Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Let's do this together!

Please make comments.

• What do you do now?
Widgets & Stone
I learn.

• Why do you do it?
The Manifesto
I graduated burnt out by design. Because of this manifesto and it's implementation, my love has rekindled.

• What are you hoping to learn?
The possibilities of User Contribution
How to Zag?
What is branding and why does everyone say they do it?
All that Seth knows
Even more from the wisdon of my boss & co-workers


• After you learn it, what are you going to do with it?
See Blog on Nov. 12


• Tell me a true story about making a change in the world.
The Bill Strickland story


• Have you overcome a Dip?
I'll be the first to admit that I have trouble knowing when the stop. I am young and I am learning.

• What astonishing thing did you do before you did what you do now.
Met my brothers and sisters in Niger
Video was presented at a dinner which we created with the collaboration of different designers, a dean, food services, people of different faith and cultures, freshmen-seniors, students, teachers, and with inspiration provided by the Nomads, called Taureg, of the Saharan Desert who taught us how to appreciate each other as brothers and sisters.

• Make a wish.
Again, See Blog on Nov. 12

• What else should I know?
Facebook Profile
Linked in Profile

Alternative MBA

One of my mentors, that I've never met, is offering an alternative MBA internship with his Marketing thinking tank. I think this is an awesome opportunity for any one interested in his type of work. 

For more info. 
www.squidoo.com/Alternative-MBA

Let me know if you apply. I'd love to help you. 

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

And I thought I was doing it the right way?

As I read the Four Hour Work week by Tim Ferris I was inspired to write the following.

Tim Ferris introduced me to Dreamlining. Before I knew Dreamlining, I knew goal setting. Essentially, in goal setting, I would set a goal and try to achieve it. For instance, I would like to start a design collaborative. There, that's a goal. Great! But, what am I missing? Well, for one thing, how? or where? or what will it take to accomplish?

That's where dreamlining comes into play. I think of those little toy puzzles that you have to slide the pieces in a specific arrangement to see the total image. Goal setting reminds me of the puzzle before you arrange the pieces into their correct place. You know what the outcome is supposed to look like, but it's all discombobulated. Dreamlining, to me, is the imaged arranged correctly. You know where the pieces go so that you can witness the outcome and ultimately what to do next.

Here's what my goal looks like when I dreamline...

Goal: To start a design collaborative.
- Start experimenting on a regular basis with collaboration.
- Take on freelance work that requires me working with others who have different gifts than I.
- Design/Strategize I AM WALL, a campaign for Palestinians, not Palestine.
- Partner with many individuals to create a Mural on backside of W&S.
- Meet Architects, Accountants, Writers, IDs, GDs, exterior Ds, Landscape Ds, etc.. and become extremely good at keeping up with them.
- Collaborate with a writer to write even more compelling blog entries
- Ask people of all disciplines to write about themselves on my blog so that we can understand each other better.
- Ask more questions at work and involve myself in ways not expected.
- Write to CEO's of major collaboratives and ask them specific questions.
- Read more books like the Four Work Week and Tribes by Seth Godin.
- Draw up a business plan and share it for constructive criticism. Never hide anything, always share.
- Tell Everyone I know my goal.

Other goals...

Goal: Partner With Bill Strickland (Founder of Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in PGH)
- Write consistently to Mr. Strickland and ask specific questions.
- Share with Mr. Stickland my ambition to help him accomplish his goal of starting 100 centers in the US and 100 around the world.
- Share with Mr. Strickland my dream of rebuilding a hour in Manchester with the hope that young people could live there and work with the guild and Bidwell center.
- Learn more about Manchester by talking to my grandparents who lived there.
- Print a Map of Manchester and Hand it on my wall.
- Start working in similar neighboorhoods to Manchester, here in Chattanooga.
- Think about living in a bigger city before moving home to Pittsburgh.
- Research
- Sacrifice spending and begin to save money.
- Move back home to Pittsburgh, PA and live in Manchester.
- Tell Everyone I know my goal.

Goal: Travel Back to Niger to start a Taureg Cultural Archive
- Start Design Collaborative
- Partner with Bill Strickland
- Find funding to support travelers, equipment & other costs. ($100,000+)
- Learn to speak French
- Live France for a year
- Join a French Club in Chattanooga
- Utilize Free Podcasts
- Listen to french audio tapes on the way home from work.
- Completely understand the Taureg.
- Read books
- Set up a google alert
- Meet Tauregs in the US
- Tell Everyone I know my goal.


These are just a few of my goals, dreamlined. Now everyday I can work toward my goals. They're no longer in the far off distance. And they're interconnected.

I think Dreamlining could work for You, Me & Everyone In Between.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Color Purple.

I was visiting friends in Huntsville, Alabama this past weekend. As a part of my visit I campaigned for a friend of mine named Wayne Parker, who is a republican. If you've read previous entries, you know who I voted for. You might wonder, why I was campaigning for a conservative? Simple, I like Wayne.

In Huntsville, I heard a tremendous amount of bashing towards Senator Obama. I didn't argue with them, but I did have similar thoughts stored up towards Senator McCain. Instead, I started asking myself questions. Why do we have such separate opinions? How can we work together? Does it matter who's President?

As I drove north towards Chattanooga I had some time to contemplate these questions. I've lived in both the North and the South, and I've spent time abroad. I've learned how similar we actually are. What is it that separates us? As thoughts raced through my mind, I was reminded of an eastern parables.

