"You really love your job, don't you?"
My roommates caught me landscaping our front yard after I got of work today. I'm trying to clean things up around the outside of our house, maybe get some native flowers growing on top of the retaining walls by the stairs.
But yeah, I do love my job as a grounds worker here at Glorieta Camps. This is the sort of work I like: working outside all day with my hands. Even on the hard days (like today, when we were chipping branches all day), I would take this over just about anything else.
People here ask me often how I like working here, and I find myself giving them more and more positive answers every time I hear the question.
I am so happy here!
Seriously, let me tell you some of the reasons why. First, I've been actively trying to move out West from Michigan for several years now (as many of my friends there know), and it's been a lifelong dream of mine to live near the mountains. Second, my work situation here is fantastic. I have my first salary, free housing, a job I love, great supervisors, and it's stable.
That's the key right there. I haven't felt real stability in my life in sooo long. I'll get a job I love, but it's a temporary position; maybe I'll get a job I really don't like and I'll be looking for different work; maybe I'll get a good, stable job, but I know I won't be living in the area for long. It was often some combination of those. Now I feel like I can finally sit down and rest in life. I don't need to run around looking for jobs or try to figure out how I'm going to move somewhere else. It's a great feeling.
Another reason I'm happy: I finally live in a place where I can do the things I love. We are surrounded by mountains, close to national forests and wilderness areas, and not very close to any big city. There's great hiking and camping both on camp property and just off it. Rock climbing and mountaineering abound. It's almost like a dream to me.
Sometimes I feel like I'm overwhelming people when they ask how I like it, but I feel overwhelmed myself. I don't know if I'll be at Glorieta Camps for life, or for more than a few years. I don't necessarily feel like this is "it" for me. It's just...everything seems to finally be going right for a change, and I haven't felt this way in a very, very long time.
That's why I'm so happy.
Peace.
Showing posts with label West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label West. Show all posts
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Home is where the heart is
I long for a simple life; a peaceful life. Living in the city has its perks, but it is not for me. Do not mistake me: by "simple" I do not mean convenient. If I wanted a life of convenience, the city would indeed be a good home...but it is not my home, and never will be. If, as they say, home is where the heart is, then my home is across a whole range of mountains, and spans nations' borders. My heart lies in the desert canyons of New Mexico, the rugged wildness of Durango, the grand splendour of Jackson Hole, the friendly simplicity of Moyie Springs, and the silent beauty of Kootenay Lake. These places are more my home than almost anywhere else I have lived. The day now fast approaches when I can finally leave Michigan and follow the setting sun.
Peace.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
South-West Bound
Hello friends! Important events are beginning to unravel. In case you haven't seen me post about it on FB, you should know that I am applying for a crew leader position at the Southwest Conservation Corps based in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. I feel like I am definitely capable of being a crew leader per their qualifications, but at the very least I do not think I can fail to land a job as a crew member. In fact, I was initially planning on only applying for a crew member position, but the applications for that one are not open until December, and the leader positions are open now.
If I land the crew leader job, I will be moving out of Michigan in April...possibly even March.
This puts things into perspective. I am normally pretty good with my spending, but now I see I really need to cut some frivolous spending. Start buying more groceries and try to kill my fast-food habit. Get rid of more stuff. I have been doing this one slowly with each new place I live in, but if I am moving out West, I hope to seriously downsize. This is not from some sort of obsession with poverty, because I like having money, haha. I want to live more simply, which is very hard in America today. My ultimate goal: be able to move across the country with everything I own inside my van. This may seem outlandish to some of you, but I was almost able to do this when I moved to Grand Rapids. I'm already selling off my bicycle and bass guitar, and I'll probably be giving a bunch of my clothes to Goodwill before I leave.
Just a quick update. I'll probably be back soon to write more.
Peace.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
The Great Michigan West
So, as many of you may know, I have been living on a friend's couch in Grand Rapids since last December. You may also know I am finally about to move into a new apartment on the west side of Grand Rapids tomorrow with one of my best friends, Andrew. I am beyond excited. Andrew and I have been friends since high school, and we were even roommates in college (which was AWESOME). Along with all this, I'll also be starting a new job at Ottawa County Parks, one which will pay well and I'll love.
This will be one of the most permanent moves I have made. I'm trying to take everything I would want to take out West with me when I move (hopefully summer 2015). I boxed up a bunch of clothes I'm giving away and threw out a lot of junk I've been holding onto for years. This is a really big deal to me, especially since I've never signed a serious lease before. It's almost like I'm grown up. Almost.
Since I am so excited about this, I've decided to make it even better. Tomorrow when I leave my house in Williamston, I won't be taking the highway to Grand Rapids. As it turns out, Grand River Ave. goes all the way from my house to our new apartment in Standale. Certainly, it changes names through Grand Rapids, but it's pretty much a straight shot all the way there. I'll be blasting my favourite music all the way there on my new car stereo, riding west toward my new home. This short road trip is the start of a new life of adventure.
In a sense, I'll be officially starting my trip out West, riding into destiny.
I am West Bound.
Peace.
This will be one of the most permanent moves I have made. I'm trying to take everything I would want to take out West with me when I move (hopefully summer 2015). I boxed up a bunch of clothes I'm giving away and threw out a lot of junk I've been holding onto for years. This is a really big deal to me, especially since I've never signed a serious lease before. It's almost like I'm grown up. Almost.
Since I am so excited about this, I've decided to make it even better. Tomorrow when I leave my house in Williamston, I won't be taking the highway to Grand Rapids. As it turns out, Grand River Ave. goes all the way from my house to our new apartment in Standale. Certainly, it changes names through Grand Rapids, but it's pretty much a straight shot all the way there. I'll be blasting my favourite music all the way there on my new car stereo, riding west toward my new home. This short road trip is the start of a new life of adventure.
In a sense, I'll be officially starting my trip out West, riding into destiny.
I am West Bound.
Peace.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Mountains and West Bound
*This is a journal entry from my trip to Idaho, one day prior to arriving at the farm. This is not a complete journal entry; I have abstained from posting all of it, as it contains personal thoughts which I have shared only with close friends*
Mountains can be very deceiving when trying to judge distance. Everything seems much closer than it is, and what looks like a twenty-minute drive could actually take forty-five minutes. On the flip side, because they are so large, one can seemingly gain very little ground on a certain peak, then realise they have traveled ten miles.
Mount Moran has an enormous hole in its center this time of year. You can see right through, as long as there are clouds behind it. The clouds in the hole don't move with the others, though. Strange. *This was a reference to the glacier on the side of the mountain, which at times matched the colour of the clouds behind it almost perfectly*
-
I realised something else today. This "West" I have longed for is not really a place. It is freedom, beauty, the wild, adventure, and love. The American West is romanticised; the ideals behind it are what I truly long for. These can be had anywhere in life. I can carry the West in my heart and live the life I have always wanted, even apart from the mountains. This may change my life.
