new links!!!

Yes! I finally figured out the link feature! So its not that difficult but since it has taken me six months it was challenging for me. But anyways, the links are sites I regularly check out so take a look if it suits you fancy. There are fun ones, pictures, blogs, and serious ones. But they all provide a time-comsuming distraction for me.
Oh, and I wanted to share about our chalk arrow mystery. Last night after Crusade, I found these mysterious pink chalk arrows from the stairs(almost there) to our door(come and get it) with messages. Very weird. Especially since none of us know who it was. This morning on my way to class I followed the trail all the way down the courtyard staircase to the community center. Hmm...stalkeresque.
I went to Aida's today to pick up a strength of materials textbook. 138.89 What a rip-off.

I want to go back SO bad.

I just checked my email and there was a message about internship positions available in New Orleans. I want it so much but know I can't leave school. My heart is seriously torn right now. Can't you just picture it? Living between ninth ward and downtown, ministering to the community and students, and gutting houses! Man, I want to be there.
But I have class. And I have already managed to bomb my first quiz in mate today. I would have gotten even more wrong if I hadn't thought to myself, "The answer is always C." Well, maybe it was just a lucky guess.
New Orleans. Can't I just go? a year? six months? maybe?

Lamentations 3:17-25

"Peace has been stripped away, and I have forgotten what prosperity is. I cry out, "My splendor is gone! Everything I had hoped for from the LORD is lost!" The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him."

first day

My physics professor didn't show up. We signed a slip of paper and left.
I'm one of two girls in my tech writing class. And I know the other girl from Bible study.
Materials was just weird in general. We all introduced ourselves by saying what we did over spring break. Let's just say mine was unique compared to partying or relaxing at home. Then we got split into six teams of six. And negotiated for grade breakdowns. It was a group of potential slackers against the rest of us.
I need to go to the grocery store but its raining...

Isaiah 55:1-2

"Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters;and you without money,come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milkwithout money and without cost! Why do you spend money on what is not food,and your wages on what does not satisfy?Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,and you will enjoy the choicest of foods."

Isaiah 64:4

"From ancient times no one has heard,no one has listened,no eye has seen any God except You,who acts on behalf of the one who waits for Him."

well, its over

I'm home. Fortunately or unfortunately. Its nice yet bittersweet. I am going to miss everything about New Orleans. My team. The people. The food. Light City. Gutting houses. Down to the minutest detail. It was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Maybe the best week of my life. Even though, it wasn't specifically a missions trip or even a "Crusade" thing, God was totally evident in everything. Just the fact that we were fed by donation only is a testament to His faithfulness. And it wasn't four-star but our needs were met. I never went hungry even though it was probably the smallest amount of food I've eaten in a week for all that work. One of my greatest concerns even deciding to go on this trip was catching up on sleep and rest. God came and met that need too. We had long, work intensive days but I never felt sleepy. I actually got full nights sleep plus almost every night. I shouldn't be amazed at this, but it just cool to see happen before my own eyes.
Now, I'm glad mom is asleep so she doesn't hear about my foot. I checked my grades. ugh. Lowest ever but not on ap. hallelujah. I can't believe its over. All I've got left are some great memories, funny stories, a few pictures, probably a scar, that t-shirt, and a new perspective on life.

here in Denver

Such bittersweet sadness leaving a city that I have become so closely connected. Everything was such an up-close and personal experience. I feel like I love this city more than I can comprehend or understand for these circumstances.
But here I am halfway home. Being on the plane was actually fun this time. I sat next to a girl named Rachel from Central Washington. She and her group were also in New Orleans for the week just with a different Christian organization. Funny how you find a close friend among strangers simply because you have both been through the same experiences-sweat, exhaustion, compassion, and expectancy for the last week.
It was a beautiful sunset over the mountains as we came in for the landing. Things are different in Denver. Their bathrooms also serve as tornado shelters.

