Mexico, 18, and the afterlife..

so, as far as i am concerned, being unneccessarily delayed in getting a post up since our return from mexico, everything has been said that needs to be said. i thoroughly enjoyed my first out of country experience. i was stretched in ways i didnt know were issues. God challenged my willingness to adjust to my surroundings and authorities. it seems everyone thinks i failed at one of those, but i will leave it up to God to decide. Mexico, if you have not been there, will give you back, what you put into it, 2 fold. it will help you appreciate what you have, and give you a better understanding of what it is like to be completely dependent on God in an every-day perspective. And, you get to meet some awesome people, and maybe get to know some awesome kids.

i was unsure, going into the trip, what it was i was going to get out of it. as some know, i am not a person who usually gets caught up in expectations, and the like. but, satan decided that would be his way of bringing me down early on in the trip. i had these fantastical ideas of what would go on, and how things would/should be, and after day 2 of being in mexico, i was feeling very unfulfilled. i even made it verbally known that i wished things would be harder. what a selfish attitude i know, but that was seriously the point i was at. that same night, mark decided to make me feel like an idiot, (no, not that time, but good guess!) and speak on the very topic of expectations. i was very convicted, and made a conscious effort to change my attitude from that point on. good thing too, because that night, we were rained on for a good 12 hours. it was brutal, especially when you are forced to sleep in a slightly covered outdoor sanctuary... with sloping floors... and little wind coverage. that was interesting. i would be pretty confident that 90% of the guys were forced to move from their initial sleeping positions at some point in the night. we didnt have to work the next day, which was nice because of the lack of sleep that many had gotten. the work was not excessively difficult, and we were fortunate to have leaders who were willing to work hard, and encourage us to do the same.

being able to play soccer with the locals was my way of getting close to them. i, even after 2 years of spanish, was unable to carry a conversation with any of the non-english speakers. soccer was my way to communicate in a very real way. without soccer, i dont know where my attitude would have been as far as really feeling like i could make a difference. the competition was fierce as well. i never would have expected the older less in shape guys to be so sure of foot and skill. and the young talent was abounding. maybe its my ill-percption, but being 17 and on a u-20 prep team in a country where soccer is a huge deal is very impressive. Chuy, Armando, Julio, Freddy, .. the list goes on.. as my memory fades! i was very appreciative for their patience. USA and MX both left the "battlefield" wit 2-2-1 records, which would normally be unsatisfying were it not for the circumstances.

Anyone going to see the Rangers play at home in Arlington is encouraged to go to the Rawlings restaraunt in the first base line press box. order small too. then get a peanut butter thing!!!!!! i didnt think i had room for it.. but i made room!! the stadium is beautiful too. the game was great as well. Carl Crawford could have easily had 3 straight triples which i am sure would have been a record. i cant wait to get my pictures back. i guess that requires taking them in...?

student ministry sunday was the 7, which happened to be my birthday as well. the "Big One" or so i am told. i turned 18. yay!.. this fact will doubtfully change anything. it was a very good day though. i was made to feel very special, which can never be a bad thing. i thank everyone who was a part of it, whether you knew it or not. i pray for many more to come.

this week 7-14 (and some change) has been pretty phenomenol. i couldnt have asked for anything more. birthday, softball victory, Body Builders/ LOTR, Chiefs game/ beginning of football season/Cinderella Man (highly encourage that one, and only $1.50), a wedding of an old friend and some really great food, one of the best days of my life. what more could you ask for? i mean seriously. the surprise was pretty sweet too, both of them i guess! T and i did pretty well.

Tryouts for soccer start today. although i am not worried about a spot, my performance still matters a lot. i would love to play exclusively up top (forward) but i have not given coach a whole lot of confidence through my finishing touch in the last few months. we will see how it goes. soccer starting means that school starts... soon! so depressing. i dont want this summer to end. this has been completely amazing. there will never be another one like it, which will have its advantages and disadvantages. i guess im scared. but with everything that is happening and wit everyone i have around, be that only by phone, i am sure it will be okay.

my thanks to everyone that has been a part of my summer, and to everyone who is leaving and already left, i will miss you guys and hope to see all very soon. may God continue to bless and keep you. Good "night".