Chapter #21 Back on those Railroad Tracks...

Look who just came out of hiding, yeah that's right me. Umm yeah, it's been a couple months since my last post for my blog, but now their is plenty to talk about. I got lazy with this because of getting caught up with a school stuff and basically forgetting to write about what's going on in the world that I'm living in. A lot to look back on as the fall semester has now come to a close. And end of Junior year for myself; three and a half years of college done. I don't know how I manage to get this far but with hard work and determination you are going to get somewhere. I definitely didn't think I would be in this position about to be a Senior in college is unreal. First though reflecting back on fall semester overall it was alright not the best semester so far since I've gone to K-State but it was good standing 4.5 months. And a lot of things happened between August to the middle of December. If I can remember this correctly, lol I'm about write about some of the major things that have happen this semester...

August: Back from and epic summer in Juneau, Alaska and returning to school was big. And it was and honest struggle getting back into things; living off campus, new classes and so forth. Yeah, it took me a good little bit to get back focus again, once that happen everything got better as the semester continued on. I don't remember the exact day but this started last year when I learned how to swing dance. My good friend Sara was in Manhattan visiting some friends and I haven't seen her since before leaving for Juneau. We went to go swing dancing again and it was fun. Getting better every time I go out and dance but overall it was good to see Sara again.

September: New friends. This would go with August but seeing old friends is always good. At the same time though it's really exciting to meet new people as well. I have met my share of new friends this semester and it's been good getting to know them; next semester I'm looking forward to building those friendships from school a little bit more. My new friends that I have met and you know who you are, haha...thanks and I look for forward to seeing well most of you for spring semester!

October: K-State football winning and winning in some close but great games to watch. They have beaten teams that other folks around the country didn't give us a chance to win against. It's been awesome watching this team this year put out some tough games; still got the Cotton  Bowl January 6th against Arkansas other than that great regular season by the Cats'...getting baptize was big too! It was something that I have been thinking about for a while since project ended and that was wonderful.

November: Things have been happening in the Radio side of things. It's one of my classes as well and doing the football games (some of them), studio working sound board doing my own halftime show...it's been an eye opening experience and tons of fun doing it. Will be doing more of the same next semester as well. A few weeks ago I did my first women's basketball game when K-State played BYU. I was color commentary guy for this game and that was a blast. The next day I got good reviews from my classmates/bosses. From the first time out I did really good and I don't know what's going to happen in the future with this but right now I'm having fun doing radio.

December: Once again, it goes back to Swing Dancing but this time it was with my close friends from Barton that I went to school with. I had a chance before finals to go back to Great Bend to see friends and new ones the first weekend of the month. Basically now, I'm Barton Alumni which is awesome and last year Barton held a swing dance event and I went to that as well. A shout out to my fellow friends from BCCC I think we have a tradition going...

• Brandon
• Brittany
• Tim
• Cassie
• Jeremy
• Willie
• Amanda
• Kaitlin
• Matt
• Gwen
• Reba
• Jesse

For my acting class for a final we had to act out a scene from a play that the student directors gave us and perform it in front of an audience in the theater. The play I was in turned out to be really good, I basically nailed it and my grade speaks for itself...A how about that for a final. A lot of practice, hard work, and memorization was put into it and if you do that, you should be good to go, acting class was a success, BOOM! Had some good conversation from friends that I have seen in awhile at times this semester. Fun and good conversations with Lynnsey, then Hannah. 

It's good to be done with school for a while before going back in January, now it's time to relax and continue to reflect on some things. I don't know for sure what going to happen next but whatever comes next you have to just go with it...this has been a long ride on the railroad tracks to this point.

Chapter 20: Back In The Game

I'm finally into the semester now, it been super busy so far. Haven't had a lot of time to post blogs but I don't posts too many anyway. Here's 3 topics that I want to share with you for this week's blog...a short summary, lol

Softball: This started last semester, but I'm playing softball for my church that I go to while I'm at Kansas State it's called Manhattan Church of Christ. I got basically recruited by one of my good friends and the rest is in the books. I play with a lot of the guys who go to church and it's been fun actually to play a full schedule this fall with the guys I got to know from last year. Matt, Joseph, and Gene those are just some of the guys that I play with every Monday night for the next few weeks. For the exception of one game we have been really competitive. And yes, as I said earlier I think that I've enjoy playing softball it's a little different from baseball but I'm using the skills that God has given me to go and help these guys try to win some of the rest of the games. It all about having fun.

121: This is a new group that I sort of joined late last semester and coming in to this semester I have been more a part of this group which was called the "Prayer Group" now change to "121". That actually stands for Romans 12:1- Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. This verse right here is all about doing the things that we do on a regular basis whether it's walking, eating, having conversation with someone, etc. Doing these things to honor God every single day of your life. Being with this group I have learned a quite a bit already and have new friendships with the group as well. I'm not going to single anyone out on this one. This from me is a shout out to everyone in the group for making it happen and continuing on their walks with Christ. It's been a blessing to be apart of this group and I looking to building deeper relationships with the friends that I have in this group.


Decision on Getting Baptize: This is something thought about doing since late July-August during project in Alaska. God has been speaking about this and I finally made the decision to get baptize. I was really close to doing this up there but in my heart in didn't real fell right to it in Juneau. God spoke and he wants me to get baptize in Manhattan in front of church family and friends that have made it happen. Without this community who knows where I would headed. I will talk about that more during my baptism which it well be on October 9 3:00pm. Brian Cobb will do the honors and I'm planning on telling my adventurous journey. This is my decision and I'm looking forward to.

Chapter 19 Different

Yeah, it's been awhile since the last post. So, this is the first post of the new semester and a new format on blogger. These guys change the format and I'm just checking it out for the first time and it's like BOOM! New look. I'm still getting used to this new format but it's now the same as the last one. Many things have changed since I was last in Manhattan. My whole outlook is the a little bit different than it was the previous year. And I have been doing a lot of thinking. A lot of cards are still yet to be played for me, more on that later this semester but I have been SUPER busy in the first two weeks of classes but overall it hasn't been that bad at all! I've gotten a lot more comfortable with everything classes and so forth. 3 big topics that have come up this week to try to sum up and been going with me since the arrival back at K-State.


Are things back to normal: I'm currently at 90% right now. I feel better than I did coming back to school. For personally I would really call that post project depression. I would call getting back to real life. Being away for pretty much the entire summer is like not training at all since the final game of the year whether it's football, baseball etc. It's like taking some time off after a long season and trying to jump back into. That's what this is about for me. It's taken me quite awhile to get back to normal life from a long summer and dealing with the atmosphere of the college campus. I feel now that I'm pretty close to getting back in the game; new living arrangements, making new friends, reconnecting with old friends, new classes that sort of thing. No doubt about it...it was a struggle but it's beginning to come back now and happy about that.