"A number of blind men came to an elephant. Somebody told them that it was an elephant. The blind men asked, ‘What is the elephant like?’ and they began to touch its body. One of them said, ‘It is like a pillar.’ This blind man had only touched its leg. Another man said, ‘The elephant is like a husking basket.’ This person had only touched its ears. Similarly, he who touched its trunk or its belly talked of it differently. In the same way, he who has seen (America) in a particular way limits (America) to that alone and thinks that (America) is nothing else."

Conclusion:

The reality is, each of us holds a different, unique & special part of the elephant. The elephant ceases to be an elephant if any part of the elephant is eliminated. May we all recognize at this monumental slice of American and World history, that we each hold a part of the beautiful, creative, determined, mindful, steward, neighbor, and servant, that is America. Unfortunately, we are not blind and we have no excuse.

You, Me and Everyone In Between must learn it's not about the party represented by red or by blue or even green. It's about what happens when those parties combine.

For, quarreling, each to his view they cling.
Such folk see only one side of a thing.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

The Road to Success is paved with Failures.

I was talking with a friend last night about my latest dream of moving to Brooklyn, NY. I said, "you know, I'd like to go up there and try. If I fail, I have friends and family who will still love me". My friend then mentioned how he had been thinking about failure during the last week. "You know," he said, "there's not much I've failed at in my life, that I've gotten back up and tried again". He felt bad about this. You should also know, my friend has a great job and I consider him to be an amazing person. I agreed, though. I also feel, that in my short life I've set myself up to succeed. If I fail, I move on to something I can accomplish. I've mastered taking the "safe" way out.

I'm starting to think that failure is not failure at all, but the path to success. I don't mean the typical definition of success. What if success meant reaching your potential, by investing in the gifts granted to you from birth, rather than burying them? Maybe through failure you come closer to understanding what those gifts are? Perhaps, that is why there is so much to learn from our elders? They have time and experience under their belts, which nurtures wisdom.

Lately, I wonder, how could fail more? I also wonder, where am I burying my head in the sand? Where can I take a risk?

Realize, I don't mean life threatening stuff. I mean the everyday risks... Speaking up for something I care for when no one else will, confessing, approaching friends about hard to bring up topics, dreaming about the future, traveling, talking to someone I don't know, trying a new hobby, writing a blog, and the list could go on.

When have I let fear of failure prevent me from speaking, acting, doing, making, traveling, loving, listening, trying, investing, jumping?

You, Me and Everyone In Between have a choice.

I end with a cliche.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

Monday, October 27, 2008

Learning how to share.

I wish I wasn't trained to be so competitive. I wish I wasn't so independent. I wish I could share.

Does it have to do with my name? Think about it. When I design a mark, every time afterward I will think, "I did this". Or I will hope people will say, "wow, look what D.J. did". The reality is, if I am to truly serve the partner, the last thought on spectators minds should be who designed the mark.

Does it have anything to do with efficiency? I think it's faster to work independently. I don't need to make any changes because I'm not listening to anyone or working with anyone else. Less minds equal quicker work. I think I've been trained and I've accepted working independently. Throughout school we're compared individually by our grades. Group projects don't happen enough and when they do, are they truly an authentic collaboration? What if we weren't made to be so independent? What if it wasn't about being faster?

I think about me and only me. How is this design going to enhance my portfolio? How are my ideas going to get me somewhere? I want my idea picked, not his or hers.

What if I shared all of my ideas with you freely and openly? You then could criticize me, constructively of course. Perhaps you could take my ideas to a level I could never reach on my own? Perhaps, I stumbled off of the correct path and you could lead me otherwise. Perhaps, you're better at illustration, or writing, or business plans, or selling an idea, or articulation, communication, architecture, interior design, etc... What if you took my idea and made it into something I could never achieve in my wildest dreams?

Case Study:
I was asked to research, consult, and re-market the company I currently work for.
I interviewed fellow employees, current and past partners, past interns, and competitors.
What was I to do with all of the information I received?
I tried to articulate my findings. I'm not a writer.
I called my friend in Indiana and asked if she could help me. She said yes.
From all of the research I found and ideas I came up with she articulated, for me, a beautiful script for my presentation.
I presented a presentation that even in my wildest dreams I could never accomplish or dream of.
Why?
I collaborated authentically with someone with amazing skills that I don't have.
Previous Feelings: At first I thought, "I want to do this on my own." Or, "What if I don't like the new ideas." Or, "This could take longer."
Current Feelings: Although it took a bit longer, the quality outweighed reaching my personal timelines, & together we served the partner better than I could have ever imagined doing by myself.

Dream: To continue collaborating with different people with diverse skill sets to serve the partner in new and remarkable ways. I want to connect designers, writers, illustrators, lay-people, business folk, storytellers, architects, interior designers, visionaries, etc... with amazing partners with incredible visions to create remarkable activity.

That's a long way down the road, I hope in Pittsburgh. For now I'd like to learn how to share better, in Chattanooga.

By sharing, we serve each other by gifting each other with our thoughts, vulnerability, and ideas. We can help each other handle the weight. Ultimately this serves the client or partner or friend better and I feel it this all effects you, me and everyone in between.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Everyone can do it!

Everyone can do "it".
Even your grandfather, with some help of course.
Don't be embarrassed or afraid to discuss "it".
In fact, talk to your grandparents about it, openly.
Ask that your college make it a required part of the curriculum. (Then again, to do this, would require "it")
Once educated you'll learn how to appreciate "it" and do "it" the right way.
"It's" actually a simple concept.

