I am a lover of languages. I always have been and always will. I remember when I was in preschool quite a few of my classmates were Asian and would speak in their native tongues to each other. The different intonations and sounds intrigued me. Although I had no idea what they were saying, it fascinated me that they could communicate to each other in different way (almost like a secret code if you will.)
If I had the time (and money) I would learn every possible language. After all, what better way is there to communicate than verbal? Having the ability to simply switch languages when necessary is a gift many have, but not all appreciate. In my current classroom I have kids who range from mono- to over trilingual. There have been times in class when my students will say "Ms. Jameson talk in your other language." I'll teach for a little bit in Spanish, but apologize and continue with a response of "English is really my only language."
Lately I have found that languages move me most when incorporated into worship songs.
One of my friends recently showed me a world edition of How Great is Our God.
Watch it.
Watch it again.
There are no words
Having the ability to see different brothers and sisters worshiping Christ in their heart languages is overwhelming. I think sometimes I personally forget that English is not the only appropriate translation for these songs.
Seeing people bursting and belting out words in a tongue so beautifully unfamiliar is something that I can't help but get choked up about. It reminds me that even though they live so far away, God's presence is still within their country. No matter if Christianity has been outlawed or not, God is still there. He fills the heart of people and gives them the freedom to sing even if they don't have it.
How great our God is.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
When I'm 24
On Tuesday October 8, 2013 the numbers of my age changed from 23 to 24.
Not a huge leap, in fact it's times like this where I've come to realize that the importance of birthday celebrations has gone downhill.
At 15 I got my permit.
At 16 I got my license.
At 18 I morphed from a minor to an "adult."
At 21 alcohol beverages became an option.
Anything after has just become another birthday.
If I were to look back 10 years and compare my current living situation to what I had anticipated my life would be like, the result is relatively laughable. (I mean that in good spirit).
When I was 14, 24 looked like that following...
I'd be married.
I'd have a high-paying job.
I'd have a house.
I'd have a kid.
The typical American dream panned out in a preteen fantasy.
Though I haven't accomplished any of the above (for a few of those ideals, it's probably best that I haven't), I am happy to say that within those ten years of dreaming I've gained much needed wisdom and experience.
I'm not married and I don't know when I will be. However, through the dating relationships I have had, I've learned the importance of give and take, communication, respect, you name it. Qualities and knowledge that will help me to be better prepared for when I do join my life with my future husband.
I don't have a high paying job. In fact, I'm probably the poorest I've ever been. Yet, in all honesty, I'm glad my pay check is small. Though the first year was rough, I would not trade my current profession for the world. As a teacher I have received so much undeserved love. Every sweaty, post recess hug. Every handmade drawing. Every moment when I see a kid's eyes light-up because he or she finally understands something. There is nothing I can compare it to.
I don't have a kid. I have fourteen, more if you count the other ones outside of my class that I've gotten to know well. It's strange how maternal I become to each of my students. There are still times when I can't believe that I can control over 10 kids at one time. Yet with each victory and failure, stomachache and fever, I treat these kids as if they were my own.
I praise God for the life He has given me. Though it may not have turned out the way I had wanted when I was 14, it became what I needed at 24.
Here's to another 10 years.
Not a huge leap, in fact it's times like this where I've come to realize that the importance of birthday celebrations has gone downhill.
At 15 I got my permit.
At 16 I got my license.
At 18 I morphed from a minor to an "adult."
At 21 alcohol beverages became an option.
Anything after has just become another birthday.
If I were to look back 10 years and compare my current living situation to what I had anticipated my life would be like, the result is relatively laughable. (I mean that in good spirit).
When I was 14, 24 looked like that following...
I'd be married.
I'd have a high-paying job.
I'd have a house.
I'd have a kid.
The typical American dream panned out in a preteen fantasy.
Though I haven't accomplished any of the above (for a few of those ideals, it's probably best that I haven't), I am happy to say that within those ten years of dreaming I've gained much needed wisdom and experience.
I'm not married and I don't know when I will be. However, through the dating relationships I have had, I've learned the importance of give and take, communication, respect, you name it. Qualities and knowledge that will help me to be better prepared for when I do join my life with my future husband.
