. One person who's thoughts went beyond himself and toward his neighbor. One person who decided to speak for those without voice; to act for those with out power; and to remind humankind, not of something they didn't know, but of a truth they really did. There has never been any question about how Dr. King was able to stand up to such adversity. Dr. King was sure of what he could not see, he was knew that his dreams were that of the creators and there was promise for that reality. "For if God is for us, who can be against us." (Rom. 8:31) Upon thinking about Dr. King and his gift of public speaking, I am completely captured by part of a speech he made to a group of students in 1959. A proposal that I pray I am able to give to the people in my life.

Quote comes from a speech Dr. King made to a group of students in 1959

Whatever career you may choose for yourself -- doctor, lawyer, teacher -- let me propose an avocation to be pursued along with it. Become a dedicated fighter for civil rights. Make it a central part of your life.

It will make you a better doctor, a better lawyer, a better teacher. It will enrich your spirit as nothing else possibly can. It will give you the rare sense of nobility that can only spring from love and selflessly helping your fellow man. Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.

The fight isn't over. The war isn't yet won. As far as we have come, there is still work to be done. And it is work that is too valuable to give up on. Slavery isn't dead. In fact, there are more slaves in the world today than there were during the 1800's in America... 27 million to be a little more accurate. Equal rights for all humans are not yet a reality; not even in our own country. But do not be discouraged beloved, you are a special one who has purpose. Yes, you are one. You are one person. One person who can think outside of themselves and act. One person that can speak for those without a voice. One person that can act for those without power. One persona that can change the world. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Believe in the beauty of your dreams and make a career of humanity.

Let it Snow!

2009-01-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

Hey fans... So when I went into work this morning we had about 2" of snow on the ground from last night.

It's 5:00 p.m. we now have about 6"... It isn't supposed to stop until midnight tonight.

I'm both delighted and appalled.

New

2009-01-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a holiday season! I had the best intentions of posting, thinking that while I was on vacation I would have plenty of time to do so. My family, and by family I really mean my mom, even asked a couple of times, "Have you made a new video?" But as I was thinking about taking the time to do so I became exaughisted by the idea... I really just wanted to relax and spend time with the ones I love. So, that's what I did.

Now, that I'm back into the swing of things I can blog all about it! So the quick and dirty on my vacation: Christmas at home in Charleston - AMAZING! It was 76 degrees on Christmas day and 78 the day after. Jesus was really blessing me with the weather. It had been almost a year since I'd been home and I was sorely missing the beautiful environment of my childhood. I spent mornings walking on the beach with my mom and our dog rivers, evening catching movies with my stepdad. A couple afternoons with my sister, and a whole day with my dad (which even included a mad dash to the toy store for a replacement for my little brother's gift from santa--a big deal and a lot of fun)! All in all it was so good. At the end of my time there I ended up getting sick with some throat disease, but after a z-pack and some advil I was good to go!

New Years was spent in one of my favorite cities... The Big Apple. And even better it was spent with one of my best friends. Rachel, who has just moved to Manhattan with a sweet law firm doing international law, got us great VIP tickets to an Irish pub right off time square. At 11:30 we ran down the street caught the countdown and the ball... sang Steve Wonder's "It's a Wonderful World" and then partied on. Another treat was that my uncle was in town and so I got to spend some really wonderful time with him, and even got to go hangout in the Zegna showroom. It was beautiful and there were several coats that I fell in love with! Ex.A...

So the holidays were great. I'm now back at home, back at work, and back at school. Speaking of which, I already have an assignment for my new phd course on curriculum. I'm really excited about the course, the prof is one of my favorite in the program and from the reading it seems like the class will be challenging in the best of ways! Thanks for taking the time to catch up with me~ Read. Think. Respond> leave a comment.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-01T17:58:00.000-08:00

Hello Blog Buddies!
Sorry I've been out for a few weeks. Work got crazy and then I went on vacation for Thanksgiving. Speaking of.... I hope all of you had a fantastic Holiday. I was able to share mine with some close family members. That's right I packed up the jeep and headed to a little piece of paradise known as "Rockin' Chair Farm" aka my grandparent's house.

