Top 10 memories for 2013

So this list is pretty much coming off the top of my head and what I can remember from this year. There is no doubt though that this year was one of my best and I can't wait to see what God has in store for me the coming years. Without further ado, here is my list.

10) Blazers-Thunder game on December 4th

I have part-time season tickets. So far this is the best game I have been to given the Blazers current record. Lamarcus Aldridge had 38 points and 13 rebounds! He was on fire. Really blessed to have witnessed this game against such a good team

9) Blazers-Heat game on January 10th

This game we actually won, not to compare to the heartbreak last Saturday. The difference in this game, my favorite Blazer hit back to back 3's to give us the first lead of the entire game, plus Lebron James played. What is not to like about that!

8) My sisters high school graduation in June

This moment meant a lot to me. While in college these were the years I missed out on with my sister. She during those years blossomed into a beautiful young lady and it was such a good moment for the family. It also was the last kid out of the house for my parents! Now she is at OSU and I am so happy to only be 1.5 hours away from her instead of 3.5 hours.

7) Last college retreat to Lake Shasta in May

This would be the last retreat with the beloved college ministry that did so much for me during my 5 years at OSU. I made so many good friends during those years and it is something I will never forget. This year by far had the most impact on me because I have never seen God move the way he did that weekend. Maybe it was because I gave him room to or he just wanted to prove me wrong. Whatever the case was, it was a great time and I will miss times like that moving forward with my life.

6) Las Vegas in August

So I love this place, yeah it is Sin City but it is a good place to vacation for 3-4 days or so. The tops on this trip was meeting Chris Daughtry and going to his show later that night. Getting a picture also was worth it too. I never came home with the big bucks but I for sure will make Vegas an every two year trip for sure!

5) Concerts and concerts

I love music. I saw so many concerts of bands I love. It started with a night of worship when Hillsong United was in town. I can honestly say they are one of my favorites and that night is something I still go back to time to time. What a show. I saw REO Speedwagon and Loverboy. Grew up listening to these bands so this show rocked! Bethel Music was next and again another great night of worship. Chris Daughtry ended the concerts for this year but I am looking forward to this next year and what it has to offer! Journey and Steve Miller is already on the list :)

4)Colorado Springs and a Bronco game in September

This weekend trip was my graduation present. I had such a blast staying with some friends in Colorado Springs for 3 days before heading to Denver for my first NFL game! For those of you that know me I love the Broncos! That weekend just reminded me how lucky I am to be alive and also how beautiful this country is. I would love to call Colorado home someday. Here is to hoping that dream becomes a reality in the next 10 years :)

3) Singapore mission trip over Spring Break

Honestly if it wasn't for the next two memories being lifetime accomplishments this would be number 1. Words can not express the impact this trip had on me and where I am today. I encourage you if have never heard about my trip to Singapore to read my previous posts starting with this one and moving up :)

http://whenmyguitargentlyweeps.blogspot.com/2013/03/roads-untraveled.html

It was an amazing trip and the stories tell themselves. I will be visiting soon someday.

2) Graduating college

What can I say. Since I was a kid I wanted to graduate from college an OSU Beaver. It may have taken me 5 years and I am have wanted to quit along the way but I did it. If it wasn't for the ongoing encouragement from my family and friends, I would not have been able to do it. That day walking across that stage and getting my diploma just made all the difference in the world. Now I know my hard work paid off.

1) My first job as a civil engineer

Now here I am, 6 months on the job as a project engineer for Sisul Engineering! I still have my job moving into the new year and I also get full benefits and a little raise. It is a start but I couldn't be more thankful for this position. I love what I do so that makes it worth it! Portland has been treating me well and I can only imagine 2014 will be more busy for me at work. It still hasn't hit me that I am a full time engineer. I still feel like a kid. Hard work pays off I guess. For now I am loving it and this is the memory that will last a lifetime for me. Never thought this day would have come.

In conclusion, I can expect 2014 to be an even greater year. I have no clue what to expect but I said that last year and look what God did. I can't wait to kick off the new year right and see a year from now what has happened :) Happy New Year and God bless you all!!

My thoughts on the Blazers thus far

This post comes from the fact that the Blazers did lose yesterday. 27 games into the season their is no doubt that is team has something special. I am no expert but I did want to state my option on the team thus far in the best manner that I can.

For one, the resilience this team has is unbelievable! Yesterdays game I had as a loss long before they played, but they could have easily been 1-3 on that trip and they know it. The fight this team has is a lot like that team was last year. I remember a lot of their 33 wins last year and they had some pretty good games when they fought back and won. Granted last year they had no bench but compared to this years team the starters haven't changed. With exception to Lopez being a true center that doesn't demand touches and the bench being upgraded with players that mesh well and fit Stotts system, this team will not give up.

One thing I loved about last night is the quotes from the players. They admitted the Twolves kicked their rear end and didn't make excuses about it. They noticed flaws and even said they have a lot of work to do as a team. Most of that is on the defensive end but with all the points they put up each game, you are unlikely to see the Blazers crack the Top 5 when it comes to team defense, but they can continue to get better and do what they do best.

I trust Stotts 100% with the direction of this team, he is an analytical genius in my mind. The NBA game has changed and he knows it. No Blazer team in my lifetime have I remembered meshes together as well as the Blazers team does this year. I still think Mo could improve in the 6th man role, but he sure is a hell of an upgrade from last year. Freeland has changed his game completely and if only Leonard could learn from him and the confidence he has with his gameplay on the court, he could be 2nd string. Until he learns that, Freeland will continue to get minutes. Wright can flat out shoot the ball when he needs to and his D isn't to bad. And T-Rob is a diamond in the rough that will continue to get better over time. If the starters stay healthy, I like this team making a run in the playoffs.

But their is so much room for improvement and a lot of it. I love the fact that LA and Wes demanded a team meeting after last nights loss. They take complete blame for it. Teams in the past would never do this. Not this Blazer team. Individually each guy can improve. Damian and his FG percentage inside the three, Wes and creating his own shot. Batum not forcing things. LA is playing great. RoLo manning up more. Mo not being stupid and turning the ball over. The list goes on.

Along with the teams we have beaten, we have yet to face a quality team on the road. Sure we have already beat our road record from last year but until we beat a team like OKC, Houston and SA at there home, I won't be satisfied. Can I also say I can't wait to see what CJ can bring to the team.

Looking forward to the new year. I am thankful we have only 5 games left in December. We need it. On average we have played two more games than most of the NBA. That is crazy. Beating LAC and Miami at home will be huge. December 31st is the game I will have circled though. @ OKC with Durant. 4-1 the next 5 I am okay with. But beating OKC at home will only tell me more about this team. The D was none existent this last road trip and will get better. We will continue to lead the NBA in points and 3 point FG made. When 3 of your players are in the top 10 for FG made behind 3 that trend is likely to continue to happen throughout the season. But quality road wins in what I am looking for because come playoff time we will need them. So much more to talk about. Moral of the story is I love this team and love that they want to get better 22-5 isn't good enough and I LOVE that. Thankful to be a part time season holder as well. Miami is next. Keep it up Blazers, you are making this city, this state, and also this nation really proud! Rip City for life. Until next time.... 

Countless blessings

It is a little past 9, lying here in my bed. Coming to the realization that I haven't posted much in a while. With a lot going on in my head why not give you all an update while lying here.

This weekend again reminded me how lucky and blessed I am to have the family and friends that I have. The holidays seem to have that effect on me. This is defiantly my favorite time of the year.

Wednesday night after I got off work I headed halfway south for Thanksgiving. I stopped in Corvallis to stay with some family friends and then caught a ride down with them Thursday morning for the big feast at my parents property in Eagle Point.

Come Thursday I couldn't have asked for a better day. Though it may have been only 18 hours, it may have been one of the best Thanksgivings I have ever had. From my grandparents coming down from Portland just like me, to seeing my dad's dad, my uncle, my cousins, and just hanging out with family friends, it overall was a great day. It was great to see my dad's dad given his current health. He will be heading down south to LA for the next 6 months like he has done for the past so that could have been my last time seeing him. It was really good. And of course getting to spend some time with my mom and dad meant the world. I miss the property a lot and Portland sometimes just can't fill that void. I am thankful Christmas will be a little bit longer but not by much.

This year compared to other holidays will be more different than I have ever experienced. For most of the month of December I will be by myself, something I am not used to during this time of year. I'd be lying if I think it will be easy because it won't. At the same time, I plan on rejoicing through the ups and downs and reminding myself how truly blessed I am in the first place.

