This morning's devotion focused on the story of Abraham taking steps that ultimate would have led to the sacrifice of Isaac. And although Abraham may have struggled with following these steps, he did them anyways since he believed and had faith in God. In the end, God came at the last minute and provided a substitute sacrifice. What a faith builder this must have been for Abraham.
What kind of faith building experiences do you have in your own life? Are they ones where God showed up and performed an instant miracle? Or do experiences that require you to follow sequential steps and give you time to ponder the things of God build your faith more?
I've been on a journey for the past few months that has required me to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, step by step. As I put one foot out to walk in the direction that God has been leading, I don't know what the next step will be. It doesn't matter, though, because I trust God and I don't need God's whole road map in front of me to reach His final destination. This is a huge step of faith for me because I'm a person who likes to plan every step of the journey and know exactly what is going to happen along the way. I've had to relinquish my control and trust in God on this current journey. Now that I think of it, this is what Abraham did. He didn't rely on his own understanding, but he trusted the Lord and the Lord led him (Proverbs 3:4-6). What amazes me is that God shows me the next step as I walk the previous step out, and not before. I guess this is where walking by faith and not by sight comes in.
I must admit that my faith has increased more during this current journey than times of where I've received instant miracles from the Lord. I find this interesting in the instant society in which I live. This is not the way of the Lord; He wants me to trust Him and walk by faith as He continues to unfold His plan , step by step, for my life. I've learned and am comfortable now with doing this. I'll keep walking it out, trusting the Lord to keep showing me the way as I put one foot in front of the other.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Spring Time
Spring is here and this means that it is spring cleanup time again for the Tribe. I had new employees begin work yesterday and they will be hitting the roads on Monday looking for those treasures. Give me your list if you are in need of some items that you don't want to spend money on; more than likely I can find it during our spring cleanup.
Spring time also means that I get to put my kayak in the water and paddle the local rivers. I went for the first time this year on Tuesday and it was wonderful. I scared two bull frogs into the water as I was putting my boat in. I also got to see many large fish swim away from my boat and the geese were honking up a storm. Oh, the signs of spring ... how wonderful.
Another sign of spring is the disappearance of the snow banks in the yard. They finally all vanished this week. I know it is late, but I had some tall banks due to the snow the falling off my roof.
These are just some of my spring time activities that I'm enjoying. I can't wait for summer.
Spring time also means that I get to put my kayak in the water and paddle the local rivers. I went for the first time this year on Tuesday and it was wonderful. I scared two bull frogs into the water as I was putting my boat in. I also got to see many large fish swim away from my boat and the geese were honking up a storm. Oh, the signs of spring ... how wonderful.
Another sign of spring is the disappearance of the snow banks in the yard. They finally all vanished this week. I know it is late, but I had some tall banks due to the snow the falling off my roof.
These are just some of my spring time activities that I'm enjoying. I can't wait for summer.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
My Doings Lately
I know I haven't posted in awhile. Life sure has been busy. Other than work this week, I've been attending special meetings at my church. See Nancy's post for April 14 for a description.
Hope to post later this week.
Hope to post later this week.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Shopping
I am in Burlington, Ontario. I get to do one of my most favorite things today - shopping. You may be wondering why I came to Burlington, Ontario to shop. The company where I buy most of our garbage equipment is located in Burlington. Yes, that is right, I'm shopping for more garbage equipment. I'll be looking at transfer trailers that are capable of transporting upto 30 tons of garbage at one time. I'll also be looking at roll-off containers. It is so fun being in the garbage business and being able to look at all this cool equipment.
I had dinner here last evening. It is a cool place.
I had dinner here last evening. It is a cool place.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Celebrating Resurrection Day
I had the pleasure of hosting three families for celebrating resurrection day, or better known to everyone as Easter.
The empty cross cake in the picture below symbolizes why we celebrate: Jesus is risen and alive today!! He isn't still nailed to the cross as many crosses show Him to be. He died for me and rose from the grave so that I could have a right relationship with God, my Father in heaven. Thank you Lord for all the pain, suffering, and anguish you bore for me. May I never forget what you have done for me.