saying goodbye

Our team took one final trip to the French Quarter for breakfast. We were kinda running short on time so we stopped for bagels and tea. I guess its weird that I don't like cream cheese. Anyways, green tea was exactly what I needed. We drove by the creepy hotel again. Got gas, which was cheaper than what we pay at home, probably all those extra laws in California. M dropped us off at the airport before returning our sweet ride to the rental car place. J and K had a flight at noon so we hung out, played cards, jammed on the guitar until they had to leave.
I hung out with T and B and some other kids who weren't flying out until tomorrow morning. We got some good grub at O'Henrys. Burgers and fries with some Baskin Robbins afterward. yum. Driving around different parts of the city was interesting too. It was the rich, Southern area of town. All the houses look pristine with pillars. We drove by Xavier and Tulane Universities. Crazy to think about going to class in one huge building instead of outside on a campus. All the trees lining the streets were dripping with Mardi Gras beads. They looked like decorated Christmas trees but with bead ornaments instead.
We went to the National D Day Museum. Only for about an hour since my flight was in the middle of the day. The museum is great though. I could have spent a lot more time there and I'm not even the one obssessed with World War II. My bro is going to be so jealous. But it was laid out by floors. So you started off with the history, background, and buildup. Then our growing involvement and eventual declaration of war against the Axis powers. And the advantages of each side concerning the military, supplies, and location. The part I had to leave was the actual invasion. Bummer, but a good excuse to go back, I guess.

