I just got a message from Andrew today, he had his heart appointment a couple weeks ago and just got the results back. Originally they thought he wouldn’t need open heart surgery because of a new technology. He just got the results from his MRI and such today saying that he will need to get open heart towards the end of July before college.

I’m really worried because just as another block of worries were being lifted off my shoulders, a bigger one plopped back on. I’m going to try and go with him, I think I’d be a worried mess if I didn’t. This will be his 4rd time. If you’re lost, Andrew is my boyfriend and was born without a pulmonary valve. Every couple of years or so the pig valve that had replaced it but they get worn and have to be changed. He is so lucky to be alive. He is able to do anything and is completely healthy–you wouldn’t know it unless you really knew him.

All I can do now is pray.

I’ll update more later

***

outreach!

Up until the minute before the outreach, we were faced with struggle. But with faith, we were able to go through with everything. The film went really well, people laughed, and many related to it. It was really great. There were even a couple non-believers who came which was great because I think we really got them thinking.

To celebrate afterwards we went to the riverwalk. I recieved a devotional book that I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this summer. With all the ups and downs I’m really glad how this project turned out and I’m hungry for more

matching

River walk!

there was a wind grate, we were doing crazy poses haha

I will update tomorrow on some reflections and such, this update is a day late, but things have been crazy.

more pics here

composing music!

Yesterday was another busy day of editing. I got to take a nap though outside. It was so nice just to be out there. We got everything done, we just have to put it together tomorrow. Tom had to run a couple errands and brought us back churros at some point.

Gladys le gustan los churros!

We had tacos for dinner with nommolicious homemade tortillas. Then we went out and got Bluebell ice cream =D.

Button says goodnight with a wave

more pics here

We have all the scenes rough cut and were working on sound. Amanda came over and we composed the music for the movie. I’m really excited. It’s all coming together!I had the bunny in my lap for the editing. Man, that bunny is so sweet, it thinks its a dog. Even when it goes outside when it wants to go back in it comes to the door.

For dinner we went to Panda express. it was nommiful, and good to get out of the editing room. Then we came back worked some more and Gladys, Julia, Ceci and I jumped on the trampoline.

Pandas are my fav

As this summer project nears its end, I’m surprised how much we’ve done in two weeks. I think this summer will be tougher because I’ll be away from all my friends in college who have helped keep me and each other accountable, and I wont be going to camp surrounded by that group of friends to keep me accountable. Really this summer is going to be interesting, and independent to grow in my faith. Maybe too independent. I’m hoping to talk with my old high school friends more to have that accountability.

I’ve also thought about maybe doing a short film outreach like we’re doing friday at my house when I get back and invite all the people who supported me, other friends and what not. Or maybe at my church. We’ll see. That’d be a big step to do an outreach on my own.

We talked with Marcus today, who works with the Global Short Film Network. This is a part of Campus Crusade under The Jesus Film that have short films to start spiritual conversations around the world. He’s going to Hong Kong tomorrow! Looking at these films, (you can see some on the website) so many of them are really well done. Ours will probably get to go up there too! Who knows where this film and spanish degree will take me, what if I work with them?

So many people think “going into ministry as a career” is only if you go to school  for it, preaching in a church, etc. But really, every field, even a scientist, has the ability to use ministry in their career. Obviously film is used in the global short film network. But it doesn’t have to be even that big–it could be just being open with your coworkers. There are so many opportunities. So if you’re sitting at your desk job or working in a factory or designing something new, think about it, has there ever been a time where you think you could’ve shared the gospel with someone?

With film its great because it gets people thinking and isn’t extremely upfront about it. Its not like i’m going to walk up to a stranger and cram Jesus down their throat. Even I don’t have control over that. Film can make things more personal. People can interpret differently just as making that relationship with God personal. We can start spiritual conversations and provide followup, but the rest is the up to the person and whether or not they open that door to Christ.

Tomorrow we may go salsa dancing! WOO WOO!

more pics here

Tristen was tired

"I need my 8 cups of coffee before I'm good to go"

We had fixed the editing problems we had yesterday so Chris and I hammered our way through editing while Gladys and Tristen worked on organizing out outreach friday. I stopped for a bit for lunch but kept working. People came and went, I had the bunny in my lap for a while until Julia came home and sat by me. Before I knew it, it was dinner time! We were having dinner at Gloria and Mark’s house, so it was nice to get out of that room for a while.

For dinner we had pasta, salad and garlic bread. Their house was really nice and had all these neat angles. I watched the new episode of Jon and Kate, which I had watched half of yesterday. Mark had a bunch of drums, 2 afghan drums, and 2 jambos ( or something with a J). We played and played and it was alot of fun.

playin' those drums!

get off my drums!

