Reaching Back #2

~originally written 6/8/2010~

Hello friends, romans, countrymen,

It's my first day in the office. It's not as entertaining as the Dunder Mufflin office, but we get a lot more done in a day. My time here has been wonderful so far. I got picked up at the airport by my host parents Cotton and Betsy. I still haven't figured out where Cotton received such a nickname. My best guess is that he is a decendant of Eli Whitney. If you have any ideas, you can let me know.

On Sunday, Rosewood Church celebrated GEMS and Cadets Sunday. In conjunction with GEMS presentations and Cadets presentations, there was also a baptism and a Profession of Faith. The whole service was followed by a barbecue at the church. It was pretty wild. I met 117 people and remembered 11 of their names. This is going to be a challenge.

That night, I pretended to care about the Lakers game to fit in at the neighborhood barbeque (for those of you keeping track at home, I'm up to 2 barbeques in one day). I was sure to offer my own analysis of why Kobe wasn't playing very well, and I instantly fit in.

On Monday, I celebrated my sabbath by not going to a barbecue.

Things are kicking in now, and I could use your prayers. Please pray that I would remember all of the names I've learned, that I would continue to connect with people in and out of church, and that I would continue to abide in and rely on God.

You're all wonderful. I'm off to a congregational meeting that will occur right in the middle of the Lakers game. I might be the only male in attendance.

Peace. Love.

-chris