Change Shoes

I wore my sneakers this week.

Everyday. Even on days I should of dressed up a little...

Not sure why, I also cleaned my office.

I did things I don't always do. Its good to break routine, do something different, change your perspective.

I am struggling, we are all struggling to understand what this election means. Do people hate that much? Or are they just pissed about corruption in politics? Or is it both, neither, maybe some of each and more of something else?

I don't know. What I do know is that our country is full of hypocrites. Don't worry, I include myself in that pile.

If Clinton won, when protests broke out we would of called them ignorant, and racist, and that they don't love this country and the people in it. They would of said they are leaving the country and we would of laughed and told them good, go. They would of tried to overturn the electoral college and we would of demeaned their understanding of democracy, called them sore losers, and laughed at their failed attempt to get their candidate to win, and all while calling them un-American.

Well Trump won, and what are we doing? Protesting, rioting in some places, creating petitions to get the electoral college to elect Clinton, talking about moving to Canada and burning the American flag.

We are all kinda the same right? Oh but it would be blasphemous for me to say something like that, that is totally un-American of me to say that we are similar. Clearly people who don't think like us are un-American.

So what are we supposed to do? Rally? Protest? Sign petitions? Yell at people?

I don't know, its hard for me not to know, I am the guy who is supposed to know what to do. I can't just plug forward business as usual, but I can't just drop everything else.

For now I am collecting ideas, how can I get more people involved? How can others help create change? How can we solve this problem not just complain about it. How can we harness this rally energy and turn it into action.

Right now we all need to stop, and put ourselves in other peoples shoes. The shoes of an undocumented worker. The shoes of a rural farmer. The shoes of a DC politician. The shoes of a protestor. The shoes of someone not like us, and think from their perspective.

I remembered one of my favorite quotes about brotherhood from Edwin Markham, and when I went to find it to share, I found this quote instead. Perfectly timed. Let's think about others and love them, it just might be the only thing that saves us now.

I Can't Imagine

I have a pretty good imagination, I mean look at my online profiles, I love the Einstein quote about creativity being more important than knowledge. But this year as I get one year older there is one thing I just can't imagine, and this years political talk on immigration is what got me thinking about it a lot more lately.

It was Christmas 1984, my family was here in the USA visiting my moms family, and my parents, exactly my age now, made the decision not to return home. They were 38/39, had three kids, my mom was pregnant, we had a dog named Tony back in Bolivia, my dad had parents and four brothers, a nice little house, small business... and we didn't go back (technically my parents went back to sell everything, but we never "went back").

I wrote a blog about it: 1st American Christmas

Well I just turned 38, my life is just like my parents at this age: I have three kids, own a nice house, I run my own business and a non-profit, my wife has a great job, my kids love their schools, we don't have a dog, but pretty much everything else is the same. My life isn't prefect, but it is pretty great I think.

I like to think of myself as mature, and have it all together, but man I can't image right now moving to another country. To a place where I don't know the language, where I don't have my siblings with me, where I will struggle to make it.

The narrative in this country right now about immigrants drives me insane. Like people waltzed over, snagged a high paying job, and conned the government into taking care of their kids needs for them while avoiding paying any taxes. Lets be honest, people want to veil their distaste for immigrants by saying they are anti-illegal immigrants is BS. The only differences between me and undocumented Mexican immigrant is who my dad happened to fall in love with. So don't get it twisted, all of us immigrants are the same. We came to America because there was opportunity here, you know, the opportunities Americans brag about having.  We could work, buy a home, raise a family, and we could celebrate the benefits of being an American.

They say as you get older you appreciate your parents more and more. Well thats true for me, so as I roll one year closer to 40, I grow even more respectful of my parents. My dad didn't speak the language, didn't get to see his brothers or parents for years, and we had to struggle through many obstacles to succeed. Thanks mom and dad, thanks for making me strong and resilient. Thanks to everyone else who has been a part of my 38th rotation around the sun. Ciao.

Edit: to add while I am sharing this for the #ImAlreadyHome campaign... my parents sacrifice now means between their four kids they now have 1 PhD, 3 Masters degrees, 1 nurse, and a small business owner, and most importantly 10 grandkids

You Used To Race There

This weekend was I think my 20th Tire Rack Street Survival school. I kinda lost count, but man I enjoy it, and for the past 6 plus years have been the chair for the local schools. It is one of my volunteer engagements here locally. For those not familiar, you can read more about this amazing teen driving program here: http://streetsurvival.org/

On Friday when I go for set up, I took Cruz with me. I figured he would like to see some of the race cars they have around there, and the huge rims. As we pulled up to the Tire Rack test track Cruz says, "You used to race there."... he remembered from maybe once, or twice when he would of been little he came out when I would race there. Good memory, especially since I haven't raced, done an autocross, or anything competitive motorsports now in 3 years. WOW.

I remember the first Team PLP Autocross with the Furin Group in Grand Rapids with Hermen. I remember moving to South Bend and being excited about getting to join an active Sports Car Club of American chapter. I remember buying my Datsun and excited to drive it. I remember winning my first season in it, still have the bag with "1st Place STR" on it... now tucked away in a closet.

1st Autocross in the Z (2010)

The Datsun broke, I don't have time or money to fix it. Also to be clear, not that I don't have any money, but that other priorities are higher. I need to buy diapers, cross country shoes, fix the car, new glasses, save for retirement, diapers, fix the roof, new brakes, and well that Datsun never makes it on the list. What was supposed to be a fun escape, has turned into a oldly shaped landscaping tool shelf in the middle of the garage.

So what is the point of this blog? I don't know, maybe to reminisce about my Z, to rehash my priorities, to remind myself that there is always tomorrow, I am not sure the point. I just know that I wanted to write something, and nothing about work, but about things I just like to do. I think it is important that we remind ourselves of our passions and our fun, especially when stress is high, and things feel like you can never please anyone. Just remember that day, grinding a gear in my Datsun or that day I was FTD in my SpecV in Grant Rapids, or when Team PLP held it down at GVSU with our ladies cheering us on.

So when you are stressed, find your zen, go there, even if it is just in a memory. Be there, and don't let anyone take it from your past, or rob it from your future. Make it happen... my Z will ride again, and I will drive again soon, and take Cruz with me, to the place I used to race.

