"Caja Mágica" And All Of The Rest Of The Ways She Cares

              Popular Brazilian Musician Anderson Karvlaho and I after a beach concert at the Atlantic Ocean. If  would not have learned a second language, chances are we would not have been able to be best friends...... 

Celebrities. They are the people we want to be. Athletes,actors and actresses, race car drives, singers, television personalities, rich people with no talent that just have money.. we want to be them..  We shape our lives around their likes and dislikes. If they drink cola, we drink cola. If they shave their heads, America becomes something of a "chrome dome" nation overnight..  Yet it only lasts for a moment.. some people are popular for a few months, and others a few years.. We have classics like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe that are sort of timeless, their popularity spanning generations. There are people today who believe that they are living, and that their deaths were staged.. for what ever reason, please people, let them go!.What gets me though is that at this point, many of these icons that are the most popular are not entirely contributing to the well-being of society, nor were some when they were alive. Elvis was a drugged out mess, Monroe had affairs with JFK, not exactly the best kind of role models, yet their presence lingers on . There are a few celebrities who have really stepped up though, Warren Buffet and his billions given to good causes, I am sure he is not perfect, but he is using what he does have to make the world take notice, and live life better.  George Lucas, Christopher Reeves..amazing people.. just take a moment to look them up.

Often times I like to introduce people here on this page, who are work -a- day Joes who should be given awards.. People whom the world should trend after immediately, because what they are doing changes lives, and it lasts in the fabric of community.  Many of these people are not asking for recognition, and they usually blush a bit after they read my praises. I feel that it is important to voice our gratitude to these individuals, because the world often takes for granted those who are way makers, life changers, in a real way. Being appreciated, allows people to continue on their worst days, and to celebrate the rest in between. Today I present to you all my beloved Spanish professor. I will call her just "Señora L" for now. I have been Señora L's student for 17 weeks now.. 15 weeks a year ago and now for two weeks into a new college semester. She teaches high school students by day French and Spanish, and college level Spanish at night. Many of her students follow her into the college classroom, because her teaching becomes a whole life experience. 

Often times professors are concerned with point systems, and grades. If a student doesn't understand material, they need to get a tutor, and study more at home. If you fail, many just say, take the class again. Señora L, has however set a very high bar in the area of compassion and learning. . She makes learning easy and rewarding. Students who want to learn Spanish but struggle, can. Señora L often gives praise, and complements when students speak or read, especially to those who are shaky to help build confidence. She talks with students about the materials, and tries to teach real life applications such as telephone conversation, dealing with family members and talking to a doctor. Many text books cannot teach these skills. You have to lean it by practice. On line studies often lack real life expressions and the real life situations that arise. In an emergency, people do not  speak in plain measured voices, and they certainly don't follow a script. You need a teacher to teach this, and one that can help you understand why people say the things they say. We play games and often use techniques that grade school kids use like songs and question and answer. While some people might laugh, they are great because they can be done by anyone. Again, this professor teaches a whole life, real life, experience. 

Yesterday in a Spanish II evening class there was a student who had been out of  Spanish lessons for a very long time that had been struggling. This student wants to learn, and Señora L knows that.  Students who feel defeated in a college class at the beginning will often check out mentally for the rest of the semester, or self destruct their study habits. This is especially true when they feel they cannot understand material. Students with children and jobs are often strapped for time, and tutoring can be out of the question. Señora L, looked the struggling student in the eyes and said "listen, you know the stuff, and we are not going to leave you behind, it has just been a long time". She then begins to draw her"caja mágica"or  "magic box" for verb conjugation and starts a review. There was none of the typical professor questions "Why did you take this class, or why didn't you review your stuff before we started?". You could see a look of new determination in this students eyes, not only did she feel she could learn with the "caja mágica", but she began to understand that she was a part of the class as a contributor. Language classes tend to become like mini families because they have to talk a lot about what they are doing. When a student struggles to share, read, or understand they can easily feel left out of the class. Señora L. has no orphans. 