I don't have a high paying job. In fact, I'm probably the poorest I've ever been. Yet, in all honesty, I'm glad my pay check is small. Though the first year was rough, I would not trade my current profession for the world. As a teacher I have received so much undeserved love. Every sweaty, post recess hug. Every handmade drawing. Every moment when I see a kid's eyes light-up because he or she finally understands something. There is nothing I can compare it to.
I don't have a kid. I have fourteen, more if you count the other ones outside of my class that I've gotten to know well. It's strange how maternal I become to each of my students. There are still times when I can't believe that I can control over 10 kids at one time. Yet with each victory and failure, stomachache and fever, I treat these kids as if they were my own.
I praise God for the life He has given me. Though it may not have turned out the way I had wanted when I was 14, it became what I needed at 24.
Here's to another 10 years.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
This is No Paradise
When I say I live on an island, what would come to your mind first?
Palm trees?
White sand beaches?
Drinking out of a coconut?
Tropical fish swimming to and fro?
Tanning yourself into an early stage of melanoma?
How about drug use?
Teen pregnancy?
Poverty?
Robbery?
Rape?
Domestic violence?
Before I go on, let me be the first to say that I really do love my island home. I have never felt in danger or at risk whilst living here. Instead I feel engulfed in a community of love and support. I live not in fear here, but with a use of caution. (Basically just don't make stupid life choices and you should have no problem).
Though, tonight caused some of us to be quite shaken up.
In back of my living quarters is a park. Well, by day it's a park. By night it's a mass of land that many of us try to avoid. From drug deals, to sex, to what happened tonight: abuse.
From the inside of my sealed apartment all I heard was a prolonged horn honk and the piercing screech of tires. From those who witnessed the violence, a more blood boiling story occurred.
O told me that apparently there were loud noises (as if to be a bat bashing itself up against something) and voices were coming from said location. Many gathered at the back fence to see what the commotion was about. Soon a female's voice was heard.
"Why are you hurting me?"
"Why are you doing this to me?"
It was as if the words coming out of her mouth were a broken record.
The noises continued.
Soon tires screeched and the voices stopped.
Hearing such things gave me (and still does give me) an eerie, livid feeling.
(Again, keep in mind I heard it second hand, so some details may be missing)
O continued with saying that JW and R went to check everything out once the abuser and abused had departed.
Cement bricks lay freshly smashed into pieces on the ground.
Perhaps you're wondering, "Well where was the police in all of this? Someone should have called them!"
As everything happened a phone was picked up, the appropriate digits were dialed, and the anticipation of the police's arrival grew.
They never came.
An irreplaceable human life being damaged by another person happening right before our eyes and all we can do is watch as her bruises grow.
Sometimes I forget how broken we as people (not just here, but everywhere) really are.
Please pray.
For the island
For its people
For the human race
Things like this don't just go away.
Palm trees?
White sand beaches?
Drinking out of a coconut?
Tropical fish swimming to and fro?
Tanning yourself into an early stage of melanoma?
How about drug use?
Teen pregnancy?
Poverty?
Robbery?
Rape?
Domestic violence?
Before I go on, let me be the first to say that I really do love my island home. I have never felt in danger or at risk whilst living here. Instead I feel engulfed in a community of love and support. I live not in fear here, but with a use of caution. (Basically just don't make stupid life choices and you should have no problem).
Though, tonight caused some of us to be quite shaken up.
In back of my living quarters is a park. Well, by day it's a park. By night it's a mass of land that many of us try to avoid. From drug deals, to sex, to what happened tonight: abuse.
From the inside of my sealed apartment all I heard was a prolonged horn honk and the piercing screech of tires. From those who witnessed the violence, a more blood boiling story occurred.
O told me that apparently there were loud noises (as if to be a bat bashing itself up against something) and voices were coming from said location. Many gathered at the back fence to see what the commotion was about. Soon a female's voice was heard.
"Why are you hurting me?"
"Why are you doing this to me?"
It was as if the words coming out of her mouth were a broken record.
The noises continued.
Soon tires screeched and the voices stopped.
Hearing such things gave me (and still does give me) an eerie, livid feeling.
(Again, keep in mind I heard it second hand, so some details may be missing)
O continued with saying that JW and R went to check everything out once the abuser and abused had departed.
