I started my Blackhawk internship today! It was a busy day, filled with orientations on facilities, HR, accounting, and more. The highlight of my day was our meeting with Jon. We talked about what the interns' roles will be this summer, and laid out what our responsibilities will entail. I am super pumped to start working full time for this ministry and make things happen!
However, I am approximately $400 short from being able to start. This means that I cannot actually start taking care of some of the tasks laid out before me until that money comes in. This is where I need your help.
If you are interested in supporting me this summer, I'd really appreciate it. You can give online at www.blackhawkchurch.org/give-2 by logging in, selecting Intern Program as the purpose, and then putting my name in the memo section. You can also mail a check to Blackhawk Church; Attn Intern Program; 9620 Brader Way; Middleton WI 53562 with my name in the memo line.
Also, please pray for wisdom during these internship months, that I may grow in my skills and come to understand my spiritual gifts. I am so excited for this opportunity to learn and grow while serving our community.
Pics from graduation to come soon. :)
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Día de los Niños
A couple weekends ago, I had the opportunity to represent Briarpatch (the crisis counseling center I volunteer at) at the Latino Health Fair at Goodman Community Center. The event celebrates children, and provides the Hispanic population in Madison with resources in the community.
Tamales were served, temporary tattoos were applied, candy was given out, and conversations were had. We even had the honor of seeing Crash Helmet in person!
It was a great few hours of speaking Spanish with local families, telling them about our services, like our 24/7 helpline for teens and families (608-251-1126).
John (a Briarpatch staff member, pictured above) and I had a blast looking at the cute Latino kids that passed by, too!
Tamales were served, temporary tattoos were applied, candy was given out, and conversations were had. We even had the honor of seeing Crash Helmet in person!
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| Image credit to dean.org |
It was a great few hours of speaking Spanish with local families, telling them about our services, like our 24/7 helpline for teens and families (608-251-1126).
John (a Briarpatch staff member, pictured above) and I had a blast looking at the cute Latino kids that passed by, too!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Project Runway... Madison edition.
A couple weeks ago, my friend Emilie and I attended UW-Madison's annual fashion show. The fashion design students work all year long to come up with the concept for the show, as well as create the pieces themselves. It was a great opportunity to see a different side of UW. Here are a few of my favorite designs:
The show had 4 parts. Each part was assigned a season: winter, spring, summer, fall. Each season was assigned a fashion capital: Tokyo, London, New York, and Paris. And then each season was assigned an element of nature: wind, water, earth, and fire.
A design class created beautiful banners that represented each of the seasons/capitals.
I was very impressed by the creativity of the fashion students. They used unusual materials, shapes, and colors to create new and inventive looks.
Overall, I was super happy to have gotten a glimpse of what students at UW can do. Who knows? Maybe we'll see some of their designs on the NY Fashion Week runway in a few years.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Endings and Beginnings
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about change. It's no wonder, because graduation is right around the corner, and, with it, lots of change. I was chatting with a friend today, who said that change is good, but the transitions are hard. As I have thought more about what she said, I realize how true that statement is.
I don't mind change. The idea of doing something new, of going somewhere different with my life, is good. Exciting, even. But the idea of having to make the transitions required to get there? Well, that's just terrifying.
These weeks have been filled with many lasts. The last Middle School event of the year. Our last Bible study. My last days of undergrad classes. The idea of these things ending is sad.
However, there are lots of firsts right around the corner too. My first day of the middle school internship. My first "real" job. My first "real" responsibilities. And I'm excited about those things.
I can't focus on the things that have ended, that have run their course. To be stuck in the past? That's no way to live (believe me- I've tried it). So instead, I'm looking towards the future, towards all the wonderful things that have yet to come. I can't imagine the plans that God has for me, that He has for everyone. All I can do is trust that the future is going to be filled with hope, community, love, and fun, that are as good as the things I'm transitioning away from.
Yeah. Transitions are hard. But without transitions, there'd be no change. And change helps me to grow, to discover who I am, and to find my place in the world.
And that's exciting.
