Worth More than Gold

(Sometimes videos don't appear on all devices, so if you don't see the music video above "Worth More than Gold" by Britt Nicole, click here!)

A couple of weeks ago I was really struggling with a negative comment that was made to me in regards to my birthmark.  Some days I can easily laugh the negative things off that strangers say and do in reaction to my face, while others day it's not so easy to find the humor.  During this specific day and from a specific interaction, I allowed a stranger to take to my undesired, seldom visited, low place.

An hour later I got into my car.  I was feeling discouraged while questioning my value when it comes to my unique appearance.  I found myself questioning if it'd be easier if I hide who I am by expensive and uncomfortable make up, wondering if that would help me become more valuable in society's eyes…All while forgetting the countless beauties that come with my difference and the value that I have always had, and will always have, in God's eyes.

At the same time, I was (truthfully) beyond frustrated.  I was angry that more often than I prefer, strangers can't seem to talk to me as a person, focusing away from my birthmark…Forgetting that they can get to know the greater level of depth that I have - whether they ask me how I'm doing, about my summer plans, or even about my favorite hobby.

During a venting session taking place only in my mind during my drive home, I thought, "Don't people (strangers, specifically), realize there is more to me than the color of my face??   Why do they always assume it's okay to respond to what they see in certain, negative ways - or that I only want to talk about my birthmark?  Don't they realize I may have cool stories about traveling, that I may love to bake, and have exciting hopes for my life?  I'm just like any person.  I'm just like them…Why do they so easily forget that??"  Sometimes it feels as though some people treat me as though I'm only half a person, just because of half my face.

When I got into my car about an hour after this specific experience, I heard this song come on the radio.  I had heard the song before, but hadn't really listened to it.

This song is just what I needed in that moment.   It was the perfect reminder!!

I needed to hear that no matter what strangers say, no matter how they react, I'm worth more than gold.  I needed that reminder!!

My worth isn't in the way I'm treated by others, or in the way they talk to me…or in some cases, in the way they don't talk to me (that's a story to look forward to for my next blog entry).

My worth is based off so much more than a few opinions, stares, and remarks I receive from other people...and I can't ever forget that - and I should never let anyone let me feel any less, like I did that day.   I don't have to hide who I am to make other people more comfortable.  The way others treat me does not define me.  If anything, it gives me a glimpse into their heart and opens many doors to help educate those that I meet.

More importantly??  Through these experiences I feel as though I am constantly (on a daily basis) learning about what it truly means to be kind to others  - no matter if they're kind to me or not - and I think that adds to my value.  (Granted, I have to admit...sometimes it takes a couple of lessons to learn whatever I'm suppose to learn!)

Maybe you need a bit of encouragement too, or a reminder.  While the worth and value of gold fluctuates by human standards throughout the ages of time, our value and worth in God's eyes is always constant.  He always sees our true worth, even when we can't see it ourselves…and no matter how high gold is valued here on earth at any given time  - we are always worth so much more.

Whatever your struggle is I want you to know, "you're worth more than gold"…and I hope you never forget that either!

The Travelin' Chick,
Crystal

Laser Treatment Videos

Some of you have inquired what a laser treatment is like.  So you can have a general idea of the procedure, I had my mom take a few video clips on Friday.  Below I will have to video clips, both short.  (The first one is under a minute and the second one is barely over the one minute marker.)

For this first video clip, I tried to add some captions on YouTube for those who need/want them.  Sorry if it's a little rough…It was my first time doing that and I hope to get better for any future videos.  

This is towards the beginning of the treatment.

For the next video, I have yet to add captioning as it takes a bit of time to do so…Sorry about that!  For the general idea of the conversation, the doctor and I were talking about my casts.  We talked about a pink one that my sister and brother-in-law bedazzled with lots of bling, how the nurses in podiatry all came out to the waiting room to look at it while I was waiting for my doctor's appointment, and the plans for my new purple one.  I'll try to add captions soon!  

This one takes place near the middle of the treatment.

During this most recent treatment (two days ago), we were able to do 252 laser pulses total.  The machine was also on a higher setting than before, so I felt it more than usual, which brought a lot more discomfort/pain during the treatment.  (Praise the Lord for stress balls I can squeeze during the treatment, and for the before-treatment numbing cream!)  If I felt comfortable with them treating the eye area where I can't put numbing cream and am required to wear a metal contact for, the number would be even higher than 252…but I have yet to get over the idea treating areas without being able to numb them, and I have yet to get over the idea of wearing a metal contact.  The idea of the contact totally freaks me out!

