Jo Gimbel

Work over Christmas Break

2008-01-16T00:16:43Z

I researched (a lot) about domestic abuse, about the causes and effects of it, about what solutions have been done and which have and have not worked. I experienced quite a bit of empathy for those who are abused. I narrowed down my topic to just wives being abused by their husbands. We'll see if that stays the same. I watched a couple documentaries for more information on different stylistic approaches to plays. I wrote chapter one and two.

Project Description

2007-11-06T01:09:47Z

My project consists of writing a play or series of skits to be produced to educate, advocate for, and inspire the audience to respond to the needs of the people of the Twin Cities. This means that I will work on my project through much research, both of reading plays and going to volunteer at local areas for inspiration and information. I will have to schedule meeting times or regularly email my supervisor on my progress.

I thought I had posted this earlier, but I can't get it associated with the "categories." Sorry!

Project Description

2007-10-26T07:21:56Z

Project Description

2007-10-23T00:24:27Z

1. My project consists of writing a play or series of skits to be produced to educate, advocate for, and inspire the audience to respond to the needs of the people of the Twin Cities. This means that I will work on my project through much research, both of reading plays and going to volunteer at local areas for inspiration and information. I will have to schedule meeting times or regularly email my supervisor on my progress.
2. I will learn about:
a. the qualities of human life, the variances of the stages of life and the different walks that people are on. Theatre is often a very psychological study, attempting a portrayal of the truth of human life, for better or worse.
b. Not only will I be able to get a grasp of the variety of human life, but I will also help my theatre skills. I have been in plays before, but I have never written or directed one. Some of the things that past directors have seen in shows or mentioned might be something I would like to incorporate.
c. It will also give me a good glimpse of the perspective of how much work a playwright puts into a work to make a spectacular product.
3. I will engage in:
a. Researching the topics that interest me regarding the poor and marginalized (unequal distribution of wealth, domestic abuse and its affect on families, and immigrant acclimation and lifestyles in America)
b. Volunteering at a spot to see first-hand what the people with these roadblocks experience
c. Interviewing people to see their perception of such poor and marginalized people
d. Accumulation of information and a decision of topic
e. Writing an outline for the show/skits
f. Revising the outline with the help of my supervisor
g. Writing the acts/skits
h. Revising the acts/skits with the help of my supervisor
i. (hopefully) Producing the show (a later step not included in the time frame of the project, but a part of it nonetheless)
4. The topic matter of the activities will help the learning outcomes. The volunteering and research give me a glimpse of the life of people other than myself and how to properly portray them in theatre. The writing will give me a sense of how a playwright thinks and produces a work, as well as a better, broader feel for theatre itself.
5. I agree to complete all the Honors Project chapters and activities as described.

Summer!

2007-08-16T21:01:11Z

Sorry I haven't written yet, guys. It's been quite a busy summer, and a busy week, for that matter. My name is Joanna, usually Jo, and I am part of the Honors Alpha class. I have been working at a summer camp, Camp SonRise, in New York state for the entire summer (June 3- August 12), and I just got back on Sunday, only to start RA (resident assistant) training the following day. I'm anxious for the Honors class to reunite and to meet all the new people. I know that God has truly blessed this group, and I pray that He continues to do so at His will. See you guys soon! (Sunday, I think... I have to check that schedule again... :-)

