Life Lessons

There have been many moments throughout this year that could very well be presented to me in happy little packaging with a “This is a Life Lesson” note on top. Through a variety of indicators, I’m realizing who I am as a person and how I relate to the people around me as a result. Living in a new culture, feeling uncomfortable or confused can often be resolved by the tried and true method of asking questions and standing up for yourself. I’m much more aware of my past tendencies to let things that bother me slide (or worse, grip about them), when some honest and open communication would have been better suited. Having my fellow YAGMs throughout this journey has been comforting as they can often relate. There is, however, such thing as depending too much on those who can understand- when taking some uneasy steps towards communication with those different from you can be wildly fulfilling.

Another one of these life lessons was taught to me and Becca Truland this past week… We spent three days soaking up the luxuries of time away from SPEC, big double beds, and American necessities at my cousin Katie’s in Portchester. (Katie and Victor were gone on holiday.) The familiarity of their “American home” in England was great- until we had to deal with the hidden key and back door we were using for the week. After being frustrated by a foreign English locking mechanism our whole stay, our worst fears became reality when we locked ourselves out the last night we were there. (We even had the key we needed! Don't ask....) We realized we barely knew who to call if you’re locked out in the States. Police? Firefighters? 1-800-Loc-Smth? The whole “This isn’t our house” thing was also a factor. We really didn’t want to run the risk of looking like the foolish Americans. We also really wanted to try to get ourselves in by our own efforts somehow. After unsuccessfully trying MacGyver our way into their front door with a stick and wire, we learned our lesson: You can’t be afraid to ask for help. We received gracious help from Katie’s next door neighbor Anita, and her City Council/Locksmith brother Pete. (When she mentioned her connection we could barely believe it.) He got us in the front door through the mailbox opening faster than you can say Crowbar.

Our frozen pizzas and ciders tasted particularly sweet that night.

Taco Night- One of the many happy, non-locked out parts of our week!

Where Jesus Meets Us...Outside

Spring is slowly but surely turning into Summer here at SPEC! The gorgeous weather, warm sunshine, and longer days are starting to produce more opportunities for fun and fellowship outside! I had a ton of fun on a team challenge session today we call SWAMP. I spent the day watching 15 yr old London lads try to get across land on tires and planks while wearing school uniforms. Entertaining stuff...

What's that sound? Is that the sound of hell freezing over? Ladies and gentleman, I've started to run. I have never nor do I ever intend on calling myself a runner, but I must say I'm getting enjoyment out of said form of exercise lately. Its never for long distances nor could it be achieved without the pounding beats found on my "Run It" playlist. Its something I hope I can keep up for the sake of my health and appreciation for my lovely summer surroundings.

Tonight as I finished my laps, I discovered a pick-up game of football (soccer) commencing. I normally don't pick up anything having to do with athletics- but you DID just hear me say that I've started to run....Believe, people. Believe.

And so--- In the spirit of World Cup year, representatives from England, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, and the U.S of A played a hilariously unathletic yet rousing game of football. With all that worldly spirit, I gave it the all-American try. When you get the choice to sit it out or play soccer (for the first time in 10 years)- I hope you play.

As I was running my usual loop around the property, I came across a Jeep-esque car called a "Frontera" (made by British car manufacturer Vauxhall). I couldn't help but chuckle as I thought about LOMO's summer theme for 2006- "La Frontera: Where Jesus Meets Us" Those of us who taught that curriculum might still be scratching our heads--- but one thing is clear, Jesus meets me at SPEC. This spring/summer is helping me be reminded of this lovely sentiment. Thanks be to God!


Stay tuned to this blog and my monthly newsletters for recaps and musings on my cruise holiday with my parents!

Woman of Steel Wool

The SPEC kitchen has always reminded me of working in the Camp Luther kitchen, but this weekend this was particularly true.

Kris and I volunteered to help wash dishes for a self-catering outside group using SPEC facilities this weekend. It was some Christian organization full of college aged students with real maternal English women as the kitchen staff. There are a slew of different stereotypical English people that often come to mind for Americans. Kris and I agreed these women were Julie Andrews English… So we were entertained.

While being reminded of my kitchen prowess while scrubbing dirty pots and pans, I couldn’t help but reminisce of my weeks in the Camp Luther kitchen. Luther kitchen weeks are challenging, undoubtedly some of the hardest hours I’ve ever worked. They’ve been some of most fun hours I’ve ever worked, too. Above all, I think those weeks bent over the sinks in the July heat taught me a lot about work ethic, hospitality, unselfish servanthood, and attitude.

While there are a lot of things I don’t control this year, one thing I can control is my attitude. This was true for 4 summers as a Luther Staff member, too. You might not like how someone talks to you. You might be frustrated. You might not think you are being appreciated enough. You might not agree with decisions made around you. You might not want to look at another pot in need of a steel wool scrub ever again. But as simple as it sounds, attitude is everything. I am thankful for instances that remind me of this.

This post is in honor of all those faithful servants of the Camp Luther kitchen- past, present, and future! (In particular two of the finest masters of the kitchen I know- Stefan Diehm and Matt Plank.) Many your steel wool always be plentiful, your sprayer always powerful, your music always rocking, and your attitude always ready to roll!

A Bit of an Update

Hello Blog Readers!

Happy March! Thus begins my 7th full month here. Incredible! All 28 days of February came and went fairly quickly- and as far as SPEC time goes- it was abnormally abrupt due in part to our week long half-term break the 3rd week of the month.

