The Swing of Things

This is the first day of the first "normal" week here at Whitworth for us. Kyle's folks, Mark and Cindi were here for a visit last week. We had a great time celebrating my birthday, refinishing furniture, eating at fave 3 restaurants, exploring local fruit farms (pumpkin doughnuts and apple cider!!!), attending Chapel, enjoying the gorgeous grounds at Manito Park, and taking a little day-trip to Sandpoint, ID. So great that they now know what our life looks like here. They approve of our guest room so come on up, y'all!

There is always something going on around here. Tyrone Wells (a local Spokanite) is putting on a concert this week, finally going to the Farmer's Market downtown, meeting up with my RA from Bodenseehof who now lives in Couer d'Alene, volleyball games, student dinners, and coffee dates abound. The Fall weather is finally starting to make its way to the Northwest (it was 90 degrees on Saturday). Time for scarves and tea and riding boots. It is refreshing to feel like there is a sense of normalcy as we experience our first season change.

Still looking for a church body that we can be part of. Trusting the Lord for His timing and clarity. Started my Spiritual Formation Workshop a few weeks back. Really enjoying learning about intimacy with Christ and anticipating a challenging and refreshing look at (and practice in) the disciplines. May you stop trying to live for Jesus, but let Him live through you. It is about His Life.

Traditiation

Every year when the freshmen arrive they embark on a three day introduction of sorts to Whitworth and their Hall called Traditiation. This clever word (tradition + initiation) encompasses everything from meetings, to competitions, to moments of reflection, to welcome dinners. The men and women of East Hall are called Kinsmen and Beauties. Kinsmen on leadership (the traditiators) wear red capes with nicknames on the back while the leadership Beauties wear colorful tutus and crazy vests with roses pinned on them, carry wands, and traipse everywhere we go. It was really special for Hoosier Daddy (Kyle) and Mother Salient (Me) to be involved in this creative three-day event for the first year students.

The competitions are the best. The third night students are on campus we all convene at the Fieldhouse for "Yell-Off." It begins with a massive dance party. Let me tell you - Whitworth likes to dance! Each Hall team takes about 4-5 minutes to yell their Hall chants and cheers as loud as they can on stage in front of everyone. It.gets.crazy. The following night is "Mock Rock" (sort of a lip-sync dance to a 3.5 minute mix of music). This year, the East Hall Beauties took first place! Check out their fly performance here. So proud of these gals - they put this whole thing together on their own in a single afternoon! Rock on, Beauties!

Classes started on Wednesday and Convocation was yesterday morning. The Whitworth community was challenged to use the gift of the mind by being intellectually competent, to practice moral courage, and have hearts of compassion for others. Kyle and I are thankful we get to be at an institution that values these things. Excited to do life with these students each day!

Ministry of Presence

I am quickly becoming quite intrigued by Henri Nouwen. I read "In the Name of Jesus" while in Ireland and loved his simple yet profound approach to leadership and loving others. Since moving to Spokane I have spent a lot of time thinking about what to do with my time. This has led me to question why our society defines people by their occupation not by who they are; their likes or dislikes; their passions; their motives. Kyle and I have discussed the potential for jobs here and if that is a good fit for me right now. The more we have talked and prayed it seems that this is a season of openness; of vulnerability; of finding my identity not in what I do but in Who loves me. I saw this quote by Nouwen the other day and it has meant more to me than I can express. Living in a dorm with college students gives me the kind of freedom he describes. And yet, he humbly puts into words the tension I feel daily.

"More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel like you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn't be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs, that you do not simply like them, but truly love them."

Spokane

Biking The Centennial Trail (Spokane in the background)

Kyle helped me give this little guy a new look
Top of Mt. Spokane
First real meal at the Lantz abode

Well, Kyle and I have been here nearly six weeks already (hard to believe!). My Family drove out with us and helped us get moved in last month. Spokane is an interesting city. We have been telling people that the beauty and the weather remind us of Colorado and the pace and the (excuse the phrase) "hickness" of the residents reminds us of Indiana. Kyle's RA's came a couple days ago and it has already been such a joy to get to know them - they are a stellar group of people! The whole leadership team is now together and gearing up for the campus to be bustling again starting next week. I am so thankful that I get to be here and support Kyle in the work he is doing. Come visit us!

"Is this going to be forever?"

