Northern Wales

The River Liffey. Dublin

Conwy. Wales

As the sun rose over the Liffey River, it bathed the city of Dublin in a brilliant clarity that awakens your soul and whispers softly of the kind of day it would be. Yet it was only for us to taste and stir our desire to savor such a day. A feast lay before us as we crossed the Irish Sea from Dublin to Holyhead, Wales. It was a perfect day for sailing the open seas.

The eagerness of the kids grew as Wales came into view. After a gorgeous week in Ireland, we were off for a new adventure in Wales. Thus far we’d gathered wonderful memories from our coach driver teaching us to sing Irish Folk songs to our trip around the Ring of Kerry.. and not to mention the nights of listening to locals play a mix of traditional and modern tunes.

Driving along the coast, the landscape was dotted with sheep among a lush rugged terrain. The hills were green and the sky met the sea with seven shades of blue to which you couldn’t distinguish where one began and the other ended. Rounding the northern coast of Wales, Conwy lay before as a gift waiting to be opened.

Snowdonia. Wales

Conwy Castle is one of many castles built by Edward I in the 13th century. This castle functioned as to protect from the Celtics who’d ruled and reigned the land for over 700 years. Though the castle itself is only somewhat in-tack, the real impression is in how you approach the castle than when you enter it’s cavernous innards which leaves much to be desired.

Four years have passed since I had first explored this coastal beauty. That day had been grey and cold. We hadn’t left the castle grounds hence it left me with no impression other than I was ok if I never returned.

How glad I gave this town a second chance to explore this gorgeous part of Wales. After we savored a wonderful time in Conwy; the students having thoroughly enjoyed walking along the beach; along the castle walls and munching on fresh fish n' chips.. we were on our way.

Coast gave-way to the mountains of Snowdonia and dense forest and gushing rivers. The students delighted in this little hamlet inn with it’s hiking trails and clear clean river. It was nice to be able to let them go and just be kids.. climbing rocks and exploring the trails. By the end of the afternoon, most everyone was in the river swimming and laughing. That night we took over the local pub to watch the US-England football match. This was a site for the locals to encounter our students so absorbed by the outcome of the game. At the end of this wonderful day, I sat watching from my little hotel room bats dart across the sky, listening to the gentle rushing of the river and the sweet scent of the chimney smoke mingling with rich earth. My soul has feasted well that night. I will go to sleep to the sound of the river and the cool air wrapped in blankets…

Something on the road... cut me to the soul..

Greece is neither Eastern, Western nor Balkan. It is a point where East and West meet in a unique way, a small spot on the map that has left an indelible mark on almost the entire world. Yet it has been argued that if Greece defined itself more clearly, it could play the role as a regional superpower rather than the poor kid on the block that it has very much continued to play in Europe especially these past few months.

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In my small corner of the world, the day is bright and sunny. The birds singing a merry song, people are in their gardens planting and there is a coming and going in preparation for summer. The day is casual and unextraordinary… with the exception of the latest Apple toy being released in which people wait in lines coast to coast for their latest status upgrade. In another corner of the world, men as dark as night sit in the noonday sun exposed. They come from various countries yet here they’re all considered ‘the black man’. Most of these men come from Senegal. I had not understood why so men young men were leaving their country until I read this heart-breaking report of their reality. The European nations sail into African waters, overfishing and leaving farmers with only an empty sea. Many fishermen have sold their boat to people smugglers who use them to take migrants to Europe. Senegal being one of the poorest countries in Africa. There they stand.. or sit.. or lean.. somewhat casually and somewhat alert.. they are selling black market goods of fake Gucci pursues, Rayband and Armani sunglasses, watches and wallets.. all sold to Westerners at a special price- sucker. There are others from the Far East and Asia selling toys and lighters or squatting on the ground aimlessly throwing gel-like balls of which I never see being bought. My reality is comfortable and safe.. contained and predicable.. leisure and expected. Their reality is uncertain.. deprived. . hopeless. . unpredictable. Each morning, outside the Petrou Ralli Station, there is a line forming but not for the latest electronic gadget. Thousands wait in line as it’s the only place in the entire country they may do so with the small exception of the airport and supposedly at various border points. These men gather to wait in line to apply for an interview of which, if approved this will allow them a ‘pink card’ acknowledging them as refugees with legal rights to live/work in Greece. Amnesty International reports the percentages of those actually given asylum:

In 2007 20,684 asylum applicants 8 were granted asylum 0.04%
In 2008 29, 573 asylum applicants 14 were granted asylum 0.05%
In 2009 (first 7 months) 20,000 asylum applicants 12 were granted asylum