Yes, yes... Mom and Papi (my grandparents) are doing well. I am blessed to have them in my life and enjoy every moment I get to spend with them. Along with the great time I had with them my sacrificed the warm waters of Charleston to brave the cold tundra above the Mason Dixon line! Thanks Mom! Additionally my uncle/godfather flew in from NYC. Getting to spend a few days with them was really fantastic. Here's quick play by play:

Day 1- Arrive to the farm-get greeted by the fastest tongue in the north east (Hiedi our german short-haired pointer)
Day 2- Horseback riding and vino
Day 3- Horseback riding (this time in the snow) Italian Dinner (done the right way by my uncle and I)... and more vino
Day 4- TURKEY AND PAPI'S FAMOUS STUFFING.... and the best Vino I've ever had in my life (Howell at the Moon Cab. Sav.)
Day 5- Everyone says emotional good byes and heads home... This is when I actually needed some vino.

Not to be disappointed my mom grabbed some sweet shots of the horse and me... He doesn't seem so small when your standing next to him....

The First Case of Cured HIV

2008-11-14T08:37:00.001-08:00

It seems like this past months has been full of firsts for us as humankind. The election of the first black man (GO OBAMA!)as President for the US, the first Female President of Liberia, and now the first person cured of HIV/AIDS! Tremendous strides are made everyday by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. May we all take strength and courage from these people to continue such acts. Check out the story below. Even though it's is small step in the process; it is a magnificent breakthrough and provacator of Hope!

Twilight Series

2008-10-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

It's getting cold outside... Check out what I've been reading as I settle in for a long winter.

Haze: A documentary on College Drinking

2008-10-21T11:48:00.001-07:00

Do you think the drinking age should be lowered? It's an interesting idea, but I'm not convinced it would help with the current status of student culture. This film shares the devistating reality of student drinking. And take it from someone who knows... this isn't an exageration.

Celebrity Encounter...

2008-10-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hello, I know it's late but I had to blog about my night.
I think I'm starting to get the hang of this video blogging thing. I hope all of you have a great night's sleep!

Video Blog Experiment

2008-10-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!!!
So, today I'm trying to figure out how I can video blog. I know it can be done and its probably not that hard, but I have no idea how to do it. What I do know is my new Mac ROCKS, so it has the capability, I just have to get the know how. If all goes well, you'll see a little test video I made? Please comment if you can or cannot see the video, so that I can try to work out any kinks in the system. ~Ciao!

Tina Fay does it again!

2008-10-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

Another home run... my favorite part is the direct quote from Palin's actual interview!

SNL Tina Fey and Amy Polar

2008-10-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

I imagine most of you have seen this. I have several times... it is probably one of the best SNL sketches of all time!

Roots & Wings

2008-10-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

Who says you can't talk about Politics with those you love? Well, it doesn't matter who said it, it's wrong. This past week I found myself shooting emails back and forth between my mom, grandfather and uncle about some recent political propaganda we were watching/reading. And these weren't cute, fun, heterogeneous, emails about our overwhelming support for the same candidate.

With my uncle as a fairly liberal democrat; my grandfather as an experienced retired military republican; my mom as a consistent republican with democratic overtones, and myself as a registered independent who usually falls into the democratic party over issues, but the republican party over theory... suffice it to say that there were all sorts of perspectives! WHICH WAS THE BEST PART!!! It is one of the things that as I have grown I have come to absolutely love about my family.

We encourage open communication about our perspectives... We argue, we bring to the table evidence, and there's always personal life experiences... But we respect each other, listen to each other, and let our opinions grow throughout. As a 25 year old, I find this type of interaction invaluable! It is a time when I can come to the proverbial family dinner table as a fully respected member of the family to feast. I am never made to feel like I should be at the kids table, or that my ideas are foolish. I am embraced as well as challenged; given roots and wings. I see that people can completely disagree and still Love each other fully. This, in and of itself, is an amazing sight... and you know what? This is where I see it. This is where I see the true answers for making our world a better place, and for restoring God's kingdom. Right there when I notice the other-centered love that my family can display in the most secret of ways. This is when I know I am love and so I can love. My family is only a tiny, broken, mirror of the Love that God has shown us through his Son. This is where my hope lies, and there is my treasure too.

