Currently Listening Illinois By Sufjan Stevens see related

After Dark, pt. 2

So the glorious even began. Matt Wertz performed a splendid show for everyone, and started the mood off well. After the band finished, Joe White came on and gave a very, very compelling speech. Though the eveing was targeted at people who were unbelievers, it also had a great affect on me.

At the very end, Joe asked everyone to write something on their cards that was just between them and God. Then, we were to bring them forward and they would be nailed to the cross Joe had built on stage. We would also receive a chain link, to remind us of our eternal and unbreakable connection to our Father, as if we were "chained" to Him. It was an awesome sight to see most of the (2000+) people in attendance making their way forward to put everything to God. It took about 40 minutes to get everyone through!

After all was said an done, nearly 300 commitments were made, and almost 50 unbelievers came to the Lord! Two of which are on my floor, and really took me by suprise. Hopefully Tim and I can help them stay on track as much as possible. Some of us stuck around to pray together or with those that needed some help. And then....tear-down!

Most of use had homework to do at this point (10:00 PM?), prominetly Jase and I, but we decided to stay and help. And, amazingly, it took far less time to tear down! Seriously, had the truck loaded in about 45 minutes! So we continued to clean up and then head out. But, Joe White donated the cross to Cornerstone Church, so someone had to deliver it, and someone had to lead them there. So Jase, Tim, and I led Austin, TK (another awesome dude) and their boss, Don, over to the church. Once we got the cross unloaded and everything, it was nearly midnight. But of course the guys were hungry, so we all (6) went over to Perkins for a late night snack. And boy, did we have a good time! It was obviously God's work, having us meet these amazig guys, and getting some great contacts. And within the fun was an awesome offer, Don, and Austin previously, asked Jase and I to apply to counselor's at their camp. And they continually insisted! We had such a great time talking about the camp and anonymous things that the time never seemed to be noticed by anyone.

So all-in-all, Tuesday, February 26th, was an awesome day. AfterDark had an amazing impact, many came closer to the Lord, and some of us made some great friends. Also, because of our elongated discussions, Jase and I plan to be counselors at Camo Kannakuk (again, spelling could be off!) next summer!

Praise the Lord for such good things. :)

Currently Listening All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone By Explosions in the Sky Welcome, Ghosts see related

After Dark, pt. 1

I will take the time to warn that this may be a consierably long post. This is not to say that it will be, but I cannot forsee the outcome quite yet. :)

To start things off right: God is doing amazing things at Iowa State and in my life. I would love to say that because of God, this semester is a breeze, but it has been quite the opposite. But more on that another time, firstly God's work.

Last night an incredible event rolled through town called AfterDark. This is a ministry run by the staff of Kannakuk(sp?) Camps. While there is no summer camo taking place, i.e. Winter, they sponsor the immense events of AfterDark at college campuses all over the country. The last time they came to Ames, six years ago, many of SALT's leaders were lead to the Lord through it, and thus were adamant about we students getting the word out.

Spearheaded by SALT Company, many area churches "took up arms" to spread the news. A visiting dignitary from the AfterDark ministry, Austin Sailsbury, visited two weeks ago to launch some advertising events. His first demonstration was "How to properly hand out an AfterDark flyer". He chose this "total babe" (his words after the fact) in the front row to be his volunteer. This "total babe" happened to be Lauren. After telling her all about AfterDark, he (hopefully in jest) asked her to dinner afterward. Many in atendance knew that we were dating and the situation quickly became humorous and awkward all at once. I, being to manly man that I am, quickly grabbed Lauren and pulled her back to her seat, right next to me. Good times.

So, in order to get people to AfterDark, a friend of mine, Ben Hunt, organized "Heaven's Angels Biker Gang" of bicycle riders to storm the campus on Monday. Another friend, and Ben's rommate, Jase, had no bike. Nor did I. So, of course, we went to Goodwill. Where we immediately found two matching bikes from the 70's. Only $16. Cha-bam! After all was said and done, we had super-awesome bikes with bells, tassles, and license plates. Coolest bikes around, and there were two! Anyway, upon the coming of Monday, the ground was covered in s thin layer of ice, with tiny little rain incessantly falling. Nevertheless, we pressed on. Ten (or so) of the faithful bikers gathered to yell at everyone we saw, and ring our bells (Jase and I). Austin was there again, this time with a video camera to capture every moment of awesomeness as we rode through the rain and over the ice, yelling the good news. On the coolest bikes ever.

