Moving to San Antonio

We are moving, and as sad as it is to leave the farm, great things await us! We are so excited for the possibilities of working with immigrants, making films, going for walks, being with family, and exploring community in the diverse city of San Antonio.

There are so many things I want to write about, and pictures I should post, but I need to wait until things settle down and I have more time. Once they do, I am going to write about our family business or the business that we aspire to have, just because we can:

- law office
- film production
- all natural soaps
- belly dancing!

We are going to make the most of our time in the city, while maintaining the long term goal of living sustainably off of the land one day.

The Struggle For Peace

This past couple weeks have been challenging, in a good way. I got a new and unexpected case involving 2 girls seeking asylum, who were detained by immigration. This was my first time as the Law Office of Julie Flanders to deal with a situation where the clients were detained. It was heart-wrenching and complicated. I was glad to take the case because it was meaningful. But the meaningful work kept me up late at night and presented new dilemmas.

I had to deal a lot with different immigration agencies. All I can say about those agencies is that they are a mess. Their policies are inconsistent and their personnel are at times very unhelpful. To my surprise, I began to think about a career change. If I were to work inside one of those agencies, perhaps I could make things a little bit better. And by treating people with respect, perhaps I would make people's day better who are going through something like my clients were going through. By simply answering the phone kindly. And I began to think about a steady paycheck....

I knew starting my own business would be challenging. When I told Jon about my thoughts, he reminded of all the reasons I chose to do this. To be outside the system. To not follow the status qou, the easy path. I sighed. Then at church our guest speaker/ musician spoke about the struggle for peace. Peace does not come easily. Peace does not come through settling, peace comes through struggle. So I decided that if it is peace that I am struggling for, it is a good struggle. Life was not meant to be easy. So there it is. This is not going to be easy, but at least I am not alone- thanks to all you other peace fighters out there. Keep up the good fight. And thanks for your support- I am going to need it.

I have many interests these days. I think that it's good; as supposed to being interested in nothing. The problem is keeping them all balanced. I have my law practice of course, my belly dance business, and then there's the farm, which I want so badly to be more involved in. So far I have helped to pick tomatoes and eggplant (delicious!) and weeded a little, but that's it. I hope to get a head start on the fall planting season by starting all kinds of seeds, transplanting them, and taking care of them as they grow up. I've really never done well at taking care of plants, but now is my perfect chance.

I also want to make soaps. I've finally ordered all of the ingredients and I can't wait to GO! I will be making the old-fashioned, all natural cold-pressed kind, and the easier melt-and-pour kind of various kinds for loofah scrub soap. I don't know if I'll make any money at it, but one can hope.

With all of these things I want to do, and none of them a guarantee for paying the bills, I have to learn a lot of faith. I think it's a good practice in faith not to spend all of my waking hours at the office trying to get cases, but instead using my free time in the pursuit of something I enjoy. I think I should be very grateful for the opportunity to build this kind of balanced lifestyle, especially because my whole family is very supportive of this. So I am going to try to make the most of it, and not worry about the bills. More pictures of farm life and soap-making adventures to follow.

I love our farm!

I've always wanted to live on a farm, or at least in the wild, but I never thought I would get to do it so soon! We find ourselves living on nine acres of land that is at our disposal. Our dream come true. We are a long way from living sustainable lifestyles, but this is our chance to try. On top of that, it's incredibly peaceful to live where the sunset is always in view, and there are wild flowers and loofahs growing in your backyard. We are incredibly excited to have this place and to share it with others, should you care to visit.

I will try to keep you posted on our adventures as we go along. So far we have built a chicken coop, bought 30 chickens, harvested loofah, planted squash and beans, and adopted two dogs. So the journey begins.

Right Time And Place

Most of you know I have been passionate about immigration laws for a long time, even before I really knew what they were. It was hard not to get jaded when I began to actually study them in depth and see them in practice. And that's because learning about them showed me they are even more complicated and depressing than I imagined. And while my initial reason for going to law school still holds true- if I become an expert in the area I can have a shot at actually influencing the law someday- it doesn't usually feel like that day will ever come. So it has become a challenging career with some ways to help people- but only in limited circumstances, and not much I could do about it.

