Okay, am I hormonal or something? This weekend I've been thinking a lot about the beauty in the Black race, esp. when it comes to brothers. Here's my list of the finest Black men on the planet:
Tyrese
Morris Chestnutt
Brian Mcknight
R.L.
Joe
Noel Gourdin
Bokeem Woodbine
Montell Jordan
Denzel Washington
Michael Jordan
LL Cool J
Michael Jai White
Blackstreet – all but one
the list goes on and on...
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Exposure
Today I have the privilege of doing something that some folks might not delight in. But those whose background and upbringing are similar to mine will understand where I'm coming from...
About a month ago we ended the very first year of our new (start-up), small high school. We had the good fortune of starting this school from scratch, beginning with just freshmen (we'll add a grade each year). On purpose we are 'non- selective enrollment', which means we deliberately do not 'cream'. We exist for any student who chooses us, but we target students who normally would not test into our city's top tier high schools, but who still deserve a quality college-prep high school education. We have a long way to go, but last weekend I had one of my 'satisfying moments', one of those experiences that remind me I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. And today is part two of that experience.
I took four of my students to a suburban college to spend a week there at a business camp, learning about business and entrepreneurship, putting together a business plan, taking field trips to downtown businesses, and getting experience of what it's like to be on a college campus. I cannot tell you how excited I was for my students, but also how much I was reminded that lack of 'exposure' is a real reason why many of my people never make it to college.
First, there were more students than the four who went who had the opportunity to attend. Sadly, some parents did not grant permission to their youth to go. My colleagues and friends and I have discussed possible reasons why (that's a whole other blog), but the bottom line is that their fears and short-sightedness stand in the way of their kids' futures.
Second, cost was a real factor. This program is great, but like all summer college programs, there was a cost. The cost was $300., and students would get that money back at the end of the week, when they receive a $500. stipend for completing the program (I had to explain what a stipend was to one of my students -- the only one bold enough to ask/admit she didn't know what the word meant). My close friend and co-Sunday School teacher, whose daughter went, along with another church member, whose son went, were able to afford this cost with no problem. Not a single one of my parents was. So I paid for their participation from my school's funds. Not one parent was able to get their child to the campus. Two parents, single moms, were working (one was at work when I picked her daughter up; another was on her way to work when I picked her child up). One parent said she needed a ride because her daughter couldn't take public transportation to the campus; she didn't even know that there's no city bus that goes to this suburb. So I borrowed a friend's Jeep, plus that friend borrowed her mother's van (we pitched in for gas), so that we could transport my four students, plus my friend's daughter, plus my daughter (who's handicapped - I couldn't get a sitter).
Now we're running up on more costs. Each student needed $30 as a deposit in case they lost their room keys. Nobody had it. And each student was told to bring $50 spending money for the week, since they'd go bowling a couple of times and do other on-campus outings. Parents gave what they had, which amounted to about $20 for their kid. I gave the rest out of pocket, but told the girls they'd have to pay me back when they got their stipend.
Now at each step of the way, these financial obstacles threatened these students' participation. Nobody can tell me that money is not a reason why people don't attend or why people drop out of college. And the financial piece was not a case of lack of parental support. Proof of support was that these students completed the entire application process to get accepted into this program, and their parents completed the appropriate paperwork in a timely fashion. And, for two of the parents who were there when I picked up the kids, the whole entire family stood on the porch to bid good-bye to their loved one for the week. You would've thought the girls were going to Iraq or something. So the moral support was there, but the financial support was not.
Of course I had to give my 'big speech' before we left the girls on campus last week. After we got them registered and settled into their rooms, and after we went to the local Walgreen's to get a few items they needed but didn't have (hangers, room freshener), I had my talk with these ladies. I told them they have been given a golden opportunity, and they needed to take full advantage of it. I told them that a lot of effort has gone into they're being here, so they need to conduct themselves in a way that shows respect for themselves first, then for their family, then for our school.
Because I had already noticed a certain look on one of my student's faces (she looked a little nervous and intimated, esp. when her roommate looked down her nose at her and filled the room w. her entire family and this student was all alone except peers and me), I added this:
I told my girls that there would be people there who were more prepared than them, but they shouldn't let that make them feel "less than" anyone; instead, they should just work harder. I told them there was a chance they'd be more prepared than someone, but they shouldn't let that make them feel "better than" anyone; instead, they should be humble and helpful. I told them they need to soak up and learn everything they can about business and about college this whole week -- and it doesn't matter if they aren't interested in business. I told them they were a family, so they'd better take care of one another. If one person has an iron, they all have an iron. If one person has a cell phone, they all have a cell phone. I told them not to let any of them be late for classes -- to wake each other up and make sure each one has what they need to have a successful week. "We know, Miss Caine; yes, Miss Caine," were their replies, but I think they got the message.
I think they're having a ball, since nobody called me at all this week. Not even when I left a message with their chaperone for them to call me and let me know how they were doing.
Today I go to their presentation of business plans, and awards ceremony, and then I take them back home.
I was reminded of when I went to college. My mother had to get someone to drive us from NJ to CT (we had no car), and I was literally dropped off. Then my mother and her ride sped off. No one was there to get me situated -- to help me find my room, tour the campus with me, make sure I had all the things I needed, whatever. But other parents did that for their kids. I realize my mom, who'd never been to college herself, was likely uncomfortable in what was a foreign experience.
I want to do everything I can to make sure kids in my school don't have the same obstacles I did. I am going to work with my counselor so that every student visits colleges several times a year, including overnight visits, and so that as many students as possible attend these summer college programs.
Why? Because exposure means so much. It ignites a passion for college. It builds comfort level with a new experience by taking some of the mystery and uncertainty and uneasiness out of it. It challenges students by letting them meet and work with youth their age from all over the country, showing them what 'college-prep' really looks like and showing them how far they have to grow academically and socially.
And a big THANKS to the Entrenuity staff (Brian Jenkins and Tiffany Staley) for making space for my kids to have EXPOSURE. I know their futures will be different because of this past week.
About a month ago we ended the very first year of our new (start-up), small high school. We had the good fortune of starting this school from scratch, beginning with just freshmen (we'll add a grade each year). On purpose we are 'non- selective enrollment', which means we deliberately do not 'cream'. We exist for any student who chooses us, but we target students who normally would not test into our city's top tier high schools, but who still deserve a quality college-prep high school education. We have a long way to go, but last weekend I had one of my 'satisfying moments', one of those experiences that remind me I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. And today is part two of that experience.
I took four of my students to a suburban college to spend a week there at a business camp, learning about business and entrepreneurship, putting together a business plan, taking field trips to downtown businesses, and getting experience of what it's like to be on a college campus. I cannot tell you how excited I was for my students, but also how much I was reminded that lack of 'exposure' is a real reason why many of my people never make it to college.
First, there were more students than the four who went who had the opportunity to attend. Sadly, some parents did not grant permission to their youth to go. My colleagues and friends and I have discussed possible reasons why (that's a whole other blog), but the bottom line is that their fears and short-sightedness stand in the way of their kids' futures.
Second, cost was a real factor. This program is great, but like all summer college programs, there was a cost. The cost was $300., and students would get that money back at the end of the week, when they receive a $500. stipend for completing the program (I had to explain what a stipend was to one of my students -- the only one bold enough to ask/admit she didn't know what the word meant). My close friend and co-Sunday School teacher, whose daughter went, along with another church member, whose son went, were able to afford this cost with no problem. Not a single one of my parents was. So I paid for their participation from my school's funds. Not one parent was able to get their child to the campus. Two parents, single moms, were working (one was at work when I picked her daughter up; another was on her way to work when I picked her child up). One parent said she needed a ride because her daughter couldn't take public transportation to the campus; she didn't even know that there's no city bus that goes to this suburb. So I borrowed a friend's Jeep, plus that friend borrowed her mother's van (we pitched in for gas), so that we could transport my four students, plus my friend's daughter, plus my daughter (who's handicapped - I couldn't get a sitter).
Now we're running up on more costs. Each student needed $30 as a deposit in case they lost their room keys. Nobody had it. And each student was told to bring $50 spending money for the week, since they'd go bowling a couple of times and do other on-campus outings. Parents gave what they had, which amounted to about $20 for their kid. I gave the rest out of pocket, but told the girls they'd have to pay me back when they got their stipend.
