This week has been exhausting but oh so enjoyable. On Saturday my service mates and I had an absolutely perfect beach day. It was mid-20's (70 F) and the beach was just beautiful- we played Frisbee and football/soccer (I attempted to), some went into the freezing water (not me), then we laid on the beach and listened to music and talked and just really soaked in the sun and the wonderful company. We also shared a giant tub of triple chocolate ice cream, yummmm! I don't know why it was so fantastic, maybe because I was surrounded by awesome people, or because I really needed a day to chill, or maybe I got high on Vitamin D from the sun, I don't know, but it was such a great day. I look back on it and can only smile. There was a jam session at a friend's house that day also- people got out their guitars and their lovely singing voices and played everything from Vanilla Ice to Bob Dylan. The boys from Germany were given pots to use as drums, as both of them do African drumming, one played on the piano which was really amazing, Nadia and another girl sang and harmonized; so cool! In the Baha'i Writings it is said that “music is the ladder to the soul”, and during that jam session you could feel it- you don't know why, but you feel the music flowing through your veins and you get goose bumps and the joy that you feel brings you to tears...it's really interesting to see the effect music has on people- and when I say music I mean melody and notes and cords, regardless of the lyrics or who's singing- when that is not accounted for, you hear the beauty, the true beauty, and power that music can have.
On Monday I was in the bookstore all day, Tuesday I was a guide at the Temple, Wednesday I was in the Membership Office (really nice to get some solid work training and feel like I'm contributing to the organization of the office), on Thursday I guided when another group of school children came to the Temple who were equally as impressed as the last, and I also did some organizing for the Education Office- anyone who knows me well knows that I'm the person you can call if you want things put in-place, with a label and color coordinated. I was asked to go through the office and get rid of what was not needed. Fantastic! This was my work for Thurs/Fri, and I found myself waking up really excited for the job! Hahaha. Something about cleaning and organizing and color-coordinating that makes you feel like you've done something significant, that it's going to make a difference. Maybe I'll be a professional organizer hahaha!
We had a going away luncheon for two youth here- Adeeb and Nadia. Adeeb left on Tuesday and today is Nadia's last day. Adeeb is a sweetheart- he's always full of joy and always wants to make you laugh. He's going to Haifa, Israel for Pilgrimage so that's going to be so nice for him. He's awesome! And I'm so lucky to have made a friend like him. Nadia is a jewel, she just exudes happiness and love and will not hesitate to give it to you. She has been a fantastic roommate, we've had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs, and she has made my first month of my Year of Service truly unforgettable. I will miss her and Adeeb dearly. A new girl has come from China!!!! She is such a sweetheart, I feel like I've known her forever, and she's so easy to get along with. She'll be here for a month so hopefully I'll be able to practice my Chinese...she's already made delicious Chinese food so of course I love her! :) The two boys from Germany, don't know if I've intro'd them already, but they are so cool, sooooo nice and so kind. They've been bringing out my German side full force! (My American side is composed of German and Swiss). I've learned “My name is Ailene”- “eeh hiesay Ailene”, “You are my friend”- “du bist mine fruinde”, and “I'm tired”- “eeh been moodeh” =D It's bee really fun getting to know them and learning a language that is freakin complicated! My Lord...took my 30 minutes to learn “eins, zevey, deghi”! (1,2,3) hahaha.
This week's been full of events, good and bad, but over all very nice. We went to the Opera House at night and it was beauuuuutiful! Love it. Here's some proof of my adventures :)
2 comments:
The school kids must love their visit to the House of Worship, seeing its beauty, spending sacred moments inside, and learning about the awesome teachings of the Faith from enthusiastic folks like you!
Next on your menu -- ask the guys from Germany if they can teach you an easy dish, like spaetzle (sp?), but not hasenpfeffer!
For YOUTHphonics (my a acappella group) we are applying for funds and we have our hearing this Wednesday where they get to ask us anything and everything about our plans for the year and why we need the money they are offering. We have 2 minutes for the opening during the hearing. I'm glad you wrote about the importance of music and the joy it brings. I love that in Baha'i writing it says “music is the ladder to the soul.” I think I might use this during my speech (:
Your German is coming out! YEAY! It might be hard at first, but it's really fun to learn German. My roommate for next year will be taking it so at least I can practice my German with her. Oder vielleicht muss ich mein Deutsch mit Ihnen üben. hehe! I like the beach picture. You look so relaxed and you're enjoying yourself (:
Post a Comment