The empty cross cake in the picture below symbolizes why we celebrate: Jesus is risen and alive today!! He isn't still nailed to the cross as many crosses show Him to be. He died for me and rose from the grave so that I could have a right relationship with God, my Father in heaven. Thank you Lord for all the pain, suffering, and anguish you bore for me. May I never forget what you have done for me.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Signs of Spring
Believe or not, I did see signs of spring yesterday. This in spite of the fact that I still have snowbanks that are taller than me outside my house.
The first sign was a flock of robins bathing themselves in the melting puddles of snow in my driveway. My cats were going frantic dashing from window to window. This caught my attention and I went to look outside. I have never seen so many robins gathered together in one spot. Usually, they are loners and are by themselves. I dare say there were probably 15 robins in one puddle. They were having a grand time of splashy themselves and others around.
Later on the day I was on my way to Canton when I saw a flock of geese flying high in the sky. And yes, they were flying North. A sure sign of spring!!
Another sign of spring is that the thermometer for the past few days has been above 32. This means that all that white stuff is slowly melting away and I'll soon be able to see my green grass that sits below the white stuff.
Keep coming spring, because you can't come fast enough as far I as I am concerned.
The first sign was a flock of robins bathing themselves in the melting puddles of snow in my driveway. My cats were going frantic dashing from window to window. This caught my attention and I went to look outside. I have never seen so many robins gathered together in one spot. Usually, they are loners and are by themselves. I dare say there were probably 15 robins in one puddle. They were having a grand time of splashy themselves and others around.
Later on the day I was on my way to Canton when I saw a flock of geese flying high in the sky. And yes, they were flying North. A sure sign of spring!!
Another sign of spring is that the thermometer for the past few days has been above 32. This means that all that white stuff is slowly melting away and I'll soon be able to see my green grass that sits below the white stuff.
Keep coming spring, because you can't come fast enough as far I as I am concerned.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Lilly's Childlike Faith
I had the pleasure of meeting a young lady from China today in church. Her name was Lilly and she was visiting with a friend.
The excitement and joy that was bubbling from her was obvious and I wanted to learn more about what was going on with her. She shared that she had recently read in the Bible that she was a new creature in Christ, that old things have passed away and all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). She went on to share there were many old things from her past that needed releasing and that she let them go once she read this scripture. As I listened, it became apparent to me that Lilly fully embraced the Word with a childlike faith, which led her freely letting go of those old things from her past.
My brief meeting with Lilly challenges me to embrace the Word with the childlike faith that I saw in Lilly. How simply it is to just let the Word wash me and all those old things that need going? As simple as reading and embracing the Word with a childlike faith and not letting my mind get in the way.
The excitement and joy that was bubbling from her was obvious and I wanted to learn more about what was going on with her. She shared that she had recently read in the Bible that she was a new creature in Christ, that old things have passed away and all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). She went on to share there were many old things from her past that needed releasing and that she let them go once she read this scripture. As I listened, it became apparent to me that Lilly fully embraced the Word with a childlike faith, which led her freely letting go of those old things from her past.
My brief meeting with Lilly challenges me to embrace the Word with the childlike faith that I saw in Lilly. How simply it is to just let the Word wash me and all those old things that need going? As simple as reading and embracing the Word with a childlike faith and not letting my mind get in the way.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Winter Wonderland
I awoke this morning not knowing exactly what I would find outside. NNY got hit with a huge storm that began Friday night and continued until this morning.
Although I am tired of the long winter that we've had, I must admit that there is something beautiful about the fresh undisturbed snow that surrounds my house. When I stepped out (in my PJ's mind you) this morning to snap some pictures, I was awe struck by the still silence that surrounded me and the freshness of the white stuff. I really didn't want to walk on any of it because it was beautiful. I truly experienced one of those "God moments" where I just stood experiencing one of His beautiful creations - snow.
As you can see, I have much snow around my house. I just hope it all melts by mother's day weekend since I'll have a friend from the south coming to visit and I don't think she would appreciate all the snow.
