Saturday, July 30, 2011

My placement

Friends! 

I have finally been graced with my placement information!

I am going to be working with an organization called "La Red por la Paz y la Justicia".  The Network for Peace and Justice for all you non-Spanish speakers out there.  :)

Please click the Mexico tab above or here to read some more about it!!!  Make sure to check it out because it is pretty awesome. 

That's all for now.  Have a wonderful and spectacular day.

Kyle

Friday, July 22, 2011

The World Grieves

My heart goes out to the people of Norway today.

Whenever an act of terrorism occurs --whether by extremist groups or simply individuals-- the world grieves.  It is an act that attempts to prey on our fears and force our hand by using the most extreme tactics available.  The act of terrorism doesn't just end with the explosion.  The resultant shock waves ripple across the world in the form of hate, misunderstanding, fear, and condemnation. 

When extremists act, their actions paint an image of the larger group as well.  This is true in any situation.  Their views are cast upon all who identify using the same words as they do.  To name only a few:  Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, environmentalist, pro-choice, liberal, conservative, Republican, Democrat.  Each of these words creates a very distinct view in our mind.  Yet within each group, there are a multitude of views.  A vast multitude of differences.

Why is it that while extremists are a very small population of an ideology, they seem to represent the whole of it?  Must we burn down a whole field --wheat and all-- to get rid of the weeds?  It doesn't make much sense to me. 

Our response to terrorism needs to be a response filled with love!  Help the people of Norway and grieve with them.  Denounce violence in all its forms.  We need to stand together and say "This is not who we are!  We are not a people of violence and death, but a people of life and hope!"  We are still called to treat each other justly and with mercy! 

I pray that people across the world will understand that there is good all around us.  Each grouping I named above --Christian, Muslim, liberal, etc-- contain people who seek love, happiness, and an equality among all peoples.  Do not let the destructive voices of a few taint the entire world. 

I pray for Norway that if this does prove to be an act of terrorism, they will be able to respond in a fashion that uplifts its people and is void of violence. 

God be with those people who died, those who were injured, and with their families during this time.

Blessings and Peace upon everyone.

Kyle

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Bottineau Presentation

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to put an update here about my recent presentation in Bottineau, ND.

I went back home to First Lutheran Church with Ryan and was able to do a presentation for our hometown congregation on our upcoming year to Mexico.  It was a pleasure to be able to invite them into following our journey and learning about our mission trip.

I would like to formally thank each and every person who donated to our cause.  It was a big help and we were able to raise almost half of what we needed.  So a big thank you!  It is certainly appreciated!

If you have come online to my blog to donate, please click here and enter your amount in the Young Adults in Global Mission Box or go to my "Contact Information" tab above.

I still haven't heard about my placement yet, but it should be soon!  I will definitely give you an update as soon as that happens!

Adios for now!

Kyle