I marvel at the inspiration that i get from looking out the office window. I’m not sure how evident it is to you, the reader, but the simplest things I see cause me to stop and think.

A UPS truck just stopped to drop off packages. The side of the truck proclaims ‘World Wide Services.’ As a global culture, we have expanded to the point that we demand quick and efficient shipping around the world. Everything just gets faster and faster.

As I look out my window, I am reminded of the man I see every Sunday or Monday morning, An older looking man, who may be homeless makes his rounds with a shopping cart and industrial garbage bags. He stops outside the fraternities that neighbor our residences and digs through their garbage. I will admit that my first reaction is “YUCK.” But then I see him pulling out a beer can, crush  it and then drop it into a garbage bag. After I eat breakfast, I see him as I make my way to class. His bag is almost overflowing and he’s only just started to go through the large pile. This work, that most would avoid at all costs, is done every week as the man collects cans to recycle and probably make a little bit of money from the cans to feed him until next Monday morning. On a side note, I am glad that its getting warmer out and the frats are having their parties. This man can now eat, or at least eat more, as a result.

Many people walk by every day. I wonder what they are like, their backgrounds, how their day is going, and so much more. Occasionally I will see someone I know, but they still seem so distant beyond the glass. No one looks in windows anymore, at least thats how it seems to me. So what do the UPS truck, a homeless man picking up cans and the various people that stroll by my window have in common? Nothing it would seem. Three distinct things from different backgrounds and with different purposes.  But i think that there is something that relates all of them, and all of us.

What actually connects all three things is a oxy-moron- the basic human connection. I know that sounds confusing, so I’ll try to explain. As the world grows, gets faster and more efficient, we loose touch. We want the products and services but we don’t want to go get them ourselves. We want to improve the state of our country, our city, poverty, etc., but for the most part we would rather throw money at a problem that figure out the best way, and the long term way to fix a problem. We don’t try to get to know the people that walk by our windows, and they don’t stop to say hi either. The Andy Griffith Show seems abnormal because everyone knows each other and isn’t afraid to look in windows and wave. However, in our rush to get things done, we forget that we define humanity. Things are the way we are because of us. We complain about the corruption in government, the health care situation, problems with the food we eat, the poverty in our cities. But instead of actually trying to take a part in fixing the problem we throw money at it, or worse perpetuate the cycle. We continue to use stay as disconnected as we can because it’s cheaper- both on our wallet and our time.

Photo Credit:DemocracyinAction.org

So what’s my point? Establish human connection. The new healthcare bill and other solutions being devised won’t accomplish anything until we take a little bit of our time and money to fix the problems ourselves. We complain about the state of the world around us, but we only have ourselves to blame. We have attempted to disconnect ourselves from problems and they just grew bigger and came back knocking louder. Instead of shipping a gift, maybe  take a trip and deliver it in person. Instead of watching the man collect cans to feed himself, maybe I should join him or go buy him breakfast. Maybe when you walk by, look into my window and stop in to say ‘Hi.’

LOVE.PHILLY.

Derek

From fun runs all over the city and afternoon naps to service projects and days on the roof, this last week was amazing. As I look out the window, I notice it’s raining again. Just like last Monday. The rest of last week went really well as classes flew by in the warm weather.

Photo Courtesy of Kelsey Schwartz

Wednesday was the perfect day for a nice run. Sarah Baranik and I ran out towards Fairmont Park and then back up Broad St. It was also St. Patrick’s Day. The streets were highlighted by various green outfits. As we got back, the frats beside MCPC were preparing for a nice night. On St. Patty’s day, everyone was Irish.

Photo Courtesy of About.com

My busy, busy, Thursday went rather quickly for once and before I knew it the weekend had come. Friday morning arrived early as Brandon and I took a leisurely bike ride along the river, through Center City and back.  The rest of my day consisted of sitting on the roof doing homework. I also got a tad burnt red, but it was worth it!

Following a late evening run (this time to Center City), a nap, and some March Madness (Temple sadly lost in the first round), I ventured over to the caf. A small group had gathered out on the front steps (aka “The Stoop.” The rest of the evening consisted of watching silly, tipsy, or just plain drunk college students wander back and forth. As we watched, we would comment on the peculiar cultural activity and talk about other aspects of life that we saw in Philly.

Photo Courtesy of Kelsey Schwartz

Saturday was another beautiful day! A group of about 15-20 students strolled down to Uber St to help out at one of Urban Tree Connection’s gardens. While there, students cleaned up trash and brush. I put a roof on a rain shelter and “nailed” down a plastic sheeting cover.

Photo Courtesy of Kelsey Schwartz

Due to the lack of a hammer, I used what I think is a blade sharpening tool. In the end, we all looked around and were happy with the work we had accomplished. We then hit Rita’s for our free Italian ice. How refreshing!

