Currently Listening to: “Love and Peace or Else” by U2
Since the last post, I’ve ended week-long relationships and moved from our RAMP site in Denver (Broomfield, CO) to a mission center in Pine Ridge, SD. This is located on the Pine Ridge reservation with the Lakota tribe. I’m excited, scared, nervous, and joyous with what God will do in PR. We’ve been talking about how God is already on the reservation in more ways than one. We cannot come in with the mindset that we are bringing God in, because He is here! Working in people, in churches, and throughout the Res. There are some startling facts about this specific area and county of SD. I will continue to share them as not to overload you with information. Here’s a taste:
- 97% live below the poverty line
- $3,700 is the average yearly salary
By the way, the automobiles we got for PR1 are amazing. There is a Hyundai Sonata (every site got one), which is a rental, and a YouthWorks-owned truck. I’m talking an old white GMC truck with paint splattered everywhere in the bed and one the sides, and in the cab, no radio or special amenities, except a fan/defroster. It’s pretty great. I got to drive it for 5 of the 7 hr drive. Met Nadine, one of our housing contacts at Wings of Prayer Hands of Hope, who was very courteous. There is still plenty of work they need to do: fix showers, plumbing, clean basement, etc. But we settled in for the time being, and will hopefully have a blessed week. After settling, we drove to Pizza Hut (one of 3 restaurants in PR. They also sport a Taco John’s and a small indoor eatery next to the grocery store, which was sadly closed when we arrived there. Tomorrow we hope to get our groceries/supplies and head to the Baptist church in town for service @ 11. Goodnight. Pray for us, the participants coming, and the Res for open arms and understanding.
Finished While Listening to: “Fix You” by Coldplay (We’re not here to, folks!)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Thu 5/29/08 11:19 pm – CC
Currently Listening to: “Space Jam” by Quad City DJ’s (same group as “C’mon Ride the Train”)
Another day that went by in a flash. First things first: I missed Lost. I hope to catch it sometime though. Anyways, beyond that, today was great. (As you can probably guess, I’m pretty excited to be here) This is definitely no accident that I am here. Someone during “Yea Gods” (a chance to shout out praise and thanks to God) spoke and said we all came here because of God’s plan. It’s weird to think, YouthWorks brings all these people together and expect 4 strangers who’ve never met after 2 weeks of training to put together a week of service and mission-type work for different multi-denominational youth groups. This is strange, yet exciting work we will be doing. I am proud to be on a team with Guy, Gennie, and Alissa. My prayer (and I hope the reader’s as well) is that we would work cohesively as a team and that all the glory goes to God. There have been so many people who have become influential here as well. I thank them for their insights and patience with the entire staff.
This was my first time using first aid skills. Evan was lucky (?) enough to give me practice as he cut himself with his pocketknife. Silly Evan…
Today was also the first day since Sunday that it was gorgeous outside and clear enough to see the mountains from here. Give God the glory for his creation! There is also a food pantry on site at this church, and tonight was their day to handout food and misc. groceries. There was also a service there in Spanish. Needless to say, there were many Hispanic kids and families there. It was to see their ambition and innocence. They are a welcome breath of fresh air. I was talking to Trey today about kids and innocence. Kids don’t care who you are (race, socioeconomic status, popularity, etc.), they just want to play, get attention, and be loved. When do kids start putting up the walls and barriers of racism, sexism, and ageism? Who instills these “values” in them? Parents, media, peers? It sure isn’t nature that pits class against class. Just something I was thinking about…
Finished While Listening to: “Brand New Day” by Sting
(I promise these are the songs that are when I start and finish!)
Another day that went by in a flash. First things first: I missed Lost. I hope to catch it sometime though. Anyways, beyond that, today was great. (As you can probably guess, I’m pretty excited to be here) This is definitely no accident that I am here. Someone during “Yea Gods” (a chance to shout out praise and thanks to God) spoke and said we all came here because of God’s plan. It’s weird to think, YouthWorks brings all these people together and expect 4 strangers who’ve never met after 2 weeks of training to put together a week of service and mission-type work for different multi-denominational youth groups. This is strange, yet exciting work we will be doing. I am proud to be on a team with Guy, Gennie, and Alissa. My prayer (and I hope the reader’s as well) is that we would work cohesively as a team and that all the glory goes to God. There have been so many people who have become influential here as well. I thank them for their insights and patience with the entire staff.
