Well,
It turns out that our plans to be in America tonight were a bit too wishful ... we spent about 4 hours at the airport in St. Vincent - I guess our plane blew a tire during its previous landing. The "only" guy in the West Indies who could change a flat tire was in Trinidad, so we had to wait for him to fly to St. Vincent to fix it.
That delay made us miss our connecting flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Atlanta. Despite the fact that it is a bigger island than St. Vincent, Puerto Rico had no flights to the US after we arrived. Liat, the company we flied to Puerto Rico with, gave us food vouchers and hotel room vouchers. I'm at the hotel's business center right now - it's a nice place.
Basically, I got a free night in Puerto Rico ...
They fit all but three of us on a flight to Atlanta at 7 something AM eastern time. The other three have to wait until 4 PM eastern to leave here. I'll be arriving at CBU at around 4 PM pacific time.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
SVG 5
Well, the time has come to say goodbye to the island ...
Tomorrow morning we board a small plane and pray that it lifts off the ground before the runway ends and ocean begins. Then we board a larger plane and make our way back to the states (hopefully with our luggage). Then we board a larger plane and make our way back to LA. Next we load up in some vans and make the hike to Riverside ... then I make my final trek down the sidewalk to my apartment - brush my teeth, call Whitney for the first time in 3 weeks, and finally sleep.
Our plane arrives in LA at midnight I believe ... which will be 3am our body time.
Pray for our safety and that we will get our luggage in LA. And check for pictures and some final thoughts in the next few days.
Respect, mon
be da shot and pray!
Tomorrow morning we board a small plane and pray that it lifts off the ground before the runway ends and ocean begins. Then we board a larger plane and make our way back to the states (hopefully with our luggage). Then we board a larger plane and make our way back to LA. Next we load up in some vans and make the hike to Riverside ... then I make my final trek down the sidewalk to my apartment - brush my teeth, call Whitney for the first time in 3 weeks, and finally sleep.
Our plane arrives in LA at midnight I believe ... which will be 3am our body time.
Pray for our safety and that we will get our luggage in LA. And check for pictures and some final thoughts in the next few days.
Respect, mon
be da shot and pray!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
SVG 4
Still alive ...
We're still here. The team has been going into public schools this week to minister to the kids. Some schools have given us 30 to 45 minutes to do some skits, sing songs, and teach about Jesus. The school we went to today gave us 2 hours! That was a lot of time with elementary aged kids.
God is using us in the schools. Even though they are a young crowd, I realize that it's important to minister to them too. It helps when I realize that I was 6 or 7 when I became a christian. I don't doubt that God is working in these kids lives.
No more jellyfish, urchins or car accidents ... we've been staying safe. I'm amazed at the beauty of the island every day. We have been able to travel the island a little bit and see some different parts. The banana fields were amazing. They are just rows and rows of banana palms - as far as you can see. Hill after hill is covered with them. It's weird, but awesome.
Also the black sand beaches are crazy. Whenever we have an hour or more of free time we're in the water, snorkeling, swimming, jumping off rocks. It's cool.
Don't think we're just on vacation though. I've been worn out almost every day of working with kids, going to elderly homes, visiting the hospital, and witnessing on the streets. Rastafarians are all over the streets ... we've been witnessing to them often.
We have 6 days left on the island. Continue to pray as we are starting to be wearing out and getting ready to come home. Pray that we will finish stronger than we started.
We're still here. The team has been going into public schools this week to minister to the kids. Some schools have given us 30 to 45 minutes to do some skits, sing songs, and teach about Jesus. The school we went to today gave us 2 hours! That was a lot of time with elementary aged kids.
God is using us in the schools. Even though they are a young crowd, I realize that it's important to minister to them too. It helps when I realize that I was 6 or 7 when I became a christian. I don't doubt that God is working in these kids lives.
No more jellyfish, urchins or car accidents ... we've been staying safe. I'm amazed at the beauty of the island every day. We have been able to travel the island a little bit and see some different parts. The banana fields were amazing. They are just rows and rows of banana palms - as far as you can see. Hill after hill is covered with them. It's weird, but awesome.
Also the black sand beaches are crazy. Whenever we have an hour or more of free time we're in the water, snorkeling, swimming, jumping off rocks. It's cool.
Don't think we're just on vacation though. I've been worn out almost every day of working with kids, going to elderly homes, visiting the hospital, and witnessing on the streets. Rastafarians are all over the streets ... we've been witnessing to them often.
We have 6 days left on the island. Continue to pray as we are starting to be wearing out and getting ready to come home. Pray that we will finish stronger than we started.
Friday, June 15, 2007
SVG 3
Well, I got stung by a jelly fish today...
We were snorkeling at Bequia (pronounced beck-way) today. We had a "day off" from ministry so went to a neighboring Grenadines island. It took about an hour via a barge to get there from here. We hung out and snorkeled then ate there.
