The Old Has Gone and the New Has Come

The othersideofwashington seems only appropriate for when I'm ON theothersideofwashington, so from here on out, you'll find me posting at http://beccarrow.blogspot.com/

See you on the other side!

How Can A Year Be So Short?

They've graduated or moved home. I had everything I owned in Pullman in the car behind my seat on Saturday and moved it all back into my house. How it originally fit there I have yet to find out. But nothing like moving to make you rethink how much you actually need. Did I ever even wear that ... ?

So I'm back in Seattle. I no longer work for my beloved WSU INN team of Bill and Claire, but have actually been transferred to work for Janie (Seattle INN Staff) for helping with the Ascent conference that occurs in about 2 weeks. I'm pretty excited about that, since my job is basically a lot of creativity, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE.

But what a weird transition, and how I despise goodbyes. They're like 'see you later's but in a lying kind of way, because you don't really know if you WILL see them later, however much you hope to. And it felt like I was graduating all over again. Luckily I made some rounds, gave some hugs, ate some Ferdand's and made the most of it, only tearing up briefly when saying goodbye to the most amazing host family in the entire world (this is not an exaggeration). And now I'm home, independence out to lunch, life in boxes, and left to ponder life and what I've learned this year. That's another weird thing about returning home, it always begs the questions 'what has changed since last I was here?'. And I know it's a lot, it's just a matter of deciphering what exactly. I had a great conversation with a pastor at UPC, Allen Belton. He's like the favorite Grandpa you never had, who brags about you to people you don't even know. We chatted during UPC's Centennial Celebration (which in my mind really means free food and weird church entertainment, but most importantly free food) and he feels that freedom to ask me to give him 2 things I learned from the year. Really put me on the spot you know? But it got me thinking, I can map out quite a few things I've learned this year, and it would probably be good to do so. Anyway, the two I came up with were 1) Invitiation over announcements - you can announce the heck out of something but unless there is a personal invitation attached with genuine interest in the stakeholder, then good luck. 2) We have a people over program mentality, but a lot of times you need to have some program to create space and community opportunity to get to know the people, and for them to know each other. Just thought I'd share my bits of wisdom. :) Anyway, Allen is probably the biggest boost of motivation anyone would ever need to get through life. Lord, make me an encourager like you've molded him to be.

And now for the final final lap. Ascent is May 16-19th, and then it's officially over. Yikes! Time sure does fly when you're having fun.My Freshman Core Group at the INN BBQ

Bill and Claire appreciated me by taking me to see High School Musical LIVE!!

Who would I be if I didn't take end of the year jumping pic's with friends ...

... and Family?

My Life, in Pictures.

Last INN at WSU! AAGGHHH! But luckily I still get to BBQ this Tuesday ...TOBY!! He calls me 'ecca'. That's pretty close. And given his other words are 'woof' and 'yes' I'm pretty proud. How can I possibly leave this treasure?

We went for a hike! Kamiak Butte! Check out how AMAZING it was. PERFECT weather. And I mean PER-Fect.
I don't know why it's sideways, but it's still beautiful.

JUMPING PICTURE!!!

All of us. I love hikes. I love nature. I love sunshine. Speaking of which ...

A painted thank-you to the Moores. I love Art.

The End. OR is it??!?! Duh duh duuuuhhhhh ....

I don't care, I'm gonna wear a skirt.

The temperature may range from 29-33 degrees, but the sun is out and that is enough psychological influence for me to decide to wear a skirt. So I am. And it is fantastic. When I'm indoors. It wouldn't be so bad if not for the breezes ...

I've done an absolutely terrible thing. I haven't used my camera in about a week. And I am SO bummed, because that worship night we put on last Thursday was absolutely fantastic (I really like that word). I spent most of Thursday setting up the fellowship hall to not look like a barren wasteland of church space. And it was beautiful! There was a station for lighting candles for someone (a tad catholic perhaps?), a station for writing prayer requests and posting them on a prayer wall (wheel-able bulletin board, but decorated), an area for those who worship through art (the water colors were pretty popular), and I converted the sanctuary's cry room - accessible from the fellowship hall - into a prayer room. This was all accompanied by great mood lighting (aka white Christmas lights all over ...) and it was all-around comfortable and inspiring. I was more or less inspired by the prayer room my host family set up for a 36-hr prayer project they created in my basement. Anyway, the night was amazing, and actually went for about 2 hours ... that's a long time, and people were still there! And every station was used, which just feels good. It was also amazing because I even felt refreshed from it even though I put on most of it, and usually when that happens I get overwhelmed ... but nope! It was fabulous. I hope they do it again next year. But I suppose that depends on the band next year, and this year a lot of them are graduating.