This was my first time using first aid skills. Evan was lucky (?) enough to give me practice as he cut himself with his pocketknife. Silly Evan…
Today was also the first day since Sunday that it was gorgeous outside and clear enough to see the mountains from here. Give God the glory for his creation! There is also a food pantry on site at this church, and tonight was their day to handout food and misc. groceries. There was also a service there in Spanish. Needless to say, there were many Hispanic kids and families there. It was to see their ambition and innocence. They are a welcome breath of fresh air. I was talking to Trey today about kids and innocence. Kids don’t care who you are (race, socioeconomic status, popularity, etc.), they just want to play, get attention, and be loved. When do kids start putting up the walls and barriers of racism, sexism, and ageism? Who instills these “values” in them? Parents, media, peers? It sure isn’t nature that pits class against class. Just something I was thinking about…
Finished While Listening to: “Brand New Day” by Sting
(I promise these are the songs that are when I start and finish!)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wed 5/28/08 10:59 pm – CC
Currently Listening to: “The Fallen” by Franz Ferdinand
This past day has also been non-stop. The most exciting thing that happened today was going on an evening activity in Denver. We went to a hip-hop church called Praise Center and it was amazing. I’m so glad to see this church stepping out and reaching the culture around them. A culture that is marginalized, segregated, misunderstood, and stereotyped. The youth pastor (Micah Espinoza) and the rest of the team there was great to meet. Days are becoming blurs and it’s hard to write a lot when the training information is overloading my overwhelmed brain. It is good to know we have staff here at YouthWorks who are committed to engaging and taking time to explain different ideas and programs. If we didn’t have them, we’d be totally lost.
One thing the Pastor Micah Espinoza said tonight struck me, and I thought should be shared as well (among many others, but I’ll share just one…). Youth leave the church after high school and don’t come back because they have relied on someone else’s experience or encounter with God (whether that be parents, mentors, youth pastors, friends, etc.). Those youth never experienced God themselves; they just looked to other people, because of many different reasons. We need to have students encounter God at that age, so they can continue on that journey they started. More to come later from training…
Finished While Listening to: “Release” by Pearl Jam
This past day has also been non-stop. The most exciting thing that happened today was going on an evening activity in Denver. We went to a hip-hop church called Praise Center and it was amazing. I’m so glad to see this church stepping out and reaching the culture around them. A culture that is marginalized, segregated, misunderstood, and stereotyped. The youth pastor (Micah Espinoza) and the rest of the team there was great to meet. Days are becoming blurs and it’s hard to write a lot when the training information is overloading my overwhelmed brain. It is good to know we have staff here at YouthWorks who are committed to engaging and taking time to explain different ideas and programs. If we didn’t have them, we’d be totally lost.
One thing the Pastor Micah Espinoza said tonight struck me, and I thought should be shared as well (among many others, but I’ll share just one…). Youth leave the church after high school and don’t come back because they have relied on someone else’s experience or encounter with God (whether that be parents, mentors, youth pastors, friends, etc.). Those youth never experienced God themselves; they just looked to other people, because of many different reasons. We need to have students encounter God at that age, so they can continue on that journey they started. More to come later from training…
Finished While Listening to: “Release” by Pearl Jam
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Tue 5/27/08 12:57 pm – CC
Currently Listening to: “Some Things Never Change” by Bride
After a night’s rest, we gathered in the gym to enjoy breakfast and pack our sack lunches for later. Later, we gathered for Devotion training (this would kind of be like what we would be doing at our specific site) and had some quiet time to ourselves. We then gathered again to site type training so I went to Native American Reservation Training (aka Res). It was great to hear our misconceptions and prejudices of them, but also a time to understand what is currently happening on reservations. It’s not great, but God is continually working on the Res with or without us in the hearts of the tribe. Soon after, we met with our Area (5 different sites) for our prepared lunches. In just a moment, I will be getting to undergo role training.
