Goodbye ITC

Well I'm off to Memphis on Monday.

For those of you who don't know I am moving to Memphis, TN to start a Master's Program in Urban Education called MTR (Memphis Teacher Residency). It is a year long and then a 3 yr residency afterwards, so I'll be there for 4 years.

So why Urban Ed? After working at Kids Across America (KAA) my eyes were really opened up to the realities of the injustices within the U.S., specifically in Urban Cities, specifically in the educational systems in Urban America. I had the privilege to work with and meet some of the most incredible 12-15 year olds in these cities, but my heart was broken to know some of the situations they had to back to and live within. And I believe on of the greatest ways to change the crime, poverty and some of these generational cycles is to help get these kids through high school and beyond.

So why Memphis? For some reason I love this city. For some reason after kamp this year I could not get away from this city. I don't know why but I know I'm suppose to be there. I know it's rough, I know in some parts it's dangerous, but I also know that we are suppose to go where no one else wants to and that the Lord has gone before me and that Memphis is full of amazing people who need a relationship with an amazing God.

I'll try and keep updates on here as often as possible. My schedule is pretty intense this year with classes but I'm sure i'll have time to get distracted on here. Please stay in touch too. One of the hardest things about moving is leaving all the friends and family. So I would love to hear from all of you as much as possible :) Come visit me.

Memphis greats: BBQ, Elvis, Blues and Chicken and Waffles... Come on ... Roadtrip! You drive, I've got a place for you to stay!

Lastly if you wanna...

Prayer points for June:

Transition to Memphis

Roommate (Maya)

Classes

Good Community/Church

Donate Somebody Else's Mooo-laaaahhh!

I was educationally surfing the net today at work ;) and ran across this awesome website. It's called See Jane Advocate: a busy mom's practical guide to social justice. Now I'm no mom and won't be for sometime, but it was created by an awesome photographer who married an old Sterling grad. Too much info? Ok I'll cut to the chase. Anyway one of her posts was about a way to donate somebody else's money. This rocks. Check this out.

An Australian based company called Hotels Combined has a new marketing initiative. Instead of spending their normal marketing/ad budget the "normal" way, they are donating to several different non-profits in exchange for word of mouth reference. Like me putting this on this blog. You can even tweet (yes kellie!) or facebook and they give back. How sweet is that?

I'm donating $20 to World Vision without spending a single penny.

Thank you Hotels Combined for taking a risk and using your money to help those who really need it. You guys rock.

My dream job....

Check out this website.

www.keelymariescott.com

It's a photographers journey through several trips with Compassion International. She is the photographer that gets to capture the sponsors meeting their kiddos. Wow. So jealous.

It's WAY worth your time.

I can follow their journey this month as they go visit kids in Kenya. (so can you by clicking on the box below) My little girl Faith is there. I hope I get to see her someday!

lil' peanut

found this pic today on my computer at work. then i messed with it on picasa. a cheap photoshop basically that i have to use for our website to get photos on there. anywho.... just love my lil' peanut. he's gettin' soooo big. i took this on my computer at work when he came to visit me for my birthday! i love you buddy!

--ti ti

MTR

[I seem to go through blogging SLUMPS. DESERTS. DRY-SPELLS.

Well, here is my 189734092 attempt to try and re-start this blog.

So to all my faithful readers (all 2 of you!) I'm back! haha...]

Post-Grad.

What a weird stage of life. Transition from a whole life of education to the real-world has to be one of the most challenging, awkard, and unsure times.

All the sudden it's all over.

So... now what? Hmm.... It's the time where people say you can to whatever you want. To some extent this is true. I have nothing tying me down, no obligations, no serious relationship (sorry about that one grandma), and praise the Lord I even came out of Sterling with no loans.

Here is my latest kick. And it's not just a kick this time. Kellie likes to remind everyone that I just throw out crazy ideas of what I'm going to do but change my mind 2 days later. (Hello you know I don't like commitment!!) But this one I've been praying about since September.

MEMPHIS! The city of BBQ and blues... There is a great possibility I'll move their at the end of May. I am in the application process for a master's program called MTR (Memphis Teacher Residency). My final interview is March 19th. I find out at the beginning of April if I'm in. With over 200 applicants and less than 40 spots, it's gonna be tough. I would explain it, but this video does a much better job. Check it out if you have time.

Peace.

africa + christmas

a couple Northern Ugandan boys

last night a got home late after going to the hospital with one of my players who got a really bad concussion in our game. so i get home, opened my computer. don't know why because i hate getting on it after i work on one all day long. then i randomly found a song a youtube by Sara Groves called "I saw what I saw". It was about her time in Rwanda.