Now at each step of the way, these financial obstacles threatened these students' participation. Nobody can tell me that money is not a reason why people don't attend or why people drop out of college. And the financial piece was not a case of lack of parental support. Proof of support was that these students completed the entire application process to get accepted into this program, and their parents completed the appropriate paperwork in a timely fashion. And, for two of the parents who were there when I picked up the kids, the whole entire family stood on the porch to bid good-bye to their loved one for the week. You would've thought the girls were going to Iraq or something. So the moral support was there, but the financial support was not.
Of course I had to give my 'big speech' before we left the girls on campus last week. After we got them registered and settled into their rooms, and after we went to the local Walgreen's to get a few items they needed but didn't have (hangers, room freshener), I had my talk with these ladies. I told them they have been given a golden opportunity, and they needed to take full advantage of it. I told them that a lot of effort has gone into they're being here, so they need to conduct themselves in a way that shows respect for themselves first, then for their family, then for our school.
Because I had already noticed a certain look on one of my student's faces (she looked a little nervous and intimated, esp. when her roommate looked down her nose at her and filled the room w. her entire family and this student was all alone except peers and me), I added this:
I told my girls that there would be people there who were more prepared than them, but they shouldn't let that make them feel "less than" anyone; instead, they should just work harder. I told them there was a chance they'd be more prepared than someone, but they shouldn't let that make them feel "better than" anyone; instead, they should be humble and helpful. I told them they need to soak up and learn everything they can about business and about college this whole week -- and it doesn't matter if they aren't interested in business. I told them they were a family, so they'd better take care of one another. If one person has an iron, they all have an iron. If one person has a cell phone, they all have a cell phone. I told them not to let any of them be late for classes -- to wake each other up and make sure each one has what they need to have a successful week. "We know, Miss Caine; yes, Miss Caine," were their replies, but I think they got the message.
I think they're having a ball, since nobody called me at all this week. Not even when I left a message with their chaperone for them to call me and let me know how they were doing.
Today I go to their presentation of business plans, and awards ceremony, and then I take them back home.
I was reminded of when I went to college. My mother had to get someone to drive us from NJ to CT (we had no car), and I was literally dropped off. Then my mother and her ride sped off. No one was there to get me situated -- to help me find my room, tour the campus with me, make sure I had all the things I needed, whatever. But other parents did that for their kids. I realize my mom, who'd never been to college herself, was likely uncomfortable in what was a foreign experience.
I want to do everything I can to make sure kids in my school don't have the same obstacles I did. I am going to work with my counselor so that every student visits colleges several times a year, including overnight visits, and so that as many students as possible attend these summer college programs.
Why? Because exposure means so much. It ignites a passion for college. It builds comfort level with a new experience by taking some of the mystery and uncertainty and uneasiness out of it. It challenges students by letting them meet and work with youth their age from all over the country, showing them what 'college-prep' really looks like and showing them how far they have to grow academically and socially.
And a big THANKS to the Entrenuity staff (Brian Jenkins and Tiffany Staley) for making space for my kids to have EXPOSURE. I know their futures will be different because of this past week.
Monday, July 07, 2008
On My Heart
Two different situations are on my heart this morning.
The first is the need to pray for two Christian families who've recently experienced the loss of loved ones in a very tragic, sudden way. Rev. Timothy Wright, Gospel singer and pastor of a COGIC church in Brooklyn, lost both his wife and grandson in a freak automobile accident this weekend. He's in critical condition himself. Someone was driving on the wrong side of the highway and hit them, and that driver died, too. This situation is so sad and really breaks my heart. I cannot imagine the pain this family must feel. It reminds me of a similar situation that occurred about a month or so ago. Steven Curtis Chapman, Christian Gospel singer, lost his five year-old daughter in a freak accident at his home. His teenaged son was backing an automobile out of the driveway and didn't see the precious little one, and struck her with the car and killed her. What's most ironic is that this little girl was one of two daughters that Steven and his wife adopted from China I believe, heeding the Lord's call to add to their birth children.
If these situations don't show that the godly are not exempt from tragedy, nothing will. Let's remember to "weep with those who weep" by joining our hearts with theirs in prayer to our heavenly Father, the God of all comfort, to be with these brothers and sisters in Christ in their time of need and sorrow.
The second situation is yet another example of how I feel like living as a Black person in America is like trying to swim to a shore and someone has put weights on your arms and cut your legs off. I feel like so much of American history as it relates to people of color is either not told, or is told so inaccurately that we don't have a strong sense of our accomplishments, nor do we have a clear idea of the history of injustice that our forefathers endured. Have you ever heard of something called Massive Resistance? Well, apparently, this week some Blacks were honored in VA for standing up and trying to integrate schools after the '54 Brown vs. Board of Education decision. The terrible part is that the state of VA launched an all-out war almost, a full-fledged campaign, to prevent that landmark decision from taking place. What was astonishing was that a lot of schools closed their doors rather than segregate, and the governor (who led this mess) enacted laws preventing schools that integrated from receiving State funds. What is most atrocious is that at one point an entire county (Prince George's, I believe) actually closed every single school in their county rather than integrate. Damn! Like Marvin Gaye said, "Makes me wanna holla, and throw up both my hands!"
Learning this angers me, but it also fills me with pride to see how far my people have come. Then when I hear Ralph Nader chiding Barack Obama for 'sounding white', I almost flip out again...
richard allem
The first is the need to pray for two Christian families who've recently experienced the loss of loved ones in a very tragic, sudden way. Rev. Timothy Wright, Gospel singer and pastor of a COGIC church in Brooklyn, lost both his wife and grandson in a freak automobile accident this weekend. He's in critical condition himself. Someone was driving on the wrong side of the highway and hit them, and that driver died, too. This situation is so sad and really breaks my heart. I cannot imagine the pain this family must feel. It reminds me of a similar situation that occurred about a month or so ago. Steven Curtis Chapman, Christian Gospel singer, lost his five year-old daughter in a freak accident at his home. His teenaged son was backing an automobile out of the driveway and didn't see the precious little one, and struck her with the car and killed her. What's most ironic is that this little girl was one of two daughters that Steven and his wife adopted from China I believe, heeding the Lord's call to add to their birth children.
If these situations don't show that the godly are not exempt from tragedy, nothing will. Let's remember to "weep with those who weep" by joining our hearts with theirs in prayer to our heavenly Father, the God of all comfort, to be with these brothers and sisters in Christ in their time of need and sorrow.
The second situation is yet another example of how I feel like living as a Black person in America is like trying to swim to a shore and someone has put weights on your arms and cut your legs off. I feel like so much of American history as it relates to people of color is either not told, or is told so inaccurately that we don't have a strong sense of our accomplishments, nor do we have a clear idea of the history of injustice that our forefathers endured. Have you ever heard of something called Massive Resistance? Well, apparently, this week some Blacks were honored in VA for standing up and trying to integrate schools after the '54 Brown vs. Board of Education decision. The terrible part is that the state of VA launched an all-out war almost, a full-fledged campaign, to prevent that landmark decision from taking place. What was astonishing was that a lot of schools closed their doors rather than segregate, and the governor (who led this mess) enacted laws preventing schools that integrated from receiving State funds. What is most atrocious is that at one point an entire county (Prince George's, I believe) actually closed every single school in their county rather than integrate. Damn! Like Marvin Gaye said, "Makes me wanna holla, and throw up both my hands!"
Learning this angers me, but it also fills me with pride to see how far my people have come. Then when I hear Ralph Nader chiding Barack Obama for 'sounding white', I almost flip out again...
richard allem
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
"The River"
In a musical world full of nonsense that passes as music, it was refreshing for me to stumble upon a treasure of a song. It's called "The River" and it's sung by newcomer Noel Gourdin.
Okay, so everybody's telling me this song's been out for a year(?) and asking me where I've been. Living in a cave called running a school is my answer. But seriously, this song's lyrics are powerful. It conjures up vivid images and warm feelings inside. And if you have roots in the South, you can instantly relate. Even if you don't, you can relate to the wistful theme of love lost. And brother man's voice is FIRE! Some say he reminds them of Anthony Hamilton or Jaheim. Humph! Really reminds me of the old school crooners back in the day -- the Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffins and such.
For the full experience, check out the video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Dy7iPhG7VT4
Or for the initially skeptical, here are the lyrics...