Finished While Listening to: “‘Til the Day After” by Huey Lewis & The News
After a night’s rest, we gathered in the gym to enjoy breakfast and pack our sack lunches for later. Later, we gathered for Devotion training (this would kind of be like what we would be doing at our specific site) and had some quiet time to ourselves. We then gathered again to site type training so I went to Native American Reservation Training (aka Res). It was great to hear our misconceptions and prejudices of them, but also a time to understand what is currently happening on reservations. It’s not great, but God is continually working on the Res with or without us in the hearts of the tribe. Soon after, we met with our Area (5 different sites) for our prepared lunches. In just a moment, I will be getting to undergo role training.
Finished While Listening to: “‘Til the Day After” by Huey Lewis & The News
Monday, May 26, 2008
Mon 5/26/08 11:22 pm – CC
Currently Listening to: “Boom” by Flight of the Conchords
So now after getting all 80+ people together to orientate, learn, and get to know each other is a bit difficult, but doable. With two new roommates added to the room (Matt from PA and Darcy from Alberta, Canada), this should be a great time for getting know people from all different backgrounds within our staff. After getting to know our Area Directors, we now rush to bed. Lights are off and so should my computer be!
Finished while listening to: “Pinch Me” by Barenaked Ladies (Canadians, eh?)
So now after getting all 80+ people together to orientate, learn, and get to know each other is a bit difficult, but doable. With two new roommates added to the room (Matt from PA and Darcy from Alberta, Canada), this should be a great time for getting know people from all different backgrounds within our staff. After getting to know our Area Directors, we now rush to bed. Lights are off and so should my computer be!
Finished while listening to: “Pinch Me” by Barenaked Ladies (Canadians, eh?)
Mon 5/26/08 3:43 pm – Calvary Church
Currently Listening to: “Susie Q” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Today has been a really laid back day so far. Waking up around 8 am and showering in a different building will be a luxury in a week. So I’m taking it up with my final luxuries. Me and a couple other guys walked to Starbucks about a half-mile to enjoy some coffee, conversation, and the promise of free wireless Internet. Two out of the three happened, and free wireless was out of the question. I got on to a really slow connection just long enough to check e-mail and post some blogs. When we got back around 2:15, registration started soon. Got my program binder and that consumed me for a while. Met Genevieve (KY – Pine Ridge Site 1 as well) who I’ll also be working with. Still waiting to meet Guy (my Site Director) face-to-face. There have been really great people here and you know it’s going to be good when people are joined by a uniting vision and purpose. We’ll see!
Finished While Listening to: “One of these Things First” by Nick Drake
Today has been a really laid back day so far. Waking up around 8 am and showering in a different building will be a luxury in a week. So I’m taking it up with my final luxuries. Me and a couple other guys walked to Starbucks about a half-mile to enjoy some coffee, conversation, and the promise of free wireless Internet. Two out of the three happened, and free wireless was out of the question. I got on to a really slow connection just long enough to check e-mail and post some blogs. When we got back around 2:15, registration started soon. Got my program binder and that consumed me for a while. Met Genevieve (KY – Pine Ridge Site 1 as well) who I’ll also be working with. Still waiting to meet Guy (my Site Director) face-to-face. There have been really great people here and you know it’s going to be good when people are joined by a uniting vision and purpose. We’ll see!
Finished While Listening to: “One of these Things First” by Nick Drake
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Sun 5/25/08 10:02 pm MDT (they all will be MDT here in the mountains) – Calvary Church – Broomfield, CO
Currently Listening to: “Love - > Building on Fire” by Talking Heads
I’m starting to really enjoy this journey. I was picked up at the Denver airport (nothing special, by the way. The airport is in the middle of nowhere though) by Jake and Sheryl of the YouthWorks team. Also being picked up today were Evan (WI – Pine Ridge Site 2) and Courtney (AL – Utility for Western US). The drive back was nothing special, but the mountains here are beautiful. If I lived here, I don’t know that I would take this scenery for granted. I think we take our surroundings (especially nature and people) for granted and forget to thank God for them. I’ve met great people (Trey, TX – San Francisco; Andrew, CA; Elyse, MN; Alyssa, TN – also Pine Ridge Site 1) and we’ve had a great time playing Frisbee and basketball, while also visiting Wal-Mart for some much needed supplies (Sleeping bag, pillow and pillowcase). Time is flying by and I’m sure the summer will go fast as well.
Finished While Listening to: “The End of All Things” from Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Is this ominous for what’s to come? Or perhaps and ending to a stage in my life?)
