Lawd haf mussy its been forever since I posted a blog. These, from here on out, will be weekly synopsi, with the exception of important nota benes.
This week: I have been ill with a common cold. It sucked, but now I am better. I had to miss a day of my internship over it. Nice start John, but lettuce start at brass tacks.
Monday: This day I started my internship at IGE. Good people, good people. I basically got to know the people there. There are a few people of my generation, which is cool. Some are graduate fellows, others are interns. Every morning there we start with devotions. This week the COO was leading them. The theme was the life of Saint Paul (he's Catholic, so it's "Saint Paul," not just "My Buddy Pauly," which most evangelicals are likely to be comfortable with saying, mmm.) Very nice. We had dericious pizza. Mental note: Armand's is excellent.
Tuesday: First full day at the internship. Continued working on researching the process for applying as a non-profit in all 50 states (Attn Daniel, look into this and the Unified Registration Statement). People took me out to Chinese. Very nice. Left an hour early cuz I was illsome.
Wednesday: Called in sick...lame.
Thursday: Returned to IGE in a better circumstance. Moved onto a new project: Writing up country profiles and prayer requests. Every week, we showcase an issue in the countries we work in and petition a prayer request for events around the world concerning religious freedom. I also made a sweet flyer for IGE's Board Conference the day after I finish the internship. Had Chipotle for lunch. I had the barbacoa, not that big a fan, but I enjoyed the annoying army man and his Brooklynian friend. They really loved the movie "Man on Wire."
Friday: Busy day! Went to volutneer at GRM to find my guy was busy. Had chinese food at Chinatown Express. It was ok, but I'll give it another shot. Went to a briefing on healthcare at the Hall of the States. Then a ton of us went out to Ethiopian food at Etete. Dericious!
Saturday: Cleaned kitchen. Went out to eat thai food at Thai Roma. Dericious! Returned to apartment, watched first half of Wedding Crashers with people. I hate that movie. Worked on paper, played brain quest, wrote blog.
Love you all. Yes, even you!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Concerning the Christian Coalition
Today, at my internship, I was studying other internships (not cuz I want to leave, I love it here at IGE, but my boss wants to know what other people are saying and doing).
I was looking at the website for the Christian Coalition, and this survey popped up on the side:
What should be Governor Sarah Palin's next step?:
She Should Run for Re-election as Alaska's Governor in 2010.
She Should Run for United States Senate.
She Should Run for President in 2012.
She Should Become the Republican Party Chairman.
Disappointed that the answer I wanted, that she would not run again...ever, was not listed, I said she should run for reelection.
The Results:
She Should Run for Re-election as Alaska's Governor in 2010. 28%
She Should Run for United States Senate. 31%
She Should Run for President in 2012. 29%
She Should Become the Republican Party Chairman. 13%
Total votes: 2262
Oh boy, with that survey, there is no bad answer...
All signs point to success for Sarah!
Hmm, what are we going to do now?
Please, I need comments. I don't know what to think about this.
I was looking at the website for the Christian Coalition, and this survey popped up on the side:
What should be Governor Sarah Palin's next step?:
She Should Run for Re-election as Alaska's Governor in 2010.
She Should Run for United States Senate.
She Should Run for President in 2012.
She Should Become the Republican Party Chairman.
Disappointed that the answer I wanted, that she would not run again...ever, was not listed, I said she should run for reelection.
The Results:
She Should Run for Re-election as Alaska's Governor in 2010. 28%
She Should Run for United States Senate. 31%
She Should Run for President in 2012. 29%
She Should Become the Republican Party Chairman. 13%
Total votes: 2262
Oh boy, with that survey, there is no bad answer...
All signs point to success for Sarah!
Hmm, what are we going to do now?
Please, I need comments. I don't know what to think about this.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Concerning Concernings
Crap, I haven't been updating this. I will be sure to post WEEKLY blogs, maybe every Saturday night, or Sunday....
In short: busy, sick, tired, shut up.
Talk to you soon!
Lovecakes,
John
In short: busy, sick, tired, shut up.
Talk to you soon!
Lovecakes,
John
Monday, January 26, 2009
Concerning Betty
Wow, these posts are going to get sparingly spare soon enough. Things will still be happening for sure, but I know that I will be lacking time and energy to write many. Also, there wasn't anything of note to note on Sunday, but today was good.
Today we were supposed to have a "mock interview" with a rep's aide, but he forgot about us. Some aide... Anyway, I had the afternoon open, so I visited Betty McCollum's office! Unfortunately, she was not there, but I got to write her a note, see her office, and sign up for a Capitol tour. I then took the Metro, ALL BY MYSELF, to Target. I could have cried because of how much I felt at home. So I got some crap at Target, and then I ate at Panda Express. You know, their food is ok. It's like someone making homemade Chinese food the first time, using the Betty Crocker cookbook. Nevertheless, its fairly cheap, so I will continue to eat there. I'll just bring my own MSG, thank you very much.
From there I took the metro, ALL BY MYSELF, back to home, where we had class. The subject was "Ideas have legs, why institutions matter." We learned about the importance of studying institutions, which we classify as either organizations, rules, or offices. Even institutions have their own narratives, so Peter Baker sez. Then it was the discussion group. We talked about postmodernity, faith, reason, and doubt. Then it was the community dinner. I love the community dinner, because its lots of free food.
From there the guys planned to play football on the Mall. I only went along to take pictures. However, upon getting to the mall, I discovered my battery was dead (it worked before I left). Lamo. So, I went back home, but I did stop at Starbucks for a Signature Hot Chocolate. It was watery. Here's to you Matt and Tim, the best baristas in Binnesota!
-Me
Today we were supposed to have a "mock interview" with a rep's aide, but he forgot about us. Some aide... Anyway, I had the afternoon open, so I visited Betty McCollum's office! Unfortunately, she was not there, but I got to write her a note, see her office, and sign up for a Capitol tour. I then took the Metro, ALL BY MYSELF, to Target. I could have cried because of how much I felt at home. So I got some crap at Target, and then I ate at Panda Express. You know, their food is ok. It's like someone making homemade Chinese food the first time, using the Betty Crocker cookbook. Nevertheless, its fairly cheap, so I will continue to eat there. I'll just bring my own MSG, thank you very much.
From there I took the metro, ALL BY MYSELF, back to home, where we had class. The subject was "Ideas have legs, why institutions matter." We learned about the importance of studying institutions, which we classify as either organizations, rules, or offices. Even institutions have their own narratives, so Peter Baker sez. Then it was the discussion group. We talked about postmodernity, faith, reason, and doubt. Then it was the community dinner. I love the community dinner, because its lots of free food.
From there the guys planned to play football on the Mall. I only went along to take pictures. However, upon getting to the mall, I discovered my battery was dead (it worked before I left). Lamo. So, I went back home, but I did stop at Starbucks for a Signature Hot Chocolate. It was watery. Here's to you Matt and Tim, the best baristas in Binnesota!
