Tuesday Tidbits

In an effort to blog more during the school year, I'm starting something new: Tuesday Tidbits.  I got the idea from my good friend and fellow blogger Cara and her "Three Things Thursday" posts.  It's for those times when you want to share just a few random thoughts, but not necessarily write a whole blog post on any one of those thoughts.  So welcome to the first edition of Tuesday Tidbits!

Tidbit #1: Haiti in the Ham

A few weeks ago, a group from Canaan Christian Community in Haiti came to visit us in Birmingham. My church has an on-going partnership with Canaan and has gone on multiple mission trips there, and I had the privilege of going in March 2013.  The Canaan kids (and leaders) were in the U.S. for a homeschooling convention, and it worked out for them to also visit Bham during their time in the States.  It was so special to have them here for a few days and spend time with them.  Check out this video excerpt of a beautiful song they learned for a singing competition at their convention:

Tidbit #2: The World Cup

Yes, I know it's easy to jump on this bandwagon and pretend you like soccer every 4 years so you can participate in all the World Cup hype.  However, it's also really fun.  I also like to think of myself as more of a legitimate fan since I lived for two years in a country that truly does love futbol, where my appreciation for the sport grew.  Throw in the fact that it's summer, and I actually have time to watch the games, and out comes "Christen, World Cup enthusiast."  Some people say soccer is boring because it's such a low-scoring game, but I think that's what makes the goals all the more exciting... like yesterday when after 70 minutes of 0-0, Mexico scored two goals within just a few minutes of each other.  So whenever possible, you'll probably find me watching the World Cup this summer especially if my two favorite teams are playing.  Go U.S.A and Viva México!!

Tidbit #3: Million-Dollar Arm

While we're on the subject of sports, I need to mention the best movie I've seen in the theater in a long time: Million-Dollar Arm.  I always love a good sports movie, but this movie also includes one of my other favorite topics: studies in culture.  Parts of the movie are set in India and parts in the U.S., and both the obvious and subtle cultural differences fascinate me.  The movie also meets my personal criteria for a great movie: it made me laugh (a lot) and cry.  There are also great supporting characters and themes of forgiveness, grace, and identity all appear in the film.  Definitely a win!