The rest of the weekend was spent in Corvallis celebrating the wedding of my friends Kelley and Kacie. Me and my brother were on the road at 6:30 Friday morning. Even though Austin and I weren't directly in the wedding party, we were blessed to be included in all the activities leading up to their big day. It truly was a good wedding as well. From breakfast at Sharis while the girls were already getting ready at the church to mini golf to the ceremony and reception it will was so fun! It has been so cool to see Kelley and Kacie grow as a couple and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for them with their marriage.

Overall the weekend was a success. Tomorrow the work week starts up again. I am again truly blessed to not be in school anymore because this week would be Dead Week. Another thing to yet again be thankful for :) Though this month may have its ups and downs leading up to Christmas with my family, I hope to make the most of it. I am so thankful family and friends are just a phone call or a text away so regardless I am going to make the most of it. Until the next post, hopefully not 3 months from now. This is all I got, God bles

Love is on the move

Today my brother left for Kenya to help women and children who have been raped and sex traffic to come along side them to build greenhouses to help them run a sustainable business. Words cannot express how happy I am for my brother to be given the chance to be apart of something of this magnitude. As Austin's older brother, I feel this post will give a lot of people who are a part of Austin's life a different perspective, a perspective that I know will benefit and encourage you in.

Back in July when this opportunity came about from the Rohrer's, the approached me about it, but with my new job in Portland and new life, God wouldn't allow such a quick trip to happen. To go along with that I just served in Singapore with Sports Ambassadors in the spring so the timing wouldn't have worked out. When I heard they would be building greenhouses, I knew that this would be a great opportunity for my brother because it is right up his alley in terms of his degree and passion. But would God allow it? Of course time would come to show that He would allow it.

Austin first brought up this idea of him going on this mission trip a couple months ago. As the supportive older brother, I was all for it! But I also told him he would have to really weigh his options and make sure above all else to honor our parents. Being that the trip would be 2 months after deciding to go and making the commitment, it would take shear faith if everything worked out. And I knew my parents wouldn't like the rash decision.

Of course this didn't sit well with my parents, knowing that they will be reading this post they would agree with me on this one. Regardless Austin still felt passionate about going and believed God was telling him to go. In my mind if God tells you to do anything you do it. As a parent I can only imagine how hard it would be worrying about the safety of your child. Like my parents I am nervous and scared of my brother. But along with those emotions comes the excitement that overwhelms my heart for what is going to happen in his life!

Growing up with Austin as a brother and for those of you who know us really well, we are complete opposites. There is no denying that! Besides that fact, we are still brothers and I love him to death, and care for him very much. These past 3 years I have seen great strides in my brothers life. The man that he was in high school is not the man he is today. Austin has always said he looks up to me. This is an honor and I believe that he means it.

The past 3 years when I was in Corvallis, I was always there for my brother when he had questions, and there was a lot of them. Something I was very fortunate to learn at a young age how to basically take care of myself. I take a lot of pride in that and at times it has come to bite me in the butt because I am so stubborn. Austin really never caught on as quick as I did. That is okay though. He probably thought I thought he was stupid at times, which I did. But regardless of what the issue was, Austin isn't me and never will be. Austin will be Austin.

I could use the rest of this blog to delve into more of me and Austin's personal life as siblings, but I will choose not to. This I do know as his older brother. This trip will change Austin's life forever, and will make him a different person. Austin is so easily influenced by anyone his is around long enough. Being Austin's older brother I have had that impact. But at the same time, that can be dangerous and Austin knows that. This trip I believe will change Austin in such a way that he will no longer need to call me up for help. He will no longer have to worry about what people will think of him. Austin will finally be able to take that next step in his faith and walk with the Lord, and it will be all him!

Not being in Corvallis anymore, I believe Austin is realizing that. He doesn't have his older brother to lean on anymore. I don't want this to even one bit sound like I am puffing myself up. That is exactly opposite of what I am doing! Austin felt led to go on this trip because God told him to and he know he needs it for this next step in his life. I am excited for him to come back and to hear all the stories of what God did. I am of course nervous for his safety but know God's hand is covering him and the team of individuals there! When Austin gets back, it will not be the Austin you all remember. I truly believe that! The outside will be the same, but it will be the inside that will have the biggest change. I love Austin to death and will be praying for him daily these coming days until he is back safely in the US. God bless and thanks for reading.

Letting down your guard

It has been a while. I can't even begin to explain how crazy busy I have been these last couple weeks. It is only going to get busier from here on out. I thought his growing up thing would be easy. The complete opposite has happened recently and as always their is a reason behind it. For those of you who know me really well, I am not patient at all. So this has been a struggle to say the least.

This post is about letting down your guard. Not only for me but for anyone. I have come across to many people who just put on that face that everything is okay and we believe it and go on with our day. Sadly, in the end, these people are hurting and they will never say anything if you don't try to pull it out of them. It is sad but true because I am stubbornly the same way.

After a fun fulfilled weekend yet again in Corvallis, I had to leave once again to come home to West Linn. I have once never lied about how I have been in Portland. I am really enjoying my job, so I have absolutely no complaints there! The problem lies in trying to get one plugged into a church up here and two meeting some new people and putting myself out there.

If you know me, I am generally an outgoing guy. But take me out of my comfort zone, that is a different story. I understand that summer time is summer time and I can't control anything that goes on. I can't help it that I love a lot of people and just want to be their for them during some really important times in their life. I do this because I know they would do it for me. The sacrifice has taken a toll on me and the moral of the story is I am physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually exhausted.

I title this post letting down your guard because one it is hard to do. There are always those same people that ask for prayer I sometimes go like "really", have you given that up to God? But when it comes to me I feel like I am fine and okay. Leaving Corvallis yet again was the hardest thing for me today. That in the past has been my comfort zone. Each week I have been their leaving has been harder and harder. I long to have Portland become my comfort zone and to meet some new people so I can yet again become part of that fellowship that is super important for our walk with the Lord. We can't do it alone.

I am upset that I have let it come this far and I apologize to the people who I just lied to your face and have been praying for me. Now I can't do it anymore, I am letting down my guard and letting you know where I am at. My prayer is that you would pray that I would get plugged in to a church up here, that I would step out of my comfort zone, that I would let down my guard and be open to new things. I will never forgot the friendships I had in Corvallis. But now it is a new chapter in my life and I can't do it without one Jesus and one prayer.

Matthew 11:28-30 has been my reminder and my prayer. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"

That is my prayer and thank you all who have always been there for me! I am so blessed and can't wait to see what the future holds. Until then I will lean on Jesus for understand and trust His every move in this next chapter of my life. God bless and thanks for reading

Underestimation and appreciation

Well I just successfully got back from Corvallis this morning after surprising my brother for his 21st birthday yesterday. It was really good to see him, to bad I couldn't stay longer and had to get back up here. It is crazy how little the traffic is in the morning. One hour and twenty minutes to get back to West Linn was faster than I was thinking.

It was also really good to see some people I haven't seen since I moved. After surprising my brother at Real Life, the college ministry I was apart of in school, a big group of us went to BWW to celebrate with him. Sadly for me I don't get BWW anymore after a bad experience a couple months ago but it was good to catch up with everyone even if it was only for a couple hours. It was a good idea to leave this morning instead of last night to come back to West Linn. I feel like I have the strength to already get through the day. I know that won't be the case come two o'clock when I hit a wall. Coffee will be my best friend then.

Driving back this morning and talking with my buddy Bryce last night at BWW really got me thinking. I love times like this when it is just you and God. The sunrise was beautiful as well this morning. The last month I have been reading a new book by John Eldredge called Beautiful Outlaw. The book is structured around rediscovering and experiencing the playful, disruptive, and extravagant personality of Jesus. Reading through this book as well as just observing the world around me, I have come to realize how we as believers underestimate the Gospels and discovering who Jesus was and is.

In today's world, people are just to easily convinced and persuaded which is a dangerous thing to think. Just going through this book has reminded me of who Jesus was and is! Today society tells us that God is not a personal God and he is to distant and worthy to approach in all of His glory. The fact of the matter is that God was man as well. Jesus was as much human as you and me are today. Though he was God, he had feelings and emotions too. If he didn't who would just willing submit themselves to go to the cross to save all of mankind? Thinking about this has made me realize how much I have underestimated and appreciated the power of the Gospels.

Those words in red are so powerful! When was the last time you really sat down and studied the Gospels and Jesus and his words? I think we all take them for granted. We will read other books in the Bible which are great too that also talk about who Jesus was but Jesus also talked too. These thoughts that have popped up into my head are definitely gonna get me back into the Gospels.

