One Thing I Forgot

Yesterday, I ate a whole lemon. The whole thing, peel and all. That was interesting.

John

Rock On

Here's another picture of me climbing.

Lets Rock

I know it's been a over a week since my last post, but I'm still here and I'm still alive. I guess the reason for my lack of communication this week is that I had a lot of work to do. Not just a normal lot, a whole lot; an extra lot. While the Bells have been gone, we've been working on quite a few projects, trying to get a lot done before they get back. Consequently, I have had a lot of work to do. But life here isn't all hard work and sweat. Yesterday, we all went rock climbing ;the staff and a couple of the people from IPS. I had so much fun. Towards the end of our time there, I could really tell that I was getting tired. My forearms were tight and my hands were losing their grip. Also, a couple of time my hands and my elbows would freeze up and wouldn't respond. But still we all had a lot of fun, and I can't wait to go when I get home.

John

Paint Party

While Mr. Bell is away in Russia, we all decided that it would be a good surprise for him if we painted the gazebo out in the courtyard. Yesterday we rented a power washer and Zach and I power washed the whole thing. Then last night, instead of playing Ultimate Frisbee, we all had a painting party and painted the gazebo. As can be expected in such an endeavor, there was a fair bit of 'messing around' going on. As I found out, if you 'mess' with someone they are going to 'mess' with you.

She painted my head. But at least she killed the spider.

John

Life, Love, Laughter

Life is going well for me still. I'm working on one particular project right now. I dismanteled a park bench and I have sanded, stained and sealed the new boards for it. I'm nearly done with it and it is really looking better as it comes along. As well as that, I'm continually working outside and doing various jobs inside for Claudia.

The weather is quite interesting around here during spring. If you don't like the weather, wait fifteen minutes; it'll change.

On Sunday, after lunch, Anna and I went out in the van to fill it up. While we were out we stopped for gelato and we walked around West Village (The Ritz). While walking around I saw three Lamborghinis, two Ferraris, and multiple Porsches. I also saw the guy that plays Petey in Remember the Titans. I'm not joking; it was him. I'm super serial.

Mr. and Mrs. Bell left today for Russia. So we have the Training Center to ourselves, except for IPS.

This weekend we are going to Grapevine, some big shopping area out near the airport. And nect week we are going rock climbing. Woohoo!

The View From My Room

West
Southwest
Up

Dallas

This is the view of Downtown from the roof of
the Training Center.

Knockin'

I didn't know exactly what time I needed to be up this morning for Church so I got up at 8 and was ready to go by 9:30. I found out soon after that that I didn't need to go to church until 10:30. I now had an hour of free time and nothing to do. I read my bible for a while (I don't remember how long) and then went up to my room. I haven't taken very many pictures yet so I took my camera up to the roof to get some. The weather is finally getting to what it should now and the sun was out.

Party

We really are a party group. Last night we went to the Ranger's Game and had a lot of fun. Tonight is the last night that it was just going to be staff people staying at the Training Center so Mr. Bell took us all out for dinner. The weather was a hundred times better and we all had an enjoyable evening. After dinner Ben, Zach and I walked around for a little while. We stopped at Borders, Banana Republic, and Lucky Brand Jeans before heading back to meet the others at the van. My dinner was free.

John

Update

The weather has been really cold here over the weekend and the building can be frigid at times. It even snowed a little here in Dallas, and it snowed an inch and a half to two inches in Waco(Sp?). The weather this week, however, is supposed to improve with temperatures getting into the eighties.

While sanding today with a belt sander, my finger got caught and I now have a slight injury. It's nothing really big but it does make using my left index finger a bit difficult.

Tonight we are going to a Ranger's baseball game. I hope that it gets warmer by then.

John

Flyboys

Last night, after I finished writing the last post, Anna, Bethany, Katie, Rachel, and I stayed up and watched a movie on Rachel's laptop. We stayed up until 1:30 at least, and we were all ready for bed by that time. The movie we watched was Flyboys, with James Franco. The movie was alright and the dogfight scenes were pretty cool. The only thing I didn't like about the movie is the way that each of the characters was introduced in the beginning. Each one was introduced in an individual scene that was connected or congruent with any of the others. But still, we had a lot of fun.

John

Lone Star Stow-Away

I made it to Texas. There is so much to say and so little time to say it all. Maybe if I get more time I will little by little be able to reveal what being here is like. Everything about flying and coming to a new city is so cool. Tonight I went to the Maundy Thursday service at Park Cities Presbyterian Church. The cermony was really an expirience that I think everyone needs to have some time in their life. Earlier today I helped Zach blow off and clean the parking areas and drive ways before lunch. After lunch He and I mowed all the lawns. That was a trial, but the Lord is gracious and good and I got through it with His Strength. After that, I think Zach had to do school or something, so I spent the rest of the work day edging the grass and cleaning up my mess. Yesterday my flight was delayed about half an hour but I didn't really care. When I got to DFW I disembarked the plane and picked up my baggage. After about a ten minute wait I saw Anna at the same time that she saw me. I grabbed my bags and we ran at each other. We listened to Gaelic Storm on the drive back. Everyone here has been hearing a lot about me from Anna, so when I finally came everyone really gave me a warm welcome and I already like one of the group. It's great. Almost every moment that we spend together has a story to go along with it and there is no way I can write them all down. The weather is sunny and warm in the day and cool and breezy at night. I sleep with my window open. *Siiiiggghhh* I wish I could tell you about all the has happened already and I know that there is more to come on the way. This weekend we are going to Bethany's Grandparent's house; I know it's gonna be fun. I'll write more later. Send me an email.

John

I Cannot Wait To See Her Smile

I leave tomorrow morning at 6:30. I'm really gonna miss you all, but probably not as much as you'll miss me. I know that to some of you I'm like your whole life. Anyway, bye y'all.

John