Lessons Learned

So after 7 Months of Marriage I wouldn't say I'm an expert by any means. In fact I'd say I'm pretty far on the other side of the spectrum, but I'm learning. Allow me to share with you the top 5 things I've learned during this short time. Hopefully these things that got me in trouble with the Mrs. will now make you laugh.

5. You can be winning 11-0 in Racquet Ball and still be the world's biggest loser. Seems that my wife didn't appreciate my forehand "crush" as much as some of the guys might. Lesson Learned.

4. Gold Bond: Well if you didn't read this original post within the first 8 hours... you missed a good story which has since been deleted. My wife has convinced me some stories are better left un-told.

3. Guns should not be one's sole purpose of entertainment. Now this may be the hardest lesson I'm still in the process of learning. My wife is helping diversify my interest. We even went to "The Theater" to see a Broadway show last month. Another couple joined us. His response, not mine, at intermission was. "Is it now over?" Nope the fun continues. More to fun than just guns. Lesson Learned.

2. Donuts served fresh, are better for wives then "Donuts" in the truck. My wife is pretty healthy but will enjoy a nice bakery donut. What she doesn't enjoy is when I surprise her with the other type. When the tires are sliding across the ground and the centripetal force is jamming her against the door... Donuts vs. "Donuts." Lesson Learned.

1. Food Groups. My food pyramid was made up of Meats, Potatoes, and ice-cream. My wife has help me make the correlation between the spare tire in my mid section and such eating habits. Ends up I don't mind stemmed broccoli........ covered in cheese! Food Pyramid. Lesson Learned

Rosebud Recap

Rosebud was Awesome! Our team did a great job of reaching out to the youth and the community. I’d love to post a few pictures and a couple stories from the Rez.

First the team. We really wanted to be a team who loved each other and were unified. The idea was that if we could see the love of Christ amongst each other it’d be easy for outsiders to see as well. For 8 days together through storms, heat, bugs, sleep deprivation, and injuries I’d say they did great. Flexibility is a key word for teams on the reservation where cell phone numbers for locals change more often than the seasons (nearly all are on pre-paid). With the “lemons” that life dealt them through the week they made a lot of “lemonade.” God gave us the most amazing rain shower, which our students enjoyed to the fullest by playing tackle football. Two different Rosebud locals were quoted saying “This is the most fun I have ever had in my whole life.” So parents with sick children this week… they did it for Jesus!

The culture. If you haven’t gone you should. You can’t begin to create an accurate picture of such a unique place. Monday night Casey, a Ballard leader, was trying to describe the place and culture to Travis Pierce. Travis at one point burst out “Ok Stop. I’m just getting confused now.” Part of our time was spent installing some new hoops at the local courts. The hoops were then used to host a 3 on 3 tournaments. Roger Wheeler was a huge help. We had 16 teams show up to compete for prizes. This looks to be a great activity to build upon seeing as it drew the community out and rallied them around a central cause. Upwards anyone?!?

The Ministry. Too many sweet stories to share so you’ll have to ask those who went. It seemed like everyone was getting into great spiritual conversations. I was so encouraged by the leaders on the trip who really set an example. The guys really got the guys to open up and the same for the girls. It was amazing in how short of time the depth at which many of these relationships were able to get to.

Look forward to future efforts. Right now we’re praying and asking for host families to house some of the teens our teens connected to. The idea would be to give some of the students there a chance to get a great education in a great environment here. Away from the gangs and violence which are often found on the rez. Anyone looking for another life?!