We actually held some tryouts this weekend, which I think went really well. It was good not only for a fair process of forming a new band, but to set a kind of standard for expectation and commitment, which I think is a healthy mentality that needs to be addressed for such things. Same thing goes for Student Leadership interviews - these things are so good. It causes me to call to mind those people who get upset over why there are rules and regulations, or a system for doing things, not realizing that most of the time those are created for the good of the individual/community involved. Don't get me wrong, legalism is dangerous for sure, but many times our Christian guidelines (most of which are set by God/Jesus) are very beneficial. Like why we follow certain ground rules as Christians - no sex before marriage let's say, and people blur the lines saying 'Oh I'll be okay with God, this is an old rule from the Bible, things have changed' or something like that. And I just want them to take a look and realize, 'hey, we believe in a loving and just God who wants the best for you, do you really think He tells you these things for you to cast them aside?' And we look at the ways that it can be damaging when we go against this Godly suggestion (as current culture seems to think it) contrasted with the deep blessing we get when we take Him seriously and live into the promise of true life when we remain in Him. That is a long tangent on why we have certain procedures, but that is the way my mind works, and I could go off again on the issue of drinking and Christianity right now, but this post is already getting long. Let me know if you want to hear me vent.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord ... and watch movies, or do crafts, or just be. I like that. As my time winds down (wind is a weird word - like the air stream or how you use a twisty tie? you decide ...) I like to just spend time with these people. My family, friends - will I get this chance ever again?!?! NO!! These are the people that are here, now, and it will never be the same. That's saddening, but also challenging to make the most of now ...

"It's been a long time comin' but now, the snow is gone"

Have you met my family? Please meet Alex, Mae and Toby. They're pretty much awesome.Nothing like a weekend of 70 degree weather to put you in the mood for some backyard jumping pics. This along with Mom's weekend (= WORST traffic in Pullman EVER), pruning rose bushes, afternoon tea, worship practice and my gospel choir concert, I'd have to say it's been pretty busy.

Up next: Worshipalooza. I think that's how you'd spell it. Thursday evening we're trying to put on a night of worship, honest to goodness I can only hope it will be as amazing as I imagine it will be. I can't believe it's already this week - I kept on having to keep up with the students helping to put it on, and now it finally approacheth ... My friend Amanda and I are going (to try) to lead some songs which will be fun because I realize I'm on a teeter totter of sorts with worship team envy - I'd love to be on one, but at the same time feel I would be drawn away from actually worshiping. I just LOVE playing music with other people. And we sounded good on Friday when we practiced. So prayers please that this puzzle fits together nicely. I see some trips to the dollar store, and possible yanking out of my hair at certain moments, but all should go well.
Friends (my use of this word is the direct effect of working with Claire), take up an instrument. Not for the sake of others but for your own benefit. I do not play the guitar so that others may hear me, nor tickle the keys to impress my peers. It is such a blessing to de-stress on an instrument and just enjoy the music made possible by chords, keys, quarter notes and treble clefs. I can't imagine what pleasure would come from actually knowing how to bang around on a drum kit, I only swoon at the very idea.

Just Hangin'.

Only mere weeks left - literally 3 INN's and 1 BBQ until this year is over. But still so much in between! This last weekend was a blast, Cougar Idol was on Friday night, an event WSU puts on, much like American Idol in which contestants battle with talent for the title of Cougar Idol. Also like American Idol in that some people got eliminated who shouldn't have been, therefore bad judging ... but I won a $25 gift card to The Bookie! So hooray for door prizes!! I think I'll buy some board games or a canvas. The options are really endless!! Is it weird that those are the two things I think up first? I also had some good down time watching Roman Holiday, a classic, as well as the original My Neighbor Totoro, also a classic, and purchased on VHS for $1.50. Palouse Treasures, I'm tellin' ya, second hand stores are the best.