-Me
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Concerning Bleu Cheese
Dear Ramona,
Today was good. I woke up at 11:00 (not good) and commenced to clean our bathroom, considering that it was my assigned chore. I then went and chatted with some peeps, took pictures from the rooftop of my 'partmen', then chatted with those same peeps once more (the Sith will rule the galaxy, and we shall have peace). Then I went out "shopping" with my friend, Phil. I wasn't planning on shopping, I was only going along to take pictures (cheque facebook/picasa). However, when we got to "Yes! Organic." I saw terrific deals. They had great priced lettuce, $2 off tea, and more! So I got stuff, ha! Upon returning to the 'partmen', it was time for Guy's Night. We were originally planning on going to Hooters, but we went to the Green Turtle in Gallery Place/Verizon Center/Chinatown. I had the "Black'n'Blue" burger, which had crumbles of bleu cheese on it. Good food, except the buns collapsed easily, which made eating difficult. Also, the service was bad. I actually left a 10% tip. I'm usually very generous, but, ya gotta earnit, pal.
Nothing of metaphysical significance to-day.
All of my love and more,
John
Today was good. I woke up at 11:00 (not good) and commenced to clean our bathroom, considering that it was my assigned chore. I then went and chatted with some peeps, took pictures from the rooftop of my 'partmen', then chatted with those same peeps once more (the Sith will rule the galaxy, and we shall have peace). Then I went out "shopping" with my friend, Phil. I wasn't planning on shopping, I was only going along to take pictures (cheque facebook/picasa). However, when we got to "Yes! Organic." I saw terrific deals. They had great priced lettuce, $2 off tea, and more! So I got stuff, ha! Upon returning to the 'partmen', it was time for Guy's Night. We were originally planning on going to Hooters, but we went to the Green Turtle in Gallery Place/Verizon Center/Chinatown. I had the "Black'n'Blue" burger, which had crumbles of bleu cheese on it. Good food, except the buns collapsed easily, which made eating difficult. Also, the service was bad. I actually left a 10% tip. I'm usually very generous, but, ya gotta earnit, pal.
Nothing of metaphysical significance to-day.
All of my love and more,
John
Friday, January 23, 2009
Concerning Jews
Dear Diary,
Today we went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum (see pictures on my picasa, you should know how to get there now). It was a beautiful exhibit, a first-rate museum. I highly recommend it. Then, I went out to lunch with friends at the Old Post Office. We took the elevator to the top and saw all of the city. Then, we went back to the shop and had a class. Then, I "laid" down and napped, then I read, then I had an enlightening discussion, then I wrote my blog.
Sincerely,
John
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Holocaust Memorial Museum always has this imperative postered around and through its halls: Think About What You Saw. I think I will, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the exhibit didn't hit me that hard, unlike some people who go through the exhibits sobbing. I had seen the stuff before, studied the history, watched the movies. It's like I knew it already. But that's not the case entirely. Sure I was emotionally writhing inside, but parts of the museum hit me in a profound way.
Now, before I say what I have to say, I'm not getting all "beatnik" on y'all. Going through the museum, they had thousands of photographs posted everywhere of regular Jewish people who were in the Holocaust. I looked at all of the pictures, and this is what I thought "They are so many beautiful people."
I didn't necessarily mean 'beautiful' along the lines of physical attractiveness, but the humanness of each human struck me so profoundly. These were not statistics, these were loving, beautiful people. Gorgeous people because they were people. Each a different person, a different smile, and different stare. I loved the pictures of some smiling and smoking. Beautiful. I loved the pictures of the women with short, bob cuts and the men with mustaches. Beautiful. I loved the pictures of old orthodox Jews and little ones with their dreidels. Beautiful. In each picture, I saw the beauty of mankind in each picture. I believe God has developed in me the past year a terrific love for mankind, his creation, and his church. I don't even have to know the person, or be in the same generation, and my love pours out. It was the same thing yesterday at Gospel Rescue Missions. I loved everyone there.
Beautiful people, made wonderfully by God.
Beautiful.
Today we went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum (see pictures on my picasa, you should know how to get there now). It was a beautiful exhibit, a first-rate museum. I highly recommend it. Then, I went out to lunch with friends at the Old Post Office. We took the elevator to the top and saw all of the city. Then, we went back to the shop and had a class. Then, I "laid" down and napped, then I read, then I had an enlightening discussion, then I wrote my blog.
Sincerely,
John
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Holocaust Memorial Museum always has this imperative postered around and through its halls: Think About What You Saw. I think I will, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the exhibit didn't hit me that hard, unlike some people who go through the exhibits sobbing. I had seen the stuff before, studied the history, watched the movies. It's like I knew it already. But that's not the case entirely. Sure I was emotionally writhing inside, but parts of the museum hit me in a profound way.
Now, before I say what I have to say, I'm not getting all "beatnik" on y'all. Going through the museum, they had thousands of photographs posted everywhere of regular Jewish people who were in the Holocaust. I looked at all of the pictures, and this is what I thought "They are so many beautiful people."
I didn't necessarily mean 'beautiful' along the lines of physical attractiveness, but the humanness of each human struck me so profoundly. These were not statistics, these were loving, beautiful people. Gorgeous people because they were people. Each a different person, a different smile, and different stare. I loved the pictures of some smiling and smoking. Beautiful. I loved the pictures of the women with short, bob cuts and the men with mustaches. Beautiful. I loved the pictures of old orthodox Jews and little ones with their dreidels. Beautiful. In each picture, I saw the beauty of mankind in each picture. I believe God has developed in me the past year a terrific love for mankind, his creation, and his church. I don't even have to know the person, or be in the same generation, and my love pours out. It was the same thing yesterday at Gospel Rescue Missions. I loved everyone there.
Beautiful people, made wonderfully by God.
Beautiful.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Concerning Theodore Geisel
Today was good. We did our service project with Gospel Rescue Ministries (www.grm.org). It was incredible. I got to tutor two African American gentlemen in reading. One read "One Fish Two Fish Read Fish Blue Fish" all the way through, and I helped build confidence in the other. It was an incredible experience. Upon returning home, I went to RiteAid with two friends, got crap, and returned. I then had a long discussion with one of the friends, as well as anyone who came in, on Christianity and politics, free will, personalities, first impressions, etc. It was great.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like I said, the experience at Gospel Rescue Ministries was incredible. I love to teach and help people learn. I was able to share that passion today. Gospel Rescue Ministries helps former drug and alcohol addicts to get back on their feet, healthy both physically and spiritually, and then prepare them for a job with education. Many apply to the program to complete their GEDs. I highly recommend you look at their website. They are doing incredible things in DC.
Today, I helped one man read, whose name is, oh, let's say, Gerald. From what I heard, Gerald was incarcerated at some point, and during which, he taught himself to read. He had gray hairs in his beard, but did not look too old. Together, we read through Dr. Seuss' masterpiece "One Fish Two Fish..." Gerald put so much energy into reading, and he was determined to learn how. He has two twins, one of which has a daughter. He's a grandfather and he cannot read. He looks forward to seeing his kids and granddaughter soon.
The other man, we'll call him Sulley, did not really have a bad history. He just joined because of the religious part of the program, as well as learn to get a job. He too was not a good reader, but he came a long way in his 9 month program. We barely read together, we just talked. He was so open with me about everything. He was disappointed in the program and in life. He felt like he was just doing busy work and not learning how to get a job, which is what he desired greatly. He had a book he had to read, "Who Moved My Cheese," which dealt with people experiencing changes. He was to meet with a supervisor and talk about the book. He had his son and his niece help him through it, and it seemed like he mastered the content of the book. He knew the characters, and even identified with them. He admitted to me that he was very angry and sad about not being able to read, and how he wallowed in self-pity over it. We barely read, I just let him talk. He had so much to say, we both encouraged each other, and we both learned a lot that day.