Grassroots Angryizing

This has been on my mind a lot lately, and I made the comment on a few different threads and I think people get the term I have started using, "Grassroots Angryizing". It is an adoption from the term "Grassroots Organizing" that was used for so many years. Interestingly in writing this I tried to find a good definition of Grassroots Organization, or advocacy there wasn't one to be found. I found a few quotes that I liked: 


"Grassroots movements and organizations utilize collective action from the local level to effect change at the local, regional, national, or international level." - Wiki HERE


“Organizers are activists who, in addition to their own participation, work to move other people to take action and help them develop skills, political analysis and confidence within the context of organizations.” Article HERE

So here is where my problem is lately. Not sure to decorum of the way people talk to each (that is a compounding issues but I wanted to list it first), but the fact that most people who are trying to organize are not actually asking people do something, they are just trying to make them mad about what is happening. So it is just poking a stick at a problem, with no idea on how to solve it, and I might suggest, no actual intent to solve it, but just the happiness of riling people up. 

I see it here locally all the time, but to see it go nationally is maddening. I mean look at how Trump rose to power? No plan, just making people angry, usually about stuff that isn't true, and they love him for it. So how are some responding? With more of the same... starting rallies with no purpose but to come and be angry together, to protest instead of registering people to vote, to complain instead of taking action, to just enjoy making more people angry. 

You see it in how people talk... insults as punchlines and questioning someones intelligence just because they have a different opinion is bully behavior. That isn't how you rally a team, it isn't how you organize to create change, it is how you make yourself feel better about yourself. 

As the campaign gets worse and worse... and we all know it is going to get ugly, lets try to figure out what we want, and help others read more, debate more, and have healthy conversations. Cause if all you are doing in your debates and discussions is insulting people you are no worse than Drumpf. 

LULAC Convention 2016

This is my first LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Convention and I was excited to go. In my work with La Casa de Amistad we have a lot of interactions with LULAC, we have received several grants from them from support for our immigration legal services program, to youth programs and even health related grants. They have been a great partner of ours, and in the past we sent other staff members. I am proud to be able to be here and represent our center.

I am attending with Gregorio Chavez, Jr. who has been a long time LULAC Member. I have written about him and his work before, like when he was inducted into the South Bend Hall of Fame (Hall of Fame Chavez). He held various leadership position at the local and regional level. He hasn't attended a convention in over 5 years, and was excited when I told him I would travel with him. We even had to adjust our flights so we would be sure to arrive in time to see Hillary Clinton speak. I am not huge into politics, or speakers, but he wanted to, and I just got to enjoy traveling with him and hearing all his stories.

The car ride to Chicago was especially fun, Greg remembers dates and details from his service in the Air Force, from traveling to past LULAC Conventions and all of his involvement. Not to mention he loves to talk about how proud he is of all the things his kids have accomplished.

The first day was fantastic. We got to see both Hillary Clinton AND Julian Castro speak. You know I usually am not gaga over seeing or meeting politicians, but I really like Julian. He gave a great speech and afterwards I had the chance to meet him. He was in South Bend recently and remembered his trip to South Bend, but I forgot to tell him I am a Housing Authority Commissioner and trying to improve HUD programs in our community. My pic with him made his flickr page which was cool!

Of course I can't make a trip to big cities without hitting up some local Betas. Lately DC has been buzzing with activity from Brothers in various careers and I was hoping to find some downtime to catch up with some Bros. Its hard cause everyone is busy, I don't have a car, and the city is fairly big. Nice to see some Brothers at the convention, and others who swung by to say hello.

We are about to kick off day two, I'll be busy in some workshops this morning and hopefully catch up with some more Betas and local friends today. Tomorrow we buzz back home.

Friends and To Do Lists

One of our planning meetings at La Rosita

People ask me how do I make my to do lists, and honestly, I don't. Each day is a blur of priorities, mixed with deadlines and phones calls during trips to appointments and reminders of things I forgot to do. Yeah, sometimes I forget too. 

Most often when people ask how do I do it all, its cause of good friends and a supportve family is my answer. Today was a great example... in less than 24 hours I planned two impromptu meetings to work on an event coming up in two weeks... and guess what, 13 people showed up between the two meetings. On top of that several people emailed me asking how they can help. 

So West Side Wednesday is coming up in two weeks... and while we aren't ready, and we are behind in planning, it will happen and be fantastic. Why? Because of all the people helping. CANT WAIT! 

If you are in the area, check out the event... it will be a fun time! 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1574998799466127/

Border Journey: Desert Church

Today was an early morning. It is a long drive to the border so we had to get a jump on it. Our plan was to fill some of the Humane Borders water tanks, walk the desert, and potential meet some migrants on their journey.

Vandals wasted precious water. 

We got more than we bargained for this morning. When we arrived at our meeting point, Joel from Humane Borders greeted us. He had a real hippie look to him, humble as he hoped out of the water tanker truck and came to greet us. He was just a volunteer, going our in the desert to help people and brought us with him.

The drive through the desert is scary when you look at vegetation that evolved to grow in a place where nothing is supposed to live... but yet migrants have been forced to pass through that part of the country. When we arrived at our first water station it was tipped... someone must of rammed a truck into it, those 500 pound barrels don't fall over in the wind. It was a shame that we had to pour the water out from the barrel in order to get it lifted and back into place. Luckily Joel had enough water in his tank to fill it and have enough for other stops. Who would do that? Who would knowingly knock over water that is designed to safe someone's life? It would be like putting holes in the bottom of life boats on a ship.

Water Bottles from Mexico

Joel was a simple man but impressive. He didn't speak much, but his replies were powerful. When asked if he was religious he said, "The desert is my church. I think God will forgive me for missing on Sundays." Lessons like that inspire you, they show you God, in the right places, doing the right things. Then we walked the desert and saw all the proof of people crossing, their water bottles, places where they slept, and all the thorns and cacti that they ran through... brutal.

The afternoon taught us about the horrible truth, how people die in the desert. We met with the Pima County Coroner. What does a coroner have to do with immigration? Well he tries to identify the 2,500 human remains found on the border, so he is involved in immigration. He went to school to be a forensic anthropologist, I doubt he ever thought that one of his greatest accomplishments would be helping to invent a way to get fingerprints from decomposed fingers so he could notify family in another country.

