I think I've finally settled into things--just in time for me to leave, right? Got to love it.
But really, I've gotten past the major jitters of D.C. life, I've made my couple mistakes, I've shown the boss what I can do--I feel more and more like I can just be myself. Relieving to say the least.
I'm not a workaholic. I'm not obsessed with success. These are things that I sometimes emulate because of outside converted into internal pressure, but they aren't me.
Me. I'm a laid back guy. I don't get stressed out too easily, and I enjoy playing a good video game. I like the work I do, always seek excellence, but it does not take over my life.
Who I was at the beginning of the semester was a bugged out version of myself. And, honestly, I'm not sure how it could have been any other way. New town, new job, new friends, freezing weather. I was totally out of my element, and was expecting myself to astoud everyone with my journalistic prowesss. I like to think I'm good, but I'm not Superman!
It's been nice to be okay with having a slow couple weeks. These past two weeks for me have been relatively slow, but I'm not too worried. I've been working on some quality feature pieces that I'm quite proud of, and they all will be running within the next two weeks.
I hate comparing myself to my peers. I want to just be okay with my own progress and my own niche. I've felt like I have settled into that more, though I still am fighting it to some extent--which is good, I admit, as a journalist needs a competitve edge.
A story I worked on today was a clear display from God, I think, that this career won't be a total waste for my spiritual life. I got to interview an 88 year old woman who has been attending a Catholic church right next to the new staduim where the pope will be speaking in two weeks. Hearing from her was encouraging, even in a kind of formal interview setting. I didn't flat out tell the woman and her priest I was a Christian, but I think enough of my questions and responses indicated as much.
I'm discovering more and more those are the types of stories I like to tell. Stories about people. Hard news is helpful, I can write a good hard news story. But I am an even better writer of feature pieces, which really capture the essence of a human being. And they are much funner for me to write.
Keep me in your prayer. I got a big ole' term paper to write in the next two weeks, on top of my internship. I also am still clueless on where I am going to be for the summer. Let me know if you hear anything about jobs, too. I'm looking at an internship in Washington (state), but haven't heard back from them since they said a month ago that they were "keeping me in mind." I also am trying to see if Catering at Biola will hire me for the summer. If I was able to do that, I could also look into doing some freelance for the Orange County Register.
I don't knows....
--mjf
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Lessons for the week
Just a few things I've learned/realized since my depressing post last week:
-- Physical exertion is good for the mind. And a good stress reliever to boot!
-- Everyone makes mistakes. Learn from them, don't dwell on them.
-- People are more important than numbers. Tell their story.
-- The world is temporary; the spirit is eternal.
-- Truth is not necessarily in the middle of two sides; independent verification is key.
-- A good, strong meal is good every now and again; even if it is from a box or two.
-- Pray. Study. Meditate. Rinse. Repeat. If one thing doesn't change, it's Scripture.
-- Miles don't matter. Friends are only a phone call away.
-mjf
-- Physical exertion is good for the mind. And a good stress reliever to boot!
-- Everyone makes mistakes. Learn from them, don't dwell on them.
-- People are more important than numbers. Tell their story.
-- The world is temporary; the spirit is eternal.
-- Truth is not necessarily in the middle of two sides; independent verification is key.
-- A good, strong meal is good every now and again; even if it is from a box or two.
-- Pray. Study. Meditate. Rinse. Repeat. If one thing doesn't change, it's Scripture.
-- Miles don't matter. Friends are only a phone call away.
-mjf
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Just an update
I'm doing a lot better now. Thanks for everyone who has been praying for me and supporting me.
This Sunday mornings service helped me put a lot of things in perspective. Plus, my editor was in a much better mood at the end of the week--that helps.
Don't have many updates right now. Just wanted to put somthing up, so people who haven't read my last post yet would know I'm not still feeling the way I was when I wrote that.
This Sunday mornings service helped me put a lot of things in perspective. Plus, my editor was in a much better mood at the end of the week--that helps.
Don't have many updates right now. Just wanted to put somthing up, so people who haven't read my last post yet would know I'm not still feeling the way I was when I wrote that.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Hard week
So this has been one of the hardest weeks on me so far. To be quite honest I'm pretty discouraged right now.
Last Friday I had a small attribution error in my article, where I said some guy presented some stats, when in fact someone else at the same event had presented them. I've had to deal with this, frantically trying to find out what went wrong, contact the right people, write up a correction, apologize the guy who wrote in to complain about it and face a bit of chiding from my editor.
Today I just really felt like my editor was laying it on thick. Now, it could have been that I was just ultra sensitive, since I was still getting over the error, but it really felt like he was pretty hard on me today. He harassed me about a feature article I have been working on for weeks now, telling my my lede wasn't what he wanted. He harassed me about forgetting to sign my name at the end of my blog post. He sounded exasperated when I asked him questions. It just hasn't been a good day.
To top it all off, I nearly made a huge disaster today. I was working on an article about a bill that is being voted on tomorrow, so I called like five or six congressmen, but had to leave messages for all of them.
As soon as I had turned in the article, I got a call. I picked up the phone and the person introduced themselves quickly, so didn't quite get their name. But since it sounded a lot like the name of one of the congressmen I called, I assumed I was talking to him. He gave me a great quote and I added it into my post as an update.
But, at the request of my editor (who I am sure was being extra careful with me since I made an error last week), I fact checked my article just to be sure. As I was verifying all the names, something didn't sit well with me about the quote I had just got from the phone conversation. Needless to say, after a couple minutes of research I had enough doubt to tell one of the Web desk people to take down the quote I just gave them (this is about 10 minutes after the update went up online).
Making a phone call, my fear was confirmed. The guy I had talked to earlier was not the congressman I thought, but rather someone who I had called earlier about their opposition to the bill, but had to leave a message for. I had misquoted a congressman, and for 10 minutes the whole world could have seen it.