I watched it and cried. Completely aware of the fact that I had forgotten about Africa. I mean I remembered, but forgot at the same time. I miss that place so much.

So then I went to a bunch of random sites to see how war-ending efforts are going, especially in Uganda and the Congo as the LRA (the Lord's Resistance Army) is continuing to abduct children and force them into their army to try and over throw the government there. I checked out Invisible Children and realized it's still going on and I forgot about all those kids.

Ugh.

Anyway, one thing I love about Invisible children is that 100% of there profits go to helping in the war in Uganda. Not this pathetic, buy a 300 dollar (RED) iPod and 4 dollars goes. Wow. Way to go Apple. As much as a rave about your projects and am obsessed with them that is ridiculous number.

So here is my Christmas wish. Since I never know what people should get me for Christmas.... Invisible Children have started a product line called "Mend". It's a hand bag making line, giving the women in Uganda who's kids have been abducted by the LRA a way to make money and provide for themselves, without having to sacrifice their bodies. I actually was in the application process for being the design liaison for this line in May, but turned it down because of KAA. It is an incredible program.

Anyway. I want a bag. One of these bags, the women make.
I'd like the MEND cinch-black-pink-and-polka-dot one to be exact.

I always never know what to do with my life. Now I really don't know. Memphis. Kenya. Uganda. Sterling. Wichita. Who knows. Well He does, but I'd like to.

confession time.

i have to make a confession.

no crushes this time. unfortunately all hope for some have been lost. but here's my real one....

i listened to christmas music on my way to work today. i don't know what's happening to me. the once scrooge mentality that i possessed just can't wait for candy canes, twinkle lights, and the colors red and green to be flooded everywhere.

plus i'm in the middle of making christmas stationery/letterhead at work. i think that's only encouraging my desire to see santa fall through a chimny.

mmmm.... i just thought of christmas cookies and got real excited. yum.

I have a crush.

It's time.
After being off of here for a few months I'm gonna start blogging again. I know you are all so excited. So at least to make me feel better read through this first one :)

The last few months have been CRAZY so i'm not even going to update any of you on them, except to let you know I am a graphic designer/college basketball coach who is trying to take one day at time in the little town(s) of sterling and lyons kansas. learning a lot right now so i figure i might as well share some of it with whoever wants to know.

main thing right now: i have a crush.

yes, that's right a crush.

since i've been in lyons working i have had the great opportunity to meet some pretty incredible people. most of them are over the age of 65 and i think that's why i like them so much. so my crush is an older, local artist who has the sweetest, most compassionate heart. i just finished designing some postcards for him and his wife's show coming up in Ellsworth this month and every day he would come in just to check and see how things are going. i have loved listening to his many stories and just getting to know him. i am sad that i finished his project because now i don't get to see him. long story short, he stole my heart. i hope i get to work for him again sometime soon!

panama and camp

(had to add a pic! this is some of my favorite people and me mud wrestling before graduation!)

A lot has happened since my last post. My show. Graduation. Moving Home. It's been a crazy time, but only gonna get crazier! Which I am so ready for!

Part 1:
I leave for Panama on Sunday. pray pray pray for us. you can see what we are up to on our blog at
http://scpanama.blogspot.com/.
If you didn't know I am going there with some of the players from the men's and women's basketball teams at Sterling. We are doing a sports ministry trip down there. The men will be playing some international teams as well (we might get to too! just have to wait till we get down there to see!)

Part 2:
The day i get back from Panama i will be headed to KAA (www.kidsacrossamerica.org) for the summer. We can't have our phones or use internet so if you ever need anything or just get really bored and want to write a letter you can send it to this address.

KAA 2 c/o Erin Thiessen
26272 Private Rd. 2232
Golden, MO 65658

Part 3:
Would someone please find me a job for when I'm done at camp? thank you :)

Love you all so much. I will miss you all so much! Make sure to keep me updated on your lives as well.

xoxo.
Erin

Senior Art Exhibition

Below are several pieces from some pieces featured in my Senior Art Exhibition. The show is running at Sterling College from March 29-April 9. The gallery reception is on
April 2nd from 7:00-8:30 in the Sterling Art Center (located on the corner of 8th and Washington)
If you are interested in any of this work or other pieces please contact me at erindthiessen@gmail.com

Title: Kibera
Medium: Acrylic on Masonite


Title: Missions Chapel Kick-Off
Medium: Computer Graphics


Title: Sterling College Music Brochure I
Medium: Computer Graphics


Title: Sterling College Music Brochure II
Medium: Computer Graphics


Title: The Garden
Medium: Acrylic on Paper


Title: The Mara
Medium: Digital Photography


Title: Hawa
Medium: Digital Photography


Title: Self-Portrait
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

For Mel...