That week I could be find tooling around the great country of Denmark with my cousin Katie and fellow YAGM Becca. With limited luggage, a Tom-Tom, and a dream in our heart (I'm still trying to figure out what that dream was exactly...) we took to the open Danish road. I am happy to report we did meet along the way the man we had originally come to see, Matt Plank. We spent 24 hours in Hamburg, Germany escaping Danish prices and giving Matt a change in scenery from his Watermark Denmark tour schedule. That and because Germany is sweet. If I'm to spend a good chunk of my life explaining my name and my parents' unusual choice in naming their children names from a heritage they know little about- well then golly- I'm going to experience that heritage fully! I achieved this by eating plenty of pastry, Haribo, finding a statue of Martin Luther, walking up the "sex district" known as the the Reeperbahn and trying in vain to find a touristy trinket with my name on it.



More on our Denmark/Germany experience in my March newsletter- which I hope hits inboxes within the next couple of weeks.

All in all--- we're truckin' right along through the year here- Plenty of retreats and happenings to keep the community spirit alive and its members busy!

If you happen to stumble upon this blog but do not currently receive a free subscription to my newsletter, "Marta in the UK Monthly"- leave your email in the comment section and I'll add you to the list!
Shining my light,
Marta

Check Me Out

At the start of every SPEC retreat, we go around and introduce our team. We share some things about ourselves and such.... some stick to one intro, I often randomly share whatever it is I want to that day. Oftentimes funny stories go over well- and this month brought me one I now found myself sharing in my intro....

A handful of us had gone out to "Home Base", a Lowes/HomeDepot type store to shop for paint for SPEC's redecorating project. While there, I picked up some Frebreeze. (Nothing like spraying some casually on your sheets and clothes!) I made my way to the check out. That is, what they call in England a "till." I have become very aware of this fact. I am becoming more confident at tills now that I have a firm grasp on the shapes of all the different English coins. As I approached the till at Home Base, there was a good lookin' guy behind the counter. Probably too young for me, but I digress....
I stepped up to the counter and not thinking twice asked, "Can you check me out??" While this question might come out a little funny in the States, it came out a lot funny in a country that doesn't even call it a check out. The poor chap looked confused...until I broke the silence with my All-American smile. He eventually said, "Ohhh! Are you from America??" (My All-American smile worked!) We continued some small talk-- the exchange is often the same.. I mention I'm from Pittsburgh he replies with something he knows about Pennsylvania (usually Philadelphia)-- yada yada yada. I think he was smitten.

And that was the day I stood with Frebreeze in hand and asked to be checked out by a young man at an English till.

My First Sermon.

I was asked to give a message at one of the evening worships at our Time For God Big Conference last week. I didn’t hesitate in saying yes; after all, I just spent a ton of money (sum not to be disclosed) on a Communication/Religion degree from Capital. Might as well apply my abilities to communicate religion! I received a generous and motivating response from my peers at the conference. Here it is for my fans at home. Especially Rev. William B. Diehm…this one’s for you!!

My dad is a fisherman by hobby and a Lutheran pastor by occupation. Faith as it relates to fish has been a big part of my Christian life. I always knew the biblical fish stories well. I’m also pretty familiar with fish trinkets suitable for fishing pastors on the Christian bookstore market. I’ve experienced being in church when I’d rather not be AND being out on the lake in my dad’s boat when I’d rather not be. I secretly enjoyed the latter so much I became quite the daddy’s little fish skinner/cleaner.
I’ve always paid most attention to the idea of being “fishers of men.” It was always such a crazy thing to imagine as a kid….casting off, feeling a huge bite, and reeling in a human. I now can acknowledge and appreciate my dad as the amazing fisher of men he is; an inviting and compelling pastor who has amazing gifts and talents in ministering to people. At this stage in my life, another part of today’s text stood out to me.

In Matthew it says that, “the disciples left the boat and their father and followed him.”

I actually became teary-eyed when I read this text. I cried because I am a naturally emotional person but also because this image is a very significant part of my year. Through this experience, I am fairly certain of one thing….

This TFG year is about me leaving my boat.

My “boat” is all the things I leave behind this year. I am leaving behind family, friends, my accomplishments, my American culture, my daily routine, expectations, other possible plans and much, much, more.
As I consider what it might mean for each of you to make the commitment to be a TFG volunteer I ask you- What are the "boats” you are leaving behind to follow God and say “yes” to this year?
Relationships with others are a large part of what I leave behind. I also have made another discovery about this year. One particular “boat” in my life is my university education. I worked hard for 4 years and I graduated last May. I am proud of my achievements, and my education remains important but it doesn’t really matter to the young people that come to SPEC.
The teenagers I work with at SPEC care more about my abilities to listen, laugh, play games, stay up late, enjoy their company…all things I can do. Oh and they also like my American accent!

Through it all, we must be reminded that leaving our boats behind is a commitment much larger than ourselves. A commitment that is worth it. No matter how challenging, scary, frustrating, or lonely it is to leave our homes behind. No matter how much you might want to curl up on the floor and cry at times….
There is no situation, struggle, joy, place (or placement) that is beyond the loving reach of God. Just as the first disciples hesitated, saying “yes” might still continue to feel difficult at times through this year and throughout our lives. I hope the commitment you made this year is fulfilling. I pray we all can find the light of Christ in a variety of ways this year, both expected and unexpected. Know that the love and grace of God will be with you as we all continue the journey and say “yes” to the call. May you find it was well worth leaving your boats for!

Some Mail and Some Games

I am about to fuse together two completely different trains of thought. Consider it a 2 for 1 deal after my lack of blogging over the past month or so. Everyone loves a Twofer!!


First off. I’d like to share a little story of my week. My pigeon hole (mailbox) at SPEC has 2 primary functions. It serves as a place where Mags (our office lady) puts mail addressed to me. It also serves as a general storage area for random junk. (I work in the main SPEC building but live in another one next door.)

