Haiti

I had forgotten about this trip to Haiti. It will be a year November when I made that trip.  It was a trip that changed a lot about me. I need to remember. When people ask me about it I say it is the one of the darkest places that Ive ever been.  But the more I think about it the more I realize that it wasn’t all  dark. I know compassion isn’t that dark and I saw them  So what is it that I concentrated on so hard that clouded my vision? If there is no darkness would I know where the light is. I hope so.  The picture above is one of the churches that we visited.

Where to start

It has been a busy month. The most major is that I went to the funeral of my Grandmother. There is something about burying your grandparents. I think we will always say I wish we had spent more time.  This first post is going to be a little different instead of me writing on some topic that I mostly don’t know anything about I’m going to let my cousin tell you about her. First my last living grand parent Joseph Allen then the eulogy to my grandmother.

EULOGY – MRS GLORIA JANE ALLEN

Rev. Thomas, Dr. Prendergast, Pastor Burnett, Aunt Preshous, Uncle Vaughn, My Mother Thelma, Family and Friends, please indulge me to offer this eulogy for our beloved, Mrs. Allen, Mama, Mother, Miss Gloria, Sister Allen, Grandma, Grandmother, Aunt Gloria, Mother G – a remarkable and Godly woman, whose life/death we celebrate today.

Grandma was a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, neighbor, friend the one who brought a smile in the face of hardship, encouragement in the face of life battles, soft, tender, forgiving, kindhearted, a Peacemaker and passionate about living a life pleasing to God her Savior and always conscious and careful to note that this life on earth is not the end but we look forward to a heavenly home, a greater resurrection, imperfections, yes, but she carried the hope and faith daily that she enters heaven not on what she has done but the work of Christ on the cross.

Grandma was born December 1915, to Ophelia Graham and Uriah Graham. She is the youngest of five children- Louise, Gertrude, Clifford, Hilda all now deceased. Mass Urie as great Grandfather was affectionately called, loved to farm and Great Grandmother, Miss Phelie was a stay at home Mother tending to the garden and taking care of her 5 children. Miss Phelie and Mass Urie were strong Baptists and sang in the Choir at the Brown’s Baptist Church for several years and instilled Christian principles in her children.

Grandma was fortunate to attend school as few in her time did. She excelled at school but had a bit of a problem with Math – “sums” as she referred to it but that did not deter her from excellent financial management during her life. Grandma knew the art of stretching a dollar to two. Grandma however had a very creative mind and later in life enjoyed that. We often told her that she could have become a famous artist or musician (you may recall the impromptu song she rendered in this church called “Jesus is excellent”)

Grandma loved to live and was full of ambition so as a young woman she left home to “seek her fortune” (as seeking a career was called back in the day) in Kingston to locate employment…something that was not common in the day for young women. The independent spirit that Grandma had surfaced….she learned dressmaking and many a garment was made by her hands for her children and without a sewing machine..too poor to buy one. Sometimes it was remake from her own clothes when she could not afford to buy new cloth. Her dressmaking skill explains why she was so well dressed, coordinated and everything matching. Aunt Preshous recalls coming home from “Infant” school to find a beautiful rag doll that Grandma had made for her and how it delighted her so much she has never forgotten, only wished she had kept it, that was the skill and tender kindness of heart she had.

On one of Grandma’s home visits from Kingston, Grandma was walking along in Brown’s Town, going about her business when “a tall brown man” started to approach her. She brushed him off as of course she was now a “Kingston Girl” and had no interest in a country boy and a very poor country boy at that! However, Grandpa Joseph Allen pursued her relentlessly and even before she could say “yes” to any forthcoming proposal, Grandpa purchased a wedding band and was ready for a marriage and the next thing you would know on March 26, 1946 they were married here by Dr. DeCateret, much to the chagrin of Mass Urie but blessed somewhat by Miss Phelie as when grandpa visited the home he would take with him the biggest bible and so Miss Phelie thought “tall good looking brown man with a bible..poor but not bad as the large bible indicated a large man of God! The young couple briefly lived in Retirement as Grandma decided that was not for her and moved back to Wilberforce hotly pursued by Grandpa. She never left Wilberforce to the day she died except for a stay in the United States.

From that union, three children were born – Gloria (so named because at the birth registration, Great Grandma Albertha Allen forgot the name given “Angela” and just figure that Gloria was just as good as any. As she was the firstborn she was called Precious. Son Vaughn was next and Thelma (called Curly because her hair was so very curly at birth)

Grandma was always fired by ambition and she worked hard to instill that in her three children. As she would often say “I can’t stand someone without ambition….might as well ‘dem dead” and she lived what she preached. With three children and very poor she was burned with ambition to make sure that they attended school and become “somebody”. She worked diligently and hard at it. She kept cows until one pulled her down and she decided that she would not lose her life from a cow and that was the end of the cow. We eat beef for months! She kept pigs, chickens, rabbits, and planted vegetables for the dinner table. Poor but there was not a day that food was not on the table..many times by a miracle. She made sure that we had food so that we would learn at school. Oh that hot cornmeal porridge made with the fresh cow’s milk that Grandpa had just milked and hardough bread for breakfast. Walking 2 miles or so to school was not a problem, all the children were fed.