This was a truly maginificent experience. They were all so grateful for the help. I have never been so open with people I did not know. But I was open because I was there to help them. I was there to help them read, but more importantly, I was there to support them, build their confidence, and just be a friend to them. God is working wonders in that ministry and in the lives of those who work there and who come for its services. I truly love Gerald and Sulley, even just after one day. I love them because they are wonderfully created by God. They have gone through tough stuff, and my compassion for those people is overwhelming. I love to help people learn, teach them, and disciple them into a life of serving God. Today was a most holy day. I cannot wait to go back next Tuesday.
In fact, when I return to Minneapolis, I want to volunteer, or even work, at a place like this. God is working in amazing ways through the Gospel Rescue Ministry, as well as DC, and I want to do his work here in Mpls as well.
Tomorrow we're going to the Holocaust Museum. That's all to be said until tomorrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like I said, the experience at Gospel Rescue Ministries was incredible. I love to teach and help people learn. I was able to share that passion today. Gospel Rescue Ministries helps former drug and alcohol addicts to get back on their feet, healthy both physically and spiritually, and then prepare them for a job with education. Many apply to the program to complete their GEDs. I highly recommend you look at their website. They are doing incredible things in DC.
Today, I helped one man read, whose name is, oh, let's say, Gerald. From what I heard, Gerald was incarcerated at some point, and during which, he taught himself to read. He had gray hairs in his beard, but did not look too old. Together, we read through Dr. Seuss' masterpiece "One Fish Two Fish..." Gerald put so much energy into reading, and he was determined to learn how. He has two twins, one of which has a daughter. He's a grandfather and he cannot read. He looks forward to seeing his kids and granddaughter soon.
The other man, we'll call him Sulley, did not really have a bad history. He just joined because of the religious part of the program, as well as learn to get a job. He too was not a good reader, but he came a long way in his 9 month program. We barely read together, we just talked. He was so open with me about everything. He was disappointed in the program and in life. He felt like he was just doing busy work and not learning how to get a job, which is what he desired greatly. He had a book he had to read, "Who Moved My Cheese," which dealt with people experiencing changes. He was to meet with a supervisor and talk about the book. He had his son and his niece help him through it, and it seemed like he mastered the content of the book. He knew the characters, and even identified with them. He admitted to me that he was very angry and sad about not being able to read, and how he wallowed in self-pity over it. We barely read, I just let him talk. He had so much to say, we both encouraged each other, and we both learned a lot that day.
This was a truly maginificent experience. They were all so grateful for the help. I have never been so open with people I did not know. But I was open because I was there to help them. I was there to help them read, but more importantly, I was there to support them, build their confidence, and just be a friend to them. God is working wonders in that ministry and in the lives of those who work there and who come for its services. I truly love Gerald and Sulley, even just after one day. I love them because they are wonderfully created by God. They have gone through tough stuff, and my compassion for those people is overwhelming. I love to help people learn, teach them, and disciple them into a life of serving God. Today was a most holy day. I cannot wait to go back next Tuesday.
In fact, when I return to Minneapolis, I want to volunteer, or even work, at a place like this. God is working in amazing ways through the Gospel Rescue Ministry, as well as DC, and I want to do his work here in Mpls as well.
Tomorrow we're going to the Holocaust Museum. That's all to be said until tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Concerning Wuthnow's After-the-Baby-Boomers
+READER'S DIGEST+
Today was good. We had a meet and greet with people who work with the CCCU, which my friend and I ducked out of as soon as we had our coffee and doughnut. Later that day, I had class. We had a really cool guy from the Clapham Institute. He talked about narratives and the ought-is-can-will frame of mind. He was funny. I then discussed with people where we were going to eat, and after no decision, had food in my 'part't. Since then, I've been working on my capstone and have done good work. Ok!
(^)o(^)HAPPY FUN TIME EDITION(+)_(+)
Dunkin Donuts coffee is the best worst coffee I ever had.
Umm, prolly not gonna go into the ought-is-can-will thing. Too tired.
I've been working on my capstone this evening, but I made a cool break-through. Wuthnow identifies that 20-30-somethings marry later in life, males at 27 and females at 25. Part of my research has me compare the Salvage Yard to Wuthnow's work. Out of 22 people interviewed, I had 10 people married. However, I had to eliminate four of them because they were over 35 years of age (extraneous variables if you will). So, I only had 6 married subjects, but out of them, their average age for when they got married was 25 for men and 25 for females!!!! That is an excellent result.
For more on my results, wait till the paper is done.
Tomorrow's going to be fun. Doing a service project at Gospel Rescue Mission.
www.grm.org
Awight Awight!
Today was good. We had a meet and greet with people who work with the CCCU, which my friend and I ducked out of as soon as we had our coffee and doughnut. Later that day, I had class. We had a really cool guy from the Clapham Institute. He talked about narratives and the ought-is-can-will frame of mind. He was funny. I then discussed with people where we were going to eat, and after no decision, had food in my 'part't. Since then, I've been working on my capstone and have done good work. Ok!
(^)o(^)HAPPY FUN TIME EDITION(+)_(+)
Dunkin Donuts coffee is the best worst coffee I ever had.
Umm, prolly not gonna go into the ought-is-can-will thing. Too tired.
I've been working on my capstone this evening, but I made a cool break-through. Wuthnow identifies that 20-30-somethings marry later in life, males at 27 and females at 25. Part of my research has me compare the Salvage Yard to Wuthnow's work. Out of 22 people interviewed, I had 10 people married. However, I had to eliminate four of them because they were over 35 years of age (extraneous variables if you will). So, I only had 6 married subjects, but out of them, their average age for when they got married was 25 for men and 25 for females!!!! That is an excellent result.
For more on my results, wait till the paper is done.
Tomorrow's going to be fun. Doing a service project at Gospel Rescue Mission.
www.grm.org
Awight Awight!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Concerning Ugly People
On le metro, a very friendly man and his wife helped direct us to one of our locations. They were heading for a ball, and they were commenting on seeing celebrities. The wife said that she would easily recognize Ted Kennedy, but she would never be able to recognize Jessica Simpson, to which her husband wittily quipped: Washington is the Hollywood for ugly people. Apparently this was borrowed from John McCain, but I still find it hilarious. Hence, the title of this entry.
+READERS DIGEST+
Today was depressing at the beginning then damn fun at the end. Late last night I decided I was not going to the Inauguration tomorrow. I chose to stay home to pray, fast from media, and read the Bible, specifically Jeremiah. My heart was heavy throughout the day, and that made everything else depressing. However, later that day we had to finish our scavenger tour of Washington, which was great. I even got to see Obomb's motorcade on his way to a ball. I further justify my not going to the inaugs on the basis that I was closer than any "normal person" was today.