the best night EVER

So when I said we were going out for dessert, I never expected this much of a memory filled night. It was probably the highlight of the trip. hmm...where to start?
Well, first off it was just the six of us going to the French Quarter. We got lost, of course. That seems to be a reoccuring pattern with this crew. Anyways, it was a good lost because we drove by the Superdome! Kinda freaky. Since it looks like an alien spacecraft. And all the news reports that everyone has seen from there. But one of the service doors had been left open. We could see in to the field. Pretty crazy. All the stands have been sealed off. There was a truck on the field in front of the field goal posts and a bunch of stuff on the ground. Couldn't really make out what it was but I'm guessing garbage. It was insane; its history!
So this time we refuse to pay for parking and end up at the very opposite end of the French Market. On our little walk, T finds a market with an atm sign. Multiple people need cash, so we stop by. Now this place gave me a sketch vibe. But it was actually alright. Most likely its one of those places that very few white people walk into, and here are six of us. And this guy comes up to us. And starts singing.
He's kinda talkin to each one of us saying he's James Brown, looks at me, and says, "You Chinese?"
I hesitate and say, "Uh, no."
"No? You're black!"
And he just has the most infectious laugh. Then he's shaking my hand, tellin me about Katrina, about his seven kids and eighteen grandchildren, going to Vietnam twice, how he's the security guard with the badge and deputy sheriff because of the medallion. Most of it, I can't understand but just respond with "wow" or "really?"
Then he asks our names.
"I've got a granddaughter named T. I'm Dr. Turner. I'm a doctor ya see, cuz if ya come to me wit a broken leg, I'll take this here golf club and break your otha leg!"
Next- "I've got a granddaughter named Kim. I'm Dr. Love"
To one of the guys- "I've got a daughter named B."
The other guy- "I've got a son named M."
How appropriate that he switched it too. It just made it that much more funny. Then he asks, "Where ya'll from?"
Our team- "California"
Dr. Love- "Ya'll from California!?!" Pulls out a pen. "If ya'll from California, then I want ya'll to sign my jacket!"
So what do we do? sign his jacket of course! It was insane. Then he starts singing and dancing for us. Did I mention he told us he's sixty-three? And he starts asking us how old we are. Jokes around about us being 25. We get a picture with him. Then we finally left with him telling us to have a great time in his city and not drink tequila because we'll turn out ugly like him. We all look at one another and just start laughing. That story will never get old. The quotes will never lose their humor or flavor.
But that was just the beginning. We get to Cafe Du Monde for beignets. And the waiter takes a liking to our table and stops by every once in a while to tell us a joke.
"After Katrina hit, there were ten men and one lady stuck on the roof of a house. A helicopter finally comes to rescue them. The gentlemen let the woman scurry up the ladder first. All eleven of them get on and the pilot can't hold all the weight. So he says one person has got to stay behind and wait for the next trip. The lady says, 'I'm used to sacrificing for my family and my husband so I will sacrifice and take care of ya'll.' All the guys start clapping."
"I was visiting a farmer friend last week and saw a pig with a wooden leg. So I asked him, 'Why does that pig have a wooden leg?' My friend says, 'Well a week ago, the barn caught fire and my prize cow was trapped inside. That pig goes in and saves my best cow. That is a fine pig.' I reply, 'Yes, that is a great pig. You still didn't tell me about the wooden leg. Farmer says, "Last week I was out fishing in the Bayou when a gator tipped me over. And you know how scared of gators I am. But that pig jumps in the water and pulls me out by the collar. That pig saved my life, mighty fine pig.' Again I say, 'Yes, fine pig. But why the wooden leg?' He says, 'The wooden leg? Oh, you see, a pig that fine...you can't eat him all at once.'"
It really was a great fun time. I can't do it justice now. But ya'll have to trust me. And its pronounced Nah-lens. In case you were wondering. As we were leaving, K and I were waiting for the rest of the crew, and the waiter comes over with some advice. "If ya'll are goin to Bourbon St. just remember locals don't go down there. Have you been there? Its all trash. But if you go just remember not to get drunk to get drunk. You see, some people drink to have fun and others drink to get drunk. But I see a problem with that because then they lose it. Well, thanks for visiting us here in Nahlins and enjoy your evening."
Yes, he just seriously rambled off all that grandfatherly advice to us. It was classic.
But the night doesn't end there. We walked around. Listened to some jazz bands from the street on Bourbon St. since they card everywhere. Found this nice little cafe. It was nice because you didn't have to be 21 to sit down. And there was a jazz band playing. Thats were I took the picture of the lights, very fairytale appearance. B had more beignets because they were supposed to be better than Cafe Du Monde. On our walk back to the minivan, M stopped at a little whole in the wall mart for sodas for the security guards since we were out passed curfew. Only this crazy hyper little girl was passing out "lucky beans." Very adamant about it too. Then the other girls try crawdads. Completely random.
When we got back to camp, everyone is huddled around the television and cameras that were set up during dinner. Anderson Cooper showed up and did a live CNN broadcast from Light City! Isn't that ridiculous? I had never heard of him before but supposedly hes got the biggest primtime show on CNN these days. I called my mom since it was only 8:30 at home and told her to watch. Hopefully, she can get to see us or at least where we are staying. It was really funny when someone would come up and ask what was going on. Because the next thing they would say is, "oh, I gotta call my parents." It was the funniest thing. K and I stood on a chair in the back for almost an hour. And it was windy so I constantly felt like I was gonna blow over or something. But we used B and M as extra support. At the very end, Cooper took all the college sweatshirts and read the names. And he said Cal Poly on national television. Wow, I still can't believe it.
Nothing about this post can even compare to the actual night. It was the greatest.