Memories and Friendships: There are plenty of stories from the summer experience in Juneau and I have learning a ton. I'm still in the process of digesting it all. It's still going to take a little bit but the memories will last a very long time. I've grown and changed as a person (I still have the personally) but I think God has helped me a lot to grow as man. I will keep learning and growing in that aspect of it. The learning for me doesn't stop in Juneau it's going to keep on moving forward and never being satisfied. The friendship will last forever too. The guys on project came together as one through the good times and bad. We are now one big family and we need to continue those relationships even though were not together anymore in person. I met some pretty cool local towards the end of project and I feel like were still getting to know each other. I miss them. A shout out goes out to them-
Seth
Callie
Bri
Cassie
Friends don't go out one ear and go out the other. They stay with you. I feel like we all are becoming very good friends which I'm pretty stoked about that, haha! That goes for the other local too.

Momentum: There is a big swing of momentum coming from the radio side of things. I don't know how but opportunities are coming up real fast. I have been always interest in TV and radio for a long time. But radio has been my favorite though. I really enjoyed doing radio up there in Juneau (Calvary House) the christian radio up there helping out with that being on live radio talking to audience and now that radio thing...it's carried big into this school year. More in the next blog about it. One of my classes in KSU audition; it's a radio class that gives you the chance to make your own recordings, promote events, do news or sports games things like that.I'm of course doing sports I won't be calling games yet but I'll be in there doing stats, spotting and be on air with halftime, and post game reports. The station I will be on is KSDB Manhattan The Wildcat 91.9 (Station here on K-State campus)

Edward's Corner: I enjoy my teacher/boss for my class (radio). She gave us something to think about for future. A DJ name for us; you know them dj's who play all types of music in the party setting and of course in radio. I already got one and it kind of matches with me and it should. DJ smiles is going to be my name when I get a music show later down the line. Of course! I do smile a lot, no surprises there, haha!!

See you on the other side,
-Eddie

Chapter 18: Eddie Returns

Back in the lower 48, this is my first blog here since going to Juneau. The change from Juneau back to Missouri has been not to bad and then making the transition in less than 24 hours back to Kansas will be I guess exciting for me because school is about to start up again with a ton of new students, new beginnings, and new surroundings...well a few that will be new but another school year is fast approaching. Adjusting to the hot weather in Missouri from the mid range conditions from Juneau, Alaska hasn't been much of a problem for me being from the south. I'm used to the heat but, I rather still be in Juneau haha...hey that the way it goes. Coming back to Manhattan has been on my mind for the last 3 weeks. Coming off one of the most summer highs of my entire life up til this point has me extremely pumped about the whole school year in general not just the fall semester but everything. A new year is right around the corner and there are going to be some changes coming compared to what I had to go through last year coming in as a transfer student and new to the university and trying to get used to everything and trying to do it all. It won't happen, a year under my belt at Kansas State and I'll do things a little bit differently. Hopefully one of the things that I want to accomplish this year is my relationships with my friends on campus, like building on the friendships that I made a year ago and grow even closer to them. On the flip side making new friends is also important as well. So, one of the many goals will be making new friends. When a new year comes in everything is different, well most of them. It will be interesting to see what happens as I currently still processing everything that I learned in Juneau.

5 Star Questions
* What has it been like coming back to the states?
A: It been good just to come home for awhile to relax with family. I mean it had to take a while because I was used to waking up in the morning and seeing the mountains in the distance. Of course you don't see them in the big city but it's nice getting back into everyday mode for awhile. Kansas, will be different in itself with all of the weather patterns it has but I used to that by now.

* How is post Juneau?
A: Still in the processing everything I learned from being on summer project up there. It's still going to take a while but I think after a month or so I'll being to digest some of the things I learning in Juneau and start applying it to my daily life. At the same time, I don't want to forget everything and I mean EVERYTHING that I did this summer and throw it all away, I'm working on breaking that habit. I will always remember this summer as an eye opening experience and remember all the things I did to get there. 

* How about the return to Kansas? (Manhattan)
A: Very excited about it! I mean it's being 2.5 months since I've been in any part of Kansas. I'm ready to go back and see many of my friends that I haven't seen since May and share the experience with them.

*What was the best part about Juneau Summer Project?
A: Haha, there's not really one that stands out to me. I think for especially for me is taking the step of faith and trusting the Lord to go to this summer project. That in itself was a HUGE deal. Never even going to before Alaska was like what am I doing. I don't know what I do if I didn't go to Juneau this summer, I know things wouldn't be the same for sure. I real happy that I had the opportunity to go, met a lot of good people who are now my friends as well as the Juneau Summer Project men and women. Looking forward to keep those relationships for a lifetime.

*Ready for classes to start?
A: Almost lol, I just honestly ready to get back to a routine after a few days. It will take some time but after a few weeks things for be will go back to normal with what appears to be a busy semester this fall.

Chapter 17: Men's Juneau Summer Project 2011 Series: The Adventure Part 2 (Weeks 10 &11)

The final installment of this series at least...this has been an amazing journey getting to know everyone who came to project this summer. It's been a one unpredicted ride for me just getting to this point in my life, it's awesome. Here is a recap of what took place the last few weeks in Juneau.

It starts at almost two weeks ago (23rd) spending the night at Bill and Tammie's family who just join the church that me and 7 others go to; that would be Glacier Valley. Their family is super, super COOL. Our group ate at their place the previous weekend and cooked us fried chicken. Their from the state of Kentucky where Linsey and Trey two of my project friends are from. And me being from Georgia I was craving some southern food haha! Eating fish is really good, but I was getting tried of it, lol. This time though we ate and shared funny and inspiring stories with them about the summer/project. Afterwards, we basketball followed by ninja which become a popular game to play for me.

A shout out goes out to all of the people who to Glacier Valley southern baptist this summer. It was a lot of fun just going to church eating great food and just hanging out. It started out as a little awkward not and with the ladies a whole lot but towards the end we all come together...
The students who went to Glacier Valley with me this summer-
Cody
Faust (Steven)
Trey
Shawn
Saul
Amanda
Jenny H.
Heidi
Also including:
Sam H.
Linsey
Brady
Van Zant

On the 24th as a men's project we went on a hike to Mt. Jumbo. Started from the ground even though we were on a hill going upwards and made it all the way to the top and peaked it as well. The first mountain that I went all the way to the top. The view was something else seeing downtown from up there was amazing and seeing the size. To me, I think Juneau is small town compared to other capitals and this city is like a small town where everyone knows everyone. Hiking Jumbo wasn't too bad, got to talk to at least a few more guys that I ready didn't know to much about yet. After, we did our service on the beach in downtown Douglas Island some of us went to go see Captain America with some of the locals. I thought it was a pretty good movie.

The 26th on Manhood Development is was raining pretty good and we did trust falls off the pipe on an old building. Somehow or another I'm slowly overcoming the heights issue that keep mentioning in some of these posts. The meaning behind it is we need to trust the brotherhood which is really key to having a good community and a successful one. Holy communion followed that.

Early Wednesday morning, I went kayaking with Debbie Douglass and it was a total blast. Me, Mills, Bickett, Joe, Grant and Faust didn't have a chance all summer to go out to the lake until that time. I'm back on the water again in a skinny boast thinking yeah, I'm about to go into the water but that never happen at all! We kayaked all the way as close as we can to Mendenhall Glacier than went all the way back. And yes, I got a workout at the same time.