I think I'm feeling a little burnt out. But heres the thing, can you really be burnt out doing ministry if you're really leaning on God throughout the entire process? Look at it this way, God gives great guidelines in how to practice ministry, and really if I follow those guidelines (which include lifestyle choices, habits and relational things) I will probably lead a healthy life. If I overstretch myself in different ways, I am not following the God guidelines, and therefore am unhealthy. And on top of that, I know from experience in Ireland on Deputation, that God gives you strength when you need it the most - strenght in my weakness. I don't know how He does it, but having energy and strength after working at youth camps for 5 weeks in a foreign country does not come from my 'inner' self or whatever. That is an external blessing I more than happily attribute to God. So, thank you God. This brings me to two conclusions:
A) I'm not fully following these Godly guidelines (and maybe that's a matter of re-studying them)
B) I'm not fully leaning on God for strength and energy
So, I'll work on those things. And I'll stop just hangin' around.

I've Got Some Growing Up To Do.

Once I stood in the night
With my head bowed low
In the darkness as black as could be
And my heart felt alone and I cried oh Lord
Don't hide your face from me

Hold my hand all the way, every hour every day
Come here to the great unknown

Like a king I may live in a palace so tall
With great riches to call my own
But I don't know a thing
In this whole wide world
That's worse than being alone

New song I'm infatuated with, best sung (personal opinion) by the Peasall sisters. The other current song of infatuation is Good Man, by Josh Ritter. I'd probably marry it if you could marry songs, but Claire pointed out that if that was possible, knowing my love for music I would probably cheat on that song with another song, so it's good that you can't marry songs.

I have some growing up to do. I just think that's a fair overall statement. Maybe it's more that I just know there's a lot of growing that needs to be done, or that I desire to do. Good thing growing never stops, since things are always changing and the world is so huge. I never want to stop learning. I never want to think that people are uninteresting. I never want to forget the glorious nature of new discoveries. I never want to take for granted the gifts I've been given or the fact that Jesus is my Savior.

I want to be more passionate about the things I do. I want to treat my days with more urgency. I want to be genuine with everyone I meet. I want to take the time to enjoy the little things, and invite people to do that with me. I want to have decent, full of depth and substance, thoughtful conversations. I want to challenge my brain, whether that's with controversial issues or that glorious game of Scrabble. I want to play more music, and play more music well. I want to know how to encourage others well. I want to be able to empower others well. I want to ask the challenging questions that make other people think, but not be defensive. I want to be less influenced by movies and music, but still want to fall in love like they do. I want everyone to realize how glorious life is and the possibilities that are out there.

That's a lot of wants. Glad to have a God who knows my needs, since I don't think I know what those are. This entry is more personal than updative (yes I just made up that word), so for those of you wondering what's going down in Pullman, here you go:

A) The INN rocks my socks. We're planning an awesome worship evening for April.
B) God's Harmony, the Gospel Choir I joined, is awesome. I love singing with these people.
C) I don't want to think about the fact that I have a little over a month left here, because that is depressing. My host family is the best, and the students here are phenomenal.
D) It's snowing all the time. But I think my new favorite weather (quite possible, although sunny and humid is probably still at #1) is having it lightly snow while it is sunny. It just feels weird in that perfect kind of way.
E) I hate the fact that grad schools have paperwork you have to fill out. Can't they just read my mind or something ...
F) Game nights are the best. We played Signs for well over 2hrs, I'm pretty sure. Can you believe that technically counts as work for me?
G) Do I really have to leave this place? Can I bring everyone with me?
H) Sorry I don't have any pictures. As of late I've enjoyed drinking things in with my eyes, rather than my camera lens.

My Findings.

What a remarkable year this has been to date, and so much has culminated in the past 2 weeks. I will embellish further, but feel I might be writing a good deal, so here is an outline.

1) Nicaragua
2) Princeton Theological Seminary
3) What exactly does 'next step' mean ...

Nicaragua
What an experience. I honestly don't have words to fully describe and express how amazing this trip was. I'll include some photos, but my best of the trip are also found here: http://picasaweb.google.com/tenniscotty85/Nicaragua2008

I honestly didn't really enter into it with many expectations - generally how I like to roll on most things, since God's always got something interesting up His sleeve - other than it would be a good deal warmer than Pullman (true) and a heckuva lot of fun with all the people who went (also true). What I was blessed with was much greater than I could have imagined. A quick recap of what we were up to over our week was a modge podge of these things:
A) Helping out at an orphanage - cleaning, removing garbage
B) Helping to build bakery for the orphanage so that it has a stable income to support itself
C) Led an afternoon sports camp to play with kids in the Sandino neighborhood
D) Led a VBS at a church just down the street from the orphanage
E) Participated/learned from a local drama team that spreads the Gospel message through drama

