Legally Blonde and random places of inspiration

If you don't like the movie Legally Blonde, we probably can't be friends.

Ok, that's probably an exaggeration, but you'll probably be annoyed by the fact that I quote that movie like nobody's business, randomly burst out in songs from the musical, and watch a specific scene from that movie for study motivation for all midterms and finals every semester.

Why is it so great you ask?
 1. It's really entertaining. There are some quality quotes in that movie. (Don't stomp your little last season Prada shoes at me, you know you love this movie too.)
2. It's inspirational. Think this is a stretch? Think again. It's defying stereotypes and gives you a character you want to root for.
3. The good girl wins in the end by going after what she wants, working hard, and doing it the right way. In the end, yes, she gets the right guy, but that wasn't the point of the movie.
4. Reese Witherspoon is wonderful. Enough said.

One scene in particular, besides the scene that helps me study for exams, is my favorite. It's from Legally Blonde 2, but it is the 21st century, blonde version of this verse:

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute^. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." - Proverbs 31:8-9

See for yourself:

 

 Ok, so it's not necessarily the most biblical, but you have to admit the Elle makes a pretty good point.

If you read my last post, you know my experiences and how the lord really put the poor and oppressed on my hear.  I left for college with this burden in my heart, but I didn't know what to do about it. How could I reconcile this verse with my everyday life?

God answers prayers so much though when you start seeking Him, rather than his blessings or plans.

Within a month into school, I learned about an internship with an incredible local non-profit called FIGHT. It was an anti-human trafficking non-profit, and like I said, the two burdens God laid on my heart were human trafficking and clean water and water access.

Coincidence? I think not.

So I applied, I prayed, and I waited, patiently. Not something I'm good at. However, I knew that God fulfilled his promises when I committed my plans to him and would deliver.

In November, I heard back and learned I got the internship for the following spring semester.

It was one of the biggest blessings I have received to date. I learned so much. I was mentored and my heart was completely broken for victims of trafficking and their traffickers.

27 million. That is an overwhelming number. That's how many people are in slavery throughout the world right now. This number is really discouraging. I would lie awake at night crying for these people and thinking how impossible it would be to ever end human trafficking.

Then, He gently reminded me that I am not God. He sees what's happening and it breaks his heart. The incredible thing is that he invites us to do something about it. To speak up! (Again, my life could only be so perfectly woven together by the creator of the universe, because this is where my education and major come in again.)
Through all the statistics and information I learned what a biblical response to injustice looks like. It was life changing. It's not based on emotions and hype, but it's doing something.

With all that's happened in the past year, I know that the Lord is calling me to India during this time to speak up against injustice and indifference. 

Day by day I'm learning what that looks like and it makes me so unbelievably happy. (And if I'm being honest, pretty relieved.)

I just realized it took me like four really long blog posts to explain all of this. But it also really helped me process everything. So if you're still reading, thanks.

                                                       With Love,

                                                         Kaitlyn

P. S. If you were inspired by this I so encourage you to do something about something you're passionate about. Don't be indifferent.

Wordless Wednesday

This is really "minimal words with pictures Wednesday" but that title doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.
So I guess this is that fortune cookie in image form, or they just weren't very creative when coming up with good fortunes. Regardless, the anti-comfort-zone sentiments of the summer still stand.

Beautiful Feet

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” - Romans 10:14-15


<sup>For the record, I hate feet. Really I hate people touching me period, but if someone touches me with his or her feet, I'm not responsible for my reaction.
Because of that, I always found this scripture kind of strange, but its a scripture that's been on my heart since December. (funny how God works.)


Beautiful and feet. Definitely not two words that I ever put together. To me, feet are dirty and gross. Besides nail polish, there's nothing beautiful about feet. However, in Hebrew, the word beautiful can be translated to towb which means:</sup>

a) welfare, prosperity, happiness

b) good things (collective)

c) good, benefit

d) moral good

^{So our calling has nothing to do with beauty. It has nothing to do with feet and the fact that I hate them. It has everything to do with love. Love. Love. Love. The very reason I feel called to study half way across the word in a place filled with beauty, filth, poverty, colors, stories, and amazing people.}"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation." - Isaiah 52:7


"Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go." - Mother Teresa


                                               With Love,
                                                 Kaitlyn  

People touching my hair and other things I hate...

