Uphill idealist

Here is the short film by Jamie Moffett that I blogged about the other day. Please take a moment to watch the story of Marcelo's life and his sad demise. Pray for the people living in El Salvador, who are dealing with violence and exploitation daily. Then take another moment to pass Marcelo's story along, as his story is a part of all our stories. Peace.

You've been tagged; so you are supposed to write a note with the 3's of YOU. At the end, choose people to be tagged. You have to tag me. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you - but not in a creepy stalker kind of way...... (To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page; paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 3's, tag 26 people (in the right hand corner of the app), then click publish. Three names I go by: 1.Tara 2.Mom 3.Miss Tara Three jobs I have had in my life: 1.Worship leader 2.Youth Minister 3.Graphic Artist Three places I have lived: 1. Warren, PA 2. Russell, PA 3. Jamestown, NY Three Favorite Drinks: 1. Water 2. Iced unsweetened tea with lemon 3. Earl gray tea with honey. 4. Diet Coke Three TV shows that I watch: 1. Lost 2. Dr. Who 3. Torchwood Three Places I have Been: 1. Colorado Springs, CO 2. Santa Cruz, CA 3. New Orleans, LO Three people who e-mail or Facebook me regularly: 1. Ian 2. Beth 3. Ja...

Jamie Moffet is an independent film and documentary maker that I was introduced to when attending the book tour for Chris Haw and Shane Claiborne's Jesus for President . Jamie followed the book tour interviewing and filming all the way and ended up creating a thought provoking documentary called, "Ordinary Radicals" investigating on the shifts in church and culture around us. Recently Jamie has been working on a new documentary, focusing on the ongoing civil war in El Salvador and it's unexpected connections to the USA. While filming this current documentary, Jamie came upon an account of a recent murder investigation concerning a teacher and anti-mining activist, Gustavo Marcelo Rivera Moreno, who had recently gone missing from the tiny country town of San Isidro. In addition to his original project, Jamie felt his purpose also included filming a short on the disappearance and murder of Mr. Moreno. The young man's murder was one particular in it violence tha...

I'm home from the ELCA youth gathering in New Orleans. It's amazing to me that yesterday morning I was in that beautiful and now almost hopeful city and today I'm back to my small city, and seeing hopeful signs here too. I will have to take the next few days to unpack my physical luggage as well as all the experiences and opportunity our group had while we were the the big easy. So for today, I just wanted to tell you all a simple hello, that I missed you and that I already miss all the lovely people I met in New Orleans. You made a home in my heart with your stories, your determination and your hope.

I feel like I've been packing for a month. This week I'm headed to New Orleans with my youth group. Its been a busy road of fund raising, list making (wink back to last week's bread.) shopping, sorting and packing. Thing can become complicated when you are planning travel and convention details for ten people - I'm just glad I'm not the one doing ALL the registration for the 40,000 people that will be attending the ELCA Youth Gathering. When you pack for a week or so - you 5-6 of everything. You need: Socks, underwear (sometimes more!), shorts, shirts and two pair of comfy comfy walking shoes. Then there is all the extra items: soap, toothpaste... you get the idea. In this examen, there is a focus on what you spiritually and physically let go of and what you hold on to. So in this week of trip preparation, I realize too that I've had some things to let go of and hold on to. Letting go of: Pushing the limit: So often I'm tempted to pack my figurative luggage ...

My friend Chris Hennig, whom I met through World Vision last year at the AID's experience exhibit , is on a new adventure this summer. He is hiking the Appalachian trail - all 2200 miles of it. At this point in the journey, he's about at the half-way mark on the adventure. Chris is shooting footage throughout this trip to make a documentary called, "The road less traveled." He also is using this opportunity to educate others about poverty and its effect upon those most effected by it - children. Here is a promo for the documentary. The original hiking group began with 7 people and now the group is down to 2! They are about 1/2 way complete with their hiking goal. Visit the site, say a prayer for Chris - and soon he will have accomplished his goal of hiking and documenting 2200 miles of outdoor life. If you'd like to visit the website where he's posting video blogs about the trip, go to 2200 Miles.

After a tasty evening snack of Super Pretzels with my family, an amazing thing happened... My daughter was instantly transformed in "Super Pretzel" herself! Was it the mustard? Was it the cream cheese? I'm not sure we'll ever know! Super Pretzel emerges from her secret headquarters to fight crime in the City of Jamestown! Super Pretzel feels strongly about her adopted planet earth. That is why she uses a recycled beach towel as her cape! Super Pretzel is impervious to an attack by her evil Ninja brother! Super Pretzel takes a hot-line call from the Chief of Police! (Being a conscientious crime fighter, she ALWAYS has her cell phone with her!) Super Pretzel caught on camera as she goes "up, up and away!" Super Pretzel shows off her mad fighting skills as she gives her evil Ninja brother some what-for! Just a typical evening at the Eastman residence. :) Oh how we love super heroes!