It's been a crazy few days. I've been really up and down. I'm definitely getting to know more people here. I'm starting to like it more.
I still miss home like crazy. I never thought I would.
"Laziness cuts me like fine cutlery" - David Bazan
I hope this isn't true of this year at studying. I'm getting really excited for school. Jesus has some cool stuff in store, and just pray that I would listen; and I'll do the same for you.
Go in peace. And Love.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Inspiration.
Driving through the Scottish Highlands today made me realize two things:
The scenery here is like a fair maiden, if you will bear with me for a moment. We (My Dad and I) had been going through the most beautiful scenery I’d ever seen, I was inspired, encouraged, braver, more spiritual, focused, original, dedicated, intense, smarter, wiser, and the list could go on into the hills of forever. All this to say, I guess I’ve let go of a few of my dreams over the last year or so, but being back in this place really gives me a sense of purpose in life. I guess overall, this is the place for me. Which leads me to…
Number two; I know for a fact that I am supposed to be here. And then leave. And then come back. I don’t really know any of the specifics, of when to leave, or how long to stay on either end, but I’m really glad I’m here, and I know I’ll end up here someday. I just really feel purpose when I’m here, but I know that it would be selfish of me to stay here. God has bigger things than just this. I’m sure that has the possibility of changing when winter comes around and I’ve got five hours of daylight to be inspired by, but nonetheless, I’m glad I’m here.
I’m writing this as I’m sitting in the car listening to the crackle of the rain on the windshield with "Priests and Paramedics" playing in the background. This song inspires me. To be witty and more clever when I write, and see the truth in strange ways that I wouldn't usually try to find. It doesn't make me despair, but moreso challenges me. It makes me think of myself as a potential poet. I really love writing. And there’s no feeling like drinking a hot cup of coffee, and thinking about ridiculous things to write about in the warmth of any and every cozy place to stop and think. I just hope I can keep this focus; I’m getting worn-out from too many “Mountain Top” experiences. I hope this isn’t one. Which is ironic that I say that, because we stayed in Fort William last night, which lies at the feet of Ben Nevis.
The scenery here is like a fair maiden, if you will bear with me for a moment. We (My Dad and I) had been going through the most beautiful scenery I’d ever seen, I was inspired, encouraged, braver, more spiritual, focused, original, dedicated, intense, smarter, wiser, and the list could go on into the hills of forever. All this to say, I guess I’ve let go of a few of my dreams over the last year or so, but being back in this place really gives me a sense of purpose in life. I guess overall, this is the place for me. Which leads me to…
Number two; I know for a fact that I am supposed to be here. And then leave. And then come back. I don’t really know any of the specifics, of when to leave, or how long to stay on either end, but I’m really glad I’m here, and I know I’ll end up here someday. I just really feel purpose when I’m here, but I know that it would be selfish of me to stay here. God has bigger things than just this. I’m sure that has the possibility of changing when winter comes around and I’ve got five hours of daylight to be inspired by, but nonetheless, I’m glad I’m here.
I’m writing this as I’m sitting in the car listening to the crackle of the rain on the windshield with "Priests and Paramedics" playing in the background. This song inspires me. To be witty and more clever when I write, and see the truth in strange ways that I wouldn't usually try to find. It doesn't make me despair, but moreso challenges me. It makes me think of myself as a potential poet. I really love writing. And there’s no feeling like drinking a hot cup of coffee, and thinking about ridiculous things to write about in the warmth of any and every cozy place to stop and think. I just hope I can keep this focus; I’m getting worn-out from too many “Mountain Top” experiences. I hope this isn’t one. Which is ironic that I say that, because we stayed in Fort William last night, which lies at the feet of Ben Nevis.
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Morning After (No, it's not what you think)
<>Well, it’s the morning after my first day here. A lot has happened. But a lot has yet to come. Yesterday morning, when we first got here, I nearly broke down when I was finally alone in my room, everything just really seemed to hit me hard. I'm not going to see my family, friends, or anything back home until December, but that's only for three weeks! It's something very scary when you realize that; but I do believe that it was God who kept me going, I kept hearing him say, “This is where I have you Mark”. So, that was, quite encouraging, to say the least.