day four

Last night was interesting. We took eight people in our van. Paid an outrageous amount of money for parking. Walked Bourbon St. Its sad how depraved our society has become. But it is one of those once in a lifetime experiences. Being in the French Quarter that is. I am just disturbed by the fact that people actually walk into those places. Maybe they can't read or something. Ok, I realize that was weak, not funny. My mind just cannot wrap itself around the concept. Maybe, they just aren't in tune with their conscience. Anyways, we got dinner and ran into some girls from Kansas staying in Light City. After eating, we walked around pretending to not be lost. Finally found Cafe Du Monde and had beignets(pronounced been-yay s). They are these French pastry doughnuts. With a ton of powdered sugar on top. I don't buy into all the hype, but they are still yummy. On our way back to the parking lot, we stopped for a tourist moment and saw the Mississippi. It was very unique lighting with the water and the rocks. It brought out the photographer in me. So I have lots of random pics of dark water and subway rails.
Breakfast was less than spectacular this morning. Nutrigrain bars don't last very long. hunger-wise. We skipped morning meeting again to get over to our house. Our team just jumped right in to all the work. Tore down the walls in the family room and the rest of the bathroom. When I was getting the last bits of sheetrock above the bathroom window, I pulled myslf up in the rafters and tried to knock down the ceiling in the family room. I made a good size hole and was pushing all the insulation down except it was double layered sheetrock and had boards everywhere. I think they were supporting this humungous house vent thing. Supposedly it pulls out all the air in the entire house and is strong enough to break a window if one of them isn't left open. Weird but after all that effort to get in the attic it was lunchtime, and I had to get down.
Lunch was quite an interesting story. We drove over to Lowe's since its on the closer side of town. Everyone is there. So are all the roach coaches. We got two tacos for five dollars. Out of a minivan. I still can't believe I did that. So many things about this trip that my mother would disapprove of. But the guy was really funny and his accent made the whole thing better. He was shouting, "Tacos, tacos, come get your tacos." So we walk up to him and he says, "Go talk to my wife. She will take care of you." Then she starts pulling out all the food and putting them together. Talking to us the entire time of course. "I have two boys, bigger than I am. They eat me out of house and home." Then the husband comes over and goes, "My wife. She's a good cook. You don't get this fat from bad food" All the while rubbing his belly. It was classic. My only regret is not getting a picture. "Everyday. We're here. Eleven to one or two. Whenever we run out of food!"
And guess what? We finished the house. I knew we could do it. When we got back, we tore down the kitchen ceiling and the walls in the living room. We left the ceiling up in there since it hadn't been damaged by the water. Since it was vaulted it could have been dangerous trying to kick it down. The pile out front has grown so much. You wouldn't think a house has that much stuff in it. A garbage truck stopped by one time. They took one piece of metal. Yeah, thanks. For all that help FEMA. The red tape leaves me speechless.
Dinner was breaded fish(like a big fishstick) plus this mushy carrot green bean mixture. But we're getting ready to go out for yummy dessert. While we were eating this news crew came and set up camera equipment. Very interesting.

day three

Today was cold. And windy. But we started off with sausage biscuits and this weird purple fruit juice. It actually tasted ok. Probably since it was 3% juice and the rest of it sugar. Our team jetted out of there early so we could get working on the house. Things were going good. Everyone was busy demolishing something. The funniest part of the day for me was taking down the pantry door. The bottom hinge came out easily because of the soft, swollen wood. But the top hinge was stuck. I kept yanking on my hammer and nothing was happening. So I started pushing against the frame and ended up pulling myself off the ground hanging from the hammer. I must have looked ridiculous. But it still wasn't budging. I think it finally came off with the magic of a few crowbars but it was interesting while it lasted. Then, I was taking off the wood paneling in the kitchen and closet when K comes in. "Guys... do you have any...um...stuff?" She's holding her arm with this huge gash on the underside below the elbow. It was deep but not deep enough for stitches. The bad part is we didn't have any first aid supplies. Just water and baby wipes. So she and our team leader drove back to Light City for some bandages. That kind of stuff you don't want exposed to the black mold and dirt and everything else. While they were gone, the owner of the house stopped by. Eddie was so grateful. I am amazed by her strength and faith. I can't imagine walking into my old home to watch college students destroy everything I had worked so hard to keep nice and clean. I would have had a breakdown. But she didn't. She had this gracefulness and attitude that I only hope to have a fraction of one day. She told us that all three generations of her family have been affected by the hurricane and flooding. Her mother, who is 88, refuses to leave New Orleans so she stays. And fights with her flood insurance company to have them start paying for rebuilding. Our team got the chance to tell her how far we've gotten, what we hope to finish, and just provide a little hope and a few smiles. It felt really great to see the fact that we were making a difference. To at least one person. But back to work...the four of us left(wow, its starting to sound like we kick people off the island in Survivor or something) tore down the bedroom walls. Its really fun to punch through sheetrock too. It just gives me fits of laughter.
But the rest of our team came back with yummy Subway sandwiches and more first aid supplies. Our conversation kind of revolved around nails and injuries. When K got cut, it was from a nail in one of the boards she threw into the debris pile. And M our team leader stepped on a nail the day before we got to New Orleans.
Tearing down walls and kicking through ceiling are probably the best parts of gutting, but clean up is the most time consuming. Getting the walls down goes fast but then takes us forever to get it all out of the house. After lunch, I started on a new project of taking down half a closet. It was going good until I got to the very end. I was pulling out one of the last pieces in the corner between the wall and ceiling when the ceiling caved in on me. It didn't really hurt that bad since I put my head down in time, and I didn't get dust or insulation in my eyes which was lucky. I was really dirty though and inhaled a bunch of dust even through the masks. Once I got some fresh air, I came back to pull up the bottom, and there was a gigantic cockroach underneath. It just grosses me out since I had been holding it a split second before. Not the cockroach, I was holding the floorboard part. Just the wood, no bugs. At least, not intentionally. But before the end of the day Eddie came back and just could not express her appreciation to us. "Ya'll have made my day, my week, my month."
We hurried back to shower and are leaving for the French Quarter at dinnertime. Yay! We're going exploring! And I'm the only one optomistic enough to believe we are going to finish the house tomorrow.