Although I am tired of the long winter that we've had, I must admit that there is something beautiful about the fresh undisturbed snow that surrounds my house. When I stepped out (in my PJ's mind you) this morning to snap some pictures, I was awe struck by the still silence that surrounded me and the freshness of the white stuff. I really didn't want to walk on any of it because it was beautiful. I truly experienced one of those "God moments" where I just stood experiencing one of His beautiful creations - snow.
As you can see, I have much snow around my house. I just hope it all melts by mother's day weekend since I'll have a friend from the south coming to visit and I don't think she would appreciate all the snow.
Looking at my side yard
Front of my house
My front steps are somewhere below the snowTuesday, March 04, 2008
Campbell Soup & Garbage
I am currently studying the Principles of Marketing through an online course. Today's reading assignment contained a story that you'll find interesting.
"More than 125 years have passed since advertising pioneer N.W. Ayer conducted the first organized marketing research project in 1879. A second important milestone is the development of marketing research occurred 32 years later, when Charles C. Parlin organized the nation's first commercial research department at Curtis Publishing Co., publisher of The Saturday Evening Post.
Parlin got his start as a marketing researcher by counting soup cans in Philadelphia's garbage. Here is what happened. Parlin, an ad salesman, was trying to convince the Campbell Soup Co. to advertise in The Saturday Evening Post. Campbell Soup resisted, believing that the Post reached primarily working-class readers, who preferred to make their own soup. Campbell Soup marketers were targeting higher income people who could afford to pay for the convenience of soup in a can. To prove Campbell wrong, Parlin began counting soup cans in the garbage collected from different neighborhoods. His research revealed that working-class families bought more canned soup than wealthy households, who had servants to cook for them. Campbell Soup soon became a regular Saturday Evening Post client. It is interesting to note that garbage remains a good source of information for marketing researchers even today. Prior to recent cutbacks in food service, some airlines studied the leftovers from on board meals to determine what to serve passengers."
(Source: Boone & Kurtz. Contemporary Marketing, 2006.)
Using people's garbage for marketing research is an interesting concept. I know that garbage tells alot about people, but I never thought about studying their garbage to gain valuable marketing data. You best beware if you find me sorting through your garbage...I could be collecting information for my new marketing idea.
"More than 125 years have passed since advertising pioneer N.W. Ayer conducted the first organized marketing research project in 1879. A second important milestone is the development of marketing research occurred 32 years later, when Charles C. Parlin organized the nation's first commercial research department at Curtis Publishing Co., publisher of The Saturday Evening Post.
Parlin got his start as a marketing researcher by counting soup cans in Philadelphia's garbage. Here is what happened. Parlin, an ad salesman, was trying to convince the Campbell Soup Co. to advertise in The Saturday Evening Post. Campbell Soup resisted, believing that the Post reached primarily working-class readers, who preferred to make their own soup. Campbell Soup marketers were targeting higher income people who could afford to pay for the convenience of soup in a can. To prove Campbell wrong, Parlin began counting soup cans in the garbage collected from different neighborhoods. His research revealed that working-class families bought more canned soup than wealthy households, who had servants to cook for them. Campbell Soup soon became a regular Saturday Evening Post client. It is interesting to note that garbage remains a good source of information for marketing researchers even today. Prior to recent cutbacks in food service, some airlines studied the leftovers from on board meals to determine what to serve passengers."
(Source: Boone & Kurtz. Contemporary Marketing, 2006.)
Using people's garbage for marketing research is an interesting concept. I know that garbage tells alot about people, but I never thought about studying their garbage to gain valuable marketing data. You best beware if you find me sorting through your garbage...I could be collecting information for my new marketing idea.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Designed For Destiny - Buy It Online Now
Designed For Destiny written by Susan Chapman Brown is available online now. See here for more information and to purchase.
I have been reading this book every morning before going to work since December. This book pours out the truth of what it means to be a Godly woman and teaches me how to accept, embrace, and walk in my God ordained femininity. I am encouraged and liberated by the truth that Susan shares and this is a must read for any woman desiring to know more of the Father's plan for her life.