Ugh.
I suppose I am just feeling rather down on myself. I had been feeling so good about the work I was doing, but now I just feel like crap--thinking of all the reasons why I should just quit this journalism stuff.
I know my emotions right now are temporary. And I know by my next good article I'll be feeling much better. But still, I feel like I just want to go home right now, where I don't have to deal with the pressure of deadlines, 100 percent accuracy and impressing the boss.
....
This is probably what I asked for. You know, at the beginning of this semester I asked God to keep me humble. Wow, do I feel pretty humbled right now. I'm a long way from the undying praise and encouragement I get at Biola from my journalism professors.
The question now is, what do I do? This internship has definitely revealed to me more about myself. It definitely has shown me that what I thought I wanted from journalism is not what actually will fulfill me.
At Biola I am the news guy. I won news writer of the year last year, and have been responsible for many of the hard breaking pieces with The Chimes. I'm starting to realize now that, though I still am good at hard news, I much prefer writing about peoples' lives. Their hobbies, their passions, their faith. One of the funnest articles I wrote this semester was about two guys who do wingsuit skydiving. It was also the article that got edited the least, and received the most compliments. Maybe that's telling me something.
But I also have been questioning whether I even want to be in this field, with all the stress and responsibility that comes with it. I mainly think this when I am at home, as I tend to really get into my articles while I'm writing them (something I call the journalistic rush). I don't really think my doubts about journalism are that honest, as I know God has done so much to get me where I am--and I know I am good at reporting. But, it's a feeling I have, nonetheless. Probably a good thing to think about.
___
Well, this post has been long. I just needed to vent a little bit. I will admit that a lot of this has to do a bit with homesickness--for Biola and Oregon. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit lonely and wanting the program to end so I can come back. I never really feel like this at Biola because there always are so many awesome friends around me. Plus chapel services during the week that keep me connected with God.
Here in D.C., work has served as a very poor replacement for both those aspects. I increasingly find myself calling people at for Biola or home, just to talk to someone. And I'm oftern quite guilty for spending such little time in the Word.
Never before have I realized how important the church community is to me as I do now.
Last Friday I had a small attribution error in my article, where I said some guy presented some stats, when in fact someone else at the same event had presented them. I've had to deal with this, frantically trying to find out what went wrong, contact the right people, write up a correction, apologize the guy who wrote in to complain about it and face a bit of chiding from my editor.
Today I just really felt like my editor was laying it on thick. Now, it could have been that I was just ultra sensitive, since I was still getting over the error, but it really felt like he was pretty hard on me today. He harassed me about a feature article I have been working on for weeks now, telling my my lede wasn't what he wanted. He harassed me about forgetting to sign my name at the end of my blog post. He sounded exasperated when I asked him questions. It just hasn't been a good day.
To top it all off, I nearly made a huge disaster today. I was working on an article about a bill that is being voted on tomorrow, so I called like five or six congressmen, but had to leave messages for all of them.
As soon as I had turned in the article, I got a call. I picked up the phone and the person introduced themselves quickly, so didn't quite get their name. But since it sounded a lot like the name of one of the congressmen I called, I assumed I was talking to him. He gave me a great quote and I added it into my post as an update.
But, at the request of my editor (who I am sure was being extra careful with me since I made an error last week), I fact checked my article just to be sure. As I was verifying all the names, something didn't sit well with me about the quote I had just got from the phone conversation. Needless to say, after a couple minutes of research I had enough doubt to tell one of the Web desk people to take down the quote I just gave them (this is about 10 minutes after the update went up online).
Making a phone call, my fear was confirmed. The guy I had talked to earlier was not the congressman I thought, but rather someone who I had called earlier about their opposition to the bill, but had to leave a message for. I had misquoted a congressman, and for 10 minutes the whole world could have seen it.
Ugh.
I suppose I am just feeling rather down on myself. I had been feeling so good about the work I was doing, but now I just feel like crap--thinking of all the reasons why I should just quit this journalism stuff.
I know my emotions right now are temporary. And I know by my next good article I'll be feeling much better. But still, I feel like I just want to go home right now, where I don't have to deal with the pressure of deadlines, 100 percent accuracy and impressing the boss.
....
This is probably what I asked for. You know, at the beginning of this semester I asked God to keep me humble. Wow, do I feel pretty humbled right now. I'm a long way from the undying praise and encouragement I get at Biola from my journalism professors.
The question now is, what do I do? This internship has definitely revealed to me more about myself. It definitely has shown me that what I thought I wanted from journalism is not what actually will fulfill me.
At Biola I am the news guy. I won news writer of the year last year, and have been responsible for many of the hard breaking pieces with The Chimes. I'm starting to realize now that, though I still am good at hard news, I much prefer writing about peoples' lives. Their hobbies, their passions, their faith. One of the funnest articles I wrote this semester was about two guys who do wingsuit skydiving. It was also the article that got edited the least, and received the most compliments. Maybe that's telling me something.
But I also have been questioning whether I even want to be in this field, with all the stress and responsibility that comes with it. I mainly think this when I am at home, as I tend to really get into my articles while I'm writing them (something I call the journalistic rush). I don't really think my doubts about journalism are that honest, as I know God has done so much to get me where I am--and I know I am good at reporting. But, it's a feeling I have, nonetheless. Probably a good thing to think about.
___
Well, this post has been long. I just needed to vent a little bit. I will admit that a lot of this has to do a bit with homesickness--for Biola and Oregon. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit lonely and wanting the program to end so I can come back. I never really feel like this at Biola because there always are so many awesome friends around me. Plus chapel services during the week that keep me connected with God.
Here in D.C., work has served as a very poor replacement for both those aspects. I increasingly find myself calling people at for Biola or home, just to talk to someone. And I'm oftern quite guilty for spending such little time in the Word.
