Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sermon Online
Apparently you can listen to my sermon online at Cedar Park's website but it hasn't been uploaded yet.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sermon
I'm preaching a Sermon this Sunday at Cedar Park. It's going to be about missions: in general and my experiences from South Africa. The scripture reading is Luke 9:1-9.
You should show up.
You should show up.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
It's a boy
Early this morning my sister gave birth to a baby boy. He is 7 pounds 10 ounces. Overall there were no complications and everyone is doing well.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Taking Back the Piews
Actually my church uses chairs. And they're comfortable. And their not orange. Or brown. But the point is that my church like all churches has an unofficial youth section and it is an honor and a privilege to sit there. We get front row to the baptismal tank, a short walk to change the world, a quick duck to the kitchen, an suitable area for post service conversation and the easiest path to the right Eucharist table - which we all know is the best. It's a great spot and I still remember back to the days when I longed for it.
Now like a good Christian setup this section is class based. Only those who have the boldness and courage that comes with age are allowed into the front row. Next is the row of youth who actually can and will sing followed by, in row three, everyone else. Row four is for dropping off clingy siblings. Now, I've belonged in that front row for a few years. I've earned it with skits, actions, misplaced choruses and more than one rap. I'm not alone either. That front row should have at least six name plates.
Well, I have some bad news. The front row is being taken over. This morning there were two kids there, barely into their first provincial exams. I sat next to them and smiled through my teeth. That's right, I put myself into enemy territory, surrounded myself with cracking voices and shinny braces to show them that they haven't won without a fight. This means war.
I'm going back in next Sunday. I'll need backup.
Now like a good Christian setup this section is class based. Only those who have the boldness and courage that comes with age are allowed into the front row. Next is the row of youth who actually can and will sing followed by, in row three, everyone else. Row four is for dropping off clingy siblings. Now, I've belonged in that front row for a few years. I've earned it with skits, actions, misplaced choruses and more than one rap. I'm not alone either. That front row should have at least six name plates.
Well, I have some bad news. The front row is being taken over. This morning there were two kids there, barely into their first provincial exams. I sat next to them and smiled through my teeth. That's right, I put myself into enemy territory, surrounded myself with cracking voices and shinny braces to show them that they haven't won without a fight. This means war.
I'm going back in next Sunday. I'll need backup.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Best Canadian of the Draft
When I was in grade 7 I caught for a hard throwing lefty pitcher at Maple Crescent park. His name is James Paxton and there was an article about him in the Vancouver Sun today.
Paxton was the first pitcher I caught for that had a good curve ball. He had a dominant one actually. It was a strange situation because I was never a great catcher or even very fond of it but it was house ball and no one else could do it. I remember a lot of sore hands and a few talks where he pretty much taught me how to catch a ball that seemed to have a five foot hook.
I remember one tournament where we played a team from the States. I pitched the first two innings and got rocked. Probably gave up a good 6+ runs but it's more of a repressed memory. I do remember James Paxton coming in in the third and pitching an amazing five innings (we only played 7). When you can strike out and impress American players and coaches you are good. I'm not surprised that he's going to be in the draft on June 9th.
I hope that he goes high in the draft and continues into the major leagues. The article mentions a possibility of James going 20th overall to the Blue Jays but that he could go even higher at about 16th. I hope that he goes as high as possible but I would love it if my favourite team signed my new favourite player.
Paxton was the first pitcher I caught for that had a good curve ball. He had a dominant one actually. It was a strange situation because I was never a great catcher or even very fond of it but it was house ball and no one else could do it. I remember a lot of sore hands and a few talks where he pretty much taught me how to catch a ball that seemed to have a five foot hook.
I remember one tournament where we played a team from the States. I pitched the first two innings and got rocked. Probably gave up a good 6+ runs but it's more of a repressed memory. I do remember James Paxton coming in in the third and pitching an amazing five innings (we only played 7). When you can strike out and impress American players and coaches you are good. I'm not surprised that he's going to be in the draft on June 9th.