I am not someone who likes being touched. It's probably really weird but it makes me really paranoid and I start thinking about germs any time someone touches me, especially my hands, face and hair. (Why you would think it's appropriate to just grab someone's face, I have no idea. Clearly, if that's normal for you, you have some things to work out.) Unless someone does it on purpose because they know how much it irks me, I won't say anything, but on the inside I'm probably seething.

Other things I hate: (besides what was mentioned above)

1. Getting death threats.
2. Being stuck in mobs.
3. Accidentally causing mobs.
4.  Not speaking the same language as the mob surrounding you.
5. Crying in public.

What do any of those things have to do with each other, you ask? Because all of them happened to me within a period of two hours last summer in the Dominican Republic.

Why am I writing this? Because it was the exactly moment when I tangibly saw that indifference is not an option.

Ever since I was little, I've had a heart for people. Vulnerable, hurt, broken people. Maybe it was because somewhere deep inside, I understood. It just took me 18 years to realize it. You know those commercials for Feed The Children that make you feel really terrible if you change the channel? I was their perfect audience, because I would always try to convince my parents that we needed to adopt the entire continent of Africa. (Side note, obviously, I realized that couldn't happen, but it's the reason we have our really awesome sponsored child from El Salvador, Sandra. Check out Compassion International) This was definitely instilled early on in my life by my incredible parents who always taught us and demonstrated  the importance of missions, serving, and tithing. However, I think there is something intrinsically wired in us to respond with compassion and love when we see injustice because we were created in the image of God.

From then on, I would learn about causes and organizations that would tug at my heart. I would research and support them and raise awareness as much as possible. (Clearly, PR was a good choice.)

Forward to the summer after my senior year. I was on a mission trip to Belleglade Florida, one of my favorite places in the world that will always have a special place in my heart. There, I learned from a dear friend about Word Made Flesh and her time with them in Thailand, and her experiences with trafficking victims. I'm pretty sure I annoyed her by asking her for more stories almost every day during that trip. (If you're reading this, sorry Bekah!) But I couldn't get enough, and I had a heart for southeast Asia even though I had never been there before.  (Cue hint #1 on India and my future calling.)

Forward a month later and I found myself on another trip to the Dominican Republic. Quite possibly, a series of the most life changing moments of my life. Will took us to a tiny slum called Guatchupita, where he first worked the year before while on the World Race.
I had never seen such alarming poverty.
The houses looked like they would fall over with a gust of wind. The river around the slum was an unhealthy brown. The stench was nearly unbearable. Everywhere was covered in trash piles four feet high, full of broken glass, feces and anything else that could be thrown out. For a germaphobe like me, I thought I was going to have a heart attack.
All of the sudden as we got further into the slum, children started gathering around us. Mostly, because we were gringos.
They just wanted to be loved. They would grab our hands (Things I hate), they would follow us everywhere.
Then they started going for the hair. (Clearly, traveling to places where blonde hair is both attractive and uncommon is a theme for me.)
One, having a bunch of little kids pull your hair is really freaking painful. Two, I was about to freak out from this. Truly, I was going to have a full on panic attack.
Guess what. By the grace of God, I didn't. Somehow, He gave me patience and calm about the situation. He got me out of my comfort zone. (This doesn't seem like a huge deal, but it was for me.)

This was because He needed to open my eyes to something so much bigger than myself and my comfort zone.

As we were walking, I noticed the little girl clinging to me wasn't wearing shoes. Alarmed by the fact the ground was covered in glass and other disgusting dangerous, I did what seemed rational. I picked her up.  (Mind you, she was about nine years old and didn't know what I was doing since I couldn't communicate in Spanish. Typical events in my life.) Then I looked around and realized none of the thirty kids following us were wearing shoes.

