a few things

I've been about to blog the past few days but then didn't. so here's a sampling of things that I was going to say:

1) Summer. I finished my last final on Friday and am officially on summer and am pretty amped. Just taking care of a few things in san diego and then I'll be cruising up to the santa cruz mountains. I haven't been home since Christmas really (except for like 2 days for Luke's 21st) and I am homesick. I can't wait. And then I'm leaving for Europe on the 27th. Spending 5 days in Paris, 4 days in Belgium (Rock Werchter), 8 days in Italy and 3 days in London. all with my lovely sister. I can't wait.

2) Braddigan. I went to see Braddigan (formerly of Dispatch) the other night and it was great. It was actually a benefit concert for a non-profit called Love, Light, and Melody (lovelightandmelody.org). Part way through Braddigan started talking about the organization and their involvement in Nicaragua. He's very passionate about the people living in extreme poverty over there. What he was saying really resonated with me. This isn't perfectly quoted but its as best as I can remember. "Where's poverty when you go over there and all they can do is smile. Where's poverty when they will give you the only seat that they have. And then where's wealth over here when we can't figure out what to spend all our money on." He went on to say how he believes (as do I) that the whole thing is very backwards. America is living in "poverty" so to speak. I really want to go to India again. 

3) I really enjoy genuine people. This guy who crashes at our place all the time is very genuine. Our lifestyles are pretty different but he always greets me with a smile on his face and is down to talk for a few minutes. And today after we were talking he was like man we gotta stay in touch when you take off. Don't know if you'll ever see this dre but you are a good guy. This makes me think of a quote that Liz gave me one time.

"The gift of presence is a rare and beautiful gift. To come-unguarded, undistracted-and be fully present, fully engaged with whoever we are with at that moment. Have you noticed in reading the Gospels that people enjoyed being around Jesus? They wanted to be near him-to share a meal, take a walk, have a lingering conversation. It was the gift of his presence. When you were with him, you felt he was offering you his heart. When we offer our unguarded presence, we live like Jesus."   

4) happy birthday liz!