Never before have I realized how important the church community is to me as I do now.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
In case you're wondering
That picture up top was taken during one of the nicest days we've had here in D.C. in a while (hence the jovial elation). I actually was wearing shorts and playing frisbee at a park (Stanton Park, look it up).
Anyways, it's kind of an inside joke. You see, David Eldridge is my editor at the Times, and he is just a character. Kinda one of those guys that belongs on a TV show--fun to quote, fun to poke fun at. He's a very stereotypical editor. Has kind of a false crankiness about him; you know, acts cranky but really has a soft heart inside.
Just thought I'd explain.
Anyways, it's kind of an inside joke. You see, David Eldridge is my editor at the Times, and he is just a character. Kinda one of those guys that belongs on a TV show--fun to quote, fun to poke fun at. He's a very stereotypical editor. Has kind of a false crankiness about him; you know, acts cranky but really has a soft heart inside.
Just thought I'd explain.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Editor hands over the keys
Michael Farr
The Washington Times
WASHINGTON,D.C.--In a monumental display of trust, David Eldridge, managing editor of The Washington Times Web site, gave the keys of his car to an intern who joined the paper early this month.
"Don't complain about the mess in there," he told the intern, Michael Farr, a student at Biola University who is currently studying in D.C.
Eldridge gave the keys to Farr so that he could drive another intern, who doesn't have a license, to an event in downtown D.C. The drive proved difficult for Farr, who has only walked the D.C. streets before, never driven them.
"Getting there was a lot easier than coming back, he said. "I passed Union Station like two times. Finally I just found the route that our shuttle usually takes to The Times."
Though it took him two hours, entering into nearly every quadrant of the District, Farr arrived safely at The Washington Times building, delivering the keys to his editor, who then sent Farr immediately to another event.
"The life of a journalist, you know...Got to love it," Farr said.
Farr's article on special types of skydivers in Virgina, called "wingsuit pilots," will be appearing in Friday's Metro section of The Washington Times.
The Washington Times
WASHINGTON,D.C.--In a monumental display of trust, David Eldridge, managing editor of The Washington Times Web site, gave the keys of his car to an intern who joined the paper early this month.
"Don't complain about the mess in there," he told the intern, Michael Farr, a student at Biola University who is currently studying in D.C.
Eldridge gave the keys to Farr so that he could drive another intern, who doesn't have a license, to an event in downtown D.C. The drive proved difficult for Farr, who has only walked the D.C. streets before, never driven them.
"Getting there was a lot easier than coming back, he said. "I passed Union Station like two times. Finally I just found the route that our shuttle usually takes to The Times."
Though it took him two hours, entering into nearly every quadrant of the District, Farr arrived safely at The Washington Times building, delivering the keys to his editor, who then sent Farr immediately to another event.
"The life of a journalist, you know...Got to love it," Farr said.
Farr's article on special types of skydivers in Virgina, called "wingsuit pilots," will be appearing in Friday's Metro section of The Washington Times.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Another Article
Whoo! Got an article in print on Sunday. Volunteered for a Saturday shift, and it worked out real nice. I got to hang out with firefighters!
Check it out.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080217/METRO/168009577/1004/METRO
Check it out.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080217/METRO/168009577/1004/METRO
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
LIVE Blogging for The Washington Times
I got the chance to live blog today for The Times. I was covering Roger Clemens' hearing in front of Congressional Committee.
It actually kind of funny how the day went.
The event ended up being so crowded, and there was no wireless signal in the building, that I just watched the event from a live CSPAN feed online, at home--just blogged from there. From what my intern partner tells me, everyone on our desk really was impressed by what I was sending in. It was a long, long event--about five hours.
This link is the first of like 5-6 posts they ended up putting up. Just find the other ones by looking at the right bar.
http://video1.washingtontimes.com/fishwrap/2008/02/oath_hormones_pt_1_1.html
It actually kind of funny how the day went.
The event ended up being so crowded, and there was no wireless signal in the building, that I just watched the event from a live CSPAN feed online, at home--just blogged from there. From what my intern partner tells me, everyone on our desk really was impressed by what I was sending in. It was a long, long event--about five hours.
This link is the first of like 5-6 posts they ended up putting up. Just find the other ones by looking at the right bar.
http://video1.washingtontimes.com/fishwrap/2008/02/oath_hormones_pt_1_1.html
Friday, February 08, 2008
CPAC 2008
Yesterday I got the assignment of my lifetime: go to CPAC and send back some stuff.
In case you're unfamiliar, CPAC stands for the Conservative Political Action Conference. It's the biggest gathering of conservatives in the nation. Speakers this year included George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul--along with many other congressmen.
I had press creds, so I could basically go anywhere I wanted.
It was so cool to be with all the other press people--writing stuff up, getting quotes and snapping shots. I saw some pretty well known journalists. And you know what, I held my own. I could do it.
I was able to be right in front of the stage with all the press photographers when John McCain was speaking. I was able to get first responses from attendees when Romney, at the conference, surprisingly announced he was dropping out of the presidential race.
I'm not sure if any of the quotes or pics I sent back to The Times will be used, but regardless, it was an amazing experience. One I know I am incredibly lucky to have had.
One thing you can pray for me, though. I'm so hard on myself, and extremely impatient. I'm so ambitious to impress people that it has become difficult to just go with the flow. I want to write an article. I want to get my name in print. Not just blog posts and updates. And every time my editor calls the other intern over instead of me, I start mentally bashing myself. I actually had a dream last night that my editor was completely ignoring me.
I know, I'm crazy.
Just pray I find rest and take it all in, that I would not implode on myself and that when the time does come to perform, I would have focus and deliver something that'll be impressive. Also, that I would be humble.
--mjf.
I was right up there.
It was a pretty good speech.
He definitely is going to be the nominee. McCain fans owned the conference. Maybe he'll still pick Huckabee for VP.
