OTS

Well, I figured out how to do this from my phone. You see we can't really get to any websites that aren't for OTS.
The first few days sucked, but we are starting to get the hand of things. There's no way you can prepare for anything like this, so that's all I have to say about that.

We have our first test coming up on monday (1 week from tomorrow). Its one of the graded measurements that we really have to do well on.

So much has happened here, but I either cannot talk about it, or it would take to long. So, just know I'm okay, and if you want to send me goodies, ask kate or my mom for mý address.

OT STOBER OUT!

Elvis in Memphis

Elvis has left the building!

Chris and I are in Memphis, TN. We are going to drive to montgomery today. It was nice to have a trip with someone else that's going through the same thing. If I had to travel by myself, I would be so much more stressed. We have done well so far, shaving two hours off our drive time yesterday.

We have no idea what lies ahead, and we're excited and nervous for it all. It was hard, yesterday, to leave. I can't imagine how hard it is for Chris and his family, having a week old new born and all. It's hard enough leaving my wife and dog.

I think that taking a couple weeks away this summer for work has helped a little bit, but I think it will really set in once we've been there for a couple of weeks. Luckily, they will keep us busy enough that I don't think I'll even have time to think about it.

I think we're getting ready to leave for Montgomery now, so I will talk with you all later.

Later that day....


On our way to Montgomery, we decided to stop by Graceland to see if we could find Elvis. I could've sworn I saw Elvis leave the building, and I looked at Chris and said, "I'm all shook up!" Anyway, he disappeared.

Well, we made it to Montgomery. We are entering the service in an amazing time in history. We ended up walking to the stadium near the hotel and ran into the Montgomery Democratic National Convention....

We got to see our new boss, and are part of the history that shows just how far our country has come. Who would've imagined, 40 or more years ago, tha we would've had a black candidate, or a women, not to mention both on the same election. Needless to say, either way, we have made strides and are entering a new era that is unknown to everyone in the nation.

Down to the wire

Well, it's been a while since my last post. Everything's been a whirlwind. I'm not really even sure what's been happening. I know that I'm all sworn in, and ready to go. Yeah, I have a few things left to get done, but really, I'm just ready to go.

The cool thing was, my uncle-in-law was able to swear me in. It was awesome seeing the reaction from the guys in the building when a general walked in. They suddenly became happy, did everything efficiently, and were eager to do what they could. I was impressed that someone could receive so much respect without having to do anything. Interesting....

However, it was great to have family there. I got to spend some final times with my grandparents, mother, in-laws, and aunt and uncle. I saw final, but I just mean last time for a long time. Not really the final.

I got to see Chris' new baby, and watch his other kids for a while. It was nice to have him and Liz be able to get some things done that they needed to get done. I feel for them. He's been busy with everything else in the home while Liz was having a baby, and now he has to get ready to leave.

I hope that they don't feel too stressed out. I feel better, just don't like now knowing what's coming. However, at the end, Feb. 24th, I know that good things are in store. I just need to make it that far. And, with the help I've been praying for, I know it's possible.

So, I leave you with this. Happy Halloween, All Saints Day, etc. I hope everyone was safe. I'm going to go spend some quality time with my wife and child (dog) and will talk to you all more later.

Wednesday

Today was interesting. Kate got a call this morning for a job from 11:15-3. Those are interesting and unusual times, so it made some things difficult. Since we're down to one car, I had to take her and pick her up. However, my old job was having a lunch for me, so I needed to be there. It all ended up working out, and I got more stuff checked off my list.

Kate went to work, I got my lunch. Then, I cleaned out my office, and took the stuff to my garage. Then, Cooper and I went to the post office and mailed kate and my ballots, as well as a birthday card for my brother, finally. Sorry it took so long. Then, I went and signed forms at my insurance agent's office, which was interesting because it was my first time going to the new agent's office.

