Art de Paul

Art, well Paul’s anyway, Hannah’s is later: Sometimes it is hard to discern between a vice and a passion, somewhere in between the two is my art. There is a symbiotic relationship that I have with what I create, (not in a creepy way where my art and I share clothes or anything.) In a sense, art for me is a motivation, and a purpose for living. Art is something that I love to create and without me creating it, it doesn’t exist. I do not claim to be the next Picasso and I also don’t create paintings to make money, I do it because like a number of the things mentioned in this newsletter, it is a passion. Over this past year or so I have taken my art making more seriously and focused more intently on its production. (although focusing on anything for a period of time for me can be challenging for me, thus proving even more how powerful art is in my life.)

I have began to not only increase the frequency of the art I make but also had a few gallery showings and even started a “website” through an artist community called ‘redbubble.’ As with most of the projects that Hannah and I are tackling at this time it is a work in progress but the hope is that it progresses. If you would like to see some of my work you can either visit my personal art blog at http://paulmessenger.blogspot.com/or you can go to http://www.redbubble.com/people/paulmessenger/art. If you would be interested in purchasing a work of art that is not listed on my redbubble but that you like please let me know, I would be ecstatic to start that process for you!

Wubete and Africa

Africa/Wubete: One evening, we were watching a documentary video on Paul’s laptop called: “a walk to beautiful.” It ended up revamping a deep excitement for Africa and their hearts for the people of that Nation. There was a girl in the movie that particularly touched both of our hearts. Her name is Wubete (pronounced ‘woo-bee-tee’). As a girl in Ethiopia, at the young age of 2 years, she was expected to carry about 150+ pounds of water several miles from the well to their village on a daily basis. Because of the lack of proper nutrition in this country, the women there are almost all very short and young looking. They do not get the needed amount of calories to fuel their bodies for the work that they do, so they almost always end up around four feet tall by the age of 18 and are incapable of delivering a child without terrible consequences reeking havoc on their bodies – and most of the time, the infants hurt from this too.

Wubete was only one of the several girls in this video that touched our hearts. We watched as the film developed into a story of hope and joy for each of the girls. It gives us such great happiness to know that God has a plan for us in Africa and that our ministry there will be just as practical and life changing as the people who were helping these women and changing their lives.

Washington (don't worry we're not moving;)

Washington: Named after the famous George Washington and located in Oregon, Medford to be exact, is the Elementary school that Paul has been working at since late October. Hurray for income! Even more so an opportunity for Paul to use the gifts that God has given him to work with youth. His job title is “Positive Behavior Coach.” This position is more-or-less a dean or counselor however it is based around a “positive behavior model” which simply put means that the students who need extra help or encouragement to behave well are given the support they need.

The best example of how this model works is the classic scenario of a student running down the hallway; now there are a number of ways to stop this child from running.

A) I could set up a series of hidden trip wires in the hall; (That would stop them!! but also would be illegal and I would loose this awesome job I just got.)

B) I could yell at the student and chase them down the hall threatening them to stop or I’ll tell their mommy.

C) I could also tell the student that it hurts my feelings when they don’t listen to me and they should stop or I’ll cry.

D) I could blow a whistle and shout STOP with my hands out in the crossing guard pose.

E) OR I could simply give the directive that the student “please walk” (a positive command).

OH my gosh, you would be amazed at how well such a simple shift can impact a student in a positive way. All I can really say about this job is; at the end of the day I know that I am making a difference in the lives of the kids I come in contact with. That is what truly wakes me up in the morning, (well that and my alarm clock and the occasional jet that flies over, absurdly close to our house.) Honestly I didn’t know how I would handle working with children that are literally ¼ of my size and age, and there are no benefits or teachers salary… but I LOVE it!

Han Made

Han Made: I was featured in one of [the] Revolution’s local artist showcases earlier this year. I played my nylon string guitar and did a short set of some original works. I also got to play this summer at Bernie’s house for her “Yard-Sellabration” – a neighborhood get-together of friends who make things and gather together to show each other what we can offer the world. I busted out with my kazoo and had everyone who was watching and listening use theirs to make a funny-sounding kazoo chorus to a song she wrote. Much fun!