Wednesday, 27th (same day) during our CRU weekly meeting I had a chance to speak to everyone and tell them my testimony on how I came to Christ and Juneau. It went very well. I actually wanted volunteer to share my testimony and God put that in my heart and I did. Got a lot of good comments from people plus the locals who are in CRU in Juneau. After the meeting we had an event called the $5 prom. Basically we had to buy 5 dollars outfits or you can be creative like I was I need to spend money on a dance party. Followed by hanging out with locals going to McDonald's. I got invited by some of the students who go to CRU in town so I had chance to get to know some of them like Callie, Bri, Cassie, Seth, Nathan and David D. That was one of my favorite nights of the entire summer just spending time with them and chillin.

On the 28th (Thursday), After the last day of work I ended up cooking for my action group which turned out very successful! All I cooked up was Mac and Cheese homemade kind and on top of that a ton of pasta noodles. Yeah, I wanted to just keep it simple and I did real BIG. I'm starting to learn how to cook so at least this summer I know a little bit still working on it.

Saturday (30th) was our prayer hike on Mt. Roberts. And we all did it together that included the ladies as well. Did it in small groups though but we arrived right at the cross sitting on the mountain where we had worship and prayer up there but that wasn't the top. About 9 of us after that hike the rest of Roberts another 2.5 miles up eventually I got to the top of this mountain as well. It took a while but I got up there and that mountain I think was a little bit harder than Mt. Jumbo was. The same night we had our last outreach event of the summer and it was a dodgeball tournament. And it turned out to be real competitive, had a lot of fun with that. During the intermission I got to share my testimony again with all of the locals who came out to the high school (Thunder Mountain).

Monday and Tuesday (1st and 2nd) was mostly free time to what we wanted because this was the last week in Juneau for most of us. Tuesday afternoon, I went downtown with Callie and Bri just to hangout with them some more and take some more pictures. It's was really nice getting to chill with them. We have just gotten to know each other well. Action group night, Mike cooked us some real big burgers then went to the docks from some shakes afterwards. Then, ended up playing outdoor caged dodgeball for the night cap which was fun.

Wednesday (3rd), the last CRU weekly meeting for us took place after that one last hanging out with all the locals who helped us out this summer. The same night a few of us starting a yearbook signing event where a few others had maps that the students were signing as well.

Towards the end of the week, each student was debrief by one of the original staff students who were here in the beginning of the summer. We all cleaned up the campus all day (Southeast Alaska) vechcles, storage room. etc. Pretty much everything. Then finally the last night in Juneau we all hungout with each other before taking offon our seperate ways. I manage to enjoy my last night by staying up all night because I had a 6am flight didn't want to go to sleep at all. Had a chance to watch most of the movie "tangled" with Jenny Logan, Rikky, Seth, Caleb, Jack, and Christina before taking off on the airplane back home. At the airport before getting on the plane their was one line big line of the project (students) giving hugs and saying the farewells. Everyone who was still in Juneau were able to see us off first. I flew back with Robert, Parker, Spencer, Kieth, Van Zant and Christina. The group slowly seperated as we got closer to our destinations. But it took longer for some of us to get home than expected. The last 2.5 months has been really amazing spending it with a good communtiy of students and real soon I'll be back on campus at K-State.

See you on the flip side,
Eddie

Chapter 16: Men's Summer Project 2011 Series: The Adventure Part 1 (Weeks 8 &9)

In less than two weeks, I'll be going home on airplane leaving the state of Alaska after spending nearly all of summer here. The last two weeks have been really busy doing a lot of volunteer work, outreach activities and helping out with Vacation Bible School. This is most likely my last post here in Juneau before going home and wrapping up my final project post of the summer. So, here's a recap of what's been happening the 2 weeks in Juneau.

Service wise, I had a chance to go help out with this non-profit christian group called Love Inc. (company) All they do is help out the people who need food or furniture...even other things. When I was there a week ago, Me and 3 other students from project went out to pickup and deliver furniture to 4 different locations after the nice elderly ladies gave up a little devotional before doing all of this for them. I really enjoyed doing that for them and I rode the big yellow van with Joe (one of the students) and kind of helping him trying to find the houses. Plus, after the delivery of the furniture we just prayer for each person in whatever the person needed.

Friday Night (15th) our action group went camping for the 1st time since our original staff leader left. It turned out really good. I think we have the best action group on this project. A shout out to all of them ( Cody, Kyle, Mike, and Steven) we have definitely bonded throughout this project having a good time camping, get together or taken group pictures it been fun. I have had some good meals throughout project too, so at least twice a week we can eat some good stuff.

Couple of Saturdays ago, Me and Cody were out trying to used the perspective cards to good use but not many people were at the park (Twin Lakes) so we went to the playground and found this tower castle and went inside to check it out and these little kids come up the slide and ask me "Are you Michael Jackson??" And I say, "Na Dawg, I'm not Michael Jackson!" Yeah, I said that haha so the little kids chase me around the playground for like 10 minutes or so before they settled down. And then the same kids said "Goodbye, Michael Jackson" as I left...funny stuff.

Two Sundays ago I enjoyed Pastor Mills (Glacier Valley) sermon about keeping Jesus center stage. That is huge in a person's life and there was 3 keys topics that I got out of it...
1) The peace of Christ is to rule from within
2) Make genuine thankfulness a habit
3) Make your heart a home for his word
The passage came from Colossians 3:15-17 it was a good message for all of us. Pastor Mills sermons during the time that I have been up in Juneau have been really good.

The previous Manhood Development (12th) was about following the cross  of Christ. At least we are called to do something for God and we need to put down whatever were doing and follow him. As a group, we ended up as a group building a cross near well close to Eagle Beach. No group has never don that before, so our group leaders came up with that idea.

Last Monday night discussion was about seeking God/at the end of the day what did we do for God. We basically talked about growing up in our walk with Christ and not wasting time with other false doctrines in our lives and debate other topics that we need to talk about and stop wasting time. Tuesday's Manhood Development our group played Tug-of-War for like 6 rounds and the message related to that was going out and put everything on the line for Christ.

This past week I was able to help out my church (Glacier Valley)  with Vacation Bible School. I enjoyed that a lot. Didn't starting helping until Tuesday when they needed more help with over 125 kids. I spent most of my time there in the crafts section helping about at least 30 kids with building the apple carts that they were making. The theme was New York City; the church had to look like New York even though it's not real in real life. This is more about them learn about Jesus and that is the important part. Also, participated in helping Faust (Steven) with the painting of the theater stage with the kids as well. It was for there background for the big show for Friday night.

Edward's Corner: During my down time while not doing project activities I have been hanging with my project friends more going out to movies. I have watched more movies this summer than last year I didn't see a whole lot of movie last year very cool to getting out of my shell this summer. The next blog post will come after I return to the lower 48 after project ends which is on August 5th. I will be getting back on the plane 6am on the following day (Sunday) I will be going home. And I got something in store for all of you, I will share what happen in the final two weeks and I might have some surprises for you. Thank you to all of my supporters for everything even prayers. A couple things still need to be taken care of, but still keep me and project group in your prayers as project is counting down to the end...Talk to you guys again in 2 weeks I will be returning home from Juneau Summer Project.

Chapter 15: Men's Summer Project 2011 Series: The MAZE (Part 2)...Week 7

The second half of project begins and the original staff is leaving and the new staff comes in and starts to do work. We all need to step up as things begin to wine down...