Soon after that, my dad and I decided to go explore the city and walk around. So we started walking down Sauchiehall Street and we decided to stop at a Starbucks. Turns out it was the one I was supposed to interview at, according to an e-mail I got from the Starbucks district manager. So, I asked to see the manager, and after about ten minutes of talking with him, I got a jorb. So that was something absolutely huge, that God just sort of told me, “Hey Mark, I really do have things under control.”
I really think my focus is going to change here a lot. I’m already really relying on God, because the reason I was so down yesterday is mostly because I realized that I really know absolutely no one here. But God just keeps telling me, “I am here.” It‘s going to be a journey while I’m here, but there is going to be plenty of crazy awesome things that will happen, I’m scared, but excited. Nervous, but not so tired after about 12 hours of sleep last night.
Know that you all are kept in my prayers, and that I hope God is going to change and stretch you as I am going through the same, because I know it will make me a better man for tomorrow.
I’m writing this on a word doc, and have yet to get internet access at the school, I’ll upload this once I get the chance.
Love,
-Mark.
Soon after that, my dad and I decided to go explore the city and walk around. So we started walking down Sauchiehall Street and we decided to stop at a Starbucks. Turns out it was the one I was supposed to interview at, according to an e-mail I got from the Starbucks district manager. So, I asked to see the manager, and after about ten minutes of talking with him, I got a jorb. So that was something absolutely huge, that God just sort of told me, “Hey Mark, I really do have things under control.”
I really think my focus is going to change here a lot. I’m already really relying on God, because the reason I was so down yesterday is mostly because I realized that I really know absolutely no one here. But God just keeps telling me, “I am here.” It‘s going to be a journey while I’m here, but there is going to be plenty of crazy awesome things that will happen, I’m scared, but excited. Nervous, but not so tired after about 12 hours of sleep last night.
Know that you all are kept in my prayers, and that I hope God is going to change and stretch you as I am going through the same, because I know it will make me a better man for tomorrow.
I’m writing this on a word doc, and have yet to get internet access at the school, I’ll upload this once I get the chance.
Love,
-Mark.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
T-Minus 6
So I leave in 6 days.
Over the last few years, I've always been adventurous. I never understood people who weren't. However, as of late, I can relate a little better. This move is a lot more daunting than I had thought it would be. I am already missing Omaha more than I had ever thought possible. In my mind, for years, I associated staying in Omaha with failure. Mostly because I saw that if I stayed here, I would probably never live out my dreams. I don't see it that way anymore. I really like this place I call home.
But I guess it's time. And while I'm pretty down about leaving, I am excited to see what God has for me when I get to Scotland. I intend on taking this whole school thing seriously; because I'm basically preparing for the rest of my life. This is all very scary. But I look back at the overwhelming majority of change in my life, I can see that most of it wasn't that bad. In fact, a lot of it was very good change. Frightening, and tough at first, but good. So, I guess I'm going to college. Here goes nothing.
Over the last few years, I've always been adventurous. I never understood people who weren't. However, as of late, I can relate a little better. This move is a lot more daunting than I had thought it would be. I am already missing Omaha more than I had ever thought possible. In my mind, for years, I associated staying in Omaha with failure. Mostly because I saw that if I stayed here, I would probably never live out my dreams. I don't see it that way anymore. I really like this place I call home.
But I guess it's time. And while I'm pretty down about leaving, I am excited to see what God has for me when I get to Scotland. I intend on taking this whole school thing seriously; because I'm basically preparing for the rest of my life. This is all very scary. But I look back at the overwhelming majority of change in my life, I can see that most of it wasn't that bad. In fact, a lot of it was very good change. Frightening, and tough at first, but good. So, I guess I'm going to college. Here goes nothing.
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