So why a language teacher for today's hero? In a world where globalization has taken hold chances of living in a neighborhood with a bi-lingual family is growing. Many areas that were considered English speaking rural or American suburban, are now multi-ethnic neighborhoods. When we meet our neighbors one of the best ways to live in peace is to have communication. Real life interactions with other human beings change lives, and build understanding. Señora L is giving students a real life ability to take part in this world. Her games that were fun, suddenly become a conversation with a human being. "Where did you live?", "How many children do you have".. no "I don't like movies, but I do like books".. people are connected because they know something about another person. That person is not just a body, but a human being with a connection to you. While I am sure the world will go on worshiping athletes and famous singers. I'd rather spend my money taking  Señora L's class than buying a starter jersey or poster. Even if the masses never know me, if I have one neighbor who remembers me in kindness it is all the fame I will ever need. Muchas Graçias.. Señora L..

O Que Estamos Pedindo?

Quarta-feira, 18 dezembro, 2013

Se Eu escrevesse o Senhor uma Carta

Passei algum tempo ontem a pensar no Natal , e todas as coisas que gastam tempo fazendo sobre os feriados ... muitas pessoas dizem que eles gostam de Natal porque os ajuda a se preparar ou reorientar a sua vida em Cristo. Algumas pessoas também têm a visão de que é um bom tempo para se preparar para o retorno de Cristo , porque a cruz foi a razão fundamental para o nascimento estamos celebrando ... Tenho vindo a sentir a necessidade de romper com o " duas vezes por ano alta igreja ", que vem de ser cristão .. Eu amo os feriados , e Páscoa será sempre o meu favorito de todos os feriados .. mas eu quero mais do que apenas duas pequenas explosões de entusiasmo na preparação para o Cristo .. Parece duro, mas que permite a preguiça em minha vida cristã .. tudo ao nosso redor pessoas precisam de esperança em suas vidas .. eles estão cansados ​​e quebrados .. e todos os domingos é um grande domingo para apresentá-los a minha família da igreja. Todo dia é um bom dia para a oração com aqueles que eu amo , e os que eu não sei . Nós muitas vezes esperar por desastres ou feriados para compartilhar com as pessoas sobre o Cristo.

Eu também percebi que eu posso passar a minha vida " se preparando " para Cristo , ou eu posso perceber que Ele é verdadeiramente aqui já nos rostos das pessoas que amo .. Eu pensei sobre as maneiras que as pessoas tentam obter a salvação pessoal, tentando viver uma "vida impecável " .... eles trabalham tão duro tentando encobrir seus próprios traseiros e manter uma aparência de perfeição, que a missão de Jesus sofre em torno deles. Tudo que a preparação e nenhum resultado de grande mudança para os preparadores que trabalharam tão duro para ser "perfeito" , porque as nossas relações uns com os outros produzem muito do que sentimos através de Cristo.

Eu pensei por um tempo que uma carta para Deus soaria como .. pleaing para o Cristo para ser enviado de volta para nós para apenas um dia da minha vida. Percebi também através dela, o quanto sua presença é tida como certa na " escrita " da carta. Seria algo como isto.

"Querido Deus,

Você sabe que o mundo é uma bagunça, para você o criou, e pode ver que a Criação foi abusada . As pessoas não se tratam bem. Nós temos a pobreza , temos injustiça .. Você pode por favor enviar Jesus de volta em forma humana para corrigir isso para o dia ? Você sabe que no caso de pobreza que temos muitas pessoas com alimentos e roupas para fora. Se ele pudesse voltar e cuidar de que tudo seria muito melhor .. Oh, espere , temos Abolir missões em situação de pobreza e fim. Oh sim e fora de alcance internacional , boa sustentável ... Mesmo quando Jesus caminhou sobre a terra toda a pobreza não foi abolida, porque ele está em processo que exige um trabalho constante, vamos juntos indo, isso é certo. Acho que as pessoas encontrá-Lo já quando compartilhamos . Talvez a gente precisa se concentrar em outra coisa que precisa. Nós só temos um dia ... Hmm .