I got this amazing ring for Christmas this year from Mel. I had to take pictures the other day for some profile things for my art show and here is one of them. Just reminds me of how talented my cuz really is. You rock sister!

Art Show Part II

Here is one of my larger paintings.


Title: Woven Garden
Media: Acrylic on Paper

art show preview

I spend about 4-5 hours a day if not more in the studio. finally semi-finished one of photography pieces. I thought I would give you a small glimpse of what might be at my show in April.

Title: Hawa
Medium: Photography

Cookie Contest Part II

Ok..
There have been 6 entries thus far.
All wonderful.
The competition is outrageous.
There is still time to submit.
Don't worry.
But the winner will be announced soon.
Just want to let you know you are not forgotten.
My hips say so.
:)

COOKIE CONTEST!!! (yes, I stole your idea annette)

Due to the fact that my younger cousin is a GENIUS, I thought I might steal her idea, although I know it won't work near as well as it will for her.

So she is having a cookie contest and so am I. How does it work? You guys send me cookies and the recipe for the cookies. I choose which ones are the best, with help of my roommate and one lucky other friend then whoever wins gets their recipe on the blog. And unlike Annette, chocolate does not have to be included in my cookies. I'm not as addicted as she is. :)

Here is the best part. You have the chance for your recipe to get published on possibly 2 blogs. I know... something you have always wanted.

My address is:

Erin Thiessen
125 W. Cooper Ave Box 406
Sterling, KS
67579

At least for the fact that I have 98 days left to be a college student and receiving mail is one of the highlights of my week, please consider entering the contest. Thank you.

Disney & Last Semester Ever.

So I just got down registering for my last semester of college or at least undergrad. Kinda crazy!

It's weird to think that in a year from now I have no idea where I am really going to be. Eek! But no worries...I sure whatever it is will be great. Got any ideas? I wouldn't mind hearing them!

Thought I would put some pictures up from our Florida trip. We won there and have a great time riding rollercoasters and all...The castle. Mickey. And Sleeping. Got all the best parts of the trip covered :)

3 months later...

I know I am the worst updater ever, but since everyone else in the family seems to do such a good job on even my life sometimes i never think i have anything to update!

This week has been CRAZY!
Here is a list of things that has been going on... I can't seem to write in full sentences right now. My brain is fried.

1. Finals! Only one more set for undergradate work ever, can't believe it and trying to pretend like I am not graduating in less than 5 months.
2. Basketball! Takes up most of my time. We are ranked 8th in the nation right now and we are playing well. We are undefeated in conference so far, but still have a long way to go. I love my teammates and am quite frankly unsure why the Lord has given me the great opportunity to serve them.
3. Disney! Yea Baby! I leave in less than 24 hours for Walt Disney World! Which means Rockin Rollercoaster, Teacups, and the best part of Disney.... Fanny Packs.
It's my last big trip as a collegiate athelete. Sad day.
4. Art! I have been working like mad this semester in the art building. I have spent most of my time painting and am working towards my senior art show in April. So you all should plan on coming because...welll just because. Just finished up the SC Music Dept brochure and they are going to use it which is awesome because it will go in my portfolio as a published work.
5. Panama! This is awesome! I have the PHENOMENAL opportunity to go to Panama with my several of my teammates this May. There are 6 of us girls and 8 -9 guys from the boys team that are going to do sports ministry in the streets of Panama. It is a huge answer to prayer, something I have been praying about for 2 years. Several of my teammates have wanted to go abroad but just have been too scared. Something you guys can be praying for me and the girls (well the boys too!)
6. KAA! I am going back. Just decided last week and will be spending my whole summer there serving as either the athletic director or pool head for the KAA II camp. So if any of you are bored...road trip to MO! Come see me! :)

Well..that's all I got. Just got done with my final critique and I am officially done! But exhuasted. Gonna go clean and pack and hopefully take a nap before we leave for our game tonight.

Bon-who?? Bonhoeffer.

This blog has many times become a source of distraction and procrastination from my wonderful homework.

And so it begins.

Break time=Blog time.

As I pretend to sound a bit intellectual, don't worry it is just a farce. I just got done reading some of Dietrich Bonhoeffer called "Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community". Bonhoeffer has become one of the many theologians I have come to admire throughout my time here at Sterling. If you don't know much about him he was part of a plot to assassinate Hitler but then was killed by the Gestapo near the end of WWII. With his death came the discovery of his many writings from the underground seminary he ran during the Nazi years in Germany.
I read on his thoughts on Community and the Word. Yes, the Word.