I was at an immigration conference not too long ago, and found, to my surprise, that I still get emotional about these issues. The particular issue that had me almost in tears in the middle of a lecture was the Dream Act, a law that has only been proposed, but is desperately needed. It would help the thousands of teens who graduate high school every year, just to find out they can't get a job or go to college. So they are stuck. And most of them grew up here, so it's not like they can just go back to their country of birth. They are bright, energetic, hopeful youth, until they become disillusioned with the entire world they have thought they belonged to.

Even in my short time in practice, I've had more than five potential clients like this. For most of them, there is absolutely nothing I can do. Until the Dream Act passes, that is. So, keep your ears peeled. If it passes, it will allow these youngsters to become US citizens if they go to college.

Although it is frustrating in the meantime, it is refreshing to be a professional in this area where I see a great need and a possible change in the future. Other people see the need too, and that is why the Dream Act might actually pass. I am glad to have the background and knowledge to let people know about this now and when it happens, I will be able to help so many people!



www.dreamact.com

Thoughts from C.S. Lewis

One of the things I like about Phase II of my life (the one after law school) is the ability to read whatever I want, whether it be childish, entertaining, challenging, or reflective. Between the library and friends' houses, there are a lot of books I want to read. Sometimes I get overwhelmed, but then I realize there is no rush, which is the whole point.

I just finished a picture book biography about C.S. Lewis, "Images of His World." It was very peaceful and reflective. I'm just going to copy here a couple of quotes I love that came from letters Lewis wrote to his friends.

About home and locality (see writings of Wendell Berry- sense of place):

"There is one odd thing I have been noticing since we came to our new house, which is much more in the country, and it is this. Hitherto there has always been something not so much in the landscape as in every single visual impression (say a cloud, a robin, or a ditch) in Ireland, which I lacked in England: something for which homeliness is an inadequate word. This something I find I am now getting in England-- the feeling of connectedness, of being part of it. I suppose I have been growing into the soil here much more since the move."

About pace:

"I number it among my blessings that my father had no car...The deadly power of rushing about wherever I pleased had not been given me. I have not been allowed to deflower the very idea of distance....

No one can describe the delight of coming to a sudden drop and looking down into a rich wooded valley where you see the roofs of the place where you're going to have supper and bed; especially if the sunset lies on the ridge beyond the valley. There is so much mixed in it; the mere physical anticipation, as of a horse nearing his stable, the sense of accomplishment and the feeling of 'one more town,' one further away into the country you don't know, and the old, never hackneyed romance of travelling."

About healing:

"I gazed down into a little ditch beneath a grey hedge, where there was a pleasant mixture of ivies and low plants and mosses and thought of herbalists and their art, and what a private retired wisdom it would be to go on probing along such hedges and the eaves of woods for some herb of virtuous powers... and having at the same time a stronger sense of the mysteries at our feet where homeliness and magic embrace one another."

Life in New Braunfels

Life in New Braunfels is peaceful. I role out of bed, get some tea, and sit at my computer. On some days, Jon makes me breakfast in bed. Either way, he is always cooking for dad and I, and we consider him the firm's chef. It is great working with him around. And it is great working from home. All the way around it is a good life here. I am beginning to get a lot of business, which is keeping me busy. But I am learning how to manage it, by deciding not to take certain cases, and I am lucky to have some great clients. I have soooo much to learn, but I am excited about it.




Jon's homemade almond flour pancakes with homemade yogurt (delicious!).


The appetizer to an amazing all raw, three course meal at Moo-Jesus Ranch.

Christmas Time in New Braunfels

I know, I'm super behind, but this is a great chance to reminisce. Since I don't know how to line up script with pictures yet, I'm just going to post a bunch of them without explanations. Needless to say, I'm glad I decided to quit my job in November (the day I got my bar results), move to New Braunfels in December, and get to spend a few weeks before Christmas with my family. Plus, Jon and I had our 2 year anniversary! Awww!