What was most powerful to me was the reactions of the people we were serving with and working alongside. For the most part, the Nica's (Nicaraguans, local slang) we worked with have experienced American Missionaries before, and along with that the white hero stereotype of 'I'm bringing you knowledge and money, so listen up and hold out your hand' with some love coated thinly over the top, which happens all to often in my opinion. But our team was different for them - we came with ready hands and able feet, asking where to go and what to do. We were offering our services under their direction - I mean who knows what they need better than they do? We did construction with their direction - important because they have tools and skills accustomed to their resources, where we might be discouraged because we are spoiled with mechanics that make things easy, rather than using our brains to do some engineering. We learned how to spread the Gospel message unspoken, conveying through art and emotion the love God has for each person. We learned the games of the Nica children, and sang their songs - much better that they understand what they are singing than me try to teach them English they wouldn't be able to comprehend.

So there it is, a visit from the Psalms, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" How truly good and pleasant it is to see our Christian brothers and sisters, and serve them, encourage them, and empower them to press on and do what they do in Nicaragua. I often come to a controversial piece in my mind about short term missions, when if you ask a missionary what a short term mission is, they say 2-3 years. So what is a week long mission? It is a tease! It is a tease to us, who would love to stay longer. It is a tease to the orphans and children in the community, who want us to stay or take them with us. It is a tease to the few we are able to build relationships with, here one week and gone the next. Granted, it is a great way for people to meet people - to bridge the gap between what we hear about foreign affairs and actually meeting the people who live them. But here we refocus the vision of mission - coming to a community already established in Christ, we are a great cloud of witnesses, coming to run alongside and encourage our brothers and sisters in the race marked out for us. What can I possibly change by giving a week to the poor? What impact can I possibly have on a child whose hand I hold for one afternoon? But wait, when did this become about me? It is not about me, and God will use me as He pleases. I will go where you send me, and I will make the most of the time you have given me.

Walking the road between the orphanage and the local church for VBS. It's hard to fully grasp the two-thirds world staring you in the face, walking amidst real people and real poverty.

Working on anti-rust via lead paint on these beams. I may or may not have lost a few brain cells.

Diggin' ditches, something all buildings need. I guess. Look at these studs.

Maria - a favorite at the VBS. Great hugger. Most Nica's are though I guess.Hangin' with the guys. Nothin' like a t-rex in Nicaragua to get your juices flowing.

Princeton Theological Seminary
Alright, it's official. I've sent in my confirmation and housing deposit. Up next, PTS and New Jersey here I come. I guess moving to Pullman was my baby step in moving east. The last post I left on this blog expressed my confusion in where to be next year. The week prior to Nicaragua, I was in a whirlwind of unknowns and busyness, thinking I had stopped to think about my decisions and had conversations discussing it with a handful of people, but not until my 4-hr layover in SeaTac did I understand I hadn't really thought it through much at all. Each conversation I had was more of a defensive stating God could have me anywhere He wants me next year, saying each opportunity has it's own benefits that seem too good to pass up. But what is it I need? Where is it that I need to go? After a few interesting and humbling observations from analyzing my life, I believe it is in fact Princeton. So it's a good thing my mom picked up a key chain for me when she visited last year.

What DOES 'the next step' mean?
Life keeps changing. It's good I'm a fan of change or I would be completely fed up by now. But where does this internship and this new school lead me? How do you balance good long distance relationships with friends and family? This year has felt kind of like a filler in some ways for my home-based friendships, that this is a temporary and I'll be back in no time. But that isn't true, and why do I try to convince myself of that? Why do people have to be so amazing and so hard to keep in touch with? I LOVE so many of the people I've met this year as well, and how do I continue those well? And who knows who I have yet to meet next year ... people people people, why does this world have to be so amazing, and why did God have to make each person so unique and fantastic. We really need to get teleportation down, that would make life a whole heckuva lot easier. And cheaper.

Tomorrow.

That is a rather profound word. 'Tomorrow' makes me think of these things:
A) A song found in 'Annie'
B) A theme of one of the parks within Disneyland
C) The future
D) Nicaragua
E) James Bond, 007

Okay, so maybe it's not such a profound word as it is a rather profound statement in my life right now. Basically, only C and D really apply, no matter how much I wish that B did ... Tomorrow the INN @ WSU is taking 19 students down to Nicaragua for about a week to serve a local community just outside of Managua. I really have no idea what to expect, however I am insanely excited about having the chance to go. The only downer being I'm in the midst of a cold, and we all know airplanes and colds do not play well together. OH goodness.