Wanna know something funny? For the longest time, I avoided any ideologic conflict with my family. This meant that politics, religion, ideas about right and wrong, were off the table. How I longed for such discussion. I was scared that I might lose my family's love if I disagreed with them. I'll never forget the day my Uncle asked me my opinion about a political matter. I was shocked by his inquiry into my thinking, my ideas, my understanding. I felt as if I mattered, I felt valid, I felt like a person. Don't be afraid to talk to those around you; just make sure you're ready to listen. All we need is Roots & Wings... Roots to give us support and Wings to let us fly!

Race Against Racism

2008-10-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

371 was the number pinned to my chest, and 30:01 was the time that I finished. With the wind at my back, the road glistening with last night's rain, and steam rising from my sweat soaked head I participated in Penn State's Annual Race against Racism!

This year over a hundred people raced with the top runner wearing a pair of jeans and running a 16:12; second place when to a young man in a bow-tie and suit(16:20)---that's almost three consecutive 5min miles; which makes me sick! But I was happy with my time and happy that I was able to aid in this worthy cause. All the proceeds from the race go towards educational and awareness diversity programing done on campus. It's one small way we can continue breaking down racial barriers and squashing the ignorance that damages so many people's lives. Plus, what a great way to get a good run in on a beautiful saturday morning.

New Home

2008-09-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I hope you are all doing well. Sorry its been a while since my last post... but lets face it: If any of you work in higher education you can relate to the fact that the months of August and September are dead zones for our lives. As many of you know I have started my new job and moved into my new home. AND I LOVE IT!

For those of you who don't, let me quickly fill you in: So, not only did I get accepted into the number one Higher Education PhD in the country but then I also got offered a job to work in their res life. It was far too good to pass up, so I moved about three hours away to the town of State College, PA and started working/going to school at The Pennsylvania State University.

That's right I'm rocking it out in the Big Ten, and man is it BIG! Going from a school of 2,000 to a school of almost 45,000 is quite the shock, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. So my job is similar to the one that I had at Geneva but larger and more responsibilities. I oversee three buildings which adds up to about 900 residents. The area of students I help to oversee with four other people is about 3,000 students. My new boss is great, he's very supportive and expects a lot but also gives me the freedom to do my job the way I think is best! I'm still trying to find and build a group of supportive friends, but I am deeply impressed with the people I work around and their care of me and others. My RA staff is also amazing! I was a little worried about inheriting a staff, but they have proven themselves to be really great. So, that's the quick rundown on what I'm doing. So, if you haven't checked out the trailer I posted below... you really need to! I met the guy who is organizing this group of artists and this film... the film is great and it is something that the world needs to see. Join me in becoming an abolitionist, and help to set free the 27 Million slaves world-wide... Because I'm not for sale. You are not for sale. No one should be for sale.

CHECK OUT THIS TRAILER!

2008-09-09T17:49:00.001-07:00

Freecycle: Green and Free!

2008-04-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

Recycle, Reduce, and Reuse... a phrase synonymous with the green arrows of the recycling triangle, and you'd be hard pressed to find anyone under the age of 40 not familiar with this mantra; but the newest trend going along with this phrase involves one of my favorite words... FREE!

Freecycle is an easy-to-use system that allows us to unclutter your house, find sweet new-to-you items, and help help the environment all in the same fell swoop. So here's the basic concept: You have something you no longer want, but is still usable... instead of throwing it away-you use an online social network to offer it to others in your area. Its kinda like the Internet version of putting your stuff on the curb to let others pick it up. The best part is this is one way that you can reduce trash, while donating goods that others can use! Its environmentally friendly and a great way to donate to other who may be in need.

Want to try it? Go to www. freecycle.org; or you can just Google "freecycle". Another cool option is to check out craigslist... its basically a huge free classified online database. You can search and post free items there too!

Wondering about me.... Thanks for all the emails, comments, and facebook messages asking me what I'm doing next year. Not trying to build the suspense any longer, but I hope to be able to share the details of my move within the next week or week and a half. I just want to work out all the details before I post to the world my decision. I do know this much I will be moving out of Western PA in a couple of months.

