I am now a blogger!

I have to admit that while I do keep a journal, posting my personal thoughts on the web for all to see is somewhat disconcerting for me. However, I am willing to give it a try. Here goes!

Well, the two week mission orientation is now over and I am once again at home living an everyday, average life. I try to tell family and friends about the amazing experience I had while at mission orientation, but I am unable to convey the depths of my feelings regarding the people I met there. I also try to explain the way God blessed each of us while there, but in that area too, I am unsuccessful in my attempts to help everyone understand. The Lord truly blessed the time I spent in Minnesota. I gained a greater understanding of how wonderful God is and He blessed me with many new friends.

Here I am going to use an idea from my wonderful, amazing roommate, Anna, and list some of my more memorable moments from orientation:

The fun time I had riding around with Ken at the airport (I think we drove around the airport 50 times)
Meeting my roommate and discovering that I had a running partner
Praying with everyone
Chapel (the singing was greeaat!!)
Running around campus in a group of 11
Meeting my great team mate (we are going to have great fun)
Playing volleyball and Ultimate frisbee!!
Playing basketball with everyone (sorry Kevin)
Having great late, late night talks with my super, super cool roommate
Going to the hospital with my roommate
Sitting on the floor in the waiting room with great friends, having wonderful conversations until 4:00 in the morning
Great conversation in the park while eating Reese's peanut butter cups
Watching little league baseball games with friends
Sam's T-shirt (ha ha)
Sam giving me his T-shirt when we said good-bye (so sweet)
Going to the Twins baseball game

Going to see the Mississippi and almost dropping the keys in the river
The Green Mill
Karaoke (great job Mark)
Staying up all night with Anne and Efrain
Singing Happy Birthday to Jersey
Going to Target
Jim Found (need I say more)

Finding the "Ping Pong" Room

"Life in the Fast Lane" and "NIPS"

The ice cream truck
the list could go on and on!!

Well, that was just a quick summary of some of the highlights from Mission Orientation. It was an unforgettable two weeks and I was sad to say good-bye. Thanks to everyone for being such an example of Christ's love and you are always in my prayers. I pray that once you reach the mission field that you will continue to be a light to those who do not yet know Christ. God's Blessing!!!