I’ll be honest in saying that the latter of those two functions is the more popular. Beyond the monthly bank statement or an occasional note from a fellow volunteer, mail I receive is pretty few and far between……until January hit. This rush of mail SHOULD have hit in December. Why I am just NOW receiving a letter Stefan addressed the 14th of December is beyond me. But I don’t care. Between my mom, Gretchen, Stefan, Nikki, and the Zauggs, I think I got a total of 7 birthday/Christmas cards!! (most arriving when I got back in January by no fault of my loving relatives). How awesome is that!

On to my story of this week---- my birthday card from Stefan arrived this week. As I tore it open and found that he included a Sheetz magnet, I began to cry. A lot. I don’t think I EVER have gotten a birthday card from my brother. And just like reading my other cards, there is something special about my family’s handwriting. Its script I don’t see that often, and its surprisingly comforting. All my cards (including ones from Connie P. and Stephani!) are now hung proudly on my wall. Thanks to those who bombarded me with cards this season. I am thankful…through my tears!



TOPIC CHANGE!!

I’d just like to give another shout out to Sue A. Diehm. There is no doubt in my mind that Sue Diehm (and her Outdoor Recreation Bachelors degree…haha) instilled in me a love of games that remains central in my life. I bring this up because I was reminded of a very simple fact this weekend on retreat. Board games, card games, outdoor games, puzzles etc. have a way of bringing people together. Maybe my love for gaming makes me a little biased- but I really think its true. Even if sitting down and playing a board game wouldn’t be your dream Friday evening, most people at least have enough of a competitive nature to get sucked into playing. This weekend I brought out SET and Bananagrams (speed scrabble) and rounded up a nice little congregation of 13 yr olds who really enjoyed playing. We had so much fun!! (I finally found a really good way to explain SET!!) It felt like a Sunday or Friday evening at Camp Luther.

I like to think that the stakes are a lot less when playing a card/board game compared to a sport. People are not as likely to turn beat red with embarrassment or not try for fear of failure. Of course, that is coming from a gal with little to no athletic bones in her body…but with a gaming-spirit that was fostered from a young age! I’ve come a long way from Racko, Disney Yahtzee, Labyrinth, and Discovery Toys games. I’m taking my love-of-games international- with flourishing results!

(I’d like to conclude by saying that if you are my friend and get married in the next few
years, your wedding gift may or may not include 2 wooden-boxed classic board games.
You’re welcome.)



My 23rd Birthday scene. Complete with Bananagrams.

Recruitment Season!

My reasons behind sharing this information are threefold:
1. I believe in this program!
2. This is my first January in 3 years I won't be recruiting girls for Pi Phi Epsilon. My recruitment skills would become rusty if I didn't do this!
3. I forgot to add this little blurb in my January newsletter!


If you know any ELCA Lutheran between the age of 19-29 currently scratching their head, looking dumbfounded, or freaking out about what to do with their lives next...might I suggest this little 'ole program for which I'm a current participant?

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Global-Mission/Engage-in-Global-Mission/Global-Service/Basics-of-Global-Service/Young-Adults.aspx

That's a lot of the information you need to know. I got started with the initial application process right around this time last year. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or be a YAGM mentor to anyone you know who might consider applying.

I will conclude in saying that I have always considered myself in amazing hands with the Global Mission program. Everything from the application process, Discernment weekend, raising funds, orientation, paperwork--- I don't think you'll find a better abroad-service-year organization out there!

That's all from me now. If you are one of few folks who read this blog but aren't currently on my monthly newsletter list, please send me your email and you'll be a subscriber!

Shining my light,
Marta

Beckah's Refugee Camp

I love friends. I am so appreciative and in awe of the many people I have the pleasure of calling my friends.

This week, the three SPEC YAGMs began their 3 week Christmas break away from SPEC. Unfortunately, this meant not only a break from work but a break from our accomodation at SPEC for which we needed to find places to stay over the holiday.

Fortunately, this has resulted in one of the best slumber parties I have experienced in my 23 years of friendships! The beautiful Bath Abbey volunteer/tour guide/fellow YAGM Beckah Selnick took the three of us in, in what can only be described as a YAGM refugee camp! Sprawled out on camping sleep pads on her floor, we have had quite the week. There has been no topic of random conversation, Christmas iTunes song, or Youtube video off limits as we've enjoyed each others company and basked in the Advent glow of friendship! Yesterday, as December 17th rolled around and I turned 23, we indulged in some of my favorite things: sleeping in, a Youtube viewing of David Cook's American Idol journey, holiday window shopping in Bath, Pan-Asian cuisine at Wagamamas, chocolake birthday cake made by Kris, and some Friends' Christmas episodes!

This week of fun winds down on Sunday when I head on to Portchester for a Brillhart family Christmas! (With some lovely representatives from my Grandma Martin's side of the family.) I will always look back with fond memories of our awesome laziness and friendship of our Bath Advent. I've happily uncovered that the Christmas season isn't necessarily about who you're with, what you do, or even WHERE you are in the world- but rather embracing the love and promise of Christ in whatever form he comes to you!

Much Love from Bath,
Marta

Thankful Indeed!

As I approached my pigeon hole (mailbox) on Thanksgiving Day, I found a rather large envelope from the ELCA. I had just received the monthly Global Mission newsletter, so I knew this was something new and different. As I ripped the envelope open, I discovered homemade Thanksgiving cards and well-wishes from ELCA Global Mission Support. An abundance of hand-turkeys and childish scribbles and handwriting….just in time for my Thanksgiving abroad! My heart was immediately warmed. I particularly enjoyed a message that read: ‘Dear Person, please injoy the presants.”
We do a session with SPEC groups called “Languages of Love.” We explore the different ways of expressing love, and what these expressions mean to different people. Some people enjoy sentimental cards and messages and often hang on to these mementos. I am most certainly in this category of people. In our technological age of text messages, emails and “tweets”, nothing compares to a handwritten card or letter. I foresee myself being the type of mom who holds onto crafts and drawings long after their stint on the refrigerator.
Throughout my years in grade school and Sunday school, I have sent my fair share of care packages and letters to Americans overseas. To be on the receiving end of such a gesture this year is extremely touching. Many thanks to Global Mission Support and Trinity Lutheran Church in Vale, North Carolina! I’ve never been so grateful to see hand-turkeys….some of the best I’ve seen. This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for my love and support back home!

