Category: Chicago Events - PRISCILLA CL RAJ

Turkish Festival

11/10/2015

Here are some photos I would like to share from the Turkish Festival they held in Chicago about a month ago. I had plans to meet my friend downtown for lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the white tents up and Turkish flags hanging in the air. I ran over to check it out, smiling and awing in between, the Turkish Baklava, Turkish coffee, Alanazik, Simit, and Yarimca. While I knew my friend had no interest so I would have to make it a quick lunch and return to my Turkish heaven!
I shortly returned verbally oozing my Turkish love affair with staff while drinking coffee and chomping on Simit! They were entertained with my excitement and telling them I am going to come back and work next year! They were adorable! God Bless you Turkey!!!

Simit!

Bible Spelling Bee

11/8/2015

Our ministry had it's annual spelling bee where children from each grade level compete spelling words from the Bible.
Words cannot describe how proud I am of these children and youth from the ministry of my good friend and mentor Dr. Paul. They are kind, polite, intelligent, witty, caring, fun, curious, lively, enthusiastic and they are true blessings to this world.
These children and their loving families are headed in the right direction with God by their side. They have such potential that the world is their runway. They will thrive with their families incredible love and support. They will be leaders living in their purpose and bringing out the brightest colors in a world turned dull. J'adore!!!

It's My Birthday And.....

8/17/2015

There is the song, "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to, cry if I want to, cry if I want to. You would cry too if it happened to you."

Perhaps I'm too old to be crying and tantruming on my birthday, but I'm not too old to be a diva one day out of the year....maybe more than one day.And it's my party and I'll take as many photos as I want to:)
There was no crying just a lot of praying and thankfulness for being alive.  It's only our birthday once per year and it's a big celebration besides those great life moments big and small throughout the year.
It was disappointing not being out of the country as that has been a birthday ritual, but we can't have it all. Take a step back and have a nice time in your own city with your Mom, ministry friends, and your church-that is just as beautiful. The weekend celebration started Friday with the "Happy Birthdays" and wishes coming my way.  It was nice having Monday to not be running around, but to relax, eat, enjoy the stunning Chicago views, and to make it until 9pm with no rain!
It was suppose to rain all day Monday, but at 9pm torrential downpour came. It held out all day....for me;)

Plan to spend the day with my Mom staying downtown at the Intercontinental Magnificent Mile. 2 bedroom corner suite with 8 windows overlooking Michigan avenue, the Chicago River, and the City lights.

Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Chicago  and Beach Time

Dinner at Eno with Wine, cheese, and chocolate

Stay at The Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Afternoon tea @
The Peninsula Chicago

Nice walk near Ohio Beach

Eno

Fantastic Salted Caramel chocolates for desert!

PRISCILLA

Indian Independence Day!

8/16/2015

Indian Independence day(celebrating the nation's independence from the British Empire on 15 of August 1947) is quite a day for my fellow Indians with lots of cultural festivities.

Our ministry of Indian Christian Children, Youth, and Families had our own float for the Devon Avenue Indian Independence parade. Devon Avenue is the "Little India" of Chicago kind of like the Taylor Street for "Little Italy."

Arriving early, I was on the hunt for our float #17 walking back and forth next to 25 floats. It was a mystery as to the location of our float and I sat watching everyone set up their sound system and decorations. After a search for the driver, we located our float just in time for festivities.
We had our usual Indian families(parents of kids and youth), family members, Pastors, and the R and R Ministry leaders(superman and superwoman).

It was quite interesting trying to get Indians to all sit on the float in a timely manner. Let's just say that Indians, especially those who are older, can move a bit slower and are slow on the listening. Unfortunately, our driver was not very patient or culturally competent for that matter. When he was ready to move, he was ready to move with people on or off the float. It was entertaining for the youth trying to run and catch up, but not the safest as well as the space on the float...There was barely space for a child to sit down. It was authentic with the crowded float and the 95 degree weather. I just so happened to be running around the float taking floats, keeping banners up, adjusting speakers-I'm just fine the heat doesn't bother Priscilla.

After the event, I had mild raccoon eyes and felt ill from simply drinking a hot bottle of Smart water.

Although, important to Praise the Lord for the weather because it was planned to rain!

