my experience this weekend. Find out more at the website in the post below. 

Damascus Road

http://www.mcc.org/damascusroad/about.html

This weekend I attended an "Anti-Racism Analysis Training" through an experience/group called "The Damascus Road" - which is organized and housed under the Menonite Central Committee (a function of the Menonite church).

I'm still a little raw, and trying to process all that I learned, recognized, realized and desire to see happen in my life and in the amercian society.

The course was split into three section: racism and brokenness, racism and identity, racism and healing. Through the experience we walked through a 500 year history of racism and oppression in America, identified ways that racism has been systemically injected into our institutions, and talked about how racism as an evil tries to destroy both whites and people of color.

It was fascinating. So hard to see how from 1492 through today racism - though changing in its form, continues to be active. Especially when so much of what we "think" is color-blind. I was challeneged in my own mind to realize that being color-blind is not the solution - for to be color-blind inevitably forces people of color to conform to my white culture. But instead I can acknowledge people of color, their background, culture and lives. Not to ignore, but to embrace. We talked about the privileges we receive as white people, just by being white. (and if you think about it - there are a ton. if you are having a hard time, think about what things that people of color often DON'T get - i.e. the freedom to browse in a store without being followed)

We did a lot of talking - trying to process through our emotions and reactions. Trying to understand how the bible could be used as justification for the decimation of native nations, for slavery, etc. Trying to look at this issue from a Christian perspective now.

The goal of the Damascus Road process, it seems, is to bring awareness to the issue, and then to train groups to begin breaking down racism within their institution. I am excited to be a part of this process at Greenville for as long as the Lord allows me to be here. I am hopeful that there are more and more people trained in this understanding, and that share the desire to see REAL equality and representation for all races on this campus.

In the meantime, I am in thoughtful prayer as to how I can go forward individually in this endeavor.

yours truly!
Tiffani

Here is a photo of my "Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club" - we are missing one regular member, and one new member from this picture - but we were excited to be together just the same. Look at these beautiful women!!!! Clockwise, starting left - Ashley, Hilary, Jenn, Annie, Amanda (far right), Hilary (purple shirt), Maura (below Annie), and me. Missing from the pic: Kristina, Joy

Me, Jenn, Maura and Amanda - I love these girls and we laughed that we were all dressed the same! 

The barn where we had the retreat - the setting was incredible - and it had a lake! 

Tulips in front of the red barn - beautiful! 

Recent Events

Well, so much in a week. I continue to forget to update regularly, but then again, I see that I posted pics last week, so I feel like once a week may be good enough (trying to have some grace with myself).

In the last two weeks I've gone for a long girl's weekend with my mom in Chicago, and spent a less long weekend with girls from the college at a retreat.

BOTH events were outstanding. I had a G-R-E-A-T time with my mom, and am itching to get working on a few scrapbook pages for our "road trip" scrapbook. After we drove from Seattle to Greenville in 2003 I made her a book of our trip, and we've decided to add pages from our annual girl's weekends (of which this was the first) to the book - rather than get a new book! Chicago was SUPER fun - what a city! So much to do and see. We went to Eli's Cheesecake world (the actual bakery by O'Hare airport), the Mag. Mile (as we call it now) and what seemed like miles of other places. The weekend was capped at the end with the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues - WOW. The group that performed was named "somebody and Chosen" (can't remember their name now, darn it!) and they were fantastic. What a neat time. (plus - chickory in coffee = good)

Last weekend was also VERY fun - less relaxing mentally, but more relaxing physically, so overall it was great. The location was incredible (i'll put a couple pics up) and the weather was perfect - all this despite the anxiety over ticks (they were everywhere - but thankfully I didn't bring any back with me... that i know of). I presented a workshop called, "Moldy Cheese" which talked about ridding our lives of the "yukky" things that keep us bound in shame and embarassment. I was excited to be asked to speak, but not as excited as I was simply to attend!

I got to spend a lot of time with the ladies who are in my weekly bible study, as well as some others who I don't get to see so much. And I was as blessed as anyone there by the whole experience.

This weekend I am headed out to "Durley Camp" in Greenville, where I will participate in "Damascus Road" - an anti-racism training that I hope will be a great experience of revelation and growth. I'm not afraid to face any subtle (or overt) prejudices that I might have and at the same time, I am wondering what I will take away, how I will be changed.

Many birthdays in my life this week - Larina turned 29 on Monday, and my Aunt Donna's b-day is on Friday (I can't remember the age - for which she is probably glad - smile), and Erin O'Hagan takes the plunge into her 30's next Thursday.

Thankfully God is good and all those ladies are in good health and mostly good spirits regarding their age. :)

Here are some prayer requests:
1) our office is heading up a "40 days of prayer" effort on campus, nightly from 10:15-11:15, tonight is night 17. Please pray for people's hearts to be moved to pray, and for people's lives to be changed by prayer.
2) I have been exhausted, my house is in disarray, and so is my "organized" life. Please pray that I could get back on track in the next days, and more particularly next week - with physical discipline (working out, balancing checkbook, bills) and spiritual discipline (more reading and prayer).
3) My job situation is still undetermined (from my perspective, though the Lord knows). Please pray that interviews would be scheduled soon for the resident director job on campus and that I would know if its an option for me.

THANKS for your prayers and love!
Love, Tiff

Thursday night....Navy Pier. This is our first night in the Chi and it was COLD down by the lake. But we enjoyed the stain glass museum and even went on the giant ferris wheel. Good start to the weekend! 

Here's me and mom at the airport~! You would never guess that we were WIPED OUT with exhaustion. But in fact, as soon as my plane for St. Louis boarded... I was sound asleep! What a great trip!