October newsletter!

Week 5

This week has been filled with reflection and refreshment.  As a team our devotionals have centered around the parables in the book of Matthew including the mutsard seed parable. 
"It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants."
Matthew 13:32

God is showing me that th Gospel is real, His love is faithful, and His grace is sufficient.
It is a blessing to be able to recognize the different seasons of your life.

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1

On tuesday night we were able to attend a forum by Michelle Alexander on her book the New Jim Crow.  It made me think if there were a book about my life, what would it say? what would I want it to say?

"there is nothing more tragic than to sleep through a revolution."
MLK jr.

This week at the Art project I assisted in helping to organize our art show at a local coffee shop.  I was thrilled to be able to enert one of my peices (pictured below).  The homeless community in Houston has made me aware of how easy it is to forget about not only the felt needs but also the need to create and to have purpose in life. 
We ended the week with a team night discovering a new part of the city and finished our first curriculum book Restoring at Risk Commuities by John Perkins. 
The questions that have captured my attention are
What makes me weep over the city I am living in?
What makes me angry about what I have seen?
What makes me hopeful?

the "forgotten"

September newsletter

Week 4!

So I began this week by going to an Astros game with a couple of my team members!  The Astros won and it was amazing to be in a sports realm again.  I am so thankful to be able to experience different parts of the city this year and learn about cultures.  This week our team met up with Pastor Rudy from our church, St Johns Downtown.  We shared a meal of enchiladas while laughing, talking, and simply enjoying eachothers company.  This past week I connected with some of the artists from the Art project as we prepare for our upcoming show of charcoal peices next week!

Throughout this fall I will have the oppportunity to share my testimony along with hearing how God has worked in the hearts of my teammates.  This week I was blessed to hear from Laura (alum team leader) about how God used her past experiences to shape the person she is today!  Throughout this technology fast God has been speaking to me how powerful a story can be.  Everyone has a story whether they choose to tell it or not. 

"Then Jesus said, Come to me all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."
1 Corinthians 13:7



"Yes, everything is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."
Philippians 3:8

"Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death and crowns me with love
and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle's!"
-Psalm 103:1-5

Week 3!

Hello all!
So I have been in Houston for 21 days from today and have been loving my time getting to know my neighbors and teammates!  This past week we shared our artistic talents, enthusiasm, and energy with the family across the street from us.  I never thought that a simple box of cardboard, two bottles of paint, and paintbrushes could be so fun!

Overall, I am amazed at how God is working through us to love a "forgotten" part of the city.
I am currently very inspired.

Week 2!

 I have just completed my second week of Mission year! This past week we had the awesome privilege of going to the University of Houston football game with people from our service site and neighborhood!  It was so fun to be around the college football culture again!

This past sunday we attended Church at St. John's downtown.  The music was amazing and the pastors welcomed us into their church family for this year.  I am thrilled to be serving at The Art Project, Houston (TAPH) which is a mental health and self-empowerment project of the Bread of Life, Inc. facilitating the mental healing and empowerment of homeless men and women of Houston, Texas through various therapeutic art experiences.

We BELIEVE that art has the power to heal and empower people to see possibilities, embrace opportunities and awaken to hope.  http://www.theartprojecthouston.org/

This past week was my first week serving which included meeting the founder of the program Pastor Juanita and the project manager Pastor Lanecia, (pictured at left), preparing for our upcoming fundraising event (phone calls, letters), organizing, visiting a contemporary art museum, and also being able to engage with the people who stay in the shelter by creating art with them.  I am amazed at how God has called me to a service site which not only provides me with the opporuntity to love people but, has already inspired me to pursue my own art work as well!  It has been a great week and I cannot wait for what is next!
to check out more pictures go to my facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/#!/CynthiaJavarasMissionYear

Mission year begins!!!



front 3:Laura(team leader),Bella,Me,back 3:Stephen,Thomas,Bri

Amanda and Derrick (married team)

 It is amazing to think that I have only been in my new house in Houston for a week!  I have spent the past 7 days unpacking, attending training sessions, getting to know my teammates, walking around our neighborhood, going on a scavenger around the city, and spending time journaling/sketching.  I arrived last friday August 31st and was immediately amazed at how welcoming and caring the people in the program were!  I instantly was able to connect with people and by the end of the week know that we are becoming a family.  This week we were able to learn more about mission year and also visit our service sites which we will be serving at 4 out of 7 days a week.  My service site will be The Art Project, Houston (TAPH) which is a mental health and self-empowerment project of the Bread of Life, Inc. facilitating the healing and transition of homeless men and women of Houston, Texas through the discovery of the creative self and therapeutic art experiences. I am beyond thankful for this opportunity and will begin serving at the site this monday September 10!!!  http://www.theartprojecthouston.org/

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." -Psalm 91:1-4

to check out more pictures from this week visit my facebook page!
http://www.facebook.com/CynthiaJavarasMissionYear?ref=hl

I heard this song in the coffee shop I was sitting in and realized that I love it!