"West Bound" is no longer just a Facebook pseudonym: it is becoming and is already who I am. Perhaps it will be a "real" pseudonym for future writings.
We will be in Moyie Springs by Saturday. I am excited to have a wood-burning stove and a place to put my belongings other than the car. I am also excited to start writing letters.
Mountains can be very deceiving when trying to judge distance. Everything seems much closer than it is, and what looks like a twenty-minute drive could actually take forty-five minutes. On the flip side, because they are so large, one can seemingly gain very little ground on a certain peak, then realise they have traveled ten miles.
Mount Moran has an enormous hole in its center this time of year. You can see right through, as long as there are clouds behind it. The clouds in the hole don't move with the others, though. Strange. *This was a reference to the glacier on the side of the mountain, which at times matched the colour of the clouds behind it almost perfectly*
-
I realised something else today. This "West" I have longed for is not really a place. It is freedom, beauty, the wild, adventure, and love. The American West is romanticised; the ideals behind it are what I truly long for. These can be had anywhere in life. I can carry the West in my heart and live the life I have always wanted, even apart from the mountains. This may change my life.
"West Bound" is no longer just a Facebook pseudonym: it is becoming and is already who I am. Perhaps it will be a "real" pseudonym for future writings.
We will be in Moyie Springs by Saturday. I am excited to have a wood-burning stove and a place to put my belongings other than the car. I am also excited to start writing letters.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Kootenay Lake
*This is a journal entry from my time in Idaho, written during a weekend we spent on the shores of Kootenay Lake in Nelson, British Columbia*
This morning I walked down to the lake.
Loons wailed out one last time to welcome the dawn. The mountains around Lake Kootenay were still wrapped in a deep shroud of blue, only the most distant ones to the east showing a soft orange variation as the sun rose behind them. Ospreys flew overhead, calling to one another as they scoured the water for fish. A few ambitious gulls were just starting their day. A flock of geese flew past, almost militaristic in the flying-V formation. Crows discussed their plans for the day, the noisiest of all the neighbours this morning. The waters were somewhat turbulent, as if the heavenly peace of the morning nauseated them.
As I stood watching, the distant orange hues began melting closer into the mountains' blue. Sunlight pierced the veil on the hilltops behind me, revealing the lovely greens of the forest. Half of the mountains I could see were retaining their misty blue, their features still indistinguishable, and half were covered in a hazy orange reflected from the vanilla-peach clouds above them.
The clouds themselves seemed too light and wispy to have such a profound effect on the mountainscape. A horse's tail here, a bird's wing there, white sponge pressings, and pink sky-ripples all littered the great blue expanse above me. Impossible to truly duplicate on a canvas, yet infinitely unique every day in the natural world. The result of a great Artist's eternal creativity.
This morning I walked down to the lake.
Loons wailed out one last time to welcome the dawn. The mountains around Lake Kootenay were still wrapped in a deep shroud of blue, only the most distant ones to the east showing a soft orange variation as the sun rose behind them. Ospreys flew overhead, calling to one another as they scoured the water for fish. A few ambitious gulls were just starting their day. A flock of geese flew past, almost militaristic in the flying-V formation. Crows discussed their plans for the day, the noisiest of all the neighbours this morning. The waters were somewhat turbulent, as if the heavenly peace of the morning nauseated them.
As I stood watching, the distant orange hues began melting closer into the mountains' blue. Sunlight pierced the veil on the hilltops behind me, revealing the lovely greens of the forest. Half of the mountains I could see were retaining their misty blue, their features still indistinguishable, and half were covered in a hazy orange reflected from the vanilla-peach clouds above them.
The clouds themselves seemed too light and wispy to have such a profound effect on the mountainscape. A horse's tail here, a bird's wing there, white sponge pressings, and pink sky-ripples all littered the great blue expanse above me. Impossible to truly duplicate on a canvas, yet infinitely unique every day in the natural world. The result of a great Artist's eternal creativity.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Stay free
So, a lot of jumbled thoughts have been racing through my mind lately, and although I have wanted to blog several times, there just has not been good enough material until tonight.
I realised some time ago that I have a very hard time staying in one place and in one job. Five years of living on a three-month schedule between college, camp, and home sort of conditioned me to be used to that sort of thing...not to mention my insatiable wanderlust. Keeping a steady job is something I esteem in my mind, but after a few months I start getting anxious. I suppose the grass always looks greener elsewhere to me as well. The same is happening at my current job working for a moving company. It is certainly not a bad job. Some days I get anxious about who I will have to work with, but the pay is good and the work is enjoyable for the most part. I am not getting enough hours right now, but I know the summer moving season is closing in, and I could apply for a driver position and immediately start making more money.
So, why look for a new job? I suppose I don't have a good enough reason.
Right now, I think this is a test of my endurance. I could make more money working at a camp all summer (which I am currently doing on the weekends), but a regular summer job would necessarily end eventually, and I would be out of work again. Not a healthy cycle to continue in the long run. Buckling down and saving money should take prime importance to me right now.
A long-time friend of mine is visiting Grand Rapids from Rapid City, South Dakota, and we got a chance to catch up this evening. Hearing about my job situation, he informed me that oilfield workers in North Dakota can make upwards of $40,000 per year in entry-level jobs, and that the job market in the Dakotas in general is MUCH better than here in Michigan. This not only raised my hopes for finding better work out West next summer, but also piqued my interest toward the oilfield jobs. I have certainly considered similar jobs because of the pay, but I had not given it any serious thought. Now, however, I may actually go join one of these operations once my year lease is up in 2015.
This presents another self-imposed quandary. I am always laying obligations on myself: ministry obligations, job obligations (jobligations?), friend obligations...you name it. I try to make plans very far in advance and then keep myself to them. This is not always a negative thing. A man of his word is very hard to find nowadays. The issue comes when I regret the obligations I have unnecessarily forced on myself.
Example: I very much want to move to Durango, Colorado Springs, or Santa Fe in summer 2015. When I first considered working the oilfields, I immediately thought, "Oh, but then I would be going back on what I said to this person, and that one, and...." Wait a minute. I am about to sign a year lease in Grand Rapids, sure, but I have made no agreements past that point. None. I am a free agent once that year is up, and I really should take advantage of it.
The plan is to move out West. Beyond that, I will stay speculating, and avoid making any promises.
I think I'll post more journal entries from Idaho next.
Peace.
I realised some time ago that I have a very hard time staying in one place and in one job. Five years of living on a three-month schedule between college, camp, and home sort of conditioned me to be used to that sort of thing...not to mention my insatiable wanderlust. Keeping a steady job is something I esteem in my mind, but after a few months I start getting anxious. I suppose the grass always looks greener elsewhere to me as well. The same is happening at my current job working for a moving company. It is certainly not a bad job. Some days I get anxious about who I will have to work with, but the pay is good and the work is enjoyable for the most part. I am not getting enough hours right now, but I know the summer moving season is closing in, and I could apply for a driver position and immediately start making more money.
So, why look for a new job? I suppose I don't have a good enough reason.