Tomorrow, as defined by C, is very confusing as of late. I don't really want to go into details here, I feel that God has really opened up doors for next year, and I just don't know which one to walk through. The options are great. I just need to be herded. They say the road is narrow, but it's feeling a little too wide recently. I've got some thinking to do. And thankfully some traveling as well. Which tends to give me lots of thinking time. We'll, come on tomorrow, let's see what you've got.

Refreshed.

First things first:
Typhoid? Check.
Malaria? Check.
Tetanus booster? Apparently, check. And ow.

Had my visit to the doctor, so all who may have been worried - thank you - and have no fear, I shouldn't be coming back with anything too severe or damaging to my health. But only time will tell, right? hmmm ...

Anyway, I have to tell you that God works, and that God does answer prayer. Yes, yes you've all heard that before, but I'm not joking. I have recently been more fired up and encouraged by students to create a opportunity of intellectual dicussion about social justice issues in the world. It's something that I wanted to do at the beginning of the year, but I didn't find students who were excited about it, and it's difficult to generate interest with something that has no initial interest. But hark! By random circumstances and happenstance I stumbled upon a group of people from the new church plant Resonate called Activate - doing exactly what I have been dreaming into existence yesterday evening. They were showing the film 'Ararat' and had a discussion to follow - nothing like a movie about the Armenian genocide in Turkey to get your blood flowing, and the passion for the people of the world to steam up once again.

Friends, I cannot tell you how refreshing it was to sit and watch this movie - don't get me wrong, it was pretty depressing, I mean it's genocide, and a nation that still won't admit it happened. But this is what I choose to do on my Friday nights. This is what I would prefer to do with just about ALL my Friday nights. Talk about the issues, discuss the atrocities that we as Americans have become ignorant about, be overcome with passion and compassion for the people of the world, discuss our responsibility as Christians and perhaps simply as Americans. To talk about this with college students, to dream big about intergenerational movement, empowerment to make a difference in this world that is still so full of turmoil, and yet so easily hidden from view here in Pullman. My heart ACHES for the apathetic and unknowing people of this campus, who choose to live in their own bubble of selfdom, conquered by the success mosquito that is sucking their money, time and purpose into an empty bottomless pit. If every single person chose to daily change the way they live in order to not live for themselves, to know about the world around them, and consider the way we can positively impact the lives of others, how would the world change?

Oh, and check out this sunset. Yes, Palouse, you have a part of my heart.

Hmmm...

Typhoid vaccination, Malaria Pills, and why does the word 'recommended' make me just want to put off a visit to the doctor? 2 weeks to go, perhaps I am becoming a little afraid for my health. Well, we do have the option of DEET and mosquito nets, so fingers crossed and prayers answered, all should go well. We only have two more Nicaragua meetings until take off! I feel slightly unprepared and curious about how this whole thing will work out, but overwhelmingly excited for this travel opportunity. I can't believe it's down to two weeks.

Speaking of weeks, I sure had a heck of one. I had the privilege of speaking at the INN on Tuesday - I get to do one talk a semester, so bingo, it came and went. I haven't had the chance to hear it yet, but feedback has been really encouraging. I think the best comment was that I sounded like myself, which is what I was hoping for. I like it when speakers seem like real people, and seem like the person you talk to face to face. I think that's one reason Rob Bell is so effective. But I feel like when I gave the talk, it didn't really flow naturally - a little nervous about making the good points that I'd prepared on paper, and not talking too fast. That one always gets me - to the point now that I'm paranoid about how fast I talk, and at the end of my talk I could've sworn it was only 5 minutes long and figured I should pray extra long to make up for not talking long enough, but it ended up being ~22 min so that's an improvement!!

I think I might be slightly addicted to caffeine ... the looming headache in the morning was the tip-off, as well as it's quick disappearance over coffee dates. Well, you win some you lose some. In this profession I feel it may be an unavoidable condition. Or I could be making excuses. One or the other. But conversations have been rich, I talked about all sorts of topics this week, phenomenal.

