Into Marvelous Light I'm Running

It's been a while and I'm not sure where to start, really.

After being home for 3 days, I went to Rockbridge for a week. Rockbridge is InterVarsity's end of the year retreat. To sum it up in a few words: it was awesome! In more words: I took the track Good News. This track was all about how to evangelize correctly. So many times people witness Bible thumpers and those that stand on corners screaming, "FAGS ARE GOING TO HELL," and stuff like, "Repent or go to Hell!" How many people are sick of them? I know I am. This track was all about building relationships where there is trust and then inviting them to know the Lord. I found it extremely challenging, but something that I am very glad I took. One of the things we practice were Proxe Stations. These are boards filled with good visual art. The one we used had two parts: Part 1: Extreme Body Makeover, where we asked people, "If you had a personal trainer, plastic surgeon, or anyway to change one part of your body, what would it be?" We gave them a pin and they placed it where they wanted to change. Next we went onto Part 2: Exterme Heart Makeover, where we said, "The last board asked you to pick a physical characteristic, now what if you could change part of your heart?" We then gave them three stickers and asked them to place a sticker in the box that they thought they struggled with. Some of the categories were: Lust, Jealousy, Anger, Selfishness, Pride, Self Hatred, to name a few. After that we asked if we could ask them a few questions about it. In the end you are able to share the Gospel (Good News) with them. So exciting. At times it was intimidating to talk about it, but I really saw God working even with conversations with Christians.

That was just one of the many topics we covered throughout the week, and one that I want to bring back to ODU. Outside of track, Rockbridge was awesome. I got to play quite a bit of volleyball. We had two teams in the tournament and both teams made it past the first round! It was awesome. Our school has not gotten past the first round in a long time. It was the first in 3 years for me. I got to talk with Peter and David more about next year's small group, which was good. I'm excited to lead with these guys. Overall, I think this was my best Rockbridge experience. I got to meet people from other schools and actually talk to them. Excited about that, too.

Alas, Rockrbidge had to end. I came back to a messy house (did not expect anything else). I did not get too much time to rest as I worked that Saturday (made $50 cash!) and then started packing everything. I move out on Saturday. It cannot come soon enough. What's better is that my mom is coming down tomorrow! Always good to see her again. Yesterday I started work again at St. Patrick. I work After Care and now facilities. It's about 40 hours/week until school is over. It's a lot. I've done Before Care since Monday and have it through Thursday. It's not bad getting up early, it's just boring. Today was the first day of facilities. I mowed the lawn for a solid two hours and then weeded for another. Not too much fun.

But what was fun, was going to work with my aunt and interpreting for her and her client. He is from Honduras and doesn't speak English very well. That was nerve wracking, but overall a great experience. It was difficult when I was asked to translate lawyer jargin. I will learn it all someday and be the best legal interpreter/translator possible.

Well, now it's almost the end of one day closer to moving out! It's probably not healthy to think this way, but I cannot help it. On the bright side, I have sold: my dresser, futon, bookshelf and desk. All I have to do is move out my bed and three things I have. Oh yea, and all my clothes, and surpisingly, all my shoes. Didn't think I had that many, but I never get rid of them when I get a new pair, they all just accumulated in one spot. Oh well, I'll find a nice home for them.

Until next time.

My room is cluttered.

Classes are done! Exams are done! Grades are in! It all went very well this semester. My hard work paid off with my first ever 4.0! Definitely a defining moment for me as I see that I can do this every semester, I just need to work hard. With grad school applications rapidly approaching, I realize how important it is to build up my GPA as much as possible.

I have a few plans that I am considering, so I will tell you about them:
1. NYU (New York University) has a 1 year Master's program in Spanish Translation. The best part, though, is that it is in Madrid, Spain.

If I do not get accepted to that then I will be moving into option 2, which is:
1. Old Dominion University, a Master's in Applied Linguistics with a certification in Teaching English as a Second Language
2. George Mason University, a dual Master's in Teaching English as a Second Language and Spanish Education
3. University of Delaware, a Master's in Teaching English as a Second Language
4. New York University, a Master's in Teaching English as a Second Language
5. Regent University, TESOL
6. UNC (Chapel Hill), TESOL

Not sure which path God is going to send me down. I know which one I would like to go on first, but it's in His hands and I am open to whatever He has planned. Time and time again I see that He is a God that fulfills His promises and never leaves us to want. He has blessed me so much, and all I want to do is give Him the glory.

I cam home to Rochester Wednesday night. After an 11.5 hour drive in straight rain, we finally got in at 6:00 am. I hate getting in like that because I never sleep. I slept for 3.5 hours and was up and ready at 10. Since we moved to Penfield it's been a little weird being here. It's nice to see something different, but on top of not having my car with me, it kind of sucks. Oh well, I guess I'll get used to it, right?

I brought home a lot of stuff and it's currently just sitting on my dresser and all over the floor. I should probably go through it before I leave so that my family doesn't have to do it. I'm not sure if I should unpack any of it or just place the boxes neatly.

Today is my last day in Rochester, and I kind of wish I were sad to leave, but I cannot wait to get to Rockbridge tomorrow and then back to Norfolk to work and see my friends. When I get back I only have one week left in that house before I get to move out. Which reminds me that I need to place some stuff on Craig's List and cancel all the utilities. That will be a very great day.

I'm almost done reading my current book, and as soon as I finish I get to start World Without End! Very excited to read that. I'm also pumped for volleyball at Rockbridge.

Until next time.