She made sure that all the children had clothes. Well, new ones for Church and when those were short and tight they became “yard clothes”. She did not have the patience for sloppiness and clothes had to be starched ironed and shoes shining clean. No matter that it was only one set of church clothes, one set of uniform, one pair of church shoes and one school shoes. She made sure everyone, Grandpa, and all the children were always well “put together” as she would say before they leave the house. And as you know she was a good dresser herself….even to this day.

As I mentioned before education was very important to her and school was a given, Preshous went on to York Castle High, Durham College of Commerce, Thelma to Business school in Kingston becoming one of the fastest Stenographers on graduation, and Vaughn to mechanic training.

Not only was education important but a Christian upbringing was paramount for her. She attended the Catholic Church briefly as a young woman and when she had children and they were ready for church around 2 years old she started them out at the Catholic Church. That did not work after 2 visits because Grandpa had been saved under the fiery preaching of Dr. Johnson and would have none of it. So they were sent off to the Brown’s Town Tabernacle and under the ministry of Dr. Kennedy, Grandma accepted Christ and never looked back. As she said on the day of her baptism, there is no turning back. All three children also accepted Christ under Dr. Kennedy’s ministry. There was no compromise. It was to Church every Sunday.rain or shine sustaining what God had begun. Night services were not included as “night have no governor” so no one was allowed to go out of the house at night.

Grandma was a business woman at heart also. She could not sit still and when things were not looking to her “suit” she began to travel to Kingston and purchase bales of cloth at Princess Street and hire a seamstress to make all kinds of clothing and she would sell at the market for a profit. However, frequently, she would always take out the best cloth to make dresses for the two girls and shirt and pants for the boy. She did this business for a long time and she did it well.

Then in her mid 50’s Grandma decided she would travel overseas.. always wanted the experience. The earlier England migration was not appealing to her as she loved her children so much she would not leave them. They were grown now and so off she went to the United States. A tremendous risk but she is a brave woman at heart and fearlessly she worked there for 15 years and returned home and lived a great life. Don’t be fooled, her life was one of humility. Grandma disliked intensely a haughty and “show off” lifestyle. She was very kind, always giving to someone in need and offering a helping hand but quietly without a word…”because yu no haffe mek people know wha yu a do”. She never hesitated to share some food or clothes with the ones in need. She considered it a sin to have 2 shoes when someone had none. She was so kindhearted; she did not like to have too much for herself. She did not like to have too much for herself so she was always giving away clothes, shoes, food to those who did not have. We recall a lady who was sick and everyday Grandma would take her some soup for a long time and there are many who received her kindness but she did not talk ..you had to only observe it.

She was totally devoted to her husband and children were the apple of her eyes and would wisely let us know that she does not love one more than the other so there was not the rivalry that happens sometimes with siblings. As she would often say, when the hair on the head of one of her children hurt, she hurts. She was a lot of fun and when the children were small there are fond memories they recall of them all playing in her big bed while waiting for Papa to come home from work. When one of her Daughters became ill as a result of untreated Post Partum complications, she did not hesitate to standby by her 110%. She taught us during that time to the day she died how to love unconditionally. As she would often say, there is nothing like the love of a Mother for her child. She was quick to forgive, never held a grudge or a spirit of un-forgiveness. She was always a peacemaker and hated to hear bickering, quarrels and discord. She wept openly when such a thing happened and prayed the more for anyone involved. She was always conscious of not doing anything wrong to upset Jesus. And was constantly praying and asking Jesus to forgive her if she has done anything wrong that she is not aware of. As she always says, “we have to forgive as Jesus did for us”

She lived an authentic life not seeking to impress or to be pretentious. Her life was the truth. She was adamant about the truth…when the children would be naughty or stepped out of line she would cup the face in her hand and say as sternly as she can “Tell me the Truth because I can’t stand a dam liar”. Once she had the truth she would work on fixing the trouble of course with a reprimand.

Mother did her own thinking and did not leave it up to others, whether it is politics or church to do the thinking for her. She spent long period of times talking with God and insights would come to mind as to how god would lead her. She worked out her own salvation. So Godly! She was way ahead in her understanding of God and we think that is because she spent so much time praying to God and cultivating a daily relationship with.

