Haiti Mission Trip

I, Abigail Wynd Zwart, was born on November 29, 1996 at approximately 11:42 A.M. Since then, I have grown. I have obviously grown physically but also mentally and spiritually. Many people and events have shaped how I’ve grown and helped pace my rate of growth. One of those events occurred fairly recently and has changed how I act and think about a lot of things. A mission trip to Haiti changed my life.

Last year Kirk Vander Pol organized a trip to Haiti through Solid Rock Youth Group and three area churches. In June of 2011, three groups of youth and adults went to help out at Children of the Promise (hereafter COTP). I was in the third group along with my mom.

When I first heard about this trip I kept saying to myself, “This is not something I would do. There are plenty of other people for the ‘job’.” Nearing the deadline for sign-up, God obviously changed my heart. Haiti was all I could think about. After praying about it and talking with my parents, I was on the list to go to COTP.

Upon arrival at the Cap Haitien airport there was a little bit of culture shock for me. Going from Minneapolis International Airport to driving down a “road” lined with shacks, shelters, and people was obviously a lot different for me. However, because of all the preparation meetings there wasn’t as much culture shock as I expected. We readily encountered the new culture.

One of the first things I noticed was the absolute beauty of the country. While most might think of Haiti as a dump, some of the country is incredibly breathtaking! Mountains, palm trees, fields, and much more cover the countryside where I was.

While our group was there, we did all sorts of different projects: cleaned the baby house, organized the depot, cleaned toys, helped the nannies, and spent time with the children. I enjoyed "working." In fact, it didn't seem like work at all. The language barrier created some interesting situations but for the most part it was a lot of fun spending time with the nannies and children despite what we were doing.

Every morning and evening the nannies would lead a time of prayer and singing with the children, staff, and volunteers. This was my favorite, most blessed time of the whole trip. I looked forward to this every day we were there. It was in Creole so I couldn't understand it but I didn't have to understand what they were saying and singing to understand what they were feeling. Their passion and love for the Lord is so incredible. I saw it in the way they took care of the children and especially in their praise and worship.

My most remembered part of the trip was quite unexpected. I, along with other members of the group, were playing with some children underneath the pavilion. As we were playing one nanny started to sing. Then all of the nannies joined in! One by one, everyone was dancing, even the children! Everyone was jumping around, clapping, and singing. I was incredibly close to bursting out crying, crying tears of joy! I can't even come close to describing the amount of joy I saw. That time blessed me more than you could imagine and has impacted my life.

Coming back to America was extremely difficult. After seeing and being with some of the people of Haiti, I did not want to go back. Arriving in Minnesota, I was to the point of anger and frustration of how we could be living like this when so many people are living like that. I no longer could stand there and tolerate what they have to go through every single day to stay alive.

That trip changed my life for the better. It has shown me how incredibly blessed I am and how many privileges I take for granted every day. Missions are now something that is on my heart all the time. I started with the mindset of this being a one-time thing. After I came back and still to this day I am definitely going back!

Teen Suicide

           A teenager’s life can be quite stressful with school, relationships, extracurricular activities, family, and much more. With that stress comes a pressure to fit in or do the “right” thing. Teenagers try to find different ways to cope with that pressure that life brings. Some have hobbies to get their mind off things but not everyone can find a safe and healthy way to deal with stress. Unfortunately, some turn to drugs, sexual relationships, or alcohol. Even worse, many teens turn to what they feel is the only way out: suicide.
          Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Over one million people, including teenagers, die by committing this act every year. The statistics are horrifying. Among adolescents, suicide accounts for 12-18% of all deaths. It is the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year old, sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the thirteenth leading cause of death worldwide.
          Despair and stress overwhelm the victim and are usually the causes of one committing suicide. Depression is one of the greater factors that cause a want to commit suicide. A feeling of complete hopelessness takes over making them think suicide is the only option. The depression may be caused by bullying, specifically cyber bullying. The loss of a loved one may also cause depression, which may lead to suicidal thoughts in some cases. Mental illnesses, extremely high levels of stress and anxiety, and family issues such as divorce may also cause suicidal thoughts, especially in teenagers.
          Teenagers with suicidal thoughts do give warning signs. However, they are sometimes difficult to tell if they’re trying to hide it. Some warning signs include isolation from friends and family, chronic sadness, excessive drug and alcohol use, dramatic mood swings, and losing interest in most things. One of the ways suicide can be prevented is if people look for those warning signs and address them to the person or someone in authority.
          What does the Bible have to say about suicide? 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” In this verse it clearly states that we are to honor God with our bodies. Abusing and destroying your body does not consist of honoring God with it. Romans 6:23 says,  “For wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Suicide is destroying the gift that God has in store for each one of us.
          Suicide is obviously a terrible choice that is unfortunately not uncommon. Many teenagers do not take the time to get help. They feel like suicide will solve everything without thinking about how it will affect others. Most teenagers do not see it as what it is: a permanent solution to a temporary problem. If we educate ourselves about it, know the warning signs, and how to deal with it, who knows? Maybe we can save a life.

