It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Perfect Wedding
Meghan sent this to me, taken by Joel Flory. She sent it to me in a message saying "Your perfect wedding."
That statement could not be more true. I love this.
Whoever I marry will roam the forest, listen to the birds, and enjoy God's creation with me.
Oh yes, and it will be grand.
I am an ENFJ and so is...
Abraham Lincoln
Ronald Reagan
Barack Obama
William Cullen Bryant, poet
Abraham Maslow, psychologist and proponent of self-actualization
Ross Perot
Sean Connery
Elizabeth Dole
Francois Mitterand
Dick Van Dyke
Andy Griffith
James Garner
William Aramony, former president of United Way
Gene Hackman (Superman, Antz)
Dennis Hopper (Speed)
Brenda Vaccaro
Craig T. Nelson (Coach)
Diane Sawyer (Good Morning America)
Randy Quaid (Bye Bye, Love; Independence Day)
Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive)
Kirstie Alley ("Cheers," Look Who's Talking movies)
Michael Jordan, NBA basketball player
Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean)
Oprah Winfrey
Bob Saget America's Funniest Home Videos, Full House
Julia Louis-Dreyfus ("Seinfeld")
Ben Stiller (The Royal Tenenbaums)
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Matthew McConaughey (The Wedding Planner)
Pete Sampras, Tennis Champion
Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls")
Ben Affleck (The Sum Of All Fears)
John Cusack (High Fidelity)
Haha, love it.
David, King of Israel
Abraham Lincoln
Ronald Reagan
Barack Obama
William Cullen Bryant, poet
Abraham Maslow, psychologist and proponent of self-actualization
Ross Perot
Sean Connery
Elizabeth Dole
Francois Mitterand
Dick Van Dyke
Andy Griffith
James Garner
William Aramony, former president of United Way
Gene Hackman (Superman, Antz)
Dennis Hopper (Speed)
Brenda Vaccaro
Craig T. Nelson (Coach)
Diane Sawyer (Good Morning America)
Randy Quaid (Bye Bye, Love; Independence Day)
Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive)
Kirstie Alley ("Cheers," Look Who's Talking movies)
Michael Jordan, NBA basketball player
Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean)
Oprah Winfrey
Bob Saget America's Funniest Home Videos, Full House
Julia Louis-Dreyfus ("Seinfeld")
Ben Stiller (The Royal Tenenbaums)
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Matthew McConaughey (The Wedding Planner)
Pete Sampras, Tennis Champion
Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls")
Ben Affleck (The Sum Of All Fears)
John Cusack (High Fidelity)
Haha, love it.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A small heart attack.
I am working on a project for the next 5 weeks or so on addressing the issue of "Access to Water" in Sub-Saharan Africa in the context of Food Security... and focusing on water purification tablets, water wells, and home-made water purification systems, while focusing specifially what NGO's are doing and how they are collaborating with Governmetns and Commercial organizations. Ah!
While doing this we (Justine, Emily, and myself) need to contact the big guys, such as UDA, USAID, World Vision, etc. and have interviews with them. Once we do this we will compose a research paper and policies that we will address during a briefing at one of the congressional buildings infront of people who know these issues.
AHHHHH.
I might have a small heart attack.
While doing this we (Justine, Emily, and myself) need to contact the big guys, such as UDA, USAID, World Vision, etc. and have interviews with them. Once we do this we will compose a research paper and policies that we will address during a briefing at one of the congressional buildings infront of people who know these issues.
AHHHHH.
I might have a small heart attack.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
At least once a week I get the idea in my head to be a nurse. This idea usually comes from me being sick and wanting to know everything about the body because I am so stinkin' curious. Who knows what I will do with this. I love the idea of Public Health more so then nursing (because I hate needles)... who knows.
I would like to hold new born Muslim babies and pray for them (someone to what Mrs. Bartlotti would do).
I would like to help Mothers figure out how to feed their children.
I would like to see someone feel alive through being healthy.