Right now, I think this is a test of my endurance. I could make more money working at a camp all summer (which I am currently doing on the weekends), but a regular summer job would necessarily end eventually, and I would be out of work again. Not a healthy cycle to continue in the long run. Buckling down and saving money should take prime importance to me right now.
A long-time friend of mine is visiting Grand Rapids from Rapid City, South Dakota, and we got a chance to catch up this evening. Hearing about my job situation, he informed me that oilfield workers in North Dakota can make upwards of $40,000 per year in entry-level jobs, and that the job market in the Dakotas in general is MUCH better than here in Michigan. This not only raised my hopes for finding better work out West next summer, but also piqued my interest toward the oilfield jobs. I have certainly considered similar jobs because of the pay, but I had not given it any serious thought. Now, however, I may actually go join one of these operations once my year lease is up in 2015.
This presents another self-imposed quandary. I am always laying obligations on myself: ministry obligations, job obligations (jobligations?), friend obligations...you name it. I try to make plans very far in advance and then keep myself to them. This is not always a negative thing. A man of his word is very hard to find nowadays. The issue comes when I regret the obligations I have unnecessarily forced on myself.
Example: I very much want to move to Durango, Colorado Springs, or Santa Fe in summer 2015. When I first considered working the oilfields, I immediately thought, "Oh, but then I would be going back on what I said to this person, and that one, and...." Wait a minute. I am about to sign a year lease in Grand Rapids, sure, but I have made no agreements past that point. None. I am a free agent once that year is up, and I really should take advantage of it.
The plan is to move out West. Beyond that, I will stay speculating, and avoid making any promises.
I think I'll post more journal entries from Idaho next.
Peace.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
The Rapture of the Forest
*This is an extended journal entry from my time in Idaho. I journaled nearly every single day. This entry was written after a walk along the road behind the farm.*
There is a single tree on the farm which is changing colours. Bright, flaming orange, and kind of scrawny.
Sometimes I pretend the clouds are mountains.
Sometimes I imagine the world is moving below the clouds instead of them above the earth. Walking becomes a totally different experience.
As I walked down the road, I realised the raven I heard behind me was catching up. I turn around to look for it, and its calls somehow passed me by, as if made by a phantom bird. Looking up, I see the black phantom high above me, higher than I thought ravens were ever interested in flying. It floated in tight circles on thermals, quickly moving on toward the wilderness.
After finding a cold stream and a trail leading up into the mountains, I turned back. On the road, something happened. I stopped to listen to the rocks. When I did, the forest and rocks sang out for just a moment. The song was deafened in short order by one of the weightiest silences I have ever experienced.
That silence. It almost felt as if some primeval behemoth had me locked in its gaze. I couldn't move.
The Ancient approaches in the silence of the wilderness. You cannot escape. You cannot move. You can only know the Weight of the Presence.
Primeval is the best word. A great power, unknowable, older than the world. No evil intention, yet fear grips you.
A great Deep. Everything stills itself for what seems like an eternity, except the wind. The wind brings this Presence. To and fro it roams. We may not meet again for some time. You cannot search for and find the Presence; you can, however, go out to meet it. Where you meet it is not up to you.
Minutes passed, unmoving. I could have stood there for hours.
The burden grows. You realise it is real. Then it begins to fade, moving on past you. Something breaks you trance, and you realise the Presence is already gone. The dream has passed, and you have woken up. Perhaps, though, this is now the dream, and you had let reality take hold of you for just a moment; now it is gone, and you slumber peacefully, waiting for the wake-up call and that great Dread to find you once again.
Peace.
There is a single tree on the farm which is changing colours. Bright, flaming orange, and kind of scrawny.
Sometimes I pretend the clouds are mountains.
Sometimes I imagine the world is moving below the clouds instead of them above the earth. Walking becomes a totally different experience.
As I walked down the road, I realised the raven I heard behind me was catching up. I turn around to look for it, and its calls somehow passed me by, as if made by a phantom bird. Looking up, I see the black phantom high above me, higher than I thought ravens were ever interested in flying. It floated in tight circles on thermals, quickly moving on toward the wilderness.
After finding a cold stream and a trail leading up into the mountains, I turned back. On the road, something happened. I stopped to listen to the rocks. When I did, the forest and rocks sang out for just a moment. The song was deafened in short order by one of the weightiest silences I have ever experienced.
That silence. It almost felt as if some primeval behemoth had me locked in its gaze. I couldn't move.
The Ancient approaches in the silence of the wilderness. You cannot escape. You cannot move. You can only know the Weight of the Presence.
Primeval is the best word. A great power, unknowable, older than the world. No evil intention, yet fear grips you.
A great Deep. Everything stills itself for what seems like an eternity, except the wind. The wind brings this Presence. To and fro it roams. We may not meet again for some time. You cannot search for and find the Presence; you can, however, go out to meet it. Where you meet it is not up to you.
Minutes passed, unmoving. I could have stood there for hours.
The burden grows. You realise it is real. Then it begins to fade, moving on past you. Something breaks you trance, and you realise the Presence is already gone. The dream has passed, and you have woken up. Perhaps, though, this is now the dream, and you had let reality take hold of you for just a moment; now it is gone, and you slumber peacefully, waiting for the wake-up call and that great Dread to find you once again.
Peace.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Westward 2013, debrief
SO, blogosphere, it appears that the King of the Wild Frontier has returned from his latest adventure and is ready to resume his online thought processing!
Most of you have heard my trip to Idaho was full of rewarding work and beautiful scenery. I could stop there, and it would be entirely accurate...but for those who want more, allow me to expound.
The trip out was an experience in and of itself. My friend Taylor and I camped in National Forests for free most of the way. We heard wolves in the mountains near one campsite, slept practically on the Continental Divide, and paid an arm and a leg to do next to nothing in Yellowstone National Park.
Once we got to the farm, things got even better. It was situated between three separate ranges of the Rockies (the Selkirks, Purcells, and Cabinets), and was far from any serious human clutter and noise. There was a small line of mountains right behind the farm, and I summited two of the peaks in one day: Line Point and Goat Mountain. Unfortunately, I neglected to plan well enough and almost had to spend the night on a mountainside in grizzly bear country. Heh, whoops.
The job itself was great. Good, hard work four days a week, and three-day weekends. I also realised how much farm work of this sort suits me. This should not have come as a surprise to me, as almost my entire family is comprised of farmers going back generations. I would strongly consider working for a similar farm (or even the same one) full-time whenever I settle down.
Our time on the farm (Ronniger's Organics, in case you were wondering) did include one very untimely event, though. Another intern who had been working there since around May shot and killed himself in his own cabin, which was just a hundred or so yards from our cabin and the owners' home. This came as a shock to everyone, and made things hard for quite some time. I have never dealt with death before, and especially not suicide. I am unsure what else to say about it, really...I was not particularly close to him, but our boss Simon was good friends with him, and he took it very hard for a while. Taylor and I just tried to keep our minds off it.