Our last speaker of the group was Lauren from Florence Project. I related a lot because she was an advocate, who ran a non-profit trying to provide support... it was great for our legal folks to get to talk about cases and how they were helping families. It's interesting how different it is what is happening there, versus what is happening for us... the amount of variance also helps show how flawed the system is. Her and I talked personally afterward and share some common sentiments on challenges for fundraising, identifying priorities and keeping an org running in the right direction.

Then our trip ended... fittingly with great Mexican food and fellowship. We shared our highlights, our struggles and our hopes for when we get back. We have to believe change will come, and that we will pledge to help making that change come. I plan to write more and post more, and I hope to work more with this group from Notre Dame.

#GoIrish

Border Journey: A Cowboy, A Hippie, Wonder Woman and an Accountant

Lois sharing her experience

Monday we crossed the border.
Tuesday the border crossed us.

We started the morning with a meeting with some important advocacy groups. We heard inspiring words from Yesenia from Mariposas Sin Fronteras, and Lois Martin from No More Deaths and End StreamLine Coalition.

The stories they shared, especially Yesenia's, were shocking. Her treatment, the treatment of others... under the watch of our government was appalling. To hear the things your government does, and then justifies and covers up through crazy legal proceedings was almost unbelievable.

It has been inspirational to sit and listen to folks like Lois Martin. She is a retired professor who now spends her time on the border. You could see the emotional toll that her work takes on her, but in her eyes you felt the ray of hope she had that change will come, and that her work would help, and that she must keep on.

My Egg

Then it was lunch... While I joke about the vegetarian cooking, I really do appreciate the simple square meals. Today was a soup to warmed us before heading to a cold court. We were rationed to one egg per bowl. I sat, and then Lois joined me. We got to have a nice casual conversation about things like how grandmas never remember recipes cause they don't measure things, and the importance of childhood education. I thanked her and then I washed dishes. We are at a small center and we prep and clean up after ourselves. Not all advocacy involves getting arrested, sometimes it's washing dishes. We are here to bear witness.

After our meal we went to the court to watch "Operation Streamline". Of all the disappointing things of that session for me was that we convinced the people going through that we were doing them a favor... that this was a good thing what we were doing for them. I guess similar to how most Americans believe that its a good thing for our country to fight this phantom menace. The magistrate deported 28 people in 50 minutes. Not a record I guess, but still an embarrassment of justice.

Professor Moreno

Then I got tapped by our film crew... they wanted to interview me about the role La Casa de Amistad plays in Community Based Learning classes. They interviewed Professor Marisel Moreno who has been sending students to La Casa for over 5 years. I felt like I was on an "E True Hollywood Story" but about something that matters. Hopefully they can help us spread the word about the good work happening when academics and real world meet. It's a beautiful change cocktail.

Then I had a powerful experience of watching four clergy from different denominations speak to us about involving the church in advocacy. This panel wasn't the usual suspects, I searched to describe them and my best is that it was A Cowboy, A Hippie, Wonder Woman and an Accountant. Their styles of dress and activism couldn't have been more different. One sang a song, one wore cowboy boots, one defended Border Agents, one swore like a sailor... but they all said, you have to do what you can, and get others to come to do what they can do. I needed to hear that you can't expect people to do what you want them to, you can only hope they do the most they can do.

Fences Everywhere

As we were wrapping up I shared with the group about an email we got at La Casa earlier in the day... that some of the raids ordered by the President happened in Elkhart last night. No details yet, but this is just starting to get bad... what will you do about it? The border just crossed us, no more time to believe it doesn't impact you. So the phantom menace is near us now, its close, what are we going to do about it?

The song singing got me thinking and not sure why I thought of this song... but I did and I read the lyrics and thought I would share. Plus I like the song so here is a link to Fire and Rain by James Taylor.

Border Journey: Rain and Sunshine

The Wall

This morning we left at 6AM... we ate quick and headed down the highway across the Sonoran desert to Nogales Mexico. The cold came, the rains came, but we were protected inside our large passenger van. If you have never crossed a border let me tell you that nearly each time brings a heavy feeling, today it was heavier.

The feeling of heavy weighed because we know what we would see and hear would challenge our perceptions and bring us in a very unadulterated fashion with America's phantom menace... undocumented immigrants.

My friends that knew I was coming know that I have been trying to prepare my myself emotionally for what I would see at the border. I wasn't prepared.

My friend getting interviewed

It rained and was cold in Mexico. We went to work with the Kino Border Initiative who run a shelter and place for deported migrants to get lunch and other critical services. We met the humble Father Pete Neely and his team of volunteers and Jesuits. we served meals and got to talk to migrants and hear their stories. We have an ND Camera crew here documenting our journey to tell this story to a broader audience. So we stick out when we travel...

I am still processing and taking in what I heard. I was blessed to talk to a father of three kids who are back in Mesa with his wife. His son goes to high school near my in-laws, he has kids my age, his wife is home alone with three kids... like mine right now. So yeah, still soaking that in, and my wife and kids are a comfortable plane ride away.

We had a great lunch and while the food was amazing, the atmosphere was still fairly somber. Luckily the group wasn't overly picky on the food. I enjoyed a Corona in Mexico. We got to meet the owner, I bought some Cuban rum around the corner, and we walked around the town and along the ever present wall.

Mission San Xavier

Interestingly as we left the border the sun came out. We got waived through the border with no problems, one quick question, one quick yes, and back in the USA. On the road back we stopped at Mission San Xavier de Bac which is on the lands of the Tohono people. We noted how interesting it was the sun peaked during our stop at the church.

Afterwards we met with a powerful activists from Derechos Humanos (Human Rights) organization. The director, Isabel Garcia, broke down legal issues, talked about project streamline, and reminded us about the importance of advocacy if we hope for things to get better any time soon. Her words came with a special bite and passion and while nearly making the challenge seem impossible... made it clear we must all find ways to help.

Like yesterday during mass she had three important words for us that struck a cord....

Fear. Ignorance. Arrogance.

We ended the night with some drinks, and just relaxing with some of the folks on the trip. Tomorrow we will go to a federal courthouse and watch the fabled operation streamline... Do some research 

Couple more powerful days... stay tuned and check my Facebook for additional photos.

Border Journey: Mariachi Mass

Airport Cactus Selfie

I arrived in Tucson on Saturday with a group of from the University of Notre Dame. Most of the group is ND faculty, I am here representing La Casa de Amistad as a university community partner. We are here to learn about border issues and are working with a company called Border Issues. When I heard about the trip I couldn't pass up on the opportunity.

