February 18, 2014 - Rounding the Last Curve

Rounding the Last Curve

There are less than 2 weeks left in the winter shelter! I've slept poorly, missed meals, worked 15 hour days, been kicked by a guest, called the police, called an ambulance, had to settle disputes, and take down and set up 25 cots before and after meals.  It's some of the most exhausting work I've ever had the pleasure of doing. It makes working at a camp look like babysitting a sleeping 7 year old. I've struggled to make it through at times, but am still standing, just tired. You know you're tired when people you've just met say, "Man you look tired. Is there anything I can do?" But that's it right there. It's the part that keeps me going. It's what makes being a part of the church worth it. It's that unconditional love.

People in Hollywood tend to be in their own world. They don't care as much about others as you see in the Midwest or South. It's hard to get used to at first. People don't acknowledge you on the sidewalk or even hold doors for you. But when it comes to the churches of Hollywood, they know how to show their compassion. They know how to care.

FPCH Winter Shelter

Every night at the shelter a different group of volunteers from one of the local Hollywood churches comes to serve dinner. One of my roles is to explain to them what the shelter exactly is and what they'll be doing for the night. These volunteers have never met any of the guests, but always come in with an attitude of peace, care, and love. Not only do they act this way to the guests, but to the other volunteers and me. It's really nice to meet and know people who truly care for others and act on their feelings of love. It's something that I feel I can always work to improve upon and challenge everyone to do.

And now for a touching video that's not really related to anything I just blogged about but reminds me of all us YAV:

-John

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!