In case you're unfamiliar, CPAC stands for the Conservative Political Action Conference. It's the biggest gathering of conservatives in the nation. Speakers this year included George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul--along with many other congressmen.
I had press creds, so I could basically go anywhere I wanted.
It was so cool to be with all the other press people--writing stuff up, getting quotes and snapping shots. I saw some pretty well known journalists. And you know what, I held my own. I could do it.
I was able to be right in front of the stage with all the press photographers when John McCain was speaking. I was able to get first responses from attendees when Romney, at the conference, surprisingly announced he was dropping out of the presidential race.
I'm not sure if any of the quotes or pics I sent back to The Times will be used, but regardless, it was an amazing experience. One I know I am incredibly lucky to have had.
One thing you can pray for me, though. I'm so hard on myself, and extremely impatient. I'm so ambitious to impress people that it has become difficult to just go with the flow. I want to write an article. I want to get my name in print. Not just blog posts and updates. And every time my editor calls the other intern over instead of me, I start mentally bashing myself. I actually had a dream last night that my editor was completely ignoring me.
I know, I'm crazy.
Just pray I find rest and take it all in, that I would not implode on myself and that when the time does come to perform, I would have focus and deliver something that'll be impressive. Also, that I would be humble.
--mjf.
I was right up there.
It was a pretty good speech.
He definitely is going to be the nominee. McCain fans owned the conference. Maybe he'll still pick Huckabee for VP.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
One Day. One Byline.
So I completed my first day at The Washington Times. Starting on Super Tuesday was a trial-by-fire to say the least, but the fact that I got through unscathed makes me more confident than ever. Best part is, I got to write something!
My editor assigned the other intern and I an article about how youth are using the internet to get involved in politics. We were crunched for time, definitely. But we pulled it off.
Not to brag, but I did most of the work on the article. The other intern was preoccupied for a long time with another task before he came to work with me. When he did come in, he just contributed with some additional information, which was helpful, but I did 98 percent of the writing.
I'm definitely drained. But it was worth it at the end of the day to hear my editor say we did a good job. Sweet.
So totally, check it out.
http://video1.washingtontimes.com/fishwrap/2008/02/how_big_will_the_impact_1.html
--mjf
My editor assigned the other intern and I an article about how youth are using the internet to get involved in politics. We were crunched for time, definitely. But we pulled it off.
Not to brag, but I did most of the work on the article. The other intern was preoccupied for a long time with another task before he came to work with me. When he did come in, he just contributed with some additional information, which was helpful, but I did 98 percent of the writing.
I'm definitely drained. But it was worth it at the end of the day to hear my editor say we did a good job. Sweet.
So totally, check it out.
http://video1.washingtontimes.com/fishwrap/2008/02/how_big_will_the_impact_1.html
--mjf
Sunday, February 03, 2008
WJCers
This post is not so much about things I am experiencing, but rather the people I am experiencing them with.
We are a rather mis-matched group over here at WJC.
Granted, we all have grown quite close over the past three weeks, but that has almost exposed our differences even more.
Geographically, we're all over the place. We have two people from the South, three Californians, a girl from Florida, a Minnesotan and a guy from Illinois. One of the constant things to laugh about is how everyone talks. Most everyone has commented on how fast I talk. The Minnesotan has that distinguishable "o" sound. You know, like a Canadian. Our Southern girl has got the twang (though of course she doesn't notice it) and the mid-west, Illinois guy talks very slow and methodical.
But beyond that, and our various different slang words, our personalities are way different. I really don't think any of us would be friends if we all went to the same school. We got some partyers, some academics, our token liberal (who I ironically get along with the best, haha) and some just, well, strange people.
While I appreciate the diversity of the group, I feel like other members may be a little less tolerant than me. Lately there has been a little bit too much talking behind peoples' back and making fun of them. Granted, its usually in "good humor," but "good humor," when it becomes a pattern can really start causing strife and divisions within groups.
Ultimately, though, I think this is just part of the experience. I'm in a new environment, I might as well meet new kinds of people. And this has also given me the chance to kind of play the peacemaker in the group--defending people and not letting gossip go too far. But it hasn't been easy. One of our members got themselves in a bit of trouble yesterday, and I'm kind of waiting how it will play out with the group.
Ughh. I just want to study journalism.
By the way, I start my internship with The Washington Times on Tuesday.
Peace.
--mjf
We are a rather mis-matched group over here at WJC.
Granted, we all have grown quite close over the past three weeks, but that has almost exposed our differences even more.
Geographically, we're all over the place. We have two people from the South, three Californians, a girl from Florida, a Minnesotan and a guy from Illinois. One of the constant things to laugh about is how everyone talks. Most everyone has commented on how fast I talk. The Minnesotan has that distinguishable "o" sound. You know, like a Canadian. Our Southern girl has got the twang (though of course she doesn't notice it) and the mid-west, Illinois guy talks very slow and methodical.
But beyond that, and our various different slang words, our personalities are way different. I really don't think any of us would be friends if we all went to the same school. We got some partyers, some academics, our token liberal (who I ironically get along with the best, haha) and some just, well, strange people.
While I appreciate the diversity of the group, I feel like other members may be a little less tolerant than me. Lately there has been a little bit too much talking behind peoples' back and making fun of them. Granted, its usually in "good humor," but "good humor," when it becomes a pattern can really start causing strife and divisions within groups.
Ultimately, though, I think this is just part of the experience. I'm in a new environment, I might as well meet new kinds of people. And this has also given me the chance to kind of play the peacemaker in the group--defending people and not letting gossip go too far. But it hasn't been easy. One of our members got themselves in a bit of trouble yesterday, and I'm kind of waiting how it will play out with the group.
Ughh. I just want to study journalism.
By the way, I start my internship with The Washington Times on Tuesday.
Peace.
--mjf
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Control
Watched the Democratic Debate in LA tonight.