By the time we left, I was seething with anger. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't, I was so mad. I was silent the entire forty-five minute walk home and most of the day. I was angry that the people I was with were making excuses, saying that's just their life. I was mad at the Dominican government for letting their own people go without clean water or sanitation because they were on the margins of society. I was angry with God for letting this happen.

Then, I realized something. I could go home and forget I saw this. I could just be indifferent to it.

But that's not what I'm called to.

A few days later, we went back with supplies, crafts and equipment to have a mini VBS for the kids there. This time, we came with translators too.

However, this was really bad planning.
Somehow, all of the girls got separated with only one translator and only a few of the guys. Not good.
Seeing a bunch of gringos, this time with "gifts" kids came from all over the place surrounding us. This time, they came with their parents too. Really not good.

In a matter of minutes, we accidentally caused a rowdy and violent mob, with no way to communicate.

We were being pushed and shoved. Women were attacking each other for a simple tooth brush, grabbing children, hitting each other and the children. Then weapons started coming out. (By weapons I mean sticks and a tv antenna. But still, it was alarming.)
The police in the area just stood there (with giant guns that scared the crap out of me, mind you) and watched.

Suddenly, I found myself surrounded with our translator, Frank, and no way out.

It looked a little like this:

All I heard was Spanish, so I had no idea what was being said until Frank told me they were threatening to kill us.

Umm...WHAT?! That's probably something you never want to hear, and this was definitely not the way I was planning on going.

Then I felt the tears coming and there was no way I could stop them. In a matter of seconds my face went from fearing-for-my-life panic to sobbing tears. (Poor Frank was so overwhelmed trying to calm down the crowd and me, looking back on it, I should have apologized.)

I wasn't crying because I was overwhelmed and scared, even though I definitely should have been. I was hyperventilating, and sobbing to the point of nearly puking because I saw the desperation and pain of not having enough. I saw such overwhelming need. I saw how selfish I had been. I saw what God sees and his overwhelming love for his children. I saw the face of God on every single person, even in the angry mob.
It was scary, beautiful, saddening, angering, heart-breaking, and incredible all at the same time.
That was the moment I knew God was telling me indifference could never be an option.

Two minutes later, thank God, Elliott was able to break through the crowd and literally pick me up over them. Then we all ran for our lives, with the crowd chasing us. (looking back it was probably really funny looking, but at the time it was absolutely terrifying.)

This incident will stay with me forever. Because in that desperation, I saw God. I audibly heard His voice through the shouting of Spanish and cries and screams.
And I couldn't say no to it.
It's funny how He works, because in retelling this story, I realized how absolutely ridiculous and crazy and slightly humorous it is. That's just life though, and the fact that God has a sense of humor.

I left the DR completely changed with that etched in the front of my mind and the depths of my soul. I started college with those thoughts of suffering and the knowledge that I had to do something, but I didn't know how to respond.

I learned though, quickly, because God is in the business of answering prayers when we're willing to humble ourselves for him.


“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?  Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter —when you see the naked, to clothe them and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?  Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.  Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." Isaiah 58: 6-9



                                   With Love,
                                     Kaitlyn

Expectations

I don't know whether I should have expectations or not for this trip, because I don't like when things don't go the way I expect or want, and I don't like to set myself up for disappointment.
However, I think there are some things I need to prepare myself for, or that I naturally just expect. (And because my type-A personality needs to make lists to keep myself sane)

So, here is my list of "Things that I'm expecting when I shouldn't be expecting." (That's probably not the best title....actually it can be really misconstrued...but I explained my reasoning above.)