Touchdown!!....?

You don’t realize how many sports analogies and phrases permeate American speech until you are in a country that knows generally very little about American sports.

I have stated or nearly stated all of the following instances of the aforementioned statement during my past 3 months in England. Included are reactions of my English friends:


”I really struck out on that one…” or “Strike one!”
Reaction: confused stare.

“I was so excited I wanted to spike my paper crane and do a celebratory dance in the end zone.”
Reaction: confused stare.

“He shoots, he scores!!!”
Reaction: semi-confused state. (After all, there is shooting and scoring in football.)

“That comment came out of left field!”
Reaction: confused stare.

“A bunch of locker room talk…”
Reaction: confused stare.

"I hit that one outta the ballpark!"
Reaction: confused stare.


“It’s like throwing a hail mary….”
Reaction: COMPLETELY confused stare from my English Catholic friends—followed by a Marta explanation.

There have been others. Of course when I go to write them down down I forget many of them.
One other final musing semi-sports related--
Here in England, what we know as simply “the wave” is called “The Mexican Wave.” Haha isn’t that funny? Anyone know the origin/reason behind that? Kris jokes and says that would be politically incorrect in the States. I remember being told once by my Seattle relatives that “the wave” has its origins in the Kingdom because it was the first stadium constructed with a complete circle conducive for a “full” wave. Thoughts?

Shining my light...and Go Steelers!
-Marta

"I Wonder If Its True What They Don't Wear Beneath the Kilt? "

SPEC runs alongside the English school year, and so I spent the 3rd week of October away from SPEC as part of “half term break”. Kris and I alongside another UK YAGM Dana spent our week in London and Scotland. I could not have asked for a more enjoyable week of exploring Great Britain!

Dana is placed with a tutoring program called Springboard in London, so she shares a flat with some other volunteers in a Southeast London neighborhood called Peckham.
Some highlights of our 4 days in London included:
-getting more acquainted with the city, particularly public transportation and the “lay of the land.”
-doing touristy things like visiting Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye!
-an evening with the Springboard volunteers that included dinner and a rousing game of Apples to Apples.
-buying a “Not For Tourists” guide to London—it is my new best friend! I can’t wait to tour London with my visitors in 2010!
-attending St Annes Lutheran church on Reformation Sunday
-sitting outside Danas apartment eating chips with Kris while waited for her to get home
-an evening of “college food”, drinks, and The X-Factor!




After we soaked up our time in London, it was then on to our main event- an hour long flight up to Scotland! We were fortunate enough to receive some of the finest hospitality I have ever experienced through Amna, a friend of Dana. The first half of our time was spent in Edinburgh, staying with Amna’s sister Beenie. Edinburgh is one of the coolest cities…scratch that…PLACES I have ever been in my life!
Edinburgh highlights included:
-touring the city with a multi-bus sightseeing ticket- valid for 4 different buses/tours all day long! And boy did we get our money’s worth!
-The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, especially the Scotland 20th century-beyond exhibit and a “Salt of the Earth” portrait exhibit featuring famous Scots.
- my first Disney film at the theatres in YEARS—We saw Up in 3D!
- being introduced to Aero bars and falling in love! They are basically a candy bar sized version of Andes mints. Mmmmmm.


Our next stop was Glasgow, about an hour away from Edinburgh, where we stayed at Amna’s home. Her whole family—both immediate and extended were in and out of the house the whole week, and the warmth and hospitality we received was incredibly special. Other Glasgow highlights included:
-retail therapy at a mall with the girls followed by a Japanese restaurant, Wagamamas
-taking a night drive to a beautiful overlook of the city with Amna
-a trip to Loch Lomond, one of the biggest lochs in Scotland.
-falling on my ass in the mud at Loch Lomond and almost busting my camera
- taking refuge from a rainy day in Glasgow in a Starbucks. I can’t remember the last time I sat in an Starbucks sipping a coffee. It was a lovely afternoon.


Overall, I could not have asked for a better week away from SPEC. Spending time as a YAGM trio exploring our host country is something I will always cherish and remember.

On a less sentimental note--- the people at Starbucks sure did pull a fast one on me by naming the regular coffee an “Americano.” Thanks losers--- you can only imagine how my American rear end sounded as I ordered, “Umm…can I have an (ahem) an Americano, please.” in a Glasgow Starbucks.

No Boundaries...?

“Every step we get a little deeper…..to climb higher up some mountains…and face the storm…and be totally awesome and succeed because THERE ARE NO BOUNDARIES!!!!” -Kris Allen

Ok, so those aren't the exact lyrics to American Idol Season 8’s coronation song, but that’s the main gyst of that god-awful song we faithful AI viewers endured this year.

Sorry to tell you, songwriter and lame-excuse-for-a-judge Kara Dioguardi, but there ARE boundaries. Specifically it was cultural boundaries that were the topic of conversation at our recent Time For God (TFG) conference.

Language barriers are a huge boundary that separate cultures. The lack of language boundary between English and American cultures is comforting, but it carries with it a deep impact. The language barrier is absent, which means all the other boundaries that separate English and American cultures are all the more noticeable and raw. Differences in relating with each other, communication styles, expectations and cultural values and norms are shoved onto center stage; a center stage that can be foreign and uncomfortable, even if you “know your lines.” Feeling at ease with the language is often paired when gentle reminders that this still is very much a foreign country. While the language barrier remains a central element of these first months for many of our co-workers, Kris and I have found ourselves catapulted swiftly into the heart of some pretty deep and difficult cross-cultural issues. Living, working, and relating (especially to teenagers and my peers) in this culture has brought with it challenges I would have never fathomed initially.