We arrived and of course the weather was the first thing I noticed... I know it won't be the most impactful thing this week and I can't wait for all this trip has to offer. I really enjoyed about today was learning more about my group. It was interestingly to hear the backgrounds of my group, to learn about their kids, their backgrounds, their academic and personal interests and why they wanted to come on this trip.

Listening to Lupe Castillo

Sunday morning we got to the grind right away... early mornings and late nights will be the name of the game this week. It reminds me of the times I spent taking students on Alternative Spring Breaks many years ago... like the long days in Honduras with my students from Albion College or my time in the Appalachians with IUSB students. It was nice not being in charge on this trip... I get to sit back and learn and focus on everything Border Links our host organization set up for us.

We started the morning with Guadalupe Castillo, a community organizer who has been involved in too many organizations to list. She told a great story of the history of immigration, but what impressed me the most was when I asked her about her greatest accomplishment... she listed things that others did... so humble. Then she said she is proudest of what some of her former students accomplished. Her humbleness touched me, and inspired me to remember to not seek personal recognition, but to fight a good fight regardless of personal credit.

Beautiful bell at Southside Preb

Then we went to a Mariachi Mass at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. It was such a beautiful blend of cultures with the music in Spanish, but the mass lead in Spanish and the room was extremely diverse. The homily was about learning from a journey... what a fitting way to focus our minds and hearts. It was a story of the three wisemen, and they they had to have faith, trust, and be willing to give in order to make an impact.

Faith. Trust. Willingness To Give. 

After a quick lunch we went for a special Samaritan training at Southside Presbyterian. This church was one of the key places of the Sanctuary Movement. It was four powerful hours of learning about the number of deaths in the desert, the legal rights of humanitarian workers on the border, and then real world training on how we will be able to help in the desert.

Of course we need some fun on the trip... and while our center is fully vegetarian that means I went over 24 hours without meat. So we took a long walk home that happened to include a stop at a place that sells a great Sonoran Dog...

I was really moved because it reminds me that the work of La Casa de Amistad is making a difference, and that I need to find ways to involve and include even more people in the work that we do there. I also love to see the perspectives of others and learn why and how they formed their opinions.

Tomorrow we cross the border... we will go to a comedor where migrants who have been deported go for a meal. I am preparing myself for another focused day of reflection and introspection.

Check out my Facebook page for additional photos. CLICK

New Year. New Lessons. New Adventures.

I think 2015 was the year of lessons. My last blog was about what I learned from Novali joining the cross country team. I still reflect and I think having a teenager living with me has been one of my biggest life lessons yet. Luckily I have some time before I get more teenagers.

For me 2015 was the year of hard work... I was challenged more professionally than ever before.

Ribbon Cutting on Western Ave. 

I learned more about fundraising and development; something I never thought I would do. In a one-day fundraiser we brought in what my non-profit would normally bring in all year! Whew. We had a banner year and are ending the year with approximately $250k in cash (and cash equivalent). That is 10 times more than we had when I started!

I learned more about economic development and most importantly about community engagement. I helped South Bend with a nearly 3 million dollar improvement project. It wasn't easy, and some of the issues we ran into pushed me emotionally more than ever before. It was a project we worked long and hard on, and I was honored to be a part of it, and proud that I rose to the challenges during the project and expanded my horizons.

Go Adams XC! 

I am learning to draw the line... I told IUPUI that I can't teach anymore. I do enjoy it, and the money is nice, but I just need my evenings more free to be home. I turned down some committee appointments and just want to focus. Drawing the line and saying now isn't something I do often.

Personally I learned how strong my kids are. I got to see Novali grow up so fast and just jump right in the mix in high school. Winning awards and facing challenges has shown how strong of a young woman she has become. I get to each morning watch Cruz hop out of the car and walk into school by himself... such a big kid! Mari continues to talk more, wrestle harder, and show her strong personality daily. So a great bunch of kids I have been blessed with.

So what is coming in 2016? Adventure!

The first week of January I will be spending on the US/Mexico border in Arizona. I am going with a group from Notre Dame and we will cross the border, hike the desert, and learn about everything happening on the border. It will be emotionally hard, intellectually stimulating, and a once in a life time opportunity to see how I can help and be further engaged.

This year I accepted an appointment to the Board of Directors of the Morris Performing Arts Center. Yeah me, on the board of a major performing arts center, who'da thunk it? I am excited to bring a different perspective and give input to this important group.

For La Casa I have a major project on the horizon... We have three major three-year funding proposals we need to receive and get some other pieces to fall together for some major changes to be possible.

Whew... I told my staff that I want 2016 to be the year of fun! I hope they, and others hold me to that! I am excited for my adventures that are planned and for more that I am sure are coming! Come along with me... see you in 2016!

Cross Country Lessons

Go Eagles!

This fall Novali had her first season of cross country. She always liked to run with me, I think mostly because the runs are fundraisers, but still she would do the occasional 5k with me. She was entering a new high school, new city, and I thought it would be a great way for her to make friends before school started.

I think athletics is a great way for students to learn leadership skills, to learn to balance a hectic schedule, to learn to work with different types of people, and of course to learn a little about GRIT. Life isn't easy, neither are sports, and learning to handle challenges in a sport make you better at handling challenges in the real world.

Novali did well, great actually. She made some good friends, and this week I saw that at the annual sports banquet. Her friends, teammates, coach... all together and I was proud of what she accomplished. She ran her first 5k of the season in 38 minutes... and she cut her time down an impressive ten minutes and ended the season running a 28 minute time. She learned she can push herself.

I also learned a lot... its a sport I really know nothing about it. I always loved running, but it conflicted with soccer. I had to learn the sport, learn new county parks, and I also got some great leadership lessons from the sport.

Novali taught me how strong she is. She started the season weeks after everyone else, she joined without any training and had to jump right in. She didn't know anyone at the school, on the team, and she worked hard to run and fit in. All while being a successful student. She balanced it all and did it well.

My favorite leadership lesson was about sportsmanship.

When the team runs, many parents and spectators run around to points on the course to cheer on their student. I got my exercise running to points along the course to encourage Novali. Well one time near a spot as she passed a girl from another team, and I heard the other girl say, "Good Job" and Novali replied, "You to".