SuperMom!

There have been and still are many influential people in my life. Throughout the past 15 years people have come alongside me, watching me grow up and nurturing me in my faith. Of all those individuals, one has done above and beyond what I could ask for. She has been alongside me since my birth. In fact, she gave birth to me! Let me introduce to you, my mom.

    My mom displays Christ-like character in her everyday actions. Her love and thoughtfulness reflects that of Christ Jesus. Her relationship with God is very evident in the way she lives every single day. That alone makes me look up to her as a positive role model. Another reason I admire her is her resemblance of the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There’s not a day that goes by that my mom doesn’t display patience, self-control, or any of the other fruits. Trust me, when there are seven children living in your house, patience is a virtue.

My mom is incredibly selfless. Most of the many things she does in a day aren’t for her. They’re for me, my siblings, my dad, or someone in the community. She makes birthday and anniversary cards for everyone in our church. She makes then brings meals to those who are sick or have lost a loved one. She is always on the lookout for any possible way she can be a blessing to someone else. The rest of my family can be the first to testify to this. My mom has definitely taught me that even if you may not want to do something, do it anyway to bless someone.

Over the past 2 years, I’ve begun to appreciate my mom and all she does a lot more. I could not imagine living without her! She has set a great, but not perfect, example for me to live by when I become a mom someday. Her parenting skills are something I will take with me when I become a parent. I hope to be the best mom I can be just like mine!

She is simply extraordinary. My mom manages to be a social worker, a pastor’s wife, and run a household with seven children without her head completely exploding. I’m almost convinced that my mom is a superhero. She tries to keep this identity a secret, but we all know she’s nothing but ordinary. She is known to me as SuperMom. Why? She has super strength and super speed to accomplish a million things in one day. She has courage to do most things people wouldn’t do. She rescues my bad days making them good. She takes super good care of her children. My mom (A.K.A. SuperMom) does above and beyond what any mom should have to do. I can always count on her to be there when I need her. No need to fear! SuperMom is here!

Paris vs. Amsterdam

    While in Europe, I visited many different places. Two of those places I visited are Paris, France and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Both are very unique to themselves but also have distinct similarities. Paris and Amsterdam are very contrasting cities but they both make a great place to visit.
    Paris, France is a classy city. It’s one of the world’s major global cities because of its influence in entertainment, fashion, the arts, and much more. There are many historical and popular landmarks throughout this major city. The first one to pop into your head is the Eiffel Tower designed by Gustave Eiffel. This once radio broadcasting tower stands 1,050 feet tall. The Avenue des Champs-Elysees, the main street of Paris, is one of the most expensive strips of real estate in the world. Its luxury shops and restaurants make it a very popular place to be.The Musee du Louvre,  the Louvre Museum, is one of the world’s largest museums located on the bank of the Seine River. The Louvre is  home to the Mona Lisa, its most popular attraction. Paris includes many more tourist attractions that millions come to see every year. Something unique to Paris is the cuisine. The city is lined with luxurious restaurants specializing in the deliciousness of French food.
    Amsterdam is not known for its so called “classiness” as Paris is. It is a major cultural city full of numerous things to do and see. There are a lot of museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. Those museums house paintings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and many other famous painters. A famous historical place in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank house. This house, now a museum, tells the story of Anne Frank and how she kept a diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Amsterdam is also known for its canal system. You can get almost anywhere in the city by boat. The canals also provide for boat tours for tourists. The Dutch food is also distinct in Amsterdam. Although there are hundreds of restaurants, the food is very unique to the country itself.
    Despite the cultural differences mentioned above, Paris and Amsterdam have some similarities. They are both capitals of their country, making them a huge tourist stop. The history of the cities and the landmarks in them is incredible. The history really comes alive once you set foot in those cities. Paris and Amsterdam are also similar in what they use for transportation. Bicycles are used everywhere in Europe, but are especially evident in these large cities. Trains, metros, tram, and buses are also major ways of public transportation.
    Since these two cities are in different countries, they’re obviously going to be culturally different. However, both cities include things that would spike anybody’s interest. Despite them having a lot of differences, Paris and Amsterdam are both equally enjoyable.