It is no fun being sick, I can attest to that. Luckily, I have a Dr. a phone call away. Many can't even dream of that.
Pray for those who are on the verge of loosing hope. Pray for God's physical/spiritual healing for the nations. Big prayer!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Back when Grandma was a Nurse
Sneak peak of Arlington Cemetery... check out the Washington Monument in the background... it's there, I promise!
I went to Arlington Cemetery today in hopes of having a relaxing fall day. Little did I know that the Women in Military Service was RIGHT there at Arlington Cemetery. I was stoked because my Grandma keeps telling me to go see it since she served in WWII as nurse.
Thanks Grandma... along with all the other men and women who are and have served our country!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
"It's a girl thing."
After anxiously waiting an entire month to get my haircut and colored, Friday morning finally arrived. Over the last two weeks the thought of what color my hair would be, what kind of haircut I wanted, and if I wanted to go brunette consumed my mind. Some would say it was vain, others would say "It's a girl thing."
On Friday morning I turned off my alarm clock with excitement knowing that I had a wonderful morning to look forward to. As I walked to Union Station I contemplated what hair color I would choose: stick with blonde or go brunette. All the way to U St. I looked at People Magazine to get hair ideas, knowing that I would probably just be brain washed by the hair stylist anyways.
There is something to say about getting your hair done. Some get freaked out and do not like change and others, such as myself, absolutely love it. As I entered the Salon, I was instantly hit with the "Please Pamper me now" sensation.
I met Hiwot, an amazing Ethiopian lady who moved to Washington D.C. in 1993, who welcomed me to the Salon. After getting aquainted with the Salon's atmosphere, I felt like I could full out veg as a girl.
Being a girl is wonderful. I know it costs more money, there are more worries, and you actually have to look good from time to time, but it is so worth it. We get to get pampered (even though we pay a lot for it), we get to take time for ourselves and it is okay, and we get to have the luxury of feeling pretty.
Sitting in the chair as Hiwot and I discussed my hair options, I was filled with the sensation of new possibilities. Which seems so silly, since it is only my hair!
The last two years of my life I have have allowed my hair to be one kind of blonde: platinum. There comes a time in a girls life when one needs change. The one who desperately needed change was me. I needed something new.
Hiwot led me to the table, where there was a wide variety of colors and possibilities to choose from. Thankfully she helped me sort out my scattered mind and helped bring me to a decision on what color my hair would be: a darker blonde with brown low-lights.
The art of highlighting is worth observing. I am the kind of person who learns from watching. I watched intensly, trying to figure out if I could attempt to do what she did (which I probably can't). The process of waiting for the dye to sit in is relaxing in itsself, especially as I finished the book "In the Name of Jesus" by Henri Nouwen (which I highly recommend).
The best part is yet to come. Why is it that european women who can't speak english always work at salons? I don't know if anyone has ever observed that, but I love it for two reasons. One being that I just love when people can't speak english are given a job. The second being european women are always EXCEPTIONAL masseus' , particularly with head massages. Good Lord, I could not keep my mouth shut. "Ohhhh ahhhh" and "This is the best massage I have ever had" were the verbal expressions my body chose to use to express the wonderful sensation my head was experiencing.
Foil off, wet hair, and the color was revealed. "Ahh, YES," I was so excited. I loved it, even before the cut and before the dry.
The color being revealed was exciting in itsself, but speaking with Hiwot as even more of a blessing. She is a mother of two daughters and a wife to an ethiopian man. She co-owns her salon and has had great success despite the recession. Sweetest lady I have met in D.C. yet. She cared deeply for her costomers and for their needs.
I thank her, the master mind behind hair, becuase she has taken my platinum blonde hair with dead ends and turned it into a new creation of darker colors and life. So thank you Hiwot for making my Friday.
