Simply a pilgrim, looking for that city whose builder and maker is God, who enjoys bringing others along on the journey.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thanksgiving recap
The last week has been a whirlwind. I can hardly separate the days of the week and everything that has happened. I will give my best attempt at reviewing the events of what took place and different things that I was thinking about over the last week.
The week started like a Friday - both a good and bad thing. No one in the office, and the people that are here at the time, have checked out mentally. Everyone was looking forward to Thanksgiving, being out of the office and seeing family. It was a full day, but people left early or just cleaned their office - I quickly joined the spirit of the season and just sat around and figured out the weeks schedule and disregarded my work for the day. I had already finished my homework for the week which allowed me to have little or no responsibility for the rest of the day and most of the week.
Tuesday was pretty much the same, not a whole lot happened. The event that sticks out to me happened at work - they asked if I wanted to start serving table instead of just running food. Tuesday was the first day of training where I shadowed another server and got a glimpse of what I am getting myself into. I really enjoyed learning something new and being challenged, not something that happens very often. This is also really good for me as I learn to get out of my comfort zone and talk to people I don't know, work on small talk and in general develop my people skills. I have a lot of work to do.
Tuesday night Rachel made it safely to Ohio and Wednesday morning I went to pick her up and started our way out to Michigan. I did not have any areas that I wanted to cover, but I did have a few questions that I wanted to ask. I make sure to ask a few different questions quiet frequently just to see how the relationship is going, making sure I am not assuming things are okay when they aren't. I ask, "Is there anything you want to bring up but just haven't had the chance to do so yet?" "Is there anything you are hinting at that I just am not picking up?" "How is your relational tank, empty or full?" and general questions about the relationship. Whether we answer the questions or not, it provides a good basis for conversation and opens up the floor for some other question that otherwise aren't asked. We ended up dealing with a few things I did not know about, learned something new about her, and overall enjoyed the ride to MI.
Wednesday Rachel and I spent with the family, whoever happened to be home. First it was my sisters, then my dad and brother showed up, and finally my mom. It was really good to see them all, but I could help noticing either the discouragement or hopelessness that they face. For some of them it is school, for another it is each other. The tension in the home hasn't gotten any better, we just have gotten used to it. I can only hope that I was an encouragement to my family and eased some of the tension. I think that some of the best encouragement came with just being with each other and understanding each others struggles with the situations we have to face each day.
I was encouraged by my sister, she is a young radical doing everything she can to live for Christ. I am probably more encouraged from her than she is from me. She told me she wants to do something crazy like go into family law and deal with divorce cases all the time, the bottom of the barrel when it comes to people. I get jealous about stuff like that, I don't think that I have the guts to pursue something like that. I have a hard time dealing with my family, couldn't imagine dealing with other peoples too. But that is where God has led her, and I will encourage her to that end. I am excited to see what God can do through her and that unique area of ministry.
Thursday, Thanksgiving! As is the tradition, we went over to my Aunt's house and ate a huge meal with lots of family. Grandparents, cousins, siblings, boyfriend, girlfriend, everyone! Good group of people and a lot of fun. After the meal we played some games and went for a walk, tried to work off some of the food that we ate. Don't let the photo lie, we all we rolling on the floor laughing. Some of the things that people say after eating Turkey... so funny!
That night we spent at my grandma house. The original plan was to get up first thing in the morning, around 4-6am and go Black Friday shopping. The more we talked about it the longer we stayed up and the more we realized that we didn't really want to do it. My sister got up around noon and I wasn't much before her. We went to two stores and only bought two things - spending a grand total of $26. The things I bought weren't even on sale - what a joke. It was a really good time to spend with my sister and she got some good experience driving on 28th street during crazy lunch rush. I have to say I was a little scared at times, but she did really good and is a better driver than me at times.
Friday night was double date time. Rachel and I got together with my sister and her boyfriend and went to his house. Kyle (My sister's boy friend) thought that a good date would be to shoot guns, so that is what we did. We set up some tin cans and bottles and went to town. I started with the 12 gauge. It had quite the kick. We after it was took dark and cold to shoot anymore we went inside and play monopoly deal, a very addicting card game based on the classic board game Monopoly. What I enjoyed most of all was spending time with my sister and seeing her and Kyle interact. As a big brother it is encouraging to see my sister walking in purity and dating a Christian boy.