Cement bricks lay freshly smashed into pieces on the ground.
Perhaps you're wondering, "Well where was the police in all of this? Someone should have called them!"
As everything happened a phone was picked up, the appropriate digits were dialed, and the anticipation of the police's arrival grew.
They never came.
An irreplaceable human life being damaged by another person happening right before our eyes and all we can do is watch as her bruises grow.
Sometimes I forget how broken we as people (not just here, but everywhere) really are.
Please pray.
For the island
For its people
For the human race
Things like this don't just go away.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Subway Musings
I never went to Subway all that much until I moved to Saipan.
It's not that I didn't enjoy said restaurant, I did, I guess it never really crossed my mind to go to a sub shop when my stomach had the hunger gurgles. I mean if you think about it when given the choice of pizza or a sandwich I have to be honest, I'd rather have a big, greasy slice of pepperoni instead of turkey on wheat.
Since my return from Thailand I have frequented this food source a couple times (thanks to a gift card I found from a former student...Ahhhh YEAH) and let me tell you, each time I return is always an experience.
As I slowly open the glass door in order to enter said restaurant I am greeted with a familiar, and relatively obnoxious tune that rings at an unsettling volume. Such a jingle has been stuck in my head multiple times before with minimal ways of getting out.
Onward into the line I step as I watch sandwich artists carefully piece each creation together. I give my order and my friendly Subway worker takes it and runs. He slices open the bread and fashions the meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments in such a way the most talented of sculptors would be proud. Down the line it goes until its wrapped in its name brand packaging and ready to be consumed.
Such an experience kind of makes me think of the creation of people. God gives us a body, think of that as the bread. A simple canvas to go off of. Though we all come in different shapes and sizes, a good majority of us have the same basic frame. But soon he molds us into completely different and original masterpieces. Thus comes the veggies, cheese, what have you. If you think about it, no two people are the exact same...even identical twins. The amount of creativity that our maker has is unfathomable. It still baffles me how he can come up with billions of different faces and features for billions of different people. At last he wraps us, not in Subway paper, but his arms. Arms of protection, love, and saving grace. That is, if we let him.
A funny, and rather unconventional way to look at it I suppose.
I'm really glad he doesn't send us off to be eaten...cannibalism can be fatal.
It's not that I didn't enjoy said restaurant, I did, I guess it never really crossed my mind to go to a sub shop when my stomach had the hunger gurgles. I mean if you think about it when given the choice of pizza or a sandwich I have to be honest, I'd rather have a big, greasy slice of pepperoni instead of turkey on wheat.
Since my return from Thailand I have frequented this food source a couple times (thanks to a gift card I found from a former student...Ahhhh YEAH) and let me tell you, each time I return is always an experience.
As I slowly open the glass door in order to enter said restaurant I am greeted with a familiar, and relatively obnoxious tune that rings at an unsettling volume. Such a jingle has been stuck in my head multiple times before with minimal ways of getting out.
Onward into the line I step as I watch sandwich artists carefully piece each creation together. I give my order and my friendly Subway worker takes it and runs. He slices open the bread and fashions the meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments in such a way the most talented of sculptors would be proud. Down the line it goes until its wrapped in its name brand packaging and ready to be consumed.
Such an experience kind of makes me think of the creation of people. God gives us a body, think of that as the bread. A simple canvas to go off of. Though we all come in different shapes and sizes, a good majority of us have the same basic frame. But soon he molds us into completely different and original masterpieces. Thus comes the veggies, cheese, what have you. If you think about it, no two people are the exact same...even identical twins. The amount of creativity that our maker has is unfathomable. It still baffles me how he can come up with billions of different faces and features for billions of different people. At last he wraps us, not in Subway paper, but his arms. Arms of protection, love, and saving grace. That is, if we let him.
A funny, and rather unconventional way to look at it I suppose.
I'm really glad he doesn't send us off to be eaten...cannibalism can be fatal.
Monday, July 29, 2013
People
I will be the first to admit I'm not always a very talkative person. There are times when I'd much rather sit, listen, and take all of the moment in instead of speak. (One of my classmates in third grade actually asked if I knew how to talk...but that's a whole different story.) Though the awkward silence does make some of the people I'm around uncomfortable at times, I use it to my advantage.