I love this video: "David After Dentist." This poor seven year old kid is reeling from the effects of anesthesia after getting some work done on his teeth. The best part is (at 1:43) when David says, "Is this going to be forever?" He knows something is amiss - things are not as they should be. His Dad (with a knowing chuckle) assures him that the feelings he is experiencing are only temporary. I feel like David sometimes. The "medicine" of this world produces hopelessness and fear. It blurs our vision; causing us to not see things clearly. It leads me to question my Abba Father, "God, will this world be like this forever? Will I be like this forever?" And God, with a perfectly knowing smile responds, "No." The great thing about the video is that David believes his Dad but it doesn't keep him from letting out a sigh (at 1:55) of frustration. The renewing of all things is a process, but thank God, it is already in progress! In Revelation 21 we find the promise of this coming renewal, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” God is moving in our midst. May we be faithful to join Him in what He is already doing.

Whole Wheat Lemon Peach Cake

Made this wonderful cake this weekend with hand picked peaches from Walter's Fruit Ranch - a local farm. Yummy!!! I made a frosting from a different torte recipe found here. Warning: the frosting is incredibly delicious...and incredibly bad for you. I think I will ditch the frosting next time and just enjoy the cake with some vanilla ice cream. This would be a great cake to make for a birthday celebration or bridal shower - not too sweet and the peaches retain their fresh taste through baking. The directions say to bake about an hour. I would do a little less than that - just keep your eye on it the last 10 minutes

amazingly yummy, healthy, easy dinner for two

This recipe was adapted from one I found in the August issue of Real Simple:

Ingredients needed:

1 large or 2 small spicy italian turkey sausage(s)

1 8oz. package whole wheat spaghetti

2 small to medium sized zucchini

1/2 of a large red onion

2 T. shredded parmesan cheese

a handful of baby cherry tomatoes

olive oil

3 garlic cloves

dash of salt and pepper

1 twig of fresh rosemary

1 T. honey

Preparation:

*Note* It takes pasta different amounts of time to boil depending on your altitude. Adjust start time of veggies and sausage accordingly.

1. While water is coming to a boil for pasta, chop zucchini (in thin slices) and half red onion (in medium to large slices). Cut baby cherry tomatoes in half and set aside.

2. Following package directions, cook whole wheat pasta in boiling water (add a little olive oil and salt). I like to turn heat down from hi just a bit (8 on a scale of 1 to 10) to cook thoroughly once the pasta is placed in the water.

*Note* Do steps 3 and 4 at the same time

3. While pasta is boiling, cook sausage in small pan over medium heat (add olive oil, salt, pepper, and one clove of crushed or sliced garlic. "Chop" up sausage into bite sized pieces with the utensil you are using to cook it while it is in the pan (think of the way sausage looks on a pizza - that size is about right).

4. In large pan mix about 1 T. of olive oil, dash of salt, chopped zucchini, chopped onion, two cloves of crushed or sliced garlic, honey, and one twig of rosemary (pull off sections and spread out in pan). Cook on medium heat until just golden (don't cook until limp - veggies always taste better and retain more nutrients when not overly cooked. They should still have a slight crunch to them). Feel free to add more olive oil if the veggies start sticking to the pan.

5. Keep and eye on the boiling pasta. When it is ready, remove from heat and drain, return to pot.

6. Dish onto 2 plates in this order:

a. pasta

b. top with zucchini and onion mix

drizzle a small amount of olive oil over a. and b.

c. sausage

d. cover with tablespoon of shredded parmesan cheese

e. add cherry tomatoes on top

f. garnish with any extra fresh rosemary you have left

On the side: add a quick arugula, spinach, and crasin salad with balsamic vinaigrette and a slice of toasted whole wheat bread with a very thin layer of goat cheese and you have a lovely meal for two in about 35 minutes. Enjoy!

Do Justice...

Sunday was beautiful. The sun was out, it was in the 60's (what's funny is that the Irish think this is sea swimming weather), and it wasn't terribly windy. The day started with a lovely (but short) skype session with KK in Uganda. It is so good seeing her face every couple weeks.

At church John spoke on Micah 6:6-8.

"With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high?

Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,

with ten thousands of rivers of oil?

Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,

the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the LORD require of you

but to do justice, and love kindness (mercy), and to walk humbly with your God?"

With this in mind, Kyle and I continued on with the day. We decided to catch a 13:20 DART and do some walking up the coast several stations away. As we entered the DART station, I casually noticed a man in an electronic wheelchair (the kind that gives away the permanency of the person's situation) who was by himself. We got on the train and waited to depart. After a short while, the conductor's voice rang out through the train cars. "There's been a malfunction on the track between Greystones and Bray. We don't know when it will be fixed. Please exit the train now." We begrudgingly arose and headed toward the exit. I noticed one of the train staff extending a ramp onto the train to help the man in the wheelchair safely exit over the gap between the train and the platform.