I picked Kate up, we went home, changed, and cleaned out the back seat. Then, we drove to church, because tonight was Vala's night for the youth group. There ended up being 23 kids that went. That was tough, because I had only had 12 sign up previously, and set up enough rides for 14. So, I found two other drivers, and we went. God is awesome. That is the most kids that have gone to an event for youth group ever!

We had fun, and I hope that the kids will continue to bond in the future. It was amazing, tonight, to see the kids together, compared to three years ago. I never would've thought this could happen. I'm so amazed at how God has worked in our church to bring these kids from different backgrounds together! Yay God!

God blesses us is so many different ways that we never expect. It's so amazing. I can never show enough gratitude for the people that He's put in my life, and the things that He's done through them and/or inspired them to do for me. I only hope that I can show His love through everything that I do, more and more every day. I will strive to do that. I also pray that He will show me how to act, and give me the virtues needed to succeed in the next few months. Only through Him, and by His grace will that happen.

Well, it's off to bed...Got more stuff to clean, organize and get ready tomorrow, and then I EAD on Friday, so yeah. We'll see how it goes. Take care and God bless.

3 to go

Today was a busy day. I got a lot of running around, purchased most of the rest of the things that I need for Alabama. Unfortunately, that took more money away from the car, but I need to remember to trust God, and then I will be okay.

I got the programs installed at church, transferred the website to that computer, updated it, and got the things ready for the next guy. I visited my grandparents, got another pair of shoes for training, took a load to the garage, sorted summer and winter clothes, got a wedding present, used some gift certificates, and sorted some more photos.

Tomorrow looks to be much of the same, finishing off with a night at Vala's with the youth group. Regardless of the day, that should be lots of fun. I will also clean out my office at work (my old work), and they are buying me lunch, so that's always a plus! All that should be left after that is cleaning out my stuff at church, organizing a room or two, and cleaning more of the apt. Then, I should be ready to go.

I've started setting out the things I need to take with me so I can visualize what is there and what is still needed. Since I'm not really sure about what all to take or not take, it's a whirlwind. Luckily, we're taking a car, so we can take whatever we want, and leave the unsed items in the car.

I need to go to bed now, because I still don't feel good. This week's posts will probably be short, but everything's got to be done, so I'm doing it. Until later...

Beginning of my week off

Well, I started my week of no work and getting ready to leave. It was okay. I feel a tiny bit better today, so that made the day better. I worked out, got a bunch of arrands run, and sold my car.

I didn't get what I wanted for the car, but it will have to do. It's the best I could do, and I need to make sure that I have it gone before I leave, so yeah. I feel comfortable with everything today, and am just excited to leave.

I'm trying to get some of the apartment cleaned and organized so that Kate has a nice, organized, clean place to be. Everything's been so hectic that I haven't been able to do a whole bunch of that....so, this is my week.

Kate's phone broke, but, I had my old one. Then, that one broke. I thought I was going to have to buy another phone, but luckily, a friend had an extra. So, that was accomplished today as well. There's much more to do over the rest of the week, but overall, it was not a wasted day. I got a lot done.

Chris had his baby boy today, and Kate and I are excited for them. Keep their family in your prayers.

Crud

So, I finally get over being sick before. Then, I back off of my meds and get sick with something else. This really sucks. I've got a bad cold or something that's killing my sinuses. Therefore, I've decided that we, as humans, take breathing for granted. You never know how awesome breathing is until you can't do it. It's amazing what you can't do when you are unable to breathe.

That being said, I've got 5 days until I EAD, and then 8 until I leave. Chris is having his baby on Monday, and Kate and I are excited for them. People at church are asking us now how long before we have a baby. That's a bit frustrating. Oh well.

I was able to hang out with one of my best friends on Saturday. We went and looked at tuxes and played some golf. I will miss Zac as much as anyone when we leave. He's been such a great friend, and it's been fun becoming greater friends over the last few years.