Let's talk about "it", the "L" word.
What do I mean? Leadership.

I think most of you are afraid, (myself included), to take leadership.
I think leadership has replaced public speaking as a Human being's number one fear, even over death.

Proof:
Why do so many Facebook groups come into existence only sit idle? "Most" people are afraid to take leadership and write on the wall or forum. We're afraid of what people will think. I know that many people after a forum or conference are loaded with thoughts. How come all of these forum and conference pages are empty? I wonder what would happen if each of us picked a group we are passionate about on Facebook and gave some leadership? Ask the group a question each day, add personal thoughts (especially ones that we're insecure about, those attract the group), meet up with the people in the group, or create a group chat or party somewhere?

Why do so many individuals come home from work unfulfilled? "Most" people are managed. We do what we are told and then we go home exhausted. We're afraid to do something without being asked. Too often we compromise.

Why do so many people have better ideas, yet let them linger in the darkness of our head, never to see the light of day. We love to vent. We love to talk about how our ideas are better than our bosses. Ok, do something then. (Again, myself included) I'm lucky, my boss is very humble. He knows that everyone has their own individual gifts and talents. He knows that he doesn't know everything. (He tells me all the time. Though, sometimes I think he does know everything.) I can propose new ideas to him very easily. I don't know if that will be so at my next job. This doesn't only go for work. How many times do we have great ideas for our neighborhood? Like a block party, flea market, gardens, and we don't do anything.

Lastly, why do we make propaganda uplifting one individual into leadership? (I admit the person I voted for has the most propaganda) It's because we depend on that one person to be our voice. Think about it though. How many people live in our country? Do you actually think one person can do it alone? NO! We need the little people, the medium people, and the big people all stepping up as leaders. Let's spread the leadership before we do anything. And no, you don't need propaganda. (A blog helps though)

What do I think leadership is?
I think it's when you do what you think and feel is right (and your passionate) to serve your family, home, fitness center, work, church, daycare, the list goes on. I'm passionate about connecting others and uplifting and inspiring people. That's why I right stuff like this. I risk putting my thoughts out here with the hope that you will challenge them and teach me (or hurt my feelings in the process).

Culprit = Failure
Erase Failure. When you're doing what's right you can never fail, especially if you're doing what you're doing to serve someone else. If you're afraid you'll lose your job, maybe you actually don't have much respect for your boss? Meaning, you think he or she would actually fire you for doing something good for the company.

Culprit = To Much Work not enough Energy
Wrong, you will gain energy from the fellowship you will receive and the feeling of achievement.

Culprit = What will others think?
Show others your vision. Help them understand it. Draw a picture. Make them excited to be apart of something.

Culprit = I'm Not a Leader.
Maybe so, but the greatest of leaders are servants. Find someone who does have a cause you are passionate about and serve them. Let me know where this takes you?

Culprit = Independence
Never do anything by yourself or without the support of some friends. Have someone spotting you in case you fall. It's okay to depend on others. The greatest leader of all time had 12.

Challenge to You, Me & Everyone In Between.
Let's say you put yourself out there, what's the worse that could happen? Imagine if you found others who share the same passion as you... What you could accomplish? I imagine lots of people would love to hear what you're thinking and they don't even know it yet.

Ideas from Seth Godin's book tribes, and Tim Ferris's book the Four Hour Work Week inspired my thoughts.
I apologize for grammatical errors. Feel free to take leadership and offer to edit my blog.

dj.trischler@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Having fun with work.

I think I've found ways to enjoy my day at work more so that I would if I weren't applying the following disciplines. I learned some of the following thoughts from Tim Ferris and Seth Godin. 

Don't wait for your boss to tell you what to do. Keep a list of all that you're asked to do and a list of stuff you'd like to do. Chances are you boss didn't have the time to come up with your "great" idea and she will enjoy it, as long as she doesn't have to do the work. There have been many occasions, thus far, that I've mentioned ideas and did things that my boss hasn't asked of me, and I felt better afterwards and I think he enjoyed it as well. Do something different for yourself, if anything. 

Take on multiple jobs. I accomplish work much slower if I am only working on one project. I think my brain enjoys the diversity of switching gears. Lately, I've been working on jobs dealing with 401k, Printing, and the Environment. 

Stop checking email. Every time an email comes in, a little red circle flashes on my dock. I'm distracted by the red circle and lose my train of thought or position. All of the time an email can wait. Only once, in the past month have I had to see an email immediately. I turned the red circle off and I only check my gmail account twice a day. This has made my work flow much smoother. 

Stop receiving junk email. How many emails do you receive that you don't need to read? Think about all of the mail from Facebook, MySpace, Local Newsletters, Updates, Amazon Coupons. Their like 10% important compared to a work related note or a message from mom. I set up a separate gmail account for all of my online accounts. I called my account signupDJ@gmail.com. 

Never forget a good thought. Sign up for Jott.com. You can call Jott with your ideas or thoughts and it'll record your voice into a transcript that you can find online. I check Jott every morning to see my thoughts. For the less technically advanced, by a cheap note book. The trick is, though, you have to go back to Jott and to your notebook. Your thoughts are no good if they are just written down and never looked at. 

Share ideas and discuss them openly. I hit the wall all the time. I push an idea and I can't go any further. Recently, I have been working on a major project for my company. I've interviewed clients, employees, competitors, and former interns. I have so much information that I don't know what to do with it. Well, I had some ideas, but I needed input, other ideas. I sent my thoughts to a friend of mine who writes. I was so impressed with the new ideas she had. Ultimately, this helps the company I work for. But, it also helped me enjoy my work even more by sharing it with a friend. I think she's enjoyed the experience as well. 