Saturday came faster than I wanted it too. There were so many things that I wanted to do that I never got around to doing: chopping wood, sitting down with my sisters, helping my dad with stuff at home, etc. I just ran out of time, now it is time to leave to go back to Ohio. Before I left I went and said goodbye to my mom and my dad. It was a really cool sight, My grandpa, my dad and I all working in the woods before I left. Three generations of hard working men. I wish I got a picture, I thought it was awesome to see all of us together.
Rachel and I drove pretty much straight back to Ohio. We stopped twice. First to see my brother on the way, and then an hour later for dinner. My brother is doing well, still going to school and tutoring. It is great to see family doing well, wish that I could have spent more time but we had places to go. When Rachel and I stopped for dinner we finally put together an outline for teaching the next day. We had meant to do this before, but never had enough time. So with a napkin we wrote out what we were going to teach for the lesson on integrity.
Sunday was the longest day by far. I feel like I should just write a new blog entry just about Sunday. Teaching went very well. Rachel and I nailed it, taught both hours without much problem. I really enjoyed being on stage with her and teaching together, she brings out a different side of me for sure. Not only that, but she brings a totally different perspective to the table, she thinks differently, has different experience, and is overall a different person. I don't know that I would say this is my favorite part of the week, but I definitely learned the most during this one. I learned more about how Rachel and I play off each other, the different skills that we each have, and teaching styles.
We ended our week by going to 707 - young adult church in the evening. The topic of the night was relationships, and it was refreshing to hear and encouraging to learn something new. Rachel was very encouraged because she said it was the first time in a long time that she got feed from a church service.
I am looking at the week ahead and it doesn't look like it is going to be any easy then the last, just different task that need to be completed. I am looking forward to the challenge!
Blessings from a (very tired) pilgrim
Later
The week started like a Friday - both a good and bad thing. No one in the office, and the people that are here at the time, have checked out mentally. Everyone was looking forward to Thanksgiving, being out of the office and seeing family. It was a full day, but people left early or just cleaned their office - I quickly joined the spirit of the season and just sat around and figured out the weeks schedule and disregarded my work for the day. I had already finished my homework for the week which allowed me to have little or no responsibility for the rest of the day and most of the week.
Tuesday was pretty much the same, not a whole lot happened. The event that sticks out to me happened at work - they asked if I wanted to start serving table instead of just running food. Tuesday was the first day of training where I shadowed another server and got a glimpse of what I am getting myself into. I really enjoyed learning something new and being challenged, not something that happens very often. This is also really good for me as I learn to get out of my comfort zone and talk to people I don't know, work on small talk and in general develop my people skills. I have a lot of work to do.
Tuesday night Rachel made it safely to Ohio and Wednesday morning I went to pick her up and started our way out to Michigan. I did not have any areas that I wanted to cover, but I did have a few questions that I wanted to ask. I make sure to ask a few different questions quiet frequently just to see how the relationship is going, making sure I am not assuming things are okay when they aren't. I ask, "Is there anything you want to bring up but just haven't had the chance to do so yet?" "Is there anything you are hinting at that I just am not picking up?" "How is your relational tank, empty or full?" and general questions about the relationship. Whether we answer the questions or not, it provides a good basis for conversation and opens up the floor for some other question that otherwise aren't asked. We ended up dealing with a few things I did not know about, learned something new about her, and overall enjoyed the ride to MI.
Wednesday Rachel and I spent with the family, whoever happened to be home. First it was my sisters, then my dad and brother showed up, and finally my mom. It was really good to see them all, but I could help noticing either the discouragement or hopelessness that they face. For some of them it is school, for another it is each other. The tension in the home hasn't gotten any better, we just have gotten used to it. I can only hope that I was an encouragement to my family and eased some of the tension. I think that some of the best encouragement came with just being with each other and understanding each others struggles with the situations we have to face each day.
I was encouraged by my sister, she is a young radical doing everything she can to live for Christ. I am probably more encouraged from her than she is from me. She told me she wants to do something crazy like go into family law and deal with divorce cases all the time, the bottom of the barrel when it comes to people. I get jealous about stuff like that, I don't think that I have the guts to pursue something like that. I have a hard time dealing with my family, couldn't imagine dealing with other peoples too. But that is where God has led her, and I will encourage her to that end. I am excited to see what God can do through her and that unique area of ministry.