Green Thought of the Day:

Extra! Extra!

If every newspaper reader in the United States

recycled just one typical Sunday Paper,

they could help create 212 million pounds of

cellulose insulation! That's enough to insulate 118,767

Habitat for Humanity houses; which is nearly twice as many

houses as all the Habitat homes build in America so far.

the whole WORLD is going GREEN

2008-04-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

Its not just the seasonal change that has prompted the vitalization of my blog, in keeping with the coming spring I wanted to start sharing some cool easy information about ways that we can Go Green, in our everyday lives. I'm also hoping that having some deeper purpose than my own life's ramblings will spark many posts with some sort of regularity.

I was recently on a flight back from DC and came across a Sky Magazine (this one was Delta's) that caught my eye. The entire magazine was oriented toward everything Green. Everything I noticed except for the advertisements; but hey, I guess that have to make money some how.

As I began to read the first few articles, I found myself completely absorbed by the information. The articles really were completely green. The magazine had taken all of their normal areas of focus and concentrated everything from food reviews, to vacationing, to business and politics through the lens of energy conservation and environmental stewardship. I was captured by this adventurous move and deeply impressed with this moral move... whether a terrific PR move or an artless concern for humanities future-I like it!

So, green thought for the day: Can it!

One soft drink can recycled by each elementary student

in America would save 24.8 million cans. That would be

enough aluminum to create a 21 Boeing 737 airplane.

BREAK IS HERE!!!

2007-12-16T18:56:00.000-08:00

So, the kids are finally out! This past Friday night at 6:03 every student was out of my building, except my RA's who were subsequently out by 7:30 p.m. Since then, I've been able to sleep, nap, have a lie in and start reading a book. It's amazing!

It is a little creepy though, now that everyone is gone I can hear weird noises. Hissing pipes and clanging boiler switches... I'm sure I'll get lonely before too long, but for right now I'm loving it.
I'll be heading south for Christmas, which I can't wait for. I haven't been home since this past July and with all the snow that we've been getting here I can't wait to be home on the beach! If any of you are in the area or passing through let me know; we can do coffee or lunch or just chill downtown or at the beach. Can you tell what my mind is focused on... THE BEACH!

Here are some shot from Charleston... my house is like five miles from the island on the left. The on the right is Sunrise from Sullivan's.

Okay, I'll be home soon. I'm hoping to get some sweet shots while I'm there! Peace Out.

Thanksgiving Trip to NYC!!!

2007-11-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know I said I was going to start blogging more and that that I was really working hard to make this a priority... I'm not going to say that this time. I'm just going to blog. I think that in the past I have never wanted to write on my blog without having pictures to post. I felt like I had to have something visually appealing to post too. Since the onset of several dear friends telling me to blog I have now realized that I should just create new posts with or without pics so that my loved ones can hear what's been going on in my life.
So, with that in mind: It's black Friday and I just spent the day shopping in New York City. Well shopping might denote buying which would be a misnomer. I actually was checking out tons of stores and hanging with the fam. I am here staying at my Uncle's (Chris) fabulous apartment with my sister-Courtney, mom-Jan, and grandmother "mom"- Barb. We all flew in yesterday morning to enjoy thanksgiving together in the city! We saw the last part of the Macy's Thanksgiving parade (where we also Lance Bass and his man of the month--I actually walked right with/next to him trying to get to a good viewing spot), before I ran into one of my best friends Rachel M. who is spending thanksgiving with her friends from new jersey. It was awesome running into people in the city; it really makes you feel like your not a tourist when that happens. We then had thanksgiving dinner at a great Thai restaurant called "yum yum". After which I went for a run, got a little lost in central park, and then we spent the rest of the night hanging out around the condo.
Today, we started off heading uptown to see Christmas windows, the first 24 hour apple store (which is this awesome clear cube), and had lunch at John's pizza. After lunch, my Uncle, Sister and I headed downtown. We went through Chinatown hit up little Italy, and then hit tons of stores! One of my favorite places was Unico... not sure about that spelling.
Okay, So I just spent half an hour on Google trying to find this store. I found an article talking about its opening a couple months ago. Here's what it said:
"The fabric of modern Japan is being woven into the streets of New York! With the autumn opening of UNIQLO's highly anticipated new global flagship store, SoHo will finally get to experience the contemporary Japanese style that has long been missing from this hot, international fashion mecca. UNIQLO is Japan's most popular apparel retailer and a worldwide leader in casual wear. The brand's mission is to empower all individuals through the clothing they choose to wear. Rather than become characterized by a brand, UNIQLO encourages its customers to integrate its pieces into their own unique style."
yeah... it was awesome! And my favorite part might have been how beautifully organized it was, you all know how OCD I am. I was like Lindsay Lohan in vodka shop... work that one out. Long story short I'm going back on Sunday to get some goods. Alright kids, well i need to hit they hay cause tomorrow is Cirque du Solei! Until next time, thanks for your continued support friends. Oh, and Clapp: It was great having you out in the BF. Hope your trip back was good!