It'll be nice not working this week at my job. I can actually get some stuff done at home. Kate will be excited to have a clean apartment when I leave. I also need to get some more stuff before I leave. That will get me out shopping, so I will have to go to Dick's when I'm done to make myself feel more manly! ;-)

Lastly, I have until Tuesday to sell my car before I have to take it to Carmax. They are giving me way less than I wanted for it, but I don't have much of a choice. I need to get it out of here before I leave. Unfortunately, that will make it harder to get my stuff in Alabama and on the way there, but there's nothing I can do about it. Maybe God will bless us by having us find a million dollars in the mailbox.....Well, maybe not, but a thousand would be nice. That would help with the next few months.

Other than that, I'm trying not to get blown away by the wind. So, pray that I don'tget blown out of Kansas, Toto......

Last day

Well, it's the last day at work. I'm finding it harder than ever to actually do something. Instead, I've started thinking about all of the things that I have yet to do before I leave. Will I get them all done? Who knows?

I woke up feeling crappy again, throat hurting, nose plugged....you know. All the crap that i just thought I got over, is back. That means I get to take more of the happy meds though! I got one week to shake this.

The horrible thing is, it won't stop raining, it's cloudy, and that makes it all the worse. It's almost completely depressing out. I want sunshine, and warm temps before I leave. Hopefully, that will be what it's like down south.

Speaking of which, I talked with a guy who was stationed in Montgomery for 3 years, and he said, most likely, it will always be in the 60's and 70's down there. That sounds really nice! Once in a while, he said, it will get into the 40's at night, and maybe one day it will get all the way down to upper 30's, but mostly in the 60's. Wow....pull my leg to get me to go there. I don't think that will really be a problem.

I'm hoping to sell my car this weekend. That seems to be my highest priority, but it's not really. I just need the money badly in order to pay for stuff in Montgomery, and on the way down. I get paid back for all of it, but having it up front is a problem. You know?

This weekend and next week, I get to spend my gift certificates to JCPenny and Omaha Steaks, etc. to get the last of the things I need to go, and those things that I would like to use before I go. It should prove to be an interesting and exciting weekend. We shall see.

Gettin there

I have one more day of work. It is so hard for me to concentrate right now. However, I saw a new part of what my company is doing, going forward, and I wouldn't mind staying here either....but that's not an option! ;-)

I had my last meeting/weigh in with my recruiter this morning. She answered all remaining questions she could, and gave us some free stuff as well as forms we needed to fill out. Now, I just wait until next Friday, when I have to be at MEPS at 5:30AM. I will swear in at 9, and then that's that.

Since it rained yesterday, we had to switch plans for youth group. We just switched weeks. We were going to have a "going away" party/halloween party next wed., but had it last night, and will go to Vala's on next wed. Now, my lovely wife can go too. I have one more Wednesday, and two more Sundays. I'm excited to try something new, but will really really miss the youth at church. We've done so much growing together over the past 3.5 years it's not even funny.

Still got the car. I have one more prospect, but will take a cut out of what I'm asking, because it's someone I know. If that doesn't work, I still have carmax, but they didn't offer much for it. All of that sucks because I have to pay for uniforms (1700), and I have to pay for hotel and gas on the way down, and then they re-imburse me later. That's fine, but having that money up front is not as easy right now.

On top of that, I finished this post hours ago, but for some reason, it wouldn't let me save it or publish it. It disconnected me. So, I had more, but cannot remember what it was now. My brain is about to explode, or that's the way my head feels at least. So, I think I'll quit while I'm still able.

Meanwhile, back at the farm.......

Single Digits!

Well, it's down to single digits now. In 9 days, I will be a rankless E-5. I'm pretty stoked about it, nontheless.