I’m starting to really enjoy this journey. I was picked up at the Denver airport (nothing special, by the way. The airport is in the middle of nowhere though) by Jake and Sheryl of the YouthWorks team. Also being picked up today were Evan (WI – Pine Ridge Site 2) and Courtney (AL – Utility for Western US). The drive back was nothing special, but the mountains here are beautiful. If I lived here, I don’t know that I would take this scenery for granted. I think we take our surroundings (especially nature and people) for granted and forget to thank God for them. I’ve met great people (Trey, TX – San Francisco; Andrew, CA; Elyse, MN; Alyssa, TN – also Pine Ridge Site 1) and we’ve had a great time playing Frisbee and basketball, while also visiting Wal-Mart for some much needed supplies (Sleeping bag, pillow and pillowcase). Time is flying by and I’m sure the summer will go fast as well.
Finished While Listening to: “The End of All Things” from Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Is this ominous for what’s to come? Or perhaps and ending to a stage in my life?)
Sun 5/25/08 3:41 pm MDT – Somewhere in the air between Salt Lake City and Denver
Currently Listening to: “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot
There wasn’t enough time to write at Salt Lake City because it was a short layover. It was beautiful arriving there, but there wasn’t much time to enjoy the airport besides a quick run to Sbarro for a slice of pizza. Maybe my last slice for a while? Anyways, I’ve decided if we were to judge entire cities by their airports, Salt Lake City would be in the running for mediocre to not very good. The airport was atrocious compared to the expansive and beautiful Atlanta International. Even Appleton’s airport (though newly renovated) is a better destination as an airport.
This time when I boarded the plane, they wouldn’t put my guitar belowWhile coming in on the big plane, my new rowmates Scott (thanks again, Mr. Boarding Pass) and some PhD student were crunched in for maximum comfort. During this flight the had TV, movies, and games all in the headboard monitors for us to enjoy on our 3 hr flight (!). It was pretty good. Got to watch Mythbusters on Discovery and Classic Fights (Boxing) on ESPN Classic. Who would’ve thought Boxing would be exciting to watch. Luckily, my book “Pop Goes the Church” by Tim Stevens, kept me company as well. In the SLC airport, I watched as people’s flights were delayed for numerous reasons: the funniest being the Captain didn’t show up yet. After checking-in, I had to walk in
On this flight to Denver, I was lucky enough to have a row to myself since there were plenty of seats available. Wow, were descending already: gotta go!
Finished while listening to: “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins
There wasn’t enough time to write at Salt Lake City because it was a short layover. It was beautiful arriving there, but there wasn’t much time to enjoy the airport besides a quick run to Sbarro for a slice of pizza. Maybe my last slice for a while? Anyways, I’ve decided if we were to judge entire cities by their airports, Salt Lake City would be in the running for mediocre to not very good. The airport was atrocious compared to the expansive and beautiful Atlanta International. Even Appleton’s airport (though newly renovated) is a better destination as an airport.
This time when I boarded the plane, they wouldn’t put my guitar belowWhile coming in on the big plane, my new rowmates Scott (thanks again, Mr. Boarding Pass) and some PhD student were crunched in for maximum comfort. During this flight the had TV, movies, and games all in the headboard monitors for us to enjoy on our 3 hr flight (!). It was pretty good. Got to watch Mythbusters on Discovery and Classic Fights (Boxing) on ESPN Classic. Who would’ve thought Boxing would be exciting to watch. Luckily, my book “Pop Goes the Church” by Tim Stevens, kept me company as well. In the SLC airport, I watched as people’s flights were delayed for numerous reasons: the funniest being the Captain didn’t show up yet. After checking-in, I had to walk in
On this flight to Denver, I was lucky enough to have a row to myself since there were plenty of seats available. Wow, were descending already: gotta go!