Our conference was a much needed chance for the 12 UK YAGMs and a handful of others to reflect on mission work in the United Kingdom. The UK YAGM program is fundamentally very different from the other programs. “Mission work” and “missionary” carries a certain connotation, one that, no matter how negative or incorrect, doesn’t typically equate heading into a westernized culture to do God’s work. I know that the work I am doing here with SPEC is vital and legitimate, no matter the implications that surround it. Surprising boundaries that go far beyond the English language are complicated. Yet, when these boundaries and walls start to be broken down, the joys of being brothers and sisters in Christ really start to be realized. I am proud to be a part of the UK YAGM, Time for God and SPEC communities. The blessings continue. Thanks be to God!


TFG+ Conference

Just Dance!

I successfully made it through my first traveling experience in England by myself! I visited my second cousin Katie in Portsmouth (southern England on the water) this weekend and had a marvelous time. While traveling by bus and train, I couldn't help but imagine the Amazing Race theme song; especially when I got on a train not realllly knowing where I was getting off. :)

My iPod served as an excellent travel companion. While traveling, I made a mental list in my head that I would now like to share:
5 Songs That Make Me Want to Bust a Move on the Train (or wherever I am for that matter):
1. Simply Irresistable, Robert Palmer (She's so fine..there's no telling where the money went!!)
2. Run It, Chris Brown (He was young but still this is a greattt jam!)
3. My Sharona, The Knack (A great eliptical song too!)
4. Sussudio, Phil Collins (Ultimate 80s cheese)
5. Land of A Thousand Dances- Wilson Pickett (you just cannot NOT dance!)

I dare you to try not to dance to any of these songs! As they came up on my shuffled playlist, some random London bystanders almost got a free Marta show!

Oh--- and I came home with Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, AND mini Reeses cups.... Thank YOU, Victor Osweiler and the U.S base!!! More reason to wanna DANCE!!!



Shinin' my light and bustin' a move,
Marta

Stop! Relic Time....

Wednesday October 14- Marta the American Protestant encounters English Catholicism full force….

The Spec team had our first “outreach” day retreat in a school, St Martha’s, an all-girls private Catholic secondary school. I really enjoyed my assigned session, which was entitled “Lets Hear It for the Girls”- taking a look at female images in the media and the societal perceptions and expectations which result. I felt in my wheelhouse, but only with my session material. Man I clearly am not accustomed to Catholic schools- either here or at home. (It occurred to me my only real encounters with the sort at home were the occasional peak around St. Boniface and basketball games at St. Mary’s.)

Just when I figured this good little Protestant had experienced enough Catholicism for one day, it was a quick turnaround before I was in a SPEC vehicle again heading to Westminster Cathedral. Nothing says “Be respectful and embrace the Catholic experience” more than spending roughly 6 hours praying, worshipping, singing and sitting in silence amidst the main attraction, the relics of St. Therese and the thousands of English Catholics who turned up to see them. (They were in England for about a week....)

All I could really do is to take it all in and continually be in awe of my surroundings and just where this year has taken me. It was beyond amazing singing and reading in that space. As cliché as it sounds, being in a space of such epic proportions is truly humbling. It really was neat to be a part of the 9-10pm and 1-2am SPEC shifts of leading worship and prayer. The religion and history nerd in me was all kinds of excited. Experiencing any form of religion is fascinating for me, although I’m still trying to grasp the idea of Saints… The lifelong Lutheran in me struggled with the concept of people waiting HOURS in a queue to look at/pray/fall to their knees in front of the relics of a woman. I had 6 hours of mind-boggling. I couldn’t get over these crowds. The queue resembled lines for the Millennium Force at Cedar Point. There were vendors selling fish and chips outside. The cathedral was open through the night and even during our late night shift, there was a good 200 people there. Incredible.

At one point I was assigned to read scripture, but I found out the lectern mic was turned off. (Thanks in part to a shabby lookin’ gent in the audience who ran up to say “I can’t hear you!!!”) I joked later that they sniffed out my Protestant blood pretty darn quick. 

At one point, I leaned over to one of my English Catholic friends and whispered, “Alright…so I understand like 30% of this.” I felt like an outsider in a way. But, as I struggled and tried my hardest to comprehend, it made me wonder how much all these adoring visitors truly understand. (My friend said he understood about 50 precent.) There must be some conviction behind your belief if you exercise such devotion….right? My perception of Catholicism has certain baggage- a lot stemming from growing up in U.S culture- where it sometimes seems like being Catholic is something you are rather than something you believe. Where you’re born into it, don’t ask questions, and stray away from the strictness and expectations during numerous stages of your life.

My faith is one built on questions. Questions that sometimes produce better understanding of my convictions, other times uncertainty.
I strive to continually embrace the questioning and struggles and doubt in my head, both religious and secular…. knowing that its OK to feel the urge to interrupt St. Therese’s English visit with a loud, American “Huh????”

Shining my light,
Marta

Laugh It Up, Chuckles...

“Laughing at yourself is a form of humility- and a great way to let go of control.”

I seem to be relating a lot of blog posts to advice given to be at YAGM orientation, but I suppose it’s a testament to the amazing people and organization that made this year possible for me. Knowing that I prepared for this year of service for nearly 8 months, it is assuring to know that all the preparation was well worth it and can be valuable in day-to-day life at SPEC.

If you have been keeping up with my blog, you might remember a little issue I had with my control. This year is helping me explore why I find comfort in it, what happens when I let go of it, and how I can better be a player of this game called life without necessarily having the controller in my hands.

