i monisonson uson. i conanonton wonaiton tono bone wonitonhon yonou gonuyonson agonainon. i lonovone yonou gonuyonson! ohon! bonyon tonhone wonayon, ifon i donononton tonalonkon tono wonhonoevoneron i honavonenonton tonalonkonedon tono inon tonhone lonasonton conouponlone ofon donayonson - i amon gonoinongon tono bone onone unonhonaponponyon lonadonyon! honinonton, honinonton asonhonloneyon! conhonronisontonyon gonetonson sonomone sonlonaconkon boneconausone sonhone'son inon anontonhoneron conounontonronyon!

More than 15,000 people in the Washington metropolitan area are homeless. [. . .] Nearly half are families, more than a third a children.

Having been in DC for almost a month now has opened my eyes to so much. The beauty and history of the area astounds me. I am in awe every day. Walking through the halls of Congress (and underneath!), past the Supreme Court building, and reading inside the Library of Congress almost feels surreal.
Aside from the beauty and the power in this city, there is such desparation. Every busride, walk down the street where I live, and look outside of my apartment window illustrates this desparation and great need. I actually live in one of the nicer areas in the metropolitan area.

What can I do? A college student with limited funds, a normal individual with limited time, a human being with limited selflessness?

These thoughts have been culminating since I've been here. What do I do? How is it that I am so selfish? How is it that I can simply pass by an individual in desparate need of food? How is it that I have slowly hardened my heart toward my fellow human beings?

While the impoverished in DC have immediately caught my attention, there are so many more in much more need abroad. While some may argue that those that are homeless in the U.S. are at fault for their condition, there is no argument like this that can be made for those living in Asia or Africa. Am I, as a fellow human being, to disregard their needs? What can I do? How can I be used?

My heart hurts.

"Severe Storm Slams the Northeast US"



To my fellow Utahns: people don't know what snow is until they've been in our shoes.

So there's a foot (if that much) of snow on the ground and people call it a severe snow storm. There's been rumor that the transit system could close down - thus causing the entire city to shut down - which will lead to complete chaos and cause the capitol of our nation to revert back to reliable transportation - horse and buggy.

Regardless of rumors - I must say that it certainly is beautiful out here with the snow. Surprisingly, it really has been somewhat warm. We are expecting more snow as the hours come. I don't want to go to work on Tuesday, so I'm really hoping that the chunky fog will continue to float down onto the streets of the city. Fingers crossed!

You didn't think I went out did you? I know, I've been boring. But, hopefully you'll enjoy the following!


This is a picture of the ASPers at the U.S. Capitol during our walking night tour of the monuments.


The Lincoln Memorial. They were actually cleaning the old man. So, we weren't able to meet him.




Photos of the WWII Memorial.



I think I'm getting used to the whole public transportation thing. It's stinking expensive though!

Want to see more pictures? http://nwcollege.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2000339&l=2d409&id=167100318

Hello from WASHINGTON, D.C.!



It's only been one week and there's so much to say!

Here are some random facts about living here so far:

• I have 4 other roommates: Bethanie (from California), Katie (from Florida), Diana (from Pennsylvania), and Celeste (from California)
• My apartment has two floors (much bigger than I thought it would be)
• It's about 43 degrees and partly cloudy
• I have class Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons
• I currently still have not found an internship

Here are some random things that I've done so far:

• Walking Tour of the Monuments (at night; pictures to come)
• Rode the Metro for the first time
• Had some amazing "Catfish Fingers" at a bookstore/restaurant
• First time at an Irish Pub (amazing Spinich and Artichoke dip)
• Made new friends at a Nursing Home across the street

It's been a great experience already! I hope for more to come!

Why do you wake up in the morning?

There are a number of things that force me out of my comfort-laden sheets in the morning. Yet, with the dawn of the New Year as well as some reading done for the upcoming semester, I’ve re-contemplated this question a few times so I could give a better answer than “because I realize it’s 1:00 pm and I feel gross.”

49 million people in the United States don’t have health insurance.

Often considered the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, the situation in Darfur, Sudan has been witness to over 250,000 people killed and over 5 million displaced from their homes.

1.1 billion people live in extreme poverty. 8 million people die each year because they are too poor to survive.

In the midst of depravity, despair, and desolation throughout the world in which we live, it’s really quite easy to become overwhelmed with sorrow – there are so many in need of so much. It’s also easy to become overwhelmed with cynicism – there’s only so much one person can do.

I think this is why I wake up in the morning – not to be overwhelmed by cynicism or sorrow, but to help others (as well as myself) out of this paralysis.

While I don’t think I have the complete answer yet on how to break out of these grave thoughts, I do know that individuals (with the help of others) have been able to do great things.

William Wilberforce, throughout the mid 17th century, almost single-handedly abolished slavery in England. He started at the age of 21 and devoted his entire political career to this cause. He had various setbacks, yet continued through bad health and no hope to finally see that his cause was worthwhile just a few weeks before his death.

I truly admire this man for what he accomplished, but much more for his dedication and tenacity. He realized that he was at the disposal of something much greater and powerful than himself. Granted Wilberforce embarked WITH fear, doubt, and disappointment, he also embarked with a steadfastness that I hope one day to develop in my life.

"When I consider the magnitude of the subject which I am to bring before the House [. . .] and when I think, at the same time, on the weakness of the advocate who has undertaken this great cause – when these reflections press upon my mind, it is impossible for me not to feel both terrified and concerned at my own inadequacy to such a task.[1]"

Why do you wake up in the morning? Let me know!

[1] William Wilberforce’s 1789 Abolition Speech. [web page]; available from http://www.brycechancarey.com/abolition/wilberforce2.htm accessed 5 October 2005.