Energy in Congress

2007-06-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hey guys. Wanted to share an interesting article I found through a friend's blog. I heard a lecture at the end of the year all about the integration of a hydrogen economy. It was really cool to hear about the advances in using green hydrogen as a source of energy, but what was even more interesting was to hear and think about the possible implications for our world if we shift from a petroleum based economy. What do you Think? Is the energy crisis for real? What is our response as the largest users of this type of energy in the world? How involved should we be in securing free energy for developing countries? Check out this article....
www.opencongress.org/articles/view/214-Energy-Before-Immigration

The Catch-Up

2007-06-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

So for those of you who don't know, I was working this summer in our Masters of Higher Education Department--which was great! The summer weeks were crazy so let me catch up a little.

It started with going to ACSD, a huge student development conference which was being held in Minneapolis this year. I was recruiting, attending, and presenting at the conference. The conference was really good, and I had a blast in all three areas of responsibility. I had a ton of fun telling people about our Higher Education program and well very pleased with how my presentation went. I was presenting a workshop on the research I did for my Master's thesis. I got very positive feedback and even a bite in the publishing arena. I'll let you all know if things progress with this.

After ACSD, I flew straight to the" Big Apple", where I got to stay at my uncle Christian's, see two really good friends from high school that are now living and working there, and then met up with about 15 friends from College. We all went to a Pirates Yankee's game. The Pirates sucked big time, but it was great to hang out in Yankee Stadium before its torn down. It was awesome to look on the field and know that Babe Ruth played there.

A quick flight back to Pittsburgh, brought me home to get right back to work. For two weeks we were been busy with summer institutes. My friend Andy and I were organizing a lot of the social events for the students after class. We ended with huge banquet held this place called Shakespeare's, which is this huge recreated castle. We decided to do a murder mystery with everyone and the theme was a masquerade. Yours truly played the murderer! It was so much fun! But all good things come to an end.

After institutes I got the sweet chance to work with Dr. Guthrie some some cool research and publishing projects. With the end of July came the beginning of RD training, RA training, Freshman Orientation and the first weeks of the Semester... funny how two months can be so concisely summed up!? When in reality all those things were life-consuming for me.

I'm glad to share now that the semester is off to an fantastic start... problems and all. My staff of student leaders are great, I love them dearly, and Memorial Hall is rockin' it out! My staff has lots of stuff planned already for this semester so I'm sure you'll be seeing great footage about that. I also have a new digital camera, so if I can figure the tech side of it out I hope to post some video blogs too!

Thanks for reading... and Thanks for all the encouragement you guys give me to keep blogging... its cool to hear from you all. Just make sure to live your life in the real word over the virtual... Cause the real us is way better!

School's Out For Summer

2007-05-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, so again it has been a while since my last post... but SO MUCH Happened!

The school year ended, I finished teaching, grading, oh and Finished my Masters. Which means I also finished my thesis, presented it, and passed! Actually, I ended up recieving the Masters of Higher Education Excellence in Scholarship Award... which included a small cash prize too.