It's supposed to rain for the rest of the week which is depressing. People were driving, last night, like there was a blizzard. I barely even had to use my wipers. Sue, Joe, and I had to change plans and switch weeks for Wednesdays. Now, we are going to Vala's next Wed, and having a party tonight. Exciting huh? Well, not if most of the things you need are in your garage which has a key stuck in it, because the apartment complex you live in is managed by people who don't check out the work that their maintenance men do, or do it in a timely manner, or really even care about the people that live in their complex. Can you say run on sentence?

Hopefully, they will have the garage fixed today. They said they'd have my drawer and intercom thingie fixed yesterday, but alas, they are in the same condition now as yesterday.

I have to do some training this afternoon, and I'm a bit nervous for it. I'm not really sure how to explain all that I do, so I'm not sure that I can pass it along to others. Cross your fingers.

I have a meeting, I think the last one, with my recruiter and her boss tomorrow morning. We will be going over the last few items needed before I leave in a week and a half. That should be good times!

I don't know if I put this in yesterday or not, but the lady decided not to buy the car. So...I have the car still. I took it out to carmax, and they gave me an offer that's way under what it's worth, but it's what I'll have to take if I still have the car next week. Pray that I sell it before then.

Lastly, we have some cool technology and things happening at church. I've tried to make sure that people get a chance to see it, so they will support it. I've tried to explain to people what all it involves, and what it will take to keep it going. They sound excited, and say how awesome some of the stuff is. Then, they talk about how important it is that we use it, and show others how to use it. Then, after that is said, they go right back to the "old way" of doing things. Wasn't my sermon on getting away from things of the past? If they paid for the new things, why let them sit there and be a waste? Why not use the new stuff? That's what it's there for!

If you had an old Ford Pinto, but someone gave you an 08 Mercedes, which would you drive? I hope you didn't say the Pinto, because then you'd probably blow up one of these days! :-)

It's a far fetched analogy, yet the same. Pray that people will quit dwelling on "the good old days." Buck up and move forward.

10 to go

So, there's only 10 days left until I EAD, 13 days before I leave, and 3 days left of work. How exciting is that? Amazingly exciting!

Yesterday was a long day. It went quick, but it was long. Most of the day was spent looking for my checkbook. I haven't freaked out quite that bad in a long time. But, what are you going to do? So, I looked high and low and finally found it. That was good, because if I didn't, I'd have to get a whole new checking account, order new checks, and change all of my direct deposit and withdrawl settings for all of my accounts. That would've sucked.

I had a gig last night though. That part was great. I even got paid for it. I haven't played jazz in a while, so I was nervous, but it went relatively well. Now, I miss playing. Hopefully, wherever I get stationed will have some sort of community band or something that I can play in, and maybe even some jazz.

There's not a whole heck of a lot else going on right now. Mainly, I'm trying to finish up here at work. That's enough, but still. I need to make sure that I have all of my stuff in order to leave, and have everything that I need. That's what next week is for. I will clean out my office at work and church, and be ready to go by the weekend so I can chill with my wife and dog before I leave.

I haven't heard back from the lady that wants to buy my car. I'm starting to get a bit frustrated, but I will try and be patient and call her tonight. I would love to have that thing sold by the end of the week.

That's all for now. Ta ta.

It's been a while

Well, I haven't posted since thursday. Sorry about that...

I took Friday off, and Kate and I went to Nebraska City to use a gift certificate that we received. It was really nice. We had a nice dinner, and even a carriage ride. We stayed the night, and came home on Saturday.

Saturday was filled with getting ready for Sunday. I finished up my sermon, and made sure that the thechnology was all ready to go. It was a bit difficult because my laptop is about completely gone, and the external video settings don't work most of the time. Luckily, I've gotten them to work for church, and that's all that really matters.

Saturday night, I got the chance to hang out with Chris, which was pretty cool. He's good at darts, so I think we will team up against others when we are in Alabama.

Sunday was pretty awesome. It was youth Sunday at church, and the youth and Sue, and Joe, and I ran the whole service. It turned out great. I thought the sermon was really good too, but I'm a bit biased, since I did it. Who knows? I performed my first baptism which was nerve racking in itself, but was amazing. It's cool what God can do when you ask him to do it.

