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MN_Maren
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Name: Maren
Birthday: 2/14/1986
Gender: Female
Interests: These are a few of my favorite things...Jesus, ice cream, the sun, my family, my friends, reading, going to Barnes and Noble, Ritter Sport Cappucino, Denmark, and Lise's hugs
Expertise: Playing drums and hanging out with kids
Occupation: Student
Industry: Other
Message: message me
Member Since:
6/12/2005
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|  The entire group in front of 16th St. Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL (I can't seem to get these pictures any bigger...annoying!) 
The jean jacket ladies 
The house Dr. King grew up in. 
The church Dr. King and his father were pastors at 
Lorraine Hotel: Sight of Dr. King's assisination It's been awhile since I last talked to this thing...I have thought about it a lot and feel like there is a lot to update people one, but I almost feel like it would do them injustice by just typing them on Xanga for the world to see and casually read, they are a little to sacred to me I guess. Plus, hard to describe using a limited vocabulary. I went on probably my most life-changing trip over spring break. It was a trip called Sankofa, which is a west African word that means, "it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you have forgotten." A group of students and faculty from Bethel went on a trip through the southern part of the United States visting historical places from the Civil Rights movement. On the trip we focused on learning our history so that we will not be doomed to repeat it, building relationships with students of other ethnic backgrounds, and have intentional conversations in a safe environment regarding issues of race, injustice, and oppression. Like I said earlier it is really impossible for me to explain an experience like this, but all I can say is that it was one of the most powerful, challenging, beautiful experiences of my life. I know that I am a different person. Sometimes we like to think we are over the whole race issue, but when we look around and see the inequality in things like economics and education we can see that we have quite a ways to go. Unfortunately the Church has also found it to easier to just neglect this issue. As Dr. King said, "11:00 on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America." I don't think that that reflects God's kingdom in any way. I am stirred to be an activist, not because it is a trendy thing to do, but because injustice is a concern close to the Father's heart. | | |
| Feeling completely grateful right now for the people in my life...especially my family. That is such a gift! Another week just around the corner. Not really ready to be busy out of mind, but okay because the things that keep me busy are the things I love the most. I am taking a hip-hop dance class right now and loving it...which reminds me, you all must see the movie Rize. It is a beautiful story and makes me want me to get right up and dance. Peace out friends. | | |
| I am only a few days into this semester, and my brain is already on overload. I can tell that this semester is going to be filled with lots of reading...good reading...but still lots. My current book is called Atheism: The Case Against God. It is basically the Atheist's handbook, slamming Christianity and our God. It is pretty fascinating actually, I am learning a lot and being challenged a ton. I guess it is a good thing to know what you believe and why you believe it. We got a new neighbor this weekend. She is woman from Senegal, Africa. She is WONDERFUL! Absolutely hilarious, and the best part is she speaks french and so do I (wink!). We are already planning lots of African barbecues in the backyard this summer, so if you're in the neighborhood stop by. Work is good right now, extremely challenging in every way...but somehow still good. I am so grateful for God's joy in the midst of struggle, otherwise I would be doomed. This work is very overwhelming and tiring, and at times very discouraging. I am relying on the fact that God is my portion, therefore I shall never be stranded. One last thing, the high today in Minnesota was -4 degrees, plus a -40 degree windchill. That, my friends, equals COLD!! Oh Lord, please call me to the tropics! | | |
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For some reason I thought it would be fun to do paper mache with the kids...It was a mess, but a fun mess! My mind has been going kind of crazy lately. The class I am taking is challenging me in so many ways. It is called environmental ethics...for some reason a topic evangelicals have not liked talking about. It is sometimes difficult to remain an optimist in the midst of the craziness in our world...I need to pray. | | |
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Christmas Vacation has come, and now it is soon over... I have thoroughly enjoyed laughing with friends and family, eating way too much food, sleeping in, reading good books, going on hikes, and good conversations with my ninety-nine year old great aunt.  ..
Home for the holidays! 
Two great ladies...Shannon and Kasi. We got free Santa Bears from Macy's! 
My grandparents (Grandma got a new home spa kit, complete with a headband...it was sweet!!) 
Laine (my co-teacher at work) and I hung out with a few of our kids from work. We made homemade pizzas at my apartment. They are sooooo much fun! 
They thought my loft was pretty sweet!! I never knew playing "taking a nap" could be so much fun! 
They're absolutely precious. Constantly challenging me to be more real and ask the honest, but sometimes tough questions. What a gift! Peace out friends...and Happy New Years!! | | |
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