Finally, Tuesday, the day of days, rolled around. The call had gone out for good, strong, awesome, guys to come in the morning to help unload and setup Stephens Auditorium for the big event. A few of us came, and the work turned out to be quick, easy-going, and super fun. After setting up, some of us strong and capable college guys took Austin out to some "local flavor" at the Flying Burrito. Awesome time. Super-fun guy. He then took us to Hy-Vee to get some snacks for the band (Matt Wertz). The band is wierd, just because they requested 6 apples, 6 bananas, 4 oranges, 1 pound of PB M&Ms, humus, pita bread, etc. What tools! Anyway, we had an awesome time helping out and hanging with Austin, a Godly hero.

Two hours later, we went back to help the band unload, set up, and start praying for the event to come. We had to run many errands for the band (like, guitar stands. How does a band have 4 too few?) and the crew. After these errands, the supper call came in, so Jase and I went back to Flying Burrito to get them all food. Good times. We had just enough time to catch some food in the dining hall with Mike Easton (Freshman Group Director) before going back to get seats.

Part 2 will reveal all of God's work through the event, and he amazing people he brought into my life.

Currently Listening Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain By Sparklehorse see related

Christmas break was great. :) No complaints.

As for getting back to school....I'll let the phrase "death by vengeful insanity" say it all.

Upon getting back to school a few days early, I begun training sessions for being a TA. Two hours a day (plus another one or two) in training. But that's just the weekend. Then there's class, and of course work the first two nights of class, and the greatest pert, Orientation Class for all sections of ComS 103 (for which I am a TA).

ComS 103 is an entirely online class, except for the first week of the semester. At this time, each section has a scheduled time to meet for one class to learn the ways of the course. But for each orientation class, four TAs are required. Many of these TAs are foreign, and thus have strong accents. Leaving the native-English-speaking lads to do all of the presenting for the orientation classes....Five orientation classes in one week, three of which required my conducting the class for 30 minutes. Oh, what fun.

I am definitely glad to have the first week down. Especially after buying books and beginning to read them. Horrible, I says. Nonetheless, I greet the upcoming challenges of a heavier classload, having my own section to "teach", and the overall stress of work and school. Bring it on!

Another exciting addition to this semester's intracacies is that ELENA is now attending Iowa State! And, of course, moved into the room right across the hall from Lauren and Krystin (the same building as I). The inseperable duo will now strike back at society with vigor and extensive laughs.

Also, SALT is promising to be, well, nothing short of amazing.

Miss you all, already.

Currently Watching Heima By Sigur Ros see related

Hello, once again.

I am trapped here at school....still. Having to work this weekend hasnt been too terrible. Slow customer flow, no homework, and lots of time. But....nothing to do. Thankfull Lauren remained here as well...to keep me company! There's basically no one else here. Let's just say, I get more than my share of sleep this weekend.

Fortunately, I get paid $50 as a bonus for working this weekend on top of my wage. But, Im super happy to be coming home tonight! Ive been packing and things all day, so that we can take off the literal moment I get off work! Give or take 20 minutes. But home we shall be this evening. I cant wait to see you all. Especially those that have remained hidden from me for quite some time. Anyhoots, I's off to work. Merry Christmas.

Beware. Wave of Babies.

P.S. If anyone likes Icelandic Indie/Folk music. Check out this band. Amazing...

Currently Listening Say No! to Being Cool. Say Yes to Being Happy By The Softlightes see related

News of my life.

1. I had to give up another $150 for yet another tire. Yay.

2. Almost done with finals. Awesomeness.

3. I have to work tonight, and there's ice everywhere. What does this mean? Well, dear reader, it means that I hope no one comes in due to the weather, but the exact opposite happens and I get sad.

4. I am going to be a Computer Science 103 TA next semester. Craziness.

5. TODAY IS LAUREN'S AND MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!

What a week.