While snorkeling, I felt something bite my shoulder (yes, the same shoulder that was hit by the truck yesterday). I freaked out and started brushing my shoulder, but nothing was there. I thought the pain was all in my head, so kept swimming. A few seconds later I knew that it wasnt in my head at all - it really was stinging. I grabbed at my shoulder and looked in my hand - it was a really small jelly fish! It was about the size of a wheat thin.
The snorkel instructor guy told me not to worry, it was harmless. I didn't have to pee on my shoulder ... that would have been awkward (yet interesting). It stung for half an hour and went away. I kept snorkeling the whole time.
I say that it was a "day off" of ministry, however 1 man was saved today on the way back from Bequia and another realized that he needs to repent and be baptized. My buddy David talked with the men the whole hour returning to St. Vincent. When we arrived we prayed with them and invited them to church ... Praise the Lord that He is working here. Your prayers are being answered in a mighty way. I just wish all of you could be here to see it.
All-in-all, a great day in St. Vincent and the Grenadines...
Thank you for your continued prayers.
We were snorkeling at Bequia (pronounced beck-way) today. We had a "day off" from ministry so went to a neighboring Grenadines island. It took about an hour via a barge to get there from here. We hung out and snorkeled then ate there.
While snorkeling, I felt something bite my shoulder (yes, the same shoulder that was hit by the truck yesterday). I freaked out and started brushing my shoulder, but nothing was there. I thought the pain was all in my head, so kept swimming. A few seconds later I knew that it wasnt in my head at all - it really was stinging. I grabbed at my shoulder and looked in my hand - it was a really small jelly fish! It was about the size of a wheat thin.
The snorkel instructor guy told me not to worry, it was harmless. I didn't have to pee on my shoulder ... that would have been awkward (yet interesting). It stung for half an hour and went away. I kept snorkeling the whole time.
I say that it was a "day off" of ministry, however 1 man was saved today on the way back from Bequia and another realized that he needs to repent and be baptized. My buddy David talked with the men the whole hour returning to St. Vincent. When we arrived we prayed with them and invited them to church ... Praise the Lord that He is working here. Your prayers are being answered in a mighty way. I just wish all of you could be here to see it.
All-in-all, a great day in St. Vincent and the Grenadines...
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
SVG 2.5
I forgot to tell the story of me getting hit by a car today ...
The CBU team was walking back from a beach today. We were on the left side of the street - the side they drive on over here. We were on the edge of the street, walking just like we watch the locals do everyday ... we weren't too far into the street at all when all of a sudden ... SMACK. My arm was flying in the air and I was nudged off of the road into the deep gutter. I was shocked at first, I didn't know what happend. I quickly realized that the side mirror of the passing work truck hit my right shoulder. It threw my whole arm in the air (he wan't going slow) with a really loud smack noise - just the sound made Jen jump in front of me.
I laughed a little, and the team huddled around. I just had a really small cut and some nasty, dirty work-truck dirt on me. There's a small bruise now on my arm ... totally worth being able to tell this story; the legitimate story of me getting hit by a car.
Praise God that it didn't hit me anywhere else, it could have been bad. He's watching over us here.
Oh, also pray for Chrissi. She stepped on sea urchins today. There are 30 or 40 small splinter-like urchin tips in both her feet. The doctor said not to worry too much, they'll fall out in a day or two. She's just in a little bit of pain and can't walk at all.
All-in-all a safe day in St. Vincent. We're all alive and have some cool life-long stories ...
The CBU team was walking back from a beach today. We were on the left side of the street - the side they drive on over here. We were on the edge of the street, walking just like we watch the locals do everyday ... we weren't too far into the street at all when all of a sudden ... SMACK. My arm was flying in the air and I was nudged off of the road into the deep gutter. I was shocked at first, I didn't know what happend. I quickly realized that the side mirror of the passing work truck hit my right shoulder. It threw my whole arm in the air (he wan't going slow) with a really loud smack noise - just the sound made Jen jump in front of me.
I laughed a little, and the team huddled around. I just had a really small cut and some nasty, dirty work-truck dirt on me. There's a small bruise now on my arm ... totally worth being able to tell this story; the legitimate story of me getting hit by a car.
Praise God that it didn't hit me anywhere else, it could have been bad. He's watching over us here.
Oh, also pray for Chrissi. She stepped on sea urchins today. There are 30 or 40 small splinter-like urchin tips in both her feet. The doctor said not to worry too much, they'll fall out in a day or two. She's just in a little bit of pain and can't walk at all.
All-in-all a safe day in St. Vincent. We're all alive and have some cool life-long stories ...
SVG 2
Well, I lied about not being able to post some pictures. David, one of the guys here with Don Overstreet, wanted to load my pictures on his computer, so I'm able to share some already. He's leaving soon, so these will probably be it for a while.
Here's our apartment, the whole team (including those that came with Don), some kids, and the island.
Keep praying!
Here's our apartment, the whole team (including those that came with Don), some kids, and the island.
