Identifying Allies

Action #8

As time goes on and I get closer and closer to becoming a certified teacher, it is essential that I begin compiling a list of contacts who could become valuable allies when I begin teaching. Over the years, I have been blessed to have come in contact with some wonderful teachers, professors and spiritual mentors. Rather than simply happily remembering them, however, I hope to keep in touch with some of these people. I may very well need these support from these "allies" later on in my life, whether it be in the form of a reference for a job interview or simply good advice when I find myself facing a difficult situation. In fact, I have already turned to several of these contacts on this list for precisely those two reasons. I value the advice my teachers and mentors give me, and am thankful for their willingness to be references on the various job applications I have filled out since starting college!

Here is a list of my "allies":

Contacts at Goshen College

• John D. Roth (History)
• Jan Shetler ( History)
• Kevin Gary (Education)
• Christie Bonfiglio (Education)
• Bob Yoder (Campus Pastor)
• Tamara Shantz (Campus Pastor)

Contacts from my high school, Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center

• Emily Barlow (Language arts and theater)
• Kelly Langdoc (Spiritual mentor)
• Michael Banks ( Youth group leader)
• Elisabeth Huanquiri (History)
• Steve Swope (High school principal and Bible teacher)

Miscellaneous, but valuable, contacts

• Dave Walker (Pierre Moran Middle School, observing teacher)
• Cynthia Moyer (Spruce Lake Wilderness Camp, employer and mentor)

For example, when I was applying for a job as a counselor at camp this summer, I turned to several of these allies for help as references, including John Roth and Emily Barlow. I likewise was in need of my allies when I applied for my current position as ministry leader on my hall. I am thankful for the support these trusted contacts have given me!

Observances at the Public Library

Action # 5

When looking over some of the suggested activities to fulfill the required actions, one of the activities immediately grabbed my attention: study at the public library and observe the community. I love libraries and lately seem to have a lot of homework to do, so of course, I deemed the activity a natural fit and set out to observe this past Friday.

Upon entering, I nearly ran into a beautiful princess and Spiderman. Apparently, the library was hosting some sort of Halloween gathering for the children in the community. Many children, decked out in their finest costumes, continued to stream out of the building as I took my seat at a table near the Young Adult Fiction section. While I remembered going to events at my local library when young, I was glad to see that the library continued to exist as place where children could learn, find great books, and have fun within their community. I was struck by the diversity of the families leaving the library, too. I guess I naively assumed that white Americans would frequent the library the most, since it was decidedly more of an American institution, but instead, the families leaving the building were predominantly Latino or African American. I am glad that these families come to the Goshen Public Library and participate in these events.

As I observed, I continued to notice how diverse the library's clients were. They were predominantly Latino, but I also saw African American and Asian American. All the computers designated for internet use were full and I found out that people even call in to reserve spots since there is such a demand for internet use. Apparently, many Latino and low-income families who can not afford to have internet in their home come to the library to do their homework. While it is wonderful that the library offers this kind service to these families for free, I also realize that it must be a hassle to take time out of your day to go to library solely to use the internet, especially if one lives relatively far away. I take my internet access (and even the fact that I have a laptop) for granted, and I think many middle class Americans do likewise. Teachers frequently assign homework to children that requires they use the internet to complete the assignment, assuming the child will have this access. I did not have internet access in my home when growing up, and I silently railed against teachers who thought that all of their students could access the internet whenever they desired. For some reason, however, I assumed that basically all Americans would have internet at home. From what I observed at the library, I know this is incorrect. When I am a teacher, I hope to be sensitive to this issue and make sure that some of my students do not have an unfair advantage simply because they can afford internet access while others cannot.

As I continued observing, it seemed to me that the only "white" Americans who frequented the library seemed to be either older folks or middle-school aged children. Of course, the reason why I noticed the middle-schoolers could be because I chose to sit near the Adult Young Fiction section. Most of the older visitors, however, sat and read newspapers and magazines. I suppose this might be because they do not get that particular periodical at home, or simply because it is a long held tradition of theirs to always go to the library in the afternoon to read. I did not see any other people my age present the entire time I was at the library, and the only middle-aged people were either moms with their costumed children or library employees. So, I definitely was in the minority while at the library, which surprised me, but did not really make me feel uncomfortable since, as I previously stated, I love libraries.

To conclude my visit, I walked around for a bit, observing the various displays and sections. I was pleased to see they had a fair-sized section of children's books in Spanish. I also learned that every Thursday night, a group of adult ENL students from Goshen meet in the library to practice their English with volunteers from the community. Alternately, the volunteers are also able to practice their Spanish with the students. I would love to get involved in something like that - it would give me an opportunity to use both my Spanish and English and get involved with people hailing from different backgrounds. Perhaps when my night class ends?