I have been reading this book every morning before going to work since December. This book pours out the truth of what it means to be a Godly woman and teaches me how to accept, embrace, and walk in my God ordained femininity. I am encouraged and liberated by the truth that Susan shares and this is a must read for any woman desiring to know more of the Father's plan for her life.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
More Pictures from the Gaylord Texan
Okay, I know that I've been home almost a week from Texas. I'm still having fond memories of my time spent at the Gaylord Texan. Sue and I went there for coffee the night before I flew home. I had my camera with me and I snapped some pictures.
This is the only hotel that I've been in where there is a waterfall, flowing river, covered wagons in a canyon, and white fish in the river. I'm looking forward to visiting the Gaylord Texan again sometime in the future.
This is the only hotel that I've been in where there is a waterfall, flowing river, covered wagons in a canyon, and white fish in the river. I'm looking forward to visiting the Gaylord Texan again sometime in the future.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Catching Up On My Trash Reading
This is my first week back in the office after being on vacation. I've spent the majority of the week working with a filming crew who are here filming a documentary for one of my projects. We wrap up filming today.
This morning I had some time to read some of my waste journals. I came across an article that I think moms will find interesting. So if you're a mom, click here to read. Once the magazine comes up, click on contents, scroll to the bottom, and click on the link titled "Haul Talk: Mommy Greenest, A Grave Situation."
This morning I had some time to read some of my waste journals. I came across an article that I think moms will find interesting. So if you're a mom, click here to read. Once the magazine comes up, click on contents, scroll to the bottom, and click on the link titled "Haul Talk: Mommy Greenest, A Grave Situation."
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Last Day in Texas
I find it hard to imagine that my vacation in Texas in almost over. I have truly enjoyed the weather and my time here. God has used this time to confirm many things to me about my future. I am coming home with a new sense of God's direction for my life. I have peace and a level of excitement that I've never have felt before.
My last day will be spent packing and enjoying time with my hosts, the Browns. They are truly great hosts and I'm thankful for their hospitality.
Tomorrow morning I will have to arise early since my flight leaves at 7:20 in the morning. I'm suppose to arrive in Albany,NY around 1:30 PM. I then have a 4 hour drive home. The weather looks like it will be okay for my drive home.
My upcoming work week will be hectic. There is a filming crew arriving today to film a documentary for one of my projects. We will be filming all week. This means long work days ahead for me. I'm glad that I've had 10 days of RR.
My last day will be spent packing and enjoying time with my hosts, the Browns. They are truly great hosts and I'm thankful for their hospitality.
Tomorrow morning I will have to arise early since my flight leaves at 7:20 in the morning. I'm suppose to arrive in Albany,NY around 1:30 PM. I then have a 4 hour drive home. The weather looks like it will be okay for my drive home.
My upcoming work week will be hectic. There is a filming crew arriving today to film a documentary for one of my projects. We will be filming all week. This means long work days ahead for me. I'm glad that I've had 10 days of RR.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Valentine's Day in Grapevine, Texas
This evening Paul and Sue decided to show me two of the elaborate hotels in Grapevine.
Our first stop was the Gaylord Texan. I must admit that this is one of the most elaborate and unique hotels/convention centers that I've been in. The Lone Star Atrium inside the building is quite the sight to see. Additionally, there are oversized couches located in the lobby just outside the convention center. These couches are so huge that three people could sleep on them. See picture of me below.
The second stop was at the Great Wolf Lodge. This hotel houses a water park inside the building. The best thing about the Great Wolf Lodge were their decorative garbage containers. I couldn't resist taking a picture of one and posting it below.
The weather has been extremely nice since I've been here. The temperatures were in the 70's today and the sun was out. Sue and I spent part of the afternoon drinking coffee by Grapevine Lake and sharing conversation. Anyone who knows me, knows that this is my favorite past time - drinking coffee and sharing time together with friends. I hope that Sue and I can do more of this before I leave on Monday.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
My Doings in Texas
It seems almost impossible that tomorrow marks my one week arrival in Texas. I find myself wondering where has the time gone. Sue and I have been keeping ourselves busy for sure. I'll try to provide some of the week's highlights here.