Ok Senhor , temos pecado. tantas opções ruins. Pessoas machucar uns aos outros com raiva e ódio. Podemos ter Jesus conosco por um dia para que isso tudo vai terminar . Oh wait. Um dia, 365 dias por ano , mesmo quando Jesus estava aqui , as pessoas tratavam mal, porque eles não poderiam ser ensinados de uma só vez .. Eu acho que ele já está nos ajudando em persuing paz e os ministérios de cuidado que prestamos. Se fosse só por um dia, quantas pessoas iriam sofrer o resto do ano? ? O foco deve escolho Senhor? , Se isso um dia Jesus viria algo teria que ser perfeito.

Acho que tenho agora .. Precisamos preparar as pessoas para servi-lo, para ensinar-lhes tudo e experimentar congregações na missão de tal forma o mundo muda. Como sobre isso. Jesus pode ser nosso congregações pastor por um dia? Se ele pode ensinar-nos a servir, e para fazê-lo fora do nosso talento , nossa congregação seria perfeito. Ei, espere .. E se Jesus não toca piano? E se ele realmente não sabe como fazer um powerpoint ? O que podemos fazer? E se nós realmente não faz bem para o projeto que ele quer que façamos na comunidade ? Oh meu Deus, eu acho que nós precisamos conversar abertamente com nossos pastores sobre as nossas congregações esperanças e sonhos , e que eles saibam o que é bom. Eu acho que precisamos de gastar tempo a crescer mais perto de Jesus nas aulas e programas de treinamento para que possamos expandir nossas opções para servir.

Ok Senhor, eu tê-lo! E se Jesus voltar para o dia e convida a todos para estar com ele ! Ele resolve tudo .. eles iriam vê-lo em carne e sei como é maravilhoso ser um discípulo de Cristo pode ficar. Oh hey esperar .. Eu me lembro que sendo ridicularizado e correu para fora da cidade aconteceu pela primeira vez Ele estava aqui. Lembro-me também que muitas pessoas levaram anos para se tornar verdadeiramente aquainted com Jesus .. Thomas , Peter , mesmo James seu próprio irmão tinha que ter tempo para aceitá-lo .. então eu acho que isso significa que o que estamos indo ter que assumir o trabalho em conjunto e mantê-la se estamos indo cada vez para chegar a algum lugar . Ao invés de esperar por Jesus para voltar e consertar as coisas para mim , eu tenho que ajudá -lo com o trabalho que está sendo feito ...

                                                                            Seu em Seu Nome,
                                                                           Josie Dalton de Carvalho

What Are We Asking For?

If I Wrote the Lord a Letter

I spent some time yesterday thinking about Christmas, and all of the things that we spend time doing over the Holidays... many people say that they enjoy Christmas because it helps them to prepare or refocus their life in Christ. Some people also hold the view that it is a good time to prepare for the return of the Christ, because the cross was the ultimate reason for the birth we are celebrating... I have been feeling the need to break away from the "twice a year church high" that comes from being Christian.. I love the Holidays, and Easter will always be my favorite of all Holidays.. but I want more than just two little bursts of enthusiasm in preparing for the Christ.. It sounds harsh, but that enables laziness in my Christian life..all around us people are in need of hope in their lives.. they are weary and broken.. and every Sunday is a great Sunday to introduce them to my church family. Everyday is a good day for prayer with those I love, and those I do not know. We often wait for disasters or Holidays to share with people about the Christ. 

I also realized that I can spend my life "preparing" for Christ, or I can realize that He is truly here already in the faces of those I love.. I thought about the ways that people try to obtain personal salvation by trying to live a "spotless life".... they work so hard trying to cover their own backsides and maintaining an appearance of perfection, that the mission of Jesus suffers around them. All that preparing and no results of major change for the preparers who worked  so hard to be "perfect", because our relationships with each other produce so much of what we feel through Christ. 