After about ten minutes of deciding what to do (should we take a bus to Bray and catch the DART there? Should we can it and go to lunch?) we turned to walk toward home when a Dublin Bus appeared at the stop. We think it was sent because of the DART malfunction because the next bus was not due to arrive for another 45 minutes. We weren't the only people to see the bus pull up on the other side of the street. The man in the wheelchair, who had been waiting in front of the DART station, started grunting loudly, I think in order to get the bus driver's attention. Without looking, he rolled out into the busy street. Cars slammed on their breaks. As I watched this scene unfold I was stunned by the persistence this man showed - just to catch a bus. We crossed the street a moment later (I was acutely aware of how simple it was for us to extend our legs and in 5 strides, come safely to the other side).

There was a large group of people waiting to get on the bus. The man in the wheelchair pulled up to the edge of the sidewalk in front of the bus door. Kyle and I were the last people on besides him. I knew he probably had to get on last because the ramp would need to be extended. The bus driver was talking with several passengers who were trying to sort out their tickets. I waited near the door to make sure the man in the wheelchair got on alright. In a moment, the doors closed and the bus lurched forward. I didn't know what to do. I was so caught off guard that I literally couldn't speak. I watched the man in the wheelchair out the bus window as long as I could see him. But then we turned a corner and he was gone. We were gone.

My face turned red and anger welled up inside me. I don't know if I've ever called another human being such terrible names in my head as I called that bus driver. As I sat down on the upper level of the double decker bus, I began to cry. Small tears escaped from under my sunglasses and streamed down my hot cheeks. I thought about the effort the man in the wheelchair had exerted in just 20 minutes trying to use public transportation. I thought about how he very literally almost got killed trying to catch the bus - the bus whose driver closed the doors in his face not because he wasn't there in time, but because he couldn't ride the bus without help. I keep thinking about what that must have felt like, to be forgotten and ignored and viewed as worthless in the eyes of the world. Defeat. Failure. Loneliness.

Kyle was startled by how quickly the bus had begun moving. Surely it would have have taken a few minutes for the man in the wheelchair to enter the bus. When I told him that the man in the wheelchair was left alone on the side of the street, he was heartbroken. We felt so helpless. What could we have done? How do we "do justice and love mercy" in a world of pain? How do we stand up for the oppressed and mistreated? One way to begin this self-examination is to ask, "Do I view people properly?" In The Weight of Glory, C.S. Lewis says, "It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship...There are no ordinary people."

Paul encourages the Philippians to, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." May we care for those around us, asking the Lord to give us His eyes and the courage to act rightly in the face of injustice, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.

100 Days . News . Cool News

So, blogging (like reading books) is something I love in theory much more than in practice, I'm afraid...

We've been married 100 days. Weird. What have we learned?

*Communicate pro-actively

*Some days are just "normal" - what you do with normal days makes them extraordinary

*Reading the Bible together is incredibly life-giving

*Doing laundry for two feels like doing laundry for 15

*Different sized postcards require different amounts of postage

*Life is too short to argue about dental insurance

*When Kyle talks about something in theory I assume it is going to become a reality

*It is okay to read multiple books at one time

*It is okay to ask how you can encourage your spouse - it doesn't always have to be a surprise

*"Just because" daffodils bloom best in a Guinness pint glass

*Dancing to Mo-town in public cures one's insecurities rather quickly

*Being willing to wipe one another's butts while desperately sick = true love

*Waking up at 2am Ireland time to watch the worst NCAA Championship ever = truest love

*Letters might be even better when they don't have to cross an ocean

*When looking for Jesus, sometimes all we see are trousers

*Trying to catch an 8:05 flight at 20:05 rarely works out

We have packed quite a bit into this short time in Ireland - we've gone on trips with students, had wonderful visitors from the States, been sick alone, been sick together, cooked meals for 30, seen plays in Dublin, read books out loud together, said "I love you" just because and a lot.

In late February, Kyle started applying for Resident Director jobs back in the States. Half his friends (no joke) are RD's at different Universities and Colleges all over the country so he was able to glean great information and insight from them in pursuing the next step in employment. Out of nowhere, Whitworth University appeared on the scene. After several skype interviews they asked Kyle to come to campus in Spokane, Washington for two days of interviews. After lots of prayer and thoughtful consideration (and hours of Pirate research!) we decided Kyle should go. He thoroughly enjoyed his time meeting Whitworthians all over campus and getting to know the Spokane area a bit. After 27 hours of flying, Kyle was back in Greystones and we made the decision to accept the Whitworth position! He will be the RD of East Hall starting on August 1st. We are so excited about this opportunity to grow and serve both in the Whitworth community and the greater Spokane community. I have never been to Washington so this will be quite the adventure. We are so grateful for the ways the Lord made it clear that this was His desire for our next step. Seeing Him provide so tangibly encourages our faith.