I hope that he goes high in the draft and continues into the major leagues. The article mentions a possibility of James going 20th overall to the Blue Jays but that he could go even higher at about 16th. I hope that he goes as high as possible but I would love it if my favourite team signed my new favourite player.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Baby Watch: Day 6
My sister's due date was the 23rd. Since then we have received a nightly phone call on order of my mother to make sure that we know when that baby comes out. I'm going to be an uncle soon.
Because of these recent developments, I've had a little extra time to think about what type of uncle I want to be. There are the obvious choices like giving them Cheerios instead of organic O's or always showing up with a gift. I did find a really cool small South African shirt but apparently it was too small because I haven't seen it in two months. Whatever happens, I do want to be a cool uncle.
I think I've figured out the key to that. The important thing is to not try and claim territories that are naturally parental. Diapers, for example, or when their cranky. I'll handle laughing and airplane rides. I'll just let my sis and her husband take care of the joys of parenting while I teach this kid how to catch. And that's my secret weapon, sports. It's just the law of supply and demand. I'll give the kid the things his parents can't or just don't want to. I'm already looking forward to the sex talk on it's 6th birthday.
Because of these recent developments, I've had a little extra time to think about what type of uncle I want to be. There are the obvious choices like giving them Cheerios instead of organic O's or always showing up with a gift. I did find a really cool small South African shirt but apparently it was too small because I haven't seen it in two months. Whatever happens, I do want to be a cool uncle.
I think I've figured out the key to that. The important thing is to not try and claim territories that are naturally parental. Diapers, for example, or when their cranky. I'll handle laughing and airplane rides. I'll just let my sis and her husband take care of the joys of parenting while I teach this kid how to catch. And that's my secret weapon, sports. It's just the law of supply and demand. I'll give the kid the things his parents can't or just don't want to. I'm already looking forward to the sex talk on it's 6th birthday.
Friday, May 22, 2009
How do you pay for it?
Hi. I'd like to purchase some friendship.
Sure. Do you want the standard or deluxe?
Deluxe I guess, but I've never had that one before.
Trust me then, it's worth it.
Okay. So three hugs a week right? Do they still have to be consecutive days?
Excuse me?
That's what I paid last time. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Right about 2 o'clock. Don't worry I'm good for it.
That's not going to cut it. First, this is the deluxe version for a reason and though it might be a bit steeper you'll see it's worth it in the long run. Second, I think you're thinking about the old management. We don't accept hugs anymore.
You've got to be kidding me. What do you accept?
Kind words. Spontaneous encouragements, love notes, that sort of thing. It's actually really easy and here's the best part. They roll over. So if you give extra one week you can sort of take a week off.
I've been giving hugs all my life. You're telling me that all the work that I've done over the last years to perfectly support someone between my arms is useless. That you don't want my warm embrace.
To tell you the truth, it's actually a bit confining.
But...but I don't know how to spontaneously encourage.
Sorry. Looks like you're just going to have to pass on this model. Maybe you can try the place across the street, but I hear they're more into hanging out.
Sure. Do you want the standard or deluxe?
Deluxe I guess, but I've never had that one before.
Trust me then, it's worth it.
Okay. So three hugs a week right? Do they still have to be consecutive days?
Excuse me?
That's what I paid last time. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Right about 2 o'clock. Don't worry I'm good for it.
That's not going to cut it. First, this is the deluxe version for a reason and though it might be a bit steeper you'll see it's worth it in the long run. Second, I think you're thinking about the old management. We don't accept hugs anymore.
You've got to be kidding me. What do you accept?
Kind words. Spontaneous encouragements, love notes, that sort of thing. It's actually really easy and here's the best part. They roll over. So if you give extra one week you can sort of take a week off.
I've been giving hugs all my life. You're telling me that all the work that I've done over the last years to perfectly support someone between my arms is useless. That you don't want my warm embrace.
To tell you the truth, it's actually a bit confining.
