Update.

Blizzard of 2010 has hit. Ice and snow cover the ground, creating slush that I stomp through on my way across campus. It's fun.

Ethel June is parked right outside my bedroom window. I keep my eye on her, making sure no loose tree limbs bump into her.

School was out today and is out on Friday also. Student Teaching starts Monday.

Back.

I am settled back in my apartment in Oklahoma. None of my roommates are here and the silence has been inviting and comforting. It's nice to be in my own space again, doing life my way rather than my parents way. I like the cleanliness of this apartment.

Though it is hard to follow Him, I still will. Though I may not like it, I know that His ways are greater than mine. Even still.

The man in front of me in security made an interesting comment. I wonder if that's how others perceive it.

Today.

In two or three years, I wonder where we'll be. Together still? Engaged? Married? Will you still want me in your life? Will I still be as important as I am now, or more so? Will I still get a kick out of holding your hand, sitting with you on my bed? Will we still have to talk with the door open? :) You asked today about kissing but I wouldn't tell you when the year started, nor when it will end. Huh. Why didn't I tell you? I really want to kiss you. But when I think about it, it makes me want to take back my commitment. And I can't do that. May 26, 2010. That day. Will you wait that long? I know you will. You are that kind of guy. Will you still want to kiss me then? That moment... so anticipated... will make the next two or three years even more difficult. I will miss you. I will miss you the moment I enter security and look back, knowing I won't see you again until probably May or June. I miss you right now. I spent five hours talking to you today about mostly nothing of importance. Sometimes we didn't even talk; we just sat and were together. This may have been one of my favorite things we've done together so far, this being with you thing. It makes me happy. You make me happy. I want this relationship to be different and already it is. I want to be a blessing to you. And to You.

Sitting.
Talking.
Laughing.
Joking.
Cooking.
Eating.
Relishing.

Relishing.

Love Language.

Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important–hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

Divine Romance.

I taught Sunday School this morning, 5th and 6th grade. It's so much fun seeing God work and working alongside Him. We made a KWL chart about service. We went on a running field trip with Buddies! and Sshhh! as our directions. We listened and responded to a Relient K song. I had the privilege of leading a girl to Christ. Oh, to be involved in something so much bigger than myself!

For You, I sing, I dance. I rejoice in this divine romance!

The highlight of my trip home soon turned into an intense spiritual battle that raged for the duration of the afternoon, starting during lunch and extending to evening service. But God is still faithful.

Lift my heart and my hands to show my love.

How can I deserve you? How can I deserve any of it? I don't. I simply don't. But you don't ask if I deserve it. You give it anyway. Thank you.

Lately.

Chai reminds me of:

-Buying from the street vendors and standing on the corner, three Americans, drinking their chai. Daniel sang, hand outstretched, to try and make some money. Two teenage girls in the backseat of a car laughed at us when I made eye-contact with them.
-Burning piles of rubbish.
-Walking down the pathway to the compound in the dark, afraid of tripping.
-Apartment mornings, before the rest of the world really seems awake. Straining my tea in the kitchen, looking out the window at the colors.
-Fancy Bazaar.
-Playing Nerts and singing.
-Dark streets.
-Choosing breakfast with Kyle at the hotel.
-Aamir Khan.
-Photo shoot, mocking the advertisements and security coming up to us.
-Playing in the traffic round-about.
-Village homes and the unspoken chai competition... and the house that totally lost.
-Salty lemon water.
-Samosas from the street vendor; trying to get by with out limited knowledge of the language and being mocked by our peers. We were trying at least!
-Carefully setting garbage down next to other trash heaps, looking around to make sure no one saw.
-Family.

Chai reminds me of family.

Tuesday Tribute.

To Brad and Paige:

I am so glad we were able to spend Christmas, plus time before and after, together. I really look up to you both as an example of a godly relationship. You make me laugh and I feel comfortable talking with you about life and relationships and everything. Thanks for that.

Brad, I really appreciate the friendship we are developing as adults. I feel like I am almost just now starting to get to know you. It's fun seeing the man you have become, the man you are turning into. Thank you for having high standards in your life and for showing me that it's good to work hard, to be diligent, but to still take time to have fun.

Paige, I am so glad you joined our family. Thank you for asking about my life, for pursuing a friendship with me. I'm glad we have one in the works and I am excited about getting to know you more in the future. You are a great match for my brother. I love being your Boot Buddy and I look forward to being your Boot Buddy again in the future!

My hope for you guys is that you seek God together in every area of your lives. Wherever the military takes you, whatever needs you have, God will be there and will meet them.