"The River", produced and written by Lady and a Tramp and sung by Noel Gourdin
Growin' up, it was tough
We were glad for what little we had
I saw my share of Old Fair, Mississippi, dirt roads, and Confederate flags
Everyday my father would tell me, “Son, run and don't never come back”
That's where I left my girl
That's where my heart is at, and ohh...
[Chorus]
I held my breath when they dipped my head
Then I came up shiny and new
Found out about love in the back of my Impala
Where they laid my grandfather too
Down by the river where black folks gather after Sunday service is through
How the river runs to the ocean, I'll be runnin' right back to you
I got along, I'm movin' on
I bandaged the scars up well
I think of her, then I sit and I wait
For a card or a letter in the mail
I walk the beach with the sand in my feet
Place my ear up to a shell
I wonder if you miss me too
Cuz I been longin' to get to you
I'm sick of starin' out my window sill
I'm tired of hopin' she remembers me still
I'm packin' my bags, I said I'm goin' back home
To the place where I belong
The river
And if she's there when I get there
I'm never gonna leave her again
You see, she stole my heart
Down by the river
[Chorus]
So I'm packin' up my suitcase
Bought me a one-way fare
I'm leavin' everything behind me
But in my heart I always care
And I'll still be right there (Thank you baby)
Cuz nothin' can replace that part in my life, and...
[Chorus]
Okay, so everybody's telling me this song's been out for a year(?) and asking me where I've been. Living in a cave called running a school is my answer. But seriously, this song's lyrics are powerful. It conjures up vivid images and warm feelings inside. And if you have roots in the South, you can instantly relate. Even if you don't, you can relate to the wistful theme of love lost. And brother man's voice is FIRE! Some say he reminds them of Anthony Hamilton or Jaheim. Humph! Really reminds me of the old school crooners back in the day -- the Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffins and such.
For the full experience, check out the video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Dy7iPhG7VT4
Or for the initially skeptical, here are the lyrics...
"The River", produced and written by Lady and a Tramp and sung by Noel Gourdin
Growin' up, it was tough
We were glad for what little we had
I saw my share of Old Fair, Mississippi, dirt roads, and Confederate flags
Everyday my father would tell me, “Son, run and don't never come back”
That's where I left my girl
That's where my heart is at, and ohh...
[Chorus]
I held my breath when they dipped my head
Then I came up shiny and new
Found out about love in the back of my Impala
Where they laid my grandfather too
Down by the river where black folks gather after Sunday service is through
How the river runs to the ocean, I'll be runnin' right back to you
I got along, I'm movin' on
I bandaged the scars up well
I think of her, then I sit and I wait
For a card or a letter in the mail
I walk the beach with the sand in my feet
Place my ear up to a shell
I wonder if you miss me too
Cuz I been longin' to get to you
I'm sick of starin' out my window sill
I'm tired of hopin' she remembers me still
I'm packin' my bags, I said I'm goin' back home
To the place where I belong
The river
And if she's there when I get there
I'm never gonna leave her again
You see, she stole my heart
Down by the river
[Chorus]
So I'm packin' up my suitcase
Bought me a one-way fare
I'm leavin' everything behind me
But in my heart I always care
And I'll still be right there (Thank you baby)
Cuz nothin' can replace that part in my life, and...
[Chorus]
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Hip Hop Chef
So it's 8:30am and TT is still asleep (yes, she's sick), and I'm watching... get this -- a cooking show! No, the world is not coming to an end. Yes, I feel okay. But for someone to get me to watch a cooking show, the host has to be interesting, and interesting this host is...
His name is G. Garvin, and he looks like a dark-skinned LL Cool J (ladies, get your minds right!). The name of the show is "Turn Up the Heat w. G. Garvin", and this 'hip hop chef', as I've dubbed him, is known to dress in a crisp button-down (w. sleeves rolled up so he can cook), while rocking a red turned-back baseball cap. Today he's wearing another button up, along w. black jeans and white 'kicks' (a.k.a. sneakers).
He speaks what comes naturally to him: a perfect blend of 'cooking lingo' and hip hop lingo. He refers to himself as 'ya boy' and cracks me up w. his 'know what I mean?' spoken as only true hip hop lovers can. He just said, "We're gonna watch this baby do what it do!" Now when was the last time you heard Emeril or Rachel Ray use this type of language?
G. Garvin is able to talk about the specific spices he uses, different kinds of cheese (Gruyere is the new one I learned, from the Switzerland town where it originated, which I learned from G. Garvin), and prosciutto (the Italian word for ham; I wondered what I was ordering from Wendy's when I ordered the sandwich w. this; I was just going by the picture!).
G. Garvin also takes us on field trips. Today he's at a restaurant in New Orleans, letting a female chef there teach us. One Saturday he took us to a South Side restaurant that also doubles as a famous culinary arts school (Washburne Culinary Arts Institute and Restaurant). This cool place is located in the South Shore Cultural Center, "a Chicago landmark and architectural treasure restored to preserve the original details of many areas" (taken from opentable.com).
Oh, right now G. Garvin has moved us to Cafe Reconcile, a restaurant that is also a training program for at-risk youth, ages 18-21 years old.
Can anybody see the 'hood commitment blended w. the cooking commitment?
So.... Why am I sharing all this? Is it just to let everybody know that part of me is starting to want to learn how to cook? Hecky-naw (to quote my friend D).
I brought this up to give a perfect example of what it is like to "contextualize" something -- in this case, contextualize cooking in a Black urban setting. G. Garvin has found a way to make cooking/culinary arts appealing to a specific group of people. His hip hop nature and love of the 'hood comes through clearly, even as he introduces the audience to high-end dishes.
As the Christian church thinks about what it might look like to be "missional" and to "contextualize" the Gospel, check out G. Garvin!
His name is G. Garvin, and he looks like a dark-skinned LL Cool J (ladies, get your minds right!). The name of the show is "Turn Up the Heat w. G. Garvin", and this 'hip hop chef', as I've dubbed him, is known to dress in a crisp button-down (w. sleeves rolled up so he can cook), while rocking a red turned-back baseball cap. Today he's wearing another button up, along w. black jeans and white 'kicks' (a.k.a. sneakers).
He speaks what comes naturally to him: a perfect blend of 'cooking lingo' and hip hop lingo. He refers to himself as 'ya boy' and cracks me up w. his 'know what I mean?' spoken as only true hip hop lovers can. He just said, "We're gonna watch this baby do what it do!" Now when was the last time you heard Emeril or Rachel Ray use this type of language?
G. Garvin is able to talk about the specific spices he uses, different kinds of cheese (Gruyere is the new one I learned, from the Switzerland town where it originated, which I learned from G. Garvin), and prosciutto (the Italian word for ham; I wondered what I was ordering from Wendy's when I ordered the sandwich w. this; I was just going by the picture!).
G. Garvin also takes us on field trips. Today he's at a restaurant in New Orleans, letting a female chef there teach us. One Saturday he took us to a South Side restaurant that also doubles as a famous culinary arts school (Washburne Culinary Arts Institute and Restaurant). This cool place is located in the South Shore Cultural Center, "a Chicago landmark and architectural treasure restored to preserve the original details of many areas" (taken from opentable.com).
Oh, right now G. Garvin has moved us to Cafe Reconcile, a restaurant that is also a training program for at-risk youth, ages 18-21 years old.
Can anybody see the 'hood commitment blended w. the cooking commitment?
So.... Why am I sharing all this? Is it just to let everybody know that part of me is starting to want to learn how to cook? Hecky-naw (to quote my friend D).
I brought this up to give a perfect example of what it is like to "contextualize" something -- in this case, contextualize cooking in a Black urban setting. G. Garvin has found a way to make cooking/culinary arts appealing to a specific group of people. His hip hop nature and love of the 'hood comes through clearly, even as he introduces the audience to high-end dishes.
As the Christian church thinks about what it might look like to be "missional" and to "contextualize" the Gospel, check out G. Garvin!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wisdom
Okay, so I went to the cleaners this past Monday, the first day of my 'working' spring vacation. I had a huge bag of clothes, as it's not often that I even get to go to the cleaners (doing laundry every week is enough of a challenge). When I do go, though, I always have a boat-load of clothes to be cleaned.
This is my regular cleaners, and putting 2 and 2 together, it became obvious to me that the white folks who own the cleaners are giving ownership over to an Asian family (an Asian woman was standing next to the white women who normally wait on me, learning what they do).