Finished while listening to: “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins
Sun 5/25/08 10:55 am EDT – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Currently Listening to: “Any Way You Want It” by Journey
Currently Enjoying: Venti Starbucks House Blend and Airline Peanuts from Delta
Well, I made it to the first stop of my three-city tour of America. Not really, but to get to Denver I have to go through Atlanta and Salt Lake City. The flight also went as expected. I got to read my magazines (Entertainment Weekly and Sojourners) for the last time, as they will be on hold during the summer. I was struck while reading an Usher article. In it, Usher says, “[Y]ou have to be very careful what you allow your kids to be around or see. I’m a product of the environment.” He says this after his party days as Sean “P-Diddy” Combs’ protégé. What does this mean for parents? I wonder did my parents do a good enough job protecting me from our environment? I think so. I assume they would agree. First, they protected as much as they could and as I became older, the leash they held once so closely was loosened then let go of eventually. But enough blabbing about the past, you may (or may not) be wondering what happened during flight. My chair-mate or neighbor Kay Haas (she didn’t tell me her name, but her boarding pass did. Hope you don’t find this Kay!) slept most of the way there.
Getting the window seat, I actually got to see how beautiful Appleton is from above. Soaring into the clouds, I was amazed as how small everything was getting. We are so small in size, yet it puts things into perspective. I’m sure you’ve heard all this before, but I don’t care, it’s true. Our tiny problems in the city of Appleton in Wisconsin in the United States in North America doesn’t match anything near the worldwide pain of natural disasters, mass poverty, hunger, and AIDS spreading rapidly in our world. I guess what I am trying to say that I panic and fear can consume me about the smallest things like paint coming off my car or having someone bring me to the airport. Small children get up in the morning and worry whether they will eat anything, drink clean water, or even if this is their last day alive. So let me get up on my soapbox and encourage you readers out there to really think and act. If you don’t think this is a problem – you’re not living in the real world. Get out of your cultural bubble and safe zone and learn what is happening in this world and even in your community. I also encourage you to act by getting involved with some great organizations or your church (if they are involved in any way to the community). Some great websites to check out are Compassion (http://www.compassion.org) and WorldVision (http://www.worldvision.com) to sponsor a child and to make a difference in their lives forever. Also visit these great sites to learn about social justice: Sojourners (http://www.sojo.net) and One (http://www.one.org) are great starting points. Sojourners is a Christian non-profit organization founded by the great Jim Wallis (author of God’s Politics and The Great Awakening). One is committed to raising awareness and funding to relieve global poverty. Both sites are able to email updates about current events and things like signing petitions to the federal government (the Prez, Senate, and House, etc.) Now I can come off my soapbox with a good feeling.
Back in the Atlanta airport, people may think I am a rock star. I sure don’t have the look down, but carrying this guitar on my back looks ridiculously awesome. I can tell people are talking in whispers as I pass them by. I have to admit, I do look pretty cool. The laptop bag and guitar do get pretty heavy though. I decided to walk to my concourse instead take the train there. I opted for the six (!) moving escalators and found out fast why hardly anybody walks almost the entire length of the Atlanta airport. It’s like a 5K (not really, but a mini-marathon seemed to exaggerate this length too much)! I’m at one these “ReCharge” stations located by all the gates, and this 4 year old girl on a leash keeps staring at me and peering into my station. Not a problem – just a bit weird. The mom finally scolds her and takes her away from the “guitar man.” If that were my new nickname, she would probably change it as soon as I started playing. Really, I’m not that good, but good enough to lead 60+ students and adults in songs. Another thing I like about the airport is there are so many different kinds of people here waiting for someone. Military personnel finally going home, families going to Aruba, lovers awaiting that honeymoon, businesspeople busily finishing those TPS reports before going executive class, people who literally connected to their phones at all times (they thank you Bluetooth!), slow-moving people, fast-moving people, runners, walkers, and people who just refuse to get out of the way of a giant moving vehicle with flashing lights and a loud beeper. Airports have them all. I don’t want to get preachy, but this is a reminder of people from all over who all need Jesus equally. This can also represent how different people are and the much-needed relationships everyone desires.
Well, time to freshen up the coffee and head to the gate. Plane leaves in a half hour. I’m Salt Lake City bound!