He writes this, "...Christian is dependent on the Word of God spoken to him. He is pointed outward, to the Word that comes to him. The Christian lives wholly by the truth of God's Word in Jesus Christ...He is alert as possible to this Word. Because he daily hungers and thirts for righteousness, he daily desires the redeeming Word. And it can come only from outside. In himself he is destitute and dead. Help must come from the outside, and it has come and comes daily and anew in the Word of Jesus Christ, bringing redemption, righteousness, innocence, and blessedness" (22)

Wow. Pause. Think about that. Let it ruminate.

Is he saying we are dead without the Word?
Is he saying we can't do this thing called life without the Word?
Is he saying we have to have help?

Yes.
Yes.
Yes.

Comforting yet overwhelming.

I didn't get into the Word yesterday like I have for about the last 3 months. What was the effect? I found myself uglier than ever before. Annoying. Impatient. Jealous.
And I couldn't figure out why.
Duh.
I didn't get in the Word.
I was trying to do it on my own.
Big Mistake.


I was just really challenged and convicted by Bonhoeffer. His boldness, his trust, and his love for God and the Word.

Well I need to get back to the H-dub.

One last thing. He wrote of how we HUNGER and THIRST for the Word. Well my good friend Leah and I have a slight obsession with the Hillsong song called, "You'll Come". There is a line in there that says, "Flood our thirsty hearts". Cool huh? We sing it over and over again for our hall here at school. It is a great prayer. Check it out.

school.spray paint.scripture.

Today the freshmen got here. Wow. Three years ago that was me. And now I am on old senior and am helping my baby cousin move in to start a whole new phase of her life. Crazy. That is the only adjective to describe what I am feeling right now.

This morning Dathan, Jeremy, Kellie and I had a great time laughing in the lobby of my dorm. I was overcome, in honestly and not to make this sound super cheesy, with joy and thankfulness for my family. That is all of you since you are the only ones who read this blog anyway. Thanks for everything you are and do. Wow. I am beyond blessed.

To Mel. Way to go girl! I am so stinkin' proud of you! Wow, a real artist has entered her wonderful piece into a REAL auction. You are big time now! Never forget me ok? :)

My latest art project has been my hall decorations. I spray painted black paint with their names on their pictures that I photoshopped. Their names are cool but I decided to do another set of pictures and write part of our hall psalm on it. That's right guys, we are moving up. We have a whole psalm this year instead of just a verse! Woo hoo! These girls have no idea what's coming at them :)
So I spray painted verses 23-24 of psalm 139 on their faces and put them on the wall in our lobby. Wow it is amazing. Not because of the art project but because of seeing the Word on their faces. The Lord just thrilled me when I saw it up because it was like He was telling me, "This is how the Word is suppose to be. On us. Not just some book we read every morning or every evening. But painted on us. Where we can't hide from it. Where we can't get away from it. Where it continually effects what we do."
So now I am trying to figure out how I can use the word in some of my art projects. I just really am inspired by it. I should be all the time anyway, but I am visual learner and I find it quite strange how the Lord used one of my own "pieces" to speak to me. So how could he use my pieces for his renown in other ways? 1 Cor 1:31

Eww...I just got really excited.

Enough of the art talk. That was for you Mel.

Now I want to do this...take pictures of feet. Dirty ones.
"And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is what the Scriptures mean which they say, 'How BEAUTIFUL are the FEET of those who bring good news'" Romans 10:15 (also in Is 52:7)

I'm back!!

So many crunches later. Many sprints later. And many missed meals later. I am back and very thankful. Very thankful.

2 months later and I am back from one of the most life changing experiences I have ever been apart of. KAA (Kids Across America) is one of the most amazing places in the world and is completely anointed. The Lord taught me more than I could have imagined. I can't write about all of it because it is too much but if you want to know please talk to me, I would love to share it all. I also learned a lot about the inner city and the place of injustice that it is, but also had to understand that I couldn't be bitter at the injustice but rather find a way to bring hope to these young girls, which was showing them the path to restoration that only the Lord could guide them through.

Ok one tid bit....I learned out selfish I am. I have a sin problem and naturally I always will. I lived in a constant state of repentance and just asked the Lord to point out anything within me that offends him and he sure did. Some days I wished I wouldn't have prayed that. I spent a lot of time in Philippians this summer, especially chapter 2 and learning what humility really is and how I need to be selfless in everything. EVERYTHING!

Here are some pictures from the summer. The Lord is so good. He is sovereign. He is a father to the fatherless.
Wow I could talk about this forever.







These girls are all 14. All going to be freshmen in high school. All have broken homelives. All have been affected by the violence around them. All change my life. They are wonderful!

1 Corinthian 15:58...someone gave me this verse the 3rd day of camp and it helped me through. Know that nothing you do in the name of the Lord or for his glory is never done in vain. How cool is that?

I love my Jesus. I love my Jesus.