day two

So last night my roommates were talking to this one mom who had come to drop off her kids and needed to spend the night. I had been reading and just needed to "rest" my eyes. right. I fell asleep on half of my cot curled up at the bottom. They went to bed at about 11:30(I fell asleep about 9) and I finally crawled into my sleeping bag. That means I slept for almost ten hours last night. Oh well, I probably needed it after all that work.
Our work for the day started at a hotel on the other side of town by I-10. It didn't seem bad at first. But just wait. We had six people, old gloves from the last team, four stairways, seven flights, no mops, two buckets, and two spray bottles. And our team was supposed to bleach everything so the walls could be spraypainted. It was not a good situation. But the bad part wasn't the work. It was the creepiness of the place. The type of scary where you don't want to go anywhere by yourself. Some of the rooms were pitch black which just made my imagination run wild, parts of the halls were dark which is almost worse than it being completely dark, and some of the windows were broken from the storm which made noises and blew the drapes around alot. Ok, so it doesn't sound scary reading this but it was. It was. Just trust me. Words probably can't describe it. Nevertheless, we are fearless and split into three groups. So I was working with our team leader, and we got floors seven and six done then decided it was ridiculous. I know its selfish to say, but I came to make a difference in the city and help rebuild someone's life and home. Not increase the profit of some business. I shouldn't think that way because somebody out there has to tend to the less glamarous jobs, but honestly, its what was running through my thoughts. So then, the manager wanted us to clean up the third floor since that was were Crusade had been staying while they were gutting out Light City. Personally, I would never stay in a hotel like that. Too sketchy. Unless it was extremely dire circumstances. Actually, sleeping under the overpass was more inviting than this place so maybe not. I am getting distracted...By the time we started the third floor our seventh team member showed up. We were in and out of those rooms so fast, our leader couldn't open doors quickly enough. It was that spooky. All we did was collect trash and strip the beds. Some of the rooms were completely trashed, and the paint was all peeling. From one of the rooms there was a view of the Superdome. It looks like a big UFO spacecraft. The craziest part was we started finding rooms that people were still staying in. Very strange. Sketch flags going up like crazy. By that time it was lunch, and we couldn't get out of there fast enough.
Lunch was interesting because they ran out of any plates or trays. I had to go up to this one girl and ask for her plate. The food wasn't exciting, too many beans, but the peaches were splendid.
After eating, a few of us were waiting to leave for our new assignment and came up with a team name and little cheer. Its really awesome.
Our new assignment was a house a mile or two from the levee breaks. It's a pretty big job for six of us. We lost one guy tonight. He flew home to be with his family since his aunt passed away. Back to the house though...Most of the furniture has been cleaned out, but the mold is really horrible. The house had been flooded up to the roof, then the water level went down a couple feet and just sat there. So the black mold has been growing in huge patches all over the walls and doors. The house is two bedrooms and one bath with a living and family room.
The first step to properly gut a house is to turn off the gas, water, and electricity. So, I thought I would be helpful and check the backyard for the gas reader thing. It wasn't back there, but I did find nifty garbage bins that I figured would be helpful for taking out all the debris. As I was leaping around the knee high grass, I didn't see the board with nails. Yep, that's right, I stepped on a nail. I yelled "ouch" as loud as I could. No one came, and I was still nailed to the board. Once I got my sneaker unstuck, I thought everything was cool so I walked, kinda limped actually, around the house, passed the garbage bins to my roommates, and hopped the fence. I said, "I don't think it broke the surface or anything." Wrong. I took off my shoe which has a nice hole in it now, and it had this big blood spot. So did my sock. There's actually not much you can do about it either since it's just a puncture. I got it rinsed off and baby wiped(that sounds so weird but it helped absorb all the blood). It hurt like crazy, but I was definitely in shock so I didn't even cry. I just had a water break then got back to work, shuffling around of course. Its on the side of my heel so I don't like putting alot of pressure on it.
We managed to get alot of work done. Cleaned out the kitchen-lots of icky levee water. Pulled up the carpets. Emptied the closets in the kitchen and hall.
We got back, showered, ate dinner, and I took a nap. It was incredible. Then I had a good chat with some other gals. We talked for almost an hour about everything-natural disasters, class colors, yes it was complete randomness. Then it was group meeting time. The funniest guy shared about dreaming big. The power kept going in and out. But I think it was more of a God thing. There is just something so passionate and touching about singing a cappella. It gave me the goosebumps. Well and maybe the fact it was windy. But I prefer the God moment over being cold. He taught from 1 Corinthians 11:1 "And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ's." The message was just something I really needed to hear. Just the fact that God has put these crazy ambitions and dreams within my being for a purpose. Although I don't know what my future holds, I can trust God's plan and be consumed with His peace. God knows what He's doing so I can stop stessing.
Oh, I just found out the guys went to the French Quarter without us. My friends are a little upset. Me on the other hand doesn't really mind. I would have missed the message of dream big! And Bourbon St. kinda scares me especially at this time of night. Well, that was long. Congrats if you made it through everything. I'm signing off for now.

