Emily, the Graduate

Emily in China for a summer program in 2010

My darling younger cousin Emily is graduating from Austin High School today. I've loved her from the start of course, but it was when I moved to Austin to go to St. Edward's that we became so close. She was in eighth grade at Fullmore, right down the street from St. Ed's. My first semester, I spent almost every weekend at my aunt & uncle's house, so I spent more time than I ever had with Emily. We bonded over movie and TV marathons, late night baking and awkwardness. The last few years I lived in Austin, I have truly treasured my time with Emily and how close we have become. I couldn't imagine missing her graduation, so here I am in Austin this weekend, to see my darling valedictorian baby cousin walk across that stage tomorrow. I am so, so proud of her, and I can't wait to celebrate her accomplishments! Em will be at University of Texas this fall, which is great for me, since I'll be back in Austin, so we will be able to see each other often :)

Cousins/BFF after her graduation tea yesterday afternoon :)

The End is Coming

It is hard to write. There is so much to say, yet it is hard to say it. I am taking each day one at a time--some are harder than others.
It feels selfish to stay all the way in California when my mother is in this battle, yet it also feels selfish to consider leaving before my JVC year is up. What is keeping me here is that my parents told me they wanted me to stay, and of course, the amazing kids of Urban Compass. I have found such incredible support in my LA community from my JVC community, the friends I've made outside of them, my co-workers, my support team...

My life has been completely changed by the City of Angels. I was semi-planning on staying a while longer after JVC was over, but because of my mom's diagnosis, I would like to be closer to her, and am therefore planning to return to Austin. However, I know I will owe much of the person that I become to what I have experienced this year--August 6, 2011 to August 3, 2012.

There are two months left. In two days, I will head back to Austin (probably the last time until August) to see my dear cousin Emily graduate from Austin High School. I am spending time updating my resume, so I can begin job applications for jobs in Austin. There are a few weeks left of the school year with my amazing Urban Compass kids, then July will begin summer camp. One of my community members, Kevin, will be starting a new grad school program (PLACE Corps) starting mid-June, so though he will still be in LA, he will be leaving our community early.

There's a lot of change happening this summer. I am attempting to embrace it, but it is a struggle. It will be hard to leave LA, my community, Urban Compass, JVC behind, but it will also be a joyous beginning and reunification with my beloved city and community of Austin.

I pray that you will continue to walk with me on this journey.

Photo Post: Flowers

I've been having trouble writing in this blog lately and am writing more in my personal journal. So instead I offer photos I have taken of flowers in the last couple of months, because it makes more sense to me than words right now.

Women's Rights News Roundup

I love Planned Parenthood's tumblr.

A story of hope from a woman who suffered from domestic abuse, from the director of an organization I am very involved in, BPFNA

Why are professional athletes treated differently in cases of domestic violence?

An account of rape culture and slut shaming, related to Missoula, so called "rape capital of America"

When Feminists Face Abuse

Mother's Day 2012

Happy Mother's Day, Mama.

May Update

It has been a month since my mom was diagnosed with cancer. It has been a year since I got my tattoo. Despite the fact my mom was not enthused about my getting it, lately I am all the more reminded why I did. Read my story here.

I've been slacking on updates of my year in JVC, so I'll try to say a bit...

Personal News:
I've gotten really good at making guacamole. I went to the Trayvon Martin solidarity march in the pouring rain, which was a very powerful experience. I visited three friends in the Bay Area over Urban Compass Spring Break--Kristen, Victoria & Alex. I had such a great time with all of them. I got a haircut. I am also planning to move back to Austin in August, for sure.

Casa DK news:
We had a St. Patrick's Day Party, not many JV's were present, but still a pretty fun party--it was good to see how much we have expanded our social circle outside of JVC! CMC, one of the other houses also recently had a Hunger Games themed party. We recently traveled up to Applegate, CA for silent retreat. We drove up a day early to spend time at Yosemite and then in Sacramento. Then we were silent for three days except for meetings with our spiritual directors. It was a very moving experience--the retreat center was beautiful and I found an inner peace through silence (though nearing the end I felt like I was going crazy...)

Urban Compass news:
We went on two field trips in April. The older kids went to a kite festival at Santa Monica Beach, sponsored by Otis College of Design, where they were able to build and decorate their own kites, and then fly them on the beach! The younger kids went to a petting zoo in Montebello. They were able to ride a train, ride ponies and feed/pet the animals. Many of my first graders were students of the month in April--I was a proud momma! We are preparing our schedule for summer camp in July.

That was really choppy, but you get the gist. Here's some pics, not in order...

Kristen & I in SF

My darling babies Daveon and Desire

In front of the falls in Yosemite

Victoria & I in Redwood City

Alex, Alex's mom Jan & I on Easter in Walnut Creek

my boys, Cristopher, Daveon & Gabaree on the field trip

Into the West (Annie Lennox & Howard Shore)

Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You’ve come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore

Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping

What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home

And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass

Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don't say: «We have come now to the end»
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again

And you'll be here in my arms
Just sleeping

And all will turn 
To silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass 
Into the West