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.