Until then I always thought Novali was just out there running alone, working on her best time. I realized she wasn't, everyone out there was in it together. Yeah I am sure it is more contentious towards the front, but it really was great to see the sportsmanship.

Her season ended, she made some good friends, she kept up her grades and is looking forward to the next season. We ran a 5k last weekend, and will do some training in the off season... proud of her and I am looking forward to next season. GO EAGLES.

No Longer The New Guy

Well today it is two years... two years since I became a full time employee of La Casa de Amistad.

I technically started in mid August part time helping in the evenings, doing some training, and telling people that I was the new guy at La Casa. Today I am officially two years old and wow it feels like just yesterday, but also like I have been in this office all my life.

Cruz at La Casa

I know why it feels like I just started... cause I am excited for everyday here at work. I am excited that I am still learning and growing. I am excited that I know this humble place is making a difference. I am excited to see construction equipment on a once dilapidated neighborhood. I am excited to tell folks my son is a graduate of our Yo Puedo Leer class. I am excited to attend events and proudly share with people where I work and what we do.

I know why it feels like I have been here all my life... cause it feels right. It feels right when I get to represent our community in places where we haven't typically had a voice. It feels right that daily I get to listen to community needs and help explain those needs to people who have the ability to help solve them. It feels right when I help our community solve its own problems. It feels right when we get to tell a parent that we can help them with their child, and that things will be alright.

I am excited and it feels right because I am where I am supposed to be. I am in a place where my talents are put to good use. I am in a place that I get to help others put their talents to good use. I am in a place where this amazing team that surrounds me puts our work before us and goes about finishing that work together.

So to the community... thanks for accepting this not-Latino-looking-Spanglish-speaking-kinda-white guy into the community. Your trust means more to me than anything.

So to my team... not sure any of you read my blog, and I hope I tell you face to face enough... Thank you for making me love my job. Thank you for your sacrifices and for all you do for our community

So to my board... thank you for believing in me, and thank you for stepping up when others won't, for helping out when others can't, and for keeping me focused.

Mostly to my family... for dealing with the long nights, for understanding my schedule, and for being just as much a part of the important work of this place as I am. For where one of us is, we all are, and when one of us succeeds we all do. Thank you for your sacrifices.

Back to School Bravery

This week was hectic for the South Bend Centellas clan... both Cruz and Novali started new schools. Novali into High School and Cruz into a new preschool. Lots of school lists, information from the school, planning driving routes and figuring timing out... hectic.

It was nice that my parents were here to help, but yesterday I took them to the airport to fly out to Boston to visit my brother Andres and his newest addition to the family, Liam Centellas. So today we were on our own.

Each morning Cruz would say he is scared. First two days Heather went with us and she walked him in, third day I drove him myself and I walked him up. Today he said he was scared as we packed up the car. He asked about just going to his other school instead... but I told him not to worry, that he is brave and that he would have fun again (each day at pick up he says he had fun). He smiled when I told him he was brave.

So Cruz and I rode to school and dropped off Mari first. Then we started the routine to do drop off for Cruz at his new school. As we pulled up front he said, "Papi, I can walk by myself", and he did.

Hopped out, put on his book bag, and walked into school. I didn't even get a waive.

Bravery comes in lots of forms. Sometimes it is a fireman running into a fire, but sometimes it is a little four year old putting on his backpack and walking into school. Sometimes it is a teenage girl, who just moved towns to a new school and without knowing a soul walked into a big scary high school.

We often under estimate our kids, or don't give them credit for how hard some of these things can be... but we also have to balance not giving them an easy out. We have to give them opportunities to learn how strong they are, and give them chances to show us how much stronger they are than we could have ever imaged.

One Proud Papi Today.

Anniversaries and Priorities

Today D and I have been married for six years. We've been together for over ten years, so this milestone while fun it is one of many, and one of many more to come.

So what makes it work? I was reflecting on it all week... got a few different blog ideas during the process but I realized one thing that we do that makes it work, we have the same priorities. When we met in grad school, we dated, we lived apart, we lived close, we worked a lot. We made it work because we knew we both had priorities and in that stage in life you get pulled in a lot of different directions.

Today we celebrate six years of marriage and I think of all the times our priorities came together to make things work is why things have not just lasted so long, but will continue to go well.

We got married in a simple ceremony in Bad Axe, MI. We didn't have to spend a ton of money to have a good time (don't worry, we all had a good time...). The money we saved was the downpayment on our house and paid for some of the important updating the house needed. Priorities.

We have a new roof instead of a new kitchen. We never painted our bedroom, but all the kids rooms are painted and updated, and even our guest room was totally redone. Priorities.

Our kids and family are our priority, and we sacrifice for them without question. It makes it work for us, and while a brand new kitchen would be nice, I don't notice it when I come home and Mari races into my arms at the kitchen door. Prioriries.

We aren't rich, but without question Heather encouraged me to take the La Casa job even though it was a lot less money. Heather could make more somewhere else I am sure, but the tuition benefit for the kids is more important. Priorities.

Thanks Babe, I know things aren't perfect; someday we will have the dream kitchen, and my Datsun will be on the track, and we will redo our bedroom, and we won't have to offer to change a poopy diaper... until then morning muffins, chasing toddler babies and garden flowers will do. Priorities.

Love You. Happy Aniversary.

135,000 Miles and $15,000 Jetta

Broken window...

Last week the Jetta window went off track... and I popped it back in and I thought it was fine. Well Sunday night late the window popped off track again and as I tried to put it back... thump... it fell all the way down in the door. No way to pull it back up, it was getting dark... and so I threw a tarp over the car and did some online research on how to fix it...

We own a 2003 VW Jetta GLS. It was a big step for D, she bought the car on her own, financed it, shopped for it, and negotiated the deal. We got it certified VW, with less than 30,000 miles on it.

Well... tonight I spent some time getting close and personal with the Jetta. I had torn apart the door panel to try and fix the window. I had called our local VW dealer and they couldn't get it in until Friday... WHOA... plus it was $120 just to tell me what is wrong. My research told me it was probably the clips. I couldn't find that part online though was my worry... So I left work early and pulled out the tools. It took a while, door panels are tricky, but with some youtube vids and online forum help I got it apart and started to trouble shoot. Once apart, I saw that the clips looked fine, I just had to pull the window (harder than it sounds) and then reset it in place and tighten the clips. With Ds help we got it done...

