Go Forth... and HAVE A BLAST!

I was officially told to go forth and have a blast by one of my church mommas today after service was over.  I never really thought of it that way before then, but I like it.

I like it muy much.

So, world wide web comrades (or friends I tagged in the Facebook note who decided to come check out the blog), I am off!  To go forth - and have a blast!  The Mowana summer lasts from today, May 31st, through August 15th.  We commence with two weeks of training at the camp, and then the excursions around the state begin.

I was up until 2:30 last night packing, and uploading pictures to Facebook.  I got up at 7:30 this morning (luckily it was the sun and not an alarm that woke me) and quickly remembered I hadn't scheduled classes for the fall.  Hopefully (God willing) I will find a job that provides enough compensation (and health insurance) that I won't have to go full time, but we'll see.  I was able to get in a full-time load, with strictly night and (unfortunately) one Saturday class. But, I'll take it.  No more griping - I am grateful to have the option; many don't.

I leave for camp in a few short hours.  The next time you hear from me, I'll either be out on the road with a quick update, or it may not be 'til the end of the summer.  Either way.

I am gonna have a blast.

Peace.

Too Much

I leave for camp on Sunday.  Yes, this is a good thing, and I'm very excited about it.

However.... (there's always a however)

There's too much stuff.  I'm going to say it again:  TOO.  MUCH.  STUFF.

The main question is this:  Why is there too much stuff?

Because, granted, the stuff will, if not all at camp, eventually get used.  But honestly, what have I purchased in the last week that has made my monetary assets drop to levels that I cringe at? (Tuition, people, tuition.  It's ever looming while I gather things I feel the need to purchase to ensure a happy, happy time at camp.)

So, just what have I bought?

Long answer short: Too much.  (Go figure.)

• A big, black laundry bag (for hauling laundry, of course)
  
• Detergent - my very own detergent - to accompany the laundry.
• Tide ToGo.  3 sticks, so my campers will be stain-free.
• A watch (good grief I have not worn a watch in years - that'll be quite a change; I've always used my cell phone as my watch)
• A mini Maglite (which, I am happy to say, I'm already quite enjoying)
• A new camera (yeah.... not cheap.)
• A new camera - for my sister - with the condition that this is the only camera I'll be buying her for several years.  Granted, hers was slightly less expensive.  But still.  The aforementioned rule also applies to the camera I purchased for myself.
• New running shoes (not cheap!)
• Socks - to of course accompany the shoes.
• Various assortments of tank tops, capris (which is a story all their own), and undergarments of varying natures.
• A swimsuit.
• Hygiene products of varying natures, which, will hopefully last me the entire summer.  It's the goal anyway.
• An extra bin to - get this - put all the extra stuff in while I'm away on outreach each week!
• There are probably several other things I've failed to mention too.  

Plus, it does not help that I've probably spent over $100 in food just in the past week.  Eating out = NOT COOL!  Why do I insist on doing it?  Too expensive, too unhealthy.

And All the While 

I'm thinking of the verse in Matthew, when Jesus is instructing the disciples to go and spread the good news, that goes a little something like,"Do not take along any gold or silver, take no bag for the journey, no extra tunic, sandals, or a staff.  The worker is worth his keep."  (Matt. 10:9)

In this day and age - would I be worth my keep?  Would the families I'll be staying with be willing to provide clothing and hygiene products for me?  

Surely Jesus's message was "travel light."  Which, I agree with.  In and of itself, it would be a lot easier, a lot less hassle, and, face it, kind of freeing.

But here's the kicker - you'd also have to have a tremendous amount of faith.  Faith that people would be willing to clothe you (or let you wash your few clothes), and say to you, "Yes, you can borrow our soap and toothpaste for the week."

Unfortunately, many people today would probably look at that and think, "Moochers.  Go buy your own stuff."  And so we do.

And so we do.  But I really wonder.  I really, really, really wonder.

Maybe I should try it.  Try going without all my "extra" stuff, for just a week.

To see where my faith really lies.

One Degree Down, x More to Go

I now have an Associate of Applied Science in Technical Communications.

I thought you ought to know.

I also thought you ought to know that I am much more excited at the prospect of officially beginning my summer on May 31st when I leave for my summer position at Camp Mowana.

I should also mention I've been going on near daily shopping trips to find various things such as swim suits, shoes, mesh laundry bags, and the like.

It should be noted that I am getting quite sick of it.

However, I'm looking forward to the challenge of cramming my entire summer's material possessions into the confines of one L.L. Bean bookbag, one medium-sized rolling suitcase, and one 18 gallon plastic bin.

Here.  We.  GO! 

Micah Shows Up for Graduation

To me, graduations have always been the epitome of world.

"Hey, look at me walk around in this robe, mortarboard, and tassel that the people before me called worthy of academic scholarship."

Okay, I admit, I was kinda happy to be wearing it.  It's a small accomplishment.  And, at least I got to sit in between my two best friends who also graduated with me.

The speaker's speech was canned, there were plenty of loud and obnoxious cheers for numerous graduates as they walked across the stage (though I did find a bit of humor in it), and - to top it off - there was even a (rather outspoken) atheist sitting behind us.  The two aforementioned best friends of mine, yes, they're also Christians.  Needless to say, we did not appreciate his antics.  But that is another story, not really worth mentioning here.

I have a better story.  The ceremony had an opening prayer - nice, but never once did we pray for God's guidance in our lives, only that we would help each other.  The closing benediction was much more joyous.  The pastor referenced Micah 6:8, my life's verse, and a little surge of joy emitted from my soul.