Changing topics completely now, I kept a journal every single day of the trip except five days while we were at the Barter Faire, which I will discuss later. Journaling regularly is something I have always wanted to do, but have never felt quite able or motivated enough to actually accomplish. It truly helped me to process my thoughts on a daily basis, kept me reading and writing, and strengthened my resolve to pursue some of my personal goals. I may post one or two journal entries here when I get the chance. I used my journal to also practice writing in general, and it is full of edits, so the posts will not be as raw as they are in their current state.
As I mentioned, I also read quite a bit. I finished "Into the Wild" by John Krakauer, the story of Chris McCandless, who abandoned everything he had after college to search for something...purpose, himself, the meaning of life, a real existence, God...he died alone in the Alaskan wilderness. His search, though, resounded in my soul, and showed what one young man can (and cannot) do if he sets his mind to it.
Next, I read "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek," an abstract Christian nature theology book by Annie Dillard which explores both the wonder and horror displayed in Creation. Very interesting and even beautiful at times, but very difficult to read. The descriptions of her experiences with the Spirit of God in nature really hit home in me.
A book which I have been trying to read for almost two years now, "'Hunting Trips of a Ranchman' and 'The Wilderness Hunter'" by Theodore Roosevelt, saw its completion on this trip. Roosevelt's descriptions of the West and life on the old prairie are the stuff of legend: tales of hunting grizzly bears, sleeping in buffalo robes, and heading out on horseback for days with nothing but a blanket, a gun, and some bread and water.
I also began reading some Henry David Thoreau, whose writings were referenced by Krakauer and Dillard. His longings for solitude in nature, yet also true friendship, also echo deep in my soul. I have yet to finish the compilation of his works I am reading, though, so I have not fully developed my thoughts on him yet.
Now, before finishing up, let me quickly explain the Barter Faire, which I mentioned in passing earlier. It is actually called the Okanogan Family Faire, and is located roughly in central Washington. The fair takes place over about five days, and is a combination of a giant farmers' market, a music festival, a county fair, and a hippie festival...and I am very serious about the hippies. This place was almost like a dream come true for me: trading vegetables for other goods, working and having fun at the same time, and giant, intense drum circles all night long. Yes, drum circles. The event was basically the end of our time working at the farm, and certainly was a great way to finish the season, as Simon told us it would be.
All in all, my time in Idaho served to shape me more fully as a man. I will always have room to grow, of course, but I can identify very specific areas of growth. First, again as mentioned earlier, my resolve was strengthened. Through helping me identify what I truly value in life (that is, who and whose opinions are important to me, my true passions and life goals, and the lifestyle I want to pursue), God strengthened my motivation to take certain steps. These include: moving out of the Lansing area and living with my friend Andrew (who is also trying to move forward in life and chase the westward dream), educating myself on geology and paleontology for now, and saving up to move to Durango, CO as soon as possible. Several occurrences prior to my departure and the lessons I learned while in Idaho have made it clear that the time to sit and wait is over: now is the time for action. So, Andrew and I are moving to Grand Rapids this January, where we will be working and getting ready to eventually move away.
Second, I learned about working hard and working over your scheduled time in order to complete a job. Perhaps it was easier because I enjoyed the job so much, but my time on the farm helped me understand the importance of work in life. I do not view work as a bad thing, or as something I must do in order to make a living, but rather as an opportunity to serve others and build up oneself at the same time. I used to complain about staying late at previous jobs, but now I see doing the work well and seeing it to completion is actually quite personally rewarding.
Third, making this trip happen was in itself a very important moment of growth. I have never done something this "crazy" before, but after being on the farm for a few weeks I realised it was not so crazy after all. In fact, it felt right...and almost normal. This realisation was very important for my life in the future. Now I can see doing things like this is both very possible and absolutely fantastic.
I hope this sheds more light on what the trip meant to me. Naturally, there is still much left unsaid, but such is life. I would like to express all the lessons I learned, ways I grew, and experiences I had to all of you, but I simply cannot. They are my own, and belong to no other.
Please, I urge you to take the step you are too afraid to take, shoot for the goal you think impossible, and make your own dreams come true. It can be done, and once you try, you will be living life on a new level. Then, the lessons, growth, and experiences will be all yours. Then, God will show you things about yourself you never imagined.
Peace.
Most of you have heard my trip to Idaho was full of rewarding work and beautiful scenery. I could stop there, and it would be entirely accurate...but for those who want more, allow me to expound.
The trip out was an experience in and of itself. My friend Taylor and I camped in National Forests for free most of the way. We heard wolves in the mountains near one campsite, slept practically on the Continental Divide, and paid an arm and a leg to do next to nothing in Yellowstone National Park.
Once we got to the farm, things got even better. It was situated between three separate ranges of the Rockies (the Selkirks, Purcells, and Cabinets), and was far from any serious human clutter and noise. There was a small line of mountains right behind the farm, and I summited two of the peaks in one day: Line Point and Goat Mountain. Unfortunately, I neglected to plan well enough and almost had to spend the night on a mountainside in grizzly bear country. Heh, whoops.
The job itself was great. Good, hard work four days a week, and three-day weekends. I also realised how much farm work of this sort suits me. This should not have come as a surprise to me, as almost my entire family is comprised of farmers going back generations. I would strongly consider working for a similar farm (or even the same one) full-time whenever I settle down.
Our time on the farm (Ronniger's Organics, in case you were wondering) did include one very untimely event, though. Another intern who had been working there since around May shot and killed himself in his own cabin, which was just a hundred or so yards from our cabin and the owners' home. This came as a shock to everyone, and made things hard for quite some time. I have never dealt with death before, and especially not suicide. I am unsure what else to say about it, really...I was not particularly close to him, but our boss Simon was good friends with him, and he took it very hard for a while. Taylor and I just tried to keep our minds off it.
Changing topics completely now, I kept a journal every single day of the trip except five days while we were at the Barter Faire, which I will discuss later. Journaling regularly is something I have always wanted to do, but have never felt quite able or motivated enough to actually accomplish. It truly helped me to process my thoughts on a daily basis, kept me reading and writing, and strengthened my resolve to pursue some of my personal goals. I may post one or two journal entries here when I get the chance. I used my journal to also practice writing in general, and it is full of edits, so the posts will not be as raw as they are in their current state.
As I mentioned, I also read quite a bit. I finished "Into the Wild" by John Krakauer, the story of Chris McCandless, who abandoned everything he had after college to search for something...purpose, himself, the meaning of life, a real existence, God...he died alone in the Alaskan wilderness. His search, though, resounded in my soul, and showed what one young man can (and cannot) do if he sets his mind to it.
Next, I read "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek," an abstract Christian nature theology book by Annie Dillard which explores both the wonder and horror displayed in Creation. Very interesting and even beautiful at times, but very difficult to read. The descriptions of her experiences with the Spirit of God in nature really hit home in me.