Eat lunch with someone else. Pretty simple. Talk about whatever you want or maybe just don't talk at all, just eat and get away from work! 

There's so much I am learning which will come in subsequent blogs. However, I must mention one last thought. Know when to stop. For me I must leave at four. (I usually start at 7) I think we've been tricked to think more time means more productivity. I'm not so sure I think that's true. Do you? I've found the less time I spend working, the more natural work happens when I am working. 
 
These disciplines have helped me become even more creative than before, and I love my job. I don't think that all of these are made for you and everyone in between. I would encourage you, though,  to find you own ways to get through the day better. If you're having more fun, that will effect You, Me and Everyone In Between.  



Monday, October 20, 2008

Who Would You Rather Work For?

Today I received my absentee ballot. I now have to make a major decision immediately. I believe that the decision isn't as complex as most make it out to be. I believe it is rather simple. Who do I want to work for? 

Before I go on I should say a few points. 

1. This is the most I have participated in any election, yet, somehow I still feel uneducated and confused on the topic. 
2. Both candidates have lied and will continue to lie. 
3. Neither of them will fulfill the promises they've made. 
4. An elected official will not end abortion in this Country.  (I wish they could)
5. American's will have to work together to gain respect back from other countries, to work ourselves out of the huge dilemma that we are in, and to thrive like our inventors dreamed that we could. We will succeed because of the bright minds outside of Washington who are not afraid to take a risk. In my mind a politicians job is to empower these people, not themselves. 

I am not suggesting that you don't vote. All I am suggesting is, these candidates are not nearly as important as they or You, Me and Everyone In Between make them out to be. The most important person is You. And what Senator Obama and Senator McCain are not telling you is, you are going to have to do something, make a sacrifice, otherwise, America will fail. One human being cannot save this country, or this world. It will take a community of amazing people with incredible ideas, impenetrable faith, a willingness to take a risk, and who are ready and willing to work hard and make sacrifices. 

So now I pose the question, who would you rather work for?

Either way, You, Me and Everyone In Between will make sacrifices. However, together we can and will succeed. That fact, does not depend on either of the candidates being elected. I strongly think and feel that Senator Obama will help that progress and I'd rather work for him (that is why I will vote for him). However, he is not a required aspect of the formula. But you are, same with me and everyone else in between. 

Vote and then do something! 

Sunday, October 19, 2008

What is Love?

Last week a friend pleasantly reminded me of what love is... 

Love is patient.
Love is kind. 
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. 
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Whenever I am anything but patient, I am not permeating love. 
Whenever I am not kind to others, I am not giving to my fellow brother or sister in love. 
When I envy, boast or I am proud, I am doing for my own good and not of another, which is not love. 

I personally need to examine all of these, however, the red highlighted words I need the most work on. 

When I'm not patient, easily angered, or self-seeking during the next week, I'd like to stop what I'm doing and think, how could I do what I am doing with love? 

Don't you think this could effect You, Me and Everyone In Between? 

Friday, October 3, 2008

What are you hungry for?

Picture this: Your stomach starts making noise. You feel a tingle in your body. Weakness sets in.

This is what happens when you feel hungry. Your body tells you through different types of messages in it's attempt to communicate to you. I would bet that none of us ever think we are hungry. We only feel hungry.

I propose that hunger is like our purpose. Like hunger, purpose is a feeling. When we are not walking in our purpose our body starts to tingle with anxiety, a head ache might set in, and you might even feel weak. However, walking within our purpose is quite the opposite. For me, when I know I am doing what God created me to do, I feel similar to how I feel after a good steak. It's an indescribable sensation through out my body.

I challenge myself to stop thinking and feeling for my purpose. Listen to the gut instinct, and almost every time, I sit in retrospect and say, "dang, it was right!"

I think we're all fasting. (well most of us) Quench your palette! Feed your hunger for life! As you sit and read this, take a moment and listen to your gut! What is it telling you to do? If you're dreaming of becoming a nurse, feed your desire. If you've got headaches from working or you feel weak when you get home, take inventory! Find out what you're doing throughout the day that drains you. You see, our purposes should be life giving.

Now, one might say, "D.J., I love what I do, but I can still get tired at the end of the day." Well, I would say, I love steak, but if I eat too much I feel tired and worthless. Define how much is too much! Too much of a good thing is never good. Step away from your purpose and walk outside. Have lunch with a friend. Read the news. Search Flicker. Take a sabbatical.

Now stop... Remember I am a very idealistic person. All of this sounds great, but it's hard. It takes time to discern what it is your gut is feeling. Just like a chef experiments to perfect the taste of his finest item, so to must we try new things to find our purpose. Never settle for less. Keep learning about you, about others, about the world. There are no formulas.

That's it. That's all I got today.

This post was inspired by thoughts from Seth Godin, Rob Bell and Andy Rutledge. I look to them for advice and inspiration. They are much better people than I. Their links are provided on the right hand side of my blog.

Entry edited by Brandon Brown.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Update

Well, it's been quite a long time since I've wrote and you've read. Sure, I have plenty to  say and tell you. Rather than waste your whole afternoon, here's a few things I'm doing, learning and thinking about. 