The rest of the day was more relaxing than anything in a long time. I took Cooper to the dog park, and there were about 40-50 dogs there...more than I had ever seen. Then, I taught my last trumpet lesson here in Omaha, and went home and watched some football. I haven't had a chance to do that, almost all season. I watched the refs of the Greenbay, Colts game call a lopsided game, and then I watched Favre get beat by the Raiders, with two field goal kicks over 50 yards.

All in all, a great weekend. Very rewarding. And now, I finish by starting my last week at work. This should be interesting. I have the least amount of work ethic ever right now, and almost three weeks of work to finish in one. Stay tuned for what happens about that!

Back to reality

It's back to work today. I'm still sick, I can feel it, but supposedly, not contagious anymore. Who knows. All I know is that, counting today, there's six days of work left, and it's increasingly harder to find the work ethic needed to finish out. I couldn't take the last two days off, because that would empty out my remaining time off, and I am hoping to get paid for that the week before I leave. We shall see.

It sucked missing church last night. I really enjoy youth group, and I only have two left. They "rehearsed" for Sunday last night. Sunday is youth Sunday, and there's so much going on. I've done a lot of preparation, yet still feel un-prepared. It's my first sermon in front of an actual congregation. I've given them or "talks," if you will, at camp, but this is a whole new monster, equipped with a baptism and everything. It shall be interesting, that's for sure.

We have our worship rehearsal tonight, so that should put me in a great mood. I love worship practice, even if we suck, because it's how I praise the best. I enjoy the company of the others around me as well, so that makes it even better. We will have two to three more tonight and maybe even more on Sunday, so I'm extremely excited. Anyone that's free should come out (421 Park Avenue - - Park Avenue and Harney).

After that, we will be meeting three people to hopefully create a technology team. I'm going to go over with them what has been done in the past, and what the current needs are. Then, I'm excited to hear their vision for the future and see it take off. Hopefully, I can get home over Christmas and see everyone and the improvements they're making.

The car is still in my possession, which is depressing in itself. I enjoy not having to figure out rides everywhere, but I still want to have that sold by the end of the month. So once again, if anyone's interested, please let me know.

I teach my last lessons this Sunday afternoon, and then I will be student-less. It will be weird not teaching trumpet lessons for a while since I've been doing it so long. However, I guess there will be a lot of changes. I'm looking forward to most of them.

I've got work to get caught up on today, so we shall see how much of it I can actually get done. My goal is to have this project completed by the time I leave. There's just a little to do, but so much to do inside of that.

Enough for now. Laters!

Sick Money

So, today royally sucked! I went to the doctor's this morning. I guess there's some sort of virus going around, and I just happened to be lucky enough to get it. Can you believe it? Oh well. The doctor told me to take off two days of work. I'm not going to argue, but I have to get some work done. So, I did some work from home.

It's not too bad once you get some meds in you. That pseudoephedrine (spelling?) stuff works wonders for your mood and symptoms. But, because of kids screwing with the meds, you now have to show your ID and can only get certain doses.

My dog was cute today though. He wanted to sleep on me all day. There are a couple great pictures that Kate got tonight.

Other than that, and getting ready for youth Sunday, there's not much else going on. So, I will leave you with this short one today and let you get back to you lives, and the people in it. God bless and until tomorrow....

A Case of the Mondays....

Time is starting to wind on down. 18 days until I swear in, and 21 days until I leave. Time is moving fast, yet, slow when I think about it. Each day creeps by, yet, all of the sudden it's Friday. How does that work? I'm kind of excited because I just realized that Kate and I have many gift certificates to use before I leave. That means I don't have to cook!!

I find it hard to concentrate at work, as I said before. However, it's even worse on days like today. I had a great weekend, lots of sleep last night, but I just couldn't get my lazy butt out of bed today. It's rainy, my throat hurts, and I have no motivation to get up! That will all change in a few weeks.