A book which I have been trying to read for almost two years now, "'Hunting Trips of a Ranchman' and 'The Wilderness Hunter'" by Theodore Roosevelt, saw its completion on this trip. Roosevelt's descriptions of the West and life on the old prairie are the stuff of legend: tales of hunting grizzly bears, sleeping in buffalo robes, and heading out on horseback for days with nothing but a blanket, a gun, and some bread and water.
I also began reading some Henry David Thoreau, whose writings were referenced by Krakauer and Dillard. His longings for solitude in nature, yet also true friendship, also echo deep in my soul. I have yet to finish the compilation of his works I am reading, though, so I have not fully developed my thoughts on him yet.
Now, before finishing up, let me quickly explain the Barter Faire, which I mentioned in passing earlier. It is actually called the Okanogan Family Faire, and is located roughly in central Washington. The fair takes place over about five days, and is a combination of a giant farmers' market, a music festival, a county fair, and a hippie festival...and I am very serious about the hippies. This place was almost like a dream come true for me: trading vegetables for other goods, working and having fun at the same time, and giant, intense drum circles all night long. Yes, drum circles. The event was basically the end of our time working at the farm, and certainly was a great way to finish the season, as Simon told us it would be.
All in all, my time in Idaho served to shape me more fully as a man. I will always have room to grow, of course, but I can identify very specific areas of growth. First, again as mentioned earlier, my resolve was strengthened. Through helping me identify what I truly value in life (that is, who and whose opinions are important to me, my true passions and life goals, and the lifestyle I want to pursue), God strengthened my motivation to take certain steps. These include: moving out of the Lansing area and living with my friend Andrew (who is also trying to move forward in life and chase the westward dream), educating myself on geology and paleontology for now, and saving up to move to Durango, CO as soon as possible. Several occurrences prior to my departure and the lessons I learned while in Idaho have made it clear that the time to sit and wait is over: now is the time for action. So, Andrew and I are moving to Grand Rapids this January, where we will be working and getting ready to eventually move away.
Second, I learned about working hard and working over your scheduled time in order to complete a job. Perhaps it was easier because I enjoyed the job so much, but my time on the farm helped me understand the importance of work in life. I do not view work as a bad thing, or as something I must do in order to make a living, but rather as an opportunity to serve others and build up oneself at the same time. I used to complain about staying late at previous jobs, but now I see doing the work well and seeing it to completion is actually quite personally rewarding.
Third, making this trip happen was in itself a very important moment of growth. I have never done something this "crazy" before, but after being on the farm for a few weeks I realised it was not so crazy after all. In fact, it felt right...and almost normal. This realisation was very important for my life in the future. Now I can see doing things like this is both very possible and absolutely fantastic.
I hope this sheds more light on what the trip meant to me. Naturally, there is still much left unsaid, but such is life. I would like to express all the lessons I learned, ways I grew, and experiences I had to all of you, but I simply cannot. They are my own, and belong to no other.
Please, I urge you to take the step you are too afraid to take, shoot for the goal you think impossible, and make your own dreams come true. It can be done, and once you try, you will be living life on a new level. Then, the lessons, growth, and experiences will be all yours. Then, God will show you things about yourself you never imagined.
Peace.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Westward 2013, pre-launch
So, here we are again. The third summer's-end in a row I'm making a trip west. This trip is much different, though. Instead of a vacation, it is a work trip, a seasonal volunteer opportunity, a long road trip, a new temporary home, a chance to unplug myself from most technology and the rest of the world for a season.
The true reality of going to Idaho, however, is it will be a spiritual journey.
I am leaving behind the world I know: my job, my family, my state, my dear friends, my perspectives, most of my belongings, and maybe even a bit of my self. A different life awaits me on the opposite end of this journey. I do not know what it will look like, or if it will "look" different at all.
I will not be the same, though.
A friend told me this would be the case, but also explained how my old ways and thoughts will not be easily shaken off. Change, although encouraged by a new location and lifestyle, still does not come easy. It comes with a price.
I hope to spend a lot of time reading, writing (something I have not done much of before), making music, and experiencing God's beauty in the mountains. The same previously mentioned friend also told me to make intentional goals for my time there in order to get the most out of it and facilitate the change I desire. These goals are probably going to be related to the activities I just mentioned.
This weekend was a very emotional one for me. I hosted a send-off party at my house, and over thirty of my friends came to say goodbye. I received many kind words, and some meaningful gifts...the greatest of these was love. After almost everyone had gone, I realised how much I love my friends, and how much they love me. They truly are my family; not to diminish how much I value my family, but rather to say how much I value my friends. We treat each other as family.
Last night I took one final trip to Grand Rapids to support a friend who was performing a stand-up routine, and to see my best friend Korey. I don't often use specific names on this blog, purposefully so, but it is appropriate to mention him. We could not spend much time together, but it meant so much for us to see each other before I left. He also gave me some very meaningful gifts and words.
One friend commented on how we said goodbye as if we would never see each other again.
It is better to love fully, without holding back, than to keep it inside. Fear of rejection stifles the human desire to be vulnerable with each other.
A famous quote from C.S. Lewis:
On a different note, I am moving out of Lansing today. Tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday I will be traveling around southeast Michigan: cutting bank ties and seeing a few more friends before I go. Friday and Saturday I will be spending some final time in northern Michigan, and Sunday will be a farewell cookout at my church and one last board game with some friends from Lansing.
Labor Day, Monday, September 2, we leave for Idaho.
I know many of you will want to know what is going on while I am there. I will likely not be blogging or using Facebook during my time on the farm, and I have no idea if I will be able to call people using my cell phone. When possible, I would like to send group e-mail updates to those who will read them. If you want, send me an e-mail soon so I can have a list of addresses ready before I leave. No promises on the frequency of these e-mails, but I will try my hardest to keep you informed.
butlerc777@gmail.com
Your prayers are appreciated. Thank you.
Peace.
The true reality of going to Idaho, however, is it will be a spiritual journey.
I am leaving behind the world I know: my job, my family, my state, my dear friends, my perspectives, most of my belongings, and maybe even a bit of my self. A different life awaits me on the opposite end of this journey. I do not know what it will look like, or if it will "look" different at all.
I will not be the same, though.
A friend told me this would be the case, but also explained how my old ways and thoughts will not be easily shaken off. Change, although encouraged by a new location and lifestyle, still does not come easy. It comes with a price.
I hope to spend a lot of time reading, writing (something I have not done much of before), making music, and experiencing God's beauty in the mountains. The same previously mentioned friend also told me to make intentional goals for my time there in order to get the most out of it and facilitate the change I desire. These goals are probably going to be related to the activities I just mentioned.
This weekend was a very emotional one for me. I hosted a send-off party at my house, and over thirty of my friends came to say goodbye. I received many kind words, and some meaningful gifts...the greatest of these was love. After almost everyone had gone, I realised how much I love my friends, and how much they love me. They truly are my family; not to diminish how much I value my family, but rather to say how much I value my friends. We treat each other as family.
