"What does this, that, and everything else mean?!"
Things don't just magically appear in your fridge anymore... you actually have to buy things yourself!
Yes, you have to do your OWN laundry ALL THE TIME, and if you do it at a mat, it's EXPENSIVE!!
You can't afford to call out of work every time you're sick now!
For an organization that literally unites the nations, it amazes me how little is taught about the United Nations in schools, or at least where I went to school. It wasn't until I went to college and got a higher education that I learned the basics of the United Nations. I believe that every American should know at least the basics of what the United Nations does, especially since our country is one of the 5 permanent members, and what better day to do that than United Nations Day (today!). So here are the main "organs" of the United Nations:
The visual above is a much more complex look at the organs of the United Nations, and what we can expect from United Nations Day 2023 can be found below.
blue and white happy birthday print stonePhoto by Nick Fewings on UnsplashThis is the theme for the 2023 United Nations Day and it stands for and symbolizes the collective efforts of nations to create a safer, fairer, and more sustainable future.
In a world faced with numerous challenges, the UN remains a source of inspiration, offering solutions and unity in times of crisis.
The United Nations serves as a critical forum for fostering collaboration and addressing these pressing challenges.
Each of the states (countries) in the United Nations is a member of the General Assembly. They make important decisions about peace and security. For something to get passed or at least given a second look it must get 2/3 votes.
U.S. dollar banknote with mapPhoto by Christine Roy on UnsplashThe Security Council is much more powerful than the General Assembly. It is made up of 5 permeant members: China, Soviet Union (now Russia), France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and 10 non-permeant members that are elected every two years from the General Assembly. Each of these 15 states has one vote and the permanent member states can veto any substantive issue.
United Nations - Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 2023
There are 54 members who are voted in and out by the General Assembly. They vote on all things that involve the world economy and social issues.
They have a five-year term, are nominated by the Security Council, and elected by the General Assembly. The Secretary General is elected from states that aren't as powerful so there is proper global representation. António Guterres is the current Secretary General.
Peace Palace, International Court of Justice of the United Nations 2023
The ICJ is the world court in the UN. There are 15 justices, who each have 9 year terms. They don't have much power, they mostly just advise countries.
The United Nations is a lot more complex than what I've described here, but after reading this you'll know more than the average American about the UN.
Some of the times it is fun but its crazy as well. Sometimes it is scary but if you are with friends it is so much fun.
Dress up in ur favorite Halloween costumes from princesses to witches and etc. Such as trunk-or-treat!
One of the Apple orchards in Michigan is Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill. There are many others in the state of Michigan.
One of the corn mazes to go to in the Three Cedars Farm in Northville, MI which I have been there a lot over the years. You can also pick pumpkins there as well and there is usually a barn dance you can do as well while you are there.
It gives the children to express themselves during the day and wear costumes.
It is so much fun get to see everyone with their families and dressed in Halloween costumes.
Some of the songs
There are many different designs you can do on a pumpkin but do not make it so hard to do.
So how did the holiday make its way to America? Well, in the first half of the nineteenth century, it was not a very commonly known or celebrated holiday. It was mostly limited to colonial New England. When the customs of the colonies combined with the customs of the Native Americans, new traditions formed, such as parties that included stories of the dead, fortune telling, dancing, and singing.
Still, the holiday was not celebrated everywhere in the country. It wasn't until Irish immigrants came to America that the holiday was popularized. Irish and English traditions combined to form, you guessed it, trick-or-treating.
The evolution of Halloween in America didn't stop there. In the late 1800s, a movement began to make Halloween a more family-friendly holiday — i.e. fewer witches and ghosts and more candy and games. Parties began focusing on festive costumes, food, and games. No more spooky stories and fortune telling!
So, that's the history of the holiday we know and love. Now you know Halloween was not invented by the candy companies!
I had the privilege of my mom traveling with me for a week, and when I waved goodbye to her at the metro station, it was like the scene in “The Lizzie McGuire Movie,” when her mom starts to cry, so she starts to cry. Yeah, mom and I both did our share of crying—unbeknown is who started crying first. It was probably me. Anyway, I realized something very important on my way back to the flat: I am actually living here. I am a resident of Paris for the next two months—what an amazing opportunity. It felt more like a trip while my mom was here, mostly because we did so many fun things. Now, however, I get to be one of the “natives,” walking to and from work every day.
The thing that is different about me from the rest of the actual natives is that I realize that my time is limited here. I have this disease, or blessing—however you decide to look at it—where I tend to want to make the most of everything. A ride on the metro is not just an everyday ride on the metro for me. It is a time to be a light, to enjoy the sights I see through the window, to listen to the different languages all around me, and to reflect on the events of the day or the week. I like to think that I have this goofy grin on my face because of the light that Christ shines in and through my life—if it weren’t for Him, I would have nothing, be nothing, and I certainly would not be embarking on this adventure.
Something I seemed to overlook was the language barrier. There has been more than one time that I said “hello” to someone, or wanted to say “gracias.” People have assumed that I am an American before I even open my mouth, so most of them will speak English to me. When I ran into people who don’t know how to speak English, my very little knowledge of Portuguese and French only gets me so far. I offered a girl speaking Portuguese some chocolate, but when she shook her head no, I didn’t know what to say. I always have a lot to say—my fiancé, family, and apartment mates can all attest to that. Not being able to speak to someone is such a hard thing for me. I just try to smile and point and gesture and hope that they understand. I am thankful that the school I am teaching in is an American school; although, as I am writing this, everything is being said in a British accent in my head. Perhaps I am watching too much “Downton Abbey,” along with only hearing English spoken with a British accent. Maybe I will return with a British accent; I guess we will have to see.
My mom did make sure that I did a ton before my actual teaching experience begins. We say the Eiffel Tower, went to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, explored the Muse D’Orsay, prayed in Notre Dame, enjoyed Disneyland Paris, and were enamored by the Palace of Versailles. That was Monday through Thursday, a different adventure for each day. All were amazing, and all involve stories too long for this article to house.
There are many more stories and adventures to come—stay tuned. Whenever you combine teaching with anything or travel with anything, the stories you hear are bound to require your ears to wrap themselves around each tale. I am thankful. I look forward to my time here. I look forward to why God wants me here. I hope to bring His light to the City of Lights.