The kids enjoyed themselves, but the heat did get to a lot of people and our float was more the religious one with prayer and singing. The one behind us(also associated with the ministry) had the Bollywood music and Indians dancing with their traditional outfits and big smiles. Of course, the youth wanted to have some fun coming out on a early Saturday morning-so that is what we did! We were all dancing with the spectators smiling and envying our fun time.

The Pastors are so beautiful in this ministry-it can just be witnessed for believers who appreciate the true dedication that people have to Christ.
It was a successful event full of love, joy, peace, and hope. It's was a time to Pray for India, to Pray for our country, but also pray for the success of businesses in Little India.

One of the most beautiful Pastor's and people I have ever met.

Toto and YES Concert

8/16/2015

From the Huffington Post

My Mom(White) and Renee(Pink)

As my crazy blogger friend says, posts are not good without photos. That is true to an extent, but in my opinion the less photos, the better. It takes away from the experience when you are constantly taking photos or video. When I went to Taylor Swift, it was the first time I took video at a concert in a long time.

There is nothing better than the live performance-it's better just to keep that memory matched up with your singing voice:)

This concert was meant for my Mom and her two friends, but one canceled and an extra ticket was offered. I had no plans and the weather was gorgeous to go to an outdoor venue-why not?

In fact, I looked up this venue before I went and when I saw it. I started getting myself ready to go. It views the whole skyline of Chicago, sits right on the water, and it's a small, comfortable venue.

While I only knew a few songs from each artist-they were good songs! But with older bands, things change, member quit/pass away, the voice is still amazing or it should be retired. "Toto"-I enjoyed. "Yes" had incredible musicians-guitar, drums, and one original band member who was phenomenal, but the singer....I had to go take a walk as he almost blew out my ear drum!

Africa by Toto- I love this song!
Check out this video if you want to see something totally Old school

Let the Good Times Roll

7/26/2015

The Wit

Photo by www.inetours.com

Move was a great show, but that as not the end to the day... I stopped by the Wit to meet a friend for a short visit. We only had an hour and ordering food did not look promising with the waitress who came over saying, "I will come back I have a million things I am doing right now."We managed to squeeze through to get a drink. A drink for her was a Mojito and my summer cocktail Pelegrino or Perrier with extra lemon. It was Saturday, but seriously I felt like I was abroad or back in the Philippines where it takes thirty minutes to get service, but I tapped by shoes together and I was "home" in Chicago. The Wit is suppose to be an excusive rooftop bar of a posh hotel and my friend loved it there except.... Priscilla was not sold and is a bit harder to please.

Regardless! What did we just talk about? Being alive and grateful oh yes! It was a beautiful day staring at Lake Michigan and the boats and catching up about our travels, boys, and boys... This seemed to be her department because I'm in the dark with all of that as I barely even go out anymore except for daytime stuff. She respects my new Chapter of life and prioritizing work and writing over socializing every weekend. I appreciate the respect and acceptance rather than judgement and persuasion.

THINKING ABOUT THIS CITY AND THIS LIFE GIVEN BY ONE

OUR VIEW FROM WIT

Greek Fest and Backyard Fiesta

Our time together was short, but definitely worth it. She was headed to a family dinner and I was headed to meet my Mom for Greek Festival at the West Chicago Greek Orthodox Church.
It has been known that I have a thing for "Greek festivals" and in Chicago we have an area called "Greek Town," which has the largest Greek festival. This year it was raining therefore it ruined all the fun. This festival was a small one, but it worked out because I had my show and we had a birthday party in the city.

Okay that is all irrelevant, let's get to the important part: the Food
Greek food is great: souvaki, spanokipita, Athena Chicken, Greek salads, gyros, Greek cookies and loukomades(my favorite, but I am not allowed to eat at this time).

Sitting and enjoying our food, they start the Greek music dancing in a circle. I am sitting and counting their steps and recall the days in Athens learning from an old Greek man who was teaching my friend and I basic steps that felt advanced with a few glasses of wine.
In this case, my Mom and I just sat in danced in our chair and decided we would not be the non-Greeks to come in and step on their feet. Even if we did, I think these people would not mind as everyone was very kind and lovely. This must be a representation of how fantastic the church must be!