This one question caught my attention:
This one question caught my attention:
Wow, imagine if that question was turned around: "Mr. Clinton, could you control your wife?" That'd create a riot.
Man oh man. Silly double-standards.
News Blog Site
Just wanted to make you all aware of WJC's news blog, which is maintained by the students in the program. The posts tend to be personal reflections on either the program or current events.
I should have a post up soon, and will continue to contribute throughout the semester.
Here it is.
http://wjcblog.typepad.com/ink_tank/
I should have a post up soon, and will continue to contribute throughout the semester.
Here it is.
http://wjcblog.typepad.com/ink_tank/
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Figuring out DC.
Since I last posted I've chopped cucumbers, onions and celery, seen pictures of the some of the worst crimes committed against humanity and experienced my first professional hockey game.
Getting the whole package here in D.C.
So I'll explain. The chopping business was part of my service project that students in the WJC are required to participate in. Required, yes, but I was quite happy and excited to do it. I served at the "DC Central Kitchen," which prepares and distributes 5,000 meals a day for various homeless shelters in the D.C. area. I met some pretty interesting people, including a woman named "Mrs. Dot," who, despite her drill-sergeant of the kitchen like ways and almost undecipherable accent, was all too lovable.
Today I went to the Holocaust Museum, which was simply amazing. A very powerful place that definitely will affect anyone who visits it (maybe the Iranian president should visit it). There were thousands of pictures, hundreds of artifacts and many videos in the museum that served to show the incredible plight of European Jews under the Nazi regime during World War II. I wouldn't do it justice trying to describe it in words, so I won't.
On Thursday I went to see the Washington Capitals play the Toronto Maple Leafs. (yes, Leafs.) One of the students here is from Minnesota, where hockey is like the state sport. I had a good time, even though we definitely got the nose-bleeder seats. (Hey, it was $10.)
Classes have been going pretty well. Our last session gave me a lot to think about. We had our director, who is an Orthodox Christian, explain to us how Catholic and Orthodox believers view the world in comparison to Wesleyan Christians (of which many evangelicals can be described as). Our popular Protestant culture in America has tended to encourage people to make Christian versions of whatever it is they do in life (eg. Christian music, Christian books, Christian radio stations).
Our director said this is very different from the typical ancient church view, which simply said you should just be the best at what you do--that is how you honor God. I definitely have been thinking about that the past few years, but the way he presented it was even more powerful.
There has been other stuff lectured on that has shaken my mind up a bit, but I'll just leave it at that; a lot of it is still processing.
Tomorrow we're visiting a new church: Capitol Baptist Church, which apparently is pretty well-known even outside D.C.
You all can be praying that I stay resolute in the midst of difficulties and doubt. I'm sure there's going to be a lot of frustration and stress when I enter my internship, and I don't want to get into a stage of self-pity. Rather, I want to push myself all the harder--learn and grow from my mistakes and short-comings. Also pray that I not draw back from the people around me. I've been really happy with how part of this WJC group I feel. For all you who know me and read my blogs, you know I have a lot of inner-turmoil around my social life and where I fit in sometimes. So it has been good that I feel so accepted and liked here. I just don't want to unintentionally lose that because I got lazy.
Love. Faith.
--mjf.
Getting the whole package here in D.C.
So I'll explain. The chopping business was part of my service project that students in the WJC are required to participate in. Required, yes, but I was quite happy and excited to do it. I served at the "DC Central Kitchen," which prepares and distributes 5,000 meals a day for various homeless shelters in the D.C. area. I met some pretty interesting people, including a woman named "Mrs. Dot," who, despite her drill-sergeant of the kitchen like ways and almost undecipherable accent, was all too lovable.
Today I went to the Holocaust Museum, which was simply amazing. A very powerful place that definitely will affect anyone who visits it (maybe the Iranian president should visit it). There were thousands of pictures, hundreds of artifacts and many videos in the museum that served to show the incredible plight of European Jews under the Nazi regime during World War II. I wouldn't do it justice trying to describe it in words, so I won't.
On Thursday I went to see the Washington Capitals play the Toronto Maple Leafs. (yes, Leafs.) One of the students here is from Minnesota, where hockey is like the state sport. I had a good time, even though we definitely got the nose-bleeder seats. (Hey, it was $10.)
Classes have been going pretty well. Our last session gave me a lot to think about. We had our director, who is an Orthodox Christian, explain to us how Catholic and Orthodox believers view the world in comparison to Wesleyan Christians (of which many evangelicals can be described as). Our popular Protestant culture in America has tended to encourage people to make Christian versions of whatever it is they do in life (eg. Christian music, Christian books, Christian radio stations).
Our director said this is very different from the typical ancient church view, which simply said you should just be the best at what you do--that is how you honor God. I definitely have been thinking about that the past few years, but the way he presented it was even more powerful.
There has been other stuff lectured on that has shaken my mind up a bit, but I'll just leave it at that; a lot of it is still processing.
Tomorrow we're visiting a new church: Capitol Baptist Church, which apparently is pretty well-known even outside D.C.
You all can be praying that I stay resolute in the midst of difficulties and doubt. I'm sure there's going to be a lot of frustration and stress when I enter my internship, and I don't want to get into a stage of self-pity. Rather, I want to push myself all the harder--learn and grow from my mistakes and short-comings. Also pray that I not draw back from the people around me. I've been really happy with how part of this WJC group I feel. For all you who know me and read my blogs, you know I have a lot of inner-turmoil around my social life and where I fit in sometimes. So it has been good that I feel so accepted and liked here. I just don't want to unintentionally lose that because I got lazy.
Love. Faith.
--mjf.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Weather!
Wow. So today was the coldest day I have experienced in a long time. Currently, at 2:00 pm, it is a steaming 23 degrees. Walking to church today I felt like my ears were going to freeze and fall off. Right now I'm wearing like four layers of shirts just to get my body warm again. The sky, however, is quite clear.