Thursday, Thanksgiving! As is the tradition, we went over to my Aunt's house and ate a huge meal with lots of family. Grandparents, cousins, siblings, boyfriend, girlfriend, everyone! Good group of people and a lot of fun. After the meal we played some games and went for a walk, tried to work off some of the food that we ate. Don't let the photo lie, we all we rolling on the floor laughing. Some of the things that people say after eating Turkey... so funny!
That night we spent at my grandma house. The original plan was to get up first thing in the morning, around 4-6am and go Black Friday shopping. The more we talked about it the longer we stayed up and the more we realized that we didn't really want to do it. My sister got up around noon and I wasn't much before her. We went to two stores and only bought two things - spending a grand total of $26. The things I bought weren't even on sale - what a joke. It was a really good time to spend with my sister and she got some good experience driving on 28th street during crazy lunch rush. I have to say I was a little scared at times, but she did really good and is a better driver than me at times.
Friday night was double date time. Rachel and I got together with my sister and her boyfriend and went to his house. Kyle (My sister's boy friend) thought that a good date would be to shoot guns, so that is what we did. We set up some tin cans and bottles and went to town. I started with the 12 gauge. It had quite the kick. We after it was took dark and cold to shoot anymore we went inside and play monopoly deal, a very addicting card game based on the classic board game Monopoly. What I enjoyed most of all was spending time with my sister and seeing her and Kyle interact. As a big brother it is encouraging to see my sister walking in purity and dating a Christian boy.
Saturday came faster than I wanted it too. There were so many things that I wanted to do that I never got around to doing: chopping wood, sitting down with my sisters, helping my dad with stuff at home, etc. I just ran out of time, now it is time to leave to go back to Ohio. Before I left I went and said goodbye to my mom and my dad. It was a really cool sight, My grandpa, my dad and I all working in the woods before I left. Three generations of hard working men. I wish I got a picture, I thought it was awesome to see all of us together.
Rachel and I drove pretty much straight back to Ohio. We stopped twice. First to see my brother on the way, and then an hour later for dinner. My brother is doing well, still going to school and tutoring. It is great to see family doing well, wish that I could have spent more time but we had places to go. When Rachel and I stopped for dinner we finally put together an outline for teaching the next day. We had meant to do this before, but never had enough time. So with a napkin we wrote out what we were going to teach for the lesson on integrity.
Sunday was the longest day by far. I feel like I should just write a new blog entry just about Sunday. Teaching went very well. Rachel and I nailed it, taught both hours without much problem. I really enjoyed being on stage with her and teaching together, she brings out a different side of me for sure. Not only that, but she brings a totally different perspective to the table, she thinks differently, has different experience, and is overall a different person. I don't know that I would say this is my favorite part of the week, but I definitely learned the most during this one. I learned more about how Rachel and I play off each other, the different skills that we each have, and teaching styles.
We ended our week by going to 707 - young adult church in the evening. The topic of the night was relationships, and it was refreshing to hear and encouraging to learn something new. Rachel was very encouraged because she said it was the first time in a long time that she got feed from a church service.
I am looking at the week ahead and it doesn't look like it is going to be any easy then the last, just different task that need to be completed. I am looking forward to the challenge!
Blessings from a (very tired) pilgrim
Later
Friday, November 25, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Change of mind?
I went out to my college this past week and did some recruiting for the internship that I am doing. I also got to spend time with Rachel and meet up with some friends. I never realize how much I enjoy being around people until I leave and come back again. I spent so much time talking with people and learning from them, so much fun. I did not go without an agenda though. I had a few things I wanted to accomplish while I was out there, a few people that I needed to talk to. In this particular story I am only going to mention on such interaction with my friend Ross. Ross is happily married and I feel that gives him the authority to answer dating and/or relationship questions. He also knows me very well and challenges me with some tough questions whenever we talk. I have gotten to the point that I can look forward to these challenging conversations and will seek them out.
