Flying

"You make beautiful things, you make beautiful things out of the dust

You make beautiful things you make beautiful things out of us"

I'm officially a Houstonian. Or at least I live in Houston and I'm learning the art that comes with this foreign tittle. Knowing the hidden gems, how to navigate the crazy traffic and trying to soak in all the creativity that this city's diversity has to offer. If it wasn't for explaining the differences between Texas and Ireland to my new roommates I think I would forgotten that I live in the same state. This city offers such cultural richness and a unique intelligence of the arts that I am amazed and somewhat overwhelmed by all that I have yet to learn. That's all I want to do for the rest of my life though, learn.  About cultures, fitness, books, music, language, food, photography, religion, phycology and people. I've already learned a tremendous amount from my community life. 

 

My New House- If you are in Houston join us for a dinner anytime

Before I explain that let me back up and explain exactly what I am doing living in Houston. I am part of a program called GRACE through the University of St. Thomas. This program has 3 pillars: professional development, community, and spiritual development.  I live in community with 10 others that also teach in under resourced Catholic Schools in the Houston area. I am working towards my master’s degree (for free) to become a Reading Specialist and God willing will graduate in May 2015. I am beyond excited for this program, for teaching, and getting to know these lovely people over the next 2 years. If you are interested in teaching check out applying for this awesome opportunity. 

My brilliant community

http://www.stthom.edu/Degrees_Programs_Courses/Additional_Academic_Programs/GRACE/About/About_GRACE.aqf

Even with all the excitement, transitions in life have always reminded me of the feeling you get waking up in a strange room (other than the obvious that this happens when you move). You open your eyes a bit confused, startled, and feeling out of place before you settle into the realization that you are where you are meant to be and overtime feel comfortable in this foreign place. I had a moment of the frightened dreamlike state of waking the other day, and when I need to center and unwind I run. Running in a new place also helps my painfully handicapped sense of direction seek some orientation. Running is also one of the easiest ways for me to pray when I’m stressed. If my body is occupied and exhausted, my mind has time to process and breath. So that’s what I’m doing in Montrose, running and praying and gasping in amazement at the inspiring character of each unique house I pass when I see a pile of rubbish on the side of the street. Broken furniture, pieces of cabinets and half empty paint cans form a pyramid of garbage to the naked eye. Along side this garbage is a tiny, petty bird, hobbling around on a broken foot. Pausing out of natural instinct, drawn by compassion, I found myself watching the bird struggle to walk past the junk alongside a tree whose leaves spotted the sidewalk like stars in the sunlight. Maybe empathy is a better word than compassion. I understood the bird’s position; I could see my broken self in the discarded wood. And I was reminded yet again of Gods love. In the handicapped bird and splintered wood I saw my brokenness. I image though from God’s eyes he knew that the bird could still fly, and would gain strength in his wings without dependency of his legs. The wood that one family found as obnoxious garbage, I could see the potential to become the beautiful art that our community house desperately needed, but the wood didn’t know that. The wood probably felt like unwanted trash, the bird was lost and frightened at this new challenge in life, and I also was feeling out of place, like a coal with wobbling legs. But my father in heaven is ready to catch me when I fall, and he sees potential when I feel discarded, and when I complain of some pain or hardship he loving looks on his children and sees the strength, courage, character and faith that will remain when the pain passes.

 

Before

It’s amazing what some trash and a broken bird can teach you.

Fittingly the next night I went with my cohort, which consists of three Irish kids, a Cali boy and southern bell from Virginia and went dumpster diving to rescue the wood.

The finished products are below. The bird was gone. I’m sure because it had gained the confidence to fly. There are to many indications of God’s hand guiding me to the GRACE program. So I'm learning to trust I’m where I am meant to be while learning to fly. 

This will eventually grace our courtyard
created by the lovely Emily Engelking

“May today be peace within. May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be... May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you... May you be content knowing you are a child of God... Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of you.” –Mother Theresa 

Cooking While Transitioning

Hello Lovely People!!
Hope you have had a great week, Memorial Day, and beginning of the month of June thus far! I can’t believe May has officially come and gone. It is officially the month of our new adventures in Houston and Dallas and transitioning has just begun. Not before a lovely trip to East Texas though.

JUST TOO PEACEFUL. >>

Once we got back to College Station we had three full cars move Carly to Houston. I would say the adventure for her has just begun! But with all the moving and celebrating between Van, College Station, and Houston, cooking was not put by the wayside. So here is a new recipe for all you to try, especially those beginning internships, grad school, undergrad summer school classes, or even for those who just want to try something new in the kitchen. This is an EASY recipe to try out. This recipe is vegetarian, but grilled chicken or salmon would be lovely if  be added on top.

Brussels Sprouts, Dried Cranberries, and Goat Cheese over Barley

Ingredients

1 pound Brussels sprouts
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
1 ½ cups cooked barley
Dash of Onion powder
1 tablespoon Tarragon wine vinegar

Instructions

1.  Cook barley according to package directions and set to side.
2. Cut Brussels Sprouts and add 1 tablespoon olive oil to bowl. Sprinkle dash of onion powder and mix.

3. Heat pan and roast Brussels sprouts to your liking on the outside. I like a more burnt taste so I roast mine for longer ;)

4. Add dried cranberries to pan

5. Add cooked barley to pan and mix together.

6. Add 1 tablespoon of Tarragon wine vinegar while mixing together

7. Plate and add crumbled got cheese on top

8. Enjoy!!

If you like as well, instead of doing the roasting on the stove top, the broiler can be replaced  to use for the Brussels sprouts, cranberries and barley at the end when all mixed together with the Tarragon wine vinegar. What is also so great about this recipe is that it is very versatile on what you have in the kitchen. For instance, if you prefer or have on hand Balsamic Vinegar over the Tarragon wine vinegar that can easily be replaced to save money and add a different flavor. Summer cherries could also be used instead of the cranberries. Have fun with it! The recipe is by no means one you have to follow exactly. But, it does turn out delicious if you happen to :)

Hope you all had a great week! Carly and I are still so excited to be able to share our next adventures with you through this blog! Keep her close to your heart as she has begun her transition! Her first weekend went so well and she has such a great summer to look forward to with her new community at St. Thomas! I just know she is going to do such an amazing job in grad school and as a first grade teacher! Hurrah for this new Houstonian!

Food for Thought:
"There are Far Far better things ahead then we leave behind.” –CS Lewis

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray”-Rumi

Thank you for sitting across the bistro table from me,
Elizabeth