Keep praying!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
SVG 1
Hello from SVG,
Here's a quick update of what God is doing here:
The guys on our team has been in the men's prison the past 3 days. We were only allowed to be there for 30-45 minutes each day, but it has been awesome. We saw 10-15 men come to know the Lord. Pray for them that they can start to grow despite their situation in prison. This morning I went up to the condemned cells where the "death row" prisoners are. It is crazy to see how they keep them - 2 or 3 men in a small cell (proabably the size of your smallest bathroom in your house), with only a 5 gallon bucket to do their business in and a book or two. Its damp and hot - I can only imagine what types of diseases thrive in that condition. Those men were hardened to the Gospel - brushing us (at least me) off and not responding.
Also, the last 3 days we've been driving an hour and a half (sometimes more) to a place called Sandy Bay. The locals say its the worst of the worst of the island. It's the poorest community - the most poverty and crime stricken. We held outdoor meetings each night with music, dramas, speakers, and invitations to know Jesus. The response there was minimal, but we know God's Word doesn't return void - seeds were planted.
We've been doing some raw street witnessing as well. I've encountered 2 rastafarian (sp?) guys. They are totally weird, but need Jesus just the same. They are all rasta'd out with dreads to their backs and red, yellow, and green floppy beanies ... total Bob Marley. Oh, and we smell people smoking weed every day. Anyways, that has been a time of stretching for me. The people here overall are kind, but we never know what kind of people we'll come across on the streets.
We've also been working with kids a lot. Pray for patience for me - I'm not the most kid-friendly guy, but they seem to be attracted to me.
The team is doing great - all getting along and experiencing some neat things together. Thanks for continuing to support us in prayer. I can't say how much it means to me that I know people are praying for me. Tonight I relied on that truth ... so thanks.
By the way, the time difference is only 3 hours - we're in eastern time. That may help you pray for us intentionally time-wise.
Much love and respect mon (some island lingo I picked up),
Jon
P.S. SVG means Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
P.S.S. I'm getting some great pictures - but won't be able to post them until I get back.
Here's a quick update of what God is doing here:
The guys on our team has been in the men's prison the past 3 days. We were only allowed to be there for 30-45 minutes each day, but it has been awesome. We saw 10-15 men come to know the Lord. Pray for them that they can start to grow despite their situation in prison. This morning I went up to the condemned cells where the "death row" prisoners are. It is crazy to see how they keep them - 2 or 3 men in a small cell (proabably the size of your smallest bathroom in your house), with only a 5 gallon bucket to do their business in and a book or two. Its damp and hot - I can only imagine what types of diseases thrive in that condition. Those men were hardened to the Gospel - brushing us (at least me) off and not responding.
Also, the last 3 days we've been driving an hour and a half (sometimes more) to a place called Sandy Bay. The locals say its the worst of the worst of the island. It's the poorest community - the most poverty and crime stricken. We held outdoor meetings each night with music, dramas, speakers, and invitations to know Jesus. The response there was minimal, but we know God's Word doesn't return void - seeds were planted.
We've been doing some raw street witnessing as well. I've encountered 2 rastafarian (sp?) guys. They are totally weird, but need Jesus just the same. They are all rasta'd out with dreads to their backs and red, yellow, and green floppy beanies ... total Bob Marley. Oh, and we smell people smoking weed every day. Anyways, that has been a time of stretching for me. The people here overall are kind, but we never know what kind of people we'll come across on the streets.
We've also been working with kids a lot. Pray for patience for me - I'm not the most kid-friendly guy, but they seem to be attracted to me.
The team is doing great - all getting along and experiencing some neat things together. Thanks for continuing to support us in prayer. I can't say how much it means to me that I know people are praying for me. Tonight I relied on that truth ... so thanks.
By the way, the time difference is only 3 hours - we're in eastern time. That may help you pray for us intentionally time-wise.
Much love and respect mon (some island lingo I picked up),
Jon
P.S. SVG means Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
P.S.S. I'm getting some great pictures - but won't be able to post them until I get back.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
hey mon
Well, I'm here. I can't be long on the computer.
The team is well. We survived the trip down here. I love the island and the people. Pray that God will guide us here.
I forgot to let you guys know that you can check updates on CBU's website.
http://www.calbaptist.edu/isp/default2.aspx?id=4148
there's the website.
Adios...
The team is well. We survived the trip down here. I love the island and the people. Pray that God will guide us here.
I forgot to let you guys know that you can check updates on CBU's website.
http://www.calbaptist.edu/isp/default2.aspx?id=4148
there's the website.
Adios...
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
off
In 5 minutes I'm walking out my door with my one bag and backpack to begin my 3 week ministry project in St. Vincent. Pray for my team and I as we minister to the Caribs. I'll try to post updates at least once a week. Check for prayer requests and praises. Thanks for your support!
Monday, June 04, 2007
centralcalifornia
I've been hanging out in Fresno with my family for a few days. It has been good to be here with family and to see some old friends. I took some pictures in my backyard - then my mom and I went to see my nephew, Kameron's, t-ball game. It was pretty cute to see 4 and 5 year olds playing t-ball. Here are the shots:
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Let the photos begin
Well, I got my new camera and I love it!