All in all, I enjoyed my visit to the Goshen Public Library. It gave me a chance to observe some of the community happenings and see the diversity of visitors to the library itself. It also led to my reflecting on issues like assigning projects that require internet access when the child might not have ready access available to him. Though I probably was a minority that afternoon I spent at the library, I nonetheless enjoyed myself!

Observances at the Public Library

Action #

The Church With No Walls

Action #5

This past Sunday, I attended the Church Without Walls in Elkhart. According to the church's website, the Church Without Walls is affiliated with Mennonite Church USA, but the service differed greatly from any other Mennonite church I've attended! The congregation was very small (around 30 or so adults) and predominantly African American. All the members of the church were very welcoming and friendly, and I enjoyed being able to worship alongside them that morning. I was surprised at how late the service actually started -11:00, but I will admit that it was a rather welcome change,since I am used to getting up around 8:00 every Sunday morning. The church service itself was quite simple, but the congregation got very involved in both the singing and the message. Two women led the worship, which consisted of them singing along to a gospel music track playing in the background. There was hand-raising and clapping throughout the entire worship time. While I do not see much of that in the Mennonite church I attend while here in college, it reminded me of the church I attend in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The pastor's message was frequently answered with shouts of "Thank you, Jesus!" and "Amen!" While I had often heard of this kind of enthusiastic response one experiences when attending an African American church, it was really neat to get to experience it for myself. I was struck with the church members' love and reliance on God in the midst of difficult situations. Many of them spoke of situations in their life that I rarely hear the people I tend to hang out with ever talk about going through. All in all, though the service was definitely different from what I am used to up here in America, it was nice to get to involved in this vibrant church community for a morning. As a future teacher, I am sure I will come in contact with children hailing from many diverse religious/denominational backgrounds, and I believe it is helpful to get an idea of where they are coming from. As I left the church, I reflected on how lovely it will be when all of Christ's followers are gathered in Heaven, singing together. There will be African Americans singing and swaying to gospel beats, Latinos jumping and clapping, American Mennonites singing in four part harmony... all glorifying Christ. I am sure it will sound beautiful, and actually, I suppose that is what God hears every Sunday!

The Church Without Walls

Stories from the Inner City...

Action #1

I realize that I live a pretty sheltered life. I grew up in a Christian home, attended a private, Christian school all my life and now am attending a private, Christian college. Though I did live in a poor, third-world country for 14 years of my life, I lived a comfortable, middle-class existence and really have nothing at all to complain about. Of course, I am aware of the injustices and horrors around me, but it is one thing to know, and another to experience. Still, I believe it is important to be informed and knowledgeable about what other kids and adults live through. As a future teacher, I am aware that I will not always interact with other people who lived my privileged life, and I may very well teach children from terrible broken backgrounds. I am sure I am in contact with students like this even now at my field placement school, Goshen Middle School!

I recently began reading Our America, by LeAlan Jones and Lloyd Newman. These two boys grew up in the Ida B. Wells housing project in Chicago, one of the worst projects in the city, with high mortality rates and gang violence. The book tells of ghetto life - family, school, friends - from the perspective of these two boys. One section of the book is devoted to learning more about the tragic murder case of five year old Eric Morse who was thrown from a 14th story window by two young boys over a petty grudge. When reading this book, I was struck by the nonchalant way LeAlan and Lloyd wrote of their life. I cannot imagine living in a place like the Ida B. Wells, where gunshots ring out all the time and it is common to have lost at least thirty friends to violence before even reaching twenty. Most of the children have at least one parent in jail or completely out of their lives. In all my education classes, I am being taught to include the parents in their child's education as much as possible. In a situation like this, however, the parent is simply gone. Does the teacher need to fill the empty space left by absent parents in the student's life? Perhaps not, but I think one does need to learn to look past the tough exterior or the ugly stories attached to the student and learn to love/accept them just as they are.

In the book, LeAlan and Lloyd included an insightful interview with the principal of their school. Ms. Tolson freely acknowledges the difficult situations all the students come from but manages to express hope that they will succeed. She recognizes that many of the children passing through the school's hallways will never leave the ghetto, but despite this, she also states that the students all have the potential to succeed and she will do her best to see this happen. One thing she specifically mentions trying to do is helping teachers recognize the gifts and talents each child brings to the classroom. I admire her brave attitude. Teaching/working in any sort of inner-city school must be extremely difficult, yet we desperately need teachers of excellence to be working there! Though I have yet to experience working in the inner-city, I hope to learn from reading accounts of people like Ms. Tolson and boys like LeAlan and Lloyd. A teacher of excellence will learn to see each student's gifts and struggles and work with child in whatever position the they are in to help them learn and grow.