Last Saturday, I went to see the new movie Transformers 3 with a huge group from project. The movie out of the previous 2 that I have seen was by far the best. A lot of things were happening especially the one big scene at Chicago. The action was really good toward the ends. If any of you haven't seen the movie yet I won't say anything more but you should check it out.

On Sunday, I really enjoyed the message from our pastor which was "Getting out of our comfort zone." The message fits almost perfectly with me. Pastor Mills talked about letting you talents say inside the living room and just be comfortable around there. It's all about taking chances and going out in the world and doing things that  your are not accustomed to doing during everyday life. There were about 5 keys into doing being out of your own comfort zone
1) God will take the initiative
2) Be teachable to grow and expand on your knowledge
3) Keeping the line level when trying to teach others
4) Obedience is not a choice
5) Be open to adjustments; keeping basically an open mind
If we are all being led by the spirit then we have that opportunity to get moved out of our comfort zone. We all can't plan everything. We can try but at the end it's God's has a plan on what he wants us to do.

Working for the radio station this week at Calvary Christian Fellowship wasn't that bad at all. It's been somewhat of a dream job for quite sometime. What my manager told me last weekend when I met up with him during Men's breakfast is that "to learn how to do things, you have to just get in there and get to it" And that's what I have been doing over the course of the week. He even told me that he is an easy person to work with so there are no problems there. Tuesday, was amazing we went through this manhood ceremony the last Tuesday that the original staff was apart of this year's summer project before the new staff took over. Wednesday, as part of my volunteer work I was over the air live (radio) on a show called "Rush Hour" with Adam and David. That was a lot of fun to talk on live radio; I'll be doing that for the rest of the month. These guys are pretty chill and funny guys to be around.

THE MAZE
We promoted the event on the night of July 3 when the city of Juneau had there firework celebration. That's was good when we out there because the rest of days we would be downtown and the place would be just dead. We did radio announcements too I made one over the radio station. Friday night we had like over I think 600 attending the MAZE and over now 90 people who accepted Christ which was awesome. We are doing follow-up with these people right now to hear their stories, so it will be interesting. 4 weeks left on project...I will report back in 2 weeks.

Chapter 14: Men's Summer Project 2011 Series: The MAZE (Part 1)...Week 6

This marks the halfway point of my summer mission trip in Juneau, Alaska. And looking back so far on this trip, I think this week has been the most frustrating one just because of the job situation that 12 of us were put in. But in each situation you need to learn from it and move on. Being angry for a long time doesn't helped the situation, it just makes everything worse; God does things for a reason, he has a plan for each and every one of us. Yeah, it been tough looking for another place to work for just one more month, like not even that 3 or 4 more weeks. It's been a rough go but things are finally starting to calm down for some at least half of us. I will tell you more what I'll be doing with in the month so later.

Coming back from the camping trip weekend at Sawmill and hearing about the news on our job at Fred Meyer and then waiting was annoying. The reason why we were all let go because of the stories didn't meet their budget and other things and I'll leave it like that. The rest of the week has been good, I have been able to hanging out with some of the guys and build that community. One of the important things that Coorts talked about on Monday night. The topic of the night an authentic man need to live a Christ life meaning these 5 things include
1) has an proper relationship with God (there is no plan B)
2) the diet of truth (being real in your faith)
3) having a relationship with other men in the community
4) cutting the availability of our parents; slowly not been disrespectful
5) start being authentic with other guys when we all return to our college campus
We all need to have a true relationship with Christ; it's go to go a long way on our view in life. Tuesday night was one of the favorite things on this summer project that I really enjoyed. We were all encouraging one another saying positive things to each other instead of saying negative things that come out of our mouths. That also can apply to real life as well with anyone. Wednesday night, we had our weekly meeting and the whole announcements were told in story like form and during our information time, I went up in front of the group and told everyone about "The MAZE" which is coming up this Friday in the city of Juneau. In next week blog (Part 2) I will give you guys the rundown on what happen with the MAZE and Jim Munroe...The next month I'll will be possibly work with a Church who has a radio station within the church; their name is Calvary Christian Fellowship-I'll be most likely helping them out with their radio program which is very exciting! Keep us in our prayers this week for The MAZE and that Jim Munroe can have an awesome performance as he also gives his testimony to the city of Juneau. Pray for me as I'm about to make my radio appearance. Talk to guys next week for Part 2.

Chapter 13: Men's Summer Project 2011 Series: This Ain't NO Beach Project, Dawg! (Part 2)...Week 5

Five weeks are in the books and we are actually closing in on the midway point. If project ended this week, I could tell a ton of stories. Here a recap of a busy week and an awesome camping trip...

Had a chance to work a full week at Freddie's this past week. There really hasn't been any co-workers that are working on shift but I'm still getting to know and I'm beginning to know their names. On the flip side, I'm getting to the members who are on project (guys) a lot better, had a good conversation with one of them the other day and it was pretty good. Me and him talked about what got us to Juneau and other things so it was good practice. As for the week in general, last Sunday went to Glacier Valley then we had a choice afterwards to eat back on campus or in town because our friends who cooks lunch for us isn't won't be back for a while but the food after church has really good. Monday night we had our usual group session and we had the opportunity to ask questions to the female panel about how to treat women the right way if you know what I'm talking about. The questions were about things like respecting ladies, marriage, etc. I felt like I got something out of the meeting; there's is something new I learn everyday whether your single or in a relationship you can apply it to real life. Tuesday night meeting we did a group activity where there was about 5 or 6 groups those groups became countries such as USA, China, Middle East just some of the places that were involved and we had to break people in and out of the countries and try to at least bring them to the US. The bread was one of the key factors in that; once you had the bread in possession you can leave the country your in...I was part of the China group I actually did leave the country. The point of the activity was that the gospel isn't available to everyone around the world, countries (some) have different rules that you have to go by. Some people won't be able to leave the countries, but there are people who are called to do mission work and spread the gospel.

Wednesday, after our weekly meeting we had a little dance party for our CRU and that was a lot of fun. I had a chance to show a little bit of skills; coming from me I don't dance to often, lol. Thursday, during "Man Time" we listen to a little sermon by Tim Keller about singleness and marriage. This sermon really open my eyes to what singleness or being married really means. One of the main point brought up in the discussion was independence giving up that part to becoming one with someone you love. This past weekend, I took part in an epic camping trip full of just relaxing and hanging out with my fellow guys from project. The weekend was more about really getting a chance to fish for most of the guys. I never did any fishing before in my life and Saturday I had a chance to fish and at the same time ride on a boat for the 1st time as well. I have broken a lot of barriers on this trip overcoming fears things like that, it's been a lot of fun. Water and I don't get along but riding on the water was awesome on the other side I didn't catch any fish but I caught some crab Saturday night. One of the crabs pinch me, it kind of hurt but at I though that he was going to rip my skin off while trying to get the crab off the back off my hand! Sunday, I went whale watching with a guy named Graig and some of my buddys Cody, Trey, and Brady. We saw a whale breach from water to midair...he lifted his ENTIRE body off the water it was eye opening. Being on water was pretty good I spent half the weekend on water not on that it was deep sea that was something else. The trip was just wonderful in general and I had the chance to share my thoughts with the guys on why I came up to Juneau this summer.