I thought for a while what a letter to God would sound like.. pleaing for the Christ to be sent back for us for just one day of my life time. I also realized through it, how much His presence is taken for granted in the "writing" of the letter. It would be something like this.

" Dear God,

You know that the world is a mess, for you created it, and can see that Creation has been abused. People do not treat each other right. We have poverty, we have injustice.. Can you please send Jesus back in human form to fix this for the day?? You know in the case of poverty we have many people with out food and clothing. If He could come back and take care of that everything would be much better.. Oh wait, we have Abolish Poverty and End Suffering missions. Oh Yes and Out Reach International, sustainable good...  Even when Jesus walked the earth all poverty was not abolished, because it is on going process that requires constant work as we go together, that is right . I guess people meet Him already when we share. Maybe we need to focus on something else that has need. We only have one day... Hmm. 

Okay Lord, we have sin. so many bad choices. People hurt each other out of anger and hate. Can we have Jesus with us for one day so that this will all end. Oh wait. One day, 365 days a year, even when Jesus was here, people treated each other badly, because they could not all be taught at once.. I guess He is already helping us in persuing peace and the caring ministries we provide. If it was only for one day, how many people would suffer the rest of the year??? What focus shall I choose Lord?, if this one day Jesus would come something would have to be perfect.

I think I have it now.. We need to equip people to serve You, to teach them all and to experience congregations in mission in such a way the world changes. How about this. Jesus can be our congregations pastor for one day? If he can teach us to serve, and to do so out of our giftedness, our congregation would be perfect. Hey wait.. what if Jesus doesn't play the piano? What if he doesn't really know how to make a powerpoint?? What would we do? What if we don't really do well at the project he wants us to do in the community??  Oh my, I guess we need to talk openly with our pastors about our congregations hopes and dreams, and let them know what we are good at. I guess we need to spend time growing closer to Jesus in classes and  training programs so we can expand our options to serve.

Okay Lord, I have it! What if Jesus comes back for the day and invites everyone to be with him! It solves it all.. they would see him in the flesh and know how wonderful being a follwer of Christ can be.Oh hey wait.. I seem to remember that being mocked and ran out of town happened the first time He was here. I also remember that many people took years to become truly aquainted with Jesus.. Thomas, Peter, even James his own brother had to have time to accept him.. so I guess that means that what we are going to have to take up the work together and keep at it if we are ever going to get anywhere. Rather than waiting for Jesus to come back and fix things for me, I have to help Him with the work being done...

                                                                            Yours in His Name,

                                                                           Josie Dalton de Carvalho 

The Other 11 Months

When I was a kid I always wanted to be a doctor. I loved taking care of people, to the point where when my dad accidently cut his head open with a chain saw, I cut out paper bandaids for his head, I asked for a doctors kit for Christmas that year, and Santa graciously obliged. I was so happy! For many Christmas seasons to come Santa continued to wow me. I remember the year I got a hand held Citizens black and white television. Then there was the year I got a "Get in Shape Girl"  exercise kit and a camera.. I was so happy I could have burst!

Now that I am older I really have no desire to have more things or for Santa to spend time "wowing" me. I am not an old crab or anything like that, it is just that for me I want Christmas, the Season of Hope and Blessing to not be confined in my life to one 4 - 5 week span each year. There are so many opportunies to come in contact with the living Christ, the forever living hope, that I like to spend as much time as possible in this kind of spiritual preparation for blessings the rest of the year, as most  people do only for Advent and Christmas..  "Santa"  a figure of blessings has been present with me year round for quite some time now. I like to think of him as the greatest marketing figure for angelic ministry of generosity ever. Yes I know in some ways it is sad that Jesus did not get that kind iconic representation for the masses, but I think some day the world will be more likely to "get it" as we mature.

This year I went to Brazil and painted a church with two of my friends from the church in July. It was my second of three trips in one year..