Here are a few shots I got today just messing around. Right when I got it I went outside to take some shots. Later tyler, sam, natalie and I went to CBU to play some tennis. After our rigorous games I picked up the camera again while the others played around. Here are some of my things (click on them for a larger view) ...
my car
my front "yard"
my ball
CBU's net
me
my glasses/raquet/reflection
Here are a few shots I got today just messing around. Right when I got it I went outside to take some shots. Later tyler, sam, natalie and I went to CBU to play some tennis. After our rigorous games I picked up the camera again while the others played around. Here are some of my things (click on them for a larger view) ...
my car
my front "yard"
my ball
CBU's net
me
my glasses/raquet/reflection
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Life
Here's what is going on in my life right now:
-- Tomorrow is my last day leading music at Mag. Steve Brown has been hired to take the position and run with it. I am really excited to see what he does with it. That pretty much summs up my feelings about it - I'm excited.
-- In 7 days I fly home for my sister's graduation. She's graduating from High School (kinda weird). I'll be in Fresno for 5ish days. I'm pumped to be with family for a while. Believe it or not, but this is sort of my vacation this summer - I'm taking time off work and going into an unscheduled schedule.
-- I'll fly home from Fresno on Wednesday morning, get picked up by an ISP teammate, re-pack a bag, then leave for 3 weeks in the Carribbean Wednesday night. I'm super pumped about going (obviously), but nervous about the ministry aspect. I know it's unconventional to say that before a trip, but I'm trying to be honest. We don't know a ton about what we're doing there ministry-wise and I'm scared it will revolve around kids. That's not the mission trip I necessarily want. Some team members are stoked on it, but not I. It is here where I need to trust God that He placed me on this team for His purpose and step out in faith on that. Overall, not a bad place to be.
-- All us roomates (minus the phantom Curtis) talked about our bill/rent paying system. We have a good plan, and the conversation came down to - we all need to be honest with each other and communicate well. I'm blessed to have the roomates I have, and am excited to deveop deeper relationships with them.
-- Whitney is gone for a couple months. I was fine before she left. I focused on her cool ministry opportunity, and the fact that (Lord willing) we will have a long time to be together. Now I am not so ok. I'm not depressed or suicidal (don't worry mike). I'm just experiencing lonliness. I want to learn how to turn lonliness into something productive, like: study (either reading or actual studying something), or working out (pushups, running, cycling), or even worship (any thoughts?). I'm learning to pray differently too - not sure how, will update.
-- When I return from St. Vincent I'll have a totally re-vamped roll at church. I'm almost immediately shifting from High School Associate / Contemporary worship leader to college minister. There's some High School stuff still lingering for the summer, but basically my focus is making the jump. College minister - I'm intimidated. Here I am again in the spot of needing one to support me, fill me, guide me, impart wisdom ... (this could get long). My faith is being stretched even more. Despite the fear, I still thank God for putting me here in the first place - here where I am nudged (if not more) to rely on Him. The only way to fail is to ignore the nudge and go solo.
-- I think I'm at one of those reflective moments in life, like life in general. Where am I heading? What does the next 10 years look like? Who (more like when) will I marry? Money? Job? A reflective moment, only it's not a moment, it has been a while; hence this long post labeled "life." Life... (sigh). I don't want to mess up what God wants me to do, but, embarrassingly and regretably, there are times I'm not seeking what He wants me to do. Hopefully this reflective time leads me to the pursuit of He who is my guide for life.
Overall, things are OK. I miss Whitney, but am excited for life. Someone reminded me recently that I have one major thing going for me right now, and that is time. Time is on my side. If I live to be 80, then I've only lived 1/4 of my life. 3/4 are lying in front of me, waiting.
I'm not sure how to end this one - sorry if you read to here and are disappointed that I didn't have another great 'scaring my roomate' story. This one is probably one of those "just for me" posts that I may look back in a while and recall this pericope of life. I know that isn't the right word (my life is not Scripture), but I never use it so thought I'd throw it around a little. So, here's the end of the post: bland and mediocre. Go Ducks.
-- Tomorrow is my last day leading music at Mag. Steve Brown has been hired to take the position and run with it. I am really excited to see what he does with it. That pretty much summs up my feelings about it - I'm excited.
-- In 7 days I fly home for my sister's graduation. She's graduating from High School (kinda weird). I'll be in Fresno for 5ish days. I'm pumped to be with family for a while. Believe it or not, but this is sort of my vacation this summer - I'm taking time off work and going into an unscheduled schedule.
-- I'll fly home from Fresno on Wednesday morning, get picked up by an ISP teammate, re-pack a bag, then leave for 3 weeks in the Carribbean Wednesday night. I'm super pumped about going (obviously), but nervous about the ministry aspect. I know it's unconventional to say that before a trip, but I'm trying to be honest. We don't know a ton about what we're doing there ministry-wise and I'm scared it will revolve around kids. That's not the mission trip I necessarily want. Some team members are stoked on it, but not I. It is here where I need to trust God that He placed me on this team for His purpose and step out in faith on that. Overall, not a bad place to be.