So, in addition to the clothes that need cleaning, there are 3 pairs of brand-new jeans that need to be hemmed. Usually I take them elsewhere to be hemmed, but to cut down on time, I did it all here. However, when the white women waiting on me told me they don't hem pants unless they clean them, too, I told them 'Never mind; I'll take the pants to be hemmed somewhere else and just pay my bill for the cleaning of my dress clothes." At my statement, the Asian woman held onto the 3 pairs of jeans and told me they'd hem them without cleaning them. What transpired was really interesting...
The white women insisted that the rule was to only hem pants if the customer paid to have them cleaned there, too. Politely, while trying to hurry with the rest of my order, the Asian woman told them, "It's okay; I take care of it," meaning she'd handle the exception. The white women's voices got louder, even saying there was no way to put in the computer hemming of pants without cleaning as well. Finally, the Asian woman, struggling over language, won the battle, getting the white women to use the old-fashioned way of receipting customers -- the duplicate copy receipt book -- so that I could receive the service desired.
Witnessing this long interchange, I admired the Asian woman's wisdom, though I felt sorry for her. Though her language and newness to that particular store's policy seemed lacking, she was really the smartest of the bunch. She saw what the two white women missed: the big picture. She saw the importance of making a small exception for a regular paying customer (who had a huge order) over dogmatically following the rules. Instantly I knew I'd return to the store, more often now than ever, because of this Asian woman's wisdom.
This is my regular cleaners, and putting 2 and 2 together, it became obvious to me that the white folks who own the cleaners are giving ownership over to an Asian family (an Asian woman was standing next to the white women who normally wait on me, learning what they do).
So, in addition to the clothes that need cleaning, there are 3 pairs of brand-new jeans that need to be hemmed. Usually I take them elsewhere to be hemmed, but to cut down on time, I did it all here. However, when the white women waiting on me told me they don't hem pants unless they clean them, too, I told them 'Never mind; I'll take the pants to be hemmed somewhere else and just pay my bill for the cleaning of my dress clothes." At my statement, the Asian woman held onto the 3 pairs of jeans and told me they'd hem them without cleaning them. What transpired was really interesting...
The white women insisted that the rule was to only hem pants if the customer paid to have them cleaned there, too. Politely, while trying to hurry with the rest of my order, the Asian woman told them, "It's okay; I take care of it," meaning she'd handle the exception. The white women's voices got louder, even saying there was no way to put in the computer hemming of pants without cleaning as well. Finally, the Asian woman, struggling over language, won the battle, getting the white women to use the old-fashioned way of receipting customers -- the duplicate copy receipt book -- so that I could receive the service desired.
Witnessing this long interchange, I admired the Asian woman's wisdom, though I felt sorry for her. Though her language and newness to that particular store's policy seemed lacking, she was really the smartest of the bunch. She saw what the two white women missed: the big picture. She saw the importance of making a small exception for a regular paying customer (who had a huge order) over dogmatically following the rules. Instantly I knew I'd return to the store, more often now than ever, because of this Asian woman's wisdom.
A Smile
So I was on this flight home from New Orleans (work conference), sitting between this grouchy teenage-looking, bi-racial-looking young man on my right and this over-middle-age white woman on my left. So I started reading the many magazines I'd bought before boarding. The white woman had to use the bathroom at one point and, afraid of disturbing the obviously irritated young man (whose eyes were closed and whose earphones were on), she intimated that at some point in the flight she might have to get up. Annoyed at the young man's attitude, I volunteered to be the 'bad cop' and awaken him. In return, when she got back from the lav, the white woman struck up a conversation with me. She mostly talked; I mostly listened. And what she shared put a big smile on my face...
Turns out this woman was a Methodist from Reno, who'd spent the past week with around 30 or so of her church members, helping renovate three homes in N.O. This woman shared her experiences and seemed genuinely interested in helping out ordinary folks whose lives were devastated due to Katrina over 3 years ago. As if this wasn't enough good news to me, the woman then shared how amazed she was to find a total of about 600 Methodists from all over who'd volunteered their time as well. There were others, too -- the 20 college kids using their spring break to lend a hand, and the two Christian women from another denomination who relocated to N.O. to coordinate the volunteer efforts of the Reno woman and many others.
Well, I was simply amazed and ecstatic at how these people of God have 'stepped up' (sorry about the cliche) and heeded God's command, or better yet, reflected the heart of God, in aiding those in need. And without any fanfare or publicity or anything like that. Truly awesome! Though I am still saddened that it's three years after The Storm and folks are still not made whole in terms of living conditions, I am grateful for God's folks doing His work. And before we landed, this woman and I were talking about how wonderful it would be to bring a group of my school students to N.O. for a week in the summer..... Hmmm.....
Turns out this woman was a Methodist from Reno, who'd spent the past week with around 30 or so of her church members, helping renovate three homes in N.O. This woman shared her experiences and seemed genuinely interested in helping out ordinary folks whose lives were devastated due to Katrina over 3 years ago. As if this wasn't enough good news to me, the woman then shared how amazed she was to find a total of about 600 Methodists from all over who'd volunteered their time as well. There were others, too -- the 20 college kids using their spring break to lend a hand, and the two Christian women from another denomination who relocated to N.O. to coordinate the volunteer efforts of the Reno woman and many others.
Well, I was simply amazed and ecstatic at how these people of God have 'stepped up' (sorry about the cliche) and heeded God's command, or better yet, reflected the heart of God, in aiding those in need. And without any fanfare or publicity or anything like that. Truly awesome! Though I am still saddened that it's three years after The Storm and folks are still not made whole in terms of living conditions, I am grateful for God's folks doing His work. And before we landed, this woman and I were talking about how wonderful it would be to bring a group of my school students to N.O. for a week in the summer..... Hmmm.....
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Female Leadership
Okay, so I've been thinking a lot lately about leadership, about how lonely and how hard it is, yet how absolutely critical it is to the success of any organization or group or enterprise. Both for myself and for work, I've renewed my focus on God and on my personal mission statement (the latter of which has a heavy leadership component). But I have been thinking about something (sorry for the rambling)...
Is there a gender bias with respect to what's acceptable in leadership? Do people accept a male leader who is firm and more autocratic than they do a female leader with the same qualities? Do people expect women leaders to be more nurturing and collaborative and such? Just some thoughts...
Is there a gender bias with respect to what's acceptable in leadership? Do people accept a male leader who is firm and more autocratic than they do a female leader with the same qualities? Do people expect women leaders to be more nurturing and collaborative and such? Just some thoughts...
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Is It Right?
Okay, so I've just watched my second episode of "Celebrity Rehab" with Dr. Drew. I waver between feeling saddened and embarrassed for the has-been celebrities on the show, to identifying with the effects of addiction that these folks have wrecked on their families.
I've never been a reality show addict; in fact, I've only watched one relatively consistently (if, like 2 seasons count): Celebrity Apprentice. But all the other reality shows, esp. the ones that are auditions for jobs, pale in comparison to this one. Celebrity Rehab is like an audition for life, or for the rest of your life.
So, I've struggled as I've watched both episodes of this show, much like I struggled watching talk shows in their earlier days (before, incidentally, swearing them off): Is it right to have such a deep look into folks' personal lives, esp. as they're wrestling with their demons - not after they've won the battle?
Granted, Celebrity Rehab's no Jerry Springer or Maury (which I don't see how anyone in their right mind could watch). But it does smack of a bit of voyeurism to me. I dunno.
I wonder what other folks think...
I've never been a reality show addict; in fact, I've only watched one relatively consistently (if, like 2 seasons count): Celebrity Apprentice. But all the other reality shows, esp. the ones that are auditions for jobs, pale in comparison to this one. Celebrity Rehab is like an audition for life, or for the rest of your life.
So, I've struggled as I've watched both episodes of this show, much like I struggled watching talk shows in their earlier days (before, incidentally, swearing them off): Is it right to have such a deep look into folks' personal lives, esp. as they're wrestling with their demons - not after they've won the battle?
Granted, Celebrity Rehab's no Jerry Springer or Maury (which I don't see how anyone in their right mind could watch). But it does smack of a bit of voyeurism to me. I dunno.
I wonder what other folks think...