But one that seems to resurface again and again is the issue of church. 'I haven't found one I like' or 'There aren't any good ones' or 'nothing like my church back home'. It kind of gets on my nerves, because I think it leaks into this mentality saying, 'I should get what I expect out of church, I want it to be preached like this and to worship like that, and I will see God working in this way and this way only.' Well, maybe that's a little harsh, but it's not too far from the truth. I feel like sometimes people aren't willing to see how God is at work in a body or community with open arms, and get put off when it isn't familiar or 'powerful' enough for them ... honestly, you could probably grab something from any sermon you hear that is a personal call to your life if you really put your mind to it. And isn't church more than just sermons and worship anyway? A congregation of fellow believers dwelling together for one cause, Jesus. Where do we get the high and mighty opinion that things should always be 'my way'. Not that I don't share that mentality sometimes, I guess it just means that sometimes I and my generation make myself sick.

Makings of a Wha ....

When snow DOES get turned off, it gets slushy and dark from street gravel and all splattery from cars as they drive down the street. I didn't think about this ahead of time, but I don't want the snow to be turned back on, I just don't want to be splashed by it when I walk to Starbucks. Tastes a little salty, I think.

The countdown is now less than 25 days ... Nicaragua! I've never really been to Central America before. I say 'really' because I've done Tijuana, Mexico - you're average house-building-teenage-mission trip, which gives you a spoonful of church community with a pinch of culture thrown in (I may or may not have just made a slight reference to Bride and Prejudice there, you decide). Either way, I'm pretty excited. I'd better make sure I've got all my shots in order. One of our students came back from visiting the doctor for that very reason, and I have never seen someone so stricken with a fear of needles - pale, on edge, doesn't want to move his arm for fear of feeling the medicine seep into his body, needed to take a time out on his rocking chair to gain some comfort. Goodness gracious. But otherness to look forward to is playing worship with one of our students! We're gonna practice weekly leading up to it, and that is just fantastic because there's nothing like playing music. NOTHING.

I'm feeling a little down/up at the moment in retrospect of the INN last night - it was a great INN. I did the announcements with one of our students - who's never done it before, yeah for integration! And there were many people, great conversations and just a good atmosphere. The thing is I didn't really make any one-on-one dates, but in an odd way felt okay about that. So I've got this balance of down/up syndrome (not to be confused with up/down syndrome, of the 'Winnie the Pooh' Variety) - down because there wasn't great individual contact, but kind of 'up' because it makes me think about what my goal is as being an intern. Yes, there is the definite need and blessing of being in relationships with students (don't get me wrong, I'm meeting with students this week, I just didn't force my calendar on anyone last night), but also the fact that I'm only here for a year is coming into focus a little more. I'm connecting them to the ministry, not just myself. I'm connecting them to each other, not just to me. That has to be a HUGE part of why I do what I do - these students are here for 4(+) years, and are often searching for community and a good social scene. I can give them a friendship that will last ... a year. I mean, some will last longer than this year for sure, but really they need to be connected to something that is consistent, and offers a solid something for their time in college, not MY time at WSU. And perhaps this is also helping me (and them?) gain a broader perspective on connecting to Jesus, that people come and go, that experiences last for a few years and then change. But God is everywhere. He is consistent. He is everlasting. And although I may change, He will not. Although I may become distant, He will not (it might seem like it's Him at times, but it's probably me). It makes me feel like 'intern' should have the label 'connector' or 'novice networker' because really, we're always trying to connect them to something bigger than themselves, whether that be community or a relationship with Jesus. So even though I feel a little bummed that I'm not trekking to Starbucks 3x later this week, or camping out at the bookie, I'm okay with the fact that students know students, and students know Jesus. It was cool to wander through the chatting groups of people last night seeing who now knows who. But anyway, back to my job, anyone want to go grab some coffee?

P.S. I made another video for our ski trip this weekend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl2yP9p_54s

Perhaps this pic is an accurate down/up representation?

You Can't Stop the Beat

I love music. I love dancing. So naturally I love musicals. Thus the quote from 'Hairspray'. Winter Retreat fulfilled quite a bit of those areas, in that the worship music was fantastic, and we had a dance party on Saturday night. I mean the rest of the retreat was amazing as well, but as I have found that I'm pretty influenced by music in my life, it was simply fabulous in that respect. But really, what a great weekend. It was an experience for sure - a melding of my current ministry and past ministry - a weird spot to be in because I want to connect with old friends but also make it a memorable experience for current students from WSU. It was overall fantastic, being able to introduce my students to friends from UW, and see the cross cultural interaction. Alright alright, not in your average cross cultural experience, but it really is if you think about it.It's also weird coming back from a retreat - technically I worked all weekend, but does it feel like work? Not so much. But perhaps that's because I'm doing something I love - I mean I'm going to want to enjoy my job no matter what I do. Is that a high expectation to have? It seems to fit so far. I just have to make sure I separate life from work sometimes - which is extra hard here because even having fun outside of normal work is still hanging out with students, they just also happen to be my friends. Does this sound complicated? Moving on ...