So that is what I did. Once I got on campus I went looking for Ross and set up a time when we could sit down and talk about whatever. About life, relationships, his and my family, education, whatever. I asked him what is something that I need to do in my relationship with Rachel. I asked this with a somewhat prideful attitude thinking that I had most of my ducks in a row and didn't need to change anything. What I got in return was like a kick in the pants. He says that I don't need to do anything different, but I need to be different. I don't have to perform any differently or start doing something more, but I have to change who I am in character. Otherwise my personality becomes flaky and won't last. If I am just doing things for a result I will change back, but Ross is saying I need to change at the core so I continue in my character.
My relationship isn't the main subject here. What I really want to know is how do I change my character, who I am at the core. There is plenty of times this question has come up, whether it is relationships or any other area of life, we desire to make a change in our lives. Just this morning I wanted to be more disciplined in homework and reading my bible, but I have a hard time just doing it. That works for Nike, but no me so much. How do I make change in my character so that it results in inward change rather than just conforming my actions to the moment. That is the question
Have a good
Later
So that is what I did. Once I got on campus I went looking for Ross and set up a time when we could sit down and talk about whatever. About life, relationships, his and my family, education, whatever. I asked him what is something that I need to do in my relationship with Rachel. I asked this with a somewhat prideful attitude thinking that I had most of my ducks in a row and didn't need to change anything. What I got in return was like a kick in the pants. He says that I don't need to do anything different, but I need to be different. I don't have to perform any differently or start doing something more, but I have to change who I am in character. Otherwise my personality becomes flaky and won't last. If I am just doing things for a result I will change back, but Ross is saying I need to change at the core so I continue in my character.
My relationship isn't the main subject here. What I really want to know is how do I change my character, who I am at the core. There is plenty of times this question has come up, whether it is relationships or any other area of life, we desire to make a change in our lives. Just this morning I wanted to be more disciplined in homework and reading my bible, but I have a hard time just doing it. That works for Nike, but no me so much. How do I make change in my character so that it results in inward change rather than just conforming my actions to the moment. That is the question
Have a good
Later
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Pride or fear?
This week has gone by much faster than I would have expected. So much to do, so many people to talk to and so little time. I had to purposely not tell people that I am on campus this week just so I would have time to get to everyone that I didn't talk to last time. I do not enjoy doing that, but it keeps the conversations that I do have more meaningful and valuable.
Little recap on the week so far. Tuesday morning we left to head out to the College bright and early. At least that was the plan. After picking up Jim I went to Rick's house to leave, little did I know that saying goodbye to your wife and kid takes more than five minutes. We all talked for a while, played hide the bear with Charlotte (their baby girl), got some orange juice, talked some more... then started to leave. Made me wonder why I had to be there so early if it is going to that long to leave. I realized after watch them interact a while why God got me there early. For just that reason, to watch them interact. It is always a little awkward, but I still enjoy watching couples who love each other interact.
We got to the rental and picked up our... mini van? The car that we rented wasn't there, so they gave us a nicer car for the same price. It is awesome, the van has way more leg room than the small car we would have gotten. I got a foot rest! What more could I have asked for?
I really enjoy coming back to campus every now and again, mostly because Rachel is still here, but other students as well. I have already had a lot of great conversations about life, learning and what comes next. There are days that I honestly think I could talk to people all day. That has basically been my week thus far and I have enjoyed it, the trick for me comes with talking to people that I don't know yet. Though, even that hasn't been too hard while talking with students on campus, I have enjoyed getting to know people that I had never met before.
It is now Thursday morning, a lot has happened this week, there is only a few things I think I will remember about the week though. One of them happened last night when Rachel and I prayed together, she said "I always learn so much about you, though I do feel like I am ease dropping on a conversation." I guess I knew that she would learn about me as I talked with God, it still surprised me when she said it though.
Another thing I will leave with this week is a conversation that I had with a professor. I went to him asking him what I should do next and he asked a totally different set of questions that had nothing to do with what I originally had in mind. I showed him a document that I have been working on for a while based on his decision making model. On this piece of paper I wrote out what I want to do, what I am capable of doing, and what is available for me to do.
To help me figure out what I want to do and like to do, I took the opposite of my fears - which are also written down on the paper. From this idea my professor asked his question, "Is it fear or pride that is at the root of sin?" at which I answered pride. He agreed, but went on to tell me it is very hard to find pride - pride is blinding. He didn't leave me there, he brought me back to the Fall. The first sin is a result of pride, but shortly followed by fear. So, he suggest, fear is a cover for the pride that we have. Ultimately we don't want to be found out for the sin of pride, so we are afraid. That is to say, if I can find and deal with fear my pride is not far behind. Whether I agree with that or not, it is an interesting thought to chew on for a while.
