sing it out.

It’s been quite the week. I couldn’t really tell you exactly why that is or what we did (this was one of those undefined weeks, in which we don’t have a full class week or out-trip or anything) but I feel like there hasn’t been any week that’s gone by feeling insignificant so far this semester. Between really cool victories being seen in our group, and some pretty sweet days of camp ministry here and there, it’s been a good’er.

The morning after returning from the Mount Washington trip, I woke up to be surprised by my great friend Chris from back home. Chris did Kaleo a couple of years ago, and is leading up the Mexico missions team while most of us are going to be at the Olympics. That was a real blessing, being able to unpack what’s been going on with someone who’s been through it. Tonight as well, we were visited by some former Kaleos, Jon and Tom, who are from last year’s class. I’ve known Jon for a while; I stayed in his room (which is now my room) when I was checking out the program last year, and our paths have crossed a bunch since. I also knew that he had a very similar experience at Missions Fest last year to mine this year, with International Justice Mission, and it was really good to talk it out with him, and see where he’s at with it a year later. I’m really excited for what’s to come, and it doesn’t really matter if it’s with IJM or Invisible Children or TWLOHA or something differently entirely – there’s a lot to be fought for, so I’m not worried about being without something to send myself on. It was also really good to talk to him and hear his perspective of being a year out of Kaleo, and hear about how much has changed for him, how much he changed that year and how much is still being continued. It got me both excited for what’s to come and gave me a reminder of how much potential there is right now, how valuable of an opportunity this year is, to change everything. To further ruin me for the ordinary, to wreck me for the things that wreck me. I read a Jon Foreman quote yesterday that sums it up pretty well: “I fall in love with the ones and things that take life and love away from me. I need The Song Himself to sing through me. I need The Word Himself to speak into me. “

He’s been singing.

He’s been speaking.

And hopefully, I’ve been listening.

I’d appreciate if you’d be praying for my health. I’ve been having a rough time lately, to be honest. I’ve been really sick, feeling nauseous after most meals, getting migraines, and not being able to eat much. On top of it all, I’ve got a lovely little contact lens infection or something, and so I’ll be returning to both the optometrist and walk-in clinic in the next little bit. Please pray that my health would improve! It can get really disheartening.

Today we had our first Intro to Christian Theology class today. I can honestly say that we are so blessed with the professors investing into us. Jim Paulson is one of the funniest, most sincere and passionate educators/people I’ve met. It’s a great time. That said, with being sick and stressed and having a lot to be gearing up for with classes and the Olympics, and the difficult content of the course in general, I’m having a hard time keeping up with the academic side of things, and I’m thankful for your prayers in that area as well.

Also, please pray for us Kaleo guys, that we would be more and more sharpened into men who reflect Christ, rather than boys who resemble so much of the ordinary.

Grace and peace be with you, hope your week is phenomenal.