So where does this leave the 70,000 + asylum seekers who have not been granted approval? Backlog- Exactly. They are left to themselves. They have no place to go, no place to live, no way to get work and therefore how are they able to feed themselves? They are aware of the cost of staying in Greece is not one of a good and prosperous life. There they make attempts to continue on into EU: Italy, France, UK, Germany, Sweden, etc. The problem with their crossing into new countries is that they have not made the way legally. If they’re not given asylum and having no way to make money, the only way for them to continue on is any way they can. If they make it to another EU country can they not apply for asylum once they arrive? Sometimes. But this is up to that country if they want to accept them or not. According to the Dublin Regulations II they can send them back to the first EU country they entered which for a massive majority, this is Greece. This process is called refoulement.

What exactly is the Dublin Regulations II?

The Dublin Regulation is a EU law for determining which Member State (the countries who are members of the European Union) is responsible for deciding an asylum application lodged within the EU and usually requires that asylum-seekers be returned to the first country they entered upon arriving in the EU.

When asylum seekers are sent back to Greece, once again they face the hopelessness that is the poorly managed system. What the Greeks tend to do is place them in detention centers and more recently, begin deporting them back to Turkey. And the Greeks do this illegally! Once these (mostly) men are sent back to Turkey, the Turks in turn will send them back to Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria where they were fleeing from in the first place. These men beg to not be sent back because they know what will more than likely become their fate. Read this report of an Afghan teenager's journey to England and what will be for him.

{photo by oli scarff}
This image was taken on a day when French police tore down the 'home' called The Jungle of hundreds of refugees.. without a solution.. further displacing them.

I’ve recently begun a book in which it speaks of movements across frontiers.. it is states that this is no longer about the pursuit of the right to life rather what has become the denial which has given rise to some of the worst and most vicious abuses of human rights.

This reality has a face and name, has been persecuted and whose life is in grave danger. Their flight isn’t a means only so that they may have better lives, their flight is to save their lives. There is a flip side of course. I’ve been in countless conversations with Europeans who express their frustration at the desires of these migrants/ refugees to have access to a better life within these countries yet do not adhere to local laws as the is conflict in their personal beliefs as it stand regarding Islam. This is topic for another time. My desire is here is to first address.. and make aware the crisis that is all too silent- the denial to have access to life. Amnesty International, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch and others are exposing and voicing what has been overlooked and displaced for too long. The complexities that surround the ‘next steps’ in how you begin to receive, integrate, enable, provide, assimilate these individuals is dense. Ask I continue to ask questions.. they leave me with answers and more questions. Locally I've discovered many organizations to get plugged in with that serve the resettled refugees within my own community of Dallas.. yet I know that there is a reason I continue to be pulled back to Europe. Until more is revealed to me, I continue to pursue a deeper understand and picture of what is going on and how I can walk in obedience to what I've been made aware.



Below are many forms of resources for you to discover more.
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Resources

Watch: No Refugee: Migrants in Greece by Human Rights Watch

Photo Slide Show by Moises Saman

Reports:
Doctors without BordersVulnerable People at Europe's Door
NHC: Out the Back Door
European Council: Access to Justice for Migrants and Asylum Seekers
Refugee and Migrant Justice: Children on the Front Line
Human Rights Watch: Pushed Back, Pushed Around Italy-Libya
Human Rights Watch: Stuck in a Revolving Door between Greece and Turkey
Human Rights Watch: No Refuge
Human Rights Watch: Left to Survive

Get Involved Locally:
World Relief
Doctors without Borders
International Rescue Committee
Free City International Dallas

Ministries in Europe: serving asylum seekers/refugees/migrants
London: Anchor Project; Notre Dame Refugee Centre
Rome: International Teams
Athens: Helping Hands

Greece through photographs

Flying over Greece about to land in Athens

Monastiriki Square in the heart of Athens- notice the Acropolis in the background.


Metro stop: Acropoli

Local Athens Market.. they sell anything and everything in this place..

local men sit around everywhere drinking coffee, eating, smoking, playing games, talking.. you see them seating together all over the place. This is on one of the main streets, Athinas.

again in the local market.. i love the Orthodox priest caught me photographing him.

this man was so interesting to me.. he was sitting in the most random place reading..?

The Greeks don't seem to concerned over manicured storefronts.