I have to say, it was the cutest thing ever when I left a box of paper machete ornaments near the tree, and, too tired to put them up, just left them there. I came back a few hours later to find they had been put on the tree. I asked my dad, Jon, Sara, Philip, even Emily- know one knew who put the ornaments on the tree. Then I noticed they were all lined up on the bottom row. When I showed them to Titus (after finally realizing this little man is a stinker) he said "I put that one, and that one, and that one on there!" I was so proud of him for doing that for me even though I didn't ask him to do it!

Houston

Having finally synched up my phone to my computer, I have some pictures to share. So the next few blogs will be recaps of the past few months/years.

This one is dedicated to our time in Houston. Although we love it here in New Braunfels, Houston was a very special time and place for us. We will always look back on it with the fondest memories. Take, for instance, the joy of living in a 350 square foot house...

Then there was the beach and the heat. Here is Samantha and I at the sand castle competition.

Then there were all those good times studying at Starbucks. One time my mom came to visit me, and she studied too.


When my sister came to visit, we took her kids to the Children's Museum and Luigi's Pizza.

Last but not least, there were the wonderful friends. Here's me and Alice catching up at our last lunch together after church.

The Secret Joys of Belly Dance

Hi friends. I'd like to share an article I wrote for the website of Wanda Deagen Dance studio,

The Secret Joys of Belly Dance

Introduction

The joy of belly dancing is undeniable; yet, the source of that joy is obscure, at least within the Western world. In this article, I wish to describe the meaning behind the dance.

If I had to pick one word to describe the way I feel when I dance, I would use connected. I feel connected to my body, to the earth, to my fellow dancers, and to God. In our individualistic culture, a sense of connectedness is fleeting. The reason: Western culture strives to create distance between the mind and the body. The modern epitome of success in the Western world is the intellectual- a person who thinks, rather than feels- his way through life. The body is secondary, and often ignored altogether. When we dance, however, we rediscover the beauty, and the wonder, of the way we are made. The desire to dance begins to flow from the inside out, based on a wealth of energy, creativity, and joy that is hiding within us.

A Dance for Women, by Women

For women in the Western world, the body is often a source of shame. That is why I was amazed to find out that throughout ancient cultures, women celebrated their bodies through dance. In ancient Muslim culture, men were only allowed to be entertained by men, and women were only allowed to be entertained by women. This is the environment in which belly dance was created- amongst women only, as a source of enjoyment for themselves alone.[1] They danced for the sheer joy of it, and for the ability to express themselves through rhythm and song. The movements of the dance celebrated the female form and its stages. By strengthening the natural organs of the female body, the dance was even used to prepare the body for stages in life, such as giving birth.[2] It was thus a bonding experience amongst women. Over time, however, belly dance became a popular form of entertainment for mixed audiences. Imposters in Hollywood have distorted our view of this once sacred dance, making it seem vulgar and scandalous. In the beginning, however, belly dance was not a form of entertainment at all, but rather a source of rejuvenation and affirmation amongst women.

More than just exercise, belly dance is a tool for self-discovery. For Western women, it gives us the chance to see ourselves through new eyes. It is the chance to step away from culturally-constructed views of ourselves, and share a common bond with women throughout the ages and throughout the world. The particular moves of the dance recognize and build upon the unique strengths of the female body. The dance celebrates women as the givers of life, of unconditional love, and as mankind’s connection with the earth. These gifts we carry are inherent; they do not depend on our shape, size, or outward appearance. Once we realize this, our confidence and self-esteem cannot be taken away. Only when we open up to love ourselves, to find joy in the way we were uniquely and beautifully made, can we embrace the world with the self-less love we were born to give.

Mind-Body Wellness for Men and Women

Although belly dance was created by women, its benefits can be shared by all. Belly dance is unique because of its use of isolated body movements. By learning to move each section of the body separately from the rest, we gain a deeper awareness of the body. Through this practice we find that we have neglected certain parts of our bodies. Through a systematic workout of the entire body, belly dance creates a balance and harmony within the body that is essential to overall health. Also, by engaging the entire body, we become aware of stored tensions we would otherwise be unconscious of.[3] When we are stressed or bothered about something, our body reacts, whether we realize it or not. Tension may be stored in our shoulders, in our back, or even in our stomach. By listening to our bodies, we can recognize and heal our emotional wounds, by giving them proper attention. Belly dance requires us to be fully conscious of our bodies for a time, and thus, it creates the time and space we need to listen to what our bodies are telling us. The flowing movements of belly dance also relax the body, giving us a more peaceful state of mind.

