"Its been a year now" - Grassroots News - Random Pieces

Its been a year since we officially left home for this long-term committed adventure. Which means our commitment is up in about a years time and we may go home during that period and re-organize anything that needs done (get rid of our 'stuff' ),... but our heart is to continue working with Youth With A Mission. 


What we miss.. (beyond the usual friends and family)..and predicable seasonal allergies.. Hershey Chocolate, making camp fires, dollar fast food menus, lighting-bugs, thunderstorms (random Pennsylvania species)... Ice hockey, October fall time colors.., the outlet mall, car rides to cities like Erie or Pittsburgh, trips to Walmart at 3am.   Oh sad-face... well hopefully we will be able to visit for a short time and experience a few of these next trip home.


To be honest, this last year has been a challenge both personally and professionally but over all it has been an amazing experience volunteering/serving in Youth With A Mission. Thank you for joining together with us.. watching our mistakes, and shortcomings as well as cheering us on in the growing and joyful times together.

Above: Some of us that took part in the Grassroots Seminar. We were all linked via "Genesis" (sorta like a easier-High resolution skype) talking to different countries all taking part in the seminar at once.. watching live, and asking questions live.

Recently, I (Steph) was involved in a media seminar called 'Grassroots News'.

"During this time we learnt a lot about reporting the news as well as doing it in an ethical way, how it should be accurate, honest, truthful as well as thinking about the implications in what we are reporting. We also learnt how to tell a story and how to ask questions. It was a good time and the idea is that it will eventually change the news industry." -Luke Barrett, Media staff/volunteer who also took part.


The skills that we acquired will be passed on to the constant flow of teams that are sent out from here into places all over the earth. Generally there is some training on a personal or ministry level but this is going clear beyond that into the public arena. 


Links:
   A GRASSROOTS STORY MAKES HEADLINES- The Japan Quake/Tsunami used for ABC. March 23, 2011.


   UNITY IN EGYPT - Muslims and Christians coming together, you wont see this on your regularly scheduled program. March 14, 2011.


   THE VISION - of Grassroots news. - Go on! Be a part of it.




This is one of the videos produced during the seminar by some friends of mine that took part. here >> ART REFUGE : Lives Changing through Art 

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And just as a fun add to this update: More photos. 

I added a montoage of Emma Blakes rad shoes just for sharing sake.

Kids of the YWAM hood.

Elisama (Above) eating Aussie 'Tacos',.. much like mom makes at home 

but no-where near Mexican Authenticity.

READY TO GO OUT: this was the team, in the last few months, that served the streets of Northbridge. In the photo they are all hearing from the leader of the team about what the evening will look like 'tonight'.

Katie and Ariel: some of the chillest chicks you'll ever meet.

 READY SET.....GO!: Manning the "BOOKS TABLE" for registration day. Thats Arien from Media, representing it with style and flair! Look at that rad 80's shirt!

SHAUN: He and his wife have been serving in YWAM for several years. Shaun is full of good humor and poke-you-in-the-ribs-fun. 

JOBI (joe) -- a kool kat from Cali. --just finished serving his time here for 3 months.. He just volunteered Mission building, that means he was an entry-level ywamer. Because he hadn't done a DTS (prerequisite for long term work) we got to spend alot of time with him. Either way he's got a good heart and some mad photography skills. It was great getting to know him and definitely hope he comes back for a longer more intense stay next time.

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Featured Christian Artist: If you havent noticed (by the lack of posts) I havent had alot of time on my hands to find another one BUT golden oldies are great too..

Some of Ariens new stuff:

(the Base Server Crashed and this is the fictional story that has begun to unravel...)

  

 This is the "real richard"... when he goes into the server room he turns into a cartoon...