Last night I took one final trip to Grand Rapids to support a friend who was performing a stand-up routine, and to see my best friend Korey. I don't often use specific names on this blog, purposefully so, but it is appropriate to mention him. We could not spend much time together, but it meant so much for us to see each other before I left. He also gave me some very meaningful gifts and words.
One friend commented on how we said goodbye as if we would never see each other again.
It is better to love fully, without holding back, than to keep it inside. Fear of rejection stifles the human desire to be vulnerable with each other.
A famous quote from C.S. Lewis:
"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."
God is slowly showing me what love without fear looks like. Perhaps this is what will be different about me when I return to Michigan once more (I was tempted to write "for the final time" instead of "once more"...a good friend once told me I am very dramatic, but it is a good thing because God made my personality this way, haha. Perhaps "final time" is too dramatic, but who knows?).On a different note, I am moving out of Lansing today. Tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday I will be traveling around southeast Michigan: cutting bank ties and seeing a few more friends before I go. Friday and Saturday I will be spending some final time in northern Michigan, and Sunday will be a farewell cookout at my church and one last board game with some friends from Lansing.
Labor Day, Monday, September 2, we leave for Idaho.
I know many of you will want to know what is going on while I am there. I will likely not be blogging or using Facebook during my time on the farm, and I have no idea if I will be able to call people using my cell phone. When possible, I would like to send group e-mail updates to those who will read them. If you want, send me an e-mail soon so I can have a list of addresses ready before I leave. No promises on the frequency of these e-mails, but I will try my hardest to keep you informed.
butlerc777@gmail.com
Your prayers are appreciated. Thank you.
Peace.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Idaho
So, as a number of you already know, I recently had an amazing opportunity present itself to me. One of my friends from Spring Arbor called me up Sunday night, asking if I wanted to work on an organic farm in Idaho with him from September to December. Needless to say, I wanted to give him a "Yes!" right then and there, but a number of things had to be sorted out first.
I have spent this whole week thinking and praying about this, trying to sort out my options, and thinking about my job, housing, financial, and ministry situations...and now, at the end of this week, I have decided to go all in on this adventure. My mom and pastor are in support of me going (which are both very important to me), and I've put in my two week notice at Preuss Pets. The right steps have been taken as much as possible, and I'm ready to start preparing for the craziest thing I've ever done.
We will be leaving September 2, taking a week to have a fantastic road trip out there: South Dakota, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, the Montana Rockies. The farm itself is in the northern end of the Idaho panhandle, twenty miles from Canada, and right next to Glacier National Park. Each workday will be done by 4pm, we will be housed in a cabin with a wood-burning stove, all our food will be provided, and we will have three-day weekends. Can you say, "road trips every weekend?"
All in all, this is going to be amazing. I've been looking for opportunities to get away from everything, particularly seasonal jobs like this. I feel I function better in short-term jobs...maybe it's a result of working at camp for too many summers.
One thing in particular I'm very excited about is the alone time I will have. It's been too long since I've disconnected from everything. I'll have a lot of time to connect with God in the mountains, to work on music, to read...to just enjoy life.
I will be coming back to Michigan probably via train in December; my friend will be looking for other opportunities elsewhere. When I get back, I will work on finishing up the albums for which I've been trying to raise support, and looking for a new job and place to live. I still don't know exactly where I will go once I'm back home: my family's house in Williamston is where I will go initially, but I will probably be looking for jobs in other parts of the state as soon as I can. My time in the Lansing area is coming to an end. My church will be waiting for my return, and I will be there for a time as the worship leader again, although I do not yet have a guess for how long. I'm trying not to think too hard about what December will bring, though.
Anyway, I'm very excited about this whole thing. I feel it's a very good and important step in the right direction. I want to be able to make at least a little time for anyone who wants to see me before I leave, so let me know! Tonight, I will be at Center Lake Bible Camp to say goodbye to my former employers, who are going on their own journey to work at a camp in Santa Fe. Lots of people I know will be there, and, without trying to steal the moment, I will have a chance to say goodbye to many of them as well.
Your prayers are appreciated.
Peace.
I have spent this whole week thinking and praying about this, trying to sort out my options, and thinking about my job, housing, financial, and ministry situations...and now, at the end of this week, I have decided to go all in on this adventure. My mom and pastor are in support of me going (which are both very important to me), and I've put in my two week notice at Preuss Pets. The right steps have been taken as much as possible, and I'm ready to start preparing for the craziest thing I've ever done.
We will be leaving September 2, taking a week to have a fantastic road trip out there: South Dakota, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, the Montana Rockies. The farm itself is in the northern end of the Idaho panhandle, twenty miles from Canada, and right next to Glacier National Park. Each workday will be done by 4pm, we will be housed in a cabin with a wood-burning stove, all our food will be provided, and we will have three-day weekends. Can you say, "road trips every weekend?"
All in all, this is going to be amazing. I've been looking for opportunities to get away from everything, particularly seasonal jobs like this. I feel I function better in short-term jobs...maybe it's a result of working at camp for too many summers.
One thing in particular I'm very excited about is the alone time I will have. It's been too long since I've disconnected from everything. I'll have a lot of time to connect with God in the mountains, to work on music, to read...to just enjoy life.
I will be coming back to Michigan probably via train in December; my friend will be looking for other opportunities elsewhere. When I get back, I will work on finishing up the albums for which I've been trying to raise support, and looking for a new job and place to live. I still don't know exactly where I will go once I'm back home: my family's house in Williamston is where I will go initially, but I will probably be looking for jobs in other parts of the state as soon as I can. My time in the Lansing area is coming to an end. My church will be waiting for my return, and I will be there for a time as the worship leader again, although I do not yet have a guess for how long. I'm trying not to think too hard about what December will bring, though.
Anyway, I'm very excited about this whole thing. I feel it's a very good and important step in the right direction. I want to be able to make at least a little time for anyone who wants to see me before I leave, so let me know! Tonight, I will be at Center Lake Bible Camp to say goodbye to my former employers, who are going on their own journey to work at a camp in Santa Fe. Lots of people I know will be there, and, without trying to steal the moment, I will have a chance to say goodbye to many of them as well.
Your prayers are appreciated.
Peace.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Possibilities...
So, here I am, filling out an application for a camp in Colorado. Whoa. I discovered a great-looking camp near Colorado Springs, and if they like my application, I may be moving there as soon as the end of this coming May. That's only three months away!!! This is bizarre.
This evening I calculated out roughly how much I SHOULD and CAN have saved by May. I can have upwards of $1400 in savings by May 11 if I am very, very wise with my money. That will easily get me to Colorado...or at least it should, haha. Defnitely more money than I thought I could have before I did the math.
Now, I was originally planning on moving in August. Getting a job at this camp would mean bumping that up by three months...and halving the time I have left in Michigan. This means I really need to spend quality time with my family and start preparing myself to move far away.
Lots of thoughts. I just can't wait to get out there.
Peace.
This evening I calculated out roughly how much I SHOULD and CAN have saved by May. I can have upwards of $1400 in savings by May 11 if I am very, very wise with my money. That will easily get me to Colorado...or at least it should, haha. Defnitely more money than I thought I could have before I did the math.