Observation is an action I've come to live by and such an action has helped me conjure up a theory about the nature of the human race. Though all different physically, mentally, socially, and the like, the art of influence doesn't surpass any of us. Our actions, thoughts, sayings, etc...can be affected by those we spend the most time around.
Lets first take a look at dating/married relationships (keep in mind this is all an idea of my own and not scientifically proven). Bob wants to date someone who doesn't want to change him and accepts him for him (good job Bob, you know you deserve respect and are comfortable with who you are). However, what Bob doesn't realize is that unbeknownst to him, by simply dating his significant other, he will be changed. Though it may not be severe, some sort of metamorphosis will take place. He will learn things from this relationship that may cause him to change the way he does certain things. Whether its actions, timing, scheduling, what have you...something about dear Bob will be different. Now if Bob were to marry his dear love, an even bigger change will have to take place.
I personally have never been married, but I take the next few thoughts from observation. What I've noticed is that when a couple gets married they need to make many changes. Married life in itself is an adjustment, but on top of that you have all the little quirks that you have to get used to from your new husband or wife. Thus giving a possibility for the need to change in order to tolerate such things (both good and bad).
Moving on to friendships. I've been told many times that we become like the five people we spend the most time around. (In the whole scheme of things this can be both a terrifying and wonderful thought.) Thus tying into my first point, we will always be subconsciously changing base on the people we spend time with. Personally I've found that when I talk with my friends or just people in general (especially those with different accents or dialects) I kind of start talking like them. It's not something I notice, but it just happens. A subconscious change. I've also found that based on my friends' needs there may be things I need to do that need to be altered. Granted that may be argued as a possible conscious change...but that's a discussion for another day.
How about Christians? As a Christian I've found that there are multiple life changes that need to be made, most of which are conscious. Simply believing that Jesus is your Lord as and savior isn't enough (though, it is a huge factor). No, one needs to build a relationship with God. I can't tell you how many changes that in itself will create in your life. Namely talking to Him. Praying for guidance, peace, what have you. Praising Him. Having the faith and knowledge that he will take care of you. In short, giving your life to him. If that's not the biggest change of all, I really don't know what else is. Along with such a change, one must make it so his or her faith and relationship with can flow in, around, and through his or her life. Doing such a thing can be difficult based on the current lifestyle of said believer. But again, that's where change comes in. Necessary and extremely important changes.
Throughout my 23 years of life I've watched multiple types of people interact in multiple types of ways. From those in love to those meeting for the first time there are connections happening. Such connections lead to influence. I believe that no matter how long you've known a person he or she will influence you in some type of way. It may not be a strong influence but every time we meet someone a little bit of ourselves changes. This could be as simple as knowing a person's name (a change of knowledge) to having our minds or actions altered by a relationship (friendly or romantic).
Who knows, you may have even changed by reading this blog.
Observation is an action I've come to live by and such an action has helped me conjure up a theory about the nature of the human race. Though all different physically, mentally, socially, and the like, the art of influence doesn't surpass any of us. Our actions, thoughts, sayings, etc...can be affected by those we spend the most time around.
Lets first take a look at dating/married relationships (keep in mind this is all an idea of my own and not scientifically proven). Bob wants to date someone who doesn't want to change him and accepts him for him (good job Bob, you know you deserve respect and are comfortable with who you are). However, what Bob doesn't realize is that unbeknownst to him, by simply dating his significant other, he will be changed. Though it may not be severe, some sort of metamorphosis will take place. He will learn things from this relationship that may cause him to change the way he does certain things. Whether its actions, timing, scheduling, what have you...something about dear Bob will be different. Now if Bob were to marry his dear love, an even bigger change will have to take place.
I personally have never been married, but I take the next few thoughts from observation. What I've noticed is that when a couple gets married they need to make many changes. Married life in itself is an adjustment, but on top of that you have all the little quirks that you have to get used to from your new husband or wife. Thus giving a possibility for the need to change in order to tolerate such things (both good and bad).