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| Photo credit to motivationalmemo.com |
These weeks have been filled with many lasts. The last Middle School event of the year. Our last Bible study. My last days of undergrad classes. The idea of these things ending is sad.
However, there are lots of firsts right around the corner too. My first day of the middle school internship. My first "real" job. My first "real" responsibilities. And I'm excited about those things.
I can't focus on the things that have ended, that have run their course. To be stuck in the past? That's no way to live (believe me- I've tried it). So instead, I'm looking towards the future, towards all the wonderful things that have yet to come. I can't imagine the plans that God has for me, that He has for everyone. All I can do is trust that the future is going to be filled with hope, community, love, and fun, that are as good as the things I'm transitioning away from.
Yeah. Transitions are hard. But without transitions, there'd be no change. And change helps me to grow, to discover who I am, and to find my place in the world.
And that's exciting.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Portraits!
My fabulous friend and former roommate Jill is in a photography class this semester, so I agreed to be her guinea pig when she asked for portrait models. She came over to my apartment, and after playing with the light coming in through the windows, she created some beautiful, creative shots!
Here are a few of my favorites:
Mother-in-law tongue plant courtesy of my roommate Zach.
Tulip credit to my parents, for the beautiful bouquet that I received this weekend.
In the moment, immersed in the music. Describes me perfectly.
All photos property of Jill. Check out her beautiful blog here.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Still a band kid.
This semester, I decided to embark on an old but familiar journey: band. I participated in the Thursday night University Band, where I had the opportunity to play flute alongside students of many different majors and years. I really enjoyed playing for fun again, and learning once more how to practice, blend with other players, and interpret a piece. For the first time, I paid attention to the other sections and listened for different parts and melodies while we played. I heard the low sounds of the tuba, and I noticed the unique sounds of the bassoon.
Our first concert, we played the typical Stars & Stripes Forever, and I had the opportunity to memorize and play the piccolo solo with a few other players at the first concert. It was nerve-racking to play in front of people again, but I really enjoyed the challenge.
Our last concert was this Sunday, and while I am thankful to have my Thursday nights back, I will miss making music in band every week. I hope to find a community band when I have the time to continue my music adventures.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Inductions, Ceremonies, Banquets, Oh my!
The end of the semester has been filled with lots of ceremonies, concerts, and more. I am thrilled to announce that I have been inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, as well as Phi Kappa Phi.
With any induction, of course, comes a ceremony (and usually food!). At PKP, we had the honor of hearing from the African Storytelling professor, who shared interesting tales that he learned while walking around Africa collecting oral stories and folktales! We were presented our certificates by a delightful professor who had great enthusiasm for everyone's major, as well as hometown. I had the opportunity to visit and catch up with my friend Amanda who I hadn't seen in a while, which was wonderful. And, of course, I "allowed" my parents to take the obligatory "stand by the banner" picture.
At PBK, we were treated to a great speech by former mayor Dave Cieslewicz, who spoke about agreeing to disagree in politics. He spoke about allowing our thoughts or beliefs to be challenged so that we learn how to support our positions and do research to find out the facts behind what we believe. He spoke of previous politicians and historical figures, dating back to even George Washington, and spoke of how discourse is important for society.
These honors societies, while they do look good on a resumé, have also given me insight into the caliber of students found on the UW campus. I am incredibly honored to have been selected to be a part of these societies, although I cannot claim all of the credit. First and foremost, I thank God for instilling in me a sense of hope and excitement for the future, and a belief that my future will be beautiful. I also thank my parents for believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself, and for reminding me every day that I can do whatever I set my mind to.
With any induction, of course, comes a ceremony (and usually food!). At PKP, we had the honor of hearing from the African Storytelling professor, who shared interesting tales that he learned while walking around Africa collecting oral stories and folktales! We were presented our certificates by a delightful professor who had great enthusiasm for everyone's major, as well as hometown. I had the opportunity to visit and catch up with my friend Amanda who I hadn't seen in a while, which was wonderful. And, of course, I "allowed" my parents to take the obligatory "stand by the banner" picture.