I would totally recommend John Eldredges book if you are looking for a good read! It is so simple and yet we are so easily distracted. It is crazy! I love how God works during times like these. I can't thank Him enough for all He as already done. Hope this blesses you all this morning. Until next time...

Tidal Waves

This evening I just got back from a great weekend in Bend and Corvallis. There will be many more trips this month which I am looking forward too. I just have to find time to rest somewhere in between there :) This post is brought about from a sermon I heard earlier at Calvary Chapel today in Corvallis. The sermon title "The Storms of Life" really hit home with me and I am pretty sure the whole congregation in attendance. To dig deeper to why this topic of discussion is on my heart let me give a little background to today.

I left Corvallis after church to get back to West Linn. Since April I have been waiting for some exam scores to come back on my Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Since being a student my goal in life has been to someday become a professional engineer. This would only take four years of practical experience in the field of civil engineering after I pass my FE exam. Having a great job and all I was on the right path to making this dream possible in four years.

I finally get the letter in the mail, the results are not what I am looking for. I was pretty disappointed to be honest. I did everything I could to pass that exam. 98% of students from OSU that are CE students pass the exam. I took review courses and everything to help me prepare for it to. God just didn't mean it to be at this moment in time. So next April, I will prepare just a little bit harder and retake the 8 hour exam and pray that this is what God has for me if it lines up with His will for my life moving forward.

So going back to the sermon earlier in the day. It couldn't have come at a better time for me. To clarify, I have no regrets taking the job I have in Portland. I believe it what what God had for me during this season of my life at this very moment. To go with that it hasn't been easy. I have had my ups and downs, but overall I am so thankful and blessed for what God has already given me so far at this stage in my life. No regrets at all!

Today Pastor Rob mentioned different kinds of storms that at some point in our life we will encounter. Examples were storms of direction, correction, redirection, and perfection. Earlier this summer I made the book of Hebrews my study book. I am still diving into it and God continues to reveal new things to me everytime! By far my favorite chapters in Hebrews have to be 11 and 12. The author of Hebrews states in chapter 12 to not grow weary during the hard times in our life. In verse 11 it says, " for the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." In James it says count it joy all your various trials. I love these reminders in my life and the cross references. There are so many people throughout the Bible who have endured way much more than I ever have. Take Job and Joseph as two examples. I couldn't imagine spending one day in either of their shoes.

I wouldn't necessarily call this next chapter of my life a storm. Sure I have had ups and downs but God is really just trying to help me. It would have been nice to pass that exam but that exam doesn't define who I am as a person or who I am in Christ. I am so thankful to serve a Lord that no matter how many times I mess up He still loves me. What a loving Father. Just in the past month I have learned so much more about myself, something I wouldn't have had the chance to learn if I stayed in Corvallis and wasn't obedient and faithful to what I believe is God's calling on my life. Stepping out has been hard but it has been one of the best life decisions I have made so far. Now I just have to put myself out there and see what the Lord can do :)

If you didn't have the chance to hear Rob's message, I would recommend it. I don't know what anyone is going through right now but I can guarantee it will bless you in some way. Don't know if this blog even made since but it was what was on my heart, God bless

The Best Shape of my Life

So I know that this title may sound misleading. No I am not in the best shape of my life, yet. Though it is a huge passion I have on my heart. Something that I haven't been able to do since high school. As of last week, fast food is no longer a part of my diet. I don't know if that is something God told me to do but I am sure glad I am doing it moving forward. To move along with that I have a gym membership now, not cable television. Therefore my lifestyle has no choice but to change.

Before I moved to Portland I have always wanted to be in good cardio shape to run my grandmothers 5K fun run on the 4th of July. If it wasn't for a friend of mine being willing to run with me to get in shape I would have never ran the 5K with the confidence I did on the 4th. After that run and moving to Portland I desired to get a gym membership. Now I have one. As an engineering student the past 5 years at OSU, my schedule never allowed me to have the schedule I do now. Starting tomorrow will be the beginning of what should get me to the best shape of my life.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I will lift weights on this 5x5 program my buddy Zack recommended me back in January. Given my schedule then it was the only thing I could possibly pull off so I am actually looking forward to having more than enough time to do it. On Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning I plan to still do cardio. Though that 5K has passed I still desire to feel good and to look good. Not eating fast food anymore and preparing more food defiantly has me feeling better than I ever have. Looking good is another issue.

I will be honest. I have never given two thoughts about my figure going through college. But once bagels became an every other day thing and I discovered some good beers I have put on a gut a little bit. I look okay with my shirt off but I need to look great from my perspective. That means I have to find that 6 pack I once had and I can tell you it isn't in the fridge. Sit ups will begin to become my friend again just like they were in high school.

I look forward to recording the process over the next couple of months. I have always been a goal driven individual. These goals that I have made if I break then or fail I will be disappointed. That isn't going to happen. Usually in the past I have had accountability when it comes to having to workout or go for a run. I don't have that yet but at the same time I don't need that. These goals and this drive I have to meet these goals should be enough motivation. That is what drives me! I look forward to being in the best shape of my life in the coming future. Not only do I hope to see a difference I hope you can see a difference too. In a good way and not a stuck up way :) God bless

Hope, His Word, Our Faith

These last two weeks in my new home have been some of the best times when it comes to getting into God's Word. As an engineering student during the school year I could never invest the time in God's Word like I wanted to. It wasn't that I didn't have the time, I just chose to do other things. Whether that be serve others, do homework, or have a fun time with friends. Recently since being in the Word more, I have found God revealing more and more to me. I have come to believe he puts these opportunities and desires before us to not only teach us but to bless us as well. I will share a little with what He has shown me recently.

Since I've moved I've been going back in forth through the Bible. I first have started by reading a chapter of Hebrews a day, which I am almost done with, going through Jon Courson's commentary on Hebrews, transcribing Philippians which has been such a blessing, and digging into Psalm 119. During these times hope, His Word, and our faith have really stuck out to me. Here is how.

In Hebrews 6:19 it says, "we have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain". I read this over a week ago. This put the image of an anchor on my heart. What makes this crazy is that I know of at least three people who have shared on the same thing in regards to how the anchor symbolizes our hope in our Lord. I recently purchased the newest Hillsong Live album. There last song on the album is called Anchor and has become one of my favorites. Below is the link to the song. I suggest you check it out. It has blessed me.

Anchor - Hillsong Live

With being in the Word more lately, I decided why not read Psalm 119 again. I have in the past but why not dig into it a little more. I am not an English major but I love the way this psalm is written. The mention of the "word" is mentioned 28 times unless I missed one. That right there sends up a red flag to me for something of importance. Going through Courson's commentary he mentions that people who don't like to worship are people who are not in the Word. He also mentions that when times are easy, we usually don't take the time to search God's mind or to hear His heart. It's in affliction, difficulty, or problems that we tend to open the Scriptures much more. This hit home for me. This is a new season for me, I have been having a blast but it hasn't been easy. I am so thankful that for the time being I am living by myself for this season to build new habits in my life when it comes to God's Word. It is something that when I look back I will be happy with I know for sure!

Yesterday I went to a church right up the road from me that my cousin recommended. Willamette Christian Church was what it was called. I really liked it but I want to check out a couple more churches before I make my decision on a new church home. The teaching came out of Galatians 3:1-14. A passage that mentions faith. The same way we enter the Christian faith is the same way we are to advance in the faith. Faith puts you in right relation with God. During the sermon I turned back my Bible to Hebrews 11:6 which I read earlier that morning. It says, "and without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him". Not even 5 minutes later he mentioned this passage. What a reminder to me about how important it is to continue to put my faith in Him daily!

Lastly I want to share a picture I posted on Instagram yesterday morning. You can see it below.

I finally got to unpacking everything from the move up here and came across the letter my brother wrote me before I left for Singapore during Spring Break. The verse of encouragement he wrote down happened to be Psalm 18:30. This verse has always been one of my favorites but to be honest I had forgotten about it. Everything God has been showing me lately points to Him. It is an overall theme. It will always be like that. I am just so thankful that I notice it more now. Even though I have just begun this new chapter in my life, I never want this to stop. My prayer is that He would continue to reveal Himself to me everyday in different new ways. It has been a blessing for me. 

My hope is that somehow something somewhere will bless you in this post. It is an honor to serve God and I am completely overwhelmed by the love He has for not only me but for you. Thanks for reading, until next time...