On Friday morning I turned off my alarm clock with excitement knowing that I had a wonderful morning to look forward to. As I walked to Union Station I contemplated what hair color I would choose: stick with blonde or go brunette. All the way to U St. I looked at People Magazine to get hair ideas, knowing that I would probably just be brain washed by the hair stylist anyways.
There is something to say about getting your hair done. Some get freaked out and do not like change and others, such as myself, absolutely love it. As I entered the Salon, I was instantly hit with the "Please Pamper me now" sensation.
I met Hiwot, an amazing Ethiopian lady who moved to Washington D.C. in 1993, who welcomed me to the Salon. After getting aquainted with the Salon's atmosphere, I felt like I could full out veg as a girl.
Being a girl is wonderful. I know it costs more money, there are more worries, and you actually have to look good from time to time, but it is so worth it. We get to get pampered (even though we pay a lot for it), we get to take time for ourselves and it is okay, and we get to have the luxury of feeling pretty.
Sitting in the chair as Hiwot and I discussed my hair options, I was filled with the sensation of new possibilities. Which seems so silly, since it is only my hair!
The last two years of my life I have have allowed my hair to be one kind of blonde: platinum. There comes a time in a girls life when one needs change. The one who desperately needed change was me. I needed something new.
Hiwot led me to the table, where there was a wide variety of colors and possibilities to choose from. Thankfully she helped me sort out my scattered mind and helped bring me to a decision on what color my hair would be: a darker blonde with brown low-lights.
The art of highlighting is worth observing. I am the kind of person who learns from watching. I watched intensly, trying to figure out if I could attempt to do what she did (which I probably can't). The process of waiting for the dye to sit in is relaxing in itsself, especially as I finished the book "In the Name of Jesus" by Henri Nouwen (which I highly recommend).
The best part is yet to come. Why is it that european women who can't speak english always work at salons? I don't know if anyone has ever observed that, but I love it for two reasons. One being that I just love when people can't speak english are given a job. The second being european women are always EXCEPTIONAL masseus' , particularly with head massages. Good Lord, I could not keep my mouth shut. "Ohhhh ahhhh" and "This is the best massage I have ever had" were the verbal expressions my body chose to use to express the wonderful sensation my head was experiencing.
Foil off, wet hair, and the color was revealed. "Ahh, YES," I was so excited. I loved it, even before the cut and before the dry.
The color being revealed was exciting in itsself, but speaking with Hiwot as even more of a blessing. She is a mother of two daughters and a wife to an ethiopian man. She co-owns her salon and has had great success despite the recession. Sweetest lady I have met in D.C. yet. She cared deeply for her costomers and for their needs.
I thank her, the master mind behind hair, becuase she has taken my platinum blonde hair with dead ends and turned it into a new creation of darker colors and life. So thank you Hiwot for making my Friday.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Alive
(Belize, 2007).
I have known I was called to Missions since my Senior year of high school.
I heard God. He was clear. And it made me want to rejoice.
And it still does.
Please pray for what I believe God has put on my heart: to return to Punta Gorda, Belize next summer, at least for 2 weeks or more.... Please pray that God would make this clear and that doors will open.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sweet Freedom
From 2 Corinthians 3:
Since we have such a hope, we er very bold, not like Mose, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds weer hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is ti taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when on turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Recently I have been reflecting on the freedom found in the Lord. I feel as if I am at a place where I do not feel completely free. I do feel as if I am in a rut or that God is not listening to me, just not in the intimate place that I would like to be due to the lack of prayer in my life.
I have tasted the sweetest presence of the Lord in my life due to being in constant prayer and communion with Him.
That is where I desire to be.
When I start to stray, start to not be steadfast in prayer, or alert of what God is doing on a daily basis, that is when Satan sneaks in through the back door and reminds me of worldly things that I should desire.
That is not what I desire: I am a new creation.
I am not bound by sin. I am not bound by the way of the world. I am a daughter of our Lord and I am freed.
The veil has been removed and I can live in the beautiful presence of my Savior.
Step by step, the Holy Spirit will move me the place where He wants me to be.