(OoO)EXPANSIONS(OoO)
Why did I not want to go to the inaugs? Well, selfishly, I didn't want to deal with the crowd. Also, even though it was a "historical" moment, I didn't feel like it was necessary for me to be there to say that I was there to my grandchildren someday. I had that going for me as the sole reason for a while, until epiphs occurred, with two r's. In my last blog, I hinted at today being too much idolatry. I still believe that. But before I go off on my schpiel, some discretions:
1. I do not consider Obombs to be the anti-Christ. If he is, then the religious right/left is the Whore of Babylon. Suck on that!
2. I like Obombs, I voted for him (if you want to know why, ask me please).
With that out of the way, I still believe that our nation, and especially some Christians, have committed idolatry. Obomb's campaign has been centered around "hope." People have taken this and ran with it. This 'hope' is the sole end for them, but hope in what? Doesn't sound like hope in Christ. No, its hope in the political system, and especially, hope in one singular man to change it. I look at all of the t-shirts, buttons, and paraphenalia around town, and its depressing for many reasons, but to put it succinctly, they are capitalizing an idolatry. Ooh, I like that, make a note to self. I hear people on the bus and le metro and all they talk about is Obama, and everyone wearing Obama on their shirts. We have committed idolatry by adorning ourselves with the image of a man we have determined to be our saviour. Christ alone, ladies and gentlemen, Christ alone.
So, what do I do about it? I decide to stay home and read Jeremiah, fast from media, and pray/repent. My church, the Salvage Yard (www.thesalvageyard.org) has identified themselves in a season of mourning and repentance. I feel that I must join with them while I am here, and this is a perfect opportunity. While millions gather on the Mall to praise Obombs, one sits in his apartment and prays. I'm not trying to make myself sound all haughty-taughty, but I want to encourage others to consider practicing this. Things happen, small and large, because a few people ask the Holy Spirit to direct it. It is incredible. I picked Jeremiah because he was a prophet that warned Israel/Judah of their coming destruction because of their idolatry and adultery with pagan idols and gods. We have a lot to learn from the prophets today, we most certainly do. More later, perups.
As for the fun stuff, my group finished our scavenger hunt. We took le Metro to Foggy Bottom and took a shuttle to the Kennedy Center and then to the Watergate Hotel. We then took le metro to Chinatown, which is where we met the nice couple mentioned above, and walked towards the Convention Center, which was nearby our last stop, the Cato Institute. However, we did not make it because the police stopped everyone for the Obomb's motorcade to his next ball. It was very cool and exciting to see the motorcade. Then I got Chipotle and went back home. Cool stuff.
Also, I intend on posting images of the scavenger hunt and more Washington photos on my picasa. http://picasaweb.google.com/thekerrywake Bookmark that baby!
=END TRANSMISSION=
+READERS DIGEST+
Today was depressing at the beginning then damn fun at the end. Late last night I decided I was not going to the Inauguration tomorrow. I chose to stay home to pray, fast from media, and read the Bible, specifically Jeremiah. My heart was heavy throughout the day, and that made everything else depressing. However, later that day we had to finish our scavenger tour of Washington, which was great. I even got to see Obomb's motorcade on his way to a ball. I further justify my not going to the inaugs on the basis that I was closer than any "normal person" was today.
(OoO)EXPANSIONS(OoO)
Why did I not want to go to the inaugs? Well, selfishly, I didn't want to deal with the crowd. Also, even though it was a "historical" moment, I didn't feel like it was necessary for me to be there to say that I was there to my grandchildren someday. I had that going for me as the sole reason for a while, until epiphs occurred, with two r's. In my last blog, I hinted at today being too much idolatry. I still believe that. But before I go off on my schpiel, some discretions:
1. I do not consider Obombs to be the anti-Christ. If he is, then the religious right/left is the Whore of Babylon. Suck on that!
2. I like Obombs, I voted for him (if you want to know why, ask me please).
With that out of the way, I still believe that our nation, and especially some Christians, have committed idolatry. Obomb's campaign has been centered around "hope." People have taken this and ran with it. This 'hope' is the sole end for them, but hope in what? Doesn't sound like hope in Christ. No, its hope in the political system, and especially, hope in one singular man to change it. I look at all of the t-shirts, buttons, and paraphenalia around town, and its depressing for many reasons, but to put it succinctly, they are capitalizing an idolatry. Ooh, I like that, make a note to self. I hear people on the bus and le metro and all they talk about is Obama, and everyone wearing Obama on their shirts. We have committed idolatry by adorning ourselves with the image of a man we have determined to be our saviour. Christ alone, ladies and gentlemen, Christ alone.
So, what do I do about it? I decide to stay home and read Jeremiah, fast from media, and pray/repent. My church, the Salvage Yard (www.thesalvageyard.org) has identified themselves in a season of mourning and repentance. I feel that I must join with them while I am here, and this is a perfect opportunity. While millions gather on the Mall to praise Obombs, one sits in his apartment and prays. I'm not trying to make myself sound all haughty-taughty, but I want to encourage others to consider practicing this. Things happen, small and large, because a few people ask the Holy Spirit to direct it. It is incredible. I picked Jeremiah because he was a prophet that warned Israel/Judah of their coming destruction because of their idolatry and adultery with pagan idols and gods. We have a lot to learn from the prophets today, we most certainly do. More later, perups.
As for the fun stuff, my group finished our scavenger hunt. We took le Metro to Foggy Bottom and took a shuttle to the Kennedy Center and then to the Watergate Hotel. We then took le metro to Chinatown, which is where we met the nice couple mentioned above, and walked towards the Convention Center, which was nearby our last stop, the Cato Institute. However, we did not make it because the police stopped everyone for the Obomb's motorcade to his next ball. It was very cool and exciting to see the motorcade. Then I got Chipotle and went back home. Cool stuff.
Also, I intend on posting images of the scavenger hunt and more Washington photos on my picasa. http://picasaweb.google.com/thekerrywake Bookmark that baby!
=END TRANSMISSION=
Monday, January 19, 2009
Concerning Narratives
It has come to my intention that my blogs are too long. I like to write, so I shan't shorten them. Rather, I will provide a Reader's Digest addendum at the beginning of each post, which I will follow with reflection, expandations, and meditations. That way, we all win!
READER'S DIGEST
Today was a good day. In the morning, we had a little more of orientation. We got our portfolios with all of the syllabi info in it and such. Afterwards I went upstairs to study, and then later that afternoon went to my first class, Leadership and Vocation. We are studying personal narratives and getting ready for our service projects. Then we had our discussion groups. My facilitator is the leader of ASP Jerry Herbert. I like him, he coo'. Took pictures of the Capitol from my rooftop. Look here: http://picasaweb.google.com/thekerrywake/CapitolFromASP02#
---
THE BETTER PART
Today was the first day of real class, and real wake up time (8:00 this time, but I'll have to wake up earlier soon...booo-urns). I'm not gonna talk much about the orientation, it was orientation after all. However, I will talk about what I learned today.
Today we started our course in Leadership and Vocation, whose objective is:
1. Develop a vision for you calling int he world that is rooted in an understandind of the truthful and narrative nature of the Bible and its vision for the coherence of knowing and doing.
2. reflect on your public service project and internship experiences in order to evaluate the way in which your field of interest reflects both God's good intentions as well as the distortions of a sinful and broken world.