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Same Song, Different Verse: To JS
Don't write much poetry, mainly 'cuz I suck at it. But was inspired to pen this joint while on vacation in N.C. last week....
"Same Song, Different Verse: To JS"
As I look into his eyes, cold, dark, and coffee brown,
I hear his whispering words, and begin to blank out the sound,
As he tells his sad old tale, my mind slowly rewinds
To my younger days, when life was a maze, and no peace could I find.
Hurt, Chaos, and Misery, these were my childhood friends,
Felt trapped, like I was gon’ snap, wondering, “Will this pain ever end?”
No way out of this hell called home, full of heartache and drama,
No Pops to provide and protect, not even a real Mama
To speak of, the real love came from brothers and sis
And a loving, caring Grandma, whose home seemed like bliss.
Spending weekends at Grandma’s was much-needed relief
From the violence and abuse faced day after day, week after week,
The punching and smacking, the screams and the shouts,
No heat, no new clothes, just learning to do without.
Night after night I cried, in my pillow I wept
Over so many lives so broken, so many promises unkept.
The fear and the turmoil slowly turned to anger, boiling hot
As my heart steadily grew colder, as I cursed my poor lot.
Years later, no more danger, but the effects I still feel
No immediate threat any longer, yet why does the pain seem so real?
New life, much less strife, thanks to God a lot’s gone well,
Yet my heart seems forever locked in this thick, protective shell.
Trust is hard, love is harder, the well of emotion has just run dry,
Tough outside, the real me I hide, finding it hard to even cry.
Friends try their best to come close, but there’s always this thick wall
Past which no one can venture, It’s really hard to give my all.
So when I hear his familiar story, my heart wells up with pure dread,
He’s walking my path, going where I’ve been, but I don’t like where the road heads.
Same aches, same pain, Will he ever be healed from this curse?
Why, Lord, is he forced to sing, the same song, different verse?
Copyright Joyce M. Caine © 2007
"Same Song, Different Verse: To JS"
As I look into his eyes, cold, dark, and coffee brown,
I hear his whispering words, and begin to blank out the sound,
As he tells his sad old tale, my mind slowly rewinds
To my younger days, when life was a maze, and no peace could I find.
Hurt, Chaos, and Misery, these were my childhood friends,
Felt trapped, like I was gon’ snap, wondering, “Will this pain ever end?”
No way out of this hell called home, full of heartache and drama,
No Pops to provide and protect, not even a real Mama
To speak of, the real love came from brothers and sis
And a loving, caring Grandma, whose home seemed like bliss.
Spending weekends at Grandma’s was much-needed relief
From the violence and abuse faced day after day, week after week,
The punching and smacking, the screams and the shouts,
No heat, no new clothes, just learning to do without.
Night after night I cried, in my pillow I wept
Over so many lives so broken, so many promises unkept.
The fear and the turmoil slowly turned to anger, boiling hot
As my heart steadily grew colder, as I cursed my poor lot.
Years later, no more danger, but the effects I still feel
No immediate threat any longer, yet why does the pain seem so real?
New life, much less strife, thanks to God a lot’s gone well,
Yet my heart seems forever locked in this thick, protective shell.
Trust is hard, love is harder, the well of emotion has just run dry,
Tough outside, the real me I hide, finding it hard to even cry.
Friends try their best to come close, but there’s always this thick wall
Past which no one can venture, It’s really hard to give my all.
So when I hear his familiar story, my heart wells up with pure dread,
He’s walking my path, going where I’ve been, but I don’t like where the road heads.
Same aches, same pain, Will he ever be healed from this curse?
Why, Lord, is he forced to sing, the same song, different verse?
Copyright Joyce M. Caine © 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Taking A Break
Thankfully this week has been a real breather from my very, very hectic life. I'm in North Carolina with my sister and daughter visiting relatives and just 'taking it easy'. It feels good to be able to sleep late (9am is late for me with TT), to not have an 'agenda' or a 'to-do list' for the day, to be able to enjoy long conversations and laughter, and just to 'take a break' from the fast pace of life. Weeks like this are very refreshing and they remind me of my need to incorporate 'little Sabbaths' into my schedule. In fact, I think that might be a resolution of mine for the New Year: to plan for at least one 'get-away time' per quarter -- a weekend even away from TT, the only thing that would have made this break completely restful (I love my little one, but caring for her does involve a measure of stress and being 'on' that a vacation without her doesn't).
I've actually had a chance to pull aside and get a little bit back on track with my times with the Lord. Been reading the Book of First Samuel and contrasting two different leaders -- Saul and David. Also, interestingly, I've been reading Carol Dweck's latest book called Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, which actually relates somewhat to Saul and David. Dweck's book is basically about how harmful a 'fixed mindset' is (the belief that talent is natural and either you have it or you don't) and how beneficial a 'growth mindset' is (the belief in human development -- the idea that you can always learn from your mistakes and failures, and you can grow and develop phenomenally with the right mindset). I can see the fixed mindset in Saul and the growth mindset in Samuel. :0) I am learning so much about myself and about my flaws as a leader, and areas where I can change and improve, through the Bible and Dweck (not that I'm equating Dweck with the Bible or minimizing Scripture, but you know what they say, "All truth is God's truth").
Anyway, I've also had a chance to listen to some of my favorite Bible teachers: Crawford Loritz out of Roswell, GA; John Piper out of Minnesota, I believe; and my all-time favorite, this Scottish dude who pastors a church in Cleveland -- Alistair Begg.
It's been really great catching up on life with my sister Jackie, and just having a chance to laugh with her and to also share God's goodness, as well as struggles and prayer requests. In one way, I'm kind of glad my whole family isn't here, because I think the more folks who are around sometimes, the more diluted the fellowship and intimacy become. Though I would have loved to hang with my brothers, neices and nephew, and of course my long-time friends Barbara Parker and Pam (and Pam's young-uns), it's good just to catch up with my sister in small doses and not have the pressure of being around a ton of folks. Maybe that's my true introverted self coming out again, I don't know.
Anyway, I am just blogging to say how thankful to the Lord I am for giving me this time of rest. It is very much needed, and it has already helped to re-focus and re-juvenate me in a lot of ways.
Peace.
I've actually had a chance to pull aside and get a little bit back on track with my times with the Lord. Been reading the Book of First Samuel and contrasting two different leaders -- Saul and David. Also, interestingly, I've been reading Carol Dweck's latest book called Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, which actually relates somewhat to Saul and David. Dweck's book is basically about how harmful a 'fixed mindset' is (the belief that talent is natural and either you have it or you don't) and how beneficial a 'growth mindset' is (the belief in human development -- the idea that you can always learn from your mistakes and failures, and you can grow and develop phenomenally with the right mindset). I can see the fixed mindset in Saul and the growth mindset in Samuel. :0) I am learning so much about myself and about my flaws as a leader, and areas where I can change and improve, through the Bible and Dweck (not that I'm equating Dweck with the Bible or minimizing Scripture, but you know what they say, "All truth is God's truth").
Anyway, I've also had a chance to listen to some of my favorite Bible teachers: Crawford Loritz out of Roswell, GA; John Piper out of Minnesota, I believe; and my all-time favorite, this Scottish dude who pastors a church in Cleveland -- Alistair Begg.
It's been really great catching up on life with my sister Jackie, and just having a chance to laugh with her and to also share God's goodness, as well as struggles and prayer requests. In one way, I'm kind of glad my whole family isn't here, because I think the more folks who are around sometimes, the more diluted the fellowship and intimacy become. Though I would have loved to hang with my brothers, neices and nephew, and of course my long-time friends Barbara Parker and Pam (and Pam's young-uns), it's good just to catch up with my sister in small doses and not have the pressure of being around a ton of folks. Maybe that's my true introverted self coming out again, I don't know.
Anyway, I am just blogging to say how thankful to the Lord I am for giving me this time of rest. It is very much needed, and it has already helped to re-focus and re-juvenate me in a lot of ways.