Moving on to friendships. I've been told many times that we become like the five people we spend the most time around. (In the whole scheme of things this can be both a terrifying and wonderful thought.) Thus tying into my first point, we will always be subconsciously changing base on the people we spend time with. Personally I've found that when I talk with my friends or just people in general (especially those with different accents or dialects) I kind of start talking like them. It's not something I notice, but it just happens. A subconscious change. I've also found that based on my friends' needs there may be things I need to do that need to be altered. Granted that may be argued as a possible conscious change...but that's a discussion for another day.
How about Christians? As a Christian I've found that there are multiple life changes that need to be made, most of which are conscious. Simply believing that Jesus is your Lord as and savior isn't enough (though, it is a huge factor). No, one needs to build a relationship with God. I can't tell you how many changes that in itself will create in your life. Namely talking to Him. Praying for guidance, peace, what have you. Praising Him. Having the faith and knowledge that he will take care of you. In short, giving your life to him. If that's not the biggest change of all, I really don't know what else is. Along with such a change, one must make it so his or her faith and relationship with can flow in, around, and through his or her life. Doing such a thing can be difficult based on the current lifestyle of said believer. But again, that's where change comes in. Necessary and extremely important changes.
Throughout my 23 years of life I've watched multiple types of people interact in multiple types of ways. From those in love to those meeting for the first time there are connections happening. Such connections lead to influence. I believe that no matter how long you've known a person he or she will influence you in some type of way. It may not be a strong influence but every time we meet someone a little bit of ourselves changes. This could be as simple as knowing a person's name (a change of knowledge) to having our minds or actions altered by a relationship (friendly or romantic).
Who knows, you may have even changed by reading this blog.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Simple Pleasures
So I need to come clean about something.
I've been in a relatively committed relationship for the past while (seems like years at this point).
I feel so comfortable when we're around each other and I can't help but dream every so often when I'm with him. After a long stressful day, there's no one I'd rather cuddle up with.
His name is Matt Ress (I call him, Bed, for short).
(Had you going for a second didn't I? Admit it...)
Napping is probably one of my favorite past times.
Granted this didn't come to be until about college...but it's something I've really come to enjoy.
Such a commonly indulged pleasure of mine has granted me recent nicknames such as Cat and Princess Feline. An extremely minor downside when comparing that to the joys that an afternoon snooze can bring.
My favorite part is the initial laying on the bed.
When your tired body reaches the mattress and every inch of your fatigued muscles just melts into each pillowy (Is that a word? Meh it is now.) pore. Then your eyes begin to gain poundage as you lay peacefully on your rectangle of comfort.
Probably one of the best feelings ever.
In the book of Matthew is a verse that brings me back to this moment every time:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Even reading it now just gives me a huge sense of calm. As if any sort of weight of anything was just taken from me.
To know that even though our God is so great he still wants us to come to him for any little thing.
To know that he will help us find peace not matter how big or small the problem is.
To know that we're not in anything alone, because he will be the hands that help support us.
To know that we can breath (both figuratively and literally).
The ultimate nap, if you will.
I've been in a relatively committed relationship for the past while (seems like years at this point).
I feel so comfortable when we're around each other and I can't help but dream every so often when I'm with him. After a long stressful day, there's no one I'd rather cuddle up with.
His name is Matt Ress (I call him, Bed, for short).
(Had you going for a second didn't I? Admit it...)
Napping is probably one of my favorite past times.
Granted this didn't come to be until about college...but it's something I've really come to enjoy.
Such a commonly indulged pleasure of mine has granted me recent nicknames such as Cat and Princess Feline. An extremely minor downside when comparing that to the joys that an afternoon snooze can bring.
My favorite part is the initial laying on the bed.
When your tired body reaches the mattress and every inch of your fatigued muscles just melts into each pillowy (Is that a word? Meh it is now.) pore. Then your eyes begin to gain poundage as you lay peacefully on your rectangle of comfort.
Probably one of the best feelings ever.
In the book of Matthew is a verse that brings me back to this moment every time:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Even reading it now just gives me a huge sense of calm. As if any sort of weight of anything was just taken from me.
To know that even though our God is so great he still wants us to come to him for any little thing.
To know that he will help us find peace not matter how big or small the problem is.
To know that we're not in anything alone, because he will be the hands that help support us.
To know that we can breath (both figuratively and literally).
The ultimate nap, if you will.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Buds
Outside of my back door lives a flame tree.