Doing: 
I moved to Chattanooga, TN after I spent the majority of the summer living in a sorority house with 30+ college students. Now, I'm even further below the Mason Dixon line pursuing my field of study, design. I live with my good friend Brandon Brown. We live on top of Lookout Mountain, technically, live in Georgia. A wonderful lady, who lives all by her self in an enormous house, asked Brandon and I to live in the basement apartment. Brandon and I witness some of the most incredible sunsets from our kitchen window. 

The primary reason I found interest in Chattanooga was a small design studio called, Widgets and Stone, who I now intern/apprentice for. The most attractive aspect of Widget's is not their design, which is stunning. Their approach is what gained my attention. Widget's only designs for people who inspire them. They treat their clients like people. I've actually seen them turn down clients because it they would of taken on the job it would of alienated one current client. That's taboo in a field where the dollar sign rules. Behind the mask of widgets and stone lie strong values founded in serving ones neighbor. Find out more... www.widgetsandstone.com

After work, life seems to begin, not stop. Brandon and I are living together with the intention of becoming better people. While living with each other we are learning new ways of serving our neighbor, forgiving one another, encouraging each other in our individual pursuits, establishing open communication, and much more. 

Learning: 
All of the above! 
At work I am learning how to motivate myself and take my own initiative with out being told exactly what to do. Most of the time I am given a task and, usually, I have to figure out how to accomplish it. I like this style of learning/training. For instance, the first day I was given the task or researching, consulting, and marketing Widgets and Stone. Instead of asking how to do it, I just jumped in. For me the project has looked like many one on one meetings with clients, employees, past interns, and citizens of Chattanooga. I encourage anyone who interns to read A Message to Garcia. Questions are great when the the person who is asking is served, a long with the person sharing. 

I'm learning how to eat slower and enjoy the taste.
I'm trying to learn how to become a better listener. 
I would like to learn how to serve others better. Interning, living with an older lady, and living with a room mate have presented serving opportunities. (Could be doing a better job)

Thinking about: 
Joseph (Advisor and co-worker) and I are in the beginning stages of creating a mural outside of our office. I'd love for our mural to help encourage more murals to follow. We've connected with the local Mural Guy in town and he's more than willing to help us. We're also trying help him and his vision of Chattanooga becoming a mural friendly city. (like Pittsburgh). 

Brandon and I are taking photos at Joseph's girlfriend's sister's wedding next weekend. Well, I should say Brandon will be taking the good photos. I'm there strictly for encouragement. This will be fun though to take on a project as a team.

This weekend Brandon and I are traveling to Nashville to visit some friend I made during my nine month internship. 

Well, talk to you soon. 

D.J.
 



Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Have I learned anything this year?

Last night [Tuesday 20 May 2008] was the graduation celebration of the intern year. Can you believe it? I'm done! I survived nine months of rigorous manhood training in the name of Jesus. At some point I'd like to review my blog and read my thoughts throughout the year. I've been fortunate to have experienced a number of awesome things. I've been to NYC and back on only four dollars. I've designed in both NYC and Palestine! I've traveled through the night from Kansas City to Washington and was greeted by a spectacular sunrise in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia. I've climbed to the top of many mountains on different continents. I've pulled a tick from my arm pit. With seven other guys I was in my first real car accident on the state line of Missouri and Kansas. A few weeks later I caused my first accident and blamed it on the guy in the back seat who passed terrible gas. Ohhh there have been many experiences this year. Not even a blog could contain all of them! I truly experienced You, Me and everyone in between. From the President of the USA (Well, I heard him speak), to refugees in Bethlehem, to my very own family and friends back home. This year would not be this year if it were not for everyone in between.

Now I ask myself, "What the heck have I learned"? Since most of you could not attend the graduation, I figured I'd share a piece with you. Each of the interns were asked to answer this question. I will share my response with you.

I decided to take a different route then I would have usually taken. Normally I would of come up with a normal speech collecting some of my thoughts on the year. However, my experience in Palestine weighed on my heart. I completely burnt out while in Palestine. I exhausted myself. During that time I began to discover more of who I am. It was a humbling state for me. Normally, I am a people pleaser, not so during a burn out. I also realized that throughout the internship and the latest portions of my life, I've been trying to achieve perfection. For those of you who don't know, this is impossible. This mentality reflected my outlook on myself and expectations of others. What I finally concluded was, we are imperfect and due to that reality we have to live with ourselves in both our weaknesses and strengths. I would be fool to think I can live only in my strengths. As I found out in Palestine, our weaknesses eventually catch up to us. So what's the solution? Well, for me it's been tough. I've found that I need to be honest with myself most importantly. In regard to my relationship with God, I also need to be honest. I've begun to honestly turn my weaknesses or sin over to God. I've also accepted that I don't always believe. By turning that over to God, that's helped my unbelief. I think as religious people in general, whether Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu etc... it's easy to focus on what's great in our lives. We make rules that prevent us from sinning. So when we do sin it's look down upon. There's a tendency to stair away from the struggles in life. When in reality, in faith that is where we need to be truthful and accepting. I don't want to hide my weaknesses. I recognize that you definitely have weaknesses, as do I. Why not help each other out? I've found freedom during the past two weeks just by being honest with myself, others and God. Why does any of this matter? Well, I have to live with myself for the next who knows how many years. In preparing for the rest of my life I came up with a set of statements I would like to follow. I wrote the list as I sat, burnt out, on top of the roof of my home in Palestine. This list has become the "What did I learn this year list".

Remember these are for me. I will most likely fail to follow them. I'd like to try though.