I have a study date with Rachel, which is way more important than this blog.
Blessings from a pilgrim
Later
Little recap on the week so far. Tuesday morning we left to head out to the College bright and early. At least that was the plan. After picking up Jim I went to Rick's house to leave, little did I know that saying goodbye to your wife and kid takes more than five minutes. We all talked for a while, played hide the bear with Charlotte (their baby girl), got some orange juice, talked some more... then started to leave. Made me wonder why I had to be there so early if it is going to that long to leave. I realized after watch them interact a while why God got me there early. For just that reason, to watch them interact. It is always a little awkward, but I still enjoy watching couples who love each other interact.
We got to the rental and picked up our... mini van? The car that we rented wasn't there, so they gave us a nicer car for the same price. It is awesome, the van has way more leg room than the small car we would have gotten. I got a foot rest! What more could I have asked for?
I really enjoy coming back to campus every now and again, mostly because Rachel is still here, but other students as well. I have already had a lot of great conversations about life, learning and what comes next. There are days that I honestly think I could talk to people all day. That has basically been my week thus far and I have enjoyed it, the trick for me comes with talking to people that I don't know yet. Though, even that hasn't been too hard while talking with students on campus, I have enjoyed getting to know people that I had never met before.
It is now Thursday morning, a lot has happened this week, there is only a few things I think I will remember about the week though. One of them happened last night when Rachel and I prayed together, she said "I always learn so much about you, though I do feel like I am ease dropping on a conversation." I guess I knew that she would learn about me as I talked with God, it still surprised me when she said it though.
Another thing I will leave with this week is a conversation that I had with a professor. I went to him asking him what I should do next and he asked a totally different set of questions that had nothing to do with what I originally had in mind. I showed him a document that I have been working on for a while based on his decision making model. On this piece of paper I wrote out what I want to do, what I am capable of doing, and what is available for me to do.
To help me figure out what I want to do and like to do, I took the opposite of my fears - which are also written down on the paper. From this idea my professor asked his question, "Is it fear or pride that is at the root of sin?" at which I answered pride. He agreed, but went on to tell me it is very hard to find pride - pride is blinding. He didn't leave me there, he brought me back to the Fall. The first sin is a result of pride, but shortly followed by fear. So, he suggest, fear is a cover for the pride that we have. Ultimately we don't want to be found out for the sin of pride, so we are afraid. That is to say, if I can find and deal with fear my pride is not far behind. Whether I agree with that or not, it is an interesting thought to chew on for a while.
I have a study date with Rachel, which is way more important than this blog.
Blessings from a pilgrim
Later
Monday, November 14, 2011
Fall retreat
Here is another recap over the past week. It seems like it has been a longer week than normal, but I think that is just because of everything that happened. I have seen snow, my sister, a concert, a movie, and finished fall retreat, and a long lot of other things in the course of the last week. So, in some sense of order, I will fill you in about what went down.
Sunday night (last week) we didn't have youth group, instead we went to a Mercy Me concert with a bunch of the students. concerts are very loud, and this one is no exception. I ended up going out to my car and grabbing ear plugs (I am a loser, I know). I am very glad that I went though, it is always fun to hang out with friends
During the concert I talked a few different people about whether it was going to be possible to have my sister come out for the following weekend. Talked with one person, then called a different one to rely information and then first one again to confirm. It got kind of tricky. At one point I was texting two people and calling a third all at the same time.The conclusion: my mom drove my sister out for the weekend. I really wanted my Dad to come out, but I wasn't going to press the issue. The important thing was to get my sister out here, and that happened. Anything more would have been bonus. Next time.
Monday night I went to my last Men's Bible study for a while. I wish I could keep going, I enjoy and value hanging out with the guys there, but my schedule for this week isn't going to make that very likely. I hope to start going again soon. The really bad new is that Chris and I won't be meeting for the next few weeks either. I am gone this week and he is gone next week, and I am not sure about the week after that. Maybe we'll meet up on Sunday after church one of these weeks.