NYC adventure.
On Friday I went to NYC with seven people from my program. 4 guys and 2 other girls. We took a bus on Friday and got there at 3 and went to our hostel next to central park. It was actually a really nice hostel... lots of foreign people there... especially from Austrailia! We went and got dinner and got Broadway tickets for "The Toxic Avenger." It was so funny! I was dying the whole time. After that was over we wandered around time square, got on the subway (which is sooo crazy), and went to find this one club. By the time we got there the cover charge went up to 30 dollars... so we decided not to go. We went to bed at 2! Then we got up at 4:30 A.M. to try and get SNL tickets (tv show) in at Rockefeller Square. We didn't get them... haha. So needless to say, we weer pooped. We wandered around time square at 6 in the morning and got Starbucks. Then we went back to the hostel and slept for 2 more hours. Then we went to see the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island. It was SO COLD! I thought I was going to die. I need some serious jackets. I almost fell asleep in the Museum, which I was bummed about because if I was awake I would have loved it. I called Grandma Sutton and found out that one of her relatives, Augustus Fischer, came over in 1892 from Belgium. I found him on the database there! After that we went to Ground Zero, which is pretty much a construction site, but it was good to see again. Then we went back to the hostel, took a 2 hour nap AGAIN, and went to eat at Carmines, the best Italian food EVER! Then after dinner... we went to this Christian College that is right next to the empire state building and went on the roof.... to see the view of NYC for FREE! It was legit.
THEN WE FINALLLLLY WENT TO SLEEP!
Sunday we woke up at 9, got breakfast/lunch, went to central park and the MET.... then we ate dinner, got on the bus, and returned to the lovely DC.
There you have it. My NYC trip. The people I went with were fun. I was pretty much in charge of transportation and planning of the trip. The guys might have died if Justine and I didn't plan anything. Two of the guys got to see a play with Hugh Jackman (the guy from Australia) and got pictures with him! So jealous.
Even though NYC is a lovely place I don't think I could ever live there. The only way I would is it I was loaded and had a penthouse overlooking Central Park, which probably won't happen in this lifetime.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
"I grew up with it, that is what I am use to. It is a part of me."
I can agree with this, especially when it comes to The Beatles and The Mama and the Papa's.
Every road trip to Tahoe, to Mount Shasta, to Santa Cruz, to Yosemite, or out to Utah, my Dad, my sister, and I would listen to The Beatles NON-STOP and then mix in the Mama's and the Papa's.
Instead of being able to listen to Backstreet Boys non-stop, I had another alternative. At the time I didn't see the value, but now I am thankful.
Everytime I hear a Beatles song or a Mama and the Papa's song I want to scream "Ahhhh- YESSSSSSS!"
It is pure joy to my soul. It brings me into a state of happiness and freedom. It brings me back to a time where there were no cares: childhood.
Happy song for the day:
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, and I say it's all right Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here Here comes the sun, here comes the sun and I say it's all right Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here Here comes the sun, here comes the sun and I say it's all right Sun, sun, sun, here it comes... Sun, sun, sun, here it comes... Sun, sun, sun, here it comes... Sun, sun, sun, here it comes... Sun, sun, sun, here it comes... Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, and I say it's all right It's all right...
I can agree with this, especially when it comes to The Beatles and The Mama and the Papa's.
Every road trip to Tahoe, to Mount Shasta, to Santa Cruz, to Yosemite, or out to Utah, my Dad, my sister, and I would listen to The Beatles NON-STOP and then mix in the Mama's and the Papa's.
Instead of being able to listen to Backstreet Boys non-stop, I had another alternative. At the time I didn't see the value, but now I am thankful.
Everytime I hear a Beatles song or a Mama and the Papa's song I want to scream "Ahhhh- YESSSSSSS!"
It is pure joy to my soul. It brings me into a state of happiness and freedom. It brings me back to a time where there were no cares: childhood.
