from the darkroom.

Here is a little sample of the 35mm work I've been doing in my darkroom. All photos were shot in Montreal. I love black and white. I love this city. 

Parc Jarry

Storefront, Parc-Extension

Metro Outremont

My neighborhood, Parc-Extension

Downtown Montreal

My Neighborhood, Parc-Extension

Metro Jean-Talon

Metro Jean-Talon/Metro Beaubien

Metro BerryUQAM

Metro BerryUQAM

Mont Royal

a quick update..

It has been busy month for me.. and I don’t think I would really be doing anyone justice to try to sum up everything, so I won’t.

A few weeks ago a man speaker named Jeff Pratt came and spent a week with us. All I knew about him was that he would be speaking to us about spiritual disciplines. I was excited, at last someone would clear things up for me in this broad and necessary subject. I had no idea that we would have very little actual discussion on spiritual disciplines. Jeff led us into many times of real self-examination and times alone with God to face the realities of our relationships with him, for good and for bad. For me it was kind of scary; I naturally have a difficult time opening myself up to the Lord fully, it is easier at times to keep him at an arms length than to truly become vulnerable. But what a beautiful and honest time it was. Spiritual disciplines are so much more about living than the theories I had always made them, and there is no formula, there cannot be. It has been so good to enter into communion with the Lord with no agenda other than enjoying his presence.

Much has continued to develop during my time here, one of which is my involvement with 24/7 prayer Canada. Plans are moving forward for a 48hour prayer event in the beginning of January, which I am really excited about!

I’m looking forward to heading home at Christmas for two weeks, and I’m looking forward to seeing lots of you then.

Lauren and baby exclamation!

 

 

A little bit of Toronto

Montreal is a Laboratory.

Right now I'm sitting by a window in La Grand Bibliotheque in downtown Montreal and have been reflecting on all that has happened over the past 6 weeks. First of all, I cannot believe its been 6 weeks already! Time has a way of tricking us, the more we fill it the faster it goes by. My time in Montreal certainly has been very very full, which is why blogging has fallen by the wayside, I've needed the time to process all that has happened before I could really write about it.

The only word I can think of to describe this DTS is holistic, it has been challenging and exciting and thought provoking in so many way; in areas such as personal spiritual growth, ministry in an urban context both theoretically and practically, community life, finding areas to get involved in the city. I've learned so much about the Christian network in Montreal, it is so small that everyone must work together. Every ministry is very connected with every other ministry in the city, I find this so unique, especially after living in places where there seems to be more division in the church than there is unity.

The past few weeks I've begun helping at St. James, a drop-in center for the homeless and destitute. Most of the folks who come are dealing with serious substance abuse problems and in most cases mental instability. St. James offers them the opportunity to spend their days off the streets, have a meal, take a nap, make art, and enter into a supportive community. The staff also helps them with handling their finances, and finding jobs and apartments. Mainly all that I do at St. James is build friendships with those who come and helping the staff with whatever they need. There is such a beautiful community among the men and women who come to the center, in spite of their circumstances they show so much love to each other. 

Last week we spent time with a (brilliant) man named Glen Smith, the head of Christian Direction. Together we went through what the bible has to say about cities, looking at God's heart for the city, and the call of believers in cities. Afterwards we took all that we learned in scripture and all that the Lord was speaking to us individually through scripture and each developed a 'theology for cities'. I was most moved by the Jeremiah 29, when God calls Israel who is shamed and in exile, to become intimately rooted in the city of Babylon and its structure (socially, economically, culturally), praying on behalf of the city, because "in its welfare, you will find your welfare" (Jer 29:7). He calls them to live as the people of God in this foreign place, seeking redemption and goodness for the city.

We also spoke with Glen about what this means practically for a city like Montreal. We met his daughter who has begun a project with some kids in poor neighborhoods, teaching them basic financial skills and budgeting. They recently gave this group of children $100 and have helped them start a business making chocolates to sell over the holidays. The kids decided themselves that whatever profits they make will be given to a charity. What an awesome and creative idea! Not only are they teaching kids how handle money and giving them practical experience, but most of these children come from broken families and live in difficult circumstances and Glen's daughter and the staff are believe in them and are showing them how to work hard and persevere.

I am so blessed to have been GIVEN everything I need for a darkroom, which I set up in my laundry room. I'm working on a handful of different photo project which are all really exciting.

Yesterday I had a meeting with a wonderful lady named Daria who is the director of 24/7Prayer in Canada. Daria is also involved with organizations that are working to bring awareness to the sex and human trafficking industry in Montreal. I learned that Montreal has one of the biggest human trafficking industries in North America, but what is crazy is that it is so well organized and hidden. We talked about what is happening in Montreal and how I (and Amy, another girl in ywam) can be involved. Right now Montreal doesn't have a prayer room, but we talked about what we could do to get momentum going in the city to start one. We will start working on the details of having a city-wide 48 hr prayer event with all the churches in an area in the middle of the major Universities as well as near where there is a lot of prostitution.