Tuesday I had a meeting with the teaching pastor of the church, Rick Duncan, about recruiting him an intern for the next year. At least, that was the intention of the meeting. It turned out to be more a lesson of different kinds of ministry leaders than about interns. He compares them to a car designer, a car builder, a mechanic, and a restorer - each one loves cars but in vastly different ways. Pastors are somewhat similar.
Wednesday night Small group with the students was a lot of fun. Since we didn't have impact on the weekend we took advantage of small group time to hangout and have fun. We watch Inception, ate popcorn and pizza and built some common experiences. I think it is very valuable to just have time to hang out with one another and be among friends.
Thursday I had Joe D over to my office to work on the lesson for Epic. He is a great guy, and I am always thankful for his encouraging attitude. He doesn't complain or argue, and is always willing to help. When I told him that I wouldn't be there this week he just smiled and said, "okay" like it is no big deal. No excuses, he is great. This weeks lesson is about encouraging one another in the Lord and how we find encouragement in Christ's return.
Friday night started fall retreat! Also, my sister came in Friday night. Between grabbing Pizza and dropping my sister off at the High School Girl's house, and everything else I totally forgot my toothbrush for the weekend. I choose the Middle School boys house for the night - what a night. Boys crying left and right over toys and who hit who first. I am confident this is the only group that cried. Discussion didn't happen because they were all way to excited to sit still and sleeping nearly didn't happen either. Lights out at 11:30pm - I didn't get to bed until nearly 2am. Farting noises, kids getting drinks of water, and talking in general made sleep elusive.
All this faded as a memory with the coming of breakfast Saturday Morning. Homemade french toast, hash browns, fresh fruit, and orange juice. I was stuffed, but I just kept eating, it was so good. I don't know if I would do it all again, but I would surely eat breakfast again.
We broke from there and ended to the church to regroup before going to the work sites for the day. Other than a few minor things, everything went off without a hitch. The high school went down town and the middle school went into the closer neighbor hoods. We helped those that needed help and got done way faster than I thought we would. The middleschool group played football with our free time, and I took advantage of the time to spend with my sister.
We talked about church back home, and about the family. We talked about life and friends, and just caught up. I love her so much and am so glad that she got to come out and visit even for just a little while.
Saturday night she left to head home and I went and finished my paper for school. I learned that night that I am very grumpy when I am tired, making me a mean boyfriend. I didn't yell or anything, but I wasn't that nice either. I got demanding, controlling, and just grumpy. Rachel, also tired at this point didn't enjoy my mood, but was very gracious towards me and helped with my paper. The next day apologize were in order, and everything is forgiven. I don't enjoy those interactions, but they make for a strong relationship if you can get through them. The trick is to deal with them and don't let them build.
Sunday morning came much faster than I thought it would, and I found myself grasping for time. I haven't had a chance to read my bible in two days as this point - adding to the grumpiness - and didn't find any time through Sunday. church went well in the morning and the rest of the day got spent on preparing for the evening. The student leadership team took over for Impact that night, I watched the youngsters while Rick and Joe facilitated parent equip in the next room over. Three nights in a row dealing with kids... I saw myself grumpier than I normally get and now realize that I need to be sure to get sleep next time I have to do something like this.
Sunday night I talked with Rachel and we figured out the plan for Thanksgiving and a little bit about the next week. I am very excited to see her and be with her face to face. Phone conversations are great, but nothing is quite like a conversation in person. We also started working on a project to figure out what I am supposed to do next - after this internship that is. I think I will post about that later.
Now it is Monday afternoon. I have spent some time reading the Bible, got stuff together for the week at BBC, set up a few interviews for rick, and read some of my homework for the day. It is going to be a great week away and I am excited to see some old friends.
Blessings from a pilgrim
Later
Sunday night (last week) we didn't have youth group, instead we went to a Mercy Me concert with a bunch of the students. concerts are very loud, and this one is no exception. I ended up going out to my car and grabbing ear plugs (I am a loser, I know). I am very glad that I went though, it is always fun to hang out with friends
During the concert I talked a few different people about whether it was going to be possible to have my sister come out for the following weekend. Talked with one person, then called a different one to rely information and then first one again to confirm. It got kind of tricky. At one point I was texting two people and calling a third all at the same time.The conclusion: my mom drove my sister out for the weekend. I really wanted my Dad to come out, but I wasn't going to press the issue. The important thing was to get my sister out here, and that happened. Anything more would have been bonus. Next time.