Edward's Corner: The title that is on top was change to This ain't no beach project because it was something that I started (it was said from my mouth) earlier in project. My action group was talking about how some of the guys are chillin with the ladies on project and I said "This ain't no beach project, dawg!" Everyone started to laugh and since then everybody is saying it. It's pretty good to start something that everyone follow...it's been the motto on this trip, lol...if your wondering if I'm taking any pictures; I have! Tons, I will upload them when I go home. Talk to you guys next week!

Chapter 12: Men's Summer Project 2011 Series: This Ain't NO Beach Project, Dawg!! (Part 1)...Week 4

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Chapter 11: Men's Summer Project 2011 Series: Impact (Part 3)

Week #3 of the summer project includes more time of reflection, more camping and time to finally start actual work at my job...here is the recap at the things I did for the past week.

At this point of the project I think I'm starting to find my rhythm in the case of getting into a normal schedule and getting busy able to accomplish some goals set before the summer ends. Last Sunday, again church went well once again. The pastor (Gordon Mills)  pick up right where he left off with putting on your armor for God. Mills mention that when putting on the armor you need protect yourself from arrows such as deception, accusation, full attack mode, and temptation. After that we ate at the Buck's and had seafood over at their place. I had some type of soup with King Crab, a few different types of salmon, potatoes, and onions. It was really, really good never much of a seafood person. But that was good. Monday following that I like the little message that Jason Coorts gave about there are 2 different types of men. In 1 Corinthians 15: 45-49 it talks about 2 different types of Adam. The first Adam was about sinning before God and then the second Adam is all about being a life giver...there is more to come about that topic.

For Manhood Development night we hiked all the way to Mendenhall Glacier and had the opportunity to do the activity out there. Looking at the Glacier from a distance it's a beautiful scene but looking at it from close range it's even amazing. Once we finally got up close to the Glacier we did our activity out there it's pretty much reflecting on what our lives would like after about 60+ years.  The title of this week's post is pretty much about that. On basically how can you make an impact back at home, work with your co-workers, or your campus. While, I sat there looking at the glacier I thought to myself like my image would like after about 50 more years. I don't know quite yet but God will lead me to the path that he wants me to go instead making my own path by myself. So, going up to the Glacier was awesome.

Then, later on in the week me and about 9 other guys finally getting settled in to our summer jobs at this store called Fred Meyer. It's like a grocery store but it's more than that, it's kind of like a big mall. It's bigger than Wal-Mart way bigger. When through orientation and a few old videos, and of course sign paperwork. I will begin work finally on Tuesday finally making some money but at the same time having the opportunity to have a chance to get to know my co-workers.

Action Group night me, James, Cody, Steven, Kyle, and Mike had tacos and Apple pie. Then, we continued with our mini bible study of 1 Timothy Chapter 2-3:13. Which leads to Friday and service day. I went to Salvation Army to help sort clothes with my group that included Spencer, Robert, Chelsea, and Christina. We went there and did some work for about 3 hours then we ate as group and we ate at this pizzeria place which was pretty good. Later on in the evening my action group went out to Douglas Island to go camping for the night and we had a pretty good view of everything! All of the mountains, water, and the view of some of the crew ships was beautiful. We found a good spot on the camp site this time unlike the last time we found a not so good spot.

Saturday, after our group camped out til 10 in the morning we got back to the campus before our outreach night in the city. I paired up with Ann (one of the staff people on project) we had the chance to talk to a few people who were still in town because there was a music concert going on that night. Not a lot of people hanging out on the streets but we did have talk to a few people used the soularium cards. I'm still getting used to those cards and using it as a tool to used it for spiritual conversations, but I'm starting to get comfortable.

To wrap-up Saturday night, Vincent Hoppe (Big Daddy V) gave us a good talk and how God has a heart for all sinners. It was kind of relating to everything in the real world and that each person is created in God's image we are not perfect. We all need a heart for sinners just like Jesus did...talk to you guys again next week for more on my summer project.

Edward's Corner...
Finally able to start work this week is a big relief, so I can get in a rhythm and balance out my soon to be day to day busy schedule. I'm taking my time in get to know everyone on our project I'm not in a total hurry but I know all of the guys who are up here in Juneau and sharing our testimony with almost every guy on the trip was been good in our what's called soul-to-soul time where we talk about how we came to know Christ.

Chapter 10: Men's Summer Project 2011 Series: Facing Reality (Part 2)

The second week of summer project really is kind of the actual start of the project and getting down to business a little bit...

The first Sunday up in Juneau, I went to this church called Glacier Valley Baptist Church and I would say that it is pretty solid. The preacher's sermon (Gordon Mills) was about putting on true armor for God. Ephesians 6:10-18 talks about the fact that we need to have a lot more motivation to go to the world and put on the body armor for Christ. The is NO neural ground when wanting to serve for Christ; either you are on his side or not. A person needs to develop good character that way other people can come along and follow you. Mills talked about the fact that every time you go to battle for Christ you put the whole full body armor on. I thought that point was really interesting.

Monday was Monday Night Live; what that is all about is getting the entire group together including the ladies and basically planning the projects and the things that we will be doing over the week. The first week of Manhood Development night also started this week as well (Tuesday Nights) and I thought that we pretty good but at the same time very tough because as guys we need to become one and figure out things together. So, all the guys we were hiking to a certain spot and we came up on this rope and each of us was carrying a log which ended up representing the sins that we have committed in the past and we had to figure out how to get OVER the rope without touching it. The rope was sitting half up the tree going across.

That also includes the the logs not touching the ground either. After about 45 minutes or so, everyone finally got over the rope, this was all about building that team unity learn how to communicate with each other instead of working as an individual. Push ups with the logs on ours backs was tougher I think because of the fact that you or anybody else can't drop the log to the ground or you will as least to one more. After that having quiet time with God me and a lot of us came to our reality that Christ is real and he forgives us for our sins. We don't have to work extremely hard to try to impress him. Christ has done all of the work for us. We need to come before us him and confess our sins.

Went hiking for the first time and it was wonderful. The view looking down on top of the city of Juneau was something else. Somehow, someway so far this summer I have overcome the fear of heights with been on the airplane and then the next going hiking on a mountain. Never done that before so it was been an interesting experience so far that for sure. The same night (Thursday) our action group had dinner cooked by our leader James. Had a really good pasta served up with veggies, bread and root beer.

Camping is something that I haven't done in a long time. Going camping on Friday was pretty good, I mean the fact that we didn't really find a good spot to really camp at, we kind of made our own spot and set up shop for the night. Before we actually went to sleep, my action group went down to the beach and saw a huge whale come out of the ocean. I can actually hear some noise coming out of the whale as it sort of went it's own way. The whale itself would make the same noise when we were about to catch some sleep, but after a while the noise stopped. This project is about to head in to it's 3rd week, until then catch you guys next week as the series continues...God bless.

Green-White-Checkered: 3 Questions or Thoughts about this week or beyond

Green: What is God teaching you so far on this project?
       A: God has taught me quite a few things so far; one of the things that I have learned to this point is being level-headed. People get way to high or low when things start happening. When it comes to talking about the gospel; I'm not a know-it-all type of person. It all about listening to what the other person is saying and giving him or her the type of answers that they would like to hear instead of debating with a person or a group for that matter.