But...but I don't know how to spontaneously encourage.
Sorry. Looks like you're just going to have to pass on this model. Maybe you can try the place across the street, but I hear they're more into hanging out.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
New Cell Phone
I have a cell phone that's actually mine now. I've had it for a few days and I'm slowly starting to circulate the number. Considering this is public I'm not going to put it on here but if you want it let me know and I'll email the number.
Two things come up. First, because this is my cell phone I am paying for it. Because I'm a Mennonite I got the cheapest plan possible. It costs me $15 a month. My phone was refurbished and it cost $40. Don't worry, I haven't payed a cent yet. Yet, this leaves me with only 50 minutes and text messages a month. This isn't a big deal for me because I only got the phone for work but it leaves me with the temptation to be rude and try and keep every call below 5.3 seconds. If this is a problem I will upgrade my plan but until then, when you call me, don't use periods.
The other thing is text messages. I am slow! My friend just responded with twice the words in half the time. If I didn't know better I would think he's catching radioactive-superfinger-abilitizer butterflies. But I will press on and until then I'll adjust my vocabulary. Dad, wag, jam, mad, tad, pap and jap-anise will just have to become my new favourite words.
Two things come up. First, because this is my cell phone I am paying for it. Because I'm a Mennonite I got the cheapest plan possible. It costs me $15 a month. My phone was refurbished and it cost $40. Don't worry, I haven't payed a cent yet. Yet, this leaves me with only 50 minutes and text messages a month. This isn't a big deal for me because I only got the phone for work but it leaves me with the temptation to be rude and try and keep every call below 5.3 seconds. If this is a problem I will upgrade my plan but until then, when you call me, don't use periods.
The other thing is text messages. I am slow! My friend just responded with twice the words in half the time. If I didn't know better I would think he's catching radioactive-superfinger-abilitizer butterflies. But I will press on and until then I'll adjust my vocabulary. Dad, wag, jam, mad, tad, pap and jap-anise will just have to become my new favourite words.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Fishing Weekend
I am now done my first aid course. I am now supposed to be able to heal someone. Well maybe not that miraculously but keep you from dying until someone who is better comes along. That's more along my theological views.
Since then I was able to go fishing for a few days with my father and my uncle in our new truck and camper combo. Here are some highlights:
Since then I was able to go fishing for a few days with my father and my uncle in our new truck and camper combo. Here are some highlights:
Monday, May 4, 2009
A Theory about Caring verses Confidence
The theory goes like this.
I think that people will agree with me when I say that there are some who just seem to have a natural level of confidence. There are also people who, in general, just seem to care more about people. My first question is if you know many people who are both; people who care deeply and yet have an ability to not care what people think?
I say that because I think that's a huge part of what confidence is. To be able to distance yourself from what people think. To me, confidence is the ability to be sure about something, be there real or perceived proof or not, to the extent that it makes it more true. This is most often demonstrated in self confidence and exhibited in all forms of life. Tiger Woods is so good at golf because he knows that he is the best, therefore making himself even more likely to actually be the best. He probably got there through many years of different steps but now when he hears someone say that he isn't the best he probably just laughs at them and never thinks twice about it. This might seem obvious but I'm guessing that as I do, you also know some people who can't hear a comment like that and not wonder if their self view is wrong. No level of practice or ability will give them the gift of true confidence.
On the other side, caring is being able to bring yourself as close as possible to what other people think. To be able to plan the perfect surprise party you need to know not only that your friend likes chocolate better but that they have been talking about that new restaurant for a while now. If you care about your friends then you must value what they think so that you can help them. The better you internalize their thoughts the better you are able to help them. Now it is less likely that you know people that have trouble caring but I'm guessing that's because most of you don't have friends who have excelled in areas where huge confidence is needed. It may be that the big shots just don't have time but did they have the time before they made it.