Earlier this year, I was provided with the opportunity to get a ½ size Cello. It’s perfect, because it’s about the same size as my guitar, so it’s easy to manage. I have not been taking lessons, only looking up videos on the Internet on the technical things, like holding the bow, etc. Since this season has been so busy, it has been hard to make time to practice; this has been frustrating because I would love to develop my skills as a musician, but in order to do so, I need practice. I am very thankful for this busy season in my life, but I’m looking forward to being able to sacrifice more time toward my music and art/craft making in the future.

I have has also been taking to my sewing machine and making a few things; reusable hand-warmers, blankets, pillowcases, and patching up old jeans, among them. I have also fell in love with making fashionable head bands and combs to put in my hair. They have been so much fun to make and I would love to sell them. My favorites are made with lace, feathers, and silk flowers. If you would be interested in acquiring one of these goodies the let me know, because that means I get to make moreJ

Hannah’s Education

Hannah’s Education: I am in the process of achieving my bachelor’s degree in Business. I envision this degree to be a tool toward our shared passion for developing a ministry to communities and artists alike called the Warehouse. My final project for business computing class was putting together a business proposal in all kinds of formats; i.e. power point, Microsoft word, and excel. All kinds of graphs, charts, fliers, and slide shows were created in that process. I am looking forward to implementing this project for “real-life” purposes in proposing the vision to investors, grant-writers, and most importantly, the local community whom it will serve.

THE WAREHOUSE

The Warehouse: In October of this year I had the privilege of going to a concert in Redding and watching one of my all time favorite bands, “the David Crowder Band.’ The tickets were a graduation gift from our dear friend Sera Stymus (soon to be McComas: Congratulations sis!) This experience of viewing a one of the countless, literally 100’s of, concerts that I have seen leads me to our biggest goals together… THE WAREHOUSE. The WAREHOUSE proposal rough draft!

The Warehouse will be: a creative furnace for youth of various backgrounds to be equipped with the tools and surrounded by community to pursue their passions.

From music, to video production, to fine art, audio recording, lighting, creative writing etc... (In the future, culinary arts, theatre, photography, dance etc..) Our goal is to meet a need that is not effectively being met in the public school systems or cannot be provided by a child’s family. We will also to bring together a community of professionals who are passionate about their field and want to help others discover or refine that same joy. It would be open late and be a place of connecting, and gathering. The venue will be primarily supported by a coffee shope style dinner that will be a safe place for teens and young adults to interact and develop community.

These are the items that we are praying about specifically, and if you feel let to pray for us about as well we would love that! Before we move to phase TWO, promotion, (Phase one is brainstorming vision downloads from daddy) we are seeking guidance about the following items and some unlisted ones as well.

Is it supposed to be a non-profit, grants and donor based program?

Is it supposed to be a Business that receives its funding from revenue and donations?

Is it going to be an openly ‘Christian’ business/venue OR do we wish to appeal to a larger more diverse audience and be missionally minded? (not hiding our faith under a rock, but being tackful and relational about our approach to reveling God’s love and truth to the people of the Rogue Valley and surrounding areas.)

Do we start out with a larger goal and vision and pursue the big picture with a 3000 capacity building? or Do we start out small, say a corner shop with a small stage, and develop over a period of time?

What is the best location for the final product?

That’s basically it at this point! We will be formulating it more as we go, building and rebuilding ideas as God leads!

Thank you for hearing our dreams and we pray that God will reveal to you if and how we can see this come into being. The reality of this vision is that it is not our idea but we believe it is part of His destiny and call for our lives.

Prayers

Prayers: Please be praying for the following for us: Guidance in Hannah’s schooling. Our home in the future (preferably with property and out of town a bit.) Both of our families for various reasons. And ultimately for us to continue to pursue all that God has called us to with focus and fervor.