Happy song for the day:
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, and I say it's all right Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here Here comes the sun, here comes the sun and I say it's all right Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here Here comes the sun, here comes the sun and I say it's all right Sun, sun, sun, here it comes... Sun, sun, sun, here it comes... Sun, sun, sun, here it comes... Sun, sun, sun, here it comes... Sun, sun, sun, here it comes... Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, and I say it's all right It's all right...
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Praying towards Mecca
Today at work while I was helping in the development department I saw something that I do not see everyday: a devout Muslim praying during one of the designated prayer times. This is America and the 1st Amendment was being acted out upon.
Every day I have the chance to show that I am in a Christian, but it not necessarily going onto a room during work and praying, although that is something to consider.
Once I saw her praying I became instantly aware of the 1st Amendment, especially in the workplace. I do want to admit something that most Christians would not admit to: I was excited to see her praying. I do have my reasons for this. I was excited first and foremost that my organization allows people to practice their religion in the work place. I have had the chance to share the gospel with a few girls in the office, why can't she have the freedom to pray? I pray all day long, but she just chooses to pray with her body. We are seen as equals. I also see the beauty in other cultures and religions. By no means do I think all religions lead to one God, I just got excited because her religion is clearly related to her culture.
I love different cultures and people who are different then me, so that is definitely a leading factor. Within my five minutes of excitement, something else hit me. She does not know the love of Jesus. So many rituals, so many ideas, so many myths. She does not know the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. People are searching my friends, every day, all around us. Day after day the Lord is showing me that He has died for... yes, the person standing in front of me at the grocery store, the person who is cleaning the office, the person who is yelling at me to get her work done, and yes also for the person who is smoking outside and cussing on the phone. He has died for us all, it is just a matter of whether or not that person knows about Jesus, has experienced His love, and if the Holy Spirit is clearly working in that persons life.
Romans 10 says:
14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
I think this should be a prayer that all of us should be praying: Lord, open our eyes to those who are searching for your love and show us how to love them.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Self Discovery
As I sit here writing, the sense of freedom is flowing from my finger tips. Why? Because I am choosing to write this, I am not being forced to write it. I am coming to realize, especially this semester, among many others things about myself.
#1 I am not the biggest fan of being in classes where I do not have the choice to leave if I could like to. Let’s say I am having horrible heart burn, I don’t think I could leave without people asking where I was going, considering there are six of us in my global humanitarian enterprise class. If I were in a 100 bible class, where there are 300 people, I could leave and no one would no. Not the case here.
#2 I never want to have a desk job. Now that is not very realistic, but I do not want more then 50% of my time spent at a desk. I feel like it kills my soul, starring at a computer, doing research. Granted, the research I have been doing is interesting, but it sucks the life out of me. God made me to interact with people and well the computer isn’t the best at having a conversation, so I do not think an office job will cut it.
#3 I am learning not to take things personally. My boss is a bit crazy and loves to yell at me and demand me to do things. I am learning that someone can be a little crazy and I can still embrace them for who they are.
#4 I know I change my career direction a lot, but I really enjoy PR kind of stuff. The more I have been helping with events at my internship the more I like it. Reflecting back on my freshmen year when I volunteered on the Marketing and Hospitality team for Missions Conference, the feelings of accomplishment and feeling like God used me in a way that I was created for. I love making sure people feel welcomed and comfortable, another reason why I continue to do Eagles Club. Who knows what direction God will lead me, all I know is I don’t want to do research (at a computer) for the rest of my life.
#5 Yesterday the internship coordinator had a few students from WJC and ASP over to her apartment in Arlington. Now before I went to California I kept telling myself “I am moving to this city!” I do love this city. But after going back to California and being immersed in the calmness of life, I realized how crazy and intense it is here! Taking the metro into Arlington and walking to Elizabeth’s cute quaint neighborhood, I was reconciled with the calmness of home again. The idea of working in the city and living outside of the city is an idea that has been floating around in my head. Arlington is so cute and lots of young people live there- because it’s so expensive in the city!