Upon arriving last Thursday, Sue and I rented a car and headed to Beaumont, Tx. This was a 5.5 - 6 hour drive from DFW. The purpose of the trip was to attend the Fresh Fire International Women's Conference that was held at Triumph Church. There were 15 women speakers that shared their hearts with us. The conference ended on Saturday, but Sue and I stayed until Sunday and attended church services at Triumph Church. Both Sue and I agree that we can't find words that would adequately express what we experienced throughout the weekend. I can only say that it was one of the most powerful and anointed times that I've experienced with the Lord.
Our rental car had a GPS unit. Sue and I are now experts with the "GPS language" and we use it all the time now in her own car. I tell her "left turn in 0.5 mile, followed by ya..." We wonder what the "followed by ya" means, but could never figured this one out. The GPS would also let us know when we arrived at our destination through a loud noise that sounded like "ding dong". One time we heard the "ding dong", but it was the incorrect destination; we should have been at the church, but we were at a Chevy car dealership instead.
I'm also learning new vocubalary words. When we incorrectly arrived at the Chevy car dealership, I went inside to ask directions to the church. The person said "follow the feeder road, go through two stop lights, loop around the highway, and the church would be on the right." I questioned the person several times about the "feeder road" and she became increasingly irritated by me. I figured Sue would know what the "feeder road" was. To my surprise she didn't. We later found out the "feeder road" are roads that run parallel to the highway and loop around it so that you have access to places on both sides of the freeway.
Monday and Tuesday were spent getting ready for Restoring FemininiTea and book signing on Tuesday night. Sue has been displaying teapots in the local library for the month of February. Fifteen ladies came out last night for the tea time and book signing. One lady said that she came since she wanted to do something for herself for once.
Today was the first time that we had some breathing room since I've been here. What did we do? Shopping. Sue has been sharing with me about this great store called Stein Mart. This store has great bargains on quality clothing. I ended up walking out with 4 outfits for less than $75. This is my kind of shopping!!
That is all for now from Texas. I've posted some pictures. Hope you all enjoy them.
Some new friends I met at the conference.Saturday, February 09, 2008
Arrival Texas
I arrived in Texas yesterday. Sue and I rented a car and we drove 6 hours to attend this conference. We are still at the conference and are being filled and refreshed. We just got out of the hot tub. We will be heading back to Grapevine on Sunday after church. I'll post more when we return to Sue's house.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
My To-do List
I'll be leaving work in about 20 minutes for my vacation trip to Texas.
As usual, my morning has been busy taking care of last minute details for many of my projects. One project, a trip to the emergency room, was not on my to-do list.
I arrived at the office around 6:20 AM..I know most of you were still probably sleeping. I pulled my car next to the front door since I had some items to carrying into the office. As I walked behind my car, I hit a patch of ice and my two feet went flying. I grabbed the car on the way down and gave my left side a good stretch as my feet went in the opposite direction. I banged my left elbow and knee on the pavement. Swelling ensued in both and my supervisor suggested that I go to the emergency room. My emergency room trip last 2.5 hours. The Dr. said I was okay and that I'll have some nice bruises in a few days. The swelling should go down over time.
Other than some minor discomfort, I'm fine.
I'll be in Texas until the 18th. I'll be posting updates of my trip
As usual, my morning has been busy taking care of last minute details for many of my projects. One project, a trip to the emergency room, was not on my to-do list.
I arrived at the office around 6:20 AM..I know most of you were still probably sleeping. I pulled my car next to the front door since I had some items to carrying into the office. As I walked behind my car, I hit a patch of ice and my two feet went flying. I grabbed the car on the way down and gave my left side a good stretch as my feet went in the opposite direction. I banged my left elbow and knee on the pavement. Swelling ensued in both and my supervisor suggested that I go to the emergency room. My emergency room trip last 2.5 hours. The Dr. said I was okay and that I'll have some nice bruises in a few days. The swelling should go down over time.
