MLK Day

Dr. King said, "We must all learn to live together as brothers or perish as fools."
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Some friends and I decided that we should spend the holiday right by taking advantage of all the Civil Rights and Black American history is D.C. So, we ventured down to Anacostia (a dream come-true!!) to the Community Museum and to the Frederick Douglass House. We went to the National Cathedral for the Martin Luther King Celebration with some amazing performances ranging from traditional African dances and drums, an amazing violin performance, a cool unity speech by a Rabbi, a Christian Preacher, and a Muslim sahib, and just the experience of being in such an amazing cathedral! Then, we finished it up with a stop at the American History museum for a reenactment of the 1960 sit-in at the Woolworth's counter in Greensboro, NC. So, there was a lot of singing and clapping and experiencing. It was a huge success! And, get this (a perk of living in D.C.) - it was all FREE. Here are some pictures of our adventures.The Giant Chair in Anacostia (a place that for safety purposes we can't normally venture. Today, we thought that it was worth the risk though.)Hah, outside the museum. A testament to the part of town we were in. And below is a typical view of the neighborhood. Lots of boards and barred windows.
Inside the Frederick Douglass home. I think it was my dream house! Big windows, victorian style, beautiful attention to detail, large dining room...Outside of the house. We aren't pictured because when a kind lady offered to take a pic for us she didn't capture the house...
National Cathedral! Amazing - perhaps even comparable to European cathedrals. I love seeing this kind of architecture in the states!
Joining in the non-violent protests! DESEGREGATE!

Here's a Hint - this one's continental.

1. Town that's famous for its Silver Mine, although people originally flocked here because of the prospect of gold.
2. In 1866, it was the fastest growing city in the region (although now it's just a tiny little town whose glory lives on only in memory).
3. There is a charming train that runs through town and also helps you to imagine what life was like there in the 1800s.
4. Going on mine tours ALWAYS makes me think of a short story that I read in college by Baldomero Lillo. It's called "Compuerta numero 12". You can find it translated to english on line and I HIGHLY recommend that you read it! It's only a couple of pages.

Enjoy the picture and guess any guesses as to where we were? This one was a little bit easier, but it's a practice for the future posts.

Stay Tuned!

So, what can I say or what should I say after disappearing for a few months and suddenly realizing in a moment of calm that summer is nearly as its end and that I'm in a new city; I'm looking for a new job; I've seen a million new sites; I'm making new friends and in a new ward with new roommates. Yes, where do I even start?

Well, as promised to many dear friends, I need to give an update on my adventures, so stay tuned for pictures and tales of laughter and occasionally tears as I learned about the world and the boy who I accompanied.

Singing in the Rain

Last night, it was a perfect temperature. It was overcast and with a light drizzle. So, seeing as how those are the perfect conditions to go running, I put on my running shoes and headed out - aiming for Liberty Park. I had my ipod strapped on my arm and the ear-buds in which blocks out any sound of the surrounding busy city streets.
I got to the park about 8 pm and it was completely deserted. I had the whole place to myself. And, can I tell you, it was WONDERFUL! The drizzle hitting the pond, the ducks and geese, the puddles, the bright green trees, and me. As I got to the park, "Out of My League" by Stephen Speaks was blasting through the my headphones. So, since every other part of the setting was perfect, I decided to sing along as well, so I went running by the pond, singing as loud as I could (in between breaths), and felt perfectly content for a few minutes.
I highly recommend finding your own place, where no one else exists except you and your dreams - no person, no cars, no sounds, except those that you allow to be there.

Somewhere over the rainbow

Somewhere over the rainbow, Way up high.
And the dreams that you dreamed of, Once in a lullaby.
Oh somewhere over the rainbow, Bluebirds fly.
And the dreams that you dreamed of, Really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star.
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where trouble melts like lemon drops.
High above the chimney tops.
That's where you'll find me.

Oh, Someday I'll wish upon a star.
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where trouble melts like lemon drops.
High above the chimney tops.
That's where you'll find me.

Oh somewhere over the rainbow.
Way up high.
And the dreams that you dare to.
Why, oh why can't I?

Great motivational song. I'm going to dare to dream because it's the realization of dreams that brings happiness.
Check out this version of the song - love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I