Monday night I went to my last Men's Bible study for a while. I wish I could keep going, I enjoy and value hanging out with the guys there, but my schedule for this week isn't going to make that very likely. I hope to start going again soon. The really bad new is that Chris and I won't be meeting for the next few weeks either. I am gone this week and he is gone next week, and I am not sure about the week after that. Maybe we'll meet up on Sunday after church one of these weeks.
Tuesday I had a meeting with the teaching pastor of the church, Rick Duncan, about recruiting him an intern for the next year. At least, that was the intention of the meeting. It turned out to be more a lesson of different kinds of ministry leaders than about interns. He compares them to a car designer, a car builder, a mechanic, and a restorer - each one loves cars but in vastly different ways. Pastors are somewhat similar.
Wednesday night Small group with the students was a lot of fun. Since we didn't have impact on the weekend we took advantage of small group time to hangout and have fun. We watch Inception, ate popcorn and pizza and built some common experiences. I think it is very valuable to just have time to hang out with one another and be among friends.
Thursday I had Joe D over to my office to work on the lesson for Epic. He is a great guy, and I am always thankful for his encouraging attitude. He doesn't complain or argue, and is always willing to help. When I told him that I wouldn't be there this week he just smiled and said, "okay" like it is no big deal. No excuses, he is great. This weeks lesson is about encouraging one another in the Lord and how we find encouragement in Christ's return.
Friday night started fall retreat! Also, my sister came in Friday night. Between grabbing Pizza and dropping my sister off at the High School Girl's house, and everything else I totally forgot my toothbrush for the weekend. I choose the Middle School boys house for the night - what a night. Boys crying left and right over toys and who hit who first. I am confident this is the only group that cried. Discussion didn't happen because they were all way to excited to sit still and sleeping nearly didn't happen either. Lights out at 11:30pm - I didn't get to bed until nearly 2am. Farting noises, kids getting drinks of water, and talking in general made sleep elusive.
All this faded as a memory with the coming of breakfast Saturday Morning. Homemade french toast, hash browns, fresh fruit, and orange juice. I was stuffed, but I just kept eating, it was so good. I don't know if I would do it all again, but I would surely eat breakfast again.
We broke from there and ended to the church to regroup before going to the work sites for the day. Other than a few minor things, everything went off without a hitch. The high school went down town and the middle school went into the closer neighbor hoods. We helped those that needed help and got done way faster than I thought we would. The middleschool group played football with our free time, and I took advantage of the time to spend with my sister.
We talked about church back home, and about the family. We talked about life and friends, and just caught up. I love her so much and am so glad that she got to come out and visit even for just a little while.
Saturday night she left to head home and I went and finished my paper for school. I learned that night that I am very grumpy when I am tired, making me a mean boyfriend. I didn't yell or anything, but I wasn't that nice either. I got demanding, controlling, and just grumpy. Rachel, also tired at this point didn't enjoy my mood, but was very gracious towards me and helped with my paper. The next day apologize were in order, and everything is forgiven. I don't enjoy those interactions, but they make for a strong relationship if you can get through them. The trick is to deal with them and don't let them build.
Sunday morning came much faster than I thought it would, and I found myself grasping for time. I haven't had a chance to read my bible in two days as this point - adding to the grumpiness - and didn't find any time through Sunday. church went well in the morning and the rest of the day got spent on preparing for the evening. The student leadership team took over for Impact that night, I watched the youngsters while Rick and Joe facilitated parent equip in the next room over. Three nights in a row dealing with kids... I saw myself grumpier than I normally get and now realize that I need to be sure to get sleep next time I have to do something like this.
Sunday night I talked with Rachel and we figured out the plan for Thanksgiving and a little bit about the next week. I am very excited to see her and be with her face to face. Phone conversations are great, but nothing is quite like a conversation in person. We also started working on a project to figure out what I am supposed to do next - after this internship that is. I think I will post about that later.
Now it is Monday afternoon. I have spent some time reading the Bible, got stuff together for the week at BBC, set up a few interviews for rick, and read some of my homework for the day. It is going to be a great week away and I am excited to see some old friends.
Blessings from a pilgrim
Later
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