Other than some minor discomfort, I'm fine.
I'll be in Texas until the 18th. I'll be posting updates of my trip
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Summer is Coming
"I see success, I want to tell you, yesterday, the book on yesterday is closed, it's kind of like you've lived through a long hard winter, but I'm here to tell you that winter is over, summer is coming, come on, it is coming!!! …You can let the yesterdays go, you can cut yourself away from the moorings and begin to float upon the ocean of His grace, and His love."
These were words that a prophet spoke to me in 2000 and I'm just beginning to understand the meaning of them. There are two significant themes that I can see that God was speaking to me: 1) book on yesterday is closed; and 2) winter time is over and summer is on the way.
In recent weeks, I've been meditating on these words and trying to better understand what the Lord was speaking to me in 2000. This caused me to research the meaning of the words winter, spring, and summer. I know from my experience in living in NNY that in between winter and summer is spring. God said "winter was over and summer is on the way", this implied that I needed to go through spring.
Webster gives the following definitions:
Winter - a time of inactivity or decay;
Spring - come up out of something into existence; and
Summer - a period of maturing powers.
Wikipedia Encyclopedia also provides additional information about the seasons:
Winter - some use winter to describe death and period of hopeless;
Spring - A time of growth, renewal, and of new life being born, and it is a period where severe weather most often occurs due to the southern warm air clashing with the northern cold air;
Summer - a time when plants are in full growth.
I spent many years of my life in the winter season. It was a time where I felt like I was dying and I had no hope for living. I'm glad that the Lord spoke to me in 2000 and told me that winter was over. Nevertheless, I had hard time understanding what season I was in between 2000 and now. I initially thought that I was experiencing summer, but the Lord showed me recently that I've been in the spring season.
The past eight years the Lord has been pulling out weeds in my soul that were not right. The weeds were things that were rooted in my "yesterdays" that needed to go in order for me enter His summer season for me. My spring season has been a time where severe weather occurred. There were times of clashing when I was afraid of letting go of the "yesterdays" and embracing the new life that God was leading me to walk in. I now know that it was necessary for me to let go of the "yesterdays" in order to come out of my winter season and enter into God's summer season.
The Lord is leading me to do a few more things to let the "yesterdays" go. Once I do them, I truly feel like the" book on yesterday" will be closed forever; I will never have to go back and look at any of the pages again. I'm cutting myself away from them and will enjoy floating upon His grace and love for me. I'm looking forward to my summer season with the Lord. I feel like it will be a time where God will continue to mature me and I'll come into the full growth of His plan and purposes for my life.
These were words that a prophet spoke to me in 2000 and I'm just beginning to understand the meaning of them. There are two significant themes that I can see that God was speaking to me: 1) book on yesterday is closed; and 2) winter time is over and summer is on the way.
In recent weeks, I've been meditating on these words and trying to better understand what the Lord was speaking to me in 2000. This caused me to research the meaning of the words winter, spring, and summer. I know from my experience in living in NNY that in between winter and summer is spring. God said "winter was over and summer is on the way", this implied that I needed to go through spring.
Webster gives the following definitions:
Winter - a time of inactivity or decay;
Spring - come up out of something into existence; and
Summer - a period of maturing powers.
Wikipedia Encyclopedia also provides additional information about the seasons:
Winter - some use winter to describe death and period of hopeless;
Spring - A time of growth, renewal, and of new life being born, and it is a period where severe weather most often occurs due to the southern warm air clashing with the northern cold air;
Summer - a time when plants are in full growth.
I spent many years of my life in the winter season. It was a time where I felt like I was dying and I had no hope for living. I'm glad that the Lord spoke to me in 2000 and told me that winter was over. Nevertheless, I had hard time understanding what season I was in between 2000 and now. I initially thought that I was experiencing summer, but the Lord showed me recently that I've been in the spring season.