Familiarity and other things

Another week has come in the books. It is hard to believe I’ve already been working for two weeks! Time surely flies! I continue to be amazed with how much God has blessed me with my jobs and family and friends I am surrounded by. It sure makes waking up in the morning a lot easier.

This last week of work was pretty busy. I put in 48 hours with some Saturday work which will only come sparingly when needed. I continue to learn new things with the computer program AutoCAD where I do all of my work. I finally got out of the office a little bit to do some surveying work as well as go see the site I would be doing the weekend work for. I am so thankful to have a job that will always keep me busy for the most part. Each day is something new and that is something I like.

A difference this week from my first week is the familiarity I am starting to get with the Portland area and the surroundings. Each day of the week I was doing something in the evening which is something I don’t usually do. In the past when I have had a job over the summer and I’ve worked 8-5 I would just come home and do nothing. Some of you may not see it but it does take a lot of courage for me to step outside my comfort zone something I am learning how to do better.

Tuesday night I had dinner with my grandparents which will start to become a regular thing week to week from the looks of it. I can’t complain that means I won’t have to cook J Wednesday night I went to the gym and hung out with my buddy Jonathan and his girl Kelise. It was good to catch up with them. Thursday I saw Despicable Me 2 which was hilarious and visited my buddy Sina at a 24 hour coffee shop called Ava’s. I pretty cool joint. On Friday I played basketball with Sina and Danny then Danny and I went and visited our friends Roxy and Lucy in Beaverton and hung out with them for the rest of the night. We went to this place called Henry’s Tavern which was pretty cool! I barely got any sleep that night then had to be in Vancouver by 8 to cut blackberry bushes which sucked. But overall it was a pretty busy week and I really enjoyed it J

Yesterday I picked up my cousin from the airport in the morning. He most likely will be moving in with me in September so I showed him the place and got to catch up a bit which was nice. Next I tried out the church up the road from where I live. It is called Willamette Christian Church. I really liked it but am not going to make a decision for a little bit until I try other churches out. I will have another post devoted to the things God has been showing me later on. I finished the evening with some grocery shopping. I should be set for the next month. I am gonna get myself on a workout/run routine for every other day in the week starting today! That begins with eating healthier to which also starts today. I am excited to see what I have ahead of me in the future. Look forward to future posts, God bless.

A great first week and a very busy weekend!

Well my weekend was full of excitement. I have yet to branch out to find that excitement in Portland but the weekend I had in Corvallis was great! It is still weird writing it in that order because usually it is the other way around. Now that I am a working man, the roles are switched. Still settling in but I will get used to it I am sure. It was good seeing everyone as it is always.

I want to find the best way to keep everyone informed with my life up here. I am so blessed to have so many people who care about what I am actually doing with my life. I am lost but not forgotten as some would say. I hope this blog will be used to fill you in on the latest news in my life ranging from work, life experiences and whatever God is showing me at the moment in time. I hope you can find enjoyment out of my posts somehow.

Starting on the day before my first day of work, it was my birthday. It was relaxing and quiet which was different for me, but I liked it. After saying a thank you on FB for the birthday wishes, I ‘wanted’ to go to bed. I then began to get text after text wishing me a happy birthday. My brother then managed to post a photo of me and him that made me tear up. The day before I have my first day of work I didn’t go to bed until 1:30am. It was for a good reason though so I am thankful.

Monday comes. I head to work. I work for a really small design engineering firm so I wasn’t too nervous. I started off my day trying to get familiar with the software they use every day since I haven’t used it in 3 years. After calculating some areas of sub-division parcels for 4 hours (should have took me 45 minutes) the boss had me proceed to update some existing documents that have been reviewed by the City of Gresham. Before I knew it 5pm came around. The day went by so fast but just from that one day I could tell I would love what I am doing, at the time being J

Tuesday became pretty much the same thing. After lunch though my boss pulled me into the conference room to discuss one of the projects they have received. He then proceeds to tell me that I would be the main designer for these projects! I was shocked! Talk about throwing me into the fire, but I have to learn at some point so I was up to the challenge. I kept myself busy the rest of the day that is for sure.

Wednesday was pretty much the same thing, working on the project. At the end of the day, it being the 3^rd, I jumped into my car and headed to Eagle Point for a quick round trip. Though I would have to work Friday I still wanted to go one to see family and two I had been training for a 5K and really wanted to run in it. The morning of the 4^th I ran the 5K and got 3^rd overall in my age group and a time of 22:45! I was happy with myself and hope to continue to get in shape in the coming months.

Before getting back into the car my cousin and his wife were having a cake reveal for there soon to be child. It was so creative and cute and they will be having a baby girl in November! I am so happy for them and can’t wait for Amelia Rose Erickson to be entered into this world. After the reveal I began to head home to West Linn. Really quick trip.

Friday only three people including myself were in the office, kind of a weird day since most of the rest of the country had the day off but I am the noob so I dealt with it and kept myself busy with my project. At the end of the day I would then head in the car again to Corvallis this time for a really fun weekend little did I know. My buddy Danny picked me up and we proceeded to Corvallis.

Our first stop was a birthday party for our friend Kayla then out to a cabin for a 5^th of July firework campout. It was a blast and the firework show wasn’t bad either, 12 minutes. The next day after having breakfast at my buddies grandparents place I just hung out with friends and relaxed the whole day, it was really nice to have a day like that with all of them. We attempted to go to the drive in movie theater after the UFC fights but were denied. We decided to go back to my brothers place and watch a movie instead to end the night.

Today, as I write this was my first time to Calvary Chapel Corvallis as a visitor and not a resident. The service was really good and I am so blessed to have called that church my home for the last 5 years. I am looking forward to finding my new home in Portland soon. After church I got lunch with some really good friends of mine, met up with a buddy downtown, played some Frisbee with some other friends as well as some volleyball before heading back to West Linn where I sit writing this post.

There is so much more I could expound on at the moment. I don’t want to leave this blog post too long but there has been some really good times in the evening that I have had that I plan on sharing with all of you soon depending on when I getting to blogging on it. To entice you a little bit God has been revealing things to me this past week and I believe what he has shown me will not of course benefit me but also some of you. I look forward to sharing that with you soon! Along with that I hope to keep you all informed more, you all mean so much to me so I feel I owe it to you. Thanks so much for always being there for me! Love you all! Until next time J  

End of an era, beginning of another

As I write my last post possibly ever from the town of Corvallis, I can't even begin to comprehend how fast the time has gone! Seems like yesterday my parents were dropping me off at the dorms. And just like that it is over. These past five years I have been at the low of lows and have had my highest moments. If life wasn't a roller coaster I think it would drive me nuts! I have successfully graduated OSU with a bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, a major I never changed and stuck with the whole five years here at OSU. I am also officially a full time civil engineer for Sisul Engineering in Gladstone, Oregon and will call West Linn, Oregon my new home starting tomorrow.

My main purpose for constructing this post is to one thank everyone who has been a part of this so called journey. It is fitting that the three areas of thanks all start with the same letter. I will call them my 3 F's. Family, Friends and Faith. All three of these areas have made me into the man I am today.

First off my family. To be honest as I am writing this I am getting a little choked up. I can't thank my family enough. Never have I had two individuals care so much about my learning. These five years if I didn't have my family encouraging me and checking in I wouldn't be a graduate of OSU yet. I truly mean this too. After my second year when I didn't get into the professional school for civil engineering I almost dropped out. If it wasn't for my family being there to push me on I would have dropped out. Instead I added a second degree which I would later drop but got my math minor along the way. Looking back on it if I had got into pro school the first time, I wouldn't even be writing this. I am so thankful God does the things He does. I will never be able to express how much my family has meant to me these last five years as a student at OSU. I love them so dearly! Love you guys.

Next is my friends. Coming to OSU, I didn't know who I would meet. If you have made it this far into this post, you have already made an impact on my life. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would have made the friends that I made at OSU. Not only that but have the relationships that I do with a lot of you. You all are like brothers and sisters to me and without you as well, I wouldn't be here. If my family couldn't be there to pick me up during the trials and struggles in life, you at some point were there for me. That is one thing that scares me about this next era I am about to begin. Continuing to develop friendships like I have here in Corvallis. There is no doubt it will be hard but I refuse to sit back and not do anything about it! All of you have such a special place in my heart and I can't wait to see not only where God leads you, but also being with you during this journey while in Portland. You will not be forgotten! I look forward to keeping in contact with all of you, thanks for always being there for me and being my friends.