-- All us roomates (minus the phantom Curtis) talked about our bill/rent paying system. We have a good plan, and the conversation came down to - we all need to be honest with each other and communicate well. I'm blessed to have the roomates I have, and am excited to deveop deeper relationships with them.
-- Whitney is gone for a couple months. I was fine before she left. I focused on her cool ministry opportunity, and the fact that (Lord willing) we will have a long time to be together. Now I am not so ok. I'm not depressed or suicidal (don't worry mike). I'm just experiencing lonliness. I want to learn how to turn lonliness into something productive, like: study (either reading or actual studying something), or working out (pushups, running, cycling), or even worship (any thoughts?). I'm learning to pray differently too - not sure how, will update.
-- When I return from St. Vincent I'll have a totally re-vamped roll at church. I'm almost immediately shifting from High School Associate / Contemporary worship leader to college minister. There's some High School stuff still lingering for the summer, but basically my focus is making the jump. College minister - I'm intimidated. Here I am again in the spot of needing one to support me, fill me, guide me, impart wisdom ... (this could get long). My faith is being stretched even more. Despite the fear, I still thank God for putting me here in the first place - here where I am nudged (if not more) to rely on Him. The only way to fail is to ignore the nudge and go solo.
-- I think I'm at one of those reflective moments in life, like life in general. Where am I heading? What does the next 10 years look like? Who (more like when) will I marry? Money? Job? A reflective moment, only it's not a moment, it has been a while; hence this long post labeled "life." Life... (sigh). I don't want to mess up what God wants me to do, but, embarrassingly and regretably, there are times I'm not seeking what He wants me to do. Hopefully this reflective time leads me to the pursuit of He who is my guide for life.
Overall, things are OK. I miss Whitney, but am excited for life. Someone reminded me recently that I have one major thing going for me right now, and that is time. Time is on my side. If I live to be 80, then I've only lived 1/4 of my life. 3/4 are lying in front of me, waiting.
I'm not sure how to end this one - sorry if you read to here and are disappointed that I didn't have another great 'scaring my roomate' story. This one is probably one of those "just for me" posts that I may look back in a while and recall this pericope of life. I know that isn't the right word (my life is not Scripture), but I never use it so thought I'd throw it around a little. So, here's the end of the post: bland and mediocre. Go Ducks.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Sniper
So I've entered into the arena of e-bay snipers today. My mission to snipe a Canon XTi 10.1 Megapixel digital SLR camera was sucessful, thus confirming my masculinity. For those of you who are unaware of this technique called sniping, let me introduce you.
An e-bay sniper is one who watches an item as the auction is about to close. With minutes (or in my case seconds) left, the sniper will place a bid rendering the competition paralyzed due to lack of response time. Some call it trick-theivery but not I. I call it "playing the game." Don't hate the player...
I basically purchased this brand new, never opened camera for just under $100 less than I could have bought it at Costco, and just under $200 from BestBuy (including what I payed for shipping). All in all, it was a good hunt. Pictures will follow...
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
She's gone
Well, Whitney left me for Turkey today. Her family and I drove to LAX and hung out for a couple of hours before her and the 6 people she traveled with had to go to their gate. I'm doing pretty ok right now. I'm excited for the chance for her to live overseas for an extended period. She'll be there for almost 3 months. I think it will be an awesome time for God to shape her and work through her. I'm excited to hear about the things He does there.
On the other hand, I will miss her a lot. I think I'm going to learn just how much I appreciate her this summer because I'm not going to have her around.
I'm almost positive that I'm going to take up a new hobby (starting immediately) to preoccupy me while she's away. I'm going to buy a camera and take up some photagraphy stuff. I just bought a video camera, but am rethinking that purchase. I think hard disk video cameras are going to advance a lot in the next year or so leaving my camera in the dust. I'm gonna put it on ebay and use the money to invest in a Digital SLR. Living with two photographers helps too. Hopefully they'll teach me some stuff and I can develop quickly. Check out Trever and Tyler Hoehne's blogs - they're listed in my friends column. They are great photographers and I'd love to learn how to do some of that stuff.
Anyways...
Pray for Whitney and look for my photos coming soon to my blog...
On the other hand, I will miss her a lot. I think I'm going to learn just how much I appreciate her this summer because I'm not going to have her around.
I'm almost positive that I'm going to take up a new hobby (starting immediately) to preoccupy me while she's away. I'm going to buy a camera and take up some photagraphy stuff. I just bought a video camera, but am rethinking that purchase. I think hard disk video cameras are going to advance a lot in the next year or so leaving my camera in the dust. I'm gonna put it on ebay and use the money to invest in a Digital SLR. Living with two photographers helps too. Hopefully they'll teach me some stuff and I can develop quickly. Check out Trever and Tyler Hoehne's blogs - they're listed in my friends column. They are great photographers and I'd love to learn how to do some of that stuff.
Anyways...
Pray for Whitney and look for my photos coming soon to my blog...