An Invitation

No matter what your reason for considering belly dance, I encourage you to try it, and find out what mysteries await you. Whether you seek healing, new depth and awareness, or great exercise, you will find it here. Give yourself the chance to see yourself in a new light, and you will find a new sense of being created in a special way. Face your doubts and insecurities head on, and awaken to a New Day

---

[1] Cooper, Laura, Belly Dancing Basics, Sterling Publishing, New York, 2004, p.8.

[2] Al Rawi, Rosina-Fawzia, Grandmother’s Secrets- The Ancient Rituals and Healing Power of Belly Dancing, Interlynk Publishing, Brooklyn, 1999, p.142.

[3] Al Rawi, Rosina-Fawzia, Grandmother’s Secrets- The Ancient Rituals and Healing Power of Belly Dancing, Interlynk Publishing, Brooklyn, 1999, p.101.

Joyful, to know that I was created to do something

So far, I feel extremely blessed to be here in New Braunfels. I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner. My hesitation, I suppose, was that I did not think I could start my own law firm. As it turns out, it's working out great! With all my dad's resources at my fingertips, including a long list of clientele that trust him, I am having no trouble at all getting my business started. So far I have had two consultations in my new office, and both were clients of my dad's who also needed immigration help. I think I can really help one of them. It just goes to show that this is a need everywhere. I feel like I am getting to live my dream. After all that hard work, it is going to pay off. I discovered my senior year in college that I wanted to practice immigration law, because I enjoyed helping people who were stangers to this land and who could not speak the language. That was four years ago. Along the way, I've had my doubts about this, but I've also had great encouragement. I've met heros who gave me the inspiration to keep going, when the going was rough. Of course there was Professor Joseph Vail, and without my friends from the Clinic, like Jenny, Samantha, Dalia, and Jess, among others, I would have gotten lost by now. Even though I had a strong passion going into law school, it would have been smothered by the stress without these friends to share it with. And my clients, who have always showed me along the way that it is worth it, even if just to make a difference in a few people's lives.
Now I'm here, with all the resources I need to practice this business on my own terms. I hope I make the most of it. I'm almost surprised to find that I actually do love this job, because I forgot how much I loved it when I was working in less freeing environments. I am excited to serve my clients with the dignity they deserve. I'm excited that by giving it my all, I can help them even though I'm new at this. And I am so thankful to my family and friends for all of their support.
Looking back, it amazes me that in the midst of my senior year in college, when I felt confused and lost and depressed, I was actually taking steps into a career that I love. I did not expect it, and I didn't see it coming. I did not look forward to taking the LSAT, but I did it, with the help of other friends who were my angels along the way. So in the midst of feeilng lost I was actually on my way and I am thanking God for it now. Even though times will not be always easy I'm sure, I'm taking this moment to be thankful.

Dancing in the Streets and in the Studio

Today I taught belly dance for the first time. It was sooo fun! I had seven students. Everyone came with a great attitude, and I think they had a really good time! Even I am sore. I am really happy that this worked out. I think it was meant to be. I never quite imagined myself in this position, but here I am. And in fact I am helping other women to feel more control and self-esteem about their bodies which is something beautiful because God made us and we should celebrate it. I am also reading a book about the beauty of social dance called "Dancing in the Streets- A History of Collective Joy", by Barbara Ehrenreich. I think this quote about the book conveys the main point: "We are innately social beings, impelled almost instinctively to share our joy, and therefore able to envision, perhaps even create, a more peaceful future." What a hopeful thought. I think that's what I've felt about dance all along. Music is an expression of hope, and dancing is an outburst of joy. When we dance together, we are sharing our joy with one another, telling one another there is something out there worth celebrating. What a refreshing feeling when life feels mundane. I think anything that brings people together to respect and love one another is a reflection of the One God that we all share in common.