The view from Aeropagus (Mar's Hill) looking up at the Acropolis

Active Compassion

Otis, Keaton, Flou and Collin in Athens. Otis and Flou are from Nigeria. They moved to Greece legally ten years ago but have not been able to make a 'better' life for themselves. They want to return home but because they can only make so much money as street musicians, they do not know how long it will take them to save enough money for plane tickets.

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Returning from Greece this past month, I’ve not been able to shake what I saw and experienced. My heart has been wrecked by the bigger picture - the reality that is for so many people. From the Greeks themselves who are in fear with the current economic crisis and feeling hopeless; to Roma (gypsies) children as young as 4 wandering the streets alone working to make money; to the migrants/asylum seekers alike who regardless of their circumstances and what is legal/illegal- desire not just a better life; are escaping persecution and fearing for their lives- their reality is bleak. I have had a harder time wandering through all that I took in and what it looks like to move beyond my world of comfort.





Highlighted to me this past Easter has been that of the compassion and mercy over our lives. How do I process through the names and faces.. the stories of those who have not. As I’m reminded of the grace and mercy lavished upon my life, I’m grateful that Jesus looked upon us and had compassion and He responds to the cries of our hearts. This seemed to be the vibrant theme throughout these past weeks in Greece. The names and stories of those who lives left an impact on my heart as well as the group. On the last night of our time together, I asked the group what left the biggest impact and why. Not one of them said a place or location. Each of them shared of what God had been revealing to them in regards to having compassion; His love for us and what it looks like to love others not conditionally rather because the love of Christ compels; the stories and encounters with other people and though languages could have made for difficulties, love transcended. How deeply encouraged I was to see how God had been working .. moving and opening their hearts. To watch these students not only take in what they were experiencing, but to respond and to embrace those they encountered. My prayer for them as they returned home is that God would continue to nurture their hearts what was planted in those 11 days together, continuing to revealing Himself to them.

Savannah puts on her best dress

As I drove down Oglethorpe Street a joy rose in me. I was back in the deep South. Live oak trees draped in spanish moss; the azaleas are in full bloom; victorian homes leaning on one another as old friends well acquainted with each other; sunlight dappled squares; carriage horses and SCAD students on bikes compete for the right away.. Of these things I miss. Arriving in Savannah on a Friday morning, I could hardly wait to submerge myself back into a culture that had become a warm blanket to my soul during my college years.



Savannah is on the way to nowhere yet when you arrive you wondered how you even came to be in such a beautiful city. A city which was saved during Sherman's march to the sea, destroying everything on his way to Charleston. The city was spared and presented as a gift to President Lincoln at Christmas- along with cotton and guns. Though it is a city that may have been saved by the wrath of an army- it has suffered much over the centuries. From many area fires; hurricanes and tropical storms; racism and what could of been it's fate- to be left to itself; cast away and forgotten. It's savior and much credit is given to the rise of a certain 'book' as referred to by locals and what has become the country's leading art college {Savannah College of Art and Design}- this city of steeples now thrives and is very much alive. Yet this city lives as water and oil separate yet together. There are many cultures here which live among the other. To the innocent eye, you'd think this charming southern town was just that. Charming. It was once said of Savannah "a beautiful woman with a dirty face". And though it is charming, it has a darker reality- one that is rooted in the supernatural and the reality that is racism. Is this not where the American southern gothic movement is stepped in? Tennessee Williams described as ' .. an underlying dreadfulness in modern experience". Not to detract from it's beauty as it is captivating and unique, alluring. It stirs and inspires the imagination. Yet I can't deny that I was exposed to a harsh reality that had yet to expose itself to me: racism. Rather for now, I'm not here to express my experience of this in Savannah. I've since seen an uglier picture of this far beyond this little city off a forgotten highway.

While living in Savannah, never did I grow tired or accustom to the beauty that always left me admiring and in awe. Having never owned a car throughout my college years, I'd bike around the squares admiring the various details on my way to class and back. There was always a new room; a new corner; a new garden; a new home; new design to discover. Your senses are overwhelmed. Being an artist, this city inspires and moves you in your attempt to capture and convey beauty. Oh how I felt my soul swollen in a way that I was ready to feast on this once again. Texas.. you've yet to stir this within me.





This past weekend's return to the South was a result of being asked to participate in SCAD's Student Acceptance Day. Students who'd been accepted but had to make a concert decision on a college pouring in from all over the country (and the world) to check out the school in more detail. SCAD flew 4 of us alumni in to share about our experiences at the university and how we are currently using our degree in our field. SCAD knows how to put on an event! I enjoyed meeting with parents and students; encouraging them and sharing my experiences along with what sets this school apart. It was an honor to be a part of this day and be around so many excited students!





