Emily Oldham
January 26, 2010
Transition = a passage from one stage to another; change; a movement, development.
Over the past couple of years, the word transition has snuck into my vocabulary and made a home; it has quite possibly moved up to the top ten list of my "most commonly used words." I am comforted by words such as stability, consistency, and logical. Words like varying and unsteady make me feel a little (okay a lot!) uneasy.
When I reflect on the life of Christ, I see how often he was on the move. He lived in a tent and regularly went from town-to-town during his years of ministry. How "on the move" is that?! Relationships and circumstances were constantly changing. I often wonder, "How did he do it?"
Here at The Boston Project Ministries God is on the move as well bringing us into His realigned purpose. The Boston Project (BP) began as a youth missions organization 15 years ago, but is now emerging as a catalyst for community change through Neighborhood Ministry Houses (NMH). We already have one house in the neighborhood where I live, and we hope to start our second this year.
Honestly, this has all left me a bit unsettled, yet more assured at the same time. My role at BP has primarily focused on youth missions, but will be shifting more towards a NMH team.
I have learned so much about urban ministry since I arrived in June 2008. I appreciate The Boston Project's commitment to being a hand up, not a hand out, for those struggling with spiritual, emotional, and physical poverty. I have also come to recognize the need and deep value of supportive relationships. I'm sure this is in part how Jesus did it. God made us to depend upon one another.
January 25, 2010
As I enter 2010, I have prayerfully considered (for a long-time) raising part of my own financial support. This funding will allow me to continue as part of a NMH team. Our work is critical and like non-profits and mission organizations across the country, we operate through grants, program fees, and primarily by charitable gifts from friends and family members like you!
I want to invite you to join me as I continue my ministry here in Boston. I couldn't think of a better group of people to ask. For some, it may mean committing to prayer, a visit to Boston (wink, wink), or monthly (regular) financial gifts. My financial need is $300 per month. May the Holy Spirit lead as you consider how our relationship may "transition" this year.
December 17, 2009
Tuesday, 3:31pm: (Doorbell rings) Kids: "Hey Emily, is it time for the Christmas party yet? We're ready for the Christmas party!!"
Me: "No, not yet! The party starts at 4. Can you come back at 4?"
Kids: "Awww....okay..."
3:45pm: (Doorbell rings) Kids: "Can we come in yet?!"
Me: "Well it's not quite 4 and we're still setting up everything. Come back in 15 minutes and we will be ready!"
Kids: "Aww man."
Kids continue to wait on the front porch...
3:55pm: (Doorbell rings) Kids (jumping and screaming): "It's 4 o'clock! Can we come in?!"
Me (laughing to myself): "Come on in..."
As I reflected on the 2 Christmas parties held on Tuesday (one for the younger youth and one for the older youth), I couldn't help but smile. The younger youth were so thrilled to have a party "just for them" and the older youth were excited to "chill and hang out". A snapshot into the parties would look like this: a scavenger hunt (ending with the Christmas story), the Wii, me losing at Monopoly, more paint on the table than on the crafts, penguin cookies, freeze dance, David's message titled "What's Love Got to do With it?", board games as gifts, people fighting over uno, and much more.
What a fun day! I look forward to many more memories with these young people...
October 5, 2009
This weekend we will be having our annual yard sale at The Boston Project. If you're in the area, you should definitely check it out. We have a lot of good stuff! This is one of my favorite things that we do in the fall. Everyone walks away happy because they've gotten good deals. So fun. I'm hoping to make a few purchases myself!
I am always reminded of one of my favorite passages when I start seeing the leaves change colors on the trees in the fall...
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord 's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord , that he may be glorified."
Isaiah 61: 1-3
I just absolutely love what is promised to us in this passage. We are promised that his Spirit resides in us. We are promised that God has "planted" us; he is growing us into a stronger faith in him; he will use us to accomplish some of the things mentioned in the passage above. We are named "oaks of righteousness" - and we are called to give others that name as well. GOD IS GOOD.
September 11, 2009
Youth playing the Wii / games of Ping-Pong / "The Jerk" dance lessons / beef patties and ice cream cones being consumed / laughter / self-defense lessons from our B3 police department / manicures and pedicures for the ladies / raffles for school supplies, gift cards, etc...This is a brief snapshot into what you might expect on a night at "The Spot". Every Thursday night since early summer, between 40 and 50 youth have been coming out to a teen cafe called "The Spot".
I'm so thankful to have been able to be a part of "The Spot" the past couple of weeks. I feel completely out of my element, but in my element all at the same time. I'm in my element because I've always loved working with young people, but so out of my element working with youth that have grown up in a completely different environment than I did. I can't explain how important it has been and will continue to be to me to surround myself with people that broaden my perspective on different cultures, lifestyles, and choices. I think we are absolutely missing out on a taste of heaven if we remain in our bubbles of comfort and familiarity. I'm not saying it's easy to step out of those bubbles, but I'm saying it's worth it. Sorry...that was a tangent :)
Pray for "The Spot" next week. Pray for safety, fun, and fellowship. Pray that the Holy Spirit resides in our words with the youth - and that they would come to know Christ as their personal Savior.