This aforementioned quotable from Orientation merges together two concepts I know a lot about. 1. Control 2. Laughter It’s merging these two together (or perhaps keeping them separate) that has gotten my wheels turning recently.

I’ll be the first to admit that laughing at yourself is not always an easy task. Easier said than done. I’m not sure I can think of a family who loves a good laugh more than the Diehms- and I am thankful that Bill and Sue have instilled such a humor gene in their three kids. (Who else experienced the likes of Stripes, Major League, and Saturday Night Live before/alongside learning how to ride a bike?) I believe American popular culture is part of the problem. (Always easy to blame society, right?) We are surrounded by an ideal based upon laughing and making fun of others…either at their request or their expense. Sure not all American humor is laughing at others, but a type of “glad that’s not me!” laughing mentality clearly is present. Think Ben Stiller in Meet the Parents/Fockers…

But what happens when it is you? Do you become defensive? Do you shrug it off? Do you laugh on the outside while deep down you’re hurt? Do you enjoy it? We are taught that it is healthy to laugh at yourself- but I’m sure we all can answer “yes” to all of these questions at one point or another.

Though I come from a humor-based lifestyle, I have been much more in tune to humor and its implications this past month than I am at home. At home, humor is natural and second-nature. Here in England, as in any cross-cultural experience, humor can cross cultural lines; it can also divide them. Living in community with co-workers from 10 different countries is proving to be quite the social experiment in laughter. Being aware of all of this while still keeping elements of who I am alive and kicking (including what makes me laugh) is essential. Some of the strongest connections I have made thus far at SPEC can be contributed to finding common smiles and humor in unlikely places. Laughter breaks down all kinds of barriers while working with teens on retreat- Teenagers can really benefit from a “laugh at yourself” role model, a role I will continually strive to fill.

SPEC recently purchased a new MacBook. One of my jobs this week was to get it out and become acclimated, read the manual etc. I am in a committed and content relationship with my PC--- but I don’t doubt Mac Photobooth’s ability to be an amazing cross-cultural laugh fest. Irina from Germany and I were the first to test it out. Laughing until your belly hurts and tears stream down your face from images of your own distorted face….that, my friends, is a lesson in humility and letting go of control!

Ohhh and don’t get me started about words and phrases getting “lost in translation”
From German/Hungarian etc. to English but also U.S English to English.
Take note:
“Trousers” are to England as “pants” are to the United States.
“Pants” are to England as “underwear” is to the United States.

In the event of a rainy day in England (likely), if American Marta exclaims, “Ahh my pants are all wet!!” (It has happened)….. well then, American Marta has learned yet another lesson in laughing at herself. You can only imagine the variations of the pants/underwear hilarity. (Go ahead—think of more—especially you, Gretchen Diehm.)

I will embrace the merging of my two current favorite concepts, letting go of control and humor. If you are familiar with the range of Marta laughs (“Woody the woodpecker”, big ole belly laugh, silent “nothing coming out” smirk, high pitched wheeze…), rest assured they have all been introduced to the SPEC community and are alive and well!




I will open up the floor for dialogue. Hint Hint: leave me a comment!
Do YOU benefit from laughing at yourself?
Do you agree that it is easier said that done?
Can you have control and laughter simulanteously?
I’d LOVE to hear what my blog readers have to say!!   (Perhaps I’m just longing for my discussion-based Capital classes?)


I dedicate this blog post to my fellow YAGMs— many of whom I have shared several tears of laughter and distress. I pray that you all are finding humor in your day to day lives worldwide. Hugs to you all!

And to Heidi Torgerson-Martinez—who provided this insight initially - and who remains one of the biggest supporters of my attempt at keeping the “control key” far away from the tap of my typing fingers.

Shining my light and laughing at myself,
Marta

Showing Up With My Beads

Teenagers really just need you to be present. I am a month into my year serving with SPEC with three retreats under my belt. All three of these retreats varied in size, duration, and schedule. While there are many different variables that differ from retreat to retreat, one variable remains constant as a member of the SPEC team. The most important thing for Marta Diehm is to show up.

I remember discussing this aspect of YAGM work at our Discernment event and at Orientation. Americans live in a culture of productivity and achievement. As a result, there are a ton of identities we carry. An element of being present to those you serve requires the courage to let go of the identity we carry. All of our credentials, achievements, and life goals aren’t as important as who you can be to the people you serve. A “ministry of presence” develops once we focus in on the quality of relationships of our servanthood.

For the 15-17 yr olds I have been working with the past two weeks, it is most important that I show up ready, willing and available. I don’t come with all the answers. I don’t come with an agenda to push. I don’t come so that they may sheepishly follow my lead as the person “in charge.” I come as who I am in order that might be themselves too.

This past week I experienced two very different retreats. The first was a three day residential retreat. They were the kind of teenagers that are thoroughly enjoyable; bringing with them chuckles, poignant moments, and an incredible desire to take in the experience of being at SPEC. They were motivating, engaging and made me feel pretty darn good about myself and the retreat as a whole.

A few days later a 1 day retreat came in to the site. The retreat was a requirement for the students; they were rowdy, sassy, uncooperative, and just plan distant. All the YAGM training in the world can’t prepare you for a purposely loud, disruptive fart in the middle of a meditation session. There are only so many tools that can equip you to lead a session on prayer with six 16 yr. old boys, one of which signed the sign-up sheet as “Vin Diesel.” Once another snidely made a “I don’t believe in God….I don’t pray….no one can tell me otherwise” comment, I quickly found myself up a creek without a paddle, but rather with a cutesy little prayer-bracelet activity.