White: What are the mountains like up there in Juneau?
       A: I would say that these mountains are very, very huge. Just looking at them from the outside without even hiking on them can be very intimidating. Hiking on the first mountain Mt. Roberts was nice just to get used to all of the hills and trails. I might be going on a few more hikes before the summer is out.

Checkered: How is the city of Juneau after two weeks?
             A: I would say that it's busy with lots of tourists and other things that are going like crew ships coming in from off the ocean and lots of people coming and going is pretty neat. Doing outreach to a city is very different than a on a college campus but it's one of the good ways to interact with people and get their side of the story.
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Chapter 9: Men's Summer Project 2011 Series: Becoming One (Part 1)

As the Men's Summer Project is underway for 11-weeks I will be bringing you up to date on what is happening in Juneau. Week One has been busy so far things look good so far but it will be a challenge...

A day before taking off to Alaska, I was hanging out will one of my friends in Kansas City watching his cousin play baseball. Their team ended up winning the game by if I can remember 3. Then spending some time with my friends nephews house of night ended up falling asleep. Then waking having to get ready for my long flight up to Juneau.

I been to airport before I just haven't been on an actual plane in my life until now. Once I finally got out of security, I was able to get on the plane and sit in between two experience guys who have been traveling on planes for years. But before we were able to take off rain and lightning came and for two hours sitting on the plane became a long wait that I didn't need but I the same time I got a little bit comfortable with sitting on the plane. Having two guys on the plane who were experience felt...well to me felt more relaxing. After the two hour delay we finally take off and I manage to survive the take off and landing to. I never been up that high in the air for so long.

After the plane landed in Seattle, me and 6 other guys from project were called out to leave right away because of the fact that we were about to miss the plane to Juneau. This wasn't really a good start to project but it was a funny way to meet some of the guys who on the same plane with me. Within six minutes we were on the run to make that plane and we did somehow...

The scene up in the air at Juneau was something else, all you can see is the mountain ranges all along the coast of Juneau, the sight of the clouds being all low and stuff covering up the mountain tops a little bit. It was about dark when I arrive after some delays earlier in the day time. We walk off the airplane and meet most if not all the stuff guys that were there waiting for us. Everything was with except our luggage and that was a pain. Not having all of my stuff with felt very awkward for me and the guys that were on that same flight but eventually the next day we would finally get our things.

I had a chance to meet my action leader for half the summer because staff leave after 6 months and also meet my roommates for the summer too. The next day followed with a little orientation about the project and that things will happen if you're not careful. One of the things that was talked about was bears and you're NOT suppose to run away from them. All you have to do is stand there and look tall and slowly walk away. Everybody thinks that i have the best chance of out running a bear black or brown. I'm not going to say that I can...maybe lol.

Mid-week we attended our first CRU meeting of the summer on the campus of the University of Southeast Alaska. The main speaker talked about what Campus Crusade for Christ is all about mainly serving Christ. After that our action leader took us to our hanging spot after CRU Wednesday nights called Waffle Co. and man their waffles are pretty good! Our Men's group had the opportunity to go to Echo Ranch for a couple days to serve for the people out there and they are really some nice people to work with out there. The first day we worked with them on whatever needed to be fixed up whether it was chopping wood, cherry picking, or working on a 4-wheeler it was great to see all of us starting to come together as one and being there for one another.

The second day out there all we did was play a basketball tournament within all of the action groups and ultimate frisbee. Our team won the tourney without losing one single game it was awesome, followed by a victory in ultimate. As a group we did some silly things out there, but I will not say anything about what we did, haha! But we did have a good campfire at the very end again just bonding and getting to know each other for the first week is very important to build those relationships...talk to you guys next week.

Green-White-Checkered: 3 Questions (My thoughts) P.S.- this is without looking at the sheet

Green: What is the vision of this project?
       A: To put the Gospel with arms reach of everybody in Southeast Alaska...that's really our main focus here everyone needs to know who Jesus is what he can do in peoples lives.

White: What is the mission?
      A: To equip and send out Christ-centered laborers...we can't be selfish all the time, we need to be in a different mindset when we are serving Christ. We must not think about ourselves give it all up to him.

Checkered: What are the core values?
        A: White-hot faith, effective evangelism, authentic relationships, never walking alone...as a big unit we each need to take these things to hearts and be serious about them.

Introduce my roommates for the summer that I'm living with-
Action Leader: James (Missouri)
                       Steven F. (Missouri)
                       Eddie (Kansas State)
                       Cody (Missouri)
                       Mike (Wisconsin-Lacrosse)

Chapter 8: Juneau Preview

A week from Tuesday, I be on my way to Juneau, Alaska for Men's Summer Project 2011. I will be up there for pretty much most of the summer. But first, there was this past weekend meeting with close friends and meeting new ones. And there is some relaxing thrown in there before the trip...

The first year in Manhattan going to Kansas State is officially in the books and now summer is here. A lot of big things to come in the upcoming months. This first weekend of summer was really good. I had an opportunity to go over to Barton County land to catch up with some of my closest friends. Friday night I arrive in Great Bend, KS after taking care of some things for my apartment in Manhattan. Then once, I arrived in town I when to a concert that one of my friends was putting on. Even though I got there a little late I had the chance to listen to some great music and saw a lot of friendly faces. Some of my friends were fooled because of the fact that I grew out my hair...it's always short form last year running track but this year I kind of grew it back out a little bit because I wasn't involved in sports that much this year.

After the concert and everything I finally got settled in at my buddy Matt's place where I'm currently spending the week at his place before my summer trip to Juneau. This past Saturday, I went to Tyler and Nicole Ball graduation from Sterling and now they are done with college! Really happy for my friends following that we celebrated their accomplishments in the afternoon. Had a chance to catch up with some great friends like Jeremy, Brittany, Joann and Trever. As the weekend moved on I met some new friends like Annie, Gwen, Ashley D. and some more.

Later on Saturday night, most of the group played this weird card game called "Flick it." It kind of a fast game but a little bit confusing at first though but slowly I got the hang of the game. Never really heard of this game until came back so I like it a little bit. Sunday, I was back at Grace Community attending church again and once again it always feels like i'm at home we I go there because I went to this church while I was attending at Barton. Still have the many connections that I made at Grace and I'm really thankful for that. Never have I made connections in another place before and to be able keep up with the people who you have met. Overall, I'm just happy that I had a chance to see most of my friends over the weekend and currently right now friends like Katlin, Holly, and Mahlia they are really fun to hangout with...spending time with friends that I've met during my Barton days are always fun! =)

Green-White-Checkered: 3 Topics about Alaska (Juneau)

Green- How did you get opportunity to go to Juneau?
          A: I still have no idea how I ended up going there. My application was moved a few times during the process and during the whole process I did some praying about what God wants me to do this summer and for some funny God mention something about Juneau I don't know what or how but Juneau at first honestly was a joke but it became almost real when I got accepted to this project. Reality will set in once I arrived on a plane, that's right an airplane!