3. Think critically about how our culture seeks to press us into seeing the world through a dualistic fact/value, public/private framework about how our personal narratives can also shape the way we see and respond to the world.
I find the focus on 'narratives' interesting. I was opened up to the idea in an apologetic manner in my Christian Discipleship and Evangelism/Missions courses back freshman year of NWC, but since then I have rarely heard the term or language. I think that's because I have delved into studying theology and philosophy, where much of the professors employ a more rational/systematic study of the issues. Also, I have been studying postmodernism for a while, in theology classes as well in my preliminary research for my capstone, so I hear both the critiques and praises of postmodern thought.
However, the American Studies Program does not hold to relativism. They affirm that there is one truth as revealed by the Biblical narrative. However, we all have our own narratives and lense through which we interpret the Bible, yet the Bible reflects back at us, and one could say interprets us. The Bible reveals things about our worldviews and narratives that we never considered, mostly because we were blind to those presuppositions.
This area intrigues me, so I look forward to studying it more and learning more.
Guh, Inauguration is tomorrow. I don't think I'll go. Too many people and too much idolatry for one day.
=END TRANSMISSION=
READER'S DIGEST
Today was a good day. In the morning, we had a little more of orientation. We got our portfolios with all of the syllabi info in it and such. Afterwards I went upstairs to study, and then later that afternoon went to my first class, Leadership and Vocation. We are studying personal narratives and getting ready for our service projects. Then we had our discussion groups. My facilitator is the leader of ASP Jerry Herbert. I like him, he coo'. Took pictures of the Capitol from my rooftop. Look here: http://picasaweb.google.com/thekerrywake/CapitolFromASP02#
---
THE BETTER PART
Today was the first day of real class, and real wake up time (8:00 this time, but I'll have to wake up earlier soon...booo-urns). I'm not gonna talk much about the orientation, it was orientation after all. However, I will talk about what I learned today.
Today we started our course in Leadership and Vocation, whose objective is:
1. Develop a vision for you calling int he world that is rooted in an understandind of the truthful and narrative nature of the Bible and its vision for the coherence of knowing and doing.
2. reflect on your public service project and internship experiences in order to evaluate the way in which your field of interest reflects both God's good intentions as well as the distortions of a sinful and broken world.
3. Think critically about how our culture seeks to press us into seeing the world through a dualistic fact/value, public/private framework about how our personal narratives can also shape the way we see and respond to the world.
I find the focus on 'narratives' interesting. I was opened up to the idea in an apologetic manner in my Christian Discipleship and Evangelism/Missions courses back freshman year of NWC, but since then I have rarely heard the term or language. I think that's because I have delved into studying theology and philosophy, where much of the professors employ a more rational/systematic study of the issues. Also, I have been studying postmodernism for a while, in theology classes as well in my preliminary research for my capstone, so I hear both the critiques and praises of postmodern thought.
However, the American Studies Program does not hold to relativism. They affirm that there is one truth as revealed by the Biblical narrative. However, we all have our own narratives and lense through which we interpret the Bible, yet the Bible reflects back at us, and one could say interprets us. The Bible reveals things about our worldviews and narratives that we never considered, mostly because we were blind to those presuppositions.
This area intrigues me, so I look forward to studying it more and learning more.
Guh, Inauguration is tomorrow. I don't think I'll go. Too many people and too much idolatry for one day.
=END TRANSMISSION=
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Concerning Beyonce
Dear Diary,
Today is Sunday. I slept in, and thus did not go to church. I was far too tired.
Part of our "orienteering" activities, we were assigned to groups to go out and do a "scavenger" hunt in the city.
Scavenger, I like that word. Just say it slowly : ska-vaaaahhhhhn-juuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhrrrr.
Some one get me the etymology of that.
Anyway, I was assigned to a group that consisted of Ryan from Bethel, Chad and Melissa. Chad is from LA, while Melissa is from Chicago. Our assignment was as such:
1. Find and take group photos at:
An embassy from North America
The Department of HUD
Cato Institute
Watergate Hotel
2. Talk with three of these four kinds of Washingtonians
A. DC police officer
B. DC merchant
C. Someone who lives in DC
D. Someone who works for the federal government
We began our jaunt, another word I love, jaaaawwwwww-nt, with walking down to the Eastern Market Station. For you faithfuls, that is the same station that I will be going to to get to my internship in Rosslyn. It was a brisk walk, maybe taking 10 minutes. We stopped at a local flea market, pictures you will see on my picasa (http://picasaweb.google.com/thekerrywake), where we interviewed a "DC merchant." It was a bit empty this day, but it was really cool, and I look forward to going back soon.
We got to the station and went down the escalators. If you haven't been to "The District," then you won't understand how neat the metro transit is. I cannot describe it entirely for sake of time and attention span.
We take the train to L'Enfant Plaza, go see HUD, and then make our way to the Mall. 'Twas backed, but we managed to get a good spot near the WWII Memorial. I was excited to hear that Beyonce was performing, so I could not leave until we saw her. Luckily enough, Ryan is a fan of Beyonce too (take that all who disagree that I am...Sasha Fierce is incredible). Unfortunately, she sang at the end, and keeping with the patriotic theme, she did not sing Single Ladies. She just sang If I Were a Boy. HA! No, I'm just kidding. The whole thing was patriotic, so you had your John Mellencamp singing his America song, you have Garth Brooks singing his America song, and interestingly enough, you have Will.I.Am, Cheryl Crow, and (can't remember the other person) singing Bob Marley. Hmm...
Reflections on the Event at the Reflecting Pool. I myself was very excited to be there, for it was such a wonderful experience. So many people, so much happening. There was black couple in front of me, mother/father/daughter etc. The mother was so excited to see Obama, but the daughter was not. She was bored with it all, not caring about seeing Obama here. "I've seen him all these months on TV," she said, to which her mother replied, "But it's the experience of it happening, the significance of it."
So it seems that the apathy of my generation continues to grow. A girl of African-American ethnicity does not care, unlike millions of other African-Americans, that an African-American is going to be president. Hmm, I'd like to ponder that more, but along the same lines:
Ok, so, you'll talk to me and know I hate politics. Some of that's cynicism, sure, but I don't like to talk about it primarily (hopefully) because the discussion, I feel, is futile. I think its futile, at least for me, because, and to put it bluntly, all politics falls flat on its face at the foot of the Cross. I feel that so much people discuss about politics is uber-secular. They fail to appreciatively integrate their faith into their political discussions, let alone all of their discussions. Its like there is a disconnect between the two, which there is most certainly not! In my case, however, I choose not to discuss certain political issues if the discussion does not allow an integration of my faith.
Example:
Bad question: So, what do you think about universal health care?
The question asks me simply my opinions on the structure of a potential governmental program plagued by partisan politics (I am on a role with the alliterations!)
Good question: Is everyone entitled to health care? Does everyone deserve it? How do we take care of the sick?
This set of questions opens up the conversation to way more than bureaucratics. It involves the articulation of deep personal theological, philosophical, and pisteuological (new word I made up, meaning faith-logical, or study of faith, something I want to persure). This is what I'm interested in, this is what I want to discuss.
