Hey, people, go to my new web site for all new entries, and an all-new interactive web journal.
Today we scoured all of Cairns just to find a black tie. ^_^ We had no idea it was going to be so hard to find a black tie here. It teaches me to make a checklist whenever I pack to go somewhere. ^_^ Details of this epic adventure will be posted when I have more time.
I now have a renewed respect for my sense of humor. I went with some friends to a bar, ... you know, a gay nightclub. And I danced, too! ^_^ It gives me such a workout... ^_^ Nah, it was all in good fun, and it was all tiring and stuff.
Horrific realization # 67: You're at a gay bar, and your fly is open!
This is a special time for me. It's the first time I rode a plane to a place that I only mean to visit. ^_^ Together with three other friends, we set out from our hotel in the wee hours of the morning to get some food. Lo and behold, we were able to get our hands on some crocodile and kangaroo burgers. We're still raving about it to this day. ^_^
I hope Cairns looks just as beautiful during the day as it does now during the night.
You know, as both a youth minister and a music minister at my church, it occurs to me that the spring break really is no break for me. ^_^ There is so much to do with church, what with really big Masses, a retreat (which was a far more powerful deal than even I thought it would be), a hike up a mountain, some undone homework, and now I find out that I am due for some jury duty!
It was at the retreat where I got a very, well... "spiritual" experience. I mean, I'd like to say that I go through spiritual experiences often, but I realized that those others were really nothing. Throughout the retreat last Sunday through Tuesday, I felt very different. I think it was the fact that I was out in the element for three days straight, the sand or rocks or pine needles always underfoot, the clouds, Sun, or the very bright Moon overhead, the sound of the crashing waves always in my ears. Maybe it was the fact that I slept for a grand total of four hours out of three nights and two days. Maybe it was all the Bible reading and all the youth's questions, spending time under gas lights, listening to how they interpreted Jesus' presence in their lives. Maybe it was the fact that I was supposed to take Serenity to the same Tarague Beach, you know, the next time we got together. Maybe it was all of those. All I know is that at the end, when we did our last activity, I was playing the guitar for the song part of the prayer service. At one point, one of the youth said something, and then started crying as she approached the front, to be placed into the arms of one of our staff. She had just taken an initiative to follow Jesus, and the reward was to be made into a "jewel", which was symbolized by placing a string of toy jewels around her neck. At that point I was awe-struck, and suddenly a fear overtook me. The youth were hearing, perhaps seeing, or better yet, feeling, something other than the playing of my guitar or the singing of the song. They were receiving something very powerful. I was afraid to look at their faces; I bowed down, continuing to play. I was sure it was His voice they were hearing, it was His hand beckoning them to approach our two jewel-holders. And I saw that almost all of them took the challenge right there, to become jewels to be given as gifts to others.
After we've prayed our last prayer of the retreat, I myself broke down in tears in the arms of another of our staff. I couldn't believe it! I thought that this whole retreat was going to consist of me crying about how I could never again look at Serenity the same way, how I loved her, how I wanted so much to share this beach with her, but never could because there was too much distance and too little time. But God turned that around, and used this loneliness and sadness I felt all throughout the retreat for the better. As I felt the pangs of emptiness, I clung to the company of the youth, answering their questions, being an elder brother to them, and with the help of Fobber was bringing Christ closer to them. Every ocean wave that crashed upon the rocks at Tarague Beach was a weathering agent to the coldness I felt. With the sleeplessness I had become subdued, the perfect foil to Fobber's fiery portrayal of Devil's Advocate. I didn't even realize it, but God had taken the sorrow in my heart and used it to bring the children to him, for they are truly blessed and belong in the kingdom of heaven. He used the ugliest part of me for the best part of the retreat. I was overwhelmed when I realized this, as I cried my eyes out into her hug. And she thought that I was crying because I was disappointed at how the retreat turned out... ^_^ The fact was, I felt so unworthy to be part of something this powerful! I don't know how many other retreats I will be facilitating, but I am sure that I will never forget that moment.
The rest of the week, with respect to that, seems like a complete breeze. ^_^ I guess that's good. I'll be ready for school on Monday, I hope.
I was summoned to appear in court as a jury member. I wonder how that would be? I'll be sure to tell you all as much as I am allowed to. ^_^ Being a member of the United States (I'm not using the word "citizen"; but that will be the subject of a whole 'nother post!) comes with a lot of rights, and a few duties. This turns out to be one of those duties, and let's just say that even though I will be a little inconvenienced with my school obligations by it, I am at least cordial to do this duty when I am called to do so by the Superior Court. So, um, see you in Court? ^_^
Which reminds me... I haven't written back to Keppaku yet! Hang on, Sis, I'll find the time to start it soon! And I will try the cookie recipe!
Thanks for reading. See you all later. And have a happy and safe Easter holiday, everyone.
| Archive No. | Dates |
|
01 Mar 2004 - 31 Mar 2004 |
|
|
01 Feb 2004 - 28 Feb 2004 |
|
|
01 Oct 2003 - 31 Jan 2004 |