I've been told the weather has been acting up a bit lately: snowed two times in the past week, weather in the upper 50s, then two days later in the lower 20s. So yeah, seem to be getting a quick tour of the weather diversity here in D.C..
Church this morning was pretty nice. I went to a place called Christ Our Shepherd with many of the other WJC students. It definitely was different than I am used to, but very good. The pastor had quite an academic sermon (sounded like a professor), and there was a dance team that performed. There also was another pastor who had a stout British accent. It just so happens that relatives of my pastor in La Mirada go to this church--small, small world.
As it is Martin Luther King Jr. Day tomorrow, there's nothing really going on. So I'll probably be doing some sightseeing around town. Need to get all the tourist out of me before I actually have to start working.
One of my roommates did a video tour of our house. Here is the link (you may need Facebook to view this): http://biola.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=508346632776 .
A bunch of us at a place called Cosi, in downtown D.C.. It was sort of a coffee/sandwich place with a twist: you could order smores! But that was a fun day. We all jumped on the metro to go shopping, and then just cruised downtown for a while. Cool city I am in. Also, last night, after playing games at our house, all the WJCers went to a nifty little pizza place for dinner. Delicious!
I've been told the weather has been acting up a bit lately: snowed two times in the past week, weather in the upper 50s, then two days later in the lower 20s. So yeah, seem to be getting a quick tour of the weather diversity here in D.C..
Church this morning was pretty nice. I went to a place called Christ Our Shepherd with many of the other WJC students. It definitely was different than I am used to, but very good. The pastor had quite an academic sermon (sounded like a professor), and there was a dance team that performed. There also was another pastor who had a stout British accent. It just so happens that relatives of my pastor in La Mirada go to this church--small, small world.
As it is Martin Luther King Jr. Day tomorrow, there's nothing really going on. So I'll probably be doing some sightseeing around town. Need to get all the tourist out of me before I actually have to start working.
One of my roommates did a video tour of our house. Here is the link (you may need Facebook to view this): http://biola.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=508346632776 .
A bunch of us at a place called Cosi, in downtown D.C.. It was sort of a coffee/sandwich place with a twist: you could order smores! But that was a fun day. We all jumped on the metro to go shopping, and then just cruised downtown for a while. Cool city I am in. Also, last night, after playing games at our house, all the WJCers went to a nifty little pizza place for dinner. Delicious!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
DC--Days 1 and 2
So, I have officially arrived at the nation's capitol. The land of the most powerful people in the world. And behind the scenes, also home the country's most impoverished people. What a city.
The plane flight was, as you might expect, tiring. I flew from Portland at 11:30 PM and landed in Houston at 5:30 their time. After a two hour layover, I proceeded on a plane to Baltimore, arriving at 11:20 EST.
Then I had a long day of orientation and settling in. I met all my fellow WJCers, got a crash course in DC public transportation, and heard a great message from a local pastor who is affiliated with the program.
Needless to say, I passed out as soon as I hit the pillow last night.
Today began with a walk to Union station--a rather large hub for DC public transportation. There we ate some delightful breakfast at a restaurant right in the center of this impressive and elaborate complex.
(Union Station--you can see the statues which go around the entire perimeter of the complex. It's hard to capture the immensity of this place on camera)
Oh yeah, did I mentioned it snowed today? That's a minor detail. Yeah, it dumped. Big ole southern flakes is what they said it looked like. Basically that means big and wet flakes. And given that you walk everywhere, we got the pleasure of enjoying it in all it's glory. Least I got to test out my new "Weatherproof" jacket.
From there commenced several more orientation type deals, with a lunch break at a quaint little seafood restaurant.
(Us at the seafood place)
The house I am staying at is fantastic. It's a four story house in the typical DC row-house style (tall, but very skinny, and cramed like a tuna in-between two other houses). We're pretty much in the backyard of the Supreme Court building. I know, it's crazy. I've seen this place in pictures, on TV--but now I am living just a couple blocks away from it. It literally would just be 3 minute walk to get there.
I haven't got to cruise the city too much (that'll come this weekend), but it already has been quite a mouthful portion for this west-coast boy. I'm just paranoid about getting lost. I've used public transportation, like what? Twice in my whole life? And that's basically our only mode of transportation other than walking. It's a little nerve-wracking to think that I will have to be relying on public transit to get me everywhere I need to go on time. Driving a car you have so much...control. But our director says we'll be experts in a couple weeks--so we'll see.
I'll be keeping you all updated as I go along. I'll try to post at least once a week--probably more in these first couple weeks. Once it kicks up, though, it'll be a little more difficult.
Cheers
(Door of WJC's Green House)
The plane flight was, as you might expect, tiring. I flew from Portland at 11:30 PM and landed in Houston at 5:30 their time. After a two hour layover, I proceeded on a plane to Baltimore, arriving at 11:20 EST.
Then I had a long day of orientation and settling in. I met all my fellow WJCers, got a crash course in DC public transportation, and heard a great message from a local pastor who is affiliated with the program.
Needless to say, I passed out as soon as I hit the pillow last night.
Today began with a walk to Union station--a rather large hub for DC public transportation. There we ate some delightful breakfast at a restaurant right in the center of this impressive and elaborate complex.
(Union Station--you can see the statues which go around the entire perimeter of the complex. It's hard to capture the immensity of this place on camera)
Oh yeah, did I mentioned it snowed today? That's a minor detail. Yeah, it dumped. Big ole southern flakes is what they said it looked like. Basically that means big and wet flakes. And given that you walk everywhere, we got the pleasure of enjoying it in all it's glory. Least I got to test out my new "Weatherproof" jacket.
From there commenced several more orientation type deals, with a lunch break at a quaint little seafood restaurant.