I say this because of the idolatry I witnessed on the Mall, which has and continues to irritate me greatly. People LOVE Obama, they admire him, and many worship him. People have embraced this message of change and hope as their gospel. They evangelize it with T-shirts (a hilarious one that I saw today is on picasa as well http://picasaweb.google.com/thekerrywake), bumper stickers, and posters. Salvation is found in Obama/Biden, and no one else alone.
Ok, don't get me wrong, I like the guys and I like their beliefs. But I recognize that change does not come from the Oval Office, change that the world needs. The hope the world needs is found solely in Christ, and no government can propogate that. It takes the mustard seed of individuals to meet peoples needs and direct them into a live with God through Christ. That is what I believe, and that is not compromised by any t-shirt of the O-Bamz.
Yes, we can vote, support issues, develop opinions, and even work in government, but that is not our end. Our end in is Christ alone.
=END TRANSMISSION=
Today is Sunday. I slept in, and thus did not go to church. I was far too tired.
Part of our "orienteering" activities, we were assigned to groups to go out and do a "scavenger" hunt in the city.
Scavenger, I like that word. Just say it slowly : ska-vaaaahhhhhn-juuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhrrrr.
Some one get me the etymology of that.
Anyway, I was assigned to a group that consisted of Ryan from Bethel, Chad and Melissa. Chad is from LA, while Melissa is from Chicago. Our assignment was as such:
1. Find and take group photos at:
An embassy from North America
The Department of HUD
Cato Institute
Watergate Hotel
2. Talk with three of these four kinds of Washingtonians
A. DC police officer
B. DC merchant
C. Someone who lives in DC
D. Someone who works for the federal government
We began our jaunt, another word I love, jaaaawwwwww-nt, with walking down to the Eastern Market Station. For you faithfuls, that is the same station that I will be going to to get to my internship in Rosslyn. It was a brisk walk, maybe taking 10 minutes. We stopped at a local flea market, pictures you will see on my picasa (http://picasaweb.google.com/thekerrywake), where we interviewed a "DC merchant." It was a bit empty this day, but it was really cool, and I look forward to going back soon.
We got to the station and went down the escalators. If you haven't been to "The District," then you won't understand how neat the metro transit is. I cannot describe it entirely for sake of time and attention span.
We take the train to L'Enfant Plaza, go see HUD, and then make our way to the Mall. 'Twas backed, but we managed to get a good spot near the WWII Memorial. I was excited to hear that Beyonce was performing, so I could not leave until we saw her. Luckily enough, Ryan is a fan of Beyonce too (take that all who disagree that I am...Sasha Fierce is incredible). Unfortunately, she sang at the end, and keeping with the patriotic theme, she did not sing Single Ladies. She just sang If I Were a Boy. HA! No, I'm just kidding. The whole thing was patriotic, so you had your John Mellencamp singing his America song, you have Garth Brooks singing his America song, and interestingly enough, you have Will.I.Am, Cheryl Crow, and (can't remember the other person) singing Bob Marley. Hmm...
Reflections on the Event at the Reflecting Pool. I myself was very excited to be there, for it was such a wonderful experience. So many people, so much happening. There was black couple in front of me, mother/father/daughter etc. The mother was so excited to see Obama, but the daughter was not. She was bored with it all, not caring about seeing Obama here. "I've seen him all these months on TV," she said, to which her mother replied, "But it's the experience of it happening, the significance of it."
So it seems that the apathy of my generation continues to grow. A girl of African-American ethnicity does not care, unlike millions of other African-Americans, that an African-American is going to be president. Hmm, I'd like to ponder that more, but along the same lines:
Ok, so, you'll talk to me and know I hate politics. Some of that's cynicism, sure, but I don't like to talk about it primarily (hopefully) because the discussion, I feel, is futile. I think its futile, at least for me, because, and to put it bluntly, all politics falls flat on its face at the foot of the Cross. I feel that so much people discuss about politics is uber-secular. They fail to appreciatively integrate their faith into their political discussions, let alone all of their discussions. Its like there is a disconnect between the two, which there is most certainly not! In my case, however, I choose not to discuss certain political issues if the discussion does not allow an integration of my faith.
Example:
Bad question: So, what do you think about universal health care?
The question asks me simply my opinions on the structure of a potential governmental program plagued by partisan politics (I am on a role with the alliterations!)
Good question: Is everyone entitled to health care? Does everyone deserve it? How do we take care of the sick?
This set of questions opens up the conversation to way more than bureaucratics. It involves the articulation of deep personal theological, philosophical, and pisteuological (new word I made up, meaning faith-logical, or study of faith, something I want to persure). This is what I'm interested in, this is what I want to discuss.
I say this because of the idolatry I witnessed on the Mall, which has and continues to irritate me greatly. People LOVE Obama, they admire him, and many worship him. People have embraced this message of change and hope as their gospel. They evangelize it with T-shirts (a hilarious one that I saw today is on picasa as well http://picasaweb.google.com/thekerrywake), bumper stickers, and posters. Salvation is found in Obama/Biden, and no one else alone.
Ok, don't get me wrong, I like the guys and I like their beliefs. But I recognize that change does not come from the Oval Office, change that the world needs. The hope the world needs is found solely in Christ, and no government can propogate that. It takes the mustard seed of individuals to meet peoples needs and direct them into a live with God through Christ. That is what I believe, and that is not compromised by any t-shirt of the O-Bamz.
Yes, we can vote, support issues, develop opinions, and even work in government, but that is not our end. Our end in is Christ alone.
=END TRANSMISSION=
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
So what are you doing again?
That is a great question!
I am attending the American Studies Programme in Washington DC. I will be in seminars and doing an internship. To save time, I have decided so simply just copy and past stuff from their websites...
The American Studies Program is an interdisciplinary internship/seminar program based in Washington, DC. The program is sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, an association of one hundred member colleges and universities of the liberal arts and sciences in the United States and Canada and forty-three affiliate members around the world. Over twenty-one hundred university students have participated in the program since it began in September of 1976. Designed to expose undergraduates to opportunities for involvement in public life, the program also provides students with a general understanding of the public policy dynamics at work in the nation's capital. The program provides internship opportunities for the diverse majors and career interests of university juniors and seniors.Students live together in our campus apartments, work as voluntary interns and participate in a seminar program for which they receive full academic credit. Since the number of participants is limited, the program is highly selective.
Public Policy Seminar classes meet three afternoons each week and are organized into three academic modules dealing with a variety of topics in domestic and international policy. The subject of each module is addressed from a non-partisan, multi-disciplinary approach utilizing the vast resources available to students in Washington, D.C. The modules have included studies of the national deficit, defense and weapons policies, social welfare policies, national campaigning, the debate over environmental and economic growth issues, U.S. relations with Eastern Europe, and other current public policy issues.
Internships are designed to be pre-career work experiences which will assist the students in understanding the nature of professional life in their fields of interest. Interns have been placed in over 500 offices and agencies across the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Students intern in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government. Other internships are in the arts, social services, science and the environment, business and economics, international affairs, law, journalism and communications, and with public interest research groups.
A.S.P. interns are available 20-30 hours per week for 14 weeks during the fall or spring semesters. The students are required to keep a daily journal and meet periodically with American Studies Program faculty who monitor their internship to ensure a quality learning experience. The student's monitor also maintains regular contact with the supervisor at the intern's placement.