My face will be discolored as a darker purple for the next week or two - and during the next few days, Vaseline and ice packs will be my temporary best friends.

I hope the videos were found to be helpful and interesting.  Hopefully they explain what happens during the procedure better than my written, signed, or spoken words.  If you have any further questions, please let me know!  I'd be happy to answer them.  :-)

The Travelin' Chick,

Crystal

PS: If you need a reference blog with information about my birthmark and details about the treatments, check out my original blog post: Birthmarks and Laser Treatments.

What Would You Do?

When you click on the video, please excuse the language of the title of the clip...But at the same time, understand the reality of questions and statements people often get for looking different. This video is a reality of my life.

The other day I was sitting in my school cafeteria.  I was sitting at a table alone, but there was a lady sitting across from me at another table.  She was probably about mid-40's.  Every now and then I would glance up from my lunch and textbook and kept noticing she was staring at me.  This happens to me a lot, yet still can feel uncomfortable at times.  This was one of those awkward times.  (Usually I just stare back smiling, making the original starer feel more awkward than me.)

Whenever I glanced up, as she was staring at me she was also eating her lunch.  I guess at some point she got more interested in staring at my face than paying attention to her lunch, as at some point had a big blob of mayonnaise (or something) on her face...but she never seemed to notice.  Five minutes later, I glanced up at the staring lady and saw she still had the blob of food on her face.

The kind part of me thought, "I should tell her she has food on her face..."  The other sarcastic part wanted to go to her and say, "Oh my!!!!  What is that on your face?!?!!?!!?"  Luckily she wiped her face about 15 minutes later, so I didn't have to worry which comment would come out (whether it came out sarcastic or kind...) had I approached her about the slowly growing mass on her cheek.

This is one of many stories I could have to tell.  As you watch this video ask yourself, "What would I do?"  In addition, ask yourself, "If I see someone who looks 'different' in the store or college cafeteria, how would I handle the situation?"  From someone who does have a different facial feature, please know, it is okay to ask.  Just ask in kindness and genuine curiosity.  In my personal opinion, I would rather people ask me about it than be curious for the rest of their lives, staring, pointing, or asking their friends, "Did you see that girl with the purple face?  What do you think that was?"  (And I do hear these comments and see people staring.  Even if people think they're being sly about it, they are more obvious than they think.)  I'm always happy and honored to have the chance to help others learn something new.  :-)

To stare, or not to stare??...That is the question!

Sincerely,
The Travelin' Chick

PS: Please note that I wrote this from a humorous perspective and am not at all trying to sound rude.  After 21 years of birthmark life experiences, you have a lot of stories and fun with some situations.

Jamba Juice, Wheels on the Bus, and Eskimo Kisses

Just making more memories with my family before I leave...(This time captured on video to go along with my previous blog entry!)

Rayna has been asking for Jamba Juice all day. What a smart child. (Seriously. She and I should be their spokeswomen.)

The first part is suppose to say, "The Crystal on the bus says..." That's where she says, "Rock on!"
The Rayna on the bus says..."Yeah babyyy!"
The horn on the bus says..."Beep beep beep!"
The mommy on the bus says..."I love you!"

Some of our favorite verses!

The Travelin' Chick,
Crystal

Germany

This was a couple of weeks ago. Sweetest kid ever. I've got to give my baby cousin props for learning the word at 15 months old, as well as attempting at stealing my phone straight out of my hands...(She can also say London, if you can recall back to last months post "London")

Teaching her crazy random words and phrases is something I'll miss during my time away! Recently I've taught her about how to "psych!" someone. As she goes to hand you an item she will instantly pull it away as you reach out for it as she yells, "PSYCH!!" Apparently she did that the other night with her daddy's keys while in Lowes. She had the whole staff laughing. She also now understands what Jamba Juice is, as her eyes literally light up as she says, "Jamba Juice? More please?!?" (She knew the phrase before but tried their smoothies for the first time this week.  A new addict in the making! Yesssss....)

Also, one of our favorite songs we sing together is, "The Wheels on the Bus".