1.  To learn A LOT. (I feel like that was a cop-out answer, but still, I feel like I should be expecting that and be willing.)
2. To get out of my comfort zone. This is in a lot of different aspects, but it's definitely something I'll have to keep in mind everyday. Besides, it's been said that the magic really happens when you stop being comfortable. So there's some motivation for you. (To be honest, I'm pretty positive I saw that on a Panda Express fortune cookie when Charis, Kari and I were having one of our weekly dinners. Oh well, sometimes fortune cookies speak the truth. At least they're entertaining.
3. Along with that, to be prepared to be uncomfortable. Physically and well as mentally. It's going to be hot, humid, I'm going to have to wear different clothes and be in a completely different culture and it's going to be hard to communicate in a place that doesn't speak English. I'm excited though, and I think expecting a few cultural mishaps and for things to just be different, will make the transition a little easier.
4.  To be stared at. All the time. I feel like on every trip I go on, I get that advice. Especially if it's a place where blonde hair and green eyes are uncommon; i.e. India. Duh. That sounds kind of creepy and stalker-ish but nevertheless, it's just something I'll get used to there.
5. Since we'll be studying NGOs and development, and just the nature of being in a developing nation, to see extreme poverty. This is something I don't think I could ever be prepared for. From my experiences in poverty-stricken areas, it pulls at the deepest parts of my heart and it physically hurts in the core of my soul to see another person in such need and desperation.
6. I guess it goes along with being out of my comfort zone but, I'm expecting to be stretched in my standard ways in routines. If I'm being honest, I can be pretty set in my ways, which can be pretty prissy. I like to have things go my way, like I planned, and I've been known to have a few hissy fits and diva moments. (That's pretty embarrassing to admit, but after nearly twenty years of them, I really should get over it.) I'm really picky about my food, the type of restaurants I like, and need my daily scheduled routine.  I paint my nails on at least a weekly basis, (because if I didn't, they would be reduced to stubs.) and my morning routine is to consult my extensive Pinterest boards before I pick an outfit. My hair is always somehow unhealthily processed and overheated on a nearly daily basis, and I almost never leave the house without make up on. It's not that I feel it's so necessary to look put together or my identity is completely based on my appearance, but it's just something that has been ingrained into my daily routine since middle school. (Although it is something I do enjoy. I am unarguably a pink and frills and manicures and curls and heels type of girl.) Based on that reasoning alone, it sounds like I should be petrified of going to India. However, this is one of the reasons I'm really, really, really, excited. I'm looking forward to being stretched in this way. I look forward to being pulled out of my routine and scheduled mindset and to have a chance to truly observe and take in every aspect of every day. To get to just experience life in India. To not be constantly checking my phone or twitter or facebook or email or browsing pinterest every time I decide I lose interest. To not be so preoccupied with what needs to be done or rushing through life that I miss the excitement and magic and beauty that I'm looking for.
7. Finally, to have some serious jetlag. I think this goes with the territory of traveling across the world, and it is over 28 hours worth of planes and waiting in airports. So, I think it's a safe bet to expect that and just deal with it.

That's only seven things, and a lot of them are pretty repetitive,  but like I said, I don't want to expect. I don't want to plan or make lists or schedule things. Here's not not expecting anything. I might not be completely good at that yet or completely ready to let my set-in-my-ways tendencies go yet, but I promise, I'm working on it. ;)

                                        With Love,
                                          Kaitlyn

Wordless Wednesday

"The place where God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." - Frederick Buechner

I'm all about academics and whatever.

This blog post should really be titled "How the heck does a Public Relations/Economic double major end up studying NGOs in a third-world country?"
It completely makes sense to ask that question to, so I don't mind explaining it, especially since I can't tell the story without weaving in God's incredible grace and his perfect ability to love us and speak to us just the way we need to be.

For the most part, growing up there were three things I wanted to be when I grew up:
1. A marine biologist (I have no idea what I was thinking..probably because I liked dolphins or something.)
2. A sports analyst on ESPN or MLB Network (I may or may not be still holding on to this dream. I mean, baseball has an off-season so I totally make it work. Just kidding. But not really.)
3. Work in the fashion industry...for Kate Spade or J. Crew (This might be slightly far fetched but I'm still trying to figure out where my adoration for fashion fits into everything.)
4. A Lawyer. (This was up until I got to UF. At the time it seemed to make sense, was fairly rational, and I liked politics and history, so it seemed like a completely legitimate career choice.)