Peace.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
What I'm Reading Now
Eh, yo, I don't know where I find time to read; what I do's more like skim-reading. Anyhoo, I'm checkin' out two good books right now. Here they are:
1) Imperial Hubris: Why the West Is Losing the War on Terror, by Michael Scheuer - Pretty good book; this book was actually quoted by Bin Laden in his latest video release -- Worth checking out to see how some non-Westerners view the West (and why)
2) Influencer: The Power to Change Anything, by a whole gang of folks -- Interesting book on how to change people's behavior rather than just resigning oneself to problems
1) Imperial Hubris: Why the West Is Losing the War on Terror, by Michael Scheuer - Pretty good book; this book was actually quoted by Bin Laden in his latest video release -- Worth checking out to see how some non-Westerners view the West (and why)
2) Influencer: The Power to Change Anything, by a whole gang of folks -- Interesting book on how to change people's behavior rather than just resigning oneself to problems
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Family Reunion
Earlier this week I was struck by something I heard a popular Black actor mention on a Christian TV program. The actor who played Uncle Phil on "Fresh Prince" was fondly recalling the wonderful upbringing given him by his mom, a single parent. He made the point that though Black families have their share of struggles, historically they have had strong family bonds despite tough circumstances. As an example, he shared how many of the 4 million freed slaves diligently searched for their families after Emancipation. Instantly my mind began to imagine what it must have been like for a husband, separated from his wife who was sold to another master in another place, to search for his beloved upon gaining freedom. I began to recall ads I'd seen that freed African Americans had placed to locate their children, their parents, and so on, with whom they'd lost contact due to the evils of slavery.
Personally, I cannot imagine the pain of separation, followed by the desperation of a search. The closest I could come to figuring out what this experience must've been like is thinking about what adopted adult children do to locate their birth parents. But even that tough situation does not scratch the surface of what my ancestors must have felt....
Now, I am certainly not one to blame another person for the woes of myself or my people. In fact, I think due to my upbringing, I err too much on the 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' mentality. However, I cannot help but wonder if any of the problems that plague black families today are the residuals of our slavery past that ripped apart our family structures.
I am also filled with pride for my people, who managed, by God's grace, to survive such a holocaust as slavery. It is a testament to God's goodness that as a people, we were not completely wiped out physically, socially, emotionally, or spiritually.
The hope of those freed Blacks searching for their loved ones saddens me but also inspires me...
Personally, I cannot imagine the pain of separation, followed by the desperation of a search. The closest I could come to figuring out what this experience must've been like is thinking about what adopted adult children do to locate their birth parents. But even that tough situation does not scratch the surface of what my ancestors must have felt....
Now, I am certainly not one to blame another person for the woes of myself or my people. In fact, I think due to my upbringing, I err too much on the 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' mentality. However, I cannot help but wonder if any of the problems that plague black families today are the residuals of our slavery past that ripped apart our family structures.
I am also filled with pride for my people, who managed, by God's grace, to survive such a holocaust as slavery. It is a testament to God's goodness that as a people, we were not completely wiped out physically, socially, emotionally, or spiritually.
The hope of those freed Blacks searching for their loved ones saddens me but also inspires me...
Monday, August 06, 2007
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Supremacy of Christ in Post modern Culture
Eh, yo, check out the link below for some awesome preaching on the supremacy of Christ in a postmodern culture. It is from John Piper's national pastors' conference (last year). Very accurately breaks down the challenge for today's ministers (and, heck, today's Christians) in the face of postmodern influences on the Church.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByDate/1833_The_Supremacy_of_Christ_and_the_Church_in_a_Postmodern_World/
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByDate/1833_The_Supremacy_of_Christ_and_the_Church_in_a_Postmodern_World/
What I'm Reading Now
Right now I'm reading The Rosenwald Schools of the American South, by Mary S. Hoffschwelle, 2006. Great look at the partnership between Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald (who was responsible for Sears becoming a business success) to build over 5,000 schools for African-Americans at the turn of the century. Interesting look at the various forces at play in these ventures, from white philanthropists to Black local organizers to white officials in city and state education depts.
What was striking to me were the similarities bet. education reform in the early 1900s and education reform today: everything from the still unequal education that Blacks receive to the partnerships that have formed between school districts and philanthropists from the world of business to create new schools that will improve the quality of education for the poor in our cities. Another similarity was the complex dynamics between the vision and design of the funders and that of the community and the local leaders.
Some contrasts were evident as well, the most prominent being the lack of self help emphasis. Both in terms of the community mindset and in terms of the funders' requirements, what I found missing was the serious community accountability and involvement for the success of the schools being built. BTW and Rosenwald required communities to raise a certain amount of money before their donations even kicked in. In addition, they required measurable community support because they knew the success of the schools built would be dependent upon the involvement of the communities in which they were placed. I think today our philosophies about the ability of the poor to help themselves and about the political correctness of demanding accountability have hurt us tremendously. A final contrast is that the emphasis of the Rosenwald schools was on the physical plant, not on teacher training, curriculum, or other aspects of school reform that we are familiar with today.
Well, I am not yet finished with the book (about half way through), but I look forward to learning more about the process of getting over 5,000 schools built in about twenty, twenty five years, and about their legacy today. And my thinking is being sparked around what I can glean from BTW and Rosenwald's successes and challenges.
What's sad, though, is that almost one hundred years later, America is still trying to solve the problem of unequal education for its poor Black citizens....
What was striking to me were the similarities bet. education reform in the early 1900s and education reform today: everything from the still unequal education that Blacks receive to the partnerships that have formed between school districts and philanthropists from the world of business to create new schools that will improve the quality of education for the poor in our cities. Another similarity was the complex dynamics between the vision and design of the funders and that of the community and the local leaders.
Some contrasts were evident as well, the most prominent being the lack of self help emphasis. Both in terms of the community mindset and in terms of the funders' requirements, what I found missing was the serious community accountability and involvement for the success of the schools being built. BTW and Rosenwald required communities to raise a certain amount of money before their donations even kicked in. In addition, they required measurable community support because they knew the success of the schools built would be dependent upon the involvement of the communities in which they were placed. I think today our philosophies about the ability of the poor to help themselves and about the political correctness of demanding accountability have hurt us tremendously. A final contrast is that the emphasis of the Rosenwald schools was on the physical plant, not on teacher training, curriculum, or other aspects of school reform that we are familiar with today.
Well, I am not yet finished with the book (about half way through), but I look forward to learning more about the process of getting over 5,000 schools built in about twenty, twenty five years, and about their legacy today. And my thinking is being sparked around what I can glean from BTW and Rosenwald's successes and challenges.
What's sad, though, is that almost one hundred years later, America is still trying to solve the problem of unequal education for its poor Black citizens....
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
PRAISES
All praises due to the God of the Universe, the Most High God. Today while sitting in a great assessment/data workshop, a call came in on my cell phone. It was from Creative Mobility (aka The Bike Rack) in St. Charles, IL, the place I went to to customize TT's bike. I've been wanting to get Tamara an adaptive bike for quite a few years now (over four), mainly because TT loves doing three things: eating, swimming, and bike riding. I eat too much as is, I'm not getting into a bathing suit until I shed about a hunnerd pounds (not to mention that I can't swim to save my life), so that left bike riding. Though I can't ride a bike either, I can walk alongside T on her bike and get exercise while she enjoys herself.
Anyway, a bike adapted for TT's special needs costs $3,300. I'd all but given up hope on funding such a bike (after years of petitioning places for scholarships), when my sister J encouraged me to keep hope alive. I listened, and rec'd a $1,000 grant back in January or so. I combined that with my own $500, plus another 500 from J. I intended to use my income tax money for the rest, so I put a down payment at Creative Mobility. Unfortunately, for the first time since I've been paying taxes, I ended up owing Uncle Sam rather than getting a refund. I had to make that dreadful call to the bike shop telling them I wouldn't have their money when they'd have the bike (around March), and asking them to give me a couple of months to save up. Well, it's been almost two months and I haven't saved a penny. And then I get a call today...
The owner and his sister knew my situation, and they had a donor who recently asked to whom they could give a donation for a bike. The two folks thought of TT, and as of Saturday, T will have her new bike. Man, I was blown away by God's sovereignty and generosity. My little one will finally have a bike at home to enjoy on weeknights and weekends. We can finally do something enjoyable together.
Anyway, a bike adapted for TT's special needs costs $3,300. I'd all but given up hope on funding such a bike (after years of petitioning places for scholarships), when my sister J encouraged me to keep hope alive. I listened, and rec'd a $1,000 grant back in January or so. I combined that with my own $500, plus another 500 from J. I intended to use my income tax money for the rest, so I put a down payment at Creative Mobility. Unfortunately, for the first time since I've been paying taxes, I ended up owing Uncle Sam rather than getting a refund. I had to make that dreadful call to the bike shop telling them I wouldn't have their money when they'd have the bike (around March), and asking them to give me a couple of months to save up. Well, it's been almost two months and I haven't saved a penny. And then I get a call today...