I do have a couple of things to make sure I get done though. I have to train people in St. Louis on how to do my job, in a nutshell. That should be interesting considering I get about 3-4 hours to do so. I also have to finish up one project which has been dragging on since forever. This is difficult, because I rely on others to get their part done as well. That hasn't been happening.

So, during the day, I find myself watching the construction process of a hotel next door. It's where guitars and cadiallacs used to be. It's a very interesting process if I may say so myself.

I hope to sell my car this week. That would be a huge thing if I could. I'm kind of upset at the guy who said he would buy it then didn't. But, that's the way things work I guess.

Now, to put an end to all the random madness!

Little Rascals

Did you know that people in the Rascal Flatts fan club are called little Rascals? I thought that was interesting. It kept reminding me of the movie whenever I heard it.

We went to the Rascal Flatts concert last night, which is why I thought of that. They were absolutely amazing. Taylor Swift was their opener, and she was pretty good as well. I bought Kate the tickets for her birthday, and they were amazing seats. It was probably the best concert I've ever been to, and that's saying something because Garth Brooks' was amazing.

Kate's birthday is today. We've been celebrating most of the weekend. It's interesting because you have to do things multiple times when you get married. We celebrated her birthday once with my family, once with me, and once with her family.

It was a whirlwind of a weekend, so I'm not sure what else to write really. All else is the same. I've been trying to get use to running every day, which is hard on the shins since I never have done it before. I'm trying to get them use to running so I don't have to run with shin splints all through training.

Other than that, everything is starting to come together at church, and one by one, all tasks are getting completed. Hopefully, it will get even better as the time draws near. I'm still looking for someone to buy the car since the other guy fell through. Let me know if anyone is interested! It needs to be gone by the end of October.

Well, until tomorrow.....

Red Hooded Sweatshirt

Does everyone remember Adam Sandler on Saturday Night Live? Man! Those were the days. I wish that SNL was as funny as it was then....you remember, Adam Sandler, Kevin Nealon (I don't know how to spell these people's names, nor am I going to look them up, because it's to prove a point, not to show off my spelling abilities), Chritopher Walken, etc., etc., etc.

We sometimes have a huge problem staying and dwelling in the past. I'm noticing that my church, especially does that. We have some huge opportunities lying ahead of us, including welcoming around 20 new members all in one fell swoop! How amazing is God?!? That's almost unheard of!

FBC is celebrating it's 150th year anniversary this year. We are having our large whole church even tonight, a banquet. I offered to help put the slide show together, and have been doing so the last week or so. What I have noticed is that the script starts off with the past (important to know where we came from), goes on to the present (important to know where we are), and then, only has one paragraph on the future.

To me, the present and future is the most important. It's how we put into work our visions of what God wants us to live our lives. It is important to put into practice visions and plans for the future. If we don't, we stay where we are, and don't progress. (BTW, if con is the opposite of pro, what's the opposite of progress?...haha)

Point being.....
It is important to remember the past, but only so much as we learn from it, to make changes for the future. If we dwell on the past, we sink, forget where we are at currently, and become unable to make changes for the future. In a church, that's what closes doors!

So, my challenge for everyone reading this....don't dwell on the past. Only use it for memories, and to learn from. Use it to shape your future. God wants us to focus on Him, and follow His path for us.

Part of preparing for the future is having patience. God has clearly put His path in front of me for the near future, but is making me learn patience by having me wait for long periods of time, and not know what is coming. Things take time. I understand that now, but I still have trouble expressing that, and liking it. He has been teaching this to me more over the past 3-4 years. Don't be afraid if things take time. They often will if they are the right thing to do. Have patience. Without patience, our motives become obscure, and things will avert from doing them for God's will to doing them for your own will. And that, alone, is confusing enough.