Then the time came, sad time for all, about 5 -8 years ago, her memory started to fade. She had difficulty remembering and was confused. We all thought it was just the usual aging process but she knew something was wrong and she let everyone who would listen know, mostly trying to see if she could fix it. Some people would just dismiss or just rudely turn away, but she knew in her heart that something was not right. You see that was the beginning of altsztimer. A severe form of dementia for which there is no cure. Grandma had the best medical care that is available but thru it all, her one desire was to go home to Jesus. For a long time Grandma just wanted to go home to Jesus. Sometimes she would express her disappointment waking up on earth on not haven. She is the most prepared person we know who with such deep longing and confidence just wanted to be with Jesus.

Jesus answered this remarkable woman of faith wish, desire and prayer on September 6, 2009.

today

Today I sold my car. The entire process will take about 4 days. It was bought by a MS state trooper. A pretty huge dude. So now I don’t have a car. This is phase one of my life change. This was the second largest purchase I have ever made. It was a good car and I hope they will be happy. So I found out my neighbor buys and sells cars. He is now on the case to find me a new car. We’ll see how he does. He told me he could find it. Small truck is what I’m looking for.
edit:
Same day when I got home from being out of town I see two trucks that I was looking for. Options are all around me

since I’m here

I’m sitting here during a sound check so I figure I should write something. The week so far has been pretty smooth.  Well from a room its been pretty smooth.  I have no idea of what is going on outside of it. I’ve been just kind of doing stuff here.  I help a little here and a little there which I hope is some kind of help.  Everyone has been great from the band to Louie so it makes for an easy weekend.  People seem to be enjoying it…ok I cant’ take it any more. I can’t think to write so…………..

i wish i were talented

This week is going to be a short week for me. On friday I will be heading to see this guy in Austin TX. Yee Haw.   I am really looking forward to it. It’s kinda spur (this isn’t a joke here) of the moment kinda thing. I am realizing that when you dont have another person in your life or any kind of extra curricular activity you tend to throw your self into your work. Sacrificing you sanity for the company allowing it to change your mood from when you walk in to when you leave. Some say I need a vacation. It’s been awhile since I’ve taken any length of time. A weekend here an afternoon there.  Anyway when you aren’t away from someone you start to stop caring about being away. Does that make sense?  Well I’m going to start doing it more often. No guilt here. My hope is to take a mini sabbatical in the fall. Use up some of those weeks I’ve been given.

in other news……

My running has been getting better. I have a great friend that I run with on Thursday nights. We’ve turned it into an event. I’m still down 22 lbs or 9.9 kg and counting. Every jean I tried on today  fit. I ended up not buying any.  Turned out I just  wanted a new pair.  Not a very good reason.  I’m thinking of selling my car. I cleaned out the attic of crap so now its on to the one big item in my garage.   This seems like a good idea. I’ll let you know how it goes. I think for 2009 I need to do something big. I just don’t know what it is yet. Oh and these guys support compassion so big ups to them.

Your moment of zen…Now get up and dance

I have no good ideas

Ok Church. So Erin a girl I work with invited me to her church with her husband. It was great.  You ever feel like you are somewhere that feels like home.  (other than your home)  I dont know if its that level but it just felt good.  Lately at church ive felt that ive had to do evaluate or well I felt like I was at work.  The minister said something that caused me to pause. he said something about forgetting your own spiritual health.  I’ve done that for sometime.  Anyway this is a little out there and I’m not really writing clear but that’s all I got. I’ll be back there again.  I hope she wont mind.   I’ll let you know how it goes.

Today was a suck day for me. It started with moving stuff in our warehouse early this morning.  The more I moved the more I started throwing stuff around. Seeing stuff that had been moved from place to place. Well lets just say I needed to just move on. It was one of those moments when I should have just gone home.  Never took that comp day or is it days that I was supposed. Guess what folks dont look for me in the month of August. I’ll either be traveling or I’m going to go to some state and  live there for a month. It with be my tenth anniversary so see ya sucker.

Anyway so after moving that stuff I snapped at Taylor (another dude I work with) ( yes, I have apologized, Ive gotten good at that) I think I snapped at Erin (girl who invited me to church) and the list goes on and on.  I kinda failed them when it came to keeping us on a time line for some projects. Maybe I should start a blog about how bosses can screw up. Man would I have a list or am I not supposed to admit those things.  I dont even remember when I started doing this boss thing.

Last I’m watching a new show.  ALong with the other MTv show. Kings.

So you would think a guy who tries to retell bible stories would have gotten it. Once again Chris who has never seen the show had to fill me in. It is a modern day telling of David’s story.  Why didn’t we tell that story.  I really am starting to like it. The funny thing is before I knew the story I thought it was a little mystical how Samuel talked to the king. Is that what Christians look to unbelievers. Yeah I think so. Anyway I’m really getting into it. Good stuff. You should check it out.

