January 31, 2014 - Dweller Retreat and Winter Shelter update

Dweller Retreat and Winter Shelter update

The winter shelter is almost halfway through. We consistently have about 20 guests and I can see changes in those guests in the short time they have been here. I'm planning to share a story once the shelter has ended, but until that time I'll keep you in suspense.

But hey! One of the DOOR retreats was this past weekend. We took the 5+ hour trek to the tiny town of Copperopolis, CA. It's about two hours east of San Francisco, surrounding Lake Tulloch.

This retreat was planned entirely by us. We spent the first day simply traveling and exploring the area surrounding Copperopolis. Jamestown, one of the million California Gold Rush towns, was our first stop. Really quaint, but on a Thursday evening practically empty.

The second day was my favorite. Two hours east of Copperopolis is Yosemite. On the drive in you go through this long tunnel. Once you emerge, the view is absolutely spectacular.

We did a few hikes, took some photos, stood in the snow, ate too many chips, and got to explore such a different part of California.

Day 3 was spent in San Francisco. Ghiradelli Square, Lombard St, the Golden Gate Bridge, and other places were seen. Tons of fun.

It was a spectacular retreat; one that I'll remember for the rest of my life. Being out and about throughout California, we got to see God's creation in a different form. I am so thankful for all the support. I'll keep you updated.

-John

January 12, 2014 - The Winter Refuge Shelter Begins!

The first week of the shelter has passed. So what exactly am I doing? I'm the coordinator for an 8-week winter refuge shelter hosted by First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. Ecclesia, Hollywood Pres, Reality LA, and Broken Hearts Ministry fully fund and put on this blessing of a shelter. At it's peak it can hold about 30 guests and is in the same space that our feeding programs occur in the church. During the evenings we have dinner and a ministry time; time for volunteers to spend with the guests. My duties are to make sure the nights and mornings run smoothly, letting volunteers know where everything is and how the night or morning is supposed to go. Seeing how every day we have different volunteers, it makes for a tiring job to say the least.
My time isn't only with the volunteers though. In just a week I feel so close to our guests. There's not much I can share about them, but I can say that they are definitely some of the greatest people here, making this place what it is. I'm super thankful for this time and for the opportunity to be here.
I have a few long weeks ahead, so keep me in your prayers!

-John

January 4, 2014 - A New Year

The start of new year is often a time when people reflect on their past year. So sure, I'll do that.
Things I did in 2013:

• Went on a ski trip with 9 of my best friends
• Traveled to Cedar Key, Florida for spring break
• Graduated from the University of Kentucky
• Got accepted into the YAV program
• Worked at Burnamwood one last summer
• Moved to Hollywood, CA
• Started working for First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood
• Saw my best friend get married (congrats you two)

My time at home for Christmas was spectacular. I loved seeing so many bright faces and catching up with all those in my past. Just look at us.

Christmas Eve 2013 - MSPC

Whew.  Now on to 2014.

Going into the new year people often make resolutions. Yeah there's watching what you eat, exercising more, being nicer, etc. But my resolution really started when I moved out here. Instead of a resolution, it was more of a goal. And the goal was simply to open my eyes more; to understand the world around me.

On New Year's Eve I had the pleasure (sarcasm) of traveling from KY to CA. With a flight delay, crying babies, and an oddly crazy lady, the flights were nothing less than exhausting. Upon landing, I figured that I wouldn't be able to bring in the new year as most do. I just wanted to get home, and in doing so would require traveling through the city probably past midnight. As I meandered through all forms of public transit, I had hopes that I would make it before the clock struck 12, but it kept looking more and more unlikely. Around 11:50 I got off the train that is just a mile north of my house. The bus to take me home from there would not come for 90ish more minutes, and I decided to walk with disappointment on my face. As I walked south on Vine I heard the countdowns. 5-4-3-2-1. Loud noises everywhere. I probably fist pumped the air or something. I continued my walk to encounter a man I know from my work at the church. He's sitting on the sidewalk alone, doing his thing, seemingly frustrated. I acknowledged him and wished him a happy new year. A smile appeared on his face and he responded, "Thanks man. You have a good one too." I made it home safely and promptly fell asleep.

Something as arbitrary as a clock striking 12 brings people to celebrate. But there's more in life to celebrate than the changing of time. We should be celebrating the little things in life. The next time you step into the shower and it's warm, celebrate. The next time you go into your home and the heat is on, celebrate. The next time you have the opportunity to debate which jacket to wear, celebrate. When hot food is put in front of you, celebrate. The next time you have a conversation with your best friend, celebrate. Not everyone in this world can celebrate those things. For my friend on the street a simple "Happy New Year" was enough to turn his frown upside down and celebrate. Fellowship can be one of the greatest things to celebrate. Instead of celebrating all that you've done in a year once, celebrate all that you've done in a year 365 times. Maybe even go try and do something for someone else to celebrate. I promise it will make for a better day. Happy 2014!
(How many times did I use the word "celebrate" in that paragraph?)