Now, I was originally planning on moving in August. Getting a job at this camp would mean bumping that up by three months...and halving the time I have left in Michigan. This means I really need to spend quality time with my family and start preparing myself to move far away.
Lots of thoughts. I just can't wait to get out there.
Peace.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Westward 2012, debrief
So, this trip to Colorado has officially changed my life. It would take an extremely long post to explain everything and I've already talked about some of it, so I'll briefly go through a few more things God showed me.
Now I know for a fact that God wants me in Colorado, and is going to get me there. All week long, Godly people were approaching me and telling me God has something big in store for me out there. On the last day, one of the teachers at Charis Bible College (someone who I had only just met and did not know my story at all) prayed over me and said, "This week God has given you many divine appointments," and, "God is opening doors for you which no man can shut." Wow...and this at the end of a week full of both of those happening nearly every day.
During the week, God not only encouraged me, but also convicted me. Since last winter I have been getting into drinking despite knowing my bad family history with alcohol. Earlier this summer God let me know it wasn't a good idea and that I shouldn't take part in something that has hurt my family so much already...but I ended up ignoring this after a while. This week God brought back the same point He already made and said it with such force that I've been totally freed from it; not that I was being controlled by it, but rather freed from following that path at all. My roommate Justin's jaw dropped last night when I came home and dumped half a bottle of Jager down the drain. Both of my roommates are excited about it and are very supportive of God doing this in my life, which is great. Today I told my mom about all this so that I wouldn't have to keep it from her anymore. Needless to say, she's also really happy about it, haha.
On the bus coming home, I opened my Bible to the book of II Corinthians. I was looking specifically for the passage about Godly grief in chapter seven, but God took me elsewhere. After I didn't find what I was looking for in those words, I glanced over verse four of chapter seven:
"I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy."
This is Paul talking to the church in Corinth, but when I read it again, God spoke to me:
"Casey, I am acting with great boldness toward you, and I have great pride in you."
I was immediately comforted and started crying (to myself, of course...don't want to embarrass myself on the bus). Those words kept me going the entire trip home, even though I could hardly handle them.
God has definitely renewed me this week. I love what He's doing in me. I have a new desire to search His Word and a newfound trust in the power of the Holy Spirit in me.
Last night when I was thinking about these things, a verse popped into my head which I had heard many times, but which I now think I had gotten all wrong up until now.
"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." I Corinthians 10:12-13
I used to think this was saying, "You can fight through every temptation. God gives you some way out in each situation; you just have to buckle down, hand on, and push through it." No. This is all about letting God take control. It doesn't say "a" way of escape, it says "the" way of escape. That way of escape is the Holy Spirit in you. Defeating temptation is not a matter of trying to use God's strength and just getting over it; it's allowing the Holy Spirit to take control and letting the temptation die as you look to Jesus' sacrifice and the freedom God has given you through it.
That seems to be all for now. I'm really excited to see when God will open the door fully so I can take one of the biggest steps of my entire life.
Peace.
Now I know for a fact that God wants me in Colorado, and is going to get me there. All week long, Godly people were approaching me and telling me God has something big in store for me out there. On the last day, one of the teachers at Charis Bible College (someone who I had only just met and did not know my story at all) prayed over me and said, "This week God has given you many divine appointments," and, "God is opening doors for you which no man can shut." Wow...and this at the end of a week full of both of those happening nearly every day.
During the week, God not only encouraged me, but also convicted me. Since last winter I have been getting into drinking despite knowing my bad family history with alcohol. Earlier this summer God let me know it wasn't a good idea and that I shouldn't take part in something that has hurt my family so much already...but I ended up ignoring this after a while. This week God brought back the same point He already made and said it with such force that I've been totally freed from it; not that I was being controlled by it, but rather freed from following that path at all. My roommate Justin's jaw dropped last night when I came home and dumped half a bottle of Jager down the drain. Both of my roommates are excited about it and are very supportive of God doing this in my life, which is great. Today I told my mom about all this so that I wouldn't have to keep it from her anymore. Needless to say, she's also really happy about it, haha.
On the bus coming home, I opened my Bible to the book of II Corinthians. I was looking specifically for the passage about Godly grief in chapter seven, but God took me elsewhere. After I didn't find what I was looking for in those words, I glanced over verse four of chapter seven:
"I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy."
This is Paul talking to the church in Corinth, but when I read it again, God spoke to me:
"Casey, I am acting with great boldness toward you, and I have great pride in you."
I was immediately comforted and started crying (to myself, of course...don't want to embarrass myself on the bus). Those words kept me going the entire trip home, even though I could hardly handle them.
God has definitely renewed me this week. I love what He's doing in me. I have a new desire to search His Word and a newfound trust in the power of the Holy Spirit in me.
Last night when I was thinking about these things, a verse popped into my head which I had heard many times, but which I now think I had gotten all wrong up until now.
"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." I Corinthians 10:12-13
I used to think this was saying, "You can fight through every temptation. God gives you some way out in each situation; you just have to buckle down, hand on, and push through it." No. This is all about letting God take control. It doesn't say "a" way of escape, it says "the" way of escape. That way of escape is the Holy Spirit in you. Defeating temptation is not a matter of trying to use God's strength and just getting over it; it's allowing the Holy Spirit to take control and letting the temptation die as you look to Jesus' sacrifice and the freedom God has given you through it.
That seems to be all for now. I'm really excited to see when God will open the door fully so I can take one of the biggest steps of my entire life.
Peace.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Westward 2012, Pike National Forest
So, this weekend was a fantastic introduction to the Colorado Rockies for me. My friend Andrew drove me around in his Jeep on Saturday and showed me Pike National Forest (or at least parts of it, since apparently it's enormous). The clouds were pretty crazy at times, as you can see in the first picture.
On Sunday, Andrew called up another friend of his and we all went for a day hike in the forest. There had been some drizzle/sleet the night before, and everything was still thawing out when we got there.
Today I spent the morning in classes at Charis Bible College with my friends here. Interesting how different the doctrine is here compared to what SAU teaches. God taught me some valuable lessons today; I'll probably share some about that later.
This afternoon, my friend Dena and I hiked to a place called Pulpit Rock overlooking Colorado Springs. It was a great way to begin the week.
Peace.
On Sunday, Andrew called up another friend of his and we all went for a day hike in the forest. There had been some drizzle/sleet the night before, and everything was still thawing out when we got there.
Today I spent the morning in classes at Charis Bible College with my friends here. Interesting how different the doctrine is here compared to what SAU teaches. God taught me some valuable lessons today; I'll probably share some about that later.
This afternoon, my friend Dena and I hiked to a place called Pulpit Rock overlooking Colorado Springs. It was a great way to begin the week.