I started out my college career as a political science major, on the pre-law track. It was a direct way to a seemingly stable and lucrative career, and for the most part, I found it interesting. In high school, most people made a lot of "you're so going to be like Elle Woods from Legally Blonde" comments. (Some probably meant them maliciously, but I like to think of it as a compliment because she succeeds in the end. Besides, Legally Blonde the Musical is fabulous).
Anyways. Even as I was registering for classes and planning out every class I will ever take, (I like to plan things. It's therapeutic to me. Not having things planned makes me really anxious. I realize that's not biblical, so I'm working on that.) God was telling me to change my major. Not answers in dreams or like literally speaking to me. First, it was little things that would get to me. I suddenly felt really uncomfortable with my major. I started second guessing everything. This makes me panic and question my entire life. Definitely not fun, but God uses what's necessary to get our attention. However, I brush off those feelings (obviously wrongly, for the summer.)

Flash forward through the summer. Thoughts of school are still in the front of my mind and I'm mulling over a possible major change in the back of my mind, knowing it's probably inevitable, but I'm arguing with God over it. I'm stubborn.

During that time, God revealed something huge to me. I was choosing something that was in my comfort zone. I saw my schooling, and career as a means to an end. the end was a comfortable life, with everything I wanted. I may say I was trying to be obedient when God says things like  "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." - James 1:27.  But were my actions reflecting that?
My time on earth, regardless of where it's spent or the season of life, is not to be wasted. It's not about just having an education or career, it's about bringing glory to God with each day.

Intrinsically, I can't just have a career, no matter how fulfilling or successful it may seem. I've been created with the compassion and desire for justice that calls me to action. I don't want an education that prepares me for the business world, I need a game plan.

Finally, half -way through fall semester, after suffering through Poli Sci classes and hating them; something incredibly frustrating for me who is super stubborn (are we sensing a theme here?) and for whom academics was always her "thing", after prayer, talking to tons of people, many of whom God placed in my life for a purpose, I changed my major to public relations. (Which is truly such a perfect major for me, I couldn't enjoy it more. Clearly, God knows what's up when we actually follow up and trust his promises and unfailing love.) Side note, the economics major was also because I'm surprisingly good at it and I like it too. It also really compliments PR and what I want to do.

So, How does this lead me to India? God placed two huge issues on my heart that I have such compassion for and a burning desire to see God's will completed here on Earth in regards to them: Human trafficking and clean water. Two issues that are incredibly prevalent in India. India also has a huge amount of NGOs and INGOs attempting to alleviate and completely end these problems.

So, how does public relations fit into all of this? One word: Awareness. The Public needs to be aware of what is happening in the world. Huge things can be accomplished when people are made aware, and are given ways to act. (Think of the outcry with Kony and Invisible Children.) There is also an incredible need for NGOs to have access to social media and for them to utilize public relations in a sustainable way.

Career-wise, God has given me a passion and the gifts, talent and drive needed to succeed in the non-profit PR field and to make a difference. Is this a less stable and clear career path than law? Absolutely. Do I have a completely clear plan? Nope. Does this freak me out? To the core. But it's ok. Because I'm learning to seek God, rather than seek His calling.



"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to PROSPER you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE." Jeremiah 29:11

                                                       With Love,
                                                         Kaitlyn
 

Why India?

