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long overdue update

 Sorry friends, I haven't kept you up to date on my life. I can't even blame it on being busy at the office, it's just that I don't get very good connection to my neighbor's wireless at home (hehe).

Well--I've settled in to my first quarters in Lincoln, a nice three bedroom house, plenty of space for me, but not so big that I get lost. I was a little lonely so I got a pet. He's a beautiful albino cornsnake who finally ate his first mouse last night. I'm so proud of him. He still doesn't have a name, so if you have suggestions I would like to hear them.

The corps in Lincoln is wonderful. There's a lot going on with the office, the community center, and the corps. The people are very friendly. Well, this is Nebraska after all, friendliness/nosiness comes naturally to us--er, them.

My dad had an accident recently at work that was scary, but he has been making a steady recovery. By the time I got to visit him, I couldn't see any difference in his face, but I'm told it was pretty beat up for a while. My sister is expecting a baby. It is wonderful that I am stationed near enough to visit my family.

Unlike my (lazy) sessionmates, I didn't get a nice leisurely vacation after Commissioning, so I am planning a vacation for later this summer or the fall maybe.

I decided to frame the picture of my session, so I brought it into Hobby Lobby with my Commissioning sash. One of the many benefits of staying for Brengle was that I happened to be the only God's Fellow Worker around when Major Paul realized he couldn't do anything with the giant session picture he ordered, so he gave it to me. I think the final framed product will be nice.

Well friends, I have been rambling, so I will stop. I'm headed to Pilgrimage and a wonderful time with family and friends this weekend. Hope the rest of you have a great weekend as well.

the lieutenant on the job

I thought I'd tell you about my summer, since I'm the only Lieutenant in the Territory that has been working.

Well, the first week after everyone left I had a great time. Not only did I get to clean and stock apartments, but I also got to call all the other officers by first name. I accompanied my friends David and Ezekiel to the airport to farewell them with prayers for a safe flight and a godly ministry. I attended a wedding in the Booth mansion--which makes a lovely setting, by the way--and I talked to the Commissioner. He may have flinched when I approached, but assured me I had no need to apologize for the "gentle embrace." I ended the week with one last trip to Norridge--the last for a while anyway.

This week I have been busy serving meals, folding napkins, "making beds," and generally doing various odd jobs. It has been a pleasure meeting officers from all over the United States and hearing their stories. I have really enjoyed Brengle.

The last couple of days I have bought clothes. I find this ironic, since I won't have too many opportunities to wear them--UNIFORM!! But I got first officer allowance and it has been burning a hole in my bank account.

I went to the Art Institue yesterday and loved it. There is so much emotion in art, both pleasant and disturbing. I definitely got my money's worth out of it (yeah, it was free). Monday I plan on spending some quality time with my favorite Captain B (no offence to any other Captain B's out there that I now know) exploring the city of Chicago.

And finally, one week from today I will be in Lincoln. How awesome!

1 day 2 airports 3 good-byes

Yesterday I said good-bye to my friend from California in the morning. I will miss her, but I expect we'll see each other within the next few years. Maybe.

The good-byes that were harder came yesterday evening. Two sessionmates that I have grown to love and appreciate very much took off for Zimbabwe--home. I have to admit I cried. As we watched them pass security and make their way to the plane, I whispered a prayer for their safety and their ministry in Africa, not knowing when or if I will see them again in this world.

I can't believe two years have passed so quickly and they are actually gone. Truly, those are two men of God. Zimbabwe is lucky to have them serving in their territory.

Farewell, friends. May God bless you and keep you. I will see you again. Someday.

and my appointment is

LINCOLN, NE!! I couldn't have been more surprised if...well I couldn't have been more surprised. Wow, I'm excited. I'll be close to home and close to family, among many people I already know, although that scares me a little bit. However, I know God has many great things in store for Lincoln, and I get to be a part of it!

Anyway, Commissioning went great. One of my former corps officers told me the day would become a blur, so I am determined to recount all the events of the day before I forget them. If this bores you, feel free to skip to the end, but don't miss the hugging story.

Ok, morning meeting. The commissioning and ordination ceremony. This was a moving service, but I'm actually surprised that I wasn't more emotional. I got a little teary at the Commissioning part, and at the prayers in the end. So, anyway, I was part of a choric Scripture reading that went very well. We all said our lines perfectly with the right amount of feeling. The praise band did a great job and Xav gave a nice testimony. My affirmation was about my cheerful spirit and that I am "trustworthy for ministry to people." We all said our doctrines nicely, but I heard the other half of the group say them a tad slower on a few. I got to pray with 7 people about future officership, and watch as the accepted candidates for next year filled in our empty chairs on the platform. All through the meeting I had a pocket full of name tags. By the way, the Commissioner preached on sanctification and loving God with all heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Lunch: I was so nervous, I could only eat half my sandwich.

Afternoon meeting: It was very exciting walking in to the cheers of the crowd. Shannon gave a nice speech about our session, God's Fellow Workers, and the importance of building the kingdom and the body of Christ and afterward we did the clap and the "hooah" for old times sake. Commissioner Joy talked to us about the little engine that could who chanted "I think I can." While we will be on the field chanting "I know I can't" but also "I know He can." Then of course the appointments. First I have to say that our guesses were spot on. Except for me and the Martinezes, we had a guess for everyone and they were all right. I was surprised by that.

My appointment: I walked forward and saluted like I was supposed to. The Commissioner mentioned that I had come from Norfolk, NE and that I had returned out west for my summer assignment--Wichita. Then he asked if I liked it out west, and I said yes (there really isn't another answer, you can't tell the Commissioner no on stage). So he said "We're sending you back west as the Associate Corps Officer in Lincoln, NE." I shouted out "YES!" and hugged him. He was so surprised he was speechless and the auditorium erupted in laughter. Then I tried to return to my seat instead of wait on the side like I was supposed to. It was awesome. However, I got a lot of comments about assaulting the Commisssioner. Hmm...

Well, it was a long day and I still have packing and cleaning to do. I am exhausted with the excitement and full of the anticipation of what God will do in the months to come.

ready to go

This is my last blog as a cadet. Oh, how I will miss the days...sometimes. In just a few short hours I will become a Lieutenant and then I will be receiving my appointment before a crowd of hundreds, a "cloud of witnesses." They are the Salvationists that have paved the way, the mentors who have touched my life, and the youth who are rising up to follow me.

If there is one question I have heard too many times this weekend its "Where do you think you're going?" and when I answer "I don't know, we'll find out Sunday." they answer "But you must have some idea." No. In all honesty I have no idea. There are many open spaces, but there are also many other possibilities. Other people have pegged me for certain places, but I, personally, have no idea.

Well, I will find out tomorrow, but before I do I will take a step of faith, standing up to accept my call, commission, and ordination, then I will take my appointment.