Poehler Lecture

2007-04-27T12:54:32Z

Dr. Stephen Stohlmann spoke for the Poehler Lecture on Tuesday, April 17th, 2007, at 7:00 PM at Concordia, St. Paul. His lecture was titled, "What Comes After Easter?" It confronts the issues of whether or not we are living our Christian lives as a school of Christians. Are we trying to hide the fact that we are Christian? We are a Lutheran school-- but we often seem hesitant to admit it. What comes after Easter is Christ's resurrection, and we can now look to our own life in Christ, both the life on this earth to witness and bring others to Christ in his name and to our own new life in heaven that is to come. We are acting ashamed of our Lord and his resurrection when we don't want to take Christian classes or proclaim that we are a Christian university. We should proclaim, because of the Gospel and what Christ has done for us, boldly and confidently that our Lord lives inside of our hearts and we are gathered here in his name, teaching and doing everything "all within the context of the Christian Gospel." Dr. Stohlmann so eloquently addressed an issue that was important for the University to address. He specifically targeted Admissions for the problem, but really, recruitment is something that we all do. The best part of his argument was the content. It was strongly supported by fact, logic, and Scripture, making it credible and sensible. It was an excellent argument because of the logos, or words of his argument. His point was extremely strong, supported, and justified. He did an excellent job explaining and making his points clear. I think that applies to our class because it was such a well-worded and explicated argument. Also, it relates because it once again it shows that because of Christ's resurrection, we have a responsibility to God and our fellow man to witness to those who may not have heard or do not believe that Christ is Lord. All men are equal in the eyes of God, and all should be in heaven on the last day. We cannot idly wait for our Lord's second coming, but make haste and witness to those around us about our Lord's power, might, and grace. We can start where we are, in this Christian University, and branch out where God will take us in our lives. This is only a springboard of the adventure in Christ that is to come. I really enjoyed the lecture. Dr. Stohlmann's passion and vigor truly comes out in his words as he makes his point. It is true that we should recruit differently. Especially for me, having worked in the Admission Office, I see how important it is for us to be honest about who we are and why we are here. I do think that he is right in saying we should present ourselves as Christians and have those who are or are not Christians all take the same class about Christianity, as you would in an Islamic university. The message seemed to say, "Hark, the voice of Jesus crying, 'Who will go and work today?'" and I wanted to respond, "Here am I, send me, send me!" I really enjoyed the lecture and felt God's call once again through the words of the lecture. It was excellent to hear and was definitely a good use of my time.

Feed My Starving Children #2

2007-04-23T05:52:56Z

I went to Feed My Starving Children at Concordia Academy in Roseville this Saturday. We worked in the lunchroom, packaging food for those who need it. I didn't know anyone when I went, but ended up meeting a woman who worked at Bethany House Publishers and the mother-in-law of one of my old high school teachers. It was very fun talking with them and just being quick and efficient enough to get that food prepared for those who need it. At first, I just went to a table and did the sealing of the packages, because secretly, it is my true calling in life. However, I was working with a teenage girl, and her father was just watching us work for the first ten minutes or so because there was no job for him at our table. So, I gave him my job and left to another table who needed me more. It was very fun and warmed the cockles of my heart.
Feed My Starving Children is very relevant to class. Before they let you start working, they show you a movie about the people who the food will go help support. It's not specified to the country that the food goes to for each shipment, but just a general video. It gives some statistics, such as "16,000 children die of starvation each day." It is very relevant because, as we talked about last week, we are all covered by the blood of the Lamb. We are cleansed, made clean, and because of what Christ has done, we may live as forgiven people, awaiting our arrival in heaven. These souls are not exempt from this opportunity at all. God doesn't care what race you are, how smart or dumb you are, what your face looks like, or what you can or cannot do. He cares for you because you are his creation, his very own. However, if people die before hearing the good news of Christ, the Bible says they will go to hell. If we do not save their bodies before they get a chance to hear about Christ, we cannot save their souls. By prolonging their lives, we have a greater chance to reach them with the news of Christ before they die. That is one of the main and central points about the importance of service.
I really enjoyed myself on Saturday, despite it being 7:37 when I woke up. I saw a few people I knew, but for the most part, it was fun just to pack food and be able to concentrate on what I was doing. It makes me sad when people go somewhere to volunteer, but don't really put anything into what they do. I think that's sad. I feel like they go because they go through the motions and don't come because they want to. It happens all the time, but every time I see it, it makes me sad. If you're there, make it meaningful. But that's just me. I had fun, and it seemed very worthwhile to me.