Finished while listening to “Rock of Ages” by Def Leppard
Currently Enjoying: Venti Starbucks House Blend and Airline Peanuts from Delta
Well, I made it to the first stop of my three-city tour of America. Not really, but to get to Denver I have to go through Atlanta and Salt Lake City. The flight also went as expected. I got to read my magazines (Entertainment Weekly and Sojourners) for the last time, as they will be on hold during the summer. I was struck while reading an Usher article. In it, Usher says, “[Y]ou have to be very careful what you allow your kids to be around or see. I’m a product of the environment.” He says this after his party days as Sean “P-Diddy” Combs’ protégé. What does this mean for parents? I wonder did my parents do a good enough job protecting me from our environment? I think so. I assume they would agree. First, they protected as much as they could and as I became older, the leash they held once so closely was loosened then let go of eventually. But enough blabbing about the past, you may (or may not) be wondering what happened during flight. My chair-mate or neighbor Kay Haas (she didn’t tell me her name, but her boarding pass did. Hope you don’t find this Kay!) slept most of the way there.
Getting the window seat, I actually got to see how beautiful Appleton is from above. Soaring into the clouds, I was amazed as how small everything was getting. We are so small in size, yet it puts things into perspective. I’m sure you’ve heard all this before, but I don’t care, it’s true. Our tiny problems in the city of Appleton in Wisconsin in the United States in North America doesn’t match anything near the worldwide pain of natural disasters, mass poverty, hunger, and AIDS spreading rapidly in our world. I guess what I am trying to say that I panic and fear can consume me about the smallest things like paint coming off my car or having someone bring me to the airport. Small children get up in the morning and worry whether they will eat anything, drink clean water, or even if this is their last day alive. So let me get up on my soapbox and encourage you readers out there to really think and act. If you don’t think this is a problem – you’re not living in the real world. Get out of your cultural bubble and safe zone and learn what is happening in this world and even in your community. I also encourage you to act by getting involved with some great organizations or your church (if they are involved in any way to the community). Some great websites to check out are Compassion (http://www.compassion.org) and WorldVision (http://www.worldvision.com) to sponsor a child and to make a difference in their lives forever. Also visit these great sites to learn about social justice: Sojourners (http://www.sojo.net) and One (http://www.one.org) are great starting points. Sojourners is a Christian non-profit organization founded by the great Jim Wallis (author of God’s Politics and The Great Awakening). One is committed to raising awareness and funding to relieve global poverty. Both sites are able to email updates about current events and things like signing petitions to the federal government (the Prez, Senate, and House, etc.) Now I can come off my soapbox with a good feeling.
Back in the Atlanta airport, people may think I am a rock star. I sure don’t have the look down, but carrying this guitar on my back looks ridiculously awesome. I can tell people are talking in whispers as I pass them by. I have to admit, I do look pretty cool. The laptop bag and guitar do get pretty heavy though. I decided to walk to my concourse instead take the train there. I opted for the six (!) moving escalators and found out fast why hardly anybody walks almost the entire length of the Atlanta airport. It’s like a 5K (not really, but a mini-marathon seemed to exaggerate this length too much)! I’m at one these “ReCharge” stations located by all the gates, and this 4 year old girl on a leash keeps staring at me and peering into my station. Not a problem – just a bit weird. The mom finally scolds her and takes her away from the “guitar man.” If that were my new nickname, she would probably change it as soon as I started playing. Really, I’m not that good, but good enough to lead 60+ students and adults in songs. Another thing I like about the airport is there are so many different kinds of people here waiting for someone. Military personnel finally going home, families going to Aruba, lovers awaiting that honeymoon, businesspeople busily finishing those TPS reports before going executive class, people who literally connected to their phones at all times (they thank you Bluetooth!), slow-moving people, fast-moving people, runners, walkers, and people who just refuse to get out of the way of a giant moving vehicle with flashing lights and a loud beeper. Airports have them all. I don’t want to get preachy, but this is a reminder of people from all over who all need Jesus equally. This can also represent how different people are and the much-needed relationships everyone desires.
Well, time to freshen up the coffee and head to the gate. Plane leaves in a half hour. I’m Salt Lake City bound!