We went back and Chris and I got back to editing. All and all, we got 4 scenes roughly edited out of 7. 2 more are almost done and 1 hasn’t been touched. I’m sure we’ll get it done by tomorrow

I want to talk a bit about Jon and Kate plus 8. It’s been one of my favorite tv shows that i’ve been following for a couple years and I’m sure you have all heard about the “scandal” in the tabloids about jon cheating on kate and kate cheating on jon. When I first heard about it, I was really skeptical. I had read their book which took you through their walk with christ as they started their family, so them cheating on each other seemed odd because of their HUGE love for their kids. When I actually read the tabloid i thought it was the stupidist thing ever. “a source says” and all that nonsense. And then the “scandolous” photo was jon and his friend and the other girl in the distance kinda away from them–obviously just hanging out.

I feel so bad for them. Because whether or not the tabloid was true it affects them. The newest episode talked about how the poparazzi are EVERYWHERE at EVERYTIME.  And then the whole thing about Kate cheating is ludicrious– thats her job to go on book tours. What’s interesting is they talk about the future and they love their kids so much that if anything, they’d stay friends and work it out because its about what the kids deserve.

Think about it, if you had a photo that could imply anything, like someone and their guy/girl friend and someone would pay you $20,000 for that photo if you had a good story, wouldn’t you make something up? Turn it into a “love affair”? If someone paid you $10,000 to say you had an affair with that acquaintance (not really a loved one) would you?

The whole thing makes me mad and it doesn’t even really affect me.

ANYWHOO

hopefully tomorrow we’ll have a rough edit. I’m going to sleepies

more pics here

I slept in which was nice

We ran into some editing problems because HD is HUGE so now we have to convert files which i’m still doing now.

That’s about the jist of today.

Will update more tomorrow.

So we got to the back of the restaurant, got everything set up and ran into a problem. We had no sounds. It was major and I was kinda freaking out because we were getting behind schedule but luckily not only did God bless us with an actor, but a mechanic. Jake, who was Joe the homeless guy, used to be in the army and worked on helicopters and such. After 25 minutes or so everything was good and we were back to shooting.

Setting up first shot, before mic fail

I kinda rushed people maybe a little too much because we ended for lunch ahead of schedule. I think the shots we got were still good though. So onward, we ate lunch. I had barbacoa tacos and bean and cheese tacos. NOM. Gladys got barbacoa as well but also got lengua tacos. That’s right. TONGUE. EW. I was sitting by Chris and Ian (pancho in our film) and they were like “Nononono its good! we have it all the time and blahblahblha” and kept trying to get me to try it. Noooo wayyy. Then Ian tried to convince me that barbacoa was the intestines and such of the pig but he was just joking around. We had to wait until the restaurant closed to start shooting inside. I was a little worried about getting behind schedule, but in the end all worked out well and we ended 2 hours early at 7ish.

We got some really great shots and I’m really proud of how the shooting went. God really blessed us in this location, so much better than the other. We breaked for dinner and Ceci gave everyone goodie bags as Tom shared a little speech about everyone. It was really encouraging. We finished the last shot and wrapped. The owner was really gracious and worked aroung us. It was just awesome. And I want some empanadas right now.

At some point when Gladys and I had some time we started joking around and acting like we were in a telenovela, shouting back and forth in spanish and just laughing. After shooting, Gloria and Mark (associate directors of the project, primarily with money) drove us back to the dorms. We got back around 8 which is the earliest we’ve been back here.

woo kitchen

We showed them around our aparment thing and talked alot about the project and future projects and such. Apparently they want to expand this to several different projects, like not only a film one, but a music one, and a drama one. It sounds really awesome. They made sure we had everything we needed, and made note of some things we need. Such wonderful people. Then Gladys and I just talked for a while and before we knew it, it’s almost 11pm! OI!

Luckily, we dont have to meet tomorrow until 10:30. WOO SLEEP! I’m stoked. Today I think was the most stressful day. But I did get that limonada (agua fresca). MAN such good limonade. But its not really limonade. But its delicioso.

However, we’ve eaten at (or to go) fajita tacos for lunch (mini quesadillas) and dinner (caldo de res) yesterday, and lunch (tacos) and dinner (mini tacos with cilantro) today. I think i’m ready for italian or something. maybe. or maybe a hot dog. hmm. smoothies?

More pics here

Our first location was the top of a parking garage for a roof-top like scene. It was REALLY hot and we moved WAY ahead of schedule. The actors looked great in their costumes.

Start of the day!

Ready to call the shots!

We just managed to finish that scene when it started to rain. Luckily I had lunch scheduled so we went to Fajita Tacos (the restaurant were going to be shooting at).  They make their own tortillas (like so many others here) but mannn they’re so goooooood. I miss this food so much. And I know I’m going to miss my new favorite thing–empanadas. We were hoping the rain would clear up because our next part of the day was outdoors. The rain let up just enough to get a cool look, and not get us or the camera drenched.

For the rainy outdoor shot we filmed the last scene of the movie, which looked PHENOMENAL with the rain. Perfect mood.

Action!

We went back to Fajita Taco and shot a scene with the uncle and Pancho. We made sure to get all the scenes were  Pancho(Ian) has to eat fresh jalapenos out of the way first. Unfortunately when we were reviewing the scene tonight, the sound had been set wrong for that scene. We’ll fix it somehow

On the plus side, WOW, we got some beautiful footage. The camera we’re using is AMAZING. I’m so pleased with how everything is going, and we even ended 2 hours early. woo woo.