Turns out, the 6 boys were surprisingly excited about making the bracelets. (I didn’t check the men’s bathroom afterwards; I wouldn’t be surprised if one of my rainbow bead bracelets went the way of the urinal.) Nonetheless, it is in situations like these that I am reminded that the young people I’m working with are not the “lost” ones. They aren’t the product of my mission. I don’t have a check list of goals. I don’t get a report card at the end of the year grading me based on successes and failures. It is in this environment that I can let go of some of the drive and control I held so preciously onto throughout my years in college. My presence and availability to these young people is what matters the most. I’m truly enjoying myself as I engage and am engaged simultaneously. With all of this prayerfully in mind, I will continue to show up…..with my rainbow prayer bracelets in tow.

Shining My Light,
-Marta

God Is Already There- One Less Thing To Pack!

Many great insights were passed on to the 50 YAGMs during our Orientation in Chicago at the end of August. Advice, discussions, counsel, and poignant theology made our week with presenters, alumni, and Global Mission personnel such a worthwhile week. A week for which now, a month into my experience, I’m so grateful. I’d like to share a story of how one such piece of insight has slapped me on the face as I experienced its relevance this week in England.

There are a variety of misconceptions about mission work. We discussed many of these notions at orientation as a way to dissect what it is we are (and aren’t) doing this year as Young Adults in Global Mission. One misconception may be that it is a missionary's job to take God with them to an area that doesn’t have God already.
Like- “Hello (different area of the world)!! America is here! Surprise!!! And look who I brought with me??…..Jesssuuuuus!!!” “Awe…..you…shouldn’t have…??”
Surely I was to pack a good pair of walking shoes…..some pictures…a durable coat…ranch dressing…..a bible……did I forget the big man upstairs??

Joking aside, the point of our discussion was to realize our aim is not to bring God with us; rather we are sent out to discover how God is already there and at work.
The congregation at St. Peter’s in London Colney did not need Marta the happy American missionary to bring Jesus. My experience attending worship this Sunday made that clearly evident.

Ya know that type of energy that keeps you anxiously excited while nervously inhabiting the pit of your stomach? That energy that creeps up before interviews, auditions, when getting lost, and when you know you’ve done something completely stupid and wrong that needs fixing…? I had that energy going to church on Sunday morning by myself. Am I dressed appropriately? Will they be able to peg me as an outsider? Would I be able to follow directions and actually find the church? Will my attempt at finding a happy Protestant counterpart to SPEC go awry?
Because this placement/community/country sometimes feels similar to home, those moments that remind me that I’m far from home sneak up and, well, produce that nervous “audition energy”.

Fortunately, I got to St. Peter’s early and had some time to survey my surroundings. There were happy over-involved church ladies in the back greeting me. (“Isn’t that speeecial??”) There were only a few others sitting in the 15-20 pews of the small congregation. There was an overly-welcoming and carefully designed and detailed bulletin. There were hymns I knew and loved. From there I can’t count how many times throughout that morning I thought to myself, “Awe….bless their hearts!!” (In true Sue Diehm fashion…thanks mom.) As 10am drew closer, in came the babies. Lots and lots of babies. I was a minority not because I was American but because I didn’t have a 0-3 yr. old on my hip. At about 9:55am, I looked down to my left and found a little toddler friend taking up occupancy next to me in the pew. She looked up at me with big beautiful blue eyes and I nearly teared up. Little sis proceeded to spit her pacifier onto the floor later picking it up to give to me. Before I could graciously grab it, her apologetic mother (who looked like Helen Hunt) came and whisked her away back to their pew a few rows back.

There service was lovingly and awesomely disheveled. Their female pastor doubles as an organist and the rest of the music is on a backing track controlled by a chap in the balcony. Babies crying and crawling and many other little incidents that made me giggle inside. The final anthem was Shine Jesus Shine; complete with a cheesy contemporary Christian backing track and a box of instruments for the children of the congregation to play. I had held back most of my tears throughout the service, but kids playing instruments is where I draw the line. I took it all in and happily cried as the 2 year old in front of me shook his upside down maraca with his chubby little fist.

As I witnessed a little baby named Ava being baptized; as I was invited to the Lord’s Supper for the first time since being here; as I was affectionately sought out after church by two women delighted to see a new SPEC face, it dawned on me. Beyond the ministry at SPEC, it was here at St. Peter’s that I discovered God already at work in the UK. Not because I’m equipped with more tools, wisdom, or faith than anyone I encounter this year. Not because of my own personal decisions or feelings in the pit of my stomach. Not because I brought God in a big ole package with a bow on top. But rather because he brought me here to discover, discern, learn, relate and love.

Another tidbit I will always remember from orientation strikes me as I reflect on St. Peter’s: “The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot protect you.” Thanks be to God for the love and grace I nervously stumbled upon at St. Peter’s on Sunday! I have been so enriched in so many ways this past month. I look forward to all the things God will continue to have in store for me during this Global Mission year and beyond.

The First of Many Retreats!

I realize I have not blogged much about my actual job and SPEC, and for good reason. Get out your pencils and notebooks, here’s a quick lesson!
The past three weeks have been filled with “formation”- basically training, community building and preparation for the SPEC year. I now know I am a part of the SPEC Centre team, comprised of 8 volunteers who will be working with young people aged 13-25. The Loft Team is SPEC’s Children’s Ministry project working with 7-14 yr olds. The third SPEC team is located in the east side of London and are appropriately named SPECeast. Of the three SPEC YAGMs, I am with SPEC, Kris is up here with me working with The Loft and Becca is in London with SPECeast. It is nice to have the support and companionship of fellow YAGMs while each contributing to and experiencing a different area of SPEC.

To conclude this SPEC education portion of my blog…. SPEC is affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Westminster, which includes most of London and the northern country I’m in, Hertfordshire (pronounced Hart-ford-sure). SPEC has two meanings: It first comes from the Latin words “Speculum Vitae” which mean “mirror of life.” It is also an acronym for Spiritual, Personal/Peer, Educational Community. Growing up amidst American Lutheran ministry my entire life, it has been wildly interesting and enlightening to be a part of British Catholic ministry now! I will save some Protestant/Catholic thoughts for another time- but it is worth saying now that it’s been amazing to be welcomed with such loving ecumenical arms here at SPEC—and our differences in practice, theology, worship, etc. has already proven to only add to the riches and experience of this Global Mission year.