May 15, 2009
This week we went on a staff retreat to Toah Nipi (NH). What a blessing! My highlights included:
1. Playing ultimate frisbee. This is probably my favorite sporty thing that I do (or attempt to do). We won in case you were wondering...
2. Eating Kimball's ice cream. Raspberry chocolate chip in a waffle cone was my ice cream of choice. Great decision. It was so yummy. Thanks Paul!
3. Hiking Mount Watatic. I forget how much I love to hike. Unfortunately, we didn't see any moose :) but getting to the top was such an accomplishment. It was so beautiful...
What a great couple of days! It was quite restful for many different reasons. Pray for continued rest even in the midst of our crazy schedules...
Thanks for reading!
Emily
April 6, 2009
My dad came up this past weekend to pay me a visit, get a snapshot of my life here, and let's be honest...go to a Bruin's game.
We had a blast! Although it was rainy most of the day Friday (and I complained most of the day), we had a great time. I gave him the ultimate tour of Dorchester, BP, and my apartment (complete with quiz questions).
Top 5 of the weekend:
1. Getting to sleep in (and stay in a hotel!!). No wake-up calls. No making up beds. Free shampoo. It was just a relaxing weekend altogether.
2. Beating dad in Gin. If you're not familiar with the card game, it's really fun. I might be biased though...I did win and all...What was the score dad? 210 to 3?
3. Bruin's game. Loved the excitement of the crowd. Bruins beat the Rangers. Dad even showed up at the airport sporting a Bruin's hat.
4. No Name Restaurant. Really good seafood. Great atmosphere. Right on the water.
5. Getting to watch CBS Sunday Morning with dad. Reminded me of being at home in Nashville. And sometimes that is so necessary.
What a great weekend! Come back dad...
February 5, 2009
"For what is it we live for, that gives us hope and joy and is our proud reward and crown? It is you! Yes, you will bring us much joy as we stand together before our Lord Jesus Christ when he comes back again. For you are our trophy and joy." 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
Saying Goodbye
The past 8 months have been saturated with goodbyes. In May, I cleaned out my apartment in Auburn, and drove away from a place that was monumental to my spiritual identity and growth. I had (and still have) friends there that led me to the foot of the cross, carried my cross when I couldn't, and showed me what it meant to live in communion with the Holy Spirit together. The Lord was persistent with me, even when I didn't want him to be!
At the end of the summer I said some more goodbyes to my fellow summer staffers. I never imagined I would love them as much as I did after just a few short months. This was the first time I served alongside people that shared my heart for service, justice, and youth. I laughed and cried A LOT this summer...both good for my soul.
My family has kept me sane during these past months. They have been my consistency and my stronghold. They have continued to encourage me, even though I know it is hard to be so far away.
I can look back on the past year and become overwhelmed with sadness at all of the people I have had to walk away from. I can easily get depressed at the thought of not seeing these people for months (or honestly years). BUT I WON'T. I will look at Scripture and see that Jesus was constantly coming and leaving, so much so that he was sometimes homeless. His purpose and his hope remained in the love of God. Both his words and actions reflected this.
Yes, God desires for us to have community and yes, God wants what is best for us. But how can we appreciate something if it's all we've ever known? How are we going to grow without growing pains? God is calling us out of our comfort zones and He wants us to walk in the truth of what we claim to believe in.
I can look at my friends and family and see how they have helped me grow. I could selfishly say that I want them all to myself, but I couldn't say that in Jesus' name. IN JESUS' NAME I WANT THEM TO BE SENT OUT TO PLANT SEEDS IN OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES. I want them to be scattered around the globe, bringing glory to God. I want them to use the gifts that God has given them...and find their joy there. We have eternity to stand beside each other. I can let go of them for a little while.
Looking Forward
There is a lot to look forward to this spring. I get to see one of my best friends get married. I've moved into Fuller St. with Melissa (I'm excited about making her be my friend). LOST is starting soon (enough said). A few of my friends are coming up here to do a weekend retreat with The Boston Project. There is much to be thankful for and much to look forward to. I continue to pray that I would not forget the word HALLELUJAH. And that it would constantly be on my tongue.
Thanks for reading!
Emily
February 4, 2009
Couldn't have said it better myself!
After a morning of shoveling snow, nothing sounded better than delectable cheese grits and a nice cup of coffee. So we made some! And now that we're full of grits we are ready to seize the day. I just read that Georgia claimed grits as their official prepared food in 2002. Also, 75% of grits are bought in the South. CRAZY!! Just some fun facts for Y'ALL...
It really is the little things...
Some of my friends from Auburn came this past weekend. What a blessing. I'm beginning to realize how loved I am... and that's a precious thing.
Well, I'm off to do what I do...
Emily
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