Now it's important that I clarify that I'm talking across the board. Everyone will care about some people and everyone will have some confidence but they just might not be very good at it. The place I see this theory the most is in the difference between males and females. Guys, generally speaking, tend to be more confident and less caring. Girls, generally speaking, tend to be more caring and less confident. I think I can summarize it quite simply: one group tends to dwell more on what people think. It is a curse and a blessing to both. They are who they are.
So is it impossible to have both? Have you thought of anyone yet who can show both types? What about someone who excels in both confidence and caring? What would it take? A naturally caring person would have to learn the precise time of when to 'turn off' their ability, slowly teaching themselves this new skill of being independent of other people's praise and scorn while retaining their compassion. A naturally confident person would need to learn how to give something to people that they don't really need themselves, becoming involved with people for no other reason. I can't imagine that either are easy and that's why I think it's such an unlikely combination.
Are you willing to prove me wrong?
I think that people will agree with me when I say that there are some who just seem to have a natural level of confidence. There are also people who, in general, just seem to care more about people. My first question is if you know many people who are both; people who care deeply and yet have an ability to not care what people think?
I say that because I think that's a huge part of what confidence is. To be able to distance yourself from what people think. To me, confidence is the ability to be sure about something, be there real or perceived proof or not, to the extent that it makes it more true. This is most often demonstrated in self confidence and exhibited in all forms of life. Tiger Woods is so good at golf because he knows that he is the best, therefore making himself even more likely to actually be the best. He probably got there through many years of different steps but now when he hears someone say that he isn't the best he probably just laughs at them and never thinks twice about it. This might seem obvious but I'm guessing that as I do, you also know some people who can't hear a comment like that and not wonder if their self view is wrong. No level of practice or ability will give them the gift of true confidence.
On the other side, caring is being able to bring yourself as close as possible to what other people think. To be able to plan the perfect surprise party you need to know not only that your friend likes chocolate better but that they have been talking about that new restaurant for a while now. If you care about your friends then you must value what they think so that you can help them. The better you internalize their thoughts the better you are able to help them. Now it is less likely that you know people that have trouble caring but I'm guessing that's because most of you don't have friends who have excelled in areas where huge confidence is needed. It may be that the big shots just don't have time but did they have the time before they made it.
Now it's important that I clarify that I'm talking across the board. Everyone will care about some people and everyone will have some confidence but they just might not be very good at it. The place I see this theory the most is in the difference between males and females. Guys, generally speaking, tend to be more confident and less caring. Girls, generally speaking, tend to be more caring and less confident. I think I can summarize it quite simply: one group tends to dwell more on what people think. It is a curse and a blessing to both. They are who they are.
So is it impossible to have both? Have you thought of anyone yet who can show both types? What about someone who excels in both confidence and caring? What would it take? A naturally caring person would have to learn the precise time of when to 'turn off' their ability, slowly teaching themselves this new skill of being independent of other people's praise and scorn while retaining their compassion. A naturally confident person would need to learn how to give something to people that they don't really need themselves, becoming involved with people for no other reason. I can't imagine that either are easy and that's why I think it's such an unlikely combination.
Are you willing to prove me wrong?
Monday, April 27, 2009
A Cost-Benefit Analysis
I've decided to do a first aid course for my work at BC Ferries.
It is a strenuous two week program that goes from 8:30am to 5:30pm every week day. It will also include a fair amount of home study to pass. The course was 30% off but still $496. While I don't have to book time off from work, I obviously will miss shifts over those 10 days. I figure between 4-6. Traveling to and from the course (it's in New West) will average 75 minutes each day. Even though I'm using my parents car I will at least fill up the tank once or twice. Variables include such things as car issues and not passing the course. Reducing everything down to money I rate the costs at $1500-$2000.
Once I have passed the course I will automatically earn an additional $250 per month with an additional $50 if I am ever called into work as a first aid role. With the certificate I will earn additional days and possibly even scheduling. It is very likely that I will get the full 21 days per month and any additional days are double time. This may not necessarily mean any more days but it should equal at least 5 more a month (exchanging double time for two days). The certificate lasts for two years. Variables include the August baseball trip and the chance of getting put on a watch. Benefits could be rated as high as $4000 for this summer, with additional profits for Christmas break and summer and Christmas 2010.