Photo Courtesy of Kelsy Schwartz

The rest of the weekend consisted of another lovely run (this time west to Norris Square), a few naps, more Stoop sitting, church and various walks. One of the things that surprised me the most about this week was the explosion of people. The warm weather officially ended winter. People were out and about, filling the streets with numerous fun activities. I have had such an incredible time this weekend, but there is so much more to be done… LOVE. PHILLY.

Derek

I would have to say I was surprised. When I walked up the steps of Susquehanna Subway station and saw MCPC in the cloudy distance, I felt like I was getting home after a long trip. It was only a week or so, but I felt a sense of comfort when I got back. Maybe it speaks to humans as creatures of habit, but I had a feeling all last week of being out of place, not knowing what to get into.

While at home, I had so many people ask me how Philly was and what I liked about it. Two of the things I mentioned were the great learning opportunities and the church I attend (Epiphany).

Learning is definitely different for me here compared to Grantham. The larger lecture classes offer various opinions and points of view. It is interesting to hear the diversity and try to understand the positives and negatives of them all when compared to those I have heard in classes at Messiah. The size, attendance and being on time are also very different aspects that I am getting used to.

When it comes to church, I have been blown away by the family of Epiphany. The idea of the church as a community has always been thrown around but I think I am finally seeing it. It is always fun to see first time visitors come because the whole church practically gets up to go say hi.

There are also people I met the first week there that make it a point to say hi to me as soon as I walk in. The pastor is always full of energy and the worship team is always refreshing. Normally, I am drawn to the church by worship but the balance of solid teaching and up-beat worship with an urban drive add together to bless my soul as I worship communally. One aspect that I am continually blessed by is weekly communion. Too often I forget what the body and blood of Christ means in a physical sense. By taking communion every Sunday I am reminded of the sacrifice of Christ and hows I need to daily reflect on the intangible act of salvation.

Now that I’m back and I feel at home, I can’t wait to get out in the city and explore in the warmth of coming spring.

LOVE. PHILLY.

Derek

If today is any indication, this week will be wonderful. I got up at 7 and I wasn’t tired. I went for my first solo run in the city and despite the fact I am terribly out of shape, it was great. Nice shower, great lunch. There is something about enjoying the simple pleasures of life that I only realize when I’ve gone too long without enjoying them. Oh, one more thing, it is once again sunny in Philadelphia. It’s about time. The sky is blue, the clouds are white, and I can’t help but feel spring trying to break through.

Photo Credit: Kelsey Schwartz

This past weekend was Immersion Weekend. I had to go to Leigh Univ. to see Messiah compete in the Indoor MAC championships. However, I have heard from many that it was a blast. Once again, simple pleasure of life broke through. Good food with good friends always beats a night looking at a computer screen. Other fun activities from the weekend included the Psalters, ice skating, and the Flower show. Oh yeah, they also did some karaoke.

Photo Credit: Bekah Felts

Sunday, I attended the Flower show and it was nice to see all the flowers but to be honest, I am more of a vegetable person. Yeah, I like seeing flowers from time to time, and my mother’s flowers are always nice to cut, arrange and give to a pretty girl (normally my Mom), but growing vegetables gives me a sense of accomplishment. They provide food for the summer and beyond, while showing me how important dedication over time can be. I can’t wait to go home over break and grab some seeds to plant outside my room when I get back.

Photo Credit: Bekah Felts

It was great to see everyone at MAC’s this weekend. The teams did well and the Messiah men took 1-2 in the vault (my true love). Once again, I am reminded of dedication and the simple pleasure of running in my life. I have been so blessed with abilities, and as plants grow in spring, I really enjoy watching athletes improve over time. Sorta follows the idiom of growing where God plants you.

It’s hard to image that it’s already March. This month just seems green to me. Maybe it has something to do with my Mom’s birthday being on St. Patty’s day. I also just noticed I’m wearing a green shirt. Wow, I really can’t wait until it gets a little warmer and the trees start to turn green. Spring is quickly moving up the list of favorite seasons.

As mentioned a little bit last week, a bible study I have been going to has been discussing the fruit of the spirit. Every time I think about that concept, I remember what a friend had to say a few weeks ago. Sarah mentioned that “fruit” has special meaning. Fruit (for trees and other plants) is the way plants reproduce. In the same way an apple or a tomato provides and reproduces, the fruits of the spirit provide nourishment for ourselves and at the same time are passed onto others in an aspect of reproduction. When I show love to another, they can see the love and share it with others.

Photo Credit: Kelsey Schwartz

The last few weeks I have been thinking a lot about who I am, what I do, etc. Just as I prepare the garden every year to plant, I feel the last few weeks have been preparation for the rest of the semester here in Philly. The city has helped me to realize many aspects of life that I hadn’t noticed before. Things that need work, dedication and growth. Philadelphia is becoming just what I hoped it would be- a place to slow down and grow. In general, the city seems so fertile to me. The energy inside Philly begs to be used for growth. The landscape longs to cover up the ugly with green. In the city and in my heart, God has prepared a fertile place that is waiting to grow. Spring is coming… LOVE. PHILLY.

Derek