No but really, you should look inside this book! :)

Reconnecting with Teachers

Action #8

Looking back on my life, I believe that I can honestly say that teachers have been some of the must influential people in my life. From the very beginning of my educational career, I have always admired and emulated the teachers who taught with great passion and took the time to personally invest in my growth and development. From an early age, I knew that I, too, wanted to be a teacher someday and make a difference in students' lives. My desire to teach developed almost simultaneously alongside my passion for history, so of course, it seemed natural that I grow up to be a history teacher. Years later, here I am, majoring in social studies education.

I can pinpoint two teachers who have left lasting impressions on my life, one of them my high school history teacher, the other, my English and drama teacher. I took almost all of my history classes with Mrs. Huanquiri throughout high school, and even took an independent study on historiography with her. It seemed like Mrs. Huanquiri knew the answer to almost any question I would throw her way, and my curiosity and appetite to increase my knowledge was whetted whenever I was with her. I also really admired the fact that when those few occasions when she did not know the answer to a question arose, she would immediately go and look for the answer, or point me in the right direction to find the answer for myself. I still miss my classes with Mrs. Huanquiri, and to this day, I keep in contact with her, letting her know what I am learning and teaching in my field placements.

Miss Barlow, my English and theater teacher, is both a wonderful example of an effective teacher to me, and also a spiritual mentor and friend.

She presented information in class in a way that was both fun, engaging, and thought-provoking. She encouraged creativity, and pushed me to improve my writing and critical thinking. In theater, she gave me roles that challenged and stretched me, knowing it for the best. My senior year of high school, she led a small group/Bible study for me and a few other senior girls, showing us Christ's love in the way she lived her life and encouraging our own spiritual walks. Miss Barlow grew to be a mentor and good friend.

Now that I am in college, I am surrounded by a whole host of new, wonderful teachers, but I have not forgotten those teachers who blessed me throughout my high school years. Though I'll admit that correspondence is not my forte, I make an effort to keep in touch teachers like Miss Barlow and Mrs. Huanquiri. My first year of college was very difficult for me, and I frequently turned to people like Miss Barlow for advice, encouragement and prayer. Of course, I also know I can turn to them for recommendations for job interviews and the like, too! I know that I have lifelong allies and friends in these teachers and am grateful that God brought people like Miss Barlow and Mrs. Huanquiri into my life.

Writing for Change

Action #2

It was perhaps during my senior year of high school that I first became really aware of the persecuted Christian church worldwide. Of course, I was familiar with the persecution undergone by early first-century believers, and coming from a Mennonite background, I could hardly escape hearing stories of my martyred Anabaptist forefathers. Hearing that more Christians were currently being persecuted and even killed around the world today than were under the harsh rules of cruel Roman empires is shocking. Knowing that thousands of my Christian brothers and sisters worldwide were suffering for my faith taught me to better appreciate the wonderful gift of religious freedom I've been able to experience all my life and also view my own personal faith in a more serious light - after all, others were dying for Christ. Was my own faith that serious?

After I began college, I decided I would not let myself be solely consumed with my own petty little existence at college. In an effort to remain informed with the outside world, I subscribed to The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) monthly newsletter, a non-profit organization that works with aiding the persecuted church and spreading awareness of the unjust situations many live in. Reading this has inspired me to take action. Though I attempt to pray daily for suffering Christian believers, which I believe is the most powerful tool, I also have lent my voice in their support in other ways.

I have written letters to imprisoned Christians in places like Pakistan and Iran. Though this is primarily to let these dear people know they are in the thoughts and prayers of fellow Christians, receiving letters also alerts the prison officials to the fact that these believers' suffering is not going unnoticed by the rest of the world.

VOM does an excellent job of informing people about individuals undergoing persecution worldwide through their Prisoner Alert website. It was here, for example, that I learned about the arrest and torture of Chinese human rights attorney, Gao Zhisheng this past February. A committed Christian, Gao had dedicated himself to speaking up against injustice in the Chinese courts, angering the government. He has not been seen in public since his arrest and he has left behind a wife and two children. There is a currently a petition being signed, letting the Chinese government know that we are aware of the inhumane way they are treating this man, whose only crime was to speak up for those being unjustly treated, and asking them to give account for what they are doing. I have signed this petition and strongly encourage anyone reading this to do so as well! Though it is tempting to think I am incapable of making any difference in the world, I know better. There is always prayer, and I am fortunate enough to live in a country where I can write and sign, making my voice heard as well.