-John

December 12, 2013

I feel like I've skimped out recently on blogs. Sorry, but this one is better.

So what is it like in December in LA? While most of you have had a snow/ice storm, the lowest it's been here is the upper 30's. It rained a day too! Pretty miserable right? The high today was in the mid-60's with a couple of clouds. I sure can't complain about the weather. But it really doesn't have that Christmas feel quite yet. Even though I see Christmas trees on top of cars, hear carols playing on the radio, and see lights on sky scrapers, I have yet to feel that Christmas spirit. The Christmas season is just different out here. Not bad by any means. Just different.

FUN STUFF REWIND:

Two Weekends Ago:

Annie came to town! (I forgot to get a picture with her. We only Snapchatted. Sorry) We went to an open recording session at CUT Recordings. Stoll Vaughan (Lexingtonian) performed some stuff. Loved spending time with Kentuckians and hearing familiar sounding music.

Two Community Days ago:

We went to a place called Travel Town. It had all sorts of mobiles (like automobiles) with an emphasis on trains. Can't say that I expected to have as much fun as I did.

Last Weekend:

After reading the book Toxic Charity (read it now or else don't read it now), the deacons at FPCH have decided to do their best to do charity with the most benefits. This year they hosted a store with items (that were donated) priced at 20% of their original price. This is a way for the less fortunate to purchase presents for their family and friends without feeling like they are receiving handouts. The festivities were abound with a live jazz group, photo booth, and tamale luncheon!

From left to right: Eliou, John (me), Andy

This week:

Community Day! We went to Forest Lawn - Glendale. Originally planning to view a stained glass exhibit, we found ourselves exploring a mausoleum and enjoying the green things (there aren't many of those in LA).

Not only did we go to Forest Lawn, but we also went the Americana at Brand to see what a shopping center looks like during the Christmas season here. The tree was over 50ft high and there was a trolley that ran through the area. It felt like a movie.

From left to right: Freddie, John, Tara, Laura, Chantel, Brent

Yesterday:

Unfortunately, we have to say goodbye to Chantel. She will be leaving us this Saturday, and it has been a challenging time for all of us. However, last night we went out for dessert as a farewell from DOOR. She has been a blessing and has taught us all so much. She will be missed!

Charlotte (Matthew's daughter) fell asleep during the festivities.

The winter refuge shelter starts January 5. We will be housing about 30 guests, giving them dinner, a place to sleep, and breakfast each day for 8 weeks. One of my duties here is to coordinate this shelter. We divide the volunteering into 4 blocks, giving churches two weeks to volunteer in the shelter. Along with being there during the mornings and evenings I will be ensuring that volunteers are present each evening and morning, a task to say the least. Busy busy every day.

Me making over 1000 copies

You've got to smile through the little things. Otherwise they won't be as fun.


My time here so far has been such a blessing, but I sure can't wait to be back home for Christmas.
Thank you all for your support!

-John

November 29, 2013 - Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

I've got to admit that having Thanksgiving without my family was weird. There were no pierogies. There was no gummy bear Trouble. There was something else. Something different that I hadn't fully experienced before. None of us YAVs left for Thanksgiving. None of our families came to visit us. So what did we do?

We decided that we would open up the community house for our Thanksgiving meal. We would provide a turkey and a few side dishes, while asking neighbors to bring other sides to complete our meal. Surprisingly the only thing we had multiple dishes of was apple pie. And believe it or not they were both brought by Nathan. The food worked out. The seating worked out. The day worked out.

Nathan carving the turkey!

I'm so thankful for this new family here in Hollywood, the opportunity to be here, as well as all of my friends and family at home.

-John

November 19, 2013 - Community Day

As community days are rather hard to explain at times, I figure I will share a video that might help understand sort of what we do on Mondays. Brent put this together from our community day yesterday. It's a good break from just hearing updates in words. Big thanks to Brent and enjoy!

November 8, 2013 - Piano Moving

On Thursdays I sometimes have the opportunity to work with Gettlove, an organization devoted to "ending homelessness in Hollywood." The focus of the organization is on housing. But it's more than that. Case managers build a relationship with their clients that continues after being housed.

So what is it that I did yesterday? I helped a recently housed client move a piano into his apartment. You see, this man had been housed for a while, but still had quite a bit of his belongings in storage. He is a composer. This is not his occupation, but his passion. He said that the piano had not been played in about 30 years. 30 years! As we loaded the truck and were on the way back to his apartment you could see a glow in his eyes, similar to a child on Christmas morning.

The moment the piano was in the apartment the man pulls up a chair and begins. We stood in awe and could only listen as we saw a man playing his own compositions. Seeing a man who was homeless, but is now sitting in his own living room playing his own composition on his own piano was nothing less than spectacular. This day was momentous for him, and I'm glad that I could be a part of it.

Doin' the Lord's work.
-John