(Us at the seafood place)
The house I am staying at is fantastic. It's a four story house in the typical DC row-house style (tall, but very skinny, and cramed like a tuna in-between two other houses). We're pretty much in the backyard of the Supreme Court building. I know, it's crazy. I've seen this place in pictures, on TV--but now I am living just a couple blocks away from it. It literally would just be 3 minute walk to get there.
I haven't got to cruise the city too much (that'll come this weekend), but it already has been quite a mouthful portion for this west-coast boy. I'm just paranoid about getting lost. I've used public transportation, like what? Twice in my whole life? And that's basically our only mode of transportation other than walking. It's a little nerve-wracking to think that I will have to be relying on public transit to get me everywhere I need to go on time. Driving a car you have so much...control. But our director says we'll be experts in a couple weeks--so we'll see.
I'll be keeping you all updated as I go along. I'll try to post at least once a week--probably more in these first couple weeks. Once it kicks up, though, it'll be a little more difficult.
Cheers
(Door of WJC's Green House)
Friday, January 11, 2008
Almost there
So, in less than four days I will be flying to the other coast of the United States; to a place where this country has made all its laws; to a place where some of the most powerful people in the world go to work--Washington DC.
It has been a wonderful break. Been good to see my family again. But I'm ready to get back into my element--back to pushing myself and discovering where God is going to take me. I think this next semester is going to be pretty defining for me. If I do well enough here, I could be opening up job opportunities for after I graduate. I also will be seeing a place that I have never seen before--only widening my already expanding borders.
I want to thank all those people--especially my family--who have made this trip possible. All the support, the money, the gifts that'll make my DC trip a little warmer, heh. And for just allowing to do this--for believing that I can, even if is a little hard to see me so out there.
So, in case you haven't heard, I most likely will be working for the Washington Times when I am over there--you'll be able to read some of the stuff I write for them on their website, I'm sure. If it's not with the Times, then it will be with a place called Market News International. But, I'm pretty confident of the Times position.
This will be my first real, working internship. It's a little nerve wracking, but I'm going to stay in prayer and do my best. I guess if my professors didn't think I could do it they wouldn't have recommended me
for the program.
Keep me in your prayers. This is new terrain for me...but I am very excited.
It has been a wonderful break. Been good to see my family again. But I'm ready to get back into my element--back to pushing myself and discovering where God is going to take me. I think this next semester is going to be pretty defining for me. If I do well enough here, I could be opening up job opportunities for after I graduate. I also will be seeing a place that I have never seen before--only widening my already expanding borders.
I want to thank all those people--especially my family--who have made this trip possible. All the support, the money, the gifts that'll make my DC trip a little warmer, heh. And for just allowing to do this--for believing that I can, even if is a little hard to see me so out there.
So, in case you haven't heard, I most likely will be working for the Washington Times when I am over there--you'll be able to read some of the stuff I write for them on their website, I'm sure. If it's not with the Times, then it will be with a place called Market News International. But, I'm pretty confident of the Times position.
This will be my first real, working internship. It's a little nerve wracking, but I'm going to stay in prayer and do my best. I guess if my professors didn't think I could do it they wouldn't have recommended me
for the program.
Keep me in your prayers. This is new terrain for me...but I am very excited.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Thanksgiving
So tomorrow I leave with my roommate to San Fransisco where I will be joining his family for Thanksgiving. Pretty exciting. New place, good buddy, no homework.
That last part is especially relieving, given that these past two weeks have been crazy busy. Chimes articles, Old Testament, The Point (which just got sent to the printer, yay!).
I cannot believe how fast this semester has gone. Uncrediculous (new word)!!! It really makes me scared actually. I mean. college is going to be gone before I know it. My biggest fear is losing out on all the relationships I can have here. And as each semester passes me by, I never am completely content with my social life. Sure, a lot of people like me, I get along with a lot of people. Girls seem at least semi-interested in me :) . But, I just feel like I'm lacking a core group of friends. My roommate and I are practically inseperable, but it just doesn't feel like enough.
I mean, it's weird, I can totally click with someone in a class, while working with The Chimes, etc etc, but for some reason, the relationship rarely extends beyond the context I met them in. I only see my Chimes friends while doing The Chimes, only see my class friends while in class, and only see my Point friends while I'm working on The Point. I don't know how to fix that. I mean, I'm sure the obvious advice is, "Be intentional. Ask them to something." That's great and all, but why do things just work naturally for everyone else? It seems like for most people relationships just naturally happen and grow. That seems to be a rarity for me. My stongest relationships are the ones that life kind of forced me into (i.e. my roommate, Alec and Kyla, who are practically my family). Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE those people, but I just feel like something is wrong with me; that I am unable to establish better friendships from scratch.
I don't know. It's not all bad. I get little beams of light every once in a while. Like Saturday night, two girls that are in my major invited me to this photo scavenget hunt in Downtown Disney (some pics below). That was a lot of fun--and it was really cool to just be able to hang out with them as peers--not as fellow journalism majors, not as Chimes co-workers (one of them is my editor), just friends. As silly as that sounds, it really feels like a novelty for me. Rarely do I hang out with people just "as friends"; my social interactions almost always seemed tied to some kind of activity I'm involved in.
Well, 'nuff of that.
So, going to DC next semester. Wild. Just got an email from the program director telling me to start thinking of internships--can't believe that it's so close now.
Another cool thing, my journalism professor (you know the one I groaned about 2-3 posts ago), pulled me aside today and talked to me about where I wanted to be after graduation. I told him I wanted to work in the newspaper business, but just didn't know quite where. He then proceeded to tell me that these people he knew in DC had asked him if he knew any good journalism majors--he said he thought of me!! He told me to check out their website, and if I ever wanted to persue a job or internship there he would recommend me.
Incredible--I walked outside after he told me that and praised God.
Who knows if anything will come of this. But to just see how many opportunities are availble to me that I don't even see is incredible. And what's more, it came from a professor who just two months ago I was tired of.