1. Please learn how to accept exactly who you are... A sinner. Do not hide that. As Jesus said, hide you the good that you do. Humble yourself by knowing your weak.

2. Please learn about one's feelings before judging them. Just ask and do not delay.

3. Please take time from your day to be by yourself. Whether extrovert of introvert, we need time to ourself to reflect and energize. Even the Lord went to the mountain to be by himself.

4. Please love people more than you love your doctrine or religion. Jesus' greatest commandment.

5. Please do not concentrate on making others love you. Concentrate on loving others.

6. Please do not concentrate on pleasing others. You will lie. Please do not lie.

7. Please remember that nothing of yours you own. God has gifted you with your wealth and accomplishments. Please share them freely and frequently.

8. Please visit the mountains often. You will witness God.

9. Please travel often. Remember that it is the people and nature that are the most important tourist attraction.

10. Please talk to people who are wiser than you are. Talk to your elders and find mentors.

11. Please remember that you don't win an argument. You resolve a problem and build unity. With a mentality of winning and losing, no one wins.

12. Please play Soccer.

13. Please spend time with people who make sacrifices. The poor, refugees, the oppressed. Please learn how to make sacrifices in your like. Learn how to take risks. You'll learn more about god during these times then any other time.

14. Please laugh, especially at yourself.

15. Please do not regret. The only regret that I have is that I regret.

16. Please encourage your brothers and sisters in their pursuits.

17. Please remember that you become great by becoming humble. Don't try to be great by being humble. Let it happen, don't force it. Please listen to others who you trust.

18. Please spend time with children.

19. Please remember to smile. It is universally recognized, so is the frown.

20. Please never try to be the leader.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Week 2 in Palestine

Greetings! Sorry for the delay. By the end of the day I am often too tired to write. Or there is just too much to write and I don't know where to begin.

Update: Since last post I've...

Celebrated Easter... Again. Haha! More Easter eggs for me.

Travelled to the North area, the Sea of Galilee. I went swimming near the location that Jesus walked on Water. I also witnessed a baptism on the river Jordan near the location that John the Baptist Baptized Jesus. On the way I saw Mt. Tabor where the transfiguration occurred.

Travelled to Hebron, the Burial place of Abraham and the fam. This city was the most divided that I've seen thus far. Israelis live on top of the Palestinians. The Abrahami Mosque, which is above the site where Abraham was buried, is now divided. One side is a Mosque and the other a Synagogue. One another cannot see each other.

One day I decided to take a walk to the top of the mountain near my house. I was tired and needed alone time. I followed the wind and ended up at the home of a Beautiful Family. They offered me tea, coffee, peanuts, and Hookah. I played soccer with the kids. The view from the top of the hill was incredible. The sun was setting while I sat on the front porch with my new friend. Most of the time when I walk I am invited in to someones house for tea. Even though I am a complete stranger.

For three days last week Austin and I stayed in a refugee camp called Azza. The people of the camp once lived in villages elsewhere. Somehow during 1968 or 1948 when Israel took over they left their homes and now are refugees. The camps are close quarters. If I were in a place like this back home, I might feel unsafe. Here I don't. Austin and I stayed with a Muslim family. I since that the non-Muslims here look down on the Muslims. I felt otherwise. Austin and I were treated immaculately. We were never hungry. Most of them did not speak English. It's interesting to meet guys our age and see how they take American culture from the TV. Generally Arabs are very strict. Obviously American television is not. We played soccer with the neighborhood kids. I had one of the boys draw sketches in my sketchbook. The drawings weren't very happy. They conveyed the open air prison feeling that Palestinians share.

I've done some designs for a local organization. They needed help with a website design. I've had fun doing that. Plus, I can now say I've designed in Palestine. It's been nice to actually experience Palestine and design the site. I've had an extra keen eye for the environment so that I may be inspired. Art is everywhere here. Whether its the beautifully church that represents where Jesus was born, or the graffiti on the walls, Palestine is an open air museum. I've also picked up drawing. I love to draw mosques for some reason. And of course, I've taken hundreds of photos.

Thoughts:

I can't stand checkpoints. They're like airport security.

At this point I reached a tired phase. Last week I felt overwhelmed emotionally and physically. We've hear so many different stories. Not just from Palestinians either. Either way, most of the kids we talked to don't have dreams. As an American it is easy for me to think, "what would I do if I lived here?" When I hear each of the kids say they have no hope, I disagree. It's hard though to disagree and back it up when I come from America. We really do have freedom.

Father of all Monotheistic Religion = Abraham
Monotheistic Religions = Judaism + Christianity + Islam
So we are all like cousins. It's in the bible. Yet in this land, and for the most part, all lands, we are divided by man made customs and traditions. If we celebrate the same God, why then, do we not get along? Even the christian churches are devided by denomination. For instance, the Nativity church where Jesus is traditionally to be born, it is devided into a Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Asyrian sections. This land is devided. I have many more thoughts about this, but they are for my journal.

I'm learning much about myself as I travel with Austin. I'm learning to balance my extroverted self with the much needed introverted time I need. As Jesus walked to the mountain to get away from people, I too need to do that. I'm thankful for Austin as a travel companion. It's far greater to share stories with a bro. than go at it alone.

Please continue to pray for peace here. It's not one side or another. As I examine the Bible here I realize that we really are brothers and sisters. We are fighting over land that holy people walked on. I know, I've seen it, most of the places are marked by a mosque or church. Would god really want us fighting over land? Is our home not heaven? Maybe that's far fetched. I have trouble believing that even though I write it. I want this to be true. I want other people to believe what I believe. I am guilty of the same sin on a smaller scale.