Lastly I have to thank my Lord Jesus Christ. I sound like Tim Tebow but it is the truth. Without Jesus I am nothing. Having Him by my side these last five years have only made my life easier. Sure it hasn't been easy but without my faith in Him, I don't know where I will be. So many of my friendships came from my college group and church I was involved in. Without my faith in Christ would the friendships I might have made even have been worth it? That isn't my place to judge but I am thankful for the people He has brought into my life. Moving forward to Portland, I look forward to digging deeper into Jesus and the Man He was and is! His Words are all I will ever need. I look forward to this next chapter and having Him alongside me during this journey as well!

The memories are something I will never forget either. I can honestly say this fifth year of school was the greatest time of my life. Some of the things I did I may never have the chance to do for a long while. I am so thankful and blessed. From going to Seattle for a Beaver game, Sunriver for a college retreat, multiple Blazer games, going to Singapore over Spring Break (by far the greatest highlight of my life!), going to Lake Shasta on another college retreat, seeing Hillsong UNITED in concert, support my Beaver baseball team on there great run and getting hired at Sisul Engineering, I am the luckiest person alive!

So what is next in my blogging life? Now that I will be a working man I don't know what to expect. I think for the most part I will have a lot of free time. Would love to keep you all informed on my life and the day to day grind. Time will tell how that looks but until then thank you all for making the impact you have on my life. I love you all and will miss seeing you all the time. Growing up sucks but it is fun at the same time :) Until then...

Easter Sunday and team debriefing

Waking up this morning, on Easter Sunday, in another country, is something I can say is a once and a lifetime opportunity. My Jesus is the same Jesus here. I am so overwhelmed by Gods love! We woke up this morning and had to say goodbye to Bobbie, what a great guy to meet. Before he left he shared with us why he exactly was back in the states instead of in Morocco. He will continuity be my prayers. I hope to visit him in Morocco someday. We finished devotions and Colossians 4. We then headed off to church!

Church was amazing this morning. I haven't mean to much Easter services in my walk but it was the first sermon I heard someone proclaim the Great Commission from Luke 24:44-49. To me the word spoke great to me because of our mission. To bring the Good News to the nations. The service was great minus the 15 minute prayer that almost everyone feel asleep during.

After church we headed to Marine Parade Community Club via taxi. It is a proven fact that if you are white and in another country, no matter if the taxi is empty, they will not pick you up. After a half hour we finally got a taxi and headed to the club to play.

Once we got to the club Dave shared with us that this was the club he played at while living in Singapore. Little did I know that one of Dave's good friends lived in Corvallis once upon a time and worked for HP and now is in Singapore. It was cool to meet him. We ended up winning our last game. It was sad to see it coming to an end.

We then headed back to Pasir Ris to shower and get ready to have dinner with YouthWorks. Dinner was amazing. The people I met on this trip were the sweetest and kindest people on earth. They gave us a gift that had a picture frame of the team with smaller pictures surrounding the main one. I will have that photo for a long time.

After dinner Dave got talked into letting us see the city one last time by Meng Kim. I haven't shared much about him during my blogs but feel free to ask me about him. He was one of the funniest people I met on this trip. What a nice guy too.

We then headed off to Marina Gardens to see the city, what a site to see!!!! If you've seen my Instagram already you know what I am talking about. At Marina Gardens he also showed us the bridge that divides the sea from the river. Singapore now has the technology to make its own water from rainfall and waste water. Something the country is really proud about. Behind the bridge they are building an underground highway that goes under the ocean and is a direct route from the airport to Marina Bay. I took down the name of the company and want to do some research. It is the engineer in me so who knows what might happen.

After seeing the city we headed back to Pasir Ris for another late night. Two team members finished sharing there testimony and we then had to do a Barnabas Circle, where everyone takes a turn saying something nice about you. We finished at two in the morning. Luckily I have one more day in Singapore so I can sleep in. Unfortunately that isn't the case for 5 members of the team. They will be up at 6 in the morning.

Tomorrow is my last day in Singapore. I don't know what I will do yet all I know is that Ryan, Nathan and I will make the most out of the day before I leave. Hopefully it involves some site seeing. We will have to wait and see. Until next time.

The second busiest day!

I woke up this morning feeling a lot better than yesterday. We had a big day ahead of us so I was glad to wake up refreshed. We missed devotions yesterday morning so we did Colossians 3 this morning before we headed out to Tampines Junior College to play a game and have a clinic afterwards. One of Dave's ex players who was at the game Thursday watching is actually a PE teacher their and set this up.

We met him this morning and he brought his five year old daughter along. She was the cutest thing I have seen all trip. I think all children are cute but there is something about Asian kids. She was a joy to be around and so was her three year old sister when she showed up later on. We showed up to TPJC at 8:30 and it was hot! We were playing on a court outside and it didn't take much to sweat of course. It must have been close to 100 degrees on the court. Coming back to Corvallis will suck, mark my words on that.

For a junior college these students had pretty good size. But once we started playing and they saw Bobbie our 6'8" giant, we ended up winning pretty easily. It was nice to move around after yesterday. Though I got tired quick, it felt good. We also had Edric, another ex teammate of Dave's join us so that was blessing. After the game we had a very quick clinic that focused on areas we thought there team could work on. There season starts in a couple weeks so I think anything we would have do would have benefitted them.

We then after the clinic were able to sit down with the players and just talk. We asked questions about their life and they did the same for us. It was a really good time. Once they get warmed up to you it makes it a lot easier. Noon came around pretty quick so we had to head off to get lunch pretty quick. Since we were in a little of a rush, McDonald's ended up being what we ate. It was the first McDonald's meal I have had in over six months easy! It wasn't too bad though.

We then headed off to Christ Church Secondary School for a clinic. This school was on the whole other side of the country so I took a nap. I missed out on seeing Malaysia in the distance but I liked my sleep. One thing I want to point out it even though the school name is called Christ Church doesn't mean they know Jesus or have heard of Him. In Singapore students take a series of tests that decide their fate in life. Depending on their test score, that decides where they go to school so they have no choice. Therefore, knowing the name of Jesus in a setting like this isn't always the case.

We had an hour and a half to run the clinic before our big event that evening. Again we had the opportunity to share with the students after the clinic so we did. One thing that was crazy about this day is two of the kids that followed us everywhere yesterday were there at the clinic. They must have talked to someone at YouthWorks and made connections somehow so that was cool to see me there. Good to know we are making a positive impact and not a negative one,

After the clinic we went and grabbed dinner before going back to the ICS for the Poly 3 on 3 event with Chinese students who are studying in Singapore. Of all places we went to McDonald's again! I thought I was going to die, I am not even kidding. I got what I thought was a healthy chicken sandwich and I can't even describe what it looked like and tasted like. Disgusted. I would have rather had rice instead even though I have had that every day so far on the trip.

We showed up to ICS not really with a plan. I knew we were going to have one 3 on 3 team represent the US but other than that everything else coming up was new to me. I ended up not playing on the 3 on 3 team which gave me a good break. During the event each SA player got placed with a 3 on 3 team to befriend them. I wasn't aware of what they exactly wanted but in the end it ended up working out.

After the tournament we split our team up into two teams and had an All-star game with the Chinese students. My team wasn't that great but it really didn't matter we had fun anyways. After this Dave shared his testimony. The group I was placed with was one of the so called harder groups so they had two YFC volunteers there for support while every other team had only one volunteer. So the nerves were really on me but God was there with me.

After Dave shared with them it was my turn to share my story. I knew they probably wouldn't be that interested to here what I had to say but after coming down to their level I could really tell they were listening to me so that was a big encouragement after being nervous beforehand. It turned out one guy in their group was a solid Christian. We began talking after I shared for quite a bit. Jason was his name and I will defiantly be keeping in contact with him.

After the event was over most of the 3 on 3 players wanted to play a full game against us. China versus America. Most of them are on a bigger team that plays weekly so we thought why not play. We had a blast doing it too.

After this, the day was concluded. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday and we only have one more game left. The trip is actually most over and I can't believe it. I feel like I just got here yesterday and it had already been 9 days. Unbelievable! I've already have had a longer spring break then most kids in the states and I am complaining. My bet is that I would not be the only one. Really looking forward to tomorrow! Something I will never forget! Until next time.

Good Friday + Sick = Really lean on God

Woke up this morning feeling horrible. Let me just say that oyster destroyed me and I had a massive headache all day. Minus all of that I wasn't going to let that slow me down. I pressed through it and made it through the day. I don't know how I did it but with God all things are possible right? Even with the sickness, I still really enjoyed the day.