Well, looking forward to coming back for Christmas. Later!
_________
Pics from the photo scavenger hunt. We were given photographs of various objects in Downtown Disney. We had a certain amount of time to go out and find them and get a picture by them with our group. It was really fun.
The guy in the tan jacket was fearless. He would do the funniest things in order to get into places. Like once, we thought one object might have been in a restraunt. He goes up to greeting lady, says he is looking for his party and she lets us go in and look around, lol. Another time in a bath and body store, in order to cause a diversion so we could take a picture (in a lot of places Disneyland doesn't want you taking pictures), he asked one of the store clerks the advantages of balming your back. Oh man.
That last part is especially relieving, given that these past two weeks have been crazy busy. Chimes articles, Old Testament, The Point (which just got sent to the printer, yay!).
I cannot believe how fast this semester has gone. Uncrediculous (new word)!!! It really makes me scared actually. I mean. college is going to be gone before I know it. My biggest fear is losing out on all the relationships I can have here. And as each semester passes me by, I never am completely content with my social life. Sure, a lot of people like me, I get along with a lot of people. Girls seem at least semi-interested in me :) . But, I just feel like I'm lacking a core group of friends. My roommate and I are practically inseperable, but it just doesn't feel like enough.
I mean, it's weird, I can totally click with someone in a class, while working with The Chimes, etc etc, but for some reason, the relationship rarely extends beyond the context I met them in. I only see my Chimes friends while doing The Chimes, only see my class friends while in class, and only see my Point friends while I'm working on The Point. I don't know how to fix that. I mean, I'm sure the obvious advice is, "Be intentional. Ask them to something." That's great and all, but why do things just work naturally for everyone else? It seems like for most people relationships just naturally happen and grow. That seems to be a rarity for me. My stongest relationships are the ones that life kind of forced me into (i.e. my roommate, Alec and Kyla, who are practically my family). Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE those people, but I just feel like something is wrong with me; that I am unable to establish better friendships from scratch.
I don't know. It's not all bad. I get little beams of light every once in a while. Like Saturday night, two girls that are in my major invited me to this photo scavenget hunt in Downtown Disney (some pics below). That was a lot of fun--and it was really cool to just be able to hang out with them as peers--not as fellow journalism majors, not as Chimes co-workers (one of them is my editor), just friends. As silly as that sounds, it really feels like a novelty for me. Rarely do I hang out with people just "as friends"; my social interactions almost always seemed tied to some kind of activity I'm involved in.
Well, 'nuff of that.
So, going to DC next semester. Wild. Just got an email from the program director telling me to start thinking of internships--can't believe that it's so close now.
Another cool thing, my journalism professor (you know the one I groaned about 2-3 posts ago), pulled me aside today and talked to me about where I wanted to be after graduation. I told him I wanted to work in the newspaper business, but just didn't know quite where. He then proceeded to tell me that these people he knew in DC had asked him if he knew any good journalism majors--he said he thought of me!! He told me to check out their website, and if I ever wanted to persue a job or internship there he would recommend me.
Incredible--I walked outside after he told me that and praised God.
Who knows if anything will come of this. But to just see how many opportunities are availble to me that I don't even see is incredible. And what's more, it came from a professor who just two months ago I was tired of.
Well, looking forward to coming back for Christmas. Later!
_________
Pics from the photo scavenger hunt. We were given photographs of various objects in Downtown Disney. We had a certain amount of time to go out and find them and get a picture by them with our group. It was really fun.
The guy in the tan jacket was fearless. He would do the funniest things in order to get into places. Like once, we thought one object might have been in a restraunt. He goes up to greeting lady, says he is looking for his party and she lets us go in and look around, lol. Another time in a bath and body store, in order to cause a diversion so we could take a picture (in a lot of places Disneyland doesn't want you taking pictures), he asked one of the store clerks the advantages of balming your back. Oh man.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sunday Soccer
One of my journalism major friends did an article on the Sunday soccer guys at Biola.
http://chimes.biola.edu/news/biola/2007/nov/12/boys-sunday/
He got a couple pictures of me (one is a little unflattering :) ).
I love Sunday soccer. It can get a little messy sometimes (as in play style), but at least I get to play--I still miss playing on a competitive team.
http://chimes.biola.edu/news/biola/2007/nov/12/boys-sunday/
He got a couple pictures of me (one is a little unflattering :) ).
I love Sunday soccer. It can get a little messy sometimes (as in play style), but at least I get to play--I still miss playing on a competitive team.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
HOOPLA
There's been a lot of activity on Biola's campus these past few days. On Friday Biola inaugurated Dr. Bary Corey, Biola's 8th president. That was a truly amazing thing to see; all the professors in their gowns; amazing music; great message from Dr. Cory.
On Saturday we had Biola Fest on Campus, which was a big carnival like event with performances by several bands, including Mercy Me. A lot of people from the community came in. I had the chance to eat some wonderful cotton candy :).
You can look on http://chimes.biola.edu for more details about all this. Some pictures of mine are actually posted on the website right now. I've been doing a lot more photography since I began doing all this online writing.
Oh, just to let you all know, I got my offical acceptance into the Washington Journalism center last week--really exciting!! So, I'm just taking care of some paper work, and in the next few months I will be trying to get set up with an internship over there.
On Saturday we had Biola Fest on Campus, which was a big carnival like event with performances by several bands, including Mercy Me. A lot of people from the community came in. I had the chance to eat some wonderful cotton candy :).
You can look on http://chimes.biola.edu for more details about all this. Some pictures of mine are actually posted on the website right now. I've been doing a lot more photography since I began doing all this online writing.
Oh, just to let you all know, I got my offical acceptance into the Washington Journalism center last week--really exciting!! So, I'm just taking care of some paper work, and in the next few months I will be trying to get set up with an internship over there.
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