iPods in Study Hall

    Imagine a typical study hall. There are some students studying, others chatting. There is also a large variety of other noises such as students coming and going, the rustle of papers, the muffled buzz of the lights, and the eerie tick of the clock reminding you of the time that’s slowing by. With all these distractions, how are we able to focus? I’m not sure, but I do know that music would cancel out all these background noises. Even though iPods are thought to be a distraction, could they actually be preventing distraction?
    Certified teacher Elona Hartjes said, “Listening to music helps improve productivity. Why? One reason is because music acts  like white noise in the background preventing students from noticing every other little noise that usually distracts them.”
    All students have different study methods. Some have to sit in complete silence, but for others, music does the trick. The only way to accomplish homework is to have music playing. That music could block out the possible distractions that occur in the classroom daily. Some students get distracted quite easily by things as little as a pencil dropping on the floor, the clicking of a pen, or the constant flipping of papers. “Noise” they’re used to listening to could block out all those distracting noises to accomplish more in one time period.
    An article written by Professor William Klemm in Psychology Today said, “Listening to music activates sound-to-meaning neurons in the brain, which jumpstarts other portions of the brain that allow for faster learning.” In other words, music triggers something in the brain that could possibly quicken the learning process. Along with blocking out distractions, music could also be helping you learn.
    There are a lot more things you can do on an iPod besides listen to music. I sort of understand where the teachers are coming from in this situation. I agree with them on the fact that there should be no iPods in class because of obvious chances of cheating or distracting other students. I think it’s different in study hall though. Study hall is a class period chosen by the student to be a “free” time during the school day. Yes, some students wish to actually study during study hall but most take it as a time to take break from the stressful school activities. Music helps that time become more productive in a sense that it keeps everyone occupied and helps those who are studying.
    “Listening to music helps improve productivity,” So why not? Study hall should be a free time for the students to sort of unwind and be comfortable. Having iPods in study hall would allow music listeners to focus and get more accomplished.

The Giver

Imagine a perfect society where there are no choices. Your job, spouse, children, and beliefs are chosen for you. Imagine this same society without animals, weather, music, and color. Imagine this society without love and pain.

          The society you just pictured is the place where 12-year-old Jonas dwells. In The Giver, a fiction novel written by Lois Lowry, the Community has converted to Sameness. The inhabitants are subdued to a point of color blindness and no emotional depth, conforming to Sameness. Each individual is assigned to a job according to skill and interest when he or she becomes a Twelve. Spouses are matched up based on personality. Children are born to Birthmothers, and then the unit can apply for children. There is a limitation of one male and one female per family unit. As the children grow older and get involved in their work, they forget their foster parents and start a family unit of their own. The Community makes this possible by using pills, which get rid of emotions, including love, known as Stirrings.

          There are numerous rules in the Community, which if broken require a simple apology. If a serious infraction is committed, he or she may be Released, sent Elsewhere, out of the Community.

          A Committee of Elders is in charge of the decisions in the Community. They assign each 12-year-old the job at the Ceremony of Twelve, where all the Elevens turn into Twelves. At the Ceremony of the Twelve, Jonas is singled out to be the next Receiver of Memory, someone who holds all of the memories of before Sameness. Jonas receives special training from the Giver, the one who can experience pain and love and see color unlike everyone else. The Giver transfers memories of violence and sadness, as well as true love and joy. Receiving all this knowledge, Jonas realizes what a shallow life the Community lives but also realizes that they're happy because they don't know a better life.