The owner and his sister knew my situation, and they had a donor who recently asked to whom they could give a donation for a bike. The two folks thought of TT, and as of Saturday, T will have her new bike. Man, I was blown away by God's sovereignty and generosity. My little one will finally have a bike at home to enjoy on weeknights and weekends. We can finally do something enjoyable together.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Excitement
Okay, so it is 12:40am (guess it's Saturday) and I am up revamping the tentative daily staff schedule to include two weekdays of extended day for staff development. Wow! My excitement about the start of the school year's really starting to build. And it's a good thing, too, because I have tons of work to do, many miles to go, before I sleep.
I am 'stoked' as they say about having our families come together and create our core values, and having our staff do the same and create our mission statement. I am so looking forward to the team building part of getting to know staff and finding out what their backgrounds and talents are, and where I need to bring them greater support. Many of my families have called me asking when we are meeting next and declaring their support and how excited they are as well. I know this is the honeymoon stage, but it's good to have a nice honeymoon....
I love the time spent with my AP because we are so much on the same page. I worry about being an experienced enough leader for her. I guess all I can do is be myself and lead the way I would want people to do me. And pray like young Solomon did for God's wisdom to lead the people entrusted to me. I love the teachers I have on board as well. I feel they complement each other well, they are good teachers (sound), and they have a love for students and families and are open to growing. I can't wait until next year when we have residents; I feel having teachers in training will add to the excitement and raise the bar of professionalism, though I think this group of staff are already professionals in every sense of the word.
Again, I know our flaws (mine included) will begin to show the more we are around each other, and I know that we will have our conflicts and our ups and downs, but I am really looking forward to this new school start. I believe the people, systems, structures, and support we have in place are all designed to bring to bear a tremendous PUSH for our students to succeed. I know as Sims puts it all the time, this thing is a marathon and not a sprint, but I believe we can look forward to some real gains this school year in our students HOLISTICALLY.
I'm gonna end with this Scripture from the Old Testament. I've been thinking about it a lot lately over the past two weeks. It was the basis for my personal mission statement when I was going through my stuff at Circle. I barely revisited it last year during my principal internship, but now it is resurrecting in my thoughts (coming back up in my spirit, as my charismatic, Pentecostal friends would say.) Here goes...
"Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse declares, the man who was raised on high declares, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel:
The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me,
He who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through sunshine after rain.
Truly is not my house so with God? For He has made an everlasting covenant with me, ordered in all things, and secured; for all my salvation and all my desire, will He not indeed make it grow?"
--II Samuel 23:1 to 5
This passage is followed by a touching story of David's mighty men (the same ragamuffin crew that earlier in his leadership were in distress, in debt, and discontented - see I Samuel 22:1-2). At the end of his career, David had garnered such loyalty from his crew that when he was in the midst of battle, craving water from his city of Bethlehem, his men risked their lives to push through enemy lines and retrieve water for David from a well in his hometown. Even more poignant was David's response to these men's loyalty and care: David poured the water on the ground as an offering to God, refusing to drink the precious water for which his comrades risked their lives. What mutual care and protection! I aspire to be the kind of leader who inspires such motivated action and loyalty and care from those I lead.
Hence, my personal mission statement. Wanna hear it, here it go....
I want to live with God's glory* as the controlling desire of my heart.
I want to fully and mutually engage with loved ones (face to face/heart to heart), discovering what matters to them and working towards what's good for them.
I want to work with and manage people as God's agent, doing the best for them and inspiring the best from them.
I want to have a redeeming impact on others, helping to cultivate what God has placed in them.
*to express God's supreme worth and glorious nature and deeds to others, by word and deed
I am 'stoked' as they say about having our families come together and create our core values, and having our staff do the same and create our mission statement. I am so looking forward to the team building part of getting to know staff and finding out what their backgrounds and talents are, and where I need to bring them greater support. Many of my families have called me asking when we are meeting next and declaring their support and how excited they are as well. I know this is the honeymoon stage, but it's good to have a nice honeymoon....
I love the time spent with my AP because we are so much on the same page. I worry about being an experienced enough leader for her. I guess all I can do is be myself and lead the way I would want people to do me. And pray like young Solomon did for God's wisdom to lead the people entrusted to me. I love the teachers I have on board as well. I feel they complement each other well, they are good teachers (sound), and they have a love for students and families and are open to growing. I can't wait until next year when we have residents; I feel having teachers in training will add to the excitement and raise the bar of professionalism, though I think this group of staff are already professionals in every sense of the word.
Again, I know our flaws (mine included) will begin to show the more we are around each other, and I know that we will have our conflicts and our ups and downs, but I am really looking forward to this new school start. I believe the people, systems, structures, and support we have in place are all designed to bring to bear a tremendous PUSH for our students to succeed. I know as Sims puts it all the time, this thing is a marathon and not a sprint, but I believe we can look forward to some real gains this school year in our students HOLISTICALLY.
I'm gonna end with this Scripture from the Old Testament. I've been thinking about it a lot lately over the past two weeks. It was the basis for my personal mission statement when I was going through my stuff at Circle. I barely revisited it last year during my principal internship, but now it is resurrecting in my thoughts (coming back up in my spirit, as my charismatic, Pentecostal friends would say.) Here goes...
"Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse declares, the man who was raised on high declares, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel:
The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me,
He who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through sunshine after rain.
Truly is not my house so with God? For He has made an everlasting covenant with me, ordered in all things, and secured; for all my salvation and all my desire, will He not indeed make it grow?"
--II Samuel 23:1 to 5
This passage is followed by a touching story of David's mighty men (the same ragamuffin crew that earlier in his leadership were in distress, in debt, and discontented - see I Samuel 22:1-2). At the end of his career, David had garnered such loyalty from his crew that when he was in the midst of battle, craving water from his city of Bethlehem, his men risked their lives to push through enemy lines and retrieve water for David from a well in his hometown. Even more poignant was David's response to these men's loyalty and care: David poured the water on the ground as an offering to God, refusing to drink the precious water for which his comrades risked their lives. What mutual care and protection! I aspire to be the kind of leader who inspires such motivated action and loyalty and care from those I lead.
Hence, my personal mission statement. Wanna hear it, here it go....
I want to live with God's glory* as the controlling desire of my heart.
I want to fully and mutually engage with loved ones (face to face/heart to heart), discovering what matters to them and working towards what's good for them.
I want to work with and manage people as God's agent, doing the best for them and inspiring the best from them.
I want to have a redeeming impact on others, helping to cultivate what God has placed in them.
*to express God's supreme worth and glorious nature and deeds to others, by word and deed
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Akanksha
This week I had the privilege of meeting and talking with Shaheen Mistri, a woman born in Mumbai, India (who lived in 13 countries growing up) who, at age 18, started a center for Indian children who are underserved by their country's public school system. Now about age 29, Shaheen has started over 50 of these centers, which run after school, parallel educational and social programs for children (from those entering school to those graduating from grade 10, their highest grade before two year college). I was struck by the similarities of issues faced by Shaheen and her team that face those of us in urban education in America, as well as a whole host of different conditions that make their job harder in many ways.
Shaheen visited many elementary and high schools during her visit here (AUSL and San Miguel elementary schools, plus quite a few charter middle and high schools, like Noble Street, Young Women's Leadership, and Perspectives). She participated in a roundtable of education leaders (with the likes of New Leaders for New Schools founder John Schnur, San Miguel founder Bro. Ed, Teach for America and IL Network of Charter Schools E.D.s, Joyce Fdn rep, charter school founders, plus principals like myself). I felt really out of my league, and I believe I gleaned just as much from Shaheen's visit than she did. What I took away in terms of inspiration and motivation for the work of providing quality education to traditionally underserved children and youth was invaluable. Observing what obstacles she faces compared to what we face, and yet how much progress she has made over the last decade, encourages me in the start of this new high school.