Looks like I've made he right decision. All I have to do now is finish my 350+ pages of reading.
I did this because I'm finding myself more and more interested in economics. It started with reading a book called The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein (worth reading) and it has progressed to the point of reading economic blogs and possibly taking macro economics next year. I understand that this is a very watered down version and I have been informed by the king of all cost-benefit analysis, Dr. Krueger, that it wouldn't be hard to created a few formulas in an excel spreadsheet but my point is that I had fun making this. Does that make me an economist?
It is a strenuous two week program that goes from 8:30am to 5:30pm every week day. It will also include a fair amount of home study to pass. The course was 30% off but still $496. While I don't have to book time off from work, I obviously will miss shifts over those 10 days. I figure between 4-6. Traveling to and from the course (it's in New West) will average 75 minutes each day. Even though I'm using my parents car I will at least fill up the tank once or twice. Variables include such things as car issues and not passing the course. Reducing everything down to money I rate the costs at $1500-$2000.
Once I have passed the course I will automatically earn an additional $250 per month with an additional $50 if I am ever called into work as a first aid role. With the certificate I will earn additional days and possibly even scheduling. It is very likely that I will get the full 21 days per month and any additional days are double time. This may not necessarily mean any more days but it should equal at least 5 more a month (exchanging double time for two days). The certificate lasts for two years. Variables include the August baseball trip and the chance of getting put on a watch. Benefits could be rated as high as $4000 for this summer, with additional profits for Christmas break and summer and Christmas 2010.
Looks like I've made he right decision. All I have to do now is finish my 350+ pages of reading.
I did this because I'm finding myself more and more interested in economics. It started with reading a book called The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein (worth reading) and it has progressed to the point of reading economic blogs and possibly taking macro economics next year. I understand that this is a very watered down version and I have been informed by the king of all cost-benefit analysis, Dr. Krueger, that it wouldn't be hard to created a few formulas in an excel spreadsheet but my point is that I had fun making this. Does that make me an economist?
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Outtatown - A Summary
The Good:
- The clichés: learned a lot, got a new perspective, etc.
- Gained a lot of leadership experience and skills
- Learned to take different roles than I am used to
- Became more comfortable in different social situations (ex. small talk with strangers, large groups)
- Got better at challenging; specifically others
- Made some new friends
- I have a few connections in South Africa
- God became more practical
- Had lots of fun in many different ways
- Maybe a good story or two
The Bad:
- An inescapable community of 37 is too large for me
- I felt stereotyped and boxed in during parts of the year
- Certain issues were consistently talked about but never dealt with
- I did not connect with most people properly
The Ugly:
- Hygiene
Money:
- Spent $426.12 on food and entertainment first semester
- Spent $824.70 on various things in second semester (Approx. Rand 6597.70)
- Total of $1250.82 personal money during Outtatown
- The clichés: learned a lot, got a new perspective, etc.