 I never would have dreamed or imagined that I would be doing this kind of missionary work overseas. Seeing the transformation of the people as the work progressed was amazing.. The look of hope became more and more noticeable each week on the faces of the people as they delighted in the improvements being made. To add to this story of blessings, I had someone graciously pay for the paint, and my air fare. My family is not wealthy, and sometimes we have to really scrimp to get through the week, but there is always enough because someone always provides in some way was missing, Most often that person was from my faith community.. 90% of the blessings we have received have been from January to November as God does not limit the blessings of knowing His Son to the Advent and Christmas seasons. 

So often I have experinced the wow moments during times of struggle, much like when I was a child, and it never ever loses its effect when the blessings come forth. It feels warm and amazing everytime.. So Santa forgive me if I am not really worked up for just December, and I have not left you out at all... there are simply 11 other months out of the year that also bring joy to life, and I want to appreciate them all

The Label of Sin, Careful With YOUR Stickers...

Weighting Sin...

It seems as child we learn that "sin" is something bad that we do. We see it through a child's eyes of course, so it is equated with telling lies, or hitting someone. When we get a little older, we still equate sin with telling lies, hitting people, and then other things come along like stealing, cheating, and basic dishonesty fall into the understanding of sin. 

Somehow, somewhere along the lines a foundation of sex and sin begins to form. We begin to learn that somethings we feel need to be worked out, because you can't act on every bodily impulse in life. Hormones change us and our minds go crazy thinking about the opposite sex. To the point that I feel teaching Mathematics in Junior High and Middle schools should be outlawed permanently, because they take in nothing that stays.Many tenth grade algebra teachers have scratched their heads in wonder, as to what had happened to their students in the last three years.. my dear professor, I have solved your dilemma. What I can't seem to solve is the idea among people that some sins are "greater" than others, and that we can label others sinners and not seem to see that it is our label as well... . In passages of the scriptures we find that the writers included the phrase "go and sin no more" coming from Jesus to those people who did not know that they were in the wrong, or those who did, but felt remorse for their actions. 

In Scripture the most dire warnings came to those who professed to be "the example", and were creating situations where others could not be close to God in the temple, or in society. I often am drawn in my thoughts to the women who was about to be stoned for being an "adulteress". Even though her behavior was less than stellar according to the rules of her people, the scripture states Jesus drew something in the sand, although I have no idea what it was, my personal theology says that the power of God showed each person the things that they had done, that they thought no one else would know about. When Jesus challenged the crowd "You with out sin, throw the first stone", no one threw a single stone.

Some how over the last few years we have come to a place where we are allowed to assign points of sorts to sin, and the more points your sin has, the more people seem to feel allowed to "throw stones". If the sin is a little sin, we can look the other way, no crowds needed.. Some how those basic things we learned in church no longer apply in the realm of sin. They are some how lesser in a world of bigger sins. If you have money or status, your sins are not really something you have to show remorse for, no point figures will be awarded... because a dollar figure can put a band-aid over the situation. We have to look much deeper than the surface of how things appear. I think my friend Wanda put it best when she said that "sin is anything that puts distance between you and God", my friend Tim clarifies that to anything that "sin is anything that puts distance between you and God, distance between you and another person, or distance you put between two people, whether that is them to each other, or them to God as well". 

The phrase "go and sin no more" is action oriented, it doesn't just mean "do not", it implies that something has to change in order for the "no more" part to happen, what ever it was that cause the original action to be made okay the first time, has to change with in. If I steal five million from a pension fund, it is not worse than stealing fifty dollars from a gasoline station. What ever made stealing okay in the first place has to go. While we would like to award more sin points to more money stolen.... The only difference is that more people were effected. It in the greatest sense both acts are equally wrong. For the person who does drive offs at the pump, this is just as bad as the person who points a gun to get the drawer money at a gas station. Some would argue that the use of a gun makes is worse.. my theology says it is not worse, it is more traumatic. Sad but true, drive offs are often not even pursued in bigger cities, they just don't have enough weight in the already stretched police divisions, but someone, some place pays the price. 