All in all, the school year has passed along greatly. As I compare my last two years out of school, and my first "real" job, I don't think things could have been more different. I'll be honest my first year working at Geneva was harder than I ever immagined and I know that my family can attest to the many times I thought about throwing in the towel. This year has been the exact opposite. I love my job. I had an amazing staff of students working for me, and really was passionate about not only what I was doing, but the progress that was being made. It was truly amazing to see God bless my obedience, and it makes me look forward to next year even more. It also encourages me to remain obedient in the current trial of life. I have found myself so many times thinking that i am just tired of fighting with my sinful nature; seeing how God is faithful with such little things is an amazing representation of his promise to be faitful and miraculous in the big things too.

Another picture of God's faithfulness has been in the coming of spring and summer. I was blown away this year by how late into spring it was snowing. I dislike cold weather so much, and was continually upset by the surroundings I found myself in, but it has made me really appreciate how beautiful God creation is when the winter breaks. In the last three weeks I've been booked for two paid, YES PAID, speaking engagements. I've noticed when I am working on developing talks or even lectures, I am always searching for cool stories or metaphors that illustrate the points I'm working on. I guess I've just been in that mood lately, because everytime I walk outside I am blown away by the physical representations that God gives us with the world around us. Its like all of creation is an object lesson. Man, God is a a good teacher! Here take a look at some of the shots I grabbed today.

This one is Dave- he's been my house guest this past week as he waiting for his summer apartment to come open.

Rediculous Craziness

2007-04-04T06:17:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday we had record highs here in the BF (Beaver Falls). The temp soared into the low 80's and it was wonderful! I felt very at home and was really enjoying the beautiful day.

Today it is wet, colder, and rainy.

Tomorrow it is supposed to snow.
And snow.
And snow.

The good news is that my final research project is going great. I am almost finished with the most stressful writing part (the Literature review) and I've already received 150 surveys back from my project. My target was 100... praise Jesus! I am hoping to get a lot of work done over the little break. Please pray that I cover a lot of ground and feel free to call me up for a study break. By the way, it gives me great pleasure to announce that yesterday (barring my final project) I turned in the last paper for my Masters. You gotta love the little victories in life.

Spring Break Begins

2007-03-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

After many hours of travelling and a layover in Vegas (Vegas, baby, Vegas!) I am finally in gorgeous Santa Barbara! I'm staying with one of my best friends, Danny Clapp, and we are just getting ready for my first morning here -which means we've had pancakes, gotten ready and are about to head to the beach!

The weather is amazing and I'm glad to say that the terrain actually reminds me a lot of South Carolina. I'm also really excited to see Westmont's Campus and look forward to getting to explore their Residence Life program while I'm here. Well, I'll be in touch about our adventures I brought my camera and my journal to record everything. Hope all is well where all of you are. If you're on break too: Have fun, relax, and abide in God's greatness and peace.

Amazing Grace

2007-02-18T15:04:00.000-08:00

I think this is the most important post I have ever written.

Hello everyone, sorry I haven't written in a few weeks. Lots of great things have happened in my life. My birthday was a lot of fun, my building beat another guy's dorm in Broomball, and the snow has been falling like crazy around here. But today I want to write to you about what I have experienced this past weekend.

I have just returned from Jubilee. Jubilee is a conference put on by the Coalition for Christian Outreach (an organization that many of my friends work for and that I proudly support in many ways). This conference is designed to help college students understand how they have been specifically called by God to be in the world and reformers of it. It specifically seeks to empower people to serve God and bring restoration to the world through their chosen vocation.

This year the convention boasted an incredible list of keynotes: JR Mahon, Steve Garber, Mark Rodgers, Shane Claiborne, Gary Haugen, and even Barbara Skinner. This amazing group of people shared some of the most impassioned speeches encouraging the attendees to fully incorporate their faiths and beliefs into the actions of their lives. Seeking Justice is one of the phrases that have stuck out to me. While I am still processing much of the information that I gleaned over the weekend, and am planning on sharing that as I am able with you I wanted to focus on one part of this idea in particular. Did you know that in the world today there are twenty-seven million people in slavery.

Yeah did you hear that? 27,000,000 Million People in slavery today!

If you are unsure of this stat check it on Google... its unfortunately very true. This means that there are 27 million people who are literally in bondage, they are considered to be an object--not human. Most of these people are women and children, and they in all reality have no concept of their preciousness.