day one

You want to know my first thought waking up at 6:45 this morning? It went something like this...I'm staring at the warehouse beams above my cot thinking "I'm in New Orleans. I'm IN New Orleans. I'm actually in NEW ORLEANS." It was crazy. Maybe it only makes sense if you know me and the way I talk. Anyways, the day started off with breakfast of biscuits and gravy and bacon. Next, orientation. Our Cal Poly group is about seventy-five students. Twice as many girls as guys. Over thirteen hundred students total staying in Light City just this week. We are in the Ninth Ward, which is next to St. Bernard Parish (closest to Lake Pontchartrain and hardest hit by the levee breaks). The staff also explained some of the other markings on houses. Lots of place are marked TFW. There are a couple of theories going around. One is that it stands for Toxic Flood Water which I don't believe. Toxicity cannot be localized to one house. Its water; everything just gets diluted. And how did they test for it? The other is Task Force Whiskey which I see that as more likely. These were the first guys sent by the government to begin searching houses. The weird part is, I don't understand why they would want it to be a secret with the cover toxic flood water story.
I met our team for the week. There are seven of us, three guys and four girls. One of the guys is the only one over 21 so he's our team leader and driver. Our set of wheels is this sweet minivan. The annoying thing is that the flashers turn on everytime a door opens. We had little get-to-know-you questions that none of us really answered. And read the "How to Properly Gut a House" instructions. Isn't that ironic? Properly and gut in the same sentence. Well, I thought it was funny. After the meeting we got assigned to Dennis' house. He had duplex that was already gutted out. We just had to knock down the ceiling. It was really fun kicking down the sheetrock. I like tearing down the big pieces. It makes clean up easier. Ugh, clean up is the worst part. And the insulation fiberglass is so itchy. Once the ceiling was done it was to the little tedious jobs. Like cleaning the bathtub that had managed to collect everything and pulling nails from all the studs. Yeah, the less glamorous type of work. Lunch was hot dogs(the week before us had hot dogs for six meals in a row-breakfast, lunch, and dinner), beans(which looked gross and I don't eat in the first place), and chocolate chip cookies(and I just realized I shouldn't have eaten any since I gave up chocolate for Lent). The weather wasn't too hot just humid.
When we got back to camp, rain was forecasted and they needed all the extra cots boxed up and covered. That madness was interesting. When we finished and headed inside, this guy ran out to tell everyone waiting in line for showers that there was a severe weather warning and to immediately go inside if the airhorns go off. YAY! Severe weather!
I just finished dinner which was amazing after a long day of work. Beef stew and stale biscuits never tasted so good. Trust me. I have had seven bottles of water so far. Next adventure is the showers.

