Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Soap Box

I really think the inauguration today is a bit disgusting. Yes, I am a proponent for LESS government not more. But that’s not really the reason. I would be disgusted no matter who won the presidency for spending 120 million on the event. A one day event! I just feel if they spent a "mere" 10 million, it could be done simply, beautifully, and celebrate the historic presidency - then designated 110 million to non-profits that help the poor - homeless - single moms - hardworking families who are having a hard time paying for there heat, like most of us in NH - it would be so much better spent. 110 non-profits receiving a million dollars would impact the lives of people perhaps for a lifetime, not a one day event.

I am proud that NH Gov. John Lynch (D) did in fact scale down his inaugural events to just a swearing in ceremony - cancelled the ball. He did the right thing.

In economic times like these, spending up to 200 million as some have reported for a one day event is irresponsible. Plain and Simple. It’s a slap in the face to those who work hard and are having a very hard time making ends meet.

Clinton spent 33 million on his inauguration. Bush 45 million (and was heavily criticized for spending so much).

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Nepali Refugees

We have been incredibly blessed by the opportunity to work with a group of Nepali refugees. They are so hospitable and make the most amazing dishes!

"Here is a little explanation of the influx of Nepali people we are seeing. Our new friends are of Nepali descent but were born in the country of Bhutan. About 17 years ago, Bhutan threw out the Nepali people. Most of them went back to Nepal, but not having been born there, they had no citizenship in their home country. Nepal set up three refugee camps for them. 17 years later they are still in these camps, but of course there are many more of them now. The US made a commitment to take 60,000 of these refugees between 2008-2012. We have learned that there are around 200 in Manchester now, with more coming.
Please pray with us as we try to reach these people for Christ.

- Pray that we form deep friendships that allow us to live out the love of Christ.
- Pray for them to find jobs before their government support runs out.
- Pray that our people at church will welcome new friends and be flexible to any changes we may make in the near future." from Marie Hasty's newsletter

We have a new friend, Amos, who is Nepali working with us this week. He is praying about moving to Manchester to help us out. That would be awesome!

Below is a Union Leader (NH newspaper) article about the Nepalese. Thanks to Will Stewart for his continued support! I think you can click on it to read it.


Saturday, January 10, 2009

a Hallmark special

I am a sucker for Hallmark specials. I have been since I can remember. I love a sappy love story, coupled with tragedy, perhaps an orphan, and then ending happily ever after. Most of these sappy stories take place in New England it seems. And during the winter. I think that is when I fell in love with the idea of New England and especially the winters. Snowy towns in a blanket of white for months on end.

I was driving in Concord last week, through a cute little neighborhood covered in snow. The sun was shining (though that is a rarity), and the snow was shimmering. I thought to myself: I am living my Hallmark dream! I live in a winter wonderland. And we love it.

And we are getting 5-9"more inches tonight to add to the ground. Fresh snow, horray!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

525,600 minutes

How do you measure a year?

In snowfall? We had over 118" inches of snow in 2008.

In fun trips? We started 2008 out with a visit with cousin Noah. He stayed with us for a week. We went to Virginia for Sarah's graduation. We went down to CT for a retreat. We went to NYC to see Myxy and then down to VA again for a fourth of July party. We went to Ohio for a family reunion, then on down (or was it up or over) to West Virginia to help Rich's parents move to SC. And then to Vermont for a lovely weekend away just Rich and I. Then we went down to SC to help them out after the fire.

Or all the great church events and community events? I did a slide show for the church and was amazed at all that God was able to accomplish in 2008. Weekly Church, Sky Show, 3 Block Parties, 3 Neighborhood Cleanups, 1 Sports Camp, 1 VBS, weekly Community Centers, Camping Trip, Job Skills Class, Financial Literacy Class, Harvest Party, Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas party. God is good. Now we have an awesome opportunity to help out a group of refugees from Nepal.

Or as in Rent, in love? I love my God, I love my family, our friends, our church, our ministry. I love New Hampshire. And Morgann, she loves chocolate!