Torn apart door

Then I worked on the AC for a bit... its been broken for years, and last year I charged the freon but it stopped soon after so I figured it wasn't freon. Well tonight I trouble shooted and caught a blown fuse, which didn't fix it... but then recharging the freon got it going! So it was two things... but lets see how slow the leak is and I hope it keeps running.

So why did I work so hard to fix the Jetta? It has been in the family for nearly 10 years... and paid off now for a long time. I did some quick math and I would guess it saved us about $15,000 in car payments. WOW! So I don't mind dealing with AC that doesn't always work, or a window that gets stuck... or spending some time in the heat fixing the window. Worth it.

So I also hope that I get to teach Novali how to drive in it... this could be her first car. Lets see how it goes... Go Jetta Go!

Cruz Morning Routine

Well today my morning routine was different... I went to work alone and it felt weird.

September 2014

For the past 9 months part of my morning routine was taking Mari to daycare, and then bringing Cruz with me to La Casa for Yo Puedo Leer. We enrolled Cruz in our preschool class called Yo Puedo Leer, which means "I Can Read". The class is designed for Spanish speaking 3 and 4 year olds to get ready for kindergarten. The unique curriculum, which is proprietary to La Casa, teaches the kindergarten prep materials in both languages. Our success at getting kids ready for kindergarten wasn't the only reason I put him in it, I really wanted Cruz to learn more Spanish since we don't speak it at home. What he learned, and I learned, was a whole lot more.

The first month or so Cruz cried at drop off, he would do that at daycare as well and hated switching rooms and new teachers. Most kids don't like transition, but I realized there was a little more to it here at La Casa. In the fall the kids didn't speak much English, and Cruz didn't speak Spanish... he was left out and it was hard.

At first I felt bad for him, and wanted to see what I could do to help... you know, typical parent instinct. Then I thought, this would teach him to be flexible, teach him grit, teach him not to give up. I moved to the US and was forced into school right away and didn't speak the language. I survived it, and I think experiences like that teach you to be resilient. Cruz made it through, and in no time made good friends with his class, and learned some Spanish.

My Graduate

I really enjoyed getting to see him each morning. Him waving as he walked by my door on the way to get a drink. Hearing him saying over and over... "Ms Ana, Ms Ana, Ms Ana"... when asking the teacher a question. Being able to pick out his voice when the class was singing. Or beaming the one day when giving a tour that I walked into the classroom while he was standing at the board using the pointer and doing his alfabeto. I for sure will miss the drive to ECDC at lunch time and having him sing Dos Elefantes for me.

It was fun being there while he was growing up. Seeing him become confident, watching his shy personality come out, hearing him sing new songs, and just watching him learn. I will miss his "Adios Abuelita" to our classroom Foster Grandparent as we left each day.

Well summer will be different as he will be all day at ECDC. I won't get our midday drive, or see him during the day. I am a really proud papi and glad we had this fun time together as the rest of his schooling won't be as close.

Baby Giant

We always make comments about how big Mari has gotten, or how fast she is growing. Well on Wednesday morning Cruz made the comment when she was climbing out of her high chair (yes on her own) that... "Look! Mari is a Baby Giant!"

Well later that afternoon Mari had her 12 month wellness visit with the doctor. As usual everywhere she goes people love her ginger hair as soon as she pops out of her car seat. Then they notice her cute little teeth coming in and great smile.

The doctor when she saw her was like wow... thats a big baby! Well Mari was in just over the holiday break for an ear infection so it wasn't like it had been that long. Well in those barely two months Mari grew three inches! Whoa...

Well the official tale of the tape... Mari is 32 Inches tall and 20 Pounds. That makes her 99.9 percentile in height, and 75 percentile in weight.

So yeah, I guess Cruz was right, Mari is a Baby Giant! Well Mari is for sure DeCourval Strong...

Then she also got shots and she always takes them like a champ. When she got her flu shot she just barely grunted and mean mugged the nurse. This time she got three, and by the second one was crying... its always hard as the dad I am the one who has to hold her still while the nurse gives the shot. Then D is the one who consoles my baby...

We are glad to have a healthy baby ginger giant.

Leaving a Legacy

Yesterday I heard one of my favorite community leaders give some awesome advice, and today came the news that a great community leader passed away. So I had to stop and reflect, and then I figured I needed to connect the two.

At a United Way panel yesterday Mayor Pete made some comments about coming together in the new focus of the United Way to combat poverty. He made a statement that I connected to and he said it in a way that really got me thinking.

Mayor Pete said something to the effect of, that often times the hardest thing for a leader to do is to decide the things they aren't going to do... I have always told students they are constantly making decisions, and it is the ones when you decide not to act, in which you are really acting, and your indecision is a decision to support the status quo. His view on the similar thing got me thinking also about leadership bandwidth... we can't always fight all the fights, and sometimes showing our resolve through focus can be powerful.

Then this morning came the news the Father Hesburgh passed away. Undoubtably one of the best leaders this community has seen, and one of the top in the country. His mark on Notre Dame, catholic education, South Bend and this country can be felt in many ways. The famous picture of him standing with MLK is iconic. Was he perfect? No. Did he fight every fight? No. Did he win a lot of his fights, absolutely.

It got me thinking about fights and cheerleaders. Someday I will write a blog about that... Hesburgh fought some great fights, sometimes he was a great cheerleader, and he helped build an amazing world class institution. He was though silent on certain items and Notre Dame lagged behind on some critical social issues. Does that make him not a good leader.... no it means he picked his battles. I talked recently with a former student who talked of his disappointment that ND didn't fight XYZ battle, and the comments from Pete yesterday, the news of Hesburgh's passing all made these items come together.

God Bless to a great man. He did what he could do. I never had a chance to talk to him, but I sure he knows how much he changed lives, and I hope Notre Dame continues to honor his legacy of making a difference in this world through their institution. God Bless.

New Year. New Opportunities. New Focus.

Well I have blogged before about the fact that I don't make New Year's Resolutions (New Years Resolve). I have always used the time to reflect on my year, and most importantly prepare for the future. So no 2015 resolutions, lots of 2014 to celebrate, and more to think about for 2015.

So what did 2014 bring me...