PLEASE NOTE: I APOLOGIZE FOR NOT HAVING MORE FOOD PHOTOS, BUT THEY NEVER SEEM TO MAKE IT TO THE CAMERA;)

It all ended and the night was not over as it was time for live music at a friend's birthday party. They were playing rock music and speaking with a bass player, I apparently arrived two hours late for the Rocked out Blues session. Boo!
Lot of nice people and what a spot for a birthday with a huge area of a subdivision taken over. Apparently, as long as the neighbors can all participate then it's allowed to happen and police won't come on disturbing the musical peace. It even had a real band stage, awesome selection of food(thanks for that), and nice table clothes and chairs. That's how you throw a birthday party! Love it

Ciao for now PRIS

ICCNA Basketball Competition

7/26/2015

My....Favorite team-You didn't read this!

Priscilla and The Superman who makes it all happen

Fantastic leader of Willow Creek GLS

Clap Along if You Say that Happiness is the Truth

Strategic Planning

Where is the girls game?

Factory Line with Burger Making Survey: Indians prefer making Chapatis:)

1st place prize

Winners!

Runners Up- Great job!

Came back just in time for the youth ministry game. 5 games and then the two top teams at the end. May the best team win! This was a ministry game for the Indian Christian community where young adults came from 19 different churches in the Chicagoland area. It's beautiful to see this community all come together under one roof with the spirit of the Lord and the hard work of an incredible family dedicated to ministry. I spoke with both brothers and brother in law to Rita and Regi(those working with the youth for 20 plus years. The two brothers also have their own ministry working with youth in the Southside of Chicago afterschool providing them with programs towards leadership in their community. It's fantastic to see the work of God happening within the ministries of everyone attending-not only this family. Everyone is working with one mission to serve God in any and every way they know how.
'

It was great spending time with the families and hearing their story, their love for their child present within their eyes, and the support they give their children. The Indian culture has a strong commitment to family along with the cultural heritage they/we have. It's something that comes alive when one goes to India and sees it authentically play out without an everyday American influence.

What about food? Our buddy Suresh did some amazing cooking on the grill of Chicken Shwarma and gourmet mini sliders along with some homemade lemon rice, raita, and brownies for desert-happy stomach...happy stomach. There is no better food than homemade Indian food-none. This guy is a Top chef and wants to open his own restaurant. Pris stamp of approval-You have landed on your purpose-Do IT!

Now it would not be Chicago if something didn't happen with the weather. A beautiful hot sunny day became hovering dark clouds and then a torrential rain! Off came the tent and food utensils and bags went flying. We were all laughing and I was happy that the food stayed in place-that would be a tragedy for his food to go flying to the bird.

Since the basketball teams all went by colors, the Black team took the trophee against the White team. The Black team were the tallest team and the oldest. My little ones who were sixteen years old put up a good fight and I was so proud of them! It was great hearing genuine responses that the game was not about winning rather it was about friendship, pride, and ministry. This was exactly what the games were about and the fact that they connected to this purpose. PROUD OF THESE BOYS!

To lead my example and demonstrate the success that comes from ministry families, great careers, happiness, and continued practice of faith-this is what ministry of youth is all about-training them to become leaders!

MOVE DANCE

7/26/2015

Julianne singing "Firework" by Katy Perry

DWTS VISITS THE CHICAGO THEATRE

MOVE YOURSELF TO DANCE!

Derek and crew to "Earned It" Fifty Shades of Grey

Chicago Theatre is Classic Beauty

.

WE DARE YOU.....

Dare you to love
Dare you to Cry
Dare you to Run
Dare you to Try
Dare you to fall
And lay on the ground
Dare you to feel
Dare to be here now

By: Hardwell

Loving the beautiful expression of dance from all different types of cultures, there is one show that attracts my full attention. And that show is Dancing with the Stars. Maksim Chermokovsky, Pita, Karina, Whitney, and Derek. I love them all! It's my dream to learn a few of those dances i.e. Argentine Tango, Pasa Doble, and Jive being my favorite. Dance is the expression of emotion and I have plenty of emotion to express and so do you!

