Stuffed to the Rafters

Kevin and I arrived just fine and were picked up at the Airport by Mr. Dean and Mr. Patterson. We stuffed our seven crates, three carry-ons, and four men into a Nissan and made the wonderfully interesting and exciting trek from the airport to the apartment.

John

Hotel Lima

After passing through security at SeaTac Kevin and I knew that we were finally on our own. We walked down the concourse looking for gate S10. We followed the signs but after a while all of the gates said they were A gates. I looked out the large glass walls out over the tarmac and noticed that there was an entirely seperate building with oversized S numbered gates marked on the outside. From my point of view there was no above ground way to get there. I suspected a tunnel while Kevin's guess was shuttle. After turning around, walking halfway back, and descending two flights of stairs we were at he subway entrance that accesses B and S concourses. I figured Kevin and I were both right. We rode the train the satellite building and upon finding our boarding gate found a place to deposit our backpacks. We leaned against the brushed stainless steel handrail running along the outside wall. We made some small talk about driving sports cars on the tarmac and cutting cookies while we waited. I also told Kevin about Brian Reagen's Flying routine. It wasn't long though before we were boarded and on our flight to Incheon National Airport. The flight was long and my seat got tired of sitting. But now I'm here waiting in South Korea for our flight to board to Ulan Bator.

John

Free Lunch (And Dinner)

This certainly has been a full weekend. On Friday we went to the Monroe's for a going away get together that they would hosting for Kevin and me. We spent the entire evening there and even got to watch the Gold medal soccer match in the Olympics on the huge flat screen TV. We finished off the evening watching Cool Runnings and a good fight before going home. The next day I went to REI with Mom; I have been to REI three times in the past two days. I've been playing a lot of board games lately because I won't be able to play any with these guys while I'm away. Today, while waiting before church I got restless so I drove like a maniac to Starbucks. When I got there and ordered I remembered that I had forgotten my wallet at home with all my money in it. I realized this at the counter and told the registrar that I would take a water instead. But the barista, knowing that I was a former partner and had visited that store many a time insisted that I take the tea anyway for free. That was great, that group of baristas is really a great group. I've only a few more trips to Starbucks left, I know there isn't one in Ulaanbaatar. I fly out this Saturday from Seattle International Airport in the early afternoon so I'd like to make a visit to Pike's Market Starbucks on the way.

John

The Big One-Eight

I'm finally eighteen! *Does a little dance* So much is going on. I went to the Beaverton City Hall two days ago to try and apply for my passport. Realizing that I needed my birth certificate and running out of time, Mom and I decided to go home and try the next day. Next Day: Mom and I spent two hours in the waiting area, when my number was called I checked my pocket and my wallet, with my ID, at home had been forgotten. I needed to be at work in less than a half-an-hour so I had no time to have my ID brought to me. The only positive side to those three wasted hours was that I started and finished Bob Shelton's book: Through a Great Door. We also gave a tract to a ninety-four year old man. After that my afternoon only began to improve. I made it to work on time and while I was there Hannah and Josh came in and visited me. It was great to see two familiar faces. Last night was my last night for fifteen minute breaks at work.

Having been torqued one too many time by the City Of Beaverton, and wanting just to be done with the passport application process, Mom and I went to the City Of Tigard this morning and got the whole thing done in about 5 minutes; that was easy.

Besides all that I'm working on finding out was courses I can take from my major while I'm in Mongolia, working for Starbucks, working for Mr. Dutton, preparing to go on a Senior Trip, the Utah Missions Trip, and finally to leave for Mongolia in the Fall.

And I went snowboarding on Saturday and had an amzing, great day.

John

Coming Home

Ready or not, here I come!

John

Oot an' Aboot

Last night we played Ultimate in the parking lot. There were only eight of us but we still had a lot of fun. Even though it was getting toward evening, the air was still really hot and humid and whenever stopped moving I could feel myself burning up all over. We didn't just end up playing one game though. Because of the people that were playing and the difference in skill present we switched up the teams a couple of times and played five or six games. My favorite game was the last game. Bye then we were down to six players. Anna, Danielle, I were on a team verses Shauna, Erin, and Nareda DeCleene. The DeCleenes were good and had previous frisbee experience but on the last game we didn't let them score once. The moved the frisbee a lot and got close the end zone quite a few times but couldn't quite make it all the way. We ended at nine o'clock 7 to 0. We all had fun and and everyone got a chance to be on a winning team.


Today we had a Staff outing to the Allen Premier Outlets. Rachel, Claudia, Anna, and I are close to the only staff people left here at the Ministry Center, so we four went together. We stopped in at a couple places including: Ralph Lauren Polo, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, as well as Eddie Bauer, Fossil, and J. Crew. While at Eddie Bauer I could feel familial ties being awakened inside of me and I saw a couple of things that I liked. I ended up just getting a nice t-shirt with a fish on it. At Fossil I was looking for a belt and a wallet, and that's exactly what I ended up getting. At my last stop, J. Crew, I didn't find the sweatshirt I was hoping that they would have but I got a new navy and green striped tie for a good price. After we left the outlets, we all stopped at Costco. I love Costco. Sam's Club and Walmart just don't compare with Costco. We stopped there just to look around and have lunch (at three thirty). While there we couldn't pass up walking around and getting all the samples though. When we left Costco I realized I didn't have my Camelbak bottle and that I had probably left it at one of the stores we went to at the outlets. I called Eddie Bauer and Tommy Hilfiger to see if they had found it in the fitting room areas, but neither had. After thinking about it for a while I realized that I had left it at Tommy Hilfiger. We weren't too far away, so we drove back, but they didn't have it. Someone must have thought it looked cool and taken it. The good news is that they are on sale at REI and I'm going to get two new ones when I get home.