Your moment of zen. I dont care who you are this is funny

need to meet

I’m two days into the new blog. I feel like I didnt do anything today and I didnt start going through emails until I got home. That is not a good day. I had a little freak out moment when a bunch of the guys were in my office. Switching between creative…administrative..managerial…well you get the point. I felt I wasnt doing either of those well.  I just finished writing couple video ideas that I hope my partners will make better and I’m thinking about working on some photos.  I probably won’t ….I’ve been thinking of working out before bed but I think I will leave it for the morning and keep on my routine. As you can tell I’m starting to shut down.  I’m planning on visiting a church this weekend.  More on that later. (That’s what you say when you doing really want to talk about it but you like bringing it up)

So they’ve been saying that people more easily talk about financial problems. I’m not about to start but I was talking to Hannah the other day about a great This American Life that gave us a great break down of how we got to where we are. Dont worry it’s not a partisan thing. I’ll link it here. Giant Pool of Money Then once you listen to that. Here is one on the banking system real cool. I’m actually in the middle of this one. Bad Bank Well I hope this helps. Hey keep you chin up.  I’ll tell you about my dating life in the next post. That’ll cheer you up.

I remember what I was going to write about my friends AAron and BUsh are in Haiti doing something very ultra cause driven for compassion. Well they told us to tell others so here is me telling others.  If you want to follow them

BLOG & TWITTER LINKS:
bush blog: www.stevenbush.org
bush twitter: www.twitter.com/stevenbush
ivey blog: www.aaronivey.com
ivey twitter: www.twitter.com/aaronivey

I just got word that they didnt make it to Haiti today…weather.

In honor

In honor of the end of the election years…I thought it only fitting to show you the many facebook status updates I saw this morning.

Steven Lamphear can has Bush out of office now? Kthnxbye…

someone tell me again what is supposed to be my motivation for working…shouldn’t a check or something be coming soon?

lready feels oppressed and wonders why people think socialism is a good thing…

knows God can and will use the absolute worst to bring the most good for His glory and our good.

is going to bed and kissing Capitalism goodnight…forever.

is Ashamed of America!!!!

is remembering, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?…It is better to trust in the LORD, than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118.

is glad we have a president today…lived in Florida the year of the hanging chads.

finds it funny that that McCain spent 300 million on the campaign Obama spent 600 million. For a job that pays 400k. And we wonder why the economy is like it is.

is getting my number to be served with my handout – I mean baillout, too!

is so incredibly proud to be an American and is praying for President-elect Obama.

is proud to be an American and believes in her country…and no, not for the first time in her adult life.

knows that God wasn’t suprised by anything that has happened today, and knows that the future still rests firmly in His hands!

just saw a video of obama mocking the Bible…pray for our new President.

Well, this is definitely a night of history… we’ll see what kind of history as time goes along. I’m all for hugs & normal tv. No more bashing commercials. And hey – if that dude can get my house sold, that would be a massive surprise!

Knows that Jehovah is my God and my times are in His hands.

s waiting to see if all the folks who said they would move to Canada really will. And if you do, goodbye because I don’t want a flake like you in my country!

why is america full of idiots?????

is praying for an America that can put their faith and hope in Jesus Christ. What a joy would it be to see a nation praising His name. .

‘s hope is in Christ, not Obama.

apologizes for his mis-spelling of critique, he doesn’t pay attention to detail when the end of a democracy is in sight.

tomorrow we will move forward is an opinion, nice try though! sorry you took so much of your time to look that up just to be wrong.

i especially love the folks that say they want to leave the u.s. and go to canada because it will be “socialist” when obama takes office. do they not realize that canada is socialized????

prays for rest and clarity for president bush and compassion and strength for president-elect obama.

is give it to God.

MAY GOD’S WILL BE DONE IN AMERICA!!…MAY WE BLESS HIM THROUGH THE OUTCOME.

is proud to be an American tonight! Congratulations, Obama!!

is fully relying on God for strength, stamina, unity and peace.

is getting ready to hear our new anthem, “Praise The One, Obama…”.

Ok there you go.  Hey if you got some good ones send them my way.  You can put them int the dear drewbox or just enter them to the right where it says click here under the Note For Drew. Peace

edit:

We were too depressed to leave the house tonight. We watched non-news television instead. Scare Tactics to be exact. But let’s have an unpolitical hang-out soon.

is really happy that we can change anything in this country that isn’t working.

is just wondering, now that there is a black president, we can finally get rid of affirmative action right? Also, now Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton can stop?

went to the gas station this morning and still had to pay…now I have to work so more people can benefit from my paycheck

is worried about the election today. I still can’t believe people are actually going to vote for Obama. God help us.