I need Africa more than Africa needs me

I need Africa more than Africa needs me. There is not one day that goes by where I forget about the friendships that I made with the most amazing people that I have ever met. There is not one day that goes by where I do not feel grateful for the life that I am so blessed to live. Not one day goes by where my heart breaks for the things I saw in Africa. My heart smiles with the things that Africa taught me. 

To Africa, I am just another visitor to Malawi's broken land. I am just another "azungo" [white person] who came across seas in hopes to save lives. Though I loved so hard in this place where love is rarely shown, to Africa, my story is just a dent in this chipped away picture. I can only think is there a day that goes by where Africa remembers me?

I went to Malawi, Africa, the most HIV/AIDS infested country in the world, with a missions group from my high school in the spring of 2007. It was my heart to aid in the support of HIV/AIDS. I held faultless babies that had this disease, I saw the innocence in their eyes. I played and hugged and loved children who were left on the streets by their parents for death. I went deep into the "brush" to teach and pray for these communities that had been out-casted because of their disease. I have danced in the the middle of 500 people from different tribes. I have never had a better time in my life. I have taken some hard soccer balls to the face, those kids know how to play! It was all worth it for a smile for even a small moment.

I took a suitcase there, and took a heavy heart full of memories home. Africa taught me so much about myself and my heart. Without Malawi, the is no me, there is no heart... I am so blessed to live the life that God specifically chose for me. Why me? Why not Blessings, this little precious baby who was infected with HIV/AIDS, that I held and cried over for hours. Why couldn't she live my life? She is more worthy than I am. 

Africa has taught me to not take any moment for granted. I have taught Africa that there is love in America and there is a heart to serve. My lesson learned was far more valuable than I could ever teach Malawi.

 I will go back to this land that has taught me everything.

Cafe' Sevilla

Café Sevilla

Breanna Armstrong

 

 

Café’ Sevilla can be found in the heart of Riverside, providing a Spanish dinning experience that one could only find deep in the liveliness of Mexico. The elegant café has been open since 1987, and was dedicated to provide the most authentic Spanish cuisine around. Sevilla’s menu is award winning and their friendly service creates an enjoyable time that keeps their customers coming back.

 

Seven nights a week, Café Sevilla, also provides music entertainment to be enjoyed after a meal or if one is just wanting to enjoy the excitement of live music from local musicians and Disk Jockeys. Sevilla has been the heartbeat of Riverside’s entertainment since it opened in 1992.

 

With their distinctive musical artists, the ambiance of their luxurious surroundings and the warm welcoming of their employees, it is no doubt that this is a hotspot of Riverside.

 

The best part about this hotspot is that it is located 10 minutes from California Baptist University. Located off the University exit, the café’s address is:

3252 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92507

 

For more information on Café Sevilla call: (951) 778-0611

 Sevilla is the place to get dressed up and to get away from campus for a few hours. It has an amazing atmosphere that has made me a regular to this hotspot since I found it last year. It's in a nice part of town and a good time there is always guaranteed. I definitely recommend it. Contact me on my blog for any further questions.

Beat the boredom and get to know Riverside!

Love Like This

For our journalism midterm the promt requires us to write about our passions. When I think of what I am passionate about, my mind is pretty much swamped with things that I love and appreciate. In all things that I do I am passionate in them. But when I really dig deep to find my most prized joy in life I realized that it is my love for my family.

Today is a very exciting day for my family. It is my sister's engagement party! She has been dating the man of her dreams for 7 years now. And he has become like a brother to me. So this party will be a very special and long anticipated day for both Rachel and Chad.

Rachel and Chad met in Jr. High and High school. We all went to the same little private school together and Rachel took an interest to Chad, who was a grade older, when she was in 8th grade. I remember her coming home and telling me how much she liked this boy.

After 2 years of Rachel's secret crush on him, and after attending a prom with his older brother, Todd just to grab Chad's attention, Chad finally asked Rachel out. Not to mention that he asked her out the day that she got her braces off.

When I first met this boy that made my sister act all funny, he had his ears pierced and had bleach blonde hair. I was impressed... my parents, not so much.

Rachel and Chad grew up together. And as they grew up they grew together. They learned together. When he was struggling, she was with him, routing for his every step and his every move on the side lines. When she would struggle, he was the only one who could ever talk her through the storm. They went through many beginnings together, beginnings that make a person who they are. They are those beginnings that have made them same. Because without Chad, there is no Rachel. And without Rachel, there is no Chad. You see my two heros are geeting married on July 11th, to take on the next series of beginnings together. This engagement represents a seal that they will forever be togther. Their love is an example to all who come into community with them . It is a supported love, a right love and a genuine, once in a lifetime love.

Today my parents handed me a letter to read in front of the entire famil and Chad. I opend it and saw that it was an invitation for Rachel and Chad to have their wedding at the St. Regis in Laguna Beach. I made the public announcement of their matramony site that will forever bond them in a covenant of love.