It was my first full year in my new position at La Casa de Amistad... boy has that been an adventure. I have learned so much this year, about my community, about those who care, and those who don't... but most importantly I learned a lot about myself. I learned that this old goat can still learn some new tricks. I learned that I can still work a 13 hour day, but the day after is rougher than I remember. I learned that leading with your heart on your sleeves leaves you spent at the end of the day, but satisfied with the outcomes. I can tease you now and say that while 2014 was good for La Casa... our 2015 will be bigger than ever... new programs, expanding programs and making a bigger impact in the community.

I had another child this year... little Marisa Hope was born on Feb 15th. She waited for me to get back from Chicago on a cold Friday evening drive. I had forgotten how hard a new born is, I was reminded how awesome D is and great with the kiddos. I learned that my time away from home is more valuable now, and yes I put a dollar figure on it (sorry I can't come speak on your campus for free). So I stay closer to home more now, and love that my full-time job keeps me close by.

It was a banner year for OutSight Consulting and my speaking career. I had not realized how good of a rep I had, but this year I had as many rebookings as I had new clients and if that continues I won't need many more new clients. I can narrow in and help targeted groups, and be selective about helping places where I know I can make impact. So far 2015 is off to a good start with a handful of bookings already.

I was reminded of the importance of family. When I got the call that Dave passed, it was a shock, and then the strength, and importance of family slapped me in the face. In South Bend we are far from family, and tend to only see family on special occasions. It reminded me that we need to hit the road more often, facetime when we can, and keep lines of communication tight.

So for 2015 my focus will be on trying to be home more, working on high impact projects and trying to let go of all the small things. Politics, arguments and other distractions need to get cut out so I can be efficient, effective and then come home to play with my kids. I teach in my lectures that to leave a positive legacy you need to focus on the big impact items... I need to listen to myself here and do as I say... #WhatsYourLegacy

With my new focus I am looking forward to Cruz being big enough to help me with flowers this spring, to watching Mari run around the backyard, and helping Novali make her decision on which high school to attend.... wish us luck...

Good luck to all in 2015, God Bless, and Happy New Year!

1984, My 1st American Christmas

Last week, Cruz's "Yo Puedo Leer" Preschool class at La Casa had their holiday party. It was a fun time with the families of the program to celebrate a good semester. The teacher asked the parents to share what Christmas means to them, and maybe a special family tradition they think about during Christmas. Maybe because I was surrounded with other immigrants, but my mind immediately shot to 1984... my first American Christmas.

In Santa Cruz, Bolivia it doesn't snow on Christmas, it doesn't snow ever. I was excited to come with my parents and two brothers to visit Saginaw, MI for vacation again and this time see SNOW...

Andres and I sledding

I don't remember what I wanted for Christmas. I remember the excitement of the flights and the holiday buzz. I remember none of us spoke English but my mom. I remember hiding from my American cousins. I remember my grandpa making a huge pile of snow for us to play in with his plow truck.

I remember that our family vacation, turned into a permanent move.

In 1984 the economy was terrible in Bolivia and it was suffering from hyper inflation (NYT Article) at a peak of 20,000 percent! The political scene was just as bad, and drug trade issues made travel difficult. Your money was worth less in the afternoon sometimes than it was in the morning. Yep it was bad and 1985 ended up even worse. My mom was pregnant, and my parents knew our lives would be better if we stayed in the USA.

I don't remember what they said to us. I remember that Miguel and I stayed behind and lived with my grandparents. I remember my parents leaving with my younger brother to sell all our belongings. I remember wishing I got to say bye to my family members. I remember missing my dog Tony.

I remember starting the first grade, and the only subject I understood was math.

I realized that it is now 30 years since my first American Christmas. My family sacrificed to be here, my dad went from a respected businessman to a paperboy and roofer. My mom went from being a former missionary and local teacher, to needing assistance from others.

My experience growing up has come full circle. I now work at a center like the one that helped my family in Saginaw. I am reminded daily of the importance of community support. I know that how we welcome people, and help those less fortunate says a lot about who we are.

So to answer the question from the La Casa program, more than anything at Christmas I am reminded what a beautiful gift opportunity is... and what a gift of opportunity that Christmas 1984 was for my family. Thank you mom and dad for making the hard decision to accept the gift. Love You.

Tomorrow I will celebrate my 30th American Christmas. Tomorrow my daughter Marisa will celebrate her first American Christmas. I also hope we have snow, and now I realized why it has always meant so much to me to see a white Christmas, a White Snowy American Christmas.

I hope I can gift my family and as much opportunity as my parents gave me.

Community Engagement

I have slacked on my blogging but lately I have been frustrated with the lack of community and civic engagement in my city. This week I got to work with the Group Violence Intervention program, one of the more challenging involvements I have had in the community reminded me that we need more people stepping up in South Bend and I wanted to write a little about it.

Right now so many national issues are swirling around and our local response has been a mixed bag. From police brutality, racism and privilege, immigration reform... and everyone loves a good Facebook fight about it. that won't change things.

Meanwhile local issues continue to go on mostly undiscussed by the general population. It has me thinking a lot about the issues we face, getting out good information, and more importantly engaging citizens in making our community better.

There are so many opportunities for people to get involved. Right now people are announcing their candidacy for our upcoming local elections. In a community that has historically been very divided, and leaders who chose to be divisive instead of seeking unity, I am surprised at the low number of people looking to fill many of these critical roles. Most importantly, I am disappointed in the qualifications and more importantly the political track record of most of those who are running.

Have we gotten to such a point in our local politics, that only people who like the drama and being divisive are willing to step into the arena? What have we as citizens done to encourage this behavior? Reading the sensationalized news, and joining in on political rants?

When I attend local meetings, you see it, lack of professionalism, no respect, and meetings that run worse than a Little Rascals meeting of the He-man Womens Haters Club. It is honestly a major disappointment.

So I am calling on local folks to step up. For my friends around the country, get involved in your local leadership scene, for my South Bend friends... lets do better. Our community is poised right now for great things, but like all things poised for greatness, it means we are teetering on complete failure.

So how can you get involved? Start saying yes when people ask for help, when you see an issue you care about starting asking others how you can help. We need all members of our community involved in some type of civic organization that is doing good in the neighborhoods. From Rotary to Kwianis, from Junior League to coaching a little league team. We all have an obligation to serve others, and it is easy, and more importantly... FUN to do.