After the SCAD event had come to an end, I jumped in the car and drove out hwy 80 towards Tybee Island. Windows down, crossing over the various bridges that take you to Tybee.. the salty sea air begins to stir memories that have gathered dust for too long. There is a reason so many writers choose the Low Country as their subject.. it is intoxicating. Satisfied once I had sunk my toes into the warm Georgia sand; I return to Savannah. The remaining day was left to my pleasure. Now that the dormant memories had been dusted off, I felt it was time to wander down the streets I'd spent living on for so many years. As I approached my old home, I had the feeling someone would be on the front porch. Sure enough.. not one but three people sat gathered for an evening cocktail, music and musings. I approached with rising joy. As I walked up the steps and explained how this had been my home throughout college.. they exclaimed 'are you Kyle?'. Wow.. how did they know who I was? Amazingly enough, this was the family that had bought the house from my parents. They then asked if I would like to wander through the house. Could I really? I can't explain the emotions that were so deeply stirred as I crossed the threshold of that old house on 124 W Huntingdon Street. That house of which I'd grown to love and care for so deeply... it was like being reunited with a long lost friend after so many years. Wandering through the house, my heart was swollen remembering all that passed through.. all the memories.. the good.. the bad.. the beautiful.. the brokenness.. life! They say that college years are your best. Looking back at this time this past weekend, it very much will always remain a special season of my life.

The next morning I left for South Carolina where I went to visit my grandmother. Driving over the Savannah River, again I was struck with the beauty that surrounded me. How incredibly deprived of this I am here in Texas. Live oak trees and pine tree canopied the backroads that took me through the town of Bluffton. Here I stopped to visit a beautiful wooden church that sits on the bluffs on the May River. Taking my shoes off, the soft grass and sunny day beckoned me to enjoy. For some time I sat overlooking the river that would eventually take you to the ocean ..watching people on small motor boats and kayaks savor the day. Driving back through the little town, I stopped to wander through several of the art galleries. As small as this town is, they had more art galleries than I've seen in a long time. My favorite happened to be more of a work space- outdoor gallery of sorts. Exploring this little space was a delightful gift. It only added to the magic of the day.. all too soon it was time to leave and continue my drive to Hilton Head Island..



What I walked away with from this weekend was the realization of how dormant my creative side has been these years since graduating. Within my job, I'm able to use my education, experiences and knowledge acquired while in school. Yet creating work that extends beyond my job has been asleep for too long. For the first time in awhile, I felt inspired, rejuvenated, encouraged and challenged to look at how I can begin to integrate my abilities, experiences, opportunities, awareness and network into something that extends beyond me creating art for the sake of art.

Connected to this kindled realization was the need for deep community here in Dallas. I have made great friends but lack a community. This was very apparent as I walked around Savannah this weekend seeing everyone out and about and recognizing the isolation that has become my life outside of my tours. I have made a good life for myself here but what does it mean if it's only you experiencing it? Yet rather than feeling discouraged, I returned to Dallas with a renewed hope in what God is doing within my life. He is stirring something big time and this weekend revealed to me that He is knows my heart. To trust Him and continuing to walk in obedience out of my affection for Him.

Now to start sketching out ideas... it always starts with an idea..

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein

"You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth." - Shira Tehran

“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.” - T.E. Lawrence

Places to check out in Savannah
Cha Bella Farm to Table restaurant
Harris Baking Company - amazing bakery
Bohemain Hote - they have a great rooftop bar that overlooks the Savannah River.
The Paris Market and Brocante this place was gorgeous..! and they had a little espresso bar. They the blueberry, espresso and cream drink.. divine!
shopSCAD - all items created by SCAD students
Working Class Studio

Bittersweet end to the season

Occasionally I lead trips to places I’ve yet to visit myself! I know you ask: How can you lead people to a place you’ve never been? You get a really good map, memorize landmarks and praise God for Google Street View!! ;) On this past trip, we spent several days in a gorgeous valley nestles between the Austria Alps. What a stunning place! I fear my photos do not begin to capture the beautiful and grandeur of this place. Waking each morning to a postcard view and each night, falling asleep to the sound of mountain water gushing through the creek below my window and the soft silhouette of the mountains in the distance. This was a piece of heaven on earth.



For three days the kids got to ski and snowboard up on the Stubaital glacier and the afternoons were spent hiking up the many trails into the mountains, running around the alpine meadow, walking into the little village of Neustif or just enjoying the wonderful hotel where we were staying. Typically my tours take me through major cities, so when I am able to venture outside major cities, it is sweet music to my heart.