This morning we went to a Good Friday service at Pentecost Methodist Church just outside of Pasir Ris. One of the volunteers goes to this church so we thought we would give it a try and we all enjoyed it! Before the service even started we got introduced to the pastor and associate pastor. It seemed that everywhere we went we had to be introduce. It was cool but I felt that we didn't need to be exposed as much. I guess that is part of there culture for encouraging us and we are Americans.

Worship was great, since Singapore is a English speaking country the service was in English which was nice, it was good to get our hearts prepared before the message. After worship, the head pastor did the privilege and introduced us to the whole congregation. Starting to get used to this I guess. The message was then preached and even though I was not feeling good, I was able to pay attention and was really blessed from it.

After the service we headed to lunch, I didn't eat because I just couldn't do it. I had a power bar to hold me off and just drank a lot of water and 100 Plus, which is their Gatorade over here to stay hydrated throughout the day. After lunch we had the choice to go souvenir shopping at this really cheap tourist spot or go to Marina Bay were they have the three towers with the boat on the top. We decided to shop instead because we thought later in the week would have time to go there at night, which I hope we can because the building is sick!

I started getting better as the day went on. We got to the souvenir place and it was packed. I got all my shopping done during this time which was nice but it looked like one of those streets in the movies where you are just packed in. It was a good experience to say the least. Another thing was Gangem Style was playing everywhere! I've really learned to hate that song on this trip which is pretty funny.

After getting a coffee in me, we headed to the SCAPE event for the evening. The event was outside and once we got there it had rained pretty hard just before hand. Once the court dried though we were able to get started. Some of the team managed to get locked in a janitors closet so that was pretty funny. Once I got dressed I heard kids yelling my name. This meant that I had made an impression earlier in the week, or the just love Jordan as in Michael Jordan. Either way I will take it.

For the event we all got placed with three kids and played a 3 on 3 tournament. My team consisted of kids named Nat, Ian, and Gary. It is crazy to see Asian kids with English names but I really like it so I can't complain. It makes it easy on me. We ended up winning the tournament because my team was studs. I was feeling a little better but i let them do most of the work. We had the opportunity to share our testimony with them near the end of the event which is always a positive when we can point to Christ with everything we do so I like that.

After the event we went to Toast Box for dinner. Their are a lot of these over here, it was good too! We happened to befriend three kids at the event that followed us everywhere afterwards. They wanted to be Facebook friends, exchange phone numbers and Skype info. It was so cute. Of course I couldn't do phone numbers with the international rates back in the states but I was allowed to do Facebook and Skype. I think once I get back into the states I will be keeping in contact with these individuals or should I say they will be keeping in contact with me.

We returned to Pasir Ris for the night and would have yet another busy day the next morning. Rest has become my best friend to say the least. I love serving but I am looking forward to sleeping in a little bit Sunday morning or Monday morning whenever I can. The trip is coming to a close and again I continue to be torn. I miss America but have made get contacts over here. One thing is for sure is I will be visiting Singapore again someday. I don't know when but I am going to make it happen. UntIl next time, God bless

The busiest day yet!

Starting this morning I knew it was going to be a big day. We had a full morning at St. Gabriel Christian School, a clinic than game at YUKSS then head to play the current NUS team at around 7:30. The plan is to go out to dinner with them afterwards. We got back at around midnight that night so it is far to say that today was the longest day we had. But it was a good one.

Starting off at St. Gabriel was tough. The principal of the school wanted to introduce us in front of the school which mean devotions were earlier and we were on the road earlier too. We discussed Colossians 2 at around 6:45 that morning and were on the road to St. Gabriel at 7:15. I may have taken a nap on the way there :)

Once we got there I noticed real quick that this was an all boys school. Every school we have gone to so far has their students in official school dress. It is a little different for me to see every single kid in uniform because I went to a school without uniform but Singapore has it going on I guess. Before the principal introduced us in front of the whole school, the kids sang their national anthem. I got a video of it and it might be one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in person. I was pretty moved.

We got introduced to the school and there where so many kids it was unbelievable! The school even went out of their way to print off signs and posted them all around the school just for us. I didn't think Americans coming to Singapore would get so much attention. The remainder of the morning we had the clinic then played outside during recess with the kids for about an hour. That was extremely tiring because their were hundreds of boys just running around it was crazy! Around noon we got done, had lunch and started heading to the next session at YUKSS.

Arriving at YUKSS, The Lord opened up the door to share. Dave had known the coach from when he lived over here years ago and he gave us the okay to share our testimony with them a bit. The best part about this was their coach wasn't even a believer but felt that it would be good for them to hear our story which was such a blessing. It has been cool to see The Lord work behind closed doors when sometimes we just have to go with the flow. This has meant the world to me on this trip thus far.

The kids at YUKSS were way more advanced than any other secondary school we went to, therefore the clinic was more in-depth and intense. Not only did they get a workout but I got a workout as well. During this clinic, we were indoors and it started pouring outside. That was officially the biggest rain drops I have ever seen and not even to mention the thunder that came with it. The first bang we heard all the Sports Ambassadors jumped while the locals didn't move. This was pretty funny given the fact we were foreigners in their country.

After the clinic we then proceeded to play a basketball game. These kids were pretty talented for their age and would have contended I think with Freshman basketball teams in the states. Though the rules are a little different, I think they would have a chance because they really were working hard. We ended up winning so we have only lost one game on the trip. I can't boast about that to much though because these kids are a lot younger than us and winning and kind of expected. Spreading the Good News is the most important thing though, basketball is just the avenue we are choosing to use. Though it was funny to catch little girls try and take pictures of us while we weren't looking. We aren't that stupid, but it was pretty cut to see the look on there face when they got caught.

Sorry this post is longer than it should be. I am just getting started. There is so much. Before heading to play NUS, YUKSS provided a snack for us before our trip across the country, it was like only a half hour drive but saying driving across the country sounds better. We reached the court just in time to play NUS. We warmed up for about 10 minutes then we were on the court playing.

The difference in playing NUS the second time was that our team was so much better, the first game we just had nothing going on right, plus a lot of them were alum so they had talent too. The current players were just as good but we just has everything rolling. It was a good game to win. After the game, Chad had the chance to share his testimony. It was good to here him relate to these young men. He met them right were they were.

After this we headed off to dinner. It was 9:30 about this time. The gentlemen I rode with, I am going to butcher his name but Ba don. It is close, ask me to pronounce it and it will sound better. Anyways me and Bryce rode with him, he has an Audi A5, he sales insurance so he is doing pretty well. On the drive over we found out me and him have something in common. We both collect sports cards. I was mind blown at the cards he collects, mainly Michael Jordan. He has over 6,000 of them. I told him someday I want to grow up to be like him haha. I guess making 15,000 a month isn't a bad living so I think he can afford it.

We got to the dinner and had a similar meal like Sunday when we all shared food. I had sugarcane juice and that was really good. I also had a oyster and needless to say I am not feeling that good while writing this. Hope I don't get sick. Dinner was okay, we ended around 11:30 and then got a ride back to the flat from the guys which was nice.

Today ended up being a long day. I know the team really need to rely on God to make it through and we made it through. My energy at least got stronger as the night went along. But when I got home I crashed after showering and washing my jersey of course. Tomorrow we have no event until the evening with the SCAPE event YouthWorks has been promoting with us. We will be able to attend a Good Friday service which I have been looking forward to all trip. The trip is slowly coming to an end, I don't like it but I can't control that. Got to live in the moment. Until next time.

Missing home

Again we had an early morning. We started incorporating devotions in the morning. We decided to go through the book of Colossians a chapter a day. We have some early mornings ahead that is for sure. Our second clinic at Henderson Secondary School. We all were worried about having to deal with Simon again. If that were to be the case it would have been really hard for me to keep my mouth shut. Never the less we ran the clinic and everything ran smooth. No Simon so that was a nice thing. Henderson fed us lunch again which was amazing. I love the food over here, that will be one thing I will have a hard time leaving.

Earlier in the day we found out the SCAPE evening event was cancelled and would only be happening on Friday instead. That meant we would have the evening free which was something I was looking forward too. We had a couple hour break between events so we went to the YouthWorks office and hung out in there recreation room.

This was the second time I had the chance to be in Wifi. This mission trip is a little different from the rest since we are in such a developed country. I was able to chat back and forth with my brother and sister for a bit so that was really nice. The only downside was that we had a bad connection. But it was good to talk to them for a bit. Really got me missing home.