Pray unceasingly. It is hard to discern God's voice from the distractions all around. I'm finding that a huge thing for myself recently as so many changes are happening all at once. Quiet your mind, and just be. Listen for God's answer among the noise of life, and pray that He will secure His voice in your head and protect you from the voice of evil.

Meanwhile, back in the office.....

Egos and Airwaves

One of the things that has been very important over the last few years has been my church. The church has been struggling, numbers dwindling, etc. Many people have worked hard, together, to begin a transformation to attract new members. Basically, the church followed what was believed to be God's path for us, our vision of what God wanted of us.

These "leaps of faith" were just that. Spending money to fund programs and events without knowing that the funds would be there, yet having faith that God would provide was a large struggle. It was even discovered that it is hard to have faith when you're facing something as drastic as closing the doors forever. The building for instance, sucks up so many resources, financially, that the future looks dreary much of the time.

However, faith has brought the church through, and into the present, for such a time as this. The children's group has grown, the youth group has grown, the young adult population has grown. But by the grace of God, we have had larger attendance in Sunday worship. We have a new website. A new parlor has been constructed that is equipped to hold a contemporary worship service. There is a gym, game area, and computer lab capable of hosting after school activities, computer literacy classes, and much more. We have begun a feeding program on Saturday's from 11:30-1:30 (we can always use help by the way ;-) ). There is a new refrigerator capable of containing food for all programs that use it, without letting it spoil. There are two people willing to help the youth group grow spiritually as well as socially.

There are so many things going on that glorify God, and show His love to others, it's amazing. It was pointed out to me that my last post may have seemed a bit egotistical. That was not the purpose. However, I really believe in my church, and the people in it. I think that God has put everyone there for there purpose at this time. That does not mean, however, that I have no concern for what will or will not happen when I leave. You may say, that's not your problem, and/or God has a way. I know that, and I believe it.

It is something that is deep in my heart though. The youth need someone that can relate, someone that can pass on God's word in such a way that they will hang on every word. They need a worship service that is tailored to them, that discusses and hits issues that they face in their life. There are many that can do this much better than I.

The church needs new, younger members, to pass on the old traditions and create new ones. One way of attraction is a website. Not too many people my age look in a phone book for that type of thing anymore. Many people are capable of maintaining and building website much better than I can as well.

The issue is not that I think that I'm the only one that can do these things. Thus far, I have been the only one that has done these things. I'm excited to see that more people are coming, and that more are getting involved. There are lots of people that want to learn how to do these things, they just don't know yet. I would like for them to be able to do it since they have such a heart for it, and a desire to help.

Therefore, I welcome the stress. Why not teach them how to begin with it? They can go on and do some amazing things. I'm not the only one that can do it, nor do I think that way. There is just a huge desire in my heart to keep the times progressing as they have been, and pass on what little knowledge that has been given to me. My dream, if it is God's will, is that I will come back to visit someday, and walk into a church that is thriving, in the inner-city....see all the programs that show God's love to others, and see God in a place where most don't....in the whole neighborhood of Park Ave and Harney.

Concentration and Anticipation

So, I'm finding it considerably harder to concentrate at work. It's not that I don't want to work, because I don't really, but normally, I would do it anyway. Now, I find myself constantly thinking of what's left to do, what did I forget, what do I need, who do I need to talk to, etc. There's not really much that I have left to do at work, but there's tons at home and at church.

We have found people to replace me at church to continue on with youth and young adult groups. However, now we're in need of someone to work with contemporary worship, someone to work with the website, and someone who can run a computer lab. Even if we found them, I would have to somewhat train them as well as the people replacing me in the youth and young adult area.

I take on too much, and then it stresses me out. I need to actually relax and understand that it's God's plan, not mine, and He will make it work out to glorify Him in a way better than I could ever imagine.

I'm starting to really think about what it will be like being away from my wife and my dog for four months. Again, I start to think that I can't do it, but I don't have to do it alone. I'm starting to pray for help on these issues, because I am too weak to do it alone.