Therefore, I could not pass up the opportunity to see Derek and Julianne Hough(5 time and 2 time) Dancing with the Stars champions dance. It's not just any dance show because it has two of the best dancers(brother and sister) who are around today. The largest factor is: Choreography. Derek Hough won two emmys or maybe even three for his choreography on Dancing With the Stars. His creativity is incredible and to have him choreography a whole show is a sure sign that it is going to be amazing....and it was!

The effects and costumes were awesome and Julianne and Derek have some serious summer physique. There was jive, salsa, swing, pasa doble, argentine tango, and everything I wanted it to be. I had a great view of Derek's abs from my seat and it was distracting from the whole picture of the show. Talk about naming the show "Move"-shaking, flipping, turning, jumping-Julianne jumping off the platform into the dancer's arms, Derek gliding across the floor, tap dancing, Julianne singing lovely, and Derek's famous Elvis thrusting. The dance in pure perfection and I wonder have they ever made a mistake, especially Derek who seems to do no wrong. Sweet, funny, adorable, creative, can dance, and sing. It's no wonder fans love him!

These are seriously some set of genes and I would imagine their mother and father must be extremely proud. Also, it's important to know there is "Hollywood arrogant and superficial" and "Hollywood humble, kind, and appreciative." This is what these two beautiful human beings are and they made that clear with sharing their voice about letting your light shine, living your life to the fullest, and shaking off everything that is difficult and starting fresh. When they dance, you feel a human emotional connection. The energy flows through each move with such passionate, authentic expression. They MOVE with the music and with their heart.

At the end, they had....Wait a minute I might be ruining it so I'm not going to tell you, but they had my favorite lyrics that are incredibly true to my life philosophy and apparently the one of Julianne and Derek Hough. God bless these two siblings and incredibly

Shake it Off Swift

7/18/2015

Whenever hearing the name Taylor Swift, I often associate it with "love Story." I never bought her music or ran to her concerts, but within the past few years I appreciate her new music. It's some kind of "Love therapy" for me and a billion other people in the world. Her song, "Shake it Off" I literally listen to once a day to get myself refreshed and in a "hater free" environment mode. She has the ability to make a song that you hear only ONE time and it is stuck in your head...but not just one song, two songs, three songs, four songs....and too many to actually verbalize out loud!

When her 1989 tour was coming to Chicago, I knew it was my time to see her! I attend many concerts, but I never saw her live...ever...so I must go!
Having no interest in dragging people to a show, btw that doesn't work when the ticket cost three times the normal price, I decided to enjoy it by myself and have my "moments."

The concert was in Soldier field, which is a mile off the train so you have a large stampede all walking down the sidewalks and a mile through the park up to the stadium. Lots of families, lots of adorable kids, lots of creative posters, 1989 lights in numbers, and glow sticks.....and I met some fans who have been coming since her first show, fans who travel miles and miles to see her 1989 show again. People who come to Soldier field two nights in a row to see her. She always talks about her fans and she has some seriously committed fans who are borderline obsessed with her in a good childlike way or an adult-perhaps should find something else to do kind of way.

My seat was a side stage seat, but everything was open the screen was in front and so was the "Taylor runway." Soldier field is huge and sitting up in the 300 or 400 level would be way too far. I was happy with my "Single seat" that happened to be available and saved for me by Ticketmaster:) In my section, I met these cute younger girls in their late teens who were so excited and acting like school girls- "Oh those were the days." We were sitting and watching through the side stage door to see if we saw her and caught a glimpse one time in her black leather one piece.

When we entered we received a bracelet that glows when you pull the tab, but this one was special because with each song it turned a different color and you would see the all the 55,000 people in Solider field change color! At the end, it was multi-color along with fireworks and confetti-so much fun!

About Ms. Taylor Swift:
Taylor is beautiful and the girl does not have one bad angle.
She is dating my favorite DJ Calvin Harris(also recent underwear model for Armani).
She absolutely loves the camera a bit too much, but that probably is what happens after being on it for ten years.
She loves to strut...strut...and strut on that runway they created for her! She even had two of her supermodel friends from Paris come and dance, strut, smile, pose...on her runway??
She has Selected screen that make her look thinner than she already is, which would make her 85 pounds.
She doesn't need to try so hard...she is Taylor Swift they will love her anyways!
She played "Love story" swinging through the air playing her piano-cool

I hope she eats a few cookies and doesn't develop an eating disorder(or already have one) hanging out with supermodels. Regardless, she is awesome, beautiful, and talented. Shake it off T Swift!