Spirituals

2007-04-20T04:07:13Z

Dr. David Mennicke led a discussion/interactive lecture on spirituals, and the voices of the oppressed and poverty-stricken through music. We looked at Negro spirituals, and then the progression into gospel music; white spirituals; and the musical devices specific to the type of music. We talked about heterogeneous rhythms (those that have a melody with other things added in that are not additional melodies; for instance, the drums or staccato voices added in that have no melody), homogeneous rhythms (Gregorian chants, which do not have harmonies), and other such things. Also, an interesting fact about the syncopation of the song: the syncopation may have had to do with the task they were performing. It was very interesting to learn his position on singing Negro spirituals, which is that it is just as if one was singing a song in Italian: mimic the way it should be done, no matter what your color.
The Negro spirituals often were written when, as slaves, the African-Americans were working in the fields of plantations and such. It was their oppressed voices that come through these songs, mirroring the suffering of the children of Israel under Pharaoh. Even later, after slavery was over and gospel music became bigger, it still referred to the oppression under the whites. Also, some of the white spirituals existed, probably derived from the poor whites who lived in that time as well. I found the information very connected to giving a voice to the poor and marginalized.
I enjoyed this discussion. I thought it was worthwhile and interesting information. I learned quite a few things about music in general and about spirituals in specific. I also thought it very helpful for Dr. Mennicke to have such a respectful appreciation for these songs. I felt it very beneficial for him to mention that singing like a poor black person is just like singing in Italian -- you do your best to make sure it's as accurate as possible. Dr. Mennicke certainly has a passion for both music and giving a voice to the poor, and that came out in his lecture today. I thought it was very pertainable to the course and interesting, as well.

Dick Gabel and Second Harvest

2007-04-12T12:54:55Z

Dick Gabel came in and talked to us about his life and his mission, especially where food distribution (which is what Second Harvest, the company he worked with, does) is concerned. He talked about how his life had been affected by the desire to give a voice to the poor and the marginalized, especially within the context of being a pastor and a dedicated Christian. Mr. Gabel talked about how he became a pastor and started realizing that urban ministry was certainly calling him. He was at Zion Lutheran in St. Paul for awhile, which is near Rice Street, which used to be a very multicultural and dangerous area to be from. They did so many things for the community to pick them off their feet. It certainly worked for a while, and the people really benefited. He worked hard to redistribute the food that was being thrown out in dumpsters, especially those from restaurants and such, and giving them to the poor who need them or want them. This is the main work of Second Harvest, to make food available to those who need it from what is going to waste or maybe just is donated. It is a great program and is truly sensible. Dick Gabel was a pretty good speaker. I talked fast, which kept my attention focused, but was hard to take notes on. I felt like what he said definitely pertained to leading a life of action, focused what we can do to help the poor. And not only that, but what Christ can do through is is a huge part of that. I enjoyed the talk. Like I said, it was interesting, but it was hard to take notes on him because he talked to fast. Other than that, it was an excellent time and I learned a bit about the weird things that you have to deal with when you ask for donations (like a truckload of bubble gum). I guess more than anything, it was good to hear that organizations are out there working to eliminate poverty, and to learn about Second Harvest just in general was pretty good, too. I liked Dick Gabel.

Feed My Starving Children

2007-04-12T12:11:35Z

Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit, Christian based organization that works to distribute food packets to people in other nations who are literally starving and suffering from hunger. They use a specially designed formula in order to provide the correct amount of nutrients to a starving person to make them well as soon as possible. They bring packets of nonperishable food to many nations of the world, depending on where the need is first. We made these packets when we came. Due to religion and custom, the formula for the packet of food is very specific: one small scoop of chicken flavoring with added vitamins (chickens can be eaten by most of the population whereas pork or beef would exclude some people); a small heaping scoop of veggies (a substitution for veggies isn't as good as the real thing scientifically speaking); a cup full of soy (preserves well and is also edible by most); and a cup full of rice (recognizable to most people). When put with 6 cups of boiling water (which is fairly accessible to all people), it makes a meal for six people. The amounts of each product are determined based on the combination of cost-effectiveness and what is needed most by the body, and are very specific. The bags also have to weigh a certain amount in order to get sent off, because if the boxes are too heavy, then shipping prices increase and such. Their company is definitely growing, and it's getting hard to book times for people to come in and help. It is certainly helping preserve the starving children in other nations. This service pertains to the course because it is directly shows how to act because of our principles and beliefs about poverty. It allows us to reach in and help those who are impoverished from our home right here in America. It is a fun and convenient activity which increases awareness of life for the people of other countries. I really enjoyed going. It is sad to say, but serving others certainly makes you feel better about yourself. It makes you feel good that you were able to help a person in need. And what's important, whether or not it was actually fun and what not, is the fact that we helped other people live another day. I pray that God blesses that food and that it goes to whoever needs it most. I thank God for my blessings and for all he has given me. God is truly an amazing God.