"The mommy on the bus says..." - Me
"I love you!!" - Rayna
"The Rayna on the bus says..." - Me
"YEAAAA Babbbby...YEAAAA babbby..." - Rayna (Her daddy taught her that one!)
"The Crystal on the bus says..." - Me
"Rock ONNNNNNNN..." - Rayna

There are many other verse but these are our favorites! (Okay, they are my favorites!)

The Travelin' Chick,

Crystal

Carmen's New Home

There wasn’t a bedroom for each person to have his or her own personal space. There wasn’t indoor plumbing. A fancy kitchen? They didn’t have that either. Instead of a tile, wood, or carpet floor, all that separated you from the dirt was the shoes on your feet. For Carmen and her family, they were lucky if they even had shoes to wear.

When it rained over their home Carmen and her children often got wet. Instead of a sturdy roof and thick walls to protect them from wet weather, they had a leaking flimsy tarp to be their protector. A blanket was their home’s door, and cutouts of the tarp were their windows. When it was hot (as it often is in Ensenada, Mexico) outside their home felt like an oven burning up inside.

Their home had no doors, locks, windows, toilets, bedrooms, sinks, a refrigerator, or floors.

Carmen had five other family members currently living with her under this tarp that created two “rooms” for all five of them. Living with her is her 21-year-old daughter with her three young children (Carmen’s grandchildren…And sadly, I can’t remember all their names), and Carmen’s 15-year-old son Alejandro. Looking around their home you also see chickens, roosters, turkeys, and kittens walking around. Both Carmen and her daughter were once married but both of their husbands left them - leaving them to fend for themselves as they try to support their young families.

Alejandro even took it upon himself to drop out of school to take care of his family. Instead of going to school to further his education and to live life as a teenager he has acted beyond his age. After dropping out of school Alejandro got a job on the fields so he can financially support his family. At the age of 15 he took it upon himself to become the “man of the family” and provide for his mom, sister, nieces, and nephew.

For 15 years Carmen dreamed of having a better home. Her life dream was to have a home of her own with a floor not made of dirt, with sturdy walls, and a strong roof.

In June 2011 a team of workers from Fresno, California hit the road to head down to Ensenada to help Carmen’s dream become a reality. I feel honored to be able to participate as a member of the team.

For one week our church’s youth group worked with another local church in our hometown. We were able to come from two separate churches to create one strong and hardworking team. Together we laughed, we cried, made memories, held devotions, worked together, and made lasting friendships. Together we nailed boards and painted Carmen’s home. We played with lots of children and got to know the Mexican church throughout different ministries. Regardless of language barriers and different cultures, we got to know the locals of Ensenada and learn their stories, dreams, and heartaches.

I’ll never forget the week we spent in Ensenada and the people we got to meet. The moment that I know will forever be in my mind is the day we gave Carmen the key her new home.

All week Carmen and her family chose to work along side us helping with the painting and nailing. Once the first day of building was over and the team started to leave, Carmen’s family sat on the cement foundation of their almost-built-home just looking around at the wooden posts that would soon be the walls. I can’t even imagine the level of excitement the family must have been feeling that night (or all week!) or the thoughts going through their heads.

Tears trickled down her face as Carmen's 15-year-old dream finally came true. Just moments before the house dedication, I remember Carmen and her children anxiously look around the corner of their soon to be former home. The looks of excitement, aw, disbelief, and hope touched my heart.

When dedicating the house the team passed around the key that would soon be handed over to the family. As each person held the key, they had a few minutes to share some words with the family. This was one of the most the most moving moments I have ever personally experienced.

Carmen’s family is forever in my heart and prayers. Next summer our group is planning to participate with People’s church to return to Mexico. I cannot wait to see Carmen’s family again and to give her sweet grandchildren a big hug.

Sincerely,

The Travelin' Chick,

Crystal

PS: I know I posted links before, but if you didn't see it check out a video I made from our Mexico trip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ply2HX4Ul8

My Summer in Videos

Here are two videos I posted on YouTube. One is a video of my time in Japan working with disaster relief, and the other is of our youth groups time in Mexico.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhk49_a7Mlo

(JAPAN)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ply2HX4Ul8

(MEXICO)

Check them out!

Travelin' Chick,

Crystal

PS: Eventually I will do a blog with pictures from my summer, random things that took place, and actual stories...One blog at a time, right???