I talked to a friend from a long time ago last night. He's at Westpoint, and we talked for probably half an hour about what I should look forward to. I need to get back into the habit of memorizing information, being a follower before being a leader, physical fitness, and anal retentiveness. The last shouldn't be hard because I am in many areas. It will just be a shock adapting to a whole new way of life.

I did a total of 161 pushups yesterday. That's more than I think I've done collectively in my whole life. So, I hurt a bit today. I will run 2 miles tonight between work, church, and finishing the church slide show. Man I love being under pressure. I get things done much more effectively. I guess that will be good next month. I've lost 23 pounds now in the last 2 months. I'm excited about that, and going for 10 more before I leave. We'll see if that happens.

I should probably get back to work now, but as you can imagine, my mind is wandering in so many other directions it will be hard. Have a great day!

Meanwhile......

Stress

So, I'm down to 24 days, and I'm very excited. However, I'm stressed, and have lots of questions. This would normally be okay, but I'm taking it out on the wrong people. I don't even know exactly what I'm stressed about. I know that I have a lot of stuff to do, and I will probably wait until the week before I leave to do it. Then, I can usually leave my head on straight and get things done in a timely manner. Weird thing is, I do better under a short time-line. It's almost like I have too much time right now.

I go back to fall retreat, at Camp Comeca. During one of the power sessions, I was alone, praying, and taking in all that I could of my surroundings. I talked to Matthea about it later, we were talking about God's presence during our prayer. Matthea said that he could feel Jesus' presence, and that they just sat there, taking in all of creation. My experience was similar, but I was given some directives first.

Those directives were being a better person, husband, and having patience. All of which I'm finding so hard to do during these last few weeks. I think that my problem is that I'm not spending enough time in prayer and asking for help. Maybe that would be a good thing to start with.

Back to BOT, I'm starting a new approach to situps and pushups. Chris (another guy going to BOT with me) suggested it and said it worked well. I will keep updates on here if I feel the same and post what the program is so you can try it if you wish.

I'm down to 185-186ish now. That is huge progress for me, considering I was 208 1 1/2 months ago. My eventual goal is 175, and fit. We'll see. I've cut out pop almost completely, cut back on alcohol consumption, started eating breakfast and vitamins, started eating healthier, and cut out bad snacks. It seems to be working.

I'm calling the guy who wants to buy my car today. I'm excited for the money, and to actually sell my car, but I'm confused on what I will do in the interim before BOT. I tried to talk my wife into letting me get a motorcycle, but that isn't going well. It's much much cheaper than a car, so I thought it would be a great idea, but she doesn't.

Until tomorrow.....

The Countdown Continues

25 days left!

I'm excited, nervous, and any other emotion that you can think of. I feel like there's so much to do, but I can't think of it all. So many questions are unanswered, which doesn't help, but I'm at the point where I'm starting to just wish it was time to go.

I think I have my car sold. That happened really fast. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with just one car between my wife and I, but I think we will work it out. I guess I'm just glad to have that out of the way. I can now use that to pay for uniforms and equipment.

I've wondered whether this is exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, even though it's always been a dream. Then, I figure, God is putting me where he wants me, when he wants me there. Therefore, who am I to question it?

I've met someone who's going down at the same time, and for the same job. We're going to ride down together, and I think that will be awesome. It will be really nice to go in already knowing someone. That should relieve some stress and help with the beginning of training.

Until then, I just keep on trucking, doing what I'm doing, counting down!

I'm not looking forward to months without church. I'm not sure if we have the option to go on Sunday or not. That's just another one of the many questions going unanswered. Therefore, one of my big hopes of this blog is that I can give future BOTrainees some insight as well as relieve some nerves and answer some questions.

God's going to make this an awesome journey, and he's helping with my trust and patience right now. I think that this is what he's going to use to help me be a better person in at least those two regards. God bless!