            This novel is very well written. There are many details but not an overwhelming amount. The setting is very well described throughout the book. I could almost feel what the characters were feeling. This book kept me intrigued throughout the entire thing but the end was disappointing. It was very unclear as to what happened to Jonas. I didn’t even have an idea of what could’ve happened. Although the end is not very clear, I still enjoyed this read. If you’re interested in fantasy and science fiction, I would definitely recommend this book.

Death for Love

Ryan stared straight ahead as the desert sand whipped around him, his horse galloping at raging speed. “He ain’t gotta chance,” he muttered under his breath. The bandit tumbled to the ground as the lasso tightened around his chest. Struggling for just a moment, the outlaw surrendered as soon as Ryan took him at gunpoint. “Yer a goner the second we step into town,” chuckled Ryan.

            “Sheriff! Sheriff! Ryan be back into town! He’s got ‘em!” Sheriff Gordon rushed out towards the commotion. “Well I’ll be dang, Ryan. I don’t know how ya do it,” declared the sheriff over the roar of the crowd. Finally, the wanted criminal was handcuffed and put behind bars for good. Now Ryan had to journey to another town. The people cheered out of gratitude as Ryan rode off into the desert.

            Ryan was the hero in the little town of Wellspring. From capturing wanted outlaws to freeing hostages, the townspeople could always count on him. He was well known for his fearlessness and determination. Not only was he adventurous, Ryan was handsome. He stood over six feet tall with a scruffy trimmed face and short brown hair topped off with a wide-brimmed hat. Every girl had her eye on this young cowboy, but Ryan had his on only one. When his big blue eyes scanned the crowd they would meet the most beautiful brown eyes.

            “Why does he keep lookin’ at me like that?” Lauren thought to herself. Embarrassed, she would quickly turn away as soon as he gave her that look. When Ryan came into town and the streets flooded with grateful citizens, Lauren remained on her front porch and admired from a distance. She thought the same of Ryan as all the other girls did but chose to keep her thoughts to herself.

            Ryan wasn’t hallucinating. Lauren was one of the most gorgeous girls in Wellspring. Although she kept to herself, almost everybody took notice of her. She had a complexion that caused her face to glow. Her curly brown hair reached just below her shoulders and was complemented by a small pink bow. Along with her physical attributes she was considerate and understanding. Lauren had a way with people despite her apprehensiveness.

                                                                        ~~~~~

            “I’m gonna go run some errands Mama. I’ll be back in a short while,” explained Lauren. “Could you pick up some flour, Hun? I’m runnin’ a little low,” her mother replied. Neither she nor her mother had any idea that she would not return.

The summer sun of that June 22^nd beamed down as she strolled through the busy streets of Wellspring. Horses and wagons bummed about while children played. Everything was in the ordinary for Wellspring that day.

“Ma’am,” greeted the shopkeeper with a tip of the hat. Lauren perused the shelves lining the store. “Do ya’ll have flour?” inquired Lauren. “Why, yes m...” The shopkeeper stopped dead in his tracks. Lauren turned around to see a man approaching in rage. Then everything went black.

                                                            ~~~~~

A couple miles from Wellspring, Ryan continued to travel towards his hometown. The desert breeze over the sand blew tumbleweed across his path. The howl of the wind was the only thing to be heard. “Ryan, is that you?” called a faint voice. As the man came closer it became clear who was running towards him. It was Sheriff Gordon! “Sheriff, what can I do for ya?” Ryan inquired cheerfully.

Gasping for breath the sheriff managed to spit out a few words. “It’s…it’s Lauren. Ya know, that gal that…that...”

“What about her?” Ryan inquired, concerned this time.