- Gained a lot of leadership experience and skills
- Learned to take different roles than I am used to
- Became more comfortable in different social situations (ex. small talk with strangers, large groups)
- Got better at challenging; specifically others
- Made some new friends
- I have a few connections in South Africa
- God became more practical
- Had lots of fun in many different ways
- Maybe a good story or two
The Bad:
- An inescapable community of 37 is too large for me
- I felt stereotyped and boxed in during parts of the year
- Certain issues were consistently talked about but never dealt with
- I did not connect with most people properly
The Ugly:
- Hygiene
Money:
- Spent $426.12 on food and entertainment first semester
- Spent $824.70 on various things in second semester (Approx. Rand 6597.70)
- Total of $1250.82 personal money during Outtatown
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Good things
The Canucks are into the second round
I swung a full BC license without doing the drivers test
I have clean clothes and a pillow
Put-put is insured
I have 8+ gigs of pictures from SA (without taking a camera)
I'm going to be Concord's first floor RA next year
Technically I live in a wing of my house now
I'm probably going fishing this weekend
I swung a full BC license without doing the drivers test
I have clean clothes and a pillow
Put-put is insured
I have 8+ gigs of pictures from SA (without taking a camera)
I'm going to be Concord's first floor RA next year
Technically I live in a wing of my house now
I'm probably going fishing this weekend
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Pietermaritzburg
Yesturday I abseiled (repeled) 100+ metres into a waterfall. It was pretty awesome! Sort of like being in a huricane. One guy described it as being that one scene in The Guardian.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Highlights of the Highlife
This week has been pretty sweet. I've really enjoyed the time that I've spent with my host family and all the things that we've been able to do this week. These are some of the best:
Petting a baby lion
Going 230m below the surface of the earth
Paying half for all food and drink
Bowling a 195
Learning cricket
Preaching on a train
Holding $250,000 of gold in my hands
Chatting late into the night
Eating lamb and boerworst
Feeding an ostrich
Releasing my inner rhythm
Going on my first inverted roller coaster (and not throwing up)
The last dinner
Petting a baby lion
Going 230m below the surface of the earth
Paying half for all food and drink
Bowling a 195
Learning cricket
Preaching on a train
Holding $250,000 of gold in my hands
Chatting late into the night
Eating lamb and boerworst
Feeding an ostrich
Releasing my inner rhythm
Going on my first inverted roller coaster (and not throwing up)
The last dinner
Sunday, January 18, 2009
I like where I am
I'm in Pretoria. Staying with an Afrikaans family which seem to be quite wealthy. They are very friendly and I'm really enjoying sitting around and chatting with them. We had a ridiculously good lunch today and that was after the swim in their pool. I had a beer out in the 30ish degree weather as the meat cooked. It was a braai for lunch which is a traditional South African BBQ. Awesome.
Earlier today we saw a giraffe which was pretty cool. I'm also enjoying the fact that I wake up at 7 in the morning and I'm ready to go. I'm not sure if that is the heat or the 9:30 bedtimes I've been having. I've burned my nose pretty good and the top of my head feels like it got too much sun but that's a trade I'm willing to take.
Tomorrow morning we are going on something called the gospel train. Apparently it is a group of black commuters who all meet in the same car to sing worship songs and have a service. We have a song prepared and I get to deliver the word. Should be a lot of fun!
I have internet for this week so there might be another update or two but after that it will be when I can.
Earlier today we saw a giraffe which was pretty cool. I'm also enjoying the fact that I wake up at 7 in the morning and I'm ready to go. I'm not sure if that is the heat or the 9:30 bedtimes I've been having. I've burned my nose pretty good and the top of my head feels like it got too much sun but that's a trade I'm willing to take.
Tomorrow morning we are going on something called the gospel train. Apparently it is a group of black commuters who all meet in the same car to sing worship songs and have a service. We have a song prepared and I get to deliver the word. Should be a lot of fun!
I have internet for this week so there might be another update or two but after that it will be when I can.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
To the Outtatown Site 3 Population
This is the post that is supposed to answer what I said to Outtatown people on that Thursday evening. I started writing a much better blog earlier but frankly I'm not in the mood to finish it. I've had some problems with the last of my packing and I just really want to get to bed. But, I promised that I would answer it somehow so here is what I'm willing to give you...for now.
I told you that I would not miss you. Frankly, I didn't. I told some funny stories of times we had together and some of your names might be known by some folks here but I'm not dying to get back to you. Don't take that personally because I'm not dying to get to anyone right now. If it makes anyone feels better, I pretty much neglected a lot of my better friends here because I generally needed a break from people over Christmas.
Later today I will see you all again. I'm thinking that the airport is going to be pretty crazy. There is going to be a lot of "how's it going?" and "how was your Christmas?". It's going to get old for me after the second time but I'll do it all 37 times with a smile on my face because that's what you do for your friends. Plus, I do not think people would quite understand if I went to plan B: to make a written FAQ of my last five weeks.