I have been in South Bend now for nearly 7 years. I was asked to get involved in the South Bend Group Violence Intervention program as mentioned above. I could have said no, or that man I am too busy, or it doesn't fit into my work schedule, or I live in a safe neighborhood so I don't care about the violence in other parts of town... but I didn't and I stepped up. I have learned a lot from the process, about how felons are treated after jail, the challenges they face, the resources they do/don't have, and more importantly about how I can help.

The involvement is a couple hours of time, and offering myself as a resource.

What is an issue you care about? Helping low income people buy homes? Helping improve working conditions for low wage workers? Improving the maintenance of our streets? Making sure the city spends money appropriately? Supporting more small businesses?

Maybe start with what skills do you bring to the table? Maybe you work in training and development, or know about realestate? Maybe you are handy around the house and want to volunteer your skills?

There is a place, and more importantly a need, that each citizen can fill. Let's do better South Bend, let's work together to create solutions for our problems.

Hall of Fame Chavez

At Bill's with Greg

Tonight (11/18/2014) I have the honor, and pleasure of attending a special dinner here in South Bend. At the Century Center, in Downtown South Bend, a special man is getting inducted into the South Bend Hall of Fame. Mr. Gregorio Chavez, Jr., a tireless community supporter, proud Air Force Veteran, committed LULAC Member and a great mentor, is getting his day and some overdue recognition.

I wrote about Greg a little over a year ago when I had just accepted my position with La Casa (9-10-2013 "I Sat Between Two Giants"). He has continued to impress me with his dedication and hard work well into his 80s. I sneak over to Bill's Place to have breakfast with him every other week or so, its fun to have coffee and listen to all his stories. I enjoyed reading my old blog again and remember the import role, and foot steps that I follow in this community.

I will share my favorite story about his dedication and commitment:

In late September 2013 I had just started working full time and Greg came to La Casa to see me. He asked me who edged our lawn... I remembered seeing it that morning and it was a bit of a butcher job. I told him our maintenance guy and that we didn't have an edger so he used a weed whacker on it. He said he would get it fixed for me.

Well later that week, Greg shows up, with an extension cord and a trimmer, he plugs in, and goes outside and starts edging our lawn. Wait What? My first thought was to go outside and try to make him stop, but he wasn't having that...

So I went inside and the staff were all not sure what to do... I thought about liability, I mean I have an 80+ year old man outside edging my lawn. No one else would volunteer to try and make him stop after I tried... so we let him finish. Of course I snuck a picture of him out there to prove that yeah, he really did that. Like anyone would ever doubt his hardwork... and now I always make sure the grounds at La Casa look good... out of fear that if we don't, Greg will come back again and do it.

He has done so much for La Casa, for the Latino community, for Veterans, for anyone who needed help and I am glad he is being honored, and proud to have been invited to celebrate the evening. From donating copy paper, to taking students to the state house and raising money for scholarships and pushing to get Western Ave named Cesar Chavez Parkway. All the work of Mr. Chavez...

Congrats Greg, glad to have been able to walk along side you on immigration rallies, sit next to you in meetings with the mayor, and watch your selfless acts that have made this city a better place. Congrats, well deserved.

Halloween and Cop Cars

I posted about this already... but wanted to write a little more before I move onto my next topic. I wrote below about how the perceptions people grow up with of the police. I had an interesting opportunity to teach the lesson in a unique way, and have since engaged folks in some dialog around my point. So I thought I would share...

The weekend of Halloween I was working with an weekend immersion class from Saint Mary's College. The group of students would live in our neighborhood for the weekend, staying with families from La Casa de Amistad. It was designed for them to learn about immigration and the role of an urban parish in immigration.

Friday night was halloween, and the students volunteer at a local Catholic parish halloween event. They got to paint face, prepare food and hand out candy. At dinner afterwards as we reflected on the evening I asked them... did any of them see any little boys dressed as cops? Or firemen? Then asked, if any them maybe had little brothers who might of dressed up like that growing up... and of course they did.

Without me baiting the conversation much, one of the young women guessed it was because of the view the neighborhood kids would have of the police. Exactly, and we talked how that impacts how people react when they interact with the police, their feelings towards law enforce make a big difference in their willingness to call police when needed.

Later I presented this thought to a group of staff from the Notre Dame Center for Social Concerns. I don't have answers, or an idea on what to do with then information but I might of peeked from interest in research around the topic.

So tonight, when I saw one of Cruz's cop cars on the coffee table... got me thinking again and that I needed to write this down. Sometimes we don't think of the small subtle ways that inequality is created in this country. How maybe someone's immigration status might make them fear the police so much they won't call when they need them. Or how the high African American incarceration rates create a how class of people that fear the police.

Some food for thought on a Sunday night... and a question... what are you doing to help make things better?

Cruz Likes Cops

All the talk about Ferguson, and who did what, and who was wrong, and what should happen, and everyone writting in CAPS and posting propaganda has driven me nuts. I will be honest, regardless of who you are, I probably didn't read your stuff if came from anger. Everything has either been too extremely left, or too extremely right... its pretty much what is wrong with all political discourse lately. We argue extremes and then everyone walks away pissed with no solution.

So cops, gun control, race and profiling... yeah this one is a big can of worms. I have a lot of interesting intersecting experiences.

I grew in Saginaw, MI, still on the FBI top ten list of most dangerous US Cities. A highly segregated city, with a lot of racial tension. I get it.

I married into a family of police officers. My wife grew up the daughter of an officer, my brother in-law wears a badge daily trying to protect the streets where he lives. I understand the risk they are under daily and the choice they made to go into that line of work.

So what is my stance? Do I have a point to make? Interestingly something came up when D and I were talking about these issues and our son Cruz.

Cruz loves cop cars, he owns several, he plays with them. He points out cop cars excitedly on the street when we see one. When we hear sirens he runs to window to watch the car fly by on its way to fight crime.

It is little things like that which make all the difference in our society. My son is growing up with no fear, no negative perception... he is growing up with an admiration of police officers. He isn't taught to fear them, he is taught that they help.

So maybe during your arguments think about that... and reflect on how you were raised to view the police. In the hood you won't find many cop car toys, or boys like Cruz wearing a toy badge while they play. I also think between all the rants I have read, I have seen little ideas or ways to help... how are you helping?

Last night I attend a violence intervention program... I sat behind the chief of police and we worked to make our city safer. Sometimes I know it can be scary to put yourself out there, but it is less scary than living in a world of fear.