Here are some details:
India has a private school system that serves the elite (plus a couple of tiers of schooling like Catholic schools and very few public schools serving the wealthy) that function relatively well, but the public system serving the overwhelming majority of the public is challenged in terms of conditions and outcomes. Teacher quality is an issue, since teacher training is weak, teacher pay is low, people pursue teaching when they cannot do anything else so prof. prestige is low, and unions protect teachers (sound familiar?). This situation relegates poor children and families to cycles of poverty in their future since education, which could give them the means to change their social condition, is not as effective as it could be. Also, parents are largely uneducated, though enthusiastic about their children having a future (many volunteer at the centers). So the problems we see in American inner cities are not just American problems; they sound like class and city problems.
What's different than here (but actually similar in some respects) is that the undergrad programs that prepare teachers and the government that certifies them need significant work, plus about 70% of teachers are not even certified by government standards. There is not a single graduate program for principal training, so there is no leadership to recruit, select, and train teachers. Principals tend to be veteran teachers who may or may not have the ability or interest to lead a school, and in some cases the prinicpal might be a leader from another industry (like railway) who has no experience in instruction.
Another issue is facilities. School buildings need a great deal of work and often don't have adequate restrooms. Schools often consist of one or two rooms, and there may be 100 students in a class. Shaheen's organization, which cannot afford better or even separate school facilities, uses schools for free after school lets out (2 to 6pm).
In terms of results, Shaheen's teachers have made great strides comparatively but, like great cultural changers, they are not satisfied because the work is still great. In India, there is primary school (grades 1 to 5), followed by grades 6 to 10, after which you take a major test to determine eligibility for a two year college. Your performance in the two year college decides if you go to the three year college, so kids have a 15 year educational program if they are fortunate. There are teachers in the system who have gone only to grade 5. Only 10% of student make it to grade 10, whereas 65% of students in Shaheen's program attend the two year college. Some have even graduated and returned as teachers in the program, which is really exciting. In addition, other results abound, like the hope children are given for the future, the spirit of volunteerism and service that are instilled in so many of the kids there, and the holistic growth of the students.
In addition to trying to figure out how to recruit and train high quality teachers, Shaheen's group is struggling with how to expand. Whether or not or how much to join govt schools in some way is a question, as well as how to replicate what they are doing without losing the level of quality they have.
Hearing Shaheen share challenges, successes, and the resilience of the Indian children and families was tremendously encouraging, and reminded me of the situation of my African brothers and sisters in their country. I was also deeply saddened and sobered regarding obstacles the poor face everywhere, not just in America. But more than anything, I was emboldened that the work I do here of working to create real futures for urban minority youth through a strong academic and social-emotional foundation is truly needed and a worthwhile goal. It helps to know there are folks doing the same thing in very different cultures.
You can check out Shaheen's organization at akanksha.org. Peace.
Shaheen visited many elementary and high schools during her visit here (AUSL and San Miguel elementary schools, plus quite a few charter middle and high schools, like Noble Street, Young Women's Leadership, and Perspectives). She participated in a roundtable of education leaders (with the likes of New Leaders for New Schools founder John Schnur, San Miguel founder Bro. Ed, Teach for America and IL Network of Charter Schools E.D.s, Joyce Fdn rep, charter school founders, plus principals like myself). I felt really out of my league, and I believe I gleaned just as much from Shaheen's visit than she did. What I took away in terms of inspiration and motivation for the work of providing quality education to traditionally underserved children and youth was invaluable. Observing what obstacles she faces compared to what we face, and yet how much progress she has made over the last decade, encourages me in the start of this new high school.
Here are some details:
India has a private school system that serves the elite (plus a couple of tiers of schooling like Catholic schools and very few public schools serving the wealthy) that function relatively well, but the public system serving the overwhelming majority of the public is challenged in terms of conditions and outcomes. Teacher quality is an issue, since teacher training is weak, teacher pay is low, people pursue teaching when they cannot do anything else so prof. prestige is low, and unions protect teachers (sound familiar?). This situation relegates poor children and families to cycles of poverty in their future since education, which could give them the means to change their social condition, is not as effective as it could be. Also, parents are largely uneducated, though enthusiastic about their children having a future (many volunteer at the centers). So the problems we see in American inner cities are not just American problems; they sound like class and city problems.
What's different than here (but actually similar in some respects) is that the undergrad programs that prepare teachers and the government that certifies them need significant work, plus about 70% of teachers are not even certified by government standards. There is not a single graduate program for principal training, so there is no leadership to recruit, select, and train teachers. Principals tend to be veteran teachers who may or may not have the ability or interest to lead a school, and in some cases the prinicpal might be a leader from another industry (like railway) who has no experience in instruction.
Another issue is facilities. School buildings need a great deal of work and often don't have adequate restrooms. Schools often consist of one or two rooms, and there may be 100 students in a class. Shaheen's organization, which cannot afford better or even separate school facilities, uses schools for free after school lets out (2 to 6pm).
In terms of results, Shaheen's teachers have made great strides comparatively but, like great cultural changers, they are not satisfied because the work is still great. In India, there is primary school (grades 1 to 5), followed by grades 6 to 10, after which you take a major test to determine eligibility for a two year college. Your performance in the two year college decides if you go to the three year college, so kids have a 15 year educational program if they are fortunate. There are teachers in the system who have gone only to grade 5. Only 10% of student make it to grade 10, whereas 65% of students in Shaheen's program attend the two year college. Some have even graduated and returned as teachers in the program, which is really exciting. In addition, other results abound, like the hope children are given for the future, the spirit of volunteerism and service that are instilled in so many of the kids there, and the holistic growth of the students.
In addition to trying to figure out how to recruit and train high quality teachers, Shaheen's group is struggling with how to expand. Whether or not or how much to join govt schools in some way is a question, as well as how to replicate what they are doing without losing the level of quality they have.
Hearing Shaheen share challenges, successes, and the resilience of the Indian children and families was tremendously encouraging, and reminded me of the situation of my African brothers and sisters in their country. I was also deeply saddened and sobered regarding obstacles the poor face everywhere, not just in America. But more than anything, I was emboldened that the work I do here of working to create real futures for urban minority youth through a strong academic and social-emotional foundation is truly needed and a worthwhile goal. It helps to know there are folks doing the same thing in very different cultures.
You can check out Shaheen's organization at akanksha.org. Peace.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
DA T.R.U.T.H. and Friends Live
Just a word about the new Truth DVD (title above). It's off the chain! Just ordered it online this week and watched it yesterday, and it was awesome. It was taped at the last IMPACT Conference, and it features Da T.R.U.T.H. (rappin' w. a live band). Just a wonderful time of hip hop worship!
Guest appearances by Trip Lee, Flame, Ambassador, and CM really round out this dynamic DVD. I was encouraged, too, by the fact that CM has successfully made Bible centered, Christ centric hip hop a staple now, having passed the baton on to Truth, Trip Lee, Flame, and others. Not only that but it's powerful seeing and hearing these godly young men rap about God, putting the Lord on a pedestal, and living lives that testify to God's awesome power and grace!
Only one question: Where are the strong Christian FEMALE emcees?
I have a 19 year old special needs daughter who has multiple challenges (non verbal, developmentally delayed, incontinent, physical anomalies in fingers and hands, and so on). I tell her jokingly a lot what I want her to be when she 'grows up': a Christian female emcee. Now I've taken to telling her that in heaven I want to see her rock the mic for Jesus, and I'll be in the audience nodding my head. :-) I would love to see some daughters of Abraham, so to speak, who can flow with the same skill yet the same biblical soundness as the brothers above....
Guest appearances by Trip Lee, Flame, Ambassador, and CM really round out this dynamic DVD. I was encouraged, too, by the fact that CM has successfully made Bible centered, Christ centric hip hop a staple now, having passed the baton on to Truth, Trip Lee, Flame, and others. Not only that but it's powerful seeing and hearing these godly young men rap about God, putting the Lord on a pedestal, and living lives that testify to God's awesome power and grace!
Only one question: Where are the strong Christian FEMALE emcees?
I have a 19 year old special needs daughter who has multiple challenges (non verbal, developmentally delayed, incontinent, physical anomalies in fingers and hands, and so on). I tell her jokingly a lot what I want her to be when she 'grows up': a Christian female emcee. Now I've taken to telling her that in heaven I want to see her rock the mic for Jesus, and I'll be in the audience nodding my head. :-) I would love to see some daughters of Abraham, so to speak, who can flow with the same skill yet the same biblical soundness as the brothers above....
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