White- Climate
         A: When I think about Alaska I usually think about the cold weather up there and that it is up there all the time. Talking to a lot of people about the weather getting ready for the trip it's suppose to be really mild with some if not a lot of rain. Talking to others as well who have been up there or have relatives up there that it's really, really nice. Anxious to get there and find out.

Checkered- Men's Summer Project 2011
                 A: What I'm looking forward to the most is that fact I will be with 24 other guys and their will be ladies on this trip as but on their own project we will be doing some things together. Just getting to know everyone and where they come from things like that. This is unknown territory for me so I'm ready for just the experience I'm still shocked that I'm going up to Juneau but it's almost here and I'm ready to take that next step.

Chapter 7: Kansas State

Summarizing my first year at Kansas State as my first year in Manhattan draws to a close...

Walking into a whole new atmosphere was a little scary not knowing a ton of people, coming from a community college where I had good success. I had a good rhythm going until the first week at Kansas State came up and I wasn't really. The classes were a lot different and you had to but more effort into your studies because these test aren't that easy. Too many good organizations and clubs that you can join. I was kind of you know trying to do everything that was out there since I wasn't involved with athletics anymore. I wanted to focus more on schoolwork instead of running track and I wanted to be involved in something else other than just playing sports and having no time whatsoever to do anything else.

In the middle of first semester, I remember I was still having trouble getting adjusted with everything and at the time I felt that this isn't the right place and I was this close to closing the book on this one real early. But after talking with a few people about what was going on then everything started to come together. Making this transition was maybe the toughest yet looking for some kind of routine anything for that matter. Overall, my first semester at K-State was decent it could have been a little bit better. All in all it could've been worse...someway, somehow I manage to get through it and I didn't do it alone. God really started to change my way of thinking and being more positive than always thinking negative. Things began to turn around for me.

The second semester has been a big improvement from the first, you know trying to find a comfort zone that you really like and staying with. it for the long run. Looking back at all of the events that I have been to this year has been an eye opening experience. First, The Maze which was pretty awesome how that turn out follow by going to Denver and DCC the conference was pretty powerful and then you have retreats, get togethers things like that in between that makes you excited for more things to come.

Spring semester I have been able to find some rhythm and it's been really good. Not all the way quite yet but I'm looking forward to I have next year and hopefully it's going to be even better than the first year was for me. The future looks good so, I'm currently getting ready for finals week. The focus shifts to doing the things right in the classroom  to able to do well on these finals. We are on what they call around here "dead week" that means when you don't get any new material for the week. You are suppose to be reviewing any recent or past things that you have been learning over this past semester. Man, this semester has gone by so fast I feel like I'm finally starting to have some fun now, lol. It's been a really awesome getting to know all of my friends that I've made in this past year, the school isn't quite over but I'm beginning to enjoy my time with the KSU friends.

Chapter #6: Man Up

This past weekend I had a chance to hangout with most of the guys from Campus Crusade for Christ for Men's Retreat 2011 in Bushton, Kansas.

This past weekend was a really good experience with all the guys from CRU. We had our men's retreat in Bushton, Kansas where we had a chance to communicate with each other as guys and connect with God which was really the main thing. One of the topics that was discussed at the retreat was telling the truth and also taking of the mask. People now will doing anything for there themselves, live in the person's sure things like that. I learned that we need to be honest with ourselves and God. As the first night went on my group share a lot about our lives and how we were changed by it. The information will be kept private. But there were good things that we learned in our group that everybody is different.

The next day we talked about in open discussion about repentance and that changes our lives everyday. We need to ask God for guidance though times of prayer, easy or hard times. I'm not trying to preach or anything like that but going on this retreat I came away learning a lot about how to lead in the right way instead of the other way around. Once we grow up, then we can start leading others to get toward the path of Christ too. When we face hard challenges, we tend to look the other way and for the easy routes. I know I do that sometimes for sure...as men we need to challenge ourselves to be the best that we can be and not run away from the whole situation.

One of the best highlights of the weekend, was going out and shooting rifles and shotguns on Saturday afternoon. For me, I had never pick up a gun in my entire life until that point and man was I nervous to say the least. But after I fired my first shot, I realize that everything will be cool and it was. Took out some big targets out there in the open field...a fan and a bottle of baby powder that was with a shotgun. I definitely felt the reaction of the shotgun after I creamed it. It was a fun afternoon out there just shooting stuff up.

Had a nice campfire towards the end of the retreat with the guys singing some weird but funny songs. They were very creative, some of it didn't really make any sense but oh well, haha!! The final word to the retreat was about living on a mission. Basically what 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 says from my point of view is that we as men are have Christ in are hearts because he died for us all and that we should go out and tell others about Christ who was raised from the dead on the third day.

Chapter #5: Unknown

For the last couple of days I have been meditating and thinking about the days ahead and the opportunity to go on summer project to Juneau, Alaska. Feels like I'm taking a big risk at something that could end up changing how I look at things...

As the school year winds down, and all of the project, essays, and tests pile up which equals no life for most people that I know. As I get ready to finish the school year on a positive note, I have quite a task ahead of me...heading off to a place that I never been before or seen. Slowly but surely, I'll be preparing for Juneau and what it has for me up there. The way I look at it, I feel like I'm leaving the county for some reason. I know, you are still in the Untied States but I will be going through most of Canada to get there. Never seen Canada before and top it I haven't seen a lot of states from the west side for the exception of Colorado.

A few people have ask me, "well you could have done something else like going back to the south or choosing another state because Alaska is too cold. That's the first impression that I get when I hear Alaska being mention. Oh wow, that place must really cold with a couple hundreds of people up there. When I was younger I thought of Alaska as having all of this snow and not beautiful weather. Some friends that I have talk to over the past few weeks say that is really nice in that part of the state. and I have seen quite a few pictures of the place and it's really nice. And having the opportunity to go up there for pretty much most of the summer it is still mind-blowing.

I have been in reflecting mode of a few days now, and it's funny how God works everything out in a sense that you doing even plan the entire thing by yourself. Slowly leading up to the day I have to leave to head out to Alaska, I'm excited but for right now I'm more intimated than excited...if I had a short meter between two I would say intimated. Why, a lot of things come into play (I won't mention them all) I had a few reasons that I will address that I'm worried about

#1: How is the trip going to turnout especially being long as it is though I have been on long road trips before like say Florida to Kansas

#2: I will be joining other students that I really don't even know on this trip and I will be with them all summer

The fear of the unknown always has me worried at some point. But there is a time where you have to hold you head up high and go after it. I remember when I had to memorize Psalm 23 and to this day I still remember the entire chapter. One verse that I have pick out is really good "even though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me: your rod and staff, comfort me." Psalm 23:4 I usually think about for a while. Sometimes i think something bad is about  to happen to me, but I know that God is always watching and I'm learning everyday to trust God. It's not really up to me. God always will have a plan for you no matter what the situation is. Raising money for trip is nerve-racking but you have to go into the right state of mind and be on the positive and not so much on the negative side.

The focus for me, to stay on tasks and do what I need to do to finish the school year, then sets my sights on this summer 's journey to Juneau. One thing that I will keep doing is improving my relationship with him in prayer and reading the bible. I know that's one of the things that I started doing a while back, so that's what I need to keep doing. In almost less than one month I be making the trip to Alaska! Who would've though of that.