This Friday an incredible movie is being released called Amazing Grace. It is the story of William Wilberforce, the politician responsible for the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1833. Beyond this movie being one of the most incredible stories of all time, it is completely true. I had the privilege of seeing an advanced showing last night. This film has gripped my soul and burdened my heart. How can I exist as a Christian in a world where slavery exists? I can't; therefore, I must do something to stop this. I am not sure what that means, and I am just starting to see how I can help. But here's what I am finding out, there are tons of ways to get involved. We have been deceived to think the problem is too big, too mammoth for us to do anything about it. Wrong. God has said you bring what you have and I will do the rest. We just have to start. If you're interested, do something little: GO see this movie! It will be one of the best decisions of your year, maybe your life. If your still interested check out http://www.ijm.org/ . This is an organization that seeks justice all over the world. International Justice Mission is lead by Gary Haugen, you've probably seen him on 60 minutes, or Today, or Oprah, or CNN, tons of places. Gary used to be one of the lead prosecutors for the Department of Justice for the United States and IMJ has been the lead organization in stopping human trafficking and child prostitution around the world.

Amazing Grace opens at limited locations on Friday, February 23rd. If your in the Pittsburgh Area the AMC Lowes at the Waterfront is showing the movie. If you're in Charleston, SC, so far Greenville or Charlotte are the closest... call your local theater and ask for this movie! Here is the official site so you can check out the trailer and such: http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/

What I have realized is that I must act. God has given us the job of taking care of creation and He has faith that we will be up to the task. We are it. We are the plan A for God's restoration of the earth, and there is no plan B. Wake up and realize that you, YOU ARE GOD'S ANSWER TO THE WORLD'S PROBLEMS. God has faith in you, have faith in Him and yourself. I can not live in a world where this is taking place and sit by without doing something. If you have the ability to read this, then you are one of the most wealthy people in the world. We must realize the ability we have to do something, no presidential candidate will fix things, we can.... will we?

Sometimes when we are faced with the world's devastation we are immobilized. Our command is just this:

He has shown you, O People, What is Good and what the Lord requires of You;

But to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. ~Micah 6:8

Bring what you have in obedience to the Lord and he will do miracles. Your fish and loves lunch can be used to feed five thousand.

Please friends help and join with me, because I know that we can change the world.

~Travis York

Winter Finally Came!

2007-01-26T12:15:00.000-08:00

So the snow has been falling non-stop for the past few days. And two days ago it finally started to stick! Here are some shots I grabbed earlier, although we've added another inch maybe two by now. Enjoy, and those of you in warmer climates... please pray that God would either strengthen or move me. By the way, I just posted yesterday, I might just be getting into this blog thing.

Black and White Ball

2007-01-25T07:35:00.000-08:00

So this past Friday, my staff along with our sister staff McKee Hall put on quite the program! We had our first ever Black and White Ball. It was fantastic. There were about 200 people in attendance, and they were all dressed to impress.

We decided to hold the event in our newly rennovated Brig, we moved a lot of furniture out and created a sweet little venue that really can best be described as "swanky".

As you can see we had a lot of fun. Every thing was black and white except our Red Roses, which was a really nice touch! We had great food with a decadent chocolate fountain, and we also had four dealers running poker tables.

But my favorite part of the night was our Mocktail bar. Sam, one of my RA's had great time mixing up tasty drinks for everyone. See...

The one of the four of us is me, Kristin my sister RD, Mike her fiance, and Rachel my former sister RD and good friend. You can also see a great shot of Sam and I shaking not stirring drinks. But my favorite of all is the sketch of me from one our students.

A New Year and Great Start

2007-01-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys! I've settled back into work and life in Western PA, or at least as settled as I can be here. Things are going really well! Last week we had Winter training for the RA's and I was on the committee of RDs that helped plan the events. We decided to try a different approach this year and made training more like a conference with seminars the students could choose. It was a great success and just plain fun! After training was over my guys and I decided to have a movie marathon with a snack fest. It was great and there more than enough pizza roles to go around. I wish I had photos for yeah, but right now I can't quite place my camera... And I'm not sure how to get my pictures from my phone to my computer. Still workin' on that one. Hopefully I'll find things soon, because right now we're working on the Memorial McKee Black and White Ball. This is going to be a sweet event with semi-formal dress (in black and white of course), live music, classy horderves, a mocktail bar, and casino style activities. I'll be sure to post pics of that! Until then you'll just have to wait with anticipation for the magical festivities.