At PBK, we were treated to a great speech by former mayor Dave Cieslewicz, who spoke about agreeing to disagree in politics. He spoke about allowing our thoughts or beliefs to be challenged so that we learn how to support our positions and do research to find out the facts behind what we believe. He spoke of previous politicians and historical figures, dating back to even George Washington, and spoke of how discourse is important for society.
These honors societies, while they do look good on a resumé, have also given me insight into the caliber of students found on the UW campus. I am incredibly honored to have been selected to be a part of these societies, although I cannot claim all of the credit. First and foremost, I thank God for instilling in me a sense of hope and excitement for the future, and a belief that my future will be beautiful. I also thank my parents for believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself, and for reminding me every day that I can do whatever I set my mind to.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Celebrations and Goals
Last night, I had the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of a special lady. My friend Katie's husband threw her a surprise party, and the night was filled with fun and food.
During the time I was there, we started talking about Blackhawk internships. I am thrilled to report that I am 43% funded for the summer. This is fantastic! I am so grateful to those of you who have decided to financially support me. I have enjoyed hearing from you, and writing thank you's.
However, this means that I still have a ways to go. I need to be 75% funded by May 15, otherwise I will not be able to start on time. This is only 2 weeks away!
The crazy thing is, in those 2 weeks, I will be finishing up my last weeks as an undergrad, and transitioning into the summer.
Once my internship starts, I will be co-leading Madison Missions with another intern. I will be in charge of planning the teachings, recruiting worship team members, coordinating leaders, and more. During the weeks themselves, I will be leading students, as well as answering questions that come up, problem solving, and planning! It will be a busy summer, but I am excited for the challenge. This is the first "real world" job, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to grow my leadership skills.
Also, I am excited because this internship will give me an opportunity to grow my faith through fellowship with other Christians, and learn from people with many different life experiences.
Where do you fit in to all of this? I still need to raise $1270 in the next two weeks, or I will not be able to start this fantastic opportunity. Please, take a few moments to pray if this is an opportunity that you would like to support. If so, you can write a check to Blackhawk Church with my name in the memo line, or you can give online through Blackhawk's site. (The checks get mailed to Blackhawk Church; Attn: Internship Program; 9620 Brader Way; Middleton WI 53562)
If you have not received a support letter, and would like one (they have pictures!), please let me know! Please, don't hesitate to call me or email me (alyssalee22@earthlink.net) if you'd like to talk more about this internship. I would love to hear from each and every one of you!
May God bless you all. You are wonderful! :)
During the time I was there, we started talking about Blackhawk internships. I am thrilled to report that I am 43% funded for the summer. This is fantastic! I am so grateful to those of you who have decided to financially support me. I have enjoyed hearing from you, and writing thank you's.
However, this means that I still have a ways to go. I need to be 75% funded by May 15, otherwise I will not be able to start on time. This is only 2 weeks away!
The crazy thing is, in those 2 weeks, I will be finishing up my last weeks as an undergrad, and transitioning into the summer.
Once my internship starts, I will be co-leading Madison Missions with another intern. I will be in charge of planning the teachings, recruiting worship team members, coordinating leaders, and more. During the weeks themselves, I will be leading students, as well as answering questions that come up, problem solving, and planning! It will be a busy summer, but I am excited for the challenge. This is the first "real world" job, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to grow my leadership skills.
Also, I am excited because this internship will give me an opportunity to grow my faith through fellowship with other Christians, and learn from people with many different life experiences.
Where do you fit in to all of this? I still need to raise $1270 in the next two weeks, or I will not be able to start this fantastic opportunity. Please, take a few moments to pray if this is an opportunity that you would like to support. If so, you can write a check to Blackhawk Church with my name in the memo line, or you can give online through Blackhawk's site. (The checks get mailed to Blackhawk Church; Attn: Internship Program; 9620 Brader Way; Middleton WI 53562)
If you have not received a support letter, and would like one (they have pictures!), please let me know! Please, don't hesitate to call me or email me (alyssalee22@earthlink.net) if you'd like to talk more about this internship. I would love to hear from each and every one of you!
May God bless you all. You are wonderful! :)
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