Tyrone Terrill and MLK

2007-04-09T17:19:01Z

On Monday and Tuesday (April 2 and 3), Dr. Cheryl Chatman and Tyrone Terrill came to Honors to talk about Martin Luther King, Jr., his work, and his life. They also then addressed the affects of racism. Racism is caused by our education; people are not innately racist. We must work to reeducate our society and eliminate or reduce racism. Also, Dr. Chatman and Mr. Terrill talked about how Martin Luther King attempted to reduce poverty. He was only around for a short time before being assassinated in 1968, but he made a lot of speeches and worked hard to fight inequality of all kinds. As he said in The Letter from Birmingham Jail, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
This discussion was important to the class as a whole because it showed a truly great example of passion being turned into action. Martin Luther King traveled all over the nation making speeches about inequality. He didn't just lounge around on his couch caring for people; he went out and did something about it. He helped organize the Bus Boycott. He was protesting in Birmingham when he was arrested. He felt something was not right and he acted to correct it. Action is where the difference is made.
I liked that Dr. Chatman and Mr. Terrill covered so many topics that fell under the heading of Martin Luther King. I like how they did not just talk about his racial equality protests, but also his work for the elimination of socioeconomic barriers as well, which are also extremely important. They also still gave us information about King's life, which I appreciated. I really like Dr. Chatman because I feel that she is intelligent and fun, simultaneously, and brings much passion to her teaching. I also liked that she brought in someone else to help her teach, showing humility and giving us the best chance possible to learn by increasing the perspectives. I felt that two days was appropriate time to cover all that we did, and the paper requirement (having it due before we had class) helped immensely, so that I was more prepared for the topic. I thought it was really good to have them come in and talk.

Godfrey Melissa

2007-03-26T06:38:51Z

Godfrey Melissa, a pastor in the Twin Cities, is originally from Africa, specificallyTanzania. He speaks Swahili and is missioning to the large Somali population we have in the Twin Cities. Around 85% of people who speak Swahili are Christian when they come to the United States, but soon their jobs and keeping track of the American ways of life get in the way of coming to church or reading their Bibles and other Christian maintenance. Godfrey Melissa works with these people, visiting them and talking with them one on one, as well as leading worship services in Swahili, in order to bring them back into the church. He conducts services at King of Kings and Woodbury Lutheran in the Twin Cities. His second mission is to call the Somalis, who are Muslim the vast majority of the time, to Christ. He works very hard to ensure the souls of these African immigrants.
Godfrey Melissa is working to change the Twin Cities, one person at a time. He is attempting to help them in their spiritual walk, and, even if it doesn't seem so, this is more important than helping these people stay alive and nourished. This world is only temporary, and having their souls is more important than preserving their bodies. Not that we should ignore the needs of their bodies and their health, and I know when some medical problem arises with one of the people and they tell Godfrey about it, he will do all in his power to get them the proper health care and services they need. However, it is great that he is attempting to bring them into the flock that is Christ's alone.
I liked Godfrey Melissa. It wasn't the most exciting thing to listen to him talk, but looking back now, what he said was so important that it should have been hugely exciting for me. I really respect him and what he does. I think it was very good to have him come just because he opened my eyes to what the African community in the Twin Cities needs and wants.