As part of my job this past weekend, we did a broomball event. Yes, again, I love my job. But here's the kicker - we had about 20 people show up to be a part of this! Took me by surprise. Here's why. I decided to make it an event on Monday, advertised it at the INN Tuesday, and it took place Saturday. Seemingly short notice. I always have people asking me 'who's going to be there' or saying 'I don't know I might be busy' but there was just something about Broomball that I just had to make it happen. I mean, I've really only played this sport with Jr. Highers before, what oh what would it be like with adults?! (or almost adults ... and it's really just the same as playing with Jr. Highers, only probably hurts more ... ). So I'm basically overwhelmed with happiness that so many people picked up on it and came out for Broomball! Perhaps I set my expectations a little low on this one, but it does leave me feeling pretty good in the end, so low expectations here I come! A couple bruises, broken toenail and solid hour of fun on the rink later, what a great time. Just having fun. Hanging out. Hitting some people in the shins. What could be better?
And please, can someone turn the snow off? It's really making things difficult.

So THAT's What They Mean When They Say 'Walking in a Winter Wonderland"

In the bleak midwinter, frost winds made moan
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow
In the bleak midwinter, long ago ...

(Paul Coleman Trio does my favorite version)

Back in Pullman! Sorry it's been a while since I posted last, but things get pretty busy! We've had a great start to the semester at the INN, as well as a good Student Leadership mid-year summit. I also had the opportunity to try my hand at making a video to promote the Winter Retreat (next weekend!), take a look and see what you think ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH_NFs4YiT0

We have also been pretty excited about sign-ups for Nicaragua - I think we are near 17 students! Our goal is 21, so we'll see if that works out. I'm pretty excited about the trip - I'm not too certain how it's going to go, but from what we have worked out of what the week will look like, I'm pretty stoked. So far it sounds like helping to build a bakery, run a sports camp, and really immerse ourselves in the community of Sandino, just outside Managua. Only a little over a month until take off!

As for personal excitement, I have had some fun over the past weeks. I realized that being in Pullman shouldn't completely revolve around my job, that I should find something to be a part of that isn't work related. So I joined the WSU Gospel Choir - God's Harmony. They are fantastic, and so much fun! You don't have to be a student, and they were so willing to have me join, I'm so excited to see how this semester is with them. I've already practiced with them a couple times, and I simply LOVE gospel music.

This weekend was actually pretty fantastic. One of my students boards a hoarse between Moscow and Pullman and offered to take me for a ride on Friday - and so I went! Along with my friend Jesse, who had never been on a horse before, and that was hilarious to watch. My friend Kari came and visited from Whitworth this weekend, and we had some fun! We saw 'Across The Universe' on Friday for free in Todd Auditorium on campus (weird but AWEsome movie) with some friends, and had dinner at pizza hut. We also spent about 3 hours at the Daily Grind (local coffee shop, also AWEsome) playing Scrabble - well actually that involved reorganizing the word tiles from 5 separate games because Kari was able to play the word 'Buzz' in the first game, which shouldn't actually be possible.


5 boards, 467 word tiles, and 1 cookie shaped like a word tile later, we were done. I may be a nerd, but I sure have fun being one. Later that night after watching the Hunchback of Notre Dame (it's been a while! Disney did a good job with that one) we found out the toilet in my basement flooded.

Grrreeat. Here is where I'd like to have a picture, but we were ankle deep in some places scooping out buckets of water. It was rather hilarious - I felt like we were on a sinking ship trying to get the water out in order to save the boat. So I also felt like we should have sung some sort of seafaring songs whilst swabbing the deck. Unfortunately for us Kari only knew one and it was in Latin, so we refrained from any sailor songs.

So, eventful weekends make for good stories. I'm glad it's a 3-day weekend, and I hopin' to do some crafts and watch musicals. Nothing like it. Winter Retreat is coming up - nothing like a 6 hour road trip to Olympia.