So here's what the next few months hold for us:

-The students leave Greystones four weeks from today - hard to believe!

-May: Kalyn, Kory, Ali, and Krissa are coming to Ireland and the six of us are traveling Europe together for two weeks.

-After two days home in Indiana, we will be taking an East coast road trip (VA, NYC, and PA)

-Mid-June to early July will be spent in Milford

-July 6 - road trip to Colorado and spend several weeks there

-July 18ish - pack up the car and drive off to the "Lilac City"

We are expectant that there will be great joys as well as difficulty ahead. We go with confidence knowing that the Lord has gone ahead of us. Praise Him, for He is good!

Sibs

As we begin processing some of our thoughts and experiences on this blog, I think it wise that we point you on to several of our siblings' blogs. They are both living cross-culturally and seeking to serve the Lord day in and day out. We learn much from them and so many of our thoughts and musings are sparked from the things they are experiencing.

Kory and Ali on Lantz family Christmas tree hunt

Kory and Ali are living and working in South Bend. Most of their time is focused on teenagers in Keller Park neighborhood, but if you spend a few minutes with them, you'll realize they've become a part of their community and anyone might walk through their door at any time!

You can check out their blog here: KPTransformation

Kalyn and Kyle in Colorado, December 2010

Kalyn is a quarter of the way into her study abroad experience in Uganda. She is learning a ton as she views her faith through the lens of a very different culture. Kalyn has a wisdom about her that is rare for her age and I learn from her daily.

You can read her blog here: Kalyn in Uganda

Irish Church Culture

G.K. Chesterton said, "When people stop believing in God, they don't believe in nothing - they believe in anything."

In chapel yesterday the students were able to hear from a panel of four Church leaders from the Greystones area. A few things stuck out to me as they shared from their experiences in this country.

*Churched Irish people tend to be very welcoming and laid back. While this is nice, it can lead to a passive nature when dealing with conflict (or a complete avoidance of conflict all together).

*There is a sense of "tribal loyalty" which is most evident in that the Republic is culturally Catholic.

I wondered to myself, "Is the 'culture of connection' to the church a detriment? Has it allowed people (especially Gen-Y) to be physically present in the church but not understand the Gospel?"

The church leaders agreed that one of the major issues they are dealing with is secularization. While we can trace the cultural shifts and decline of moral integrity in America's history over many decades, Ireland's move to an individualistic relativism has been rapid. In Ireland's very recent history, it was illegal to get divorced. It is still frowned upon to have an abortion but co-habitation, homosexuality, and having children out of wedlock is becoming increasingly less taboo. The unfulfilling pursuit of wealth and the detachment from the community of faith have both shaped this generation. Ireland's youth suicide rate is the fifth highest in Europe, and many believe this is due, in part, to the difficult economic times the country is facing right now. The problem is that the Church (specifically the Catholic Church) has disappointed and hurt people so deeply that it is the last place people will turn in times of struggle and need. A trust must be regained so that the Truth of relationships - with Christ and with one another - will triumph over the institution of religion that has reigned in Ireland for so many years.

Marriage

Let yourself be challenged and encouraged by this today.

http://www.todaysletters.com/2010/05/10-things-that-have-made-all-difference.html

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." MLK

Planned Parenthood's Participation in the Sex Trafficking Industry

Sex + Money Documentary - Watch the trailer

This time of life...

...is new and challenging and exciting. We were married on December 30, 2010 in the middle of a mini Colorado blizzard. We were blessed to have so many friends and family members join in our marriage celebration! Thank you to each person who made that day so memorable. After a wonderful honeymoon on Sanibel Island in Florida, we spent a week in Indiana where we enjoyed a reception hosted by Kyle's folks. We enjoyed seeing (or for me, meeting) people who have invested in Kyle over the years. We moved to Greystones, Ireland in late January where Kyle works for Taylor University as an on site director for their Irish Studies Program. We have enjoyed getting to know the 16 gals and 4 guys from Taylor, IWU, and Westmont - they are a great bunch! Kyle is reading AMAZING GRACE by Eric Metaxas and I am (finally!) finishing A SEVERE MERCY by Sheldon Vanauken - both incredible books that I'm sure we will blog about soon. Kyle and I both plan on writing here so between the two of us, hopefully we can keep you posted on the adventure of life!