Neighborhood House

2007-03-15T06:28:12Z

Today we went to visit the Neighborhood House, a local non-profit organization that works to help new immigrants find jobs, learn English, and adjust to life in America. We were first given a tour of the facility, which included a day care center, classrooms and offices, a kitchen teaching area, a gym, and an auditorium. We were then led to a classroom where students were brought in and were paired up with each of us. We then conversed in English with the assigned people/person for about a half an hour.
This event was completely fascinating. I was paired with a man, Ernesto, who came from Mexico to America in 1990. He told me about how he takes two buses to get to work, how he lives with his sister, and how his two sons are back in Mexico. It made it so much more real to me the things that we are talking about in class. People really do live in poverty. People do have to get by on minimum wage in the lower economic class of America. Not growing up in American and not knowing the language. then coming to a country where everything is made easy and simplified for you as you progress through life and grow up with it would be so incredibly difficult. I cannot even imagine all of the sacrifices and hard times that these strong willed people will put up with. The question is: for what? For what do they put up with all this? And is this thing worth it?
This event was aboslutely incredible and fun. I would love to go back and see the production of Mulan or talk with the people some more. Sometimes, when I was talking with Ernesto, it was hard for one or both of us to get across what we were saying. When we did understand each other, it was so neat to be able to connect in that way. It was also neat to see how humble and accepting they were of their own language skills; I know that if I was in their shoes, I would probably just be frustrated to tears. They were just so eager to learn. One of the best parts of the visit was that Ernesto asked me a question about where I would go on vacation. I said that I had a lake cabin in Wisconsin. He replied, very excited about the water and swimming. He said something to the effect of, "Give me a good lake and some good food, and I'll be a happy guy." It totally made my day, because I would have said the same thing. This also made me realize that no matter who you are, you are all a part of the human race. No matter how much you think you may not have in common with the people around you because of their skin tone, social class, or economic status, these central things of enjoying life in its simplicity can be common to all people. Not to sound nerdy, but when you think about it, we are all one species: Homo sapiens. We're not from different phylums or classes. We are all pretty much the same. The Race exhibit at the Science Museum says that we only differ in 1% of our genetic makeup. And yet, here I am, still wondering what made me one of the "lucky ones," a non-immigrant born and raised Caucasian American. The luck of the draw is heartbreaking sometimes, and I think this luck should be evened out by our policies and principles in society. I feel like that is what the Neighborhood House is looking to do, and I support them. This was the best field trip we have taken yet.

Amazing Grace (the movie)

2007-03-12T04:21:42Z

Amazing Grace is a movie about William Wilberforce and his struggle to make slave trade abolished in Great Britain in the 18th century. He became a part of Parliament in 1780, which ignited his passion for abolishing slave trade, starting in 1787. His Christian faith first led him to this, and then with his election to Parliament, everything escalated. Eventually, in 1807, after years and years of hard work, the law was passed and slave trade was abolished.
This movie has a lot to do with our course because it was really encouraging to see that good things can come with time, and big changes can come, not necessarily right now, but eventually. As we look for our experiences to form understandings to form actions, it makes sense and gives us hope in this story of success. William Wilberforce had action, but not much success. It gives me hope in my future that as I take what I can from this class, I can not worry about my actions being productive as much as they are just part of a process of productivity, if that makes any sense. It's like what Rev. Jake Gillard was saying, it's not just that you have to get the person from start to finish. You may just have to help them from their point B to their point C. Don't expect your goals to be completed instantaneously. Goals take time.
I really respect William Wilberforce for his struggles and his perseverance. I'm not really sure how much perseverance I have, but it was certainly encouraging and, not to sound cheesy, but honest, inspiring. I enjoyed seeing a movie in a theater as opposed to the usual classroom setting. The cost of the movie was not fun, but it was neat to see that such a popular, "regular" movie was applicable to class and helpful to our curriculum. I really enjoyed going, although the fact that we had two extra events this week and did not get any days off was sort of discouraging. Eh... c'est la vie.

The Hunger Experience

2007-02-15T04:57:00Z

For Honors, we were supposed to go on some sort of fast for a matter of 24 hours. We could chose a liquid only fast, or fast from a specific food, or even take a fast from something in our daily lives. During the 24 hour period, we were encouraged to add prayer, bible reading, and meditation to our fast. The fast started after class on Tuesday, at around 9:20, and went until the end of class on Wednesday, at around 9:20.
This experience was used to get us more connected personally to what we saw in the faces of children around the world in the pictures we've seen and in the movies we've watched. This exercise worked to make what is reality for people around the world more real for us.
Personally, I didn't really get as much out of this as I should have. I think in the end, I only became really self-involved with my hunger. I didn't do my scripture readings as planned, although I did journal once. I did notice myself being more touchy than usual as well. Like Dr. Schuler said in class today, it is so terrible to think that so many people deal with this every day and are still expected to do basically everything I do in a day as well. It didn't open my eyes as much as I was expecting it to or wanted it to, but I suppose my own failings in self-involvement opened my eyes in a different way. And I must add, it was so weird how I was so used to just grabbing food when I wanted it, though, or complaining about being hungry. It's so weird how I have grown up and how things have always been for me compared to how the majority of the world reacts and sees things.