Saturday, May 19, 2007
New Apartment (continued)
Today I had the day off of work, so I decided to finish building the desk in our office room at the new place. Since there are 5 of us in the apartment, we decided the best layout for us was to all sleep in the big bedroom, and make the small one our office space. Trever has a huge desk so his is out where a dining room table would be.
That leaves the 4 of us to make desk space for. We wanted to build instead of buy because a) its way cheaper, and b) we could make it fit the room the best. Here's the outcome:
Notice my new globe on my section of the desk. My gift card to Barnes and Noble provided that - I'm pretty excited about it actually. Oh, and St. Vincent is on it. I decided tonight that it is going to be a great tool for reminding me to pray for our world. Tonight I prayed for China because I have friends there.
The 'L' shape made it a bit more difficult to complete, but it was a fun day. Here's a funny story - I was drilling the big hole through the top of the first desk (the one all the wires go through) - and about a minute into drilling the hole I realized my drill was set to reverse. The bit was spinning the wrong way - no wonder it wasn't making much progress. In that moment I was glad no one was with me.
That leaves the 4 of us to make desk space for. We wanted to build instead of buy because a) its way cheaper, and b) we could make it fit the room the best. Here's the outcome:
Notice my new globe on my section of the desk. My gift card to Barnes and Noble provided that - I'm pretty excited about it actually. Oh, and St. Vincent is on it. I decided tonight that it is going to be a great tool for reminding me to pray for our world. Tonight I prayed for China because I have friends there.
The 'L' shape made it a bit more difficult to complete, but it was a fun day. Here's a funny story - I was drilling the big hole through the top of the first desk (the one all the wires go through) - and about a minute into drilling the hole I realized my drill was set to reverse. The bit was spinning the wrong way - no wonder it wasn't making much progress. In that moment I was glad no one was with me.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
New Apartment
Well, I graduated college and moved out "on my own." I'm not really on my own, you see, I'm living with 4 other guys. I managed to move a whole 200 yards away from CBU - to the Northwest to Parkside Villeage Apartments. Our place is pretty sweet - decked out with everything IKEA, a Nintendo Wii, and thousands of books, all 5 of us with our college textbooks and such.
Here are some pictures of the living room (with my sweet new flat TV) and Trever's desk/the washroom/the kitchen.
Here are some pictures of the living room (with my sweet new flat TV) and Trever's desk/the washroom/the kitchen.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
It's long, but read it.
The following is a recount of actual events. Names have not been changed for protection - they are kept so that this true event can shame them both now and in the future. Let the records show that I type this blog with my right arm resting on the Holy Bible as to verify the integrity of my words.
It started a month or so ago. My roomate TIM WILSON, managed to unscrew each and every light bulb in our apartment, then flip the breaker that supplies our entire apartment with power. My other roomates and I had gone out for some midnight Wendy's. Upon our arrival, we noticed that the lights didn't work - and then that they were uncrewed - and then that the power was off. We had no idea what was going on. After a few creepy moment I realized that the breaker was in the downstairs closet. AJ and I walked timidly over to the door and opened it. It was normal - having only our hang up jackets, a bike, surfboard, 2 snowboards, sleeping bags, and other closet stuff. A moment after feeling safe about the closet, Tim jumps from behind the hung up clothes scaring both the Holy Spirit and our recently digested, waiting to be released food waste out of our bodies. He got us indeed.
Fast forward ...
Last night I took my wing (although it's not really a wing in UP - its more of a side or cluster) out for some In-n-Out at around 11:30pm. Tim was in Fountain Valley for church. My RA budget had some love left in it so we splurged a little. On our way back Tim calls to see if we are still at In-n-Out. We aren't. He says he's back in Riverside. The boys and I stopped in CVS to see if there was anything cool or explosive we could buy. There wasn't. We drive back to our apartment where I make my own parking space between two cars parked along the wall. My parallel skills are unparalleled.
Luke (my roomate) walks into the apartment to find no power. Immediately he runs back to us to tell us the news. The adrenaline is released. We know Tim is back in town and therefore know that he is trying to scare us again. We stand around outside our door with a few other neighbors and think about what we can do. We know we don't want to get scared again - therefore allowing Tim to feel victorious over us once again. We also know that we just ate 8 pounds of In-n-Out each and needed a restroom soon. "I've got it," I said. We huddled up. "Let's call Public Safety and tell them that our power is out and we think someone is lurking in our apartment (I'm not sure I've ever used the work lurking before). We'll tell him we're scared and ask if someone can come search out apartment to be sure." Everyone loved it. AJ makes the phone call and performs excellently. He sounds a little bit frightnened, just enough to convince Public Safety we're serious. A few minutes later (I'll admit I was concerned by the response time), Joe, the biggest, badest, blackest Public Safety officer rolls up in the CBU Public Safety Taurus - probably an '01 or '02. He finds us quickly because there is a group of us waiting outside our apartment. By this time we turned on the concerned face. "What's the situation?" Joe asked. "Well, our power is out and we are frightened to enter our apartment, officer" I said. "We think someone could possibly be inside," I tried to spice up the fear in my voice. "OK, you guys wait out here, I'm going in..." "Thanks Joe."
