It's been a long month

So I have been so bad at keeping my blog updated.... most of you don't read this while I'm home anyway... but for those who might... I've had a busy month.
I have been staying with my friend Sarah, who thank God has allowed me to invade her life and her couch while I get certified to teach English. It's been long nights, and lots of lesson plans, but I did it!! I am done and have been applying for jobs in South Korea in hopes to leave ASAP... so hopefully November. I promise I will get better at this updating thing.

I have a lot to be thankful for. This month has gone by so fast it's hard to believe September ever happened. Sarah and I have gotten a lot closer and I am most thankful for that. Ryan got a new job, so not only will he be happier, but I will actually get to see him more often. I can't complain about anything,  because well.. I've been really lucky.

Keep praying for me please... I need God to lead me into the direction that I am meant to go.

Europa 2

Stay tuned!! Lots to share... :)

Happy Birthday Hunter David!!

Thats right I am an Auntie again.. this time to a healthy baby boy!!

Does U.S Policy on Isreal/Palestine uphold our values?

April 18, 2010 the American Friends Service Committee who I do my internship with, put on a mock U.S congressional hearing asking the question, Does U.S. policy on Israel/ Palestine uphold our values?


Witnesses joined us from Israel, Palestine, and Washington telling us stories of their experiences relating to freedom of movement, military aid, and property rights in Palestine.

The listener panel asked questions that would have really stirred up the congressmen and senators if they had shown up. Why didnt they show up? Maybe they were scared that the questions asked would have been to hard to answer, or were they nervous that the personal stories shared would have really affected the way they vote in congress?

Well, I was given the most amazing opportunity of my life this Sunday. I got to not only hear the stories of these amazing, inspiring people, but I got to meet and talk with them after. These are exceptional people working for justice and peace in Israel/Palestine and anyone should be inspired to be in the same room as them.

Craig and Cindy Corrie. The parents of the human activist of Rachel Corrie who was killed by an Israeli military bulldozer in Gaza as she tried to prevent a home demolition of a Palestinian family. After her death the Corries have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of justice and peace in the Middle East. Seeking accountability and to challenge the Israeli Government, the Israeli and U.S. court systems, and the corporate headquarters of Caterpillar Inc.

 
Jeff Halper is the Coordinator of the Israeli Committee Against HOme demolition. He has led nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience against the Israeli occupation authorities.

Amer Shurrab is a Palestinian peace activist from Gaza. After the devastation that struck his family during a military assault on Gaza in 2009 has been calling for justice and for all victims of Israeli assaults. Both his brothers and his father were shot, not because they posed a threat, but from driving from working at their farm, home one morning. His story is one that will stick with me the rest of my life, and I thank him for telling us his story.


Jad Isaac, who I wasnt able to get a picture with at dinner is an environmental expert and applied promotes research, technology transfer, sustainable development and self reliance of the Palestinian people through greater control over their natural resources. He spoke on the freedom of movement of Palestinians in a land that is called Israel.

I am very great full to have been part of something so amazing, to have met some of the most amazing activists in this field, and an intern for an amazing organization like AFSC.

Friends

I have been blessed with amazing friends, friends that stick by me through it all. Even when I do stupid things they don't judge, they laugh with me instead! But no matter what I know who I can call to chat with or to cry to. I am blessed to know the feeling to have friends that are always there. There are times however, when I feel like there is no one. Like I am alone to deal with it all, that all those stupid things are too stupid... but the most exciting truth is that, I do!
I got a letter from one of the boys down in Oaxaca yesterday. He drew me the most beautiful picture and wrote me an amazing, very elaborately decorated letter.In the letter he tells me that his Christmas was great, but that school is not so good, and that he has no friends, and my heart dropped. I just want to hug him, and tell him NO!! You do have friends, if no one else you have God! He is always there to listen, to cry with, and to laugh with you when you do stupid things.
I need to find the words to write to him. I need to find the appropriate words to say. I want him to know that I am his friend, that God is his friend. But how do I say it??? How do I do that?
I pray everyday for him, I pray that God shows him that everlasting love that this beautiful boy is looking for.
Help me pray for him!

A very special, Thank you to Ryan, Greg and Angie for being the best friends that are always there, who support me, who laugh with me, and who do stupid things with me :)
I love you guys!!

A letter

     “And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them” -Mark 10:16

          It’s not often that we go on mission’s trips to expect to be changed, we go on these trips to help those in need, to do God’s work and to show love to those who may have never felt love before. I planned on sweating, blistering, and digging most of; if not all of the ten days I spent in Oaxaca, Mexico. God had much more planned for me in those ten days though. I for the first time, saw God, felt God, and heard God everyday.

          I heard the stories of the children who were abused, neglected and abandoned sing the praises of God and thank him for what he has given them. I heard the testimonies of eight men in prison, who asked for our forgiveness, and who found God during what could be the worst time of their lives. I felt pure love from the children who don’t have mothers, and who just wanted to be held. I saw God in their eyes, heard his word from their mouths, and felt Gods love with every embrace. I ask that you continue to pray for those in Oaxaca.

If you are interested in hearing my story, what I have experienced and what I have learned, join me on Sunday February, 21^st from 12-1:30.

May the grace of God be with you everyday.

Love,

Sara Elin Avadarian

An ode to my Vilhelmsro peps!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwsV2f1ZggM