From here we went to a school with so-called at risk kids to run a clinic for them. Little did I know this clinic would be the hardest and most discouraging. I am not doubting God moved, it was just hard. I was placed with two students the whole time named Woo Tao and Woo Hoo. I probably butchered their names but I've butchered a lot of them this trip. Every time I tried to strike up a conversation with them their response was either 'nothing' or 'sleep'.

Come to find out after the clinic I wasn't the only one to have problems. Others did too. Some of the team members had kids that were great. One kid specifically gave a lot of insight on some of the students. Most of them are or were associated with a gang already inside the school. This broke my heart because it made me think of the youth we got to play against in the prison. It is cool to see that God works in many different ways but I just wish these kids would have respect us better. It was a downer for the most part.

We got back to the flat around 8 after we got some dinner. I feel right asleep since tomorrow we had a big schedule ahead. This is about the time that most teams hit a wall. I feel that it might happen but we have to lean on God no matter what! Devotions in the morning will make the days a little longer but I am excited. Until next time

Kids and more kids

Waking up this morning was a little tough. I've got a feeling every morning is going to be like this. Minus that, I was able to get up and around 7am the team headed to our first clinic of the day at Greendale Primary School. Leewa's kids go to school here. Leewa was sharing that the principal was a strong Christian and that some mothers of the school would get together during the week to pray for the youth. They have done this for two years just to have an opportunity to come into the schools and befriend the students. This again showed me that God is faithful to answer prayers if you continually ask Him.

In the morning we had 4 classes to run clinics for. Me and Bryce were teamed up again and talked about the value of teamwork with the students. Primary school students are by far my favorite to work with. My dad teaches that grade and the kids are always so excited and willing to learn so it was always encouraging. They also love to say the 's' word which was hard not to laugh at but what can you do :) One class had 120 students which meant 30 kids at each station which made us work a little bit but in the end we got through it.

We had a break between the 3rd and last class and got to meet the principal. She was way more humble than Simon from Henderson Secondary and I could tell she had a huge heart for God and His work. We had snacks that were amazing then headed back upstairs for our last clinic of the day before heading over to the international school where Dave and Caleb used to go to.

At ICS, everyone was super welcoming. Bryce and Tim had the chance to share a little with the school during there chapel time which was really encouraging and something I think the international and missionary students needed to hear. After they were done sharing we had the chance to play there high school team. We were able to win which was nice but the floor was something else. Those of you at OSU that have helped out with porta floor, the floor was basically that. I got a pretty nice floor burn as a souvenir because of it.

If there was one thing I have learned on this trip is that you always need to be ready to share because plans change like crazy. Dave the night before asked Ryan on the team if he would be willing to share with the ICS players, but when we got done with the game Dave asked if I was ready. Kind of a shock but I always had something in mind. I shared my life verses with them and just told them to always delight in God and to trust in Him. I got to pray with them afterwards and I had multiple teachers come up and tell me that what I said really meant a lot. It wasn't my own strength but Gods so I was glad to help.

After ICS, we grabbed dinner then headed back to the headquarters at Pasir Ris for the evening. This trip is already going by so fast and I don't know what I am going to do when the time is up. I already love this place and really could see myself calling this home someday. God is in control so I can't determine anything but one thing is for sure I am having a blast being here and can't wait to see what else The Lord has in store!

James 4:6 displayed

Today is a day I will not forget. I can officially say that this day will be the best no matter what happens. We again had an early morning.

We started with a clinic at Henderson Secondary School. This school has been known to have students that come from mainly dysfunctional families. The number was around 70% they said which is really sad so I was glad to be there.

Before the clinic we had the privilege of meeting the principal of the school. From first impression he was a really funny guy and seemed to really be liked by staff and students. Remember the words first impression for later. After this we moved on to the clinic. We had 3 classes to run clinics with this day. We split everyone up into 4 groups. They were passing, shooting, dribbling and rebounding. We also taught values that were self discipline, integrity, teamwork, and respect. The kids were super cute and well behaved. The ages ranged from 13-17 roughly and those ages don't look like the students do in the states.

After the clinic we were gonna have lunch but the principal wanted to meet with us again and thank us. To speed up this part of the story, this gentlemen came across really prideful and pretty munched challenged people to call him out. At times he was funny but he was also rude at times. He is Malaysian and the local Singapore people sitting in with us were really uncomfortable in the room. Simon was his name and he reminded me of my high school principal who is a nice guy but has the same issues. Sadly we all got a little discouraged and after having lunch moving to the prison became more of something to worry about. I am happy to say that wasn't the case.

We headed to the prison. Once we got there we had to go through a bunch of checkpoints to get to where we needed to be. A guard named Daniel who was a Christian pretty much was our tour guide around the prison. Daniel six years ago when Dave brought a team there to play said he would only be there a couple years. It has now been nine years and he said that God wouldn't let him leave and that the prison was his ministry. So cool to see him obey Gods calling for his life

Our first game was against the young inmates. They aged from 16-18 years of age. Most of them are in there for manly gang related activity but also some other stuff. Never did I think we would get respected coming into the prison. I was shocked to be honest and had this picture in my head. We had good interactions with the inmates during the game and of choose ended up winning. Afterwards we got a picture with them and I could tell they were really blessed.

One sad thing about the prison that made it a little harder for us is to be able to share our faith. Six years ago when Dave came to play at the prison, he did a little chapel after the game with the inmates that are believers. This time around, the government wouldn't let us do this. Since Singapore is a multi cultural faith country we didn't really have the freedom but I know God had us there for a reason and that is all that mattered.

The second game we played was in the maximum security side of the prison. Most of this guys have been in for over 10 years. Some of the offensives are drug related which is a huge crime in Singapore, gang related, or they had committed murder and are in there for life. To say the least I was a little scared. To top it off, we had 15 minutes time in there cafeteria to talk with them. I was worried but knew God would protect us.

Before we played the guards presented Dave with a gift, a painting from one of the inmates that was one of the best I've ever seen. From the sounds of it the inmates don't receive many visitors so this day was going to be a special day according to Daniel. After this happened we headed up to the cafeteria to talk a little with the inmates.

When we walked in, they all stood, addressed us, clapped, then sat back down. We all spread out among them and started to just talk with them. Nate and I had three guys at our table and they were super nice. One thing I had to do inside the prison is forget whatever they may had done in the past and remember that they are people too not animals. Needless to saw we had a good conversation so that was encouraging. After the 15 minutes were up the inmates headed into the gym while we got a little tour of what life as an inmate is like from Daniel.

After the tour we walked into the gym for the game. I will never forget this moment. Over 90 inmates cheering for us as we walked in and shaking our hands. It was deeply moving for me and it also was heartbreaking. This is the moment I started having emotions for the inmates, no matter what there past was. After warming up for a little bit we started the game.

Right after the tip we went right ahead and scored, cheer erupted in the place! It was unbelievable! During the game Sports Ambassadors and the inmates really interacted well not only on the court with the players but with the other inmates as well watching. It was a really touching moment that I will never ever forget for the rest of my life.

After the game we got a picture with the players, then we had the chance to introduce ourselves. Never have I seen such humility on display in one place. Everyone that introduced themselves got a big round of applause and cheer from the crowd. It was an emotional time for me and I had to hold back tears to be honest.

Once this was over we went around and shook everyone's hand and also talked with them a little more as well. I had the privilege of meeting Denny, the old gentlemen that painted the painting. It was something I will never forget. I also talked with a gentlemen named Christopher. He was sharing with me how he desired to come to America. He had already served 13 years and had 3 more to go. All I could do is encourage him and I could tell he really appreciated it. After this the inmates sent us off and we were off.

This day was a good day. Though we started on a low with Simon, we ended on a high with the prisoners at the prison. Completely opposite of what I though would happen. As James 4:6 states:

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6 ESV)

I am overwhelmed with the response we received today from everyone we came in contact with. This day will be hard to top but I know God will continue to bless this trip and bring the team closer and closer together.

Palm Sunday, plus some basketball Part 2

The second part of the day we were going to play a game against Dave's old players at NUS. After getting off the MRT old alumni picked us up at a bus stop to take us to the university. I had the privilege of riding with a couple named Alan and Rachel in a nice Benz. They were super nice and we had a great conversation on the way there.

The court that we played at the university was only 3 months old! Brand new pretty much. As we were warming up it was cool to see Dave interact with his old players. I could see that they all really respected him. After warming up for over an hour, since we were waiting on the refs, we started playing.

To the day NUS alumni is the hardest competition we have had. We got better as the game went along but they beat us pretty good. We were to the understanding that it was 20 minute halfs running clock. Turned out to be 15 minute quarters running clock which was so tiring. But we made it through.

