International Dinner

Tonight I met a guy at work who spoke Russian. He was sitting at the bar and I eavsdroped on his cell phone conversation and broke into Russian as soon as he finished. He was from the Ukraine. He knows all of the Russians connected with CIU and First Pres church. I think all Russian speakers in SC know each other. I need to get in that circle.

Casting Call

Today I was told that if I were to be a Lord of the Rings character, I would be Legolas. That is cool with me...I mean...wow...

Magic Carpet Ride Anyone?

Yesterday I
Dug through an industrial dumpster,
Wore eye liner,
Demanded people’s servitude,
Was accused of being evil and
Flew on a magic carpet.


These were only part the festivities of Formal Open Dorms, which is a competition between all the dorms. Each hall is must choose a theme based on a broader category for the whole campus. The campus theme was Disney with out hall reenacted Aladdin. It was amazing. I did not know what to expect and was blown away as each hall on the men’s side of campus was transformed into a Disney decorated collage. A interactive portrayal of Beauty and Beast, a fittingly twisted journey through Wonderland and even a peak into the universe of toy story could be found in former living spaces.

None topped Aladdin however. The cave of wonders, Arabian marketplace, magic carpet ride and a slide out of the city made our truly unique. I had so much more fun than I expected. I never though I would be so excited to win either- many blessings.

Today I heard a Seminary student say that being at CIU is the best thing that has ever happened to him. He said, "I am like a guy in a grocery store with four shopping carts and they said, 'you can take whatever you can carry out!'" I want to be like that.

Fitting Illumination

Wake up with your mind alert and instantly thinking in a different language. With dawn comes learning for the soul goal to communicate the Gospel to those who do not know it. The sun is your enemy because he keeps limits what you can get done in one day and the moon will only light your path for so long after the blanket of stars envelopes you. Corporate vision, communal hope, constant striving in this place are the perfumes that intoxicate you daily…

This place is overseas fulltime ministry and this weekend its absence assaulted me. I have been fighting emotional gangrene for the past few days and could not diagnose its source. I was frequently using phrases like, ‘I want to be impacting the world for Jesus’, ‘I feel like I have no conduit through which to channel my passion’. I am feeling a new wave of withdrawl from the purpose I possessed in Russia.

Thank you Emily M. for sharing with me that for a time we are in season and a time we are out of season. This may be a time I am out of season. This does not nullify my responsibilities as a Believer, but it certainly is a different place than I was months ago. It is difficult not to have such stark purpose or mighty team environment even though my burden now seems lighter than it was before.

"Lord, kindle a new fire in me, one that burns more gently. Mold me to be more like you while using new tools and let me always be a light for you, but be content to illuminate in the manner you see fit. Amen"

This is CIU this weekend. This past week was midterms and now it is fall break. I am very thankful for the break, but the student population has dwindled to roughly 20 students total living on the campus. One of the two RAs saw all of the guys hanging out in a room and even referred to us as 'the remnant'.

CIU is barren yet I am enjoying the opportunity to rest without interruption.

Newsworthy News

I am sad that Brittany Spears in on CNN for losing custody of her children. It is not a good thing to happen to any parent. It is worse for everyone to chastise her for it. I am sad for her. I am also sad that it makes national news...

Dressing East

Today was the ceremony for signing in the new president of CIU-it was a business dress affair.

Last night I dressed a significant portion of my hall, East 2. I lent out one pair of slacks, one pair of shoes, one tie and chose or consulted on matching clothes for 4 individuals. I never thought I would be that guy...it was a good feeling though.