Chapter 4: Alabama (Part 2)

This is the second part of two for the Spring Break mission trip in Montgomery, Alabama...

Yeah, its been a week since I did the first part of this blog, but lucky for me I wrote some things down that we did on the trip so I can remember what happen on C4C mission trip. So, the following day we continued to work on the outside part of the house then for the rest of the afternoon, as a group we had a chance to work with the kids at Common Ground and their after school program. Half of us did the reading and writing, the other half did basketball/soccer. I was part of working with the kids doing basketball and soccer. These kids I think were pretty good for the most part but they can be wild at times.

Afterwards, we went to Landmark church to be apart their weekly meeting that was held that night. Had a chance to meet some of the students from the group get to know them for a little bit. Then, C4C and Landmark group well some of them anyway ate at Buffalo Wild Wings for the rest of the evening.

Thursday (two weeks ago) we put kind of the finishing touches of the house that Charles's family was about to move into. We had the opportunity to spend the afternoon in Montgomery downtown if I might add. To look at history of how the Civil Rights movement all started. It was a great experience to learn more about just it's history and how the Civil Rights played a big part in society back then. We went to the Civil Rights Museum, followed by a trip to the Rosa Parks museum. It gave a more in-depth analysis on how the Rosa made her stand in the history books.

To end things in Montgomery we had a chance to go back to the Landmark church one more to hangout with the students to play games...including playing a game called "kick the can." It a game where everyone who is not the seeker goes and hide in a room or something and you can't get caught. If you do, you have to go to jail (not that kind of jail) someone who is not caught can try to kick the can without getting caught. Idk, that the simplest way to put it, I guess.

On the way back from Montgomery, we made another stop in Memphis again to look around the city and walked around Graceland (some kind of park) to see where Elvis Presley's house was. And that the summary of what happen during the trip to Alabama.

Chapter #3: Alabama (Part 1)

This year's spring break was pretty amazing...I had the opportunity to go back south to Montgomery, Alabama with some of the Cats 4 Christ group.

Last Saturday morning, me and 6 students including the campus minister made our way to Montgomery, Alabama to work with a company called Common Ground. This group helps with inner city youth plus works with families who have trouble keeping up with their house, etc. But before that Saturday night we stopped in Memphis, Tennessee to stay with the McGraws. They were I guess our C4C headquarters for our midway point of the trip. They treated us very well...

That Sunday before we completed the trip down there, we had a chance to go visit the church over there called Highland church. It was really beautiful on the outside because they did some remodeling to it a few months earlier if I'm correct but the inside of it was big and nice. The church is also open to the public too. They were planning to a couple of shows in their church like bringing in David Barnes and comedian Michael Jr. Not many churches to that now, but it was good to see them use there own building for others big name people.

Sunday night we made the trip down to Montgomery and we were greeted by some of the forks who were working with the kids. They free food for us...nice! Once our group was finished eating, we went to the house that we were staying for the most of the week. Big 6 foot 9 man named Alex also was living there he was our dad when we got there. Most of the time though when we were at the house he was never there going to meeting and other things. Being in the neighborhood that is almost like a third world country you hear strange things. And the very first night some of us who stayed at the house we heard some gunshots somewhere down the street. I don't know exactly the place but it was kind of scary for a little bit but after that things during the week for us down there would be pretty calm.

Monday, we starting to work the outside of the house where a family was going to move into sometime next week. The family was been in Montgomery for all of their lives and they have a daughter (more on this family later) We also worked with a construction group from Clearmont, Georgia and they were doing the heavy lifting on that house, while our group me, Cary, Loel, Kelsey, Molly, Richie, and Courtney were taking care of the outside of the house and we would do that for the rest of the week. We learned how to caulk meeting we put some kinda of substance into these cracks at a 45 degree angle and it fills the cracks nicely there's few more steps but I won't go in to them...that the simple version. The second day was more about painting the house and getting it ready for at  least the other group who coming in after us.

 The second day of the trip, we had a chance to hear the testimonies of the two men. One goes by the name of Frog yeah lol don't remember his real name quite yet and the other person was Irving. Frog and Irving came out to house and told their story about how they both came to Christ. And it was amazing to hear these guys stories, and how they managed to survive under the conditions before they came to Christ. The things that they did and how they came back was just stunning. What sticks out for me in all of that was second chances/redemption. And currently, they are both working together a little bit at a time to restore the community. They want to give back to the community that they both having grew up in since these guys were little...also they want to have an impact on these younger kids have them know Christ too.

Tuesday night we had the chance to go bowling and hangout with some students from the church that they go to called Landmark (more on them in P#2) then ate some good ice cream at a Italian shop called Fancy Nancy's. Never had that before...it was pretty good.

Chapter #2: Going Green

Last week was pretty busy with midterms and other things like getting ready for spring break trip and trying to get some stuff ready for summer...

Last Wednesday, this is a good story but yeah so I was on my way to a Cats of Christ meeting when I came up on an international student. He was just standing around with a piece of paper in his hands and it looked like he was having trouble or something. So I was on route to the meeting when he comes up to me needing directions on how to get to Bluestem Bistro Coffee Shop...I saw he had it on his paper. He had never been to Aggieville before and he was trying to get there for his roommate's fiance celebration of them getting married this summer. So, I told him that I would help him get there.

By walking him all the way down to Aggieville to make sure he got there, even though he was a little bit late. So, me and the international student who's name turn out to be Will, walked from Goodnow Hall all the way to Bluestem. Will is a graduate student at K-State, teaching Engineering. I can't remember the field excatly but he was I guess in his first year as a grad student. I thought he was just a normal student like me just going to school and taking classes. Me and Will walked all the way down to Bluestem and we got to know each other a little bit. We pretty much chatted we each other while I was helping him get there. Once we got there he was pretty much relived and happy at the same time.


Friday night, I had a chance to go to the Progressive Dinner a event made by the Cats 4 Christ group. I went to one last year while going to Barton County, so this wasn't new to me. 4 stops, 4 different kinds of meals. Had a chance to meet some new people while catching up with others. The food of course was really good, I was definitly full by the time desert came around. But I somehow manage to get that in too! It was a good night.

Saturday, was Fake Patty's Day in Aggieville; me, Phil, and Tracy took a nice, long walk to Aggieville to see what was going on over there. Man, all I can see is the sea of green that was approaching us. It was pretty crazy over there. We got there around maybe 1:30pm or so. My first experience of this type of event was kind of weird but I rather be away from all of the drinking instead being in it that's for sure. Basicailly, it fun just to make fun of other people that are doing the partying. I enjoy my time with Phil and Tracy I don't see them awhole lot during school maybe Tracy every now and then but it was another good Saturday in the books.

Some of  my friends think I should become a rapper haha!! That's not me...well my friend Phil said on Saturday after we ate dinner, oh also he give me a name "you're should name should be called turtle rap" the turtle came from the jacket he was wearing "Teenage Mutain Ninja Turtles" I can usually come out with funny lines every now and then. Well I said, "I'll have to get some votes first, before I considered that." It got a good laugh!

FYI: Keep Japan in yours prayers and some of the West Coast also.