Sheriff Gordon paused then replied, “She’s been…been kidnapped earlier this afternoon.”

~~~~~

Lauren moaned with pain as she slowly woke. The wagon she was bound up in bounced on the dirt road increasing the pain in her head. She felt the throbbing bump and noticed her pink bow was missing. Suddenly Lauren panicked, but not because of her missing bow. “Where am I? How could this have happened? Who are those men? Will I ever get back to Wellspring?” These questions swarmed through her mind. The reality of confusion and cluelessness hit her. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she sat hoping for someone – anyone – to come and save her.

                                                            ~~~~~

“Ya love her, don’t ya?” asked Sheriff Gordon.

Ryan quickly replied, “It’s my duty to save people in this situation.”

“You didn’t answer my question,” the sheriff came back.

“If I don’t get this gal back, I’ll ruin the only chance I’ll ever have with her,” Ryan replied. Sheriff Gordon grinned as he continued to assist Ryan with his horse. When the horse was ready to ride, Ryan mounted and set off into the unknown.

A few hours into the search and nearing sundown, Ryan dismounted to think. “Where could she be?” he sighed. He paced pack and forth anxiously looking around for any sign of life. And there it was. Alongside the road nearby lay the pretty pink bow that Lauren always wore in her beautiful curly hair. Ryan snatched it up, jumped on his horse, and headed for Wellspring with an echoing, “Yee-haw!”

                                                            ~~~~~

The unpleasant laughter of the drunken men filled the air. They mingled around the campfire disregarding their stolen treasure. Lauren remained in the wagon a few yards away trying to block out every word they spoke. In the loneliness of the night, she began to worry and become discouraged.

Lauren sat there for hours and hours thinking about what to do. “I’ve got to get away somehow,” she thought to herself, “but how?” Silence slowly entered the air. The evil, drunken men were now lying down passed out or asleep. “Well then, here’s my chance,” she whispered.

She slowly crept out of the wagon, causing faint creaking. She held her breath as she moved towards the opening. Then, she jumped. She jumped out of the wagon knocking over the table along with the glass beer bottles that rested on top of it.

Shattered glass remained after the crashing, earsplitting sound that echoed in the night.

The men were awakened instantly and seized their guns. “Get the girl!” they hollered. Lauren took off faster than her feet could carry her. Only yards away from where the men were frantically yelling, she collapsed and was unable to get back up. “I got this one, boys,” sneered one of the men as he approached Lauren.

“I don’t think so,” Ryan declared before the man could speak another word. Lauren gazed towards the voice and saw the cowboy she admired and loved along with Sheriff Gordon and a few other brave men she recognized from town.

The foul man pointed the gun at Lauren, still hoping to get what he wanted. “Don’t you dare touch this here girl!” demanded Ryan. At that he immediately grasped Lauren’s hand and pulled her up, forcing her out of the way. The silence of the night was broken by the sound of a resounding gunshot as Ryan collided with the cool, desert ground.

Lauren’s shriek was followed by Sheriff Gordon and his gang immediately shooting the evil kidnappers, giving them no chance of survival.

Ryan gasped for air as he lay still. Lauren rushed towards him and rested his head in her arms. Ryan’s big blue eyes met those beautiful brown ones the same way they always had. He reached down to his pocket, grimacing in pain. Lauren painfully watched him as he gripped a small object. He slowly lifted his arm high enough to reach the top of her curly brown hair. Ryan placed the pink bow perfectly on Lauren’s head and wiped away tears that never seemed to stop.

Ryan gazed at Lauren’s disheartened face then spoke in a hoarse whisper. “Yer the only girl that I…” His last words were shortened by the agonizing pain of death, death in the arms of the girl he died saving.

My Life as the Game Ball

The ref lobs me in the air

as the game begins.

I am slammed

     against the hard floor

and hurled

     through the air.

I’m tossed

       fumbled

       pushed down court.

I  roll away

     as they chase after me.

Frightened,

I roll faster

and further. 

All of the sudden I am

     pounced on

and embraced tightly.

A whistle sounds

and I am released.

I race

     down

         court

guided by fingertips.

I

  bank

     off

       the glass

            And

            slide

            through

            the net

The buzzer sounds

And I’m finally set free

Now I rest safely on the rack

Awaiting the next game

The Zwart Zoo

My family is a zoo.

Dad is a lion,

     leader of the pride.

Mom is a mama bear,

     protecting her little cubs.

Zach is a rhino,

     clearing everything in his path.

Aaron is a seal,

     always barking and playin’ around.

Allie is a gazelle,

     silently prancing about.

Skyler is a kangaroo,

     curiously jumping all over the place.

Seth is a penguin,

     cute but always pecking at someone.

Sam is a monkey,

     loud and playful.

And me? Well I’m the zookeeper,

trying to manage this zoo

and all these crazy animals.