My next post will cover Austin and my trip to Jerusalem. We walked the traditional stations of the cross. Visited the dome on the rock. And the rest of the places Jesus visited.

I can't believe I'm here.

Peace.

DJ

Friday, April 25, 2008

Welcome to Palestine

Greetings! Friends, Family and everyone who finds their way to this blog, that I never update. As you may know, I am in Palestine. First I should tell you that I am safe. I have had no harm and felt not one ounce of fear since my arrival. The people here are extremely friendly.

Tonight a shop owner invited Austin and I in to visit. He shared with Austin and I two drinks. We talked about life in Bethlehem. His son sat nearby watching a cartoon on the TV. Most of the items are done in town. They are olive wood figures of christian people. Olive carving is one of the main businesses in town.

This afternoon we visited a family living in a village between Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Their house was demolished twice before. The wall separating Palestine and Israel threatens their land. They are a beautiful family. Mom and Dad and three boys. The boys and dad work in construction when there is work. I asked how they can have faith after they lost their house twice. They said, "This is god testing us, we must continue to have faith". They knew more about the US election than I. I told them I was from PA and they said, "Obama lost!". I asked the mom if shes dreams? She said she dreams of a time of peace between Israel and Palestine where Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Hindus can live together.

Last night a new friend asked me if I love Palestine? I said yes. He asked why? I said because the people are friendly and loving. He said, no, you love Palestine because you can go places. He then said, I can't leave Bethlehem without going through a checkpoint. My friend is about 10 years old.

I've walked through two refugee camps. Some people can see across the wall to where they used to live. The children are beautiful. They smile and laugh.

As Austin and I walk the streets, people smile and wave and tell us, " You are welcome here!"

My host family loves me. My host mom now calls me here son. Her boys are like brothers I've never had.

Last night Austin and I went to a birthday party of two sisters and a brother at the local orphanage. You should see these kids.

After the party, Austin and I walked through my neighborhood. My neighbors invited us to tea. We sat there for a half hour and chatted about life. Each of them have kids in the states, studying or working.

Today Austin and I went to a Peaceful non-violent demonstration on land where the wall will be built. It reminded me of MLK jr. or Gandhi's movement.

This weekend I will celebrate with my family the easter holiday. Here they celebrate on a more accurate calendar, the death and resurection of Jesus.

I've learned that I knew little of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. What I hear on the news outweighs all of the great stories I could tell. However, the stories we hear on the news are amplified. I thought, before, that Palestinians were bad. I thought they were only Muslim. I didn't know that a wall separated Palestine from Israel. I thought I wouldn't be safe. Maybe you think similarly to how I did?

Since my arrival I've learned otherwise. I know that cnn, foxnews and etc... speak of dangerous acts in the west bank. The embassy does not encourage travel here either. However, I want to tell you that everyone I've met wants peace. Muslims and Christians live together here. Obviously they have their differences. Yet, they see that they share the same God. Every Palestinian I've met smiles. I've been safe. In fact I feel as if I live here now. I walk where I want to without fear. I'm stunned by their faith. Each person has a love for god. Because of their faith they do not hate. I can't imagine that level of faith. Even in the refugee camp or in a small house that sits on land where two house were previously destroyed, they smile and look above. They have every reason to hate... but they don't.

I've only witnessed one side of the situation. Soon I will travel to Israel and see that country.

I am on a faith journey, not a political. I could easily find myself caught up in the politics of the matter. I could easily miss what's real inside the peoples hearts. Spiritually, these people love god and love the others strongly. At this time, I can only do that in return.

I ask that you pray for these people. These are our brothers and sisters.

Stay tuned. I will try to keep you posted.

Peace and Love,

DJ

Sunday, January 13, 2008

And It was good!

Greetings! I hope this blog finds you all well. Have you enjoyed the entrance on the New Year thus far?

Life for me has been enjoyable. As I mentioned in my recent post, Noel and I spent the first week in the office. Each day we attempted to contact each of the students attending the morning prayer. Noel and I enjoyed this time together. We look forward to meeting the students in person. Every student at the prayer will know who Noel and I are. I secretly enjoy that.

We successfully scheduled a breakfast, lunch and dinner for each day we were in the office. Our goal was to make the most of our time. I think we accomplished that. My favorite time was when Noel and I cooked a BBQ dinner for four of our friends. The evening also included free ice cream from a friend who works at a Local shop. We ended the night with cigars on our screened in porch. Nothing like good food, good conversations and semi good cigars.

As you may have experienced, the weather has been terrific. I had my bike out Sunday through Thursday. There are some great rides around here.

On Thursday, Noel and I had breakfast at a local New Zealand Cafe with our friend. I expressed interest in hiking and camping. I've felt like other than my trips to Africa, I've been slacking in the outdoors experiences. Our friend helped me pursue this dream. This weekend Wilkes, our friend and I ventured into the Shenandoah Valley to camp.

In order to get to our trail we had to travel along Skyline Drive. Over Christmas break I browsed a book that claimed Skyline Drive is one of the best road trip destinations in the country. I agree completely with them. I don't have the vocabulary to describe the scenery along the drive. It was good! Our destination was 34 miles away from the entrance of the road. We gradually immersed ourselves into the mountains. There were a dozen over looks/scenic views. At each you could see as far as the eye could to the horizon line. Some displayed valleys with farms and houses. Others, just mountains. I love how you can see the depth of the mountains. You can see how they go up like steps in size and in value. I remember learning about this in drawing and painting class. I think I enjoy the mountains more than any other location in the environment.