I only have couple days left here in Dallas. Anna and I are flying back home on Tuesday and right after that we are going to the beach. I can't wait to get home so I can all the stuff that I need to do.

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

Five days and I'm gone.

The Long Way Home

I head out for Texas in 6 days. Until then I have to have as much fun as I can.

In the mean time, tomorrow morning Mom, Evan, James, and I are going to be going home. But this time we are taking the long way home. On the way we are stopping at Timberline and going snowboarding all day. (For all of you who don't quite get this, we are just going snowboarding tomorrow. I put it in interesting terms for your reading enjoyment. If you still don't quite follow leave a comment, send me an email, or give me a call, I would love to enlighten you.)

John

Finally Having Fun

Well, I had a crazy weekend, but nothing a party guy like me couldn't handle. I started it all off on Thursday by heading down and helping out at the senior car wash. I helped the whole time from 10 until 4 and we raised over 400 dollars. I specialize in cleaning wheels.

On Friday I did normal stuff most of the day, including taking down a big Oak tree in our backyard, but ended it all off well by heading down to REI and J. Crew. I love to spend money and this time I came home with a new shirt from J. Crew and climbing harness from REI. Looking forward to accruing all the gear I need to go climbing.

Saturday was great day, starting at church getting the ground there ready to have new bark dust laid down for Easter. Evan, James, and I devoted our time to removing two large flax plants. By the time we were done all that was left was two craters and a big mess. Upon completion of our duties we headed straight over to Southridge were we commenced an the most amazing Ultimate Frisbee game I have been to in a while. My team ending coming back from 7 to 14 to win the game. We scored 8 points in a row. After frisbee, we played football but I was having a hard time getting into the game. It didn't rain on us while we played frisbee but for the last hour of football the heavens opened up and all manner of things began to fall from the sky. Thoroughly soaked, Evan and I headed home to get ready to go out to Red Robin with Kevin, Hannah, and Katey. Hilarity ensued while we spent two hours at the restaurant. The word 'Fun' does not do justice to what all happened there while we inhabited the premises.

Sunday was mostly normal for me, starting in the morning waking up. Next I went to church and then came home. After lunch I rode my bike to Barnes & Nobles and spent some time there with Luke. That finished, I rode on home and got ready for evening church. After church, Mom and I went to get James, he had gone to the zoo with some friends for a birthday. Driving my car was great, especially since it was night and the bad drivers are few and far between. When I arrived safely home I went to bed.

Today was a good day too. After waking up and all that shenanigans, I did school, which comprised sitting on the couch reading textbooks and practicing my piano. Then Evan and I went out for a little shopping. I can't tell you where we went because while we were out we stopped and bought Anna's birthday present. After that we went to REI and I bought another pair of Smartwool running socks(the most comfortable socks ever). I have had a gift card so I couldn't resist. After dinner we were going to go see Shooter but I couldn't because I'm only 17 and it's rated R. Now I'm here at the end of the day. Now I'm gone.

Snowboarding on Thursday. Texas in 8 days.

John

Flying Monkeys

I leave for Texas in 11 days. But I'm kinda sad because I'm going to miss the senior trip to Sun River.

Hey

Evan and I moved an entire delivery of lumber into the new sanctuary for Mr. Dutton yesterday.

Then I went to piano lessons.

I'm leaving for Texas in 2 weeks from today.

Went on IMPACT Outreach.

Going Bowling.

Woot. Leave me a comment. It makes life exciting.

John

Elephant Tea

I know I haven't blogged in a while, about nine days, but now I'm back feeling kind of good about taking a small break. Things that happened while I was "away:"

Tim came over and spent the night.
Playing frisbee in the street.
Going to a big airsoft game at Splat Action.
Finishing my Physics.
New Shoes.
REI membership.
Trying to spend money.
More firsbee.
Lovely Weather.

In less than three weeks time I will be leaving for Texas on my first plane ride by myself. I'm really feeling good about it and I'm really looking forward to visiting Anna and meeting all the people at DTC. I feel kind of like this is just the beginning for me branching out and slowly being released from home. Not that I just want to leave, but that I'm excited about growing and having new freedoms and being able to put to use everything I've learned as a kid and growing up. 20 days until I leave.

John

When I Depart At Days First Light

It's official! I'm going to Texas for six weeks in April to visit Anna; I just bought my ticket yesterday. Now I have to get ready by buying the shoes and work pants that I'm gonna need, seeing as how it is a rule that I'm not going to be aloud to wear jeans while at the Training Center.

Today is my mom's birthday and my uncle and aunt just got into town today. My uncle made dinner for us and we had a grand old time. My aunt Ronnie hadn't seen Fred for a week and they came into Portland on completely different flights. Tomorrow I'll be going to a piano recital type thing then playing Ultimate Frisbee in the afternoon at one. Everyone needs to be there. Recently I haven't been very psyced up about frisbee, not because I don't like it but because I haven't done it lately, but now that I'm actually doing it I'm ready to play.

John