Tristen seems to stress himself out maybe more that he should. I’m positive that everything will work out.

Getting to know everyone on a more personal level is really great. Gladys and I talk and mess around a bunch. I ask her how to say things in spanish or say random spanish phrases. haha. It’s been really good, I feel really blessed.

We went back to the Allen’s and ate dinner, Calda de res (spelling?). Its a mexican soup, really really delicious. It was great how God worked through everyone today, making sure we were unified, moved quickly, without problems. The weather “could’ve” been a problem  but I think it added to the scene and then after we shot it it was beautiful and sunny again. Crazy.

Tomorrow is yet another long day of work. Let’s hope we can do it fast!

Thanks for all the comments! I’m so glad and thankful for all of your support and prayers!

Shout out to Memaw and mom <3 love yall!

More pics here

So today I spent making the schedule. Sound easy? NOOOOOOO. It’s not, but I think I did pretty well at it. We had to rewrite it at least 3-4 times because of time contraints. Originally we had a long day saturday and a 12 hour shoot sunday. ICK!

All squished in the car with lights! it was raining too

We also called the actors letting them know costumes and schedules–figured out props and such too

Tomorrow we start shooting at 830 and end around 630 if all goes well. I’m really excited. We picked up the sound and light equipment as well, I’m familiar with the boom and excited to use the Kenoflos Woo woo!

We also got two (mexicano) cars for our characters. The truck is really funny and old, I rode in it today and it has these little seats in the back that face each other with a red interior. haha.

busybusybusy!

I just got back around 1130 or so because we were finishing up the ‘special world’ costumes of the two different ‘super heroes’.When we got back here, we had to cut up veggies and fruit for tomorrow. Oi. I’m nervous, I hope we’re able to finish everything in time. I hope our graphic designer finishes the comic book in time.  It’s all in God’s hands now. Pray that it’ll go smoothly and pray for no rain.I really need your prayers right now, I’m nervous, as I’m sure everyone else is.

More pictures here

(biscuit noms!)

I don’t know why but today I’ve been extremely exhausted. But it’s nice that things are begining to fall into place.

We went shopping for foods for the crew, which was nice to go to HEB. So many things you can’t get in the north. ugh. It’s going to be so hard leaving here.

Gladys and I jumped on the trampoline and hung outside for a bit with the bunny. Gosh its so beautiful everyday here. I love the sun and the blue sky–it really is a different blue.

Then Amanda (ithink?) came over, she is going to be composing the music for the film. We talked about short motifs of each character, where we wanted music and such. Then we went to a church to do a read through with all of the casted actors, told them about costumes, and the schedule for the weekend. It was really fun and exciting, partially because it’s not just my college friends acting, but real actors. We went over the storyboards and Tom started to go over them and then asked me to go over them because Me, Gladys and Mike did them. I was a little nervous but it went well. Then, I was taken aback when one of the actors started asking me questions about the scenes and other details. Maybe it’s because I feel as if I am not at the professional level yet that I shouldn’t be a go to person. But I was able to help him and such and it was really neat. I love the people we have casted.

MEXICANT!

It’s just really great to see God put so much into this project and just unifying us so well. It’s been so great getting to know everyone and I love it. Gladys and I are becoming good friends and I enjoy speaking spanish.

Then we came back and had chicken quisadillas. But HEB has these ones that you make yourself, they just give you the dough. they were nummy.

Julia, Gladys and I played with the bunny and talked in spanish and in funny accents. It was really fun. Ceci (tom’s wife) also showed us some things, I think she’s going to teach us to salsa tomorrow. yay!

Julia is cute

Tomorrow’s another busy day. Then we’re shooting! can you believe it!? I played with the camera some today. It’s a consumer grade HD but is semi-professional with a solid state drive. It looks like a consumer grade, but it has all the manual settings, mic hook ups, white balance, aperature and shutter speed. We should be good to go. I’m so pumped!!! AHH!

As always more photos are here.

>>To macbook pro users: ever have trouble with the mouse? If I type alot it’ll freeze up.

we split into teams and the guy’s went to fix locations and buy some props while me gladys and Mike storyboarded. We also developed a master prop list, the order to which we’re shooting, finalized lighting and equipment rental, called actors, lost one actor, but got a new actor, and made a couple small changes to the script

HOOOO BOYYY

I am really tired and I know there are busier days ahead. We had a little down time late this after noon and I took the bunny (button) outside. I love that bunny, its so cute. It’s nice that they have a fenced in yard to let it roam where ever. I  just sat out there in the sun had some quiet time to read and such. It was so nice– I was reading through Colossions (sp?)

Today was a good day of prayer as I feel more of the week will be with the ups and downs. But through this we have become stronger as a group and stronger in our walk with Christ.

I feel like my faith keeps getting stretched little by little, with a new conflict and just trying to ride the waves instead of drowning them or getting stuck in them.

I do apologize but I didn’t take any pictures today because we were so busy and when I could, I really was tired and such. Soooo I’ll make up tomorrow and take more pics. We’re having a read through with our Actors. Woo Woo!