I swiped my card and stood back.
Joe rushed in, maglight ablaze.
"PUBLIC SAFETY, PUBLIC SAFETY, IS ANYONE IN HERE" Joe screamed. But not a girly scream - it was a scream from the depth of him - more of a roar.
silence
"PUBLIC SAFETY"
We almost wet ourselves standing outside listening.
a weak voice, "i'm in here"
"GET OUTSIDE NOW!" Joe barked.
Out walked TIM WILSON, Joe right behind with maglight cocked. "WHO ARE YOU?" Tim reached for his wallet - Joe thought it was going to be a weapon so drew out his mace and fired directly into TIim's face... Tim cried, literally.
Ok, just joking. Tim reached for his ID card and Joe let him. Tim said "I live here, I was trying to scare my roomates."
"Oh, it's only our roomate Tim" we all said in unison to Joe. At this point we acted extremely relieved. "We were scared someone dangerous was in our apartment." Joe understoon the situation. He turned to Tim and began to lecture him about how this kind of thing is not fun for the other people ... that just after the Virginia Tech shooting and the recent bomb threat at CBU this sort of thing is ridiculous ... that the Riverside police just called him hours ago saying they are looking for a missing criminal in the area and to keep an eye out!!!!! The helicopter with spotlight aimed down verified Joe's story. Yet my favorite part of the story is yet to come ...
After the lecture, Joe turns to us and says, "You did the right thing." I looked up, having just gone through the trauma of attempted murder, found Joe's eyes and replied, "thanks officer, we were just concerned for our safety." From Joe my big, thankful eyes turned to Tim. He was shaking his head with a slight smirk on his face - the kind of smirk that communicates "you are an unbelievable liar and I can't believe my plan backfired so hard on me."
I revel in the moment. Even revisiting via storytelling brings me joy.
Tim Wilson, senior B.A.T., has officially been gotten back. He has experience humiliation not only in front of his roomates, but in front of his neighbors, and in front of Public Safety.
I'm going to miss college.
It started a month or so ago. My roomate TIM WILSON, managed to unscrew each and every light bulb in our apartment, then flip the breaker that supplies our entire apartment with power. My other roomates and I had gone out for some midnight Wendy's. Upon our arrival, we noticed that the lights didn't work - and then that they were uncrewed - and then that the power was off. We had no idea what was going on. After a few creepy moment I realized that the breaker was in the downstairs closet. AJ and I walked timidly over to the door and opened it. It was normal - having only our hang up jackets, a bike, surfboard, 2 snowboards, sleeping bags, and other closet stuff. A moment after feeling safe about the closet, Tim jumps from behind the hung up clothes scaring both the Holy Spirit and our recently digested, waiting to be released food waste out of our bodies. He got us indeed.
Fast forward ...
Last night I took my wing (although it's not really a wing in UP - its more of a side or cluster) out for some In-n-Out at around 11:30pm. Tim was in Fountain Valley for church. My RA budget had some love left in it so we splurged a little. On our way back Tim calls to see if we are still at In-n-Out. We aren't. He says he's back in Riverside. The boys and I stopped in CVS to see if there was anything cool or explosive we could buy. There wasn't. We drive back to our apartment where I make my own parking space between two cars parked along the wall. My parallel skills are unparalleled.
Luke (my roomate) walks into the apartment to find no power. Immediately he runs back to us to tell us the news. The adrenaline is released. We know Tim is back in town and therefore know that he is trying to scare us again. We stand around outside our door with a few other neighbors and think about what we can do. We know we don't want to get scared again - therefore allowing Tim to feel victorious over us once again. We also know that we just ate 8 pounds of In-n-Out each and needed a restroom soon. "I've got it," I said. We huddled up. "Let's call Public Safety and tell them that our power is out and we think someone is lurking in our apartment (I'm not sure I've ever used the work lurking before). We'll tell him we're scared and ask if someone can come search out apartment to be sure." Everyone loved it. AJ makes the phone call and performs excellently. He sounds a little bit frightnened, just enough to convince Public Safety we're serious. A few minutes later (I'll admit I was concerned by the response time), Joe, the biggest, badest, blackest Public Safety officer rolls up in the CBU Public Safety Taurus - probably an '01 or '02. He finds us quickly because there is a group of us waiting outside our apartment. By this time we turned on the concerned face. "What's the situation?" Joe asked. "Well, our power is out and we are frightened to enter our apartment, officer" I said. "We think someone could possibly be inside," I tried to spice up the fear in my voice. "OK, you guys wait out here, I'm going in..." "Thanks Joe."
I swiped my card and stood back.
Joe rushed in, maglight ablaze.
"PUBLIC SAFETY, PUBLIC SAFETY, IS ANYONE IN HERE" Joe screamed. But not a girly scream - it was a scream from the depth of him - more of a roar.
silence
"PUBLIC SAFETY"
We almost wet ourselves standing outside listening.
a weak voice, "i'm in here"
"GET OUTSIDE NOW!" Joe barked.