#6 Wherever I go, I cannot escape kids. I do not know if this is God’s way of showing me how much I love them, but wherever I go (school and home), I end up meeting an adorable kid. Sarah, Mary, and Jasmine are all girls who live in the apartment building here in D.C. Kids are such a gift from God. They bring life. They bring adults to place where they need to be selfless. They bring adults back to the simple things in life. It is quite beautiful.
#7 I do not have enough fingers to count how many times people say “Angela, when aren’t you laughing,” which is so funny to me. Yes, I do laugh a lot. And yes, there are times where I am not laughing. I do see the beauty in this. It is truly the joy of the Lord and nothing else. If God made me to giggle a lot and find the good in a lot of things, He must be a God who loves laughter and sees the good in His creation. Hmm, God you are so good.
All this to say, I would appreciate your prayers…
Please pray for:
-My heart to break for what breaks Gods… and for my heart to love what God loves.
-For God to continue to open and shut doors. I would love for Him to continue to show me how He has made me- vocationally.
-To invest and build in my friendships here.
#1 I am not the biggest fan of being in classes where I do not have the choice to leave if I could like to. Let’s say I am having horrible heart burn, I don’t think I could leave without people asking where I was going, considering there are six of us in my global humanitarian enterprise class. If I were in a 100 bible class, where there are 300 people, I could leave and no one would no. Not the case here.
#2 I never want to have a desk job. Now that is not very realistic, but I do not want more then 50% of my time spent at a desk. I feel like it kills my soul, starring at a computer, doing research. Granted, the research I have been doing is interesting, but it sucks the life out of me. God made me to interact with people and well the computer isn’t the best at having a conversation, so I do not think an office job will cut it.
#3 I am learning not to take things personally. My boss is a bit crazy and loves to yell at me and demand me to do things. I am learning that someone can be a little crazy and I can still embrace them for who they are.
#4 I know I change my career direction a lot, but I really enjoy PR kind of stuff. The more I have been helping with events at my internship the more I like it. Reflecting back on my freshmen year when I volunteered on the Marketing and Hospitality team for Missions Conference, the feelings of accomplishment and feeling like God used me in a way that I was created for. I love making sure people feel welcomed and comfortable, another reason why I continue to do Eagles Club. Who knows what direction God will lead me, all I know is I don’t want to do research (at a computer) for the rest of my life.
#5 Yesterday the internship coordinator had a few students from WJC and ASP over to her apartment in Arlington. Now before I went to California I kept telling myself “I am moving to this city!” I do love this city. But after going back to California and being immersed in the calmness of life, I realized how crazy and intense it is here! Taking the metro into Arlington and walking to Elizabeth’s cute quaint neighborhood, I was reconciled with the calmness of home again. The idea of working in the city and living outside of the city is an idea that has been floating around in my head. Arlington is so cute and lots of young people live there- because it’s so expensive in the city!
#6 Wherever I go, I cannot escape kids. I do not know if this is God’s way of showing me how much I love them, but wherever I go (school and home), I end up meeting an adorable kid. Sarah, Mary, and Jasmine are all girls who live in the apartment building here in D.C. Kids are such a gift from God. They bring life. They bring adults to place where they need to be selfless. They bring adults back to the simple things in life. It is quite beautiful.
#7 I do not have enough fingers to count how many times people say “Angela, when aren’t you laughing,” which is so funny to me. Yes, I do laugh a lot. And yes, there are times where I am not laughing. I do see the beauty in this. It is truly the joy of the Lord and nothing else. If God made me to giggle a lot and find the good in a lot of things, He must be a God who loves laughter and sees the good in His creation. Hmm, God you are so good.
All this to say, I would appreciate your prayers…
Please pray for:
-My heart to break for what breaks Gods… and for my heart to love what God loves.
-For God to continue to open and shut doors. I would love for Him to continue to show me how He has made me- vocationally.
-To invest and build in my friendships here.
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