In today's world in the United States, we don't stone people for their sins.. we actually do something that causes equal pain with a longer sentence. We label people according to actions. Thief, Liar, Bully, Harlot.. the list goes on. Even if we don't say the word out loud, we think it, all the while pretending we deserve no label of our own. "closed minded, judgmental, pious" . We also have a tendency take things a step deeper and assign a "look" to the labeled person in question.. If a blonde woman is pretty, she must be superficial. So she must therefore be only concerned about sex and her looks, and if she dates someone, that girl will certainly ruin the reputation of the person she is with. All the points of that woman's life must be assigned to her sleeve, because she "looks like a harlot, therefore she is assigned sin points based on a glance. What about the poor person? As a person who was low income for a long time I encountered this. "Well this woman is poor, therefore she will need to be watched, because at the first opportunity she will steal money from the box, food from the shelves, or an extra of some sorts" here is your points mam, thanks...  or for the wealthy "His check book is huge, that guy doesn't care who he steals from, he has no heart, do you see that BMW??" I bet he has ten at home. A million points to you sir.... I guess to be "honest", you have to live in the very middle of social classes?? Hmm.

Where I am going with all of this is we need to be careful where we put our sin labels and how we decide  what is worthy of them or not.  I pray for the day when we simply come to realize that treating others badly for any reason is a sin, even through stereotyping, and that bringing people back to the place where they can feel close to God, matters more. I have been with people in many instances where they say, "it doesn't matter what I do, or say no one believes me any ways, so I might as well...". In my life I might never see the end of labels or the sin points awarded to them, but I can at least not let that come from me to another. I can also work to with in myself, not make excuses for "my little meaningless sins" but instead take responsibility, and be vocal in my sharing that I have my own list of sins that I need to address. The first place need to start would be that I have to address that sometimes I feel that people are "jerks" for passing out labels.....just a place to start.. I know there are many more.. 

. 

TQM Linda Tia My Guardian Angel.

 Te quierissimo mucho! TQM! Those were the words and letters that my dear friend Dora would leave written on my facebook wall sometimes four or five times a week. I think about her everyday, and I am pretty sure that she is never ever far from me. I officially met Dora in 2010 at some church retreats, although I feel that I have known her all my life. She was a ball of fire and loved me more that I feel I deserve. 

While we gathered a few times for lunches and craft time at her home, we talked on Facebook almost every day, and over the phone when life allowed. She always told me I could do anything, and sometimes I believed her.. Sometimes we would string beads while our husbands spent time together. Other days the four of us would gather and she would harass her husband Sonny while he cooked for us. 

One day while sitting at her table she started to cry a little, and she asked me if she ever told me the story about when we very first time first met, I told her she had not. I had gone to Bay City for a conformation of a small child I had baptized that summer. He was afraid to be upfront, so I sat with him and held his hand, so he wasn't alone. (She and I were introduced, but never had the chance to actually get to know each other until a retreat a few weeks later at Blue Water.). I knew I loved her fire and the way that she smiled...  I sat at listened that day as she had told me about an experience that she had with the Holy Spirit, that she knew I was a person of great faith, and that I needed to go into the world with out fear. She was miffed as to why we never got to visit that first day, but she knew that one day we would be good friends.... When she finished her testimony, there were two weeping women at the table. 

I enjoy praying, it is a way to become empty from the bad stuff, and overflowing with the good stuff. Whenever Dora and I talked over the phone, she would let me pray in my very bad, sometimes Google translated Spanish. She always told me that she loved to hear me pray, and that she felt better after prayers.. every time.. When I went to Brazil this July I suddenly had the feeling that I needed to call her one day..She had confessed that she was not feeling well again and that it was serious. I knew deep in my heart I wasn't coming home to her, and that when I prayed she needed to know just how much I lover her, and how she already had been my angel. I cried even harder when the news came that she was indeed gone. Truth is I am crying now, because I can still hear her talking to me sometimes when I am down.. telling me I can do anything.. and of course, te quierissimo mucho.". "I love you, so much".....  and my favorite

"THANK YOU, I DO BELIEVE IN THE BIG BLESS! TQM"