Until we meet again...
I told you that I would not miss you. Frankly, I didn't. I told some funny stories of times we had together and some of your names might be known by some folks here but I'm not dying to get back to you. Don't take that personally because I'm not dying to get to anyone right now. If it makes anyone feels better, I pretty much neglected a lot of my better friends here because I generally needed a break from people over Christmas.
Later today I will see you all again. I'm thinking that the airport is going to be pretty crazy. There is going to be a lot of "how's it going?" and "how was your Christmas?". It's going to get old for me after the second time but I'll do it all 37 times with a smile on my face because that's what you do for your friends. Plus, I do not think people would quite understand if I went to plan B: to make a written FAQ of my last five weeks.
Until we meet again...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
7 Days til the GREATEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE
The last time that phrase was used it was for high school grad. Now in truth I had a good time at my grad and I would even do it again if I could but the one thing I could do without is the lead up. Ladner has a bit of a tradition of making a little too big of a deal of its only graduation ceremony, I can't imagine many other schools bring in the bag pipes, but the real problem was the girls. Some had dates lined up in grade 10 and most had their magical day all planned out. Luckily, within my group of friends, the girls were pretty tame. No gradzillas but there were enough cameras to synthesize that euphoric feeling.
Grad was not the greatest day of my life and it wasn't even the greatest day of my life up to that point. It represented a period of my life, provided a little symbolism and an excuse for some to dress up. It was fun.
In seven days I board a plan for Toronto, later that evening London and the next day Johannesburg. I'll be the furthest I've been from home, truly overseas for the first time and I'll experience the longest period away from my family. On the other hand it is 24 degrees there right now.
There's been a fair amount of lead up. I haven't seen anyone from Outtatown in a while but most of their facebook statuses have something to do with Africa. I'm assuming the airport is going to be a good time because I can imagine a few of them popping a blood vessel in anticipation (you can't really blame them if they live in the prairies).
I'm excited. I've told a lot of people that it's going to be fun, not just as an easy way to end the conversation but because I actually believe it too. I'm just not sure if it's going to be the greatest day of my life. I haven't gotten super excited for it yet and I won't until we actually get there. Then if it's good, maybe I'll let it be the greatest three months of my life...so far.
One thing I do want from those three months - brokenness. In myself and if I may be so bold as to ask it for those I am traveling with. I believe that is the most valuable thing that will happen during those three months. Now I just have to go in with open arms and a more open heart.
This is a very good map of our travels, probably made by but definitely taken from my friend's blog.
Grad was not the greatest day of my life and it wasn't even the greatest day of my life up to that point. It represented a period of my life, provided a little symbolism and an excuse for some to dress up. It was fun.
In seven days I board a plan for Toronto, later that evening London and the next day Johannesburg. I'll be the furthest I've been from home, truly overseas for the first time and I'll experience the longest period away from my family. On the other hand it is 24 degrees there right now.
There's been a fair amount of lead up. I haven't seen anyone from Outtatown in a while but most of their facebook statuses have something to do with Africa. I'm assuming the airport is going to be a good time because I can imagine a few of them popping a blood vessel in anticipation (you can't really blame them if they live in the prairies).
I'm excited. I've told a lot of people that it's going to be fun, not just as an easy way to end the conversation but because I actually believe it too. I'm just not sure if it's going to be the greatest day of my life. I haven't gotten super excited for it yet and I won't until we actually get there. Then if it's good, maybe I'll let it be the greatest three months of my life...so far.
One thing I do want from those three months - brokenness. In myself and if I may be so bold as to ask it for those I am traveling with. I believe that is the most valuable thing that will happen during those three months. Now I just have to go in with open arms and a more open heart.
This is a very good map of our travels, probably made by but definitely taken from my friend's blog.P.S. I have also updated my calender for the next three months. If you want to know specific places I will be, check that out.
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