On to less logistical info! I had begun to really start feeling the itch to start working! In my mind, time to stop talking and start doing! Fortuately, this past Wednesday/Thursday was our first SPEC retreat—a retreat for about 90 Year 12s (American equivalent= HS Juniors) from a Catholic school in London. Starting in Year 12, the students are beginning “sixth form”, the final (optional) two years of secondary school. It is during these two years they hone in on like 3-4 subjects. From here, they go on to university.

It was a excellent and successful two days of team builders, educational sessions, worship, food and fun. The differences in the educational system are there, but these young people were the sixteen we all know and love. Confused, peer-pressured, defiant, horny, insecure, sports-obsessed, timid, moody, hilarious...need I continue?
In all honesty, while I know I have gifts and experience working teens, I know I carry some personal mess and apprehension into this full year of working with 14-18 yr olds. I believe it is natural to have such concerns because lets face it, teens are tough; not unlike how BEING a teen was tough. A challenge with Camp Luther teens was always the age difference. I was 19/20/21 and trying to lead campers who were only a few years younger than me. After experiencing this week with a small group of 15 young people, I’m beginning to understand two things I have working for me. Being on the brink of 23 allows me to be more removed yet empathetic for all that teenage messiness and joys. Strangely enough, being a foreigner is also going to be a great angle to experience. Not being from here allows me to remove myself from all my former-Marta achievements/experiences/culture so that resting too much on my “American laurels” is not an option. Beyond some of the young people digging talking to me about American pop culture/sports), it was nice to feel like it was really a non-issue to them. Through all of this, this past week affirmed just how much I will be able to contribute and receive from this ministry.

Memorable exchange from my week:
Me: Who are some of your favorite bands?
Music-loving Lad: …on the top of my list is Metallica.
Me: Alright!! Totally—I saw them in concert!
Lad: (eyes widen like saucers) Wow! I’m jealous!
(later in the conversation…)
Lad: I love Def Leppard…..don’t tell me you’ve seen them too!
Me: (Laughter) Yes.

2 of the approx. 7 bands I’ve seen live made this kid think I’m rock royalty! Haha. Good thing—cause I doubt he’d be as impressed with 98 Degrees…..

Shining my light,
Marta

SPEC Staff from our first retreat:

Heaps Of _______

It seems fairly common for Americans to return from abroad and share lists of things the foreign country had and didn't have as a way to interest their fellow Americans about the different world they experienced. Luckily for you, that time is now and that list is here.

Q: "Hey Marta! What are some things they have in England that we don't have in the US?"

A: "Thank you for asking, friend. In England they have heaps of ________" (Notice my use of "heaps". Look at me using lingo! Haha.)

Fill in the blank:

a) UMBROS. Seriously, I've landed in the land of Umbros...everywhere. And it doesn't stop at the wind-pant esque shorts of early 90s America. Pants, hoodies, hats, even shoes. I suddenly feel the urge to shove some shinguards in my tube socks and go be of little importance on a soccer field.
b) TEA. Its not a English stereotype, kids. Lots and lots of tea. Coffee is a lesser option too during tea breaks. I drink mine straight up! (No milk or sugar...)
c) RABBITS. Rabbits on the SPEC grounds are large and in charge. So so so so so many. Its ridiculous. And they're huge. Like they should be in an episode of the Twilight Zone. They aren't afraid of humans either. *Shiver*
d) COINS There are 8 coins I have counted so far. 1 pence (penny), 2 pence, 5 pence, 10 pence, 20 pence, 50 pence, 1 pound, 2 pound. I rarely feel the desire to tell an entire nation they are wrong-- but 8 coins is what I like to consider OVERKILL! Its confusing and somewhat necessary. Once you add a 1 and 2 dollar equivalent into the mix, no one gives a rat's patoot about the small guys...and all they do is make foreigners like myself feel like like a little kid searching through my change purse to make correct change at checkouts. I pay in cash just so I don't look out of place in stores! (Confession: I sometimes also mask my American accent...shhh!) I'm about to "stick it to the system" and have 2 change purses--- 1 for 50ps, 1 pound, and 2 pounders and one of all the other fluff.


e) CLOTHES LINES I haven't hung up my clothes to dry since...ummmm...Sudie? Did we ever use a clothes line? Enter my year in England. They are everywhere and commonly used. (in addition to dryers) You should see the variety of clothes pins in the store! I can see the clothes line from my room window...in case my clothes start misbehaving out there.

f) MY TWO LONG LOST LOVES! There has been a hole in my foodie-heart ever since my Australian semester abroad. Sweet Chilli Sauce and Penguins (aka Tim Tams) have re-entered my life. Thank you England. I've already done a "Penguin Slam" so Now all I need to do is to drench potato wedges in Sweet Chilli sauce and sour cream and I'm pratically Down Under again!
g) WAYS TO PRONOUCE MARTA In the States, you have a choice between Marda and Marta. (You should choose the latter.) Here, my name is experiencing the land of opportunity! A chance to really explore and try new things via accents! Mah-ta, Marter, Ma-ah, Martuh. For those of you who know that annoying Ting Tings diddy, it is my new theme song- hahahaha. "They call me Mah-ta, they call me Marter, They call me Ma-ah..thats not my name!!"


Mah-ta has had a long day of painting rooms. It is now time to face the mutant rabbit population outside and head back to Chantry Lodge where my bed awaits.

jo ejszakat! (Thats goodnight from my Hungarian co-worker Agi who is sitting next to me!)
-Marta