Do You Believe In Miracles?

6/28/2015

When I was in the Philippines, I would sing inspirational English songs with my patients as many sat in their wheel chairs or listened from their beds nearby. One of the songs I would sing was Mariah Carey, "There can be miracles when you believe. Though hope is frail it's hard to kill. Who knows what miracles you can achieve when you believe...."

How much believing creates a miracle?
How far does our faith take us?
Do we believe they can happen to us or are they just a distant act of God?

While I sang that song to them, I did believe. I do believe that my beautiful people are watched over by the Lord. They are living and breathing after extreme adversity and difficult life assignments by the Lord. They experience mini-miracles, blessings, love, support, and prayer to keep them going.

Although, how is a miracle defined, how many are given, based off our faith, our love, our morality? Are miracles requested, earned or neither? Does the holy spirit do all the work and healing? If so, is it spontaneous or are people chosen? People say miracles allow Jesus to do all the work through another being and they are God placing his hand on you. A human hand working with the holy spirit palm and two fingers over the head. The touch, the electricity, the feeling, the experience, a release, a new day.

In the Christian Gospel Crusade, all these miracles were happening so fast all around me that it was overwhelming me I had so many thoughts, questions, concerns...

The first night I had pure disbelief for what was happening in front of me. It was surreal and it didn't fit my bubble of faith and realism. Although, miracles are called "miracles" for a reason. Our minds our fighting against our hearts to believe. as this just was not my type of ministry. I had to dig deep into my belief that God can make anything possible. The holy spirit is the most powerful of all and can move mountains. He was moving mountains in that stadium with one after another feeling "healed."

Are we ever "healed" one hundred percent? It was my clinical perspective and experience that kept me skeptical blocking my mind and heart. Just observing one after one share their moment of healing. I thought, "Why is it so easy for her at this moment when my patient was dying in front of me and we prayed and prayed, but we didn't save him?

Pastor Daniel taught everyone this way of healing with the palm and the forehead and said, "Anyone can do this you don't have to be a Pastor." I thought to myself "Really? I don't think so." I do believe in miracles. The boy that will never walk again and he is able to walk. The man declared dead and he comes back to life. The woman diagnosed with cancer and it simply disappears from her body. I believe in those individual cases you hear about, but groups of people in person is a whole lot to process mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Although, we are all believers or non-believers that have a mind of our own and have their own personal experience that may draw them to a certain conclusion. There is always room to question, analyze, wonder, ask, or comment. The Who, What, How, Where, Why can always be mysterious and take time to figure out. A simple answer from an Evangelist would be "You don't need to know anything, just believe. Empty your mind and find logic." Yes, I agree with that partially, but everyone takes their own time to learn and adjust to new experiences.

The second night was a confirmation of miracles. It challenged my beliefs as a Christian it was a reminder they are alive and well and an awakening in my own self. Mental Illness can vanish, Diabetes can vanish, physical pain, emotional pain can vanish. There can be always be the medical fight, the self-improvement, finding ways to hold on a bit longer each day, learning how to cope, deal with crisis, live with it, and find a purpose in why this was given by the Lord. This is just the bubble that I live in, but I opened myself up to new possibilities with Pastor Reinhart and Pastor Daniel. Perhaps that new found miracle is going to promote you to the next level in life to give back and be the best person you can be for God. It is all possible when you believe.

For instance-people, like my friend, they may take it all in one dose and swallow it. For myself and others I know, we take it in small doses or maybe we just don't want it at all. Some people may read this and think it's ridiculous or not believe in any kind of miracle or just not on this spectrum. That is perfectly fine and it's not expected of anyone as this topic can be debated, misunderstood, and questioned extensively- not everyone welcomes such a controversial subject of life and healing.

But remember When your eyes view things you could never imagine...expose your eyes to greater wonder each time PCR

What are your beliefs on Miracles?