Please be praying for me and the DTS team. Pray for us as we are each finding our place to get involved in and serve the city. Pray that we will be open to what the Lord is speaking to us during our weeks of training. Pray for unity within our community, we have definitely been facing the challenges of living in close contact with people from other cultures and who came with different expectations. Pray that my French will continue to improve. Pray that the rest of my support will come in the next 1.5 months.

I'd like to thank everyone who has encouraged me over the past month and a half, you really have no idea how much it means to me.

2 weeks of DTS...

I'm sorry if this is an incoherent mess... It has been such an incredible experience being here for just a few weeks. There is so much that I could say but with only a short time to write I will have to be brief. The past weeks have been full of orientation and building relationships. I am here with a really great group of young people and am excited to share the next 8 months with them. Each of us is busy right now trying to meet the necessary people and find the right organizations for our internships and volunteer work in the city, both of which comprise the majority of our ministry. One really neat thing about this particular DTS is that we are given a lot of freedom to learn and explore ways to develop each of our gifts and learn what it means to use them in ministry. I have a met a few people and set up meetings for the upcoming weeks and am really excited about all the possibilities for me to get involved in the city.

Over the weekend I attended Street Level Quebec, a Christian conference on social justice in Quebec (which was all in French, I understood almost everything..). The conference itself was really great but I was really encouraged to meet a lot incredible people from different organizations and churches with hearts to simply serve the city. I find it really unique here just how closely linked all the Christian leaders are here.

I really love being here. Montreal is so alive and full of layers and texture. Yesterday, I went with a few friends from my DTS to hike to the top of Mount Royal (a large hill, right in the middle of the city), and at the base of the mount we were met by a huge crowd surrounding a large drum circle. Everything was clapping and dancing and just enjoying the music and the beautiful fall day. It was such a fun experience. After hanging around the drum circle for a while we hiked to the top of the mount where there was a breathtaking view of the entire city of Montreal. It was such a reminder to me of God’s faithfulness in my life, especially in bringing me here, something that I had been praying about for a few years. 

Sufjan.

Sufjan Stevens at Metropolis in Montreal. 

A phenomenal and incredibly creative experience. 

Good Ole' Boys, an article by Bethany Oiler

A creative collaboration between myself and my dear friend Bethany which was inspired by an incredible musical experience. Enjoy!

Good Ole’ Boys

By: Bethany Oiler

                                              

I had not heard of The Punch Brothers the week prior to seeing them. However, since bluegrass tends to be where my heart lies, I knew that I was in for a good time. What I did not know was that I was in for an all around epic experience. The night ended with a personalized, informal interview with front man Chris Thile (thee-lee) himself- (Which you will reap the benefits from further down.) But, the night started with pulling into an empty field of the Pisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain, NC.

Upon accidentally arriving at the right place, (hidden behind a metal barn, and accessible by an unmarked gravel road) my good friend and photographer Alyce, her adventure-seeking sister, Dena and myself made our way out of our cars- camping chairs in hand- towards the open field. The

twinkle-light covered ticket tent welcomed us with local hospitality and wristbands. Inside the fenced-in “auditorium”, we were received by local vendors, a hot dog stand, ($3 for all the toppings you’d ever want) and about five loyal fans. We were early. Then, there was the stage. Completely open and

raised up by giant wooden beams. It was soon to be transformed into a dreamy platform; host to some glorious sounds set beneath a starry night. 

Epic. 

Since we were early, we were able to experience the Pisgah Brewing Company. If you are not familiar with the Pisgah Brewing Company, I highly recommend you do some research. It houses nothing but certified organic brew. I had the Valdez; a coffee infused stout. Incredible. Guests and locals alike could enjoy the indoor/outdoor bar complete with fireplace, live music, and naturally, a plethora of beer.

With the local opening band starting up, we made our way back to the stage. By now, the field was crowding up with a mix of local country folk and hipsters alike. I never did catch the talented trio’s name- a mix of smooth jazz, folk, and Middle Eastern infused sounds that came oozing from the stage. Quite the opener. It was the first time I have ever seen or heard an electric banjo- with just an electric guitar and bass to accompany. They were delightful.

I’m ready for The Punch Brothers. So is everyone else. All of us crowd in towards the stage as their shadowy figures fasten themselves to their instruments. We all waited for the first sounds to take us over.

It was completely dark by the time they started playing. The sky was clear and the harvest moon was out. The band looked clean cut and tidy in their suits and ties, carrying themselves in the manner of true gentlemen. Upon encountering their gratitude and kindness from the stage, we found that this appearance reigned true to their character. True gentlemen. The whole evening was laced with each members wit and charm. These proved perfect companions to the perfectly crafted art of sound coming from the instruments in the hands of gentlemen.

Clear. Riveting. Smooth. Captivating. Flawless. Romantic. Heartbreaking. Raw. True.

Honest story telling. Essentially, just a good ole time. I’m an instant fan. Chris Thile’s lyrics are as heavy as lead on the subject of broken hearts and as light as air on the subject of good times.