This trip also marked the end of my travel for the season. Originally, I was scheduled for several more tours but came down with pneumonia once again. It was bittersweet in that I wasn't ready for this to be my last tour for the season yet at the same, I was grateful to not be crossing an ocean again for awhile. Often I am asked when speaking of my job, “ do you ever get tired of it”? If you ask me this after I’ve come off a 13+ hour flight, several airports, crossing time zones, my body aching and 30 hours of no sleep.. then yes, I do get tired- of traveling. {To the left: London's Heathrow Airport Terminal 5} Ask me when I’m sitting at dinner surrounded by several precious students sharing with me about their lives, laughing while eating in Rome.. then, no- I never tire of it! This past trip had a mix of those moments- those things which I’m happy to never have to do again- 13+ hour flights and London’s Heathrow airport at 5am to tender moments while a student open their heart to me, and in turn I’m able to love them in that place, I pray that God speaks through me and that I don’t just leave them with empty words.

Over the years, working with students, I’ve grown more and more perceptive to what resonates within them verse where I see the eyes rolls and a shutting down of their hearts. I see that more than ever their biggest struggle is trying to figure out who the heck they are let alone what a relationship with God looks like. You speak to their hearts by loving them where they are at, allowing them to just be and love them in that place.. not focusing on who they can be in the future but seeing them as they are, just as God sees us. He doesn’t look at us and say ‘I see potential in you kid’ but He loves us exactly as we are: fallen, broken, stubborn, prideful, confused.. I can go on as the list is endless! Rather He looks at us with compassion. He pleads for our hearts and He will go after them! So when I spend time with these precious students.. My desire is for them to not feel like they aren’t good kids, or the ‘beware of walking this path’ talk rather by sharing my heart, my struggles, being authentic with them- and that my life is walking in grace.. seeing the gifts God has given me to serve others, not to look to just serve myself. You invite them into this walk. It's a special moment to share in. This is why i do what I do. Not to just travel, see amazing places, etc.. but to be a part of sharing in this incredible life God has given us, to walk in grace and love with compassion.



A wonderful ministry that does this well- loving students exactly where they are and breathing life into them- Daystar Ministries in Nashville TN. I'm beyond grateful for how they loved me all those years in which I was a part of a girls group that met once a week. For the first time, I felt not only accepted but embraced in my brokenness. They loved me for me. And they were a safe place to share in this. I can't tell you how that kind of love changed me. Of course my parents did this as well- but as a pre-teen/teenage girl, the last thing you want is advice from your parents. ;) So it is for them that my heart beats for these students.. because I was so loved, I hope that God directs me in bringing encouragement and comfort. This scripture is a reminder to me: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

Photos from my last Europe tours

Twice now I've been incredibly blessed to witness this gorgeous sunset over the Bay of Corinth from the modern city of Delphi. This was from the balcony off my hotel room. The apostle Paul once sailed across this bay. It's moments like this I am in such awe that I get to be a part of all this!



The view looking back towards the popular skiing town of Arahova. It is not only popular with people who are skiing on Mt Parnasos but known for it's woven rugs and clothing. Great little village!



Students from Wheaton Academy as we walked through the lower city of ancient Delphi. It was a gorgeous morning watching the sunrise over the Ionian Sea as we made our way up the mountain.



Looking down one of the main roads leading to the Pantheon in Rome. Notice the full moon overhead and one of the best little cafe's to get coffee in the city: Il Caffe Tazza D'oro.



Another incredible group of students, this time from Wheaton Academy. Here are all the girls on their first day in Florence, Italy.



Sitting in a little restaurant just outside the Ancient Agora.. it was an unusually warm day for early Jan. People were out walking around in the markets and in the midst of the seas of people, I heard this strange singing.. almost chanting coming from somewhere. As the sound came closer, I saw that it was a man who pushed a sort of .. musical box.. icon.. in a moment he looked at me as I photographed him. Part of me wished I had understood what he was singing and what his cart represented.. yet i'm glad its left to my always wondering..



A few of the students from Houston Christian School which took us from Rome Italy across the Adriatic Sea to Athens Greece. Here they are at top the Acropolis in Athens.



The view looking down on Ancient Delphi. This is an incredible site to visit with an even more fascinating history. Understanding what the ancient Greeks believed really helps to better understand the language used in scripture when speaking to the Greeks. So incredibly interesting and what a breath-taking place!