Topics in Vocational Leadership (5-week module, 3 semester credits)
The course introduces concepts for Christian responsibility and involvement in public issues important to your internship. It asks what it means for you to “enact” your vocation by living out the truth of your convictions in “real life.” By focusing on a public topic salient to your internship placement, you learn to use (1) basic techniques for issue analysis and (2) the narrative pattern of the Bible (creation, fall, redemption, consummation) as an analytical framework. Reflecting on the responsibilities, challenges and opportunities that arise from your internship experience, attention is given both to the larger biblical narrative and to your own unique story, identity and gifting. Unlike other 5-week ASP modular courses, this course stresses interaction with your internship placement and extends across the semester, beginning with the term’s first two weeks, involving a week at midterm and concluding with the term’s last two weeks.
Internship Placement: (14-week part-time work, 6 semester credits)
This course is an internship placement that continues across the semester. You must work a minimum average of 20 hours a week for a minimum of 13 weeks to receive 6 semester hours of credit. Although ASP has placed students in hundreds of agencies and offices throughout the greater Washington metropolitan area, each internship placement is designed with you in mind. Your position and duties are arranged through a careful process involving ASP, the sponsoring agency and you.
As an ASP intern, you work the same type of daily schedule as your placement’s regular staff and observe all legal holidays. There are no provisions for vacation leave and you must maintain a regular, professional schedule. Illness and family problems are the only excuses for absence. You must get approval from both the on-site supervisor and program faculty monitor prior to altering your regular schedule.
You and your on-site supervisor craft a set of goals for the semester. You also submit three reflection essays (minimum of 5 pages each), each of which include reflections on (1) the mission and organization of your workplace, (2) how your faith relates to your work, and (3) your emerging vocational vision in light of classroom themes and workplace experiences.
At the end of the semester, you submit and sign a one-page typed summary of what you did and learned during the internship course. The summary is submitted, along with the recommended grade and supporting documents, to your college registrar.
You receive academic credit for this course so you cannot be paid for your work. Neither can your internship be turned into a full-time or paid position while you are enrolled in the program. (This is out of fairness to all ASP students.) On occasion, however, you may be given the opportunity by your office to continue in a paid position following completion of the ASP term.
Your internship is carefully monitored by ASP faculty. Faculty monitors confer with you and your on-site supervisor. Your faculty monitor also visits your internship site at least once during the term. To successfully complete an internship, you are required to (1) submit three reflection essays on your experiences & observations, (2) get “the big picture” surrounding your placement by attending events around the city, and (3) read and reflect on an internship text.
Mentorship Course (optional): (4 mentor meetings, 1 semester credit)
This optional course gives you the opportunity to meet with a professional mentor in your field four times during the semester. You submit four recorded individual oral reflections to your faculty monitor, one following each of the four professional mentor meetings, and one recorded group oral reflection to your faculty monitor at the conclusion of the semester.
Your oral reflections (2) demonstrate an effort to learn from your mentor’s experience and background to clarify your career aspirations and emerging vocational vision and (2) draw upon a biography or novel (chosen by your mentor) to wrestle with questions, insights and implications raised by the text for your internship and life experience and for your developing sense of call.
Topics in National Affairs (5-week module, 3 semester credits)
Involving field research and applying tools of policy analysis, the course introduces various perspectives on social and political involvement with a pressing national issue. The course is designed to expose you to the Washington leadership networks that are engaged in the complex dynamic of national public policy formation and decision-making. You will gain perspective on the way Washington really works by personally engaging decision-makers and by using the biblical idea of justice as a point of departure for analyzing an important national topic. Coursework includes policy analysis, political studies, sociology, ethics, theology, and biblical studies.
Topics in International Affairs & Globalization (5-week module, 3 semester credits)
In this unit the two ASP Projects intersect by focusing on a major topic in globalization and international affairs. Through field research and face-to-face meetings with experts in Washington's international community, you are challenged to develop a biblical perspective, either on foreign affairs (in the Public Affairs Project) or on globalization (in the Marketplace Project). The course typically emphasizes ways of dealing with the conflict of international interests (both political and commercial) and the biblical idea of shalom. It examines the just role and responsibilities of governments, businesses and of the international expression of the church. Coursework includes aspects of international relations theory, diplomacy and foreign affairs, globalization and international trade, international economics and ethics, biblical studies and the theology of the church in the world.
My internship, the Institute for Global Engagement
Mission
IGE promotes sustainable environments for religious freedom worldwide. It studies the impact of faith on state and society, it encourages governments to protect religious freedom, and it equips citizens to exercise that freedom responsibly.
In our efforts to promote religious freedom it is imperative to operate at the intersection of thoughts and deeds. Words without action are worthless; action without thought is dangerous. Each must hone the other. Accordingly, IGE combines theory with praxis, thinking with doing.
IGE's three centers catalyze thought and action, promoting a practical and sustainable religious freedom that serves state and society worldwide.
The Center for Relational Diplomacy
Under the direction of IGE President, Dr. Chris Seiple, the Center for Relational Diplomacy (CRD) works in Central, South, and East Asia, as well as Africa and the Middle East. IGE's relational diplomacy is grounded in a commitment to first study, listen to, and understand the local context and then engage it. It seeks to create partnerships and practical agreements between governmental and religious communities that promote a culturally owned and legally protected religious freedom which contributes to social and political stability.
The Center on Faith & International Affairs
Led by IGE Vice-President for Research and Publications, Dr. Dennis Hoover, the Center on Faith & International Affairs (CFIA) equips scholars and practitioners of international affairs with the tools necessary to understand religion's impact on the world today. The Center publishes a groundbreaking quarterly journal, The Review of Faith & International Affairs (also available online at www.cfia.org), and books, monographs, policy papers, and online resources such as its collection of course syllabi. CFIA also sponsors conferences, lectures, research projects, and fellowships.
The Center for Global Education
Directed by IGE COO, Dr. Paul Manuel, the Center for Global Education (CGE) prepares current and emerging leaders to engage global affairs in ways that promote sustainable environments for religious freedom. Currently CGE programs include its annual Global Leadership Forum, a website for Christian global education (www.globalchristian.org), undergraduate internships, and graduate fellowships. Forthcoming programs will include a Master of Science in Global Engagement degree program, offered in partnership with the Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies at Baylor University.
That's all, got to get back to packing!!!
I am attending the American Studies Programme in Washington DC. I will be in seminars and doing an internship. To save time, I have decided so simply just copy and past stuff from their websites...
The American Studies Program is an interdisciplinary internship/seminar program based in Washington, DC. The program is sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, an association of one hundred member colleges and universities of the liberal arts and sciences in the United States and Canada and forty-three affiliate members around the world. Over twenty-one hundred university students have participated in the program since it began in September of 1976. Designed to expose undergraduates to opportunities for involvement in public life, the program also provides students with a general understanding of the public policy dynamics at work in the nation's capital. The program provides internship opportunities for the diverse majors and career interests of university juniors and seniors.Students live together in our campus apartments, work as voluntary interns and participate in a seminar program for which they receive full academic credit. Since the number of participants is limited, the program is highly selective.