we're here!!!

I'm in New Orleans! Can you believe it? Well, the flight and all that jazz was good. A little fog in Denver but nothing to worry about. I had a really short layover so I am so glad there were no delays. We ate and hung out in the airport until about 6:30 or so then got shuttled over to Light City.
One of the minivans in our caravan got pulled over on the way there. He got a ticket for running a red light and no proof of registration. I have one word-heinous. First off, he's a volunteer relief worker for goodness sake. And the registration is the fault of the rental company. running a red light? ok, all the lights are out and there are stop signs everywhere. Like every telephone pole. So, you want him to stop for absolutely no reason? Ok what about every other person who ran that too. whew, I'll stop ranting now...
Driving around was pretty crazy though. The area is kinda ghetto but everything is such a mess that it doesn't even matter. There are piles of debris that have been there for what looks like forever. No one is doing a thing to clean it up. And so it just sits there in front of a sad looking house. The houses themselves are marked with spray paint. Its a big X to label that its been searched. The top of the X is the date searched. On the right, people found. Left, animals found. And bottom, number of bodies found. It gives me the chills. Its such a desperate situation; I can't even imagine it six months ago.
Light City is pretty incredible. To get to the girls warehouse, you walk through what used to be a Subway that has been turned into first aid supplies, cell phone charging wall, and general hang out area. Then through the screen, its girls only. And its this HUGE warehouse of hundreds of cots; its overwhelming. There are students from everywhere. The whole thing is just indescribable.
Showering in those tents is interesting to say the least. And very, very cold. Oh, and I forgot my toothbrush. how pathetic.

finished packing...

I went snowboarding with the boys today. Conditions were decent. It was pretty warm so the snow was sticky for the first time this season. Well, actually it wasn't warm now that I think about it because it snowed most of the day. I guess sunny is a better descriptive term. Snowboarding was fun though. Only fell once and got stuck multiple times. My excuse is not enough inertia to get over those hills which isn't a bad thing. Having more mass that is. Anyways, I'm jealous that my dad has gotten better than me. So not cool. But we had a great time. All those little ski/board school kids are so funny. I'm going along and all of the sudden a bunch of them shoot out of nowhere like little cannonballs. But we got back early for dinner with grandma and now I hope I'm all ready for New Orleans because I am going to bed since my flight is early in the am.

its finally spring break

So much for an hour long final. It took me two and a half. Which means I didn't leave SLO till 4:03 when I had wanted to be on the road about 2:30. Anyways, my mate final wasn't bad, just lots of writing. I filled up 14 of the 16 pages in my bluebook. The really sweet part of it is I didn't really need to study because you either know it and paid attention in class and to assignments or you're basically screwed. So far the drive hasn't been too bad. One thing that really irritates me is how passing lanes become drag races. I mean, a cop isn't going to give a just warning for a speeder twenty to thirty over the speed limit. The best part was I saw three rainbows before I got here to In-N-Out. Funny thing is it was sunny in SLO. And I just ran into a couple friends headed the same way. I was waiting for my cheeseburger, fries, and vanilla milkshake writing this when a guy came and sat really close to me. Like the uncomfortable kind of close. When I realized who it was everything was cool. Its actually really funny now that I think about it. oh, Happy St Patty's Day!

just studying for my materials final...