At the end of the game, Bobbie on our team got to share his testimony. The alumni were engaged and it was encouraging to hear his story. After the testimony we all showered and 6 ex players took us out to dinner. This by far has been the highlight, probably until tomorrow.

I rode with two gentlemen named Wongsong and Alan. Great guys! The other players were Ray, Francis, Eldrich, and Chen. They treated us to a Chinese feast or buffet. It was some of the best Chinese food I have ever had! There are some weird things in the Chinese culture. Like any culture I guess. One of the dishes had a century egg in it. I recommend you google it and get back to me, sadly it wasn't bad. They treated us to an avocado shake which was great minus the fact i get acid reflex. We will be seeing them again Thursday for another dinner outing.

Today was defiantly a highlight, tomorrow we go to a secondary school then to the prison. The prison experience is something that I know God will bless, but the human in me can't help but be worried. It will be hard to top today but I know tomorrow will possibly do it. Until next time, God bless.

Palm Sunday, plus some basketball Part 1

Today was a busy day. Once again it was a early morning. Late last night we tried doing some laundry in the shower. When we woke up this morning we failed drastically. Damp clothes aren't that fun. The positive in Singapore is that with the humanity and heat it drys up pretty fast.

We had some miscommunication this morning which I am starting to realize will be more common on the trip. We made the changes and actually made a Palm Sunday church service at Queenstown Lutheran Church. People were so inviting it was such a blessing. Even though we were there for half the service, it was by far one of the best experiences that I have ever had. The best thing about this is that there is more to come :)

After leaving the service we headed over the ACJC where we played yesterday to help in e children's ministry. This is what was actually on the schedule. We had such a good time with the kids. They were between the ages of 9-12 so I was a super blessed time. We pretty much played games with only 3 basketballs. We split them up into 3 groups so it gave the team a chance to share with them what Jesus has done in our life's. For the most part this is the first time I have openly shared my faith with little ones so I was really a cool experience for me. I understand why God calls us to be like children in the Bible. We had a kid named Ryan actually take pictures with all of us on his iPhone so that he could remember us. It about broke my heart it was so sweet!

After the clinic with the kids we headed back to the mall we where at yesterday to kill a couple hours and have lunch. I can't remember if I mentioned it beforehand but half of this mall is a mega church so I made that a priority to go and see. I come to find out it is the biggest church in SouthEast Asia which is pretty crazy! The auditorium sits 5,000 and they have more than one service. A big name pastor is in charge of this church and it also is called Solid Rock. Kinda ironic if you ask me. I at the moment can't remember his name but will be sure to mention it next time.

The last part of our day was probably the best. I probably will be saying this everyday from here on out but that is truly the case. To keep you entertained with the blog experience I am splitting this post up into two because there is so much to share. Let's just say if God where to call me to Singapore I wouldn't complain :) Till next time

Let the games begin! (Plus some site seeing)

Today was an early day. We started at 6 in the morning and had to be on the bus at 7 to head toward the west side of the island to play a game against the Anglo Chinese Junior College at 9. Needless to say it was an awesome experience. Since this was arranged outside of the school we could openly share our faith with the students and explain to them why we where there. I know for me I was deeply touched and had such a blast with the students.

Along with the awesome experience, it was pretty tough to play the whole time. I was winded 5 minutes in. So I got some work to do. One of Dave's ex students from when he coached over here years ago joined us and played. It was good to have him. After the game we ran a clinic for the students and that was a joy as well. Some of these kids could ball.

After the clinic we grabbed lunch. Rice is becoming more and more common with every meal. I actually like it. Gonna try and adopt more of that in the states when I get back, sorry Austin :) After lunch we site saw. I could write more on this but I think the pictures will speak for themselves and if you would ever like me to go into detail I am sure I could. I will try and post some on here as we'll as my Tumblr. Singapore architecture is amazing to say the least.

I feel so back because there are so many side stories to talk about but I know over time they will be told. I am looking forward to the church service tomorrow, it should be fun. Until next time, God bless

Day Two

Today has been almost relaxing. Got up at 6 am this morning, had the usual cereal for breakfast and did some morning devotionals. We pretty much stayed at the holiday flat today to get briefed on our whole schedule during the time here. A new member of the team showed up last night and we where introduced to him this morning. His name is Bobbie, he is 6' 8", 38 years old and has 3 kids. He played professionally in Mongolia. Great guy. We had a 9:30 meeting to talk about the day planned and spent some time in prayer. At noon, YouthWorks showed up with lunch and bubble tea and ran through everything we will encounter over the trip. It was really beneficial. We will be deal with kids of all ages 10-22 years of age.

Our schedule couldn't be more exciting with all the games we will get to play. We shot around on the hoop outside the flat and we will defiantly be subbing in a lot with the weather and humidity. Most of our games will be outside so I am hydrating like crazy!

That evening we went to pick up the last member of our team Tim from the airport. Sadly he gave us the wrong flight information so I won't be able to meet him until tomorrow. Kinda a waste of time but I got to use the public transportation again so that was cool. Tomorrow will be a great experience, the journey will officially begin and I can only imagine what God will do, He is SO good. God bless and next time

Evening One

Today was a packed filled day. After leaving our Holiday Flat we took the public transportation route into near downtown Singapore to the headquarters of YouthWorks who is our sponsor for this trip. As an engineer it was crazy to see all the apartment buildings being built. I must have saw over 20 cranes today so it was pretty cool

At the YouthWorks headquarters we met a lot of cool people and got to hear their vision for the ministry so that was early encouraging. I can't wait to see the avenues and doors God is going to open for us when we have the chance to go into the schools and run clinics for the children. From what I've already heard Monday couldn't come any faster!

We then headed to the airport to pick up two other members of our team. In the airport terminal we got lunch for the first time. We had over 20 selected places to choose from all consisting of rice and some sort of meat. Needless to say it wasn't a bad meal and it is something I'll have to get used to the next couple weeks.

Ryan and Nathan showed up and from there we came back to the Holiday Flat to relax for a bit before heading back into town to get dinner and breakfast food for the morning. Over dinner Dave shared with us the heart for the trip and how he has approached it so hearing his heart got me even more excited for what God has planned. One thing I know it is a lot of basketball! Need to hydrate that is for sure.

We ended the night playing a little Lightning basketball on the hoop outside the flat. It was a good end to the night. The rest of the team shows up late tonight. It is about 9 pm at the moment. Closing in on the evening this trip has only begun. God has great things planned and I am ready for whatever He has in store. Until next time

Morning One

It is a beautiful morning. I am pretty sure I beat jet lag but we will find out later today. Bryce saw a monkey today. Their are signs that say watch out for falling coconuts where we are staying. Needless to say we are pretty blessed. Talking with Dave and his son Caleb this morning has been such an encouragement to start out the trip. Today we have a lot of freedom since most of the rest of the team shows up this evening. We will be heading out to the Youth for Christ center downtown in just a bit. We will be taking the train as the mode of transportation so I am looking forward to that. More to come with this trip, I'll be sure to keep blogging. Blessings

Roads untraveled

Well the journey has begun. Currently this post comes from the plane ride to Hong Kong. We are four hours in and still have 9 hours to go. It is crazy but somehow I can already see God pulling us through no matter what. We will be in Singapore before we know it. By the time I post this it will be 3am in the states on a Wednesday when it will be 8pm for me or should I say us! As far as I know me Bryce and Chad are having a hard time sleeping.

It is cool to see the work The Lord is already showing us. For one we are the minority. Once we are in Hong Kong it will become more of a reality. Can't wait until we are in Singapore! The suspense is already killing me and once we get there it will be hard to control myself.

For all the mothers out there yes I have been getting up and moving around so I don't get blood clots. The last thing I need is that ;) The layover in San Fran wasn't too bad. I wish we could have had more time to explore but their is always another time for that. For the time begin we are a 3 man team on a mission, and that is to expand His kingdom.

I sure hope the picture of the mountains show up when I post this. I think it is Alaska and it is beautiful. Look forward to coming across sites like this more often on the trip as we can just marvel and soak up God's marvelous creation. Until then, I am going to read some books I've been wanting to read for the past year. I got 14 days until I am back at OSU to finish my degree so I better get to it. I have 9 hours so I should be able to do it :)

Thank you everyone for the continued prayers for us! I am overwhelmed by the amount of support we have back home and this trip wouldn't be possible without all of you. YOU made it possible so thank you. For now, I'll continue down roads untraveled and write this next story of my life. God bless