Lately life has been hard. I miss my family in so many places that God has blessed me with. My husband and I are trying to buy a house, and I am struggling with school. The mission of the church in Brazil is a very deep and profound part of my daily life.. My heart aches for the people there whom God has sent me to serve, and yet they fill me so much more. I know that God is blessing us, and holding me so tight.. but in that same breath I feel so lost and even helpless.. I have a million beads and can't think of anything to string. I have papers to write, but no real words come. Then God does what he did tonight and life is okay for at least this evening...... Sephora called.... She is my dear sister from the Detroit area born originally in South America... She tells me about her desire to learn Portuguese, and that she has found someone from Brazil that she wants me to meet in Michigan. 

I found after a few minutes that while I was listening to her speak, there was a deeper feeling of calm than what I have felt in months. Suddenly I was thinking "TQM".  I told Sephora that she was bringing me deep ministry and why.. I could hear Dora speaking to me through her in a very special speech rhythm that only Dora used with me..it was a a special moment, and one that I give God many thanks for. While I cannot hug my Tia and hold hands while we pray, I can always remember "TQM... you can do anything..." Amen linda tia... one day soon. 

Dear Sir or Madame Senator,

What You are Doing to Me, and My Neighbors

Dear Senator,

Greetings, in the name of humanity.

Can you remember when you worked a minimum wage job? How about the reasons you wanted to be elected, before you were bought by big business and your buddies? I want to know if you can. Why? You may ask do I need to know this? Because I want to know what happened to you, that makes this situation in America okay in your mind. I want to know how the souls of American Senators are bought, because someday, I would like to own all of you, and turn you back to caring people who can't be bought by companies, who won't steal from your constituents, and would never ever lie. Remember when the USA took care of  the senior citizens who worked hard to build this country we enjoy today? Maybe now that is too far away.. 

For years we have argued about poverty, taxes, healthcare, and numerous issues. You have said "well live a better life, go to school, work, own a home, it fixes everything". Believe me, most Americans are trying to do this.The abuse of power and trust that you have exercised, is costing me all of those opportunities, as well as thousands of Americans that want a better life. 

I am trying to keep my family out of poverty, by going to school. Students I know in the work study program will be furloughed, the effects will be devastating for them. . Some schools in health and research will be hurting by tomorrow. You said "Buy a home!, it will stabilize your family and help your life.." Well jinkies, that FHA loan that I have fought to save for tooth and nail.. is now held up because YOU all can't get along. I might loose the seller's acceptance now, because this was my way to finance within reason.. I need healthcare for myself and my husband. We can't have it because you won't allow it to be sold to me at an affordable rate, but you wont stop the gouging prices that would let me pay cash either.... IF I could get through this patch in my life, I would be a second tax payer in a home of 4. I won't be able to get a job that allows any real tax contributions with my high school education, in fact jobs like those level families, and leave them in the clutches of welfare cycles you tell me to get off of.. and you say they need to go because I am bleeding you dry. Do you ever wonder why the American people no longer trust anyone in government???. If I hurt someone in your family, you are not going to sit by and be happy about it! NO! You are not going to trust me around your family or other people in your life. You will watch me like a hawk, and make sure that I don't do that again.

Are you feeling me? This is the vibe across the nation that you have looked away from. The greatest part of this country is that if enough people have had enough, you can no longer have the office in which you have abused your authority. So now you need to know that people are angry, upset, and disappointed in you. I may not have the money to catch your attention, but I do have the ability to share my voice, and to ask others to share theirs! I also have the ability to be sure that you do not have my vote, even to lead the local glee club.. While my one little vote may not seem like much.. if enough of us give ours to the other guy, you have nothing. 

Dear Senator, I will no longer kneel down in humility and beg for your compassion, instead I raise my fist to you, and tell you this will not go unremembered at voting time. While the rest of us pray for a better country to live in, you need to pray about the choices that you have made...It is time for the greed to go, and for the nation to claim a senate that works for its people first and its money second. Yours truly, 

                                                                                                                   An Angry American.