The past eight years the Lord has been pulling out weeds in my soul that were not right. The weeds were things that were rooted in my "yesterdays" that needed to go in order for me enter His summer season for me. My spring season has been a time where severe weather occurred. There were times of clashing when I was afraid of letting go of the "yesterdays" and embracing the new life that God was leading me to walk in. I now know that it was necessary for me to let go of the "yesterdays" in order to come out of my winter season and enter into God's summer season.
The Lord is leading me to do a few more things to let the "yesterdays" go. Once I do them, I truly feel like the" book on yesterday" will be closed forever; I will never have to go back and look at any of the pages again. I'm cutting myself away from them and will enjoy floating upon His grace and love for me. I'm looking forward to my summer season with the Lord. I feel like it will be a time where God will continue to mature me and I'll come into the full growth of His plan and purposes for my life.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Many Uses of Duct Tape
As you can see, duct tape needs to be a part of a garbage handler's first aid kit. Fortunately, we have not had to use our duct tape for this use.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Community of Akwesasne Cares
Last weekend one of the Tribal employees lost everything that she owned in a fire.
I was unaware of this until I called the main Tribal Office building on Tuesday. I made the call since I needed to talk to my accountant that handles the budgets for my projects. While I was on the phone with her, I heard all this talking in the background. I asked her what all the "buzz" was. She then proceeded to share with me that my Supervisor's sister lost everything in a fire and that the ladies in the community were talking about ways to help her. I thought how great that people were going to help her.
Two days later I get an announcement from the Tribe's Public Information Office that a shower has been arranged for the person and she is registered at Wal Mart. We are encouraged to go buy a gift for her and come to the shower. I've never heard of having a shower for victim of a fire, but I thought what a great idea.
The reaching out of the community to help one their members is an indication of a cultural tradition that runs deep with the Akwesasne community. It is a tradition that many people outside of the community aren't aware of. What is this cultural tradition? It is one that places a high value on family and helping those in need.
I've been working for the Tribe for 14 years and this is one of the reasons why I like my job so much. Mohawks are caring people and will come to help when someone is in need with no regard for the cost or time. I've witnessed this numerous times during my time in the community. Several examples come to mind: Mohawk Iron Workers helping with the rescue at the Twin Towers; Tribal Council providing funding to special cleanup projects that are needed; providing assistance to the elderly; etc. etc. I could list others, but I think my point is clear in that Mohawk people care.
I honor the community of Akwesasne for holding on to the cultural tradition that places a high value on family and helping those in need. I hope they never lose it and pass this tradition on to their younger generation.
I was unaware of this until I called the main Tribal Office building on Tuesday. I made the call since I needed to talk to my accountant that handles the budgets for my projects. While I was on the phone with her, I heard all this talking in the background. I asked her what all the "buzz" was. She then proceeded to share with me that my Supervisor's sister lost everything in a fire and that the ladies in the community were talking about ways to help her. I thought how great that people were going to help her.
Two days later I get an announcement from the Tribe's Public Information Office that a shower has been arranged for the person and she is registered at Wal Mart. We are encouraged to go buy a gift for her and come to the shower. I've never heard of having a shower for victim of a fire, but I thought what a great idea.
The reaching out of the community to help one their members is an indication of a cultural tradition that runs deep with the Akwesasne community. It is a tradition that many people outside of the community aren't aware of. What is this cultural tradition? It is one that places a high value on family and helping those in need.
I've been working for the Tribe for 14 years and this is one of the reasons why I like my job so much. Mohawks are caring people and will come to help when someone is in need with no regard for the cost or time. I've witnessed this numerous times during my time in the community. Several examples come to mind: Mohawk Iron Workers helping with the rescue at the Twin Towers; Tribal Council providing funding to special cleanup projects that are needed; providing assistance to the elderly; etc. etc. I could list others, but I think my point is clear in that Mohawk people care.
I honor the community of Akwesasne for holding on to the cultural tradition that places a high value on family and helping those in need. I hope they never lose it and pass this tradition on to their younger generation.
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