"This is indeed India!
The land of dreams and romance, of fabulous wealth and fabulous poverty, of splendour and rags, of palaces and hovels, of famine and pestilence, of genii and giants and Aladdin lamps, of tigers and elephants, the cobra and the jungle, the country of hundred nations and a hundred tongues, of a thousand religions and two million gods, cradle of the human race, birthplace of human speech, mother of history, grandmother of legend, great-grandmother of traditions, whose yesterday’s bear date with the modering antiquities for the rest of nations-the one sole country under the sun that is endowed with an imperishable interest for alien prince and alien peasant, for lettered and ignorant, wise and fool, rich and poor, bond and free, the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the world combined." - Mark Twain

I didn't think it was that weird that I was studying abroad in India. In my head it seemed like the trip of a lifetime. I could also fulfill my dream of being an indie/hipster/hippie - type, you know, everything my life already embodies. (That was clearly a joke. I'm not that ridiculously shallow and I don't fit those stereotypes whatsoever.) I'll probably regret that last comment because sarcasm doesn't come off well online. Sorry, I'm not really sorry. I'm mentally preparing myself for the berating I'll get by anonymous comments after that. Whatever. (Again, I should probably filter my sass.) But in all seriousness, I was beyond excited to go, accepted into the program, and my parents were completely on board.

Then people started asking "Why?" Like that was the strangest idea they had ever heard.
Really, I just wanted to answer "Why not?" with a slightly sassy tone, but that would be snarky and mean and rude. (I swear, I filter in real life.)

I guess this does make sense since I'm a PR/Economics double major...however, my minor is in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance. Career-wise (that's a long story in itself) it will be an unforgettable and basically necessary experience. (And definitely not a waste of tuition money...someone did make that comment.)

So, I complied a list of Why India. (In no particular order)

• The colors, the sights, the history, the people. I mean, have you seen Eat, Pray, Love? If that doesn't make you want to travel, I don't know what will.
• I have a serious case of wanderlust, India is one of the first of many.
• I get to ride an elephant while I'm there. Elephants are my favorite animal ever, so I think that's reason enough.
• The program itself is incredible. We'll be studying NGOs and development in the second largest democracy in the world, while getting hands on experience with the NGOs we visit. It will be an unparalleled experience.
• Dr. K and Dr. L, the professor and his wife, along with their eight year old daughter, are absolutely wonderful. They've already treated us like their family, and as Indian natives, have amazing insight.
• Along with the India being on my travel bucket list point, I have wanted to go to India ever since I read and watched A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Yes, when I was little the beginning totally freaked me out, but I so wanted to be like Sara Crewe...minus the whole "your father gets PTSD after the war and forgets who you are while you're abused by the boarding school principle" thing. However, even at almost twenty, I have firmly held onto the "every girl is a princess" mantra. This probably makes me really weird for admitting this, but whatever. It's classic literature.
• Finally, and definitely most importantly: the great commission. It's a calling. It's the verse behind the title of this blog. Romans 10:15 has been on my heart since December, and I know God is calling me to India during this time. That isn't to say you can't spread the gospel wherever you are, but I'm working on being obedient. (This is just a glimpse into my purpose, the full story will be another blog post on it's own. I know, you'll probably be on the edge of your seat waiting for it.)

                                                        With Love,
                                                           Kaitlyn

Namasté!

        Introductions in the virtual world are always weird and awkward. Seriously, it's the norm to follow people on the internet but super creepy to do that in real life.  Especially since I don't think anyone outside my family and close friends will actually read this.
        With that being said, I'll be studying NGOs ad development  abroad in Chennai, New Delhi and Jaipur, India for five weeks this summer. The point of this blog is to keep everyone updated in the most convenient way while I'm abroad and too chronicle my adventures so that I remember as much as possible. Mostly, because I like to talk a lot and when I get excited I talk super fast, so rather than listening to me, people can keep up with this blog, and when they get tired of "listening" to me, click the next tab to Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest. 

       Really, the primary purpose of this, for the time being, will be so my mom can make sure I'm not getting any tattoos or piercings and won't end up on an episode of "Locked Up Abroad". But seriously I love writing, words and new cultures. It's a way to collect and share my thoughts and what I learn while I'm there. 

       If you made it this far, thanks for the virtual support. I also think I'm mildly entertaining and tend to have weird/awkward/funny stories, so I promise to try to keep you entertained with some blog-worthy cross-cultural mishaps.

                                                    With love,

                                                       Kaitlyn