For more information on Gao Zhisheng, go either to China Aid or Amnesty International, or simply http://www.freegao.com.

Embracing "Multiculturedness"

Brittany - another "non-Indian" - and I getting ready for our dance.

Action #5

To start off, I'll just say that when I first read the description of action # 5 - "Volunteer...or get involved in a group comprised of people significantly different than you" -, I did not know what I would write about. After all, I come from a biracial family, spent the first years of my life in America and next 14 years in a third world country, interacting with local Bolivians and missionary kids from diverse racial and national backgrounds on a daily basis. Would this not imply that I was already a pretty well-rounded person, used to interacting with people different from myself? The more I thought about it, however, the more I came to realize that all I had described above was actually not different for me, but normal - thus, this international experience could not count for this blog! In fact, it was a much harder transition coming up to the USA and fitting in with fellow Americans - people my passport nationality tells me are my countrymen - than meeting and talking to my Chinese and Peruvian classmates in high school. Being at college itself, then, has been a experience in learning to deal with people coming from vastly different socio-economic, political, and religious backgrounds.

Of course, Goshen's Multicultural Affairs Office does a wonderful job in promoting unity and interaction amongst all the diverse students. I actually was able to attend the International Students' Orientation at the beginning of freshmen year, which brought me into contact with people from all over the world. Last semester, I got to participate in the International Students' Coffeehouse, performing an Indian dance. This was a wonderful experience. Not only was I able to learn a fun dance and a better glimpse of the beauty of the Indian culture, but I was also able to interact with people I would normally not talk to. Many different kinds of people participated in the dance - native Indians, Ethiopians, Indonesian, Americans, etc. It was quite an eclectic mix! At times, there was some conflict since certain people's work ethic or concept of being on time differed greatly from the other members of the group. However, we were able to pull together, learn the dance, and perform it. I loved getting to know some of the girls in the group better and I continue to talk with them to this day - had it not been for this opportunity to get involved in this dance, I doubt I would have ever interacted with them much.

Keeping Up On What Is Going On...

Action #2

Another school year, another blog post... This year has proven to be very busy thus far and I often struggle to find a balance between homework, personal time and my social life. I am observing/teaching at a local middle school, juggling three jobs, and attempting to learn a new language! Needless to say, my days get pretty hectic. At times, it seems as though I know nothing of the outside world except what is going on here on campus. I can tell you what the next all campus event is or who won first place at Kick-Off last night, but perhaps could not tell you much about the flooding in Manila. This lack of connectedness to the outside world frustrates me, so I decided early on during my freshman year to read up on new - both local and international - whenever I got the chance.

Working at the library made fairly easy to keep myself informed about the daily happenings in Elkhart county since one of my jobs consisted of me stamping every page in the local newspapers with a "Good Library" stamp and putting the papers on the shelf. Of course, I read the headlines and many of the articles (probably doubling the time it should have taken me to get the job done...) and felt pretty informed. I frequently told my friends random tidbits of local news.

Still, I felt like I lacked a connection with the wider world and the little PAX club tri-folds placed on the cafeteria tables - while very informative - just did not satisfy my craving to know what is going on. Thus, I make it a goal to check the news online at least daily. My online news source of choice is BBC news. Someone once commented on how this was rather odd - why not CNN? I suppose I sometimes harbor an inward desire to remove myself as far away from the smallness of Goshen, Indiana, and the USA in general, and using an international news source to keep up on world news gives me that option (this may also explain why I even turn to Al - Jazeera sometimes, too.) I am really glad that I am able to check a reliable news site like this whenever I so desire - it reminds that a world much larger than myself and Goshen exists out there!

I'll admit that I often focus almost exclusively on South American news. I suppose I can't be blamed - my family and many of my loved ones are still in Bolivia! It goes without saying, however, that Bolivia seldom makes international headlines (which is probably good thing), so to satisfy my craving for news from my adopted country, I frequently check the El Deber website, the local Santa Cruz newspaper my dad always buys. This keeps me informed on what is going on in that little country and makes me more connected to Bolivia. I am so thankful that internet provides a way for me to do things like this!

Thus, though it admittedly takes an effort (albeit a very small one) to keep up on what is going on in the world, it can be done and is well worth it!