Public Policy Seminar classes meet three afternoons each week and are organized into three academic modules dealing with a variety of topics in domestic and international policy. The subject of each module is addressed from a non-partisan, multi-disciplinary approach utilizing the vast resources available to students in Washington, D.C. The modules have included studies of the national deficit, defense and weapons policies, social welfare policies, national campaigning, the debate over environmental and economic growth issues, U.S. relations with Eastern Europe, and other current public policy issues.
Internships are designed to be pre-career work experiences which will assist the students in understanding the nature of professional life in their fields of interest. Interns have been placed in over 500 offices and agencies across the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Students intern in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government. Other internships are in the arts, social services, science and the environment, business and economics, international affairs, law, journalism and communications, and with public interest research groups.
A.S.P. interns are available 20-30 hours per week for 14 weeks during the fall or spring semesters. The students are required to keep a daily journal and meet periodically with American Studies Program faculty who monitor their internship to ensure a quality learning experience. The student's monitor also maintains regular contact with the supervisor at the intern's placement.
Topics in Vocational Leadership (5-week module, 3 semester credits)
The course introduces concepts for Christian responsibility and involvement in public issues important to your internship. It asks what it means for you to “enact” your vocation by living out the truth of your convictions in “real life.” By focusing on a public topic salient to your internship placement, you learn to use (1) basic techniques for issue analysis and (2) the narrative pattern of the Bible (creation, fall, redemption, consummation) as an analytical framework. Reflecting on the responsibilities, challenges and opportunities that arise from your internship experience, attention is given both to the larger biblical narrative and to your own unique story, identity and gifting. Unlike other 5-week ASP modular courses, this course stresses interaction with your internship placement and extends across the semester, beginning with the term’s first two weeks, involving a week at midterm and concluding with the term’s last two weeks.
Internship Placement: (14-week part-time work, 6 semester credits)
This course is an internship placement that continues across the semester. You must work a minimum average of 20 hours a week for a minimum of 13 weeks to receive 6 semester hours of credit. Although ASP has placed students in hundreds of agencies and offices throughout the greater Washington metropolitan area, each internship placement is designed with you in mind. Your position and duties are arranged through a careful process involving ASP, the sponsoring agency and you.
As an ASP intern, you work the same type of daily schedule as your placement’s regular staff and observe all legal holidays. There are no provisions for vacation leave and you must maintain a regular, professional schedule. Illness and family problems are the only excuses for absence. You must get approval from both the on-site supervisor and program faculty monitor prior to altering your regular schedule.
You and your on-site supervisor craft a set of goals for the semester. You also submit three reflection essays (minimum of 5 pages each), each of which include reflections on (1) the mission and organization of your workplace, (2) how your faith relates to your work, and (3) your emerging vocational vision in light of classroom themes and workplace experiences.
At the end of the semester, you submit and sign a one-page typed summary of what you did and learned during the internship course. The summary is submitted, along with the recommended grade and supporting documents, to your college registrar.
You receive academic credit for this course so you cannot be paid for your work. Neither can your internship be turned into a full-time or paid position while you are enrolled in the program. (This is out of fairness to all ASP students.) On occasion, however, you may be given the opportunity by your office to continue in a paid position following completion of the ASP term.
Your internship is carefully monitored by ASP faculty. Faculty monitors confer with you and your on-site supervisor. Your faculty monitor also visits your internship site at least once during the term. To successfully complete an internship, you are required to (1) submit three reflection essays on your experiences & observations, (2) get “the big picture” surrounding your placement by attending events around the city, and (3) read and reflect on an internship text.
Mentorship Course (optional): (4 mentor meetings, 1 semester credit)
This optional course gives you the opportunity to meet with a professional mentor in your field four times during the semester. You submit four recorded individual oral reflections to your faculty monitor, one following each of the four professional mentor meetings, and one recorded group oral reflection to your faculty monitor at the conclusion of the semester.
Your oral reflections (2) demonstrate an effort to learn from your mentor’s experience and background to clarify your career aspirations and emerging vocational vision and (2) draw upon a biography or novel (chosen by your mentor) to wrestle with questions, insights and implications raised by the text for your internship and life experience and for your developing sense of call.
Topics in National Affairs (5-week module, 3 semester credits)
Involving field research and applying tools of policy analysis, the course introduces various perspectives on social and political involvement with a pressing national issue. The course is designed to expose you to the Washington leadership networks that are engaged in the complex dynamic of national public policy formation and decision-making. You will gain perspective on the way Washington really works by personally engaging decision-makers and by using the biblical idea of justice as a point of departure for analyzing an important national topic. Coursework includes policy analysis, political studies, sociology, ethics, theology, and biblical studies.
Topics in International Affairs & Globalization (5-week module, 3 semester credits)
In this unit the two ASP Projects intersect by focusing on a major topic in globalization and international affairs. Through field research and face-to-face meetings with experts in Washington's international community, you are challenged to develop a biblical perspective, either on foreign affairs (in the Public Affairs Project) or on globalization (in the Marketplace Project). The course typically emphasizes ways of dealing with the conflict of international interests (both political and commercial) and the biblical idea of shalom. It examines the just role and responsibilities of governments, businesses and of the international expression of the church. Coursework includes aspects of international relations theory, diplomacy and foreign affairs, globalization and international trade, international economics and ethics, biblical studies and the theology of the church in the world.
My internship, the Institute for Global Engagement
Mission
IGE promotes sustainable environments for religious freedom worldwide. It studies the impact of faith on state and society, it encourages governments to protect religious freedom, and it equips citizens to exercise that freedom responsibly.
In our efforts to promote religious freedom it is imperative to operate at the intersection of thoughts and deeds. Words without action are worthless; action without thought is dangerous. Each must hone the other. Accordingly, IGE combines theory with praxis, thinking with doing.
IGE's three centers catalyze thought and action, promoting a practical and sustainable religious freedom that serves state and society worldwide.
The Center for Relational Diplomacy
Under the direction of IGE President, Dr. Chris Seiple, the Center for Relational Diplomacy (CRD) works in Central, South, and East Asia, as well as Africa and the Middle East. IGE's relational diplomacy is grounded in a commitment to first study, listen to, and understand the local context and then engage it. It seeks to create partnerships and practical agreements between governmental and religious communities that promote a culturally owned and legally protected religious freedom which contributes to social and political stability.
The Center on Faith & International Affairs
Led by IGE Vice-President for Research and Publications, Dr. Dennis Hoover, the Center on Faith & International Affairs (CFIA) equips scholars and practitioners of international affairs with the tools necessary to understand religion's impact on the world today. The Center publishes a groundbreaking quarterly journal, The Review of Faith & International Affairs (also available online at www.cfia.org), and books, monographs, policy papers, and online resources such as its collection of course syllabi. CFIA also sponsors conferences, lectures, research projects, and fellowships.
The Center for Global Education
Directed by IGE COO, Dr. Paul Manuel, the Center for Global Education (CGE) prepares current and emerging leaders to engage global affairs in ways that promote sustainable environments for religious freedom. Currently CGE programs include its annual Global Leadership Forum, a website for Christian global education (www.globalchristian.org), undergraduate internships, and graduate fellowships. Forthcoming programs will include a Master of Science in Global Engagement degree program, offered in partnership with the Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies at Baylor University.
That's all, got to get back to packing!!!
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