Well it has been a very, very long time since I have updated everyone on my Portland adventures. I do not know even where to begin. All in this past month my community and I have hiked in the Cascade region, backpacked by Mt. Hood, my Norbs friend Erica visited, and so much more! Portland and Oregon in general as so much to offer, from a great eclectic city scene to extreme outdoor activities. Hiking by the Columbia Gorge with our support team (former Jesuit volunteers) was a great experience. Not only was the scenery beautiful and filled with waterfalls and rock climbers, but also the conversations within the community and with our support team are just genuine. It has been great developing relationships with these two phenomenal women. Looking back at the great impact of Norbs Phenomenal Women’s Conference, I could honestly say that every women who I had somewhat of a conversation with in Portland could be the speaker at the conference and have everyone in tears and laughter. The depth of their internal process’ and their eloquent speech is just breathtaking. From my area director to my supervisor to our support people, these women have already had such an impact on my life!
Another adventure was backpacking through the woods of Mt. Hood by Ramona Falls. Yes, for the first time I actually went camping, and TRUE camping. We walked a few miles up the creeks and around the cliffs. The trail we walked on was actually a part of the Pacific Coast Trail, where people can hike from Canada to Mexico or vice versa. Which we met a man who had come from Mexico all by himself to hike the trail. It is so fascinating to hear of people completing that goal and it was honestly something that I had never heard of before. But whether people are hiking the PCT, Appalachian Trail, across the U.S. or all the way to Bethlehem (aka Jack Morris and friends) it is such an inspiration and a true test of yourself. I would love to take on the task of completing at least a part of the trail. Anyways, the trip was great; although cold we all tackled some “firsts” and enjoyed our time out in the abundance of Mother Nature.
Justin and I also ran in the Color Run
As time has flown by here, I have also been able to tackle some challenges that I set for myself. For instance, I realized I had gotten into a schedule of work, dinner, and sleep so I did not feel fulfilled from day to day. In time I discovered that I needed a hobby that I could finish projects to see an end result. So my first project was creating a makeshift closet in my room then I created frame art on my one wall. Next project to tackle…sewing chair covers for our kitchen chairs that are ever so lovely and stained.
Not only is it a challenge to create hobbies, but I also want to focus on my intentions around social and ecological justice. Recently our area director, Julia, stayed with us for a week and we were able to have one-on-one time with her. Within that time we focused on the four values of JVC Northwest and how I was living out those challenges. So currently I am trying to find many resources to live out those challenges such as where is my food coming from, is the store I shop at supportive of the community and country, or how can I live in solidarity of my clients? All of these questions and many more are important for this year in JVC as well as for the future. But to being these challenges I am constantly searching for resources, so any of you reading please send some my way!
This past month I have realized that many of us like to push the easy button. In today’s culture it is even easier when technology is wired. For instance, having the Internet in your home or at school is a luxury. Currently I have to take advantage of that after my working hours at New Avenues or taking time on the weekends for a local coffee shop. But many don’t realize how easy it is to push that button until it is gone. From my observations lately, we all have our own easy buttons. Some start their car, others turn on a cell phone, many will press start on the microwave, or some will turn on the washing machine. It is unbelievable how easy our culture has made daily tasks. Although many of the youth that I serve may have cell phones or can wash their clothes at our facility, many of outstanding debt with cell phone companies or they can’t go to the library for Internet because they have either lost or stolen books. We push the easy button everyday, but the question that I leave you with is what easy buttons are you pushing and could you not push it?
