Rosa you rock.

This city has history.

Strong history.

From Holiday Inn to FedEx to Elvis to Johnny Cash to Martin Luther King Jr.

I have only lived in this city for about 3 weeks now, but I have learned more than I could have ever imagined. Thanks mainly to MTR for doing such a wonderful job taking us around and having speakers come talk to us as well. But I've also learned a lot just from the people I have met here.

This place is so diverse. Full of many different people. From skin color to socioeconomic level to cultures. I live in the heart of the city and I can drive 1 mile one way and be by a million dollar house or I can drive 1 mile the other way and be in the projects.

Let's back up to that history. The history of Memphis still effects it greatly today. I had the privilege to go the Civil Rights Museum with my classmates and professors. I admire the Civil Rights leaders so much more than I ever have before. They are my heros without a doubt. We were on the tour and there was a bus we could climb in. I sat down. And the bus driver (an automated voice) started yelling at me to move. I just got up and moved. I didn't want to make him mad or cause a scene. I'm no Rosa Parks. For the first time, I had an itty-bitty-tiny experience of what it would've felt like to not be able to sit on a bus because of something out of my control: my skin color.

Rosa Parks was strong. She was courageous.

As I walked through this building I read story after story of courageous men and women who stood up for something they believed in. One group called the Freedom Riders even handed in their wills before they left, because they knew they would mostly be killed for their selfless act. They were working towards something that they would never see.

Or how about the sit ins? A group of college students (both African American and White) literally would practice getting food thrown on them and cigarettes burned on their heads, because they were determined to just sit in these segregated restaurants and not revolt back in violence. They wanted their kids to be able to eat lunch together. Or how about the police charts. I read through the police charts and calls for one month in the sixties. One (of hundreds) said that a young African American who had a mental illness was killed in front of his mother. She called in to report the incident and the police ruled it an accidental homicide.

Really?

An accidental homicide?

I walked through and was so frustrated and embarrassed at the fact that people my skin color afflicted so much pain and torment upon others. And not only my skin color, but people who claimed they knew Jesus Christ as the Son of God. As this thought was going through my head one of my new, amazing friends grabbed my arm and said, "Isn't this crazy? 40 years ago we wouldn't have been able to walk by each other like this."

Wow.

And I wondered what caused the KKK to do things in the name of Jesus like they did. And I wondered why God-fearing, bible-believing people still judge people TODAY based on their skin color. And I wondered why people still make jokes like it's over and past and we don't have to deal with it anymore so let's just make fun of it.

It's not over.

It's still very much alive.

You see Martin Luther King was shot and killed in Memphis in the 1968. That still effects today. Why? My students. Their grandparents where here in this city when that happened.

The school I am teaching at is 99.4% African American. My school gets less money than a school a few miles away that is in a white community. I don't want to say why I think they do but it's pretty obvious.

So Rosa. You rock. I pray that I have the courage and passion to fight for my student's right to EQUAL education. Something they do not get right now.

Thanks for all your prayers. I'll update this more since I have internet. Promise :) LOVE YOU ALL! SO MUCH! Come visit :)

only in memphis...

went on a run by the mississippi and heard a sweet old man playing his sax. only in memphis. :)

Hello Memphis!

Well I made it to Memphis and have moved in and am starting this new stage of life whether I'm ready for it or not! The transition hasn't been too bad.

Mom and Dad helped me move and I would not have been able to do it without them that is for sure. They are the best parents ever and we had a really good time together, from trying to figure out where we were in Memphis to 1898230984 Target stops to Mom thinking she is really from Memphis and talking to everyone like she knew them. Ha! Saying bye was tough but I really was trusting the Lord in being here.

I am in school with some amazing people. My roommate is just awesome and we have had some great times already. There are a few girls who worked at KAA and I have had some great times with them so far. I went with one of them downtown last night and we cooked hamburgers for the homeless that live there. It was great. They were awesome guys, I loved it. It was through Life Church, I'm gonna check it out tomorrow I think.

Don't really know what all to write on here, besides I'm doing good. It's been very overwhelming at times but I'm trying to just take a day at time. I have my moments but then after that I tell myself to not sit and sulk but get up and do something!

Oh and I found out that I will be working at Whitehaven High School with my mentor art teacher. It is in the Southwest corner of the city. I get to drive by Graceland everyday and salute the king :) I know you all are jealous!

Here are a new thing I'm gonna do on my blog... It's titled ONLY IN MEMPHIS...

So here is the ONLY IN MEMPHIS for today.

Will you find a bus stop and a sign that says no standing, sitting, or parking at anytime.

AND

Will people fight at WalMart in there Southern accents and still sound polite and nice.

Love you all, thanks for the prayers. Keep praying if you don't mind. For my workload coming up, for solid community and a church.

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.