"If we are to achieve results never before accomplished,

we must employ methods never before attempted."

-Sir Francis Bacon

~

Fat men cannot run as fast as thin men, but we build most of our vehicles as though dead-weight fat increased speed...I cannot imagine where the delusion that weight means strength came from..."

-Henry Ford

bright and early

So, I got up this morning at 4:51a by choice. We had a big group meet up for a sunrise hike up madonna. It was fun, a little cold, but worth it. I love doing random things that my parents just shake their heads at. We spent time at the top just goofing off anf taking crazy pictures. And the sunrise is just impressive by itself. Coming over the hills and shining the sun's first beams on the beautiful place of San Luis. No camera could completely capture the wonder and beauty of it all.
We were heading down excited to go to Denny's afterward. And for some reason or another I slipped the most on the dewy rocks. I ended up falling downhill into this bush. There was no way for me to get up on my own. So my friend tried to pull me up then she fell too. Then somebody else grabbed both of us. It was quite a humorous moment. I was told "at least it was a very graceful fall."
I just woke up from one of the greatest naps ever.

dadadun

Statics was not fun. And now I have twelve hours until I ace my math final that I haven't even started studying for. right. I miss what it feels like to sleep at night...

who knew juggling was awesome!?!

This is really really cool. I never thought of juggling as beautiful, but this, this is great. And the guy, Chris Bliss, gets into so that makes it ten times better. And what kind of name is that Chris Bliss? its so catchy that it makes me jealous.

ok so I am technologically retarded. I realized this video code thing is not my forte since it wasn't working. so here's the link
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4776181634656145640&q=chris+bliss+juggling

aww, pets...

interesting

I just noticed how I go to sleep earlier on weekends than I do during the week. Try and explain that one. night

guess what!?!

Next quarter I'm getting a raise! Wow, it was a total surprise too. I didn't even know they could do that for students. So while school crumbles around me, everything else in life is looking good. God took away the academic success and has blessed every other are of my life-church, work, friends. Anyways, I can't work as much next quarter so making a tiny bit more will be so sweet. I just spent the last six hours studying physics with a friend and that is just the beginning. The library will be my best buddy this weekend. hoorah

calvary:slo rocks

I just got back from a special teacher appreciation dinner. Well, not really just now, I've been home for a while, but anyways. The Aleve totally kicked in and I feel 100% better so I was at least capable to drive down there. Wasn't ready to take off my hoodie once I got there, but besides its been cold and windy. So dinner was amazingly delicious. I just started working with the kindergarteners and hardly know any of the other people on staff or other teachers. But everyone was so friendly. I love it. There were some good conversations, lots of laughs, and a general feeling of encouragement and appreciation. I can totally remember being in Sunday school with the whole craft, lesson, and snack deal. Back when pogs were the "in" thing. good times. So, I'm glad that back then there were other adults willing to invest their lives and faith in me. Now, its my chance to give back and serve at my home church. Plus, the kids are great. Even if they come in shy or upset by the time they have to leave, they don't want to! They give me energy and joy by simply being themselves. Sometimes the innocence and wonder in their eyes just hits me to the core. I can see why Jesus' heart desires and breaks for children to love Him. Oh God, that I could be the slightest reflection of His love and excitement!

this better be worth it

I can't move my arms. My shoulders hurt really bad. Left arm-Td with pertussis booster. Right arm-Hep A. There are few things in the world that I hate, and I HATE shots or needles. Better soreness than a freakin disease. But spring break will be worth it. Once I take some Aleve.

Romans 5:6-11

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, no one is likely to die for a good person, though someone might be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's judgment. For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God – all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God.