Before I left for Thailand its branches were mere leaves and not a single flower (that I can remember) had poked its way through. Now upon my arrival to my island home it is engulfed with the radiant oranges and reds that said timber shows off so willingly once in full bloom. Yet scattered amongst the blossoms are buds still holding themselves tightly closed. Almost to be a clenched fist of petals. Refusing to show themselves until the opportune moment, these future florets hide themselves inside of a green shell.
Not unlike people.
I've been a bit out of sorts for the past couple of days, perhaps I've succumbed to a bit of reverse-culture shock (or "re-entry" if you will). The state in which a person returns to his or her place of origin (in this case Saipan) and has to readjust and reacquaint to his or her surroundings. Tiredness and a sense of detachment have been my most recent downfall. Surprisingly though, when I left Thailand my heart didn't ache for the country and it's beauty. It ached for the people I was leaving.
As stated in a former blog I'm not a stranger to goodbyes. I've switched schools, moved away, and even had loved ones pass on.
It's part of life.
What I've come to realize is that a portion of people I meet, I may not ever come in contact with again.
Yet that isn't an excuse to not care.
Throughout my travels, school experiences, and different locations of residence I've come to find that some of the people who have left a mark on my heart, are those I've only had a short relationship with.
I spent the last month with 7 other volunteers and 23 young girls who now live a world away from me. But the time spent with them was not wasted. I've been told many times that God puts people into our lives for a reason. No matter the amount of hours, days, months, or even years...that person will have an affect on you. Whether it be positive or negative said relationship was meant to happen.
Therefore...
We must be open to the people that come into our lives. I'm not saying that you need to completely spill your life story to them right away...but don't close them off. We're all human, we need relationships...even if it's for a short time.
My current location of residence is what most call a transit community. Citizens are made and lost in a blink of an eye, thus making attachment to people sometimes difficult. It's natural...who wants to put effort into a friendship that will just end after a year or so? But think about what you could miss out on by not getting to know that person. Think of the influence you could be to him or her or visa versa.
It can only take a matter of minutes to touch someone's life. Let your relationships with others bloom, don't stay "budded" up.
Before I left for Thailand its branches were mere leaves and not a single flower (that I can remember) had poked its way through. Now upon my arrival to my island home it is engulfed with the radiant oranges and reds that said timber shows off so willingly once in full bloom. Yet scattered amongst the blossoms are buds still holding themselves tightly closed. Almost to be a clenched fist of petals. Refusing to show themselves until the opportune moment, these future florets hide themselves inside of a green shell.
Not unlike people.
I've been a bit out of sorts for the past couple of days, perhaps I've succumbed to a bit of reverse-culture shock (or "re-entry" if you will). The state in which a person returns to his or her place of origin (in this case Saipan) and has to readjust and reacquaint to his or her surroundings. Tiredness and a sense of detachment have been my most recent downfall. Surprisingly though, when I left Thailand my heart didn't ache for the country and it's beauty. It ached for the people I was leaving.
As stated in a former blog I'm not a stranger to goodbyes. I've switched schools, moved away, and even had loved ones pass on.
It's part of life.
What I've come to realize is that a portion of people I meet, I may not ever come in contact with again.
Yet that isn't an excuse to not care.
Throughout my travels, school experiences, and different locations of residence I've come to find that some of the people who have left a mark on my heart, are those I've only had a short relationship with.
I spent the last month with 7 other volunteers and 23 young girls who now live a world away from me. But the time spent with them was not wasted. I've been told many times that God puts people into our lives for a reason. No matter the amount of hours, days, months, or even years...that person will have an affect on you. Whether it be positive or negative said relationship was meant to happen.
Therefore...
We must be open to the people that come into our lives. I'm not saying that you need to completely spill your life story to them right away...but don't close them off. We're all human, we need relationships...even if it's for a short time.
My current location of residence is what most call a transit community. Citizens are made and lost in a blink of an eye, thus making attachment to people sometimes difficult. It's natural...who wants to put effort into a friendship that will just end after a year or so? But think about what you could miss out on by not getting to know that person. Think of the influence you could be to him or her or visa versa.
It can only take a matter of minutes to touch someone's life. Let your relationships with others bloom, don't stay "budded" up.
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