Out walked TIM WILSON, Joe right behind with maglight cocked. "WHO ARE YOU?" Tim reached for his wallet - Joe thought it was going to be a weapon so drew out his mace and fired directly into TIim's face... Tim cried, literally.
Ok, just joking. Tim reached for his ID card and Joe let him. Tim said "I live here, I was trying to scare my roomates."
"Oh, it's only our roomate Tim" we all said in unison to Joe. At this point we acted extremely relieved. "We were scared someone dangerous was in our apartment." Joe understoon the situation. He turned to Tim and began to lecture him about how this kind of thing is not fun for the other people ... that just after the Virginia Tech shooting and the recent bomb threat at CBU this sort of thing is ridiculous ... that the Riverside police just called him hours ago saying they are looking for a missing criminal in the area and to keep an eye out!!!!! The helicopter with spotlight aimed down verified Joe's story. Yet my favorite part of the story is yet to come ...
After the lecture, Joe turns to us and says, "You did the right thing." I looked up, having just gone through the trauma of attempted murder, found Joe's eyes and replied, "thanks officer, we were just concerned for our safety." From Joe my big, thankful eyes turned to Tim. He was shaking his head with a slight smirk on his face - the kind of smirk that communicates "you are an unbelievable liar and I can't believe my plan backfired so hard on me."
I revel in the moment. Even revisiting via storytelling brings me joy.
Tim Wilson, senior B.A.T., has officially been gotten back. He has experience humiliation not only in front of his roomates, but in front of his neighbors, and in front of Public Safety.
I'm going to miss college.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Praise report!
So ... can I just say that God is faithful! Only hours after voicing my lack of funds for my ISP trip a friend responded with "oh, don't worry about it, I've got that" !!! The money is on it's way.
I'm still awed by the situation.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
I'm still awed by the situation.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Funds ...
My ISP trip is so close ... it's a little scary. Today my team was commissioned during chapel at school. It was awesome to be prayed for by people - I truly felt God's power during our prayer time. It was awesome. I thought this one guy was praying for me in tongues ... I could have sworn. I was a little weary about it, not sure how to reacty. After he was done I turned around to see who it was ... it was my Korean friend Choi. He was praying for me in Korean, not tongues. I laughed a little at myself.
I'm worried though. I have to raise $500 more dollars before I go. God has truly been blessing me with funds, and I totally trust Him with it. However, I know I can't sit around and do nothing about it. Here's where I decided to start ... by blogging. I would ask if you are reading this to begin to pray for me. After today's commissioning chapel, I really believe that having others pray for you is powerful. Please pray that God provides $500 more for me to go on my trip.
Since I'm pretty sure only 2 people read this ... maybe you could ask one other person to pray. That would make 5 people total (myself included) praying intently for $500. 5 people praying for $500, that sounds good. Maybe go a step further ... pray at 5 o'ckock, or every 5 til or 5 after the hour ... be creative. I'll update when I hear any news on how God is providing.
Thanks Mike and Lucas ...
Oh, and if you have any fund-raising ideas let me know.
I'm worried though. I have to raise $500 more dollars before I go. God has truly been blessing me with funds, and I totally trust Him with it. However, I know I can't sit around and do nothing about it. Here's where I decided to start ... by blogging. I would ask if you are reading this to begin to pray for me. After today's commissioning chapel, I really believe that having others pray for you is powerful. Please pray that God provides $500 more for me to go on my trip.
Since I'm pretty sure only 2 people read this ... maybe you could ask one other person to pray. That would make 5 people total (myself included) praying intently for $500. 5 people praying for $500, that sounds good. Maybe go a step further ... pray at 5 o'ckock, or every 5 til or 5 after the hour ... be creative. I'll update when I hear any news on how God is providing.
Thanks Mike and Lucas ...
Oh, and if you have any fund-raising ideas let me know.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
taxes
this year is the first I've done my own taxes ... can I just say that taxes suck. Not only do they make it super complicated to fill in numbers (8,300 worksheets in a separate booklet to figure out numbers for my form), but I even have to buy my own stamp to mail them in. You think they could put one of those "no postage necessary if mailed within the US" things on the envelopes - but no, they make it an opportunity to ding you again.
And why are all the forms named with numbers and letters. Aren't there enough colors or disney characters to name the forms after: "don't forget your bluish-grey form," or "you, you need the steamboat mickey form" - thats way more fun.
to top it off, I don't even get a rebate. I went through all the lame paperwork and worksheets and booklets to figure out that I owe money.
God bless America.
And why are all the forms named with numbers and letters. Aren't there enough colors or disney characters to name the forms after: "don't forget your bluish-grey form," or "you, you need the steamboat mickey form" - thats way more fun.
to top it off, I don't even get a rebate. I went through all the lame paperwork and worksheets and booklets to figure out that I owe money.
God bless America.
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