Finished while listening to “Rock of Ages” by Def Leppard
Sun 5/25/08 5:45 am CDT – Outagamie County Airport
Currently Listening to: “Heavy” by Collective Soul
Ah, the start of a new journey. Here I am in a business center conveniently located next to the TSA security checkpoint. It’s funny to see the panic on people’s faces as they check into the airport. Why do people look so nervous when going through security? Do they have something to hide? Nonetheless, my journey really started around 3:45 am. I opened my eyes in panic. Was I late? I always panic about waking up late even though I set two alarms: one for 3:58 on the clock, and 4:00 on my phone. But with enough time to wakeup after a good shower and a cup of Starbucks’ Café Verona to start the morning, I was ready when my good friend Fox Valley Cab showed up. Oh, you didn’t hear? The cabbie and I are best buds after he helped me with my bags (he got a good tip!). On the way to the airport we talked about how crazy airlines are and the remember whens. Let me explain: Remember Whens start like this: “Remember when…” Ours included when the airport was in the middle of nowhere, small game hunting for deer and wild turkey was prevalent in the area (that was his, not mine), and farms and crops as far and wide as the eyes could see. He brought my bags into the airport and also offered his cab for the ride back to my house (Let’s hope that someone can pick me up on the return trip!). Something that I’ve been pondering was my recent trip to Indiana to meet with Riverside Covenant Church. We’ve been flirting (see http://geoffderksyouthpastor.blogspot.com for post on Job Searching = Dating?) since April 7th when I sent them my resume. They called 3 weeks for a phone interview, which obviously went well enough to earn me a spot in the next round. Thursday, May 22nd was our face-to-face interview with the committee from RCC. The city was great (Go Purdue! seems to be their rally cry in West Lafayette), the people I met with were great, and things seemed to click. We’ll see where God goes with this one. The reason I’ve been pondering this is because I want to follow (“I Will Follow” by U2 is playing in my ears) God’s will, but I am SO ready to begin being a youth pastor. Is it my will or God’s will that I am to be with RCC, or do I just want this so bad, it’s clouding my judgment? Well, 25 minutes to takeoff and TSA is looking over here because I am constantly watching the security checkpoint. Hope to write back soon from Atlanta!
Finished while listening to “Something in the Air” by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
(How fitting! That’s going to be me in the air!)
Ah, the start of a new journey. Here I am in a business center conveniently located next to the TSA security checkpoint. It’s funny to see the panic on people’s faces as they check into the airport. Why do people look so nervous when going through security? Do they have something to hide? Nonetheless, my journey really started around 3:45 am. I opened my eyes in panic. Was I late? I always panic about waking up late even though I set two alarms: one for 3:58 on the clock, and 4:00 on my phone. But with enough time to wakeup after a good shower and a cup of Starbucks’ Café Verona to start the morning, I was ready when my good friend Fox Valley Cab showed up. Oh, you didn’t hear? The cabbie and I are best buds after he helped me with my bags (he got a good tip!). On the way to the airport we talked about how crazy airlines are and the remember whens. Let me explain: Remember Whens start like this: “Remember when…” Ours included when the airport was in the middle of nowhere, small game hunting for deer and wild turkey was prevalent in the area (that was his, not mine), and farms and crops as far and wide as the eyes could see. He brought my bags into the airport and also offered his cab for the ride back to my house (Let’s hope that someone can pick me up on the return trip!). Something that I’ve been pondering was my recent trip to Indiana to meet with Riverside Covenant Church. We’ve been flirting (see http://geoffderksyouthpastor.blogspot.com for post on Job Searching = Dating?) since April 7th when I sent them my resume. They called 3 weeks for a phone interview, which obviously went well enough to earn me a spot in the next round. Thursday, May 22nd was our face-to-face interview with the committee from RCC. The city was great (Go Purdue! seems to be their rally cry in West Lafayette), the people I met with were great, and things seemed to click. We’ll see where God goes with this one. The reason I’ve been pondering this is because I want to follow (“I Will Follow” by U2 is playing in my ears) God’s will, but I am SO ready to begin being a youth pastor. Is it my will or God’s will that I am to be with RCC, or do I just want this so bad, it’s clouding my judgment? Well, 25 minutes to takeoff and TSA is looking over here because I am constantly watching the security checkpoint. Hope to write back soon from Atlanta!
Finished while listening to “Something in the Air” by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
(How fitting! That’s going to be me in the air!)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Another blog to read?
Yeah, I know. Who wants to read another blog? But guess what. I am gone, and you won't always be able to talk to me. I'm hoping to let you blog readers know what's happening with me. Pictures should be on the site to highlight my time with YouthWorks. According to my mom, I am to "make memories." And how! I can't wait to look back as this summer being a pivotal moment in my life.
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