We hiked just over 2 miles to our back woods camp site. We were not alone, however. A small waterfall continuously spilled water beside us. A tent was not necessary due to a small cavern nearby. Rocks formed all around us. We found our site just as darkness crept in.

Our evening was full of great food and great conversation. Our friend cooked chicken, noodles and beans for Wilkes and I. I was about to thank our friend for all he has done for us when he interrupted me. He said, "I am not you host. God provided for us, for he is our host this evening." I accepted this idea. After dinner we moved to a cave we found earlier. The cave led us under the waterfall. We arrived beside the falls. There we sat and smoked tobacco from a pipe. I felt like I was apart of the Dead Poets Society. Our friend pulled another God one liner. He said, "Remember in Genesis when God created the waters? What did he say afterwards?" God said, "It was Good." My insecurity of not being able to describe the scenery was destroyed. Too many times I try to heap up a bunch of words. When God only said, "it was good."

We continued to have great conversation. Most pertinent was the idea of Prayer. Lately my thoughts have been filled with this topic. Being in the woods encourages thoughts and prayer. Theres a freedom found. With no schedule, no phone, no email, no work, the mind can settle. I am learning that prayer can follow me anywhere I go. Not every setting can provide such inspiration as the woods. Yet, I think it's possible. Our conversation ended with the shared stories of the power of prayer. I think we can all think of times we counted on prayer or meditation. Too many time I go too long without an escape like this. Sometimes it can be as simple as biking to clear my mind of life's everyday challenges.

We slept with out a tent at the entrance of our cave. We went to bed thinking of the many people who have shared this same spot with us over the years.

The morning brought light to the darkness. Before we could only imagine what the scenery around us looked like. The sun crept in the sky bringing a surprising warmth for January. I spent the morning running around and climbing rocks. I felt like a kid again. . Again, our friend cooked. We had oatmeal and Canadian bacon. We hiked out of the woods at about noon. On the way home we enjoyed the view, again. It was good.

All of this beauty lies 60 miles from our Capital.

When I was about to get in the shower, I was stretching my arm in front of the mirror. I saw a dark spot in my arm pit. I knew that I had not grown a new mole. Immediately I cursed and knew what it was. I had a tick. There's two extreme fears that I have. Ticks and Jelly Fish. Surprisingly I was calm. I called my good friend Brandon and he talked me through it.

What else I'm doing...
•Re-designing a logo for a coffee shop in Chattanooga, Tn. I met a designer there and we've continued to communicate about once a month
•Reading an awesome book about the Nomads in Australia
•Preparing for my trip to Kansas/Nebraska
•Thinking much about Prayer
•Dreaming about the time after the internship

I'm thankful that I can share another week of my life with you.

D.J.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Greetings 2008

Hello everyone! I'm back in Virginia after a much needed break in the greatest city with my amazing family and friends. For those of you I saw over break, it was great to catch up and spend some time. Sorry if I missed you. As always, I left Pittsburgh realizing how much I love the place.

This was my first long break from the internship. It happened to be the midpoint as well. I figured this would be a good time to let you know what you could expect over the next five months. Not much has happened since I arrived in Falls Church. However, we have many exciting adventures planned.

Noel and I will spend the next week working with the giant prayer gathering. We are calling each of the students attending. I've enjoyed the process so far. I have friends attending so I get a chance to catch up with them. Noel and I are also planning college visits.

On the 18th of January, Noel, Wilkes and I are departing for Kansas City in route to Nebraska. We are meeting the Kansas Interns and a few other friends in Kansas. From there we will road trip up to Nebraska for a mens retreat. I'm hoping to see my Uncle Ray and his family in Kansas. He only lives 30 minutes from where we will be staying. We're also traveling with a pair of Australians and a few other friends. Together we should have a blast. I'm anticipating shenanigans.

The first week of February comes along with morning prayer gathering. There will be 3000 people attending this event. The attendees will represent all parts of this county and the world. This is an amazing event. I've met great friends at this event. Even now I continue to keep in touch with good friends in Alabama, DC, and Connecticut. People of all religions, races, nationalities attend. If you know me, you know I love this kind of thing. Hopefully a good friend from New York will be attending the event. He took care of Tyler and I while we stayed last month. It would be the least we could do for him and all he and his church did for us while in New York.

I'm not sure what we will be doing after the prayer gathering. I assume we will follow up with all of the students we meet. Usually they invite potential interns to gathering. We'll keep up with them and mentor them. There are other little events schedule.

We will prepare for our international visit in April. For three weeks we will spend time in another country with a friends. I'm not sure where we are going yet. I'm sure we will find out closer to the time of departure. I would love to go to the Middle East, Africa, South East Asia, or Somewhere in Africa. I know thats just about every continent. I won't be disappointed. Wherever I go I will enjoy my time. The people we visit make the trip.

After the trip we have about 3 weeks left in the internship. Most of that time will be spent preparing for the "real world". There might also be plans for an outdoor trip in the workings.

I'm really looking forward to the next half of the internship. I've already learned so much and I can't wait to learn more. Each day is an adventure. I'm sorry if I have been slacking on the updates. I don't have a new years resolution. But if I did, it would be to update my blog once a week. I don't want to make any promises. I'd also like to take more photos. People like photos.

Thanks to everyone who supports me with your prayers and gifts (From Christmas and birthday). I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and week.

D.J.