A Much Needed Break

2006-12-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys,
I am finally back home in Charleston, SC... and absolutely loving it! What have I been up to? A lot of resting, which can be hard work for me since I don't like to rest. Things have been really good though. I am having a great time hanging out with my family and now some of my friends are coming back into town too, so it's been great to see them as well. I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas yourselves and be on the look out for pics of the York (and extended families) Christmas.

Thanksgiving with the FAM...

2006-11-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is unfortunately over and I will be returning to Geneva soon to get back to work; but the time spent with my family has been fantastic! Sometimes we get so busy in our day to day lives with deadlines, work, projects: life-- that we forget to enjoy our life. I know that I do this all the time, and it's usually when I am with my family that I remember how good things are. I remember what I work so hard for and I think about the things in life that I hold most dear. So I hope you guys enjoy the following pictures from our gathering... I know that I have loved the time spent with everyone. And I hope that you have all had equally wonderful holidays.

Chilling @ Rockin' Chair Farm

2006-11-22T17:07:00.000-08:00

It was T- 4 hours and counting when my Staff meeting ended yesterday afternoon. I headed back to the dorm after making a few quick good byes. Once there, I immediately began dropping hints: "So, when are you heading out?" "Need any help packing?" " Have a great break!" I decorated the white board outside of my apartment with those wonderful words "Have a good Thanksgiving Break', and they headed straight to the laundry room. I finished up my laundry, packed it and a ton of books and papers into my duffel bag and hit the road as soon as most of the guys were out of my building.
I actually made the best time I have yet, racing through the hills of Western PA westward into the smooth countryside of Ohio. Oh, the lovely state of Ohio! So many of my friends speak so derogatory about this place. I love it, maybe that's because of the many fond memories of horseback ridding, playing in the mountain streams, or those lovely county fair weeks where everyone seemed to enjoy life. It's the place of my mother's ancestors and it just seems comfortable. I arrived last night to find my mother (she had flown in on Sunday) and my grandparents just getting dessert ready! What a treat. This morning my uncle, Christian, arrived and we enjoyed a nice lunch in town before we headed back to the house. Tonight was or turn to make and authentic Italian Dinner. I guess since we have both spend significant time in the country, but let's face it: it's my uncle that really almost lives there. So we made a fantastico dinner, full of antipasto and homemade spaghetti sauce! MMMM, it was tasty. Now we are just anticipating the big feast and fun for tomorrow. My great aunt Edie and her son, Doug, and his wife, Dee, are headed over. They are tons of fun, and I can't wait to spend some time with them. I am sure there will be plenty of pictures to view so soon!

The Official Start

2006-11-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

THE FEAST

My friends Taylor and Joanna told me that my under construction message was as long as an actual construction crew, and that it was time to get crackin'. They are right. I am excited about today's post because Kristin, my sister staff RD, and I have been cooking all day for our Building Team Meeting tonight. We are doing a combined meeting to celebrate the upcoming holliday which will include a full Thanksgiving Feast followed by Christmas decorating.

The menu includes everything from a 21 lbs. turkey(maple roasted with a butter sage sauce and bacon) to sausage balls and untraditional wantons for appitizers. In short, it is a true feast! And I have the pictures to prove it:

Here I am carving up the huge beast... This is after everyone had gone through once. Can you believe that spread?

My Guys were very happy with the food, and after the dinner they ended up laying around because they were soooo full!

Below is my sister RD Kristin, from Messiah... we did good work!

All in All We Fed A Lot Of Happy People!

To the left is both of our Building Teams (most of them anyway). We were planning on hanging lights for our buildings aftewards but it was too rainy. There's always next week. This was great but I can't wait to head to my grandparents to meet my family for the actual holliday!

Under Construction

2006-10-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

OKAY I FINALLY GAVE IN>>> Here is the start of my blog. If you are reading this it means you've found my blog probably by accident. I will be working on it for a while before I release it to my friends and family.