I find myself trying to sing along. To say that the PB members have mastered their instruments and their sound is quite frankly, an understatement. This is one of the best live shows I’ve experienced. I’m truly captivated. The show comes to an end (after a small riot provoking an encore of course). ‘Rye Whiskey’ is the hit of the night- a song with an instant guarantee to put you in a good mood. Then, the sadness kicks in. The feeling of wanting more after experiencing something that has captivated ones attention so intensely. So, Alyce and I decided we really couldn’t leave without an interview.

We stationed ourselves at the side of the stage. Waiting to see what could come of it. Soon enough, Mr. Thile himself was heading our way. He was incredibly approachable and enthusiastic about letting us take up his time for an “informal” interview. I kept it short and sweet but he kindly obliged to answer all of my questions:

This was the first show for the roughly 4-month long PB tour. Chris Thile mentioned several times how much he loved coming to this part of the Carolinas. This is Thile’s second project, formerly singing lead vocals and playing the mandolin for the band Nickel Creek. Over time (Thile and violinist Gabe Witcher have been friends since childhood) the bluegrass rooted band started to take shape.

 The band members are as follows:

Chris Thile- mandolin, vocals

Noam Pikelny- banjo

Gabe Witcher- violin, vocals

Paul Kowert- bass, vocals

Chris Eldridge- guitar, vocals  

I asked Thile how he got his inspiration for the songs he writes. “I like to try and grab my mandolin first thing when I wake up…when your mind is still in another place...” This clearly has served PB well, with the whimsical genius of words and melodies that really do seem to come from a dream-like state of mind at times. (Check out The Blind Leaving the Blind)

I further asked him what was next in store for the members of PB. They are currently working on their third album which Thile describes will stay true to what they are already doing. Essentially, he stated, “…the same but better”Which will be fine with their fans I’m sure. The PB’s next stop was Virginia at another outdoor venue.

                                                        

Experiencing a Punch Brothers show is like sitting in the living room of a family full of musical prodigies. You just sit back, watch them have a good time doing what they do, while you real in a constant state of amazement. It was effortless. It was fun. It was real. There wasn’t just one moment that made this night unforgettable. It was a series of unexpected turns that came together to support an evening of great adventure, great beer, and great music. From the start, it was destined for greatness. The Punch Brothers won over my heart and kicked off a tour that I’m sure will leave everyone wanting more; and this definitely proved true for the people of Pisgah.

   

   

a beautiful beginning. DTS days 1.5

I arrived in Montreal monday evening after a a long drive and a few quick visits with my best friend, one of my dad's college friends, and my family in New Jersey. The immigration process wasn't nearly as terrifying as I had imagined it would be and thankfully I had no problems getting a "non-salaried religious workers visa." When we first pulled up to my brother's apartment, he ran out to meet us, gave me a big hug and said "welcome home." I spent the part of the week with my family, shopping, walking around the city, visiting a museum, and seeing friends. We threw my dad a surprise 50th birthday party (a month early...) with all our friends from up here, it was so wonderful, like a huge family reunion.

I moved into my apartment Thursday afternoon, and the DTS started Friday. We met at 8 am at the Jeunesse En Mission (YWAM) office at 8am to be given a task and to meet everyone. Our DTS has ten people from all over the world; 2 men from France, 2 men from Holland, 1 man from Brazil, 3 ladies from Canada (2 anglophones, 1 francophone), 1 lady from Switzerland, and me. The DTS staff gave each of a list of places and things around the city we needed to find and photograph, and a metro card. It seemed easy enough except they gave us no addresses and no map, and some of the places were pretty specific, for instance we had to photograph the 4th floor of one of the local libraries.

My partner was Jisca, a girl from Sherbrooke, a town about two hours from here. We managed to get find a handful of maps and metro maps and made a plan of the best way to find as many spots on the list. The first place we went to was pretty tricky, and we ended up wasting an hour and a half walking around aimlessly and waiting for a bus that never came. We decided after that to ask folks for help so we wouldn't waste so much time. We made it to about 7 spots before running into 3 other teams (who were chilling in the library). At that point we all decided that we were tired and wanted to take a break from the game so we all went to a little cafe and hung out until it was time to go to our rendezvous.

It was being forced to spend time figuring my way around the city, and even though it was just for a day I feel like I have a pretty good handle on the metro system. I've also enjoyed getting to know my group, everyone is from such different backgrounds and were all brought here by unique reasons circumstances. I've also spoken so much more french in just the past two days than I have in quite a while!

This morning (sat), one of the DTS staff members took a few of us to the Jean-Talon market, a HUGE farmers market with local produce, meats and cheeses, and pastry and bread shops. It was really fun! A few of us girls bought some produce for our apartment and did a little more exploring.

Thats all for now, things will really get rolling around here on Monday. Next week will be one of mostly orientation, and I believe we will begin studying Genesis together.

I really love this city.

Punch Brothers!

The Punch Brother playing in Black Mountain. This is possibly one of the most fun shows I've been to. An incredible article about this event by Bethany Oiler is coming soon!