happy 4th of july. its interesting - independence day has never been a really important holiday to me. i love having the day to be with extended family, but i tend to not be a very patriotic citizen. when i left the country, i was actually feeling very ready to get away from the united states. i often find myself complaining about the politics of our country, the individualism, the level of luxury we live in - even those of us who consider ourselves middle-class, simple livers. being away from the states, however, a year and a half now, has shed new light on these realities. they still exist, and i'm sure that when i return i'll still have anger (and i hope i always do) about them, but i have also learned to be deeply grateful for our system of democracy (even if i think its flawed, its not half as compromised as many governments), an appreciation for diversity and individualism in a way, and luxuries that i sometimes feel bad for having, such as education and the ability to travel. today, i am celebrating these things that i deeply appreciate (and miss) about the united states.
in the past month and a half, life has been somewhat steady and normal. work continues to busy me and i enjoy that. the only thing i don't enjoy is that i spend a good chunk of time in front of a computer, writing and researching. i enjoy writing, but too much time in front of a screen makes me feel lazy and makes my eyes hurt. the workshops we're developing are going well, though, and i feel good about the development of projects...everywhere except zambrano, that is. still struggling to get things off the ground here, but we're moving forward slowly. so, i continue to do lots of traveling and its always so nice to be home for a whole week at a time, hang out with my friends here, and not be sitting in a long bus ride. im falling in love with the people in other communities, too, though, so its always a joy to see them, as well.
in june i had a week off for mcc retreat and a training on political advocacy the seed group did. as always, was wonderful to spend time with other mccers and step back and do some reflecting and relaxing. i often spend much of retreat time lost in conversation with other mccers. the time and community is really a blessing. lately i've thought quite a bit about how we do community work here and what it means to work with communities when expectations are different. i wrote an article that will be published soon in the mcc great lakes summer issue. for those interested, i'd encourage you to look at it...i'll post the web link once its online.
after retreat, erin and johan (seed leaders) and alejo (future co-seed leader with me) came to zambrano to get some work done. we are slowly taking steps organizing for the next round of seed, even while we're still in the midst of this one. we posted the job explanation online and are now accepting applications up until septemberish, when we'll make decisions about who the participants will be. i'm excited about the program. i think we can learn a lot from this first experience that will help us a lot in the second.
jordan also stayed on the coast and chilled with me for a week, which was great...and more visitors arrive tomorrow. :) marissa will be here tomorrow evening, staying for almost two full weeks, and then my parents arrive (the day marissa leaves) and stay another two weeks, with the church arriving a bit after they do. i'm really excited about the visits...having friends and family (finally) experience where i live and meet my friends is so helpful in understanding exactly what it is that i do here.
oh, i also had a great birthday celebration...one on my birthday, and one a week late. on the 8th seed was in sincelejo and we grilled shishkabobs on the roof of sembrandopaz, which was a beautiful, relaxing evening. and when i returned to zambrano, i was welcomed by piñatas and posters and confetti and youth singing me birthday serenades, which was a lovely suprise. thanks to all of you who send letters, packages, and all kinds of love. birthdays are wonderful when they remind you of how loved you are.
time is flying...with all the visits july will be over before i know it and then there's just 4 more months on the coast, two weeks in bogota and i'm home for christmas. i'm starting to really look forward to seeing so many friends and family at home. its always wonderful to hear from you. keep emails and snail mail coming. i miss you all...much love.

two days ago, an event with the youth from church...

at cienega de oro, a small town where sembrandopaz is working and i visit a lot to do workshops and help out with the projects they are creating

more workshop time...

when jordan came, willian taught her how to make chinchorros (hammocks) ... i also make these and lay in them often (below). come visit me and i'll send one back with you!

angry after (look below) looking at the computer screen working too long

kelly and rodri, good friends of mine...