Peace.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Westward 2012, pre-launch
So, following somewhat in the footsteps of my trip West one year ago, tomorrow I'm embarking on my second trip to the Rockies...this time, by myself. I'm taking a bus to Colorado Springs to hang out with some friends I have there and to see if it's a place where I could eventually live. I'll be gone until October 11. Just like last year, I will try to post regularly on here and have pictures of the places I visit.
I'm excited to see what God has planned for this trip. Great things usually happen when I get out of my own comfort zone, and this is pretty far out there. Don't get me wrong, it's something I definitely want to be doing, but this is the biggest trip I've ever done by myself. I've been needing a shake-up to my routine, though. This trip will be really good for me in that way.
One big issue I'm facing with all this is getting someone to lead worship at my church this Sunday while I'm away. So far I've been entirely unsuccessful at finding a replacement, and now I'm leaving Lansing without having this problem resolved. It doesn't feel good, but I'm trying to trust that God has it under control.
Another issue is my job situation after I get back. One of my friends from church is giving me a referral to his factory when I get back, and it would be exactly the kind of work I need right now. I would appreciate your prayers for this and for the other things I've already mentioned.
Peace.
I'm excited to see what God has planned for this trip. Great things usually happen when I get out of my own comfort zone, and this is pretty far out there. Don't get me wrong, it's something I definitely want to be doing, but this is the biggest trip I've ever done by myself. I've been needing a shake-up to my routine, though. This trip will be really good for me in that way.
One big issue I'm facing with all this is getting someone to lead worship at my church this Sunday while I'm away. So far I've been entirely unsuccessful at finding a replacement, and now I'm leaving Lansing without having this problem resolved. It doesn't feel good, but I'm trying to trust that God has it under control.
Another issue is my job situation after I get back. One of my friends from church is giving me a referral to his factory when I get back, and it would be exactly the kind of work I need right now. I would appreciate your prayers for this and for the other things I've already mentioned.
Peace.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Adventure...soon
So, this has been a very big week for me. I got my paycheck today and bought a round-trip bus ticket to Colorado Springs. One of my good friends successfully convinced me to visit this fall, and I'll be hanging out for a little over a week at the beginning of October.
I've always known I would live out West someday, and this trip might show me that Colorado Springs is a place I can go. There's people who are excited to meet me and already want me to live there...people I haven't even met or spoken to yet. That's crazy.
I can't wait to walk in the sage again...see the mountains...
In the meantime, my park ranger job is ending two weeks sooner than it was originally going to. Those two weeks between my last workday and going to Colorado are going to be interesting. I'm going to try to get a job at a security company one of my friends works for which he says is always hiring...but I won't be able to even get that until after I get back. So, my new roommate is going to show me how to shop for cheaper groceries so I can really save money. I don't really know how to shop efficiently (or find good coupons) or how to make much food, so this is going to be really helpful.
Eh. Jobs.
Speaking of new roommate, by the way: we're going to try to start a prayer group here in Lansing at the house, one where we're not just doing some religious ritual and going through all the same motions. We want to actually seek and know God. We've been having some great discussions over the past week since he moved in, and I'm super pumped. Lansing needs some people who are excited about following Jesus, and he came at the right time.
Anyway, people are waiting for me to finish this, so my thoughts are kind of cluttered. I guess I'll just be done.
Also, I have been labeled an "idea guy" because of by excessive use of the phrase, "You know what would be cool? If......"
Ha.
Peace.
I've always known I would live out West someday, and this trip might show me that Colorado Springs is a place I can go. There's people who are excited to meet me and already want me to live there...people I haven't even met or spoken to yet. That's crazy.
I can't wait to walk in the sage again...see the mountains...
In the meantime, my park ranger job is ending two weeks sooner than it was originally going to. Those two weeks between my last workday and going to Colorado are going to be interesting. I'm going to try to get a job at a security company one of my friends works for which he says is always hiring...but I won't be able to even get that until after I get back. So, my new roommate is going to show me how to shop for cheaper groceries so I can really save money. I don't really know how to shop efficiently (or find good coupons) or how to make much food, so this is going to be really helpful.
Eh. Jobs.
Speaking of new roommate, by the way: we're going to try to start a prayer group here in Lansing at the house, one where we're not just doing some religious ritual and going through all the same motions. We want to actually seek and know God. We've been having some great discussions over the past week since he moved in, and I'm super pumped. Lansing needs some people who are excited about following Jesus, and he came at the right time.
Anyway, people are waiting for me to finish this, so my thoughts are kind of cluttered. I guess I'll just be done.
Also, I have been labeled an "idea guy" because of by excessive use of the phrase, "You know what would be cool? If......"
Ha.
Peace.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Saving
So, as I mentioned briefly in a previous post, I need to start saving money better. This is becoming more real to me each day now, it seems. I haven't been living frivolously, but I have been fairly liberal with my spending when it comes to, say, picking up the tab. For example: my usual way of convincing someone to go to Applebee's is telling them their appetiser will be free, hehe. I also have been traveling around the Lansing area a bit more lately, thus spending more money on gas, especially since I own a minivan.
Well, as I started realising these things and decided to cut back as best as I could (go to the Bee's less, try to drive around less if possible, etc.), of course, something goes wrong. For those who haven't already heard, I got into a car accident this past weekend, and the days of the Man Van are finally over. Now I get to bum rides all over the place (including my early-morning job, which I hate asking people to take me to), and I'll probably soon be making car payments on my next car (probably a Taurus, if this week goes as I expect it to...).
Kinda sucks, but I'm learning humility in this. I've noticed a lot of pride growing in me lately, and this is exactly the sort of thing that I need to bring me back to reality. I've also been asking God for patience lately...which is ALWAYS a dangerous prayer, and now it seems I'm waiting around all the time.
This is also a good thing in other ways (at least in my head). I will be saving a lot of money on gas if this goes right, and my "new" car will probably be more reliable than the van. I loved being able to haul around people and all sorts of stuff in my van, which I won't be able to do any longer, but I think I'm ready for the switch. This may also help me whittle down the amount of junk that I have and really force me to keep less stuff around.
I was walking to McDonald's today while talking to one of my good friends on the phone. We both are trying to save money for some end-of-the-summer events (he's probably going to go teach in China with another good friend of ours; I will explain mine in a bit), and we've both realised that we need to make some major lifestyle changes in order to prepare better. I mentioned that I was passing a grocery store, and I should probably get food there instead of at McDonald's. He replied, "Well, which one is going to save you more money in the long run?"
Dangit.
Needless to say, I turned back to the grocery store and bought at least a week's worth of meals...and I definitely made the right choice. I plan on not spending any more money on food for at least a week, and no more on gas for longer (Obviously I don't have a car right now, but if I get another one soon, I will probably try to siphon the gas out of my van's tank, which is full. Start with plenty of gas, getting better gas mileage...I think that's a good start). My paycheck at the end of this week should also come close to doubling what I currently have in my bank account, so I think if I really buckle down and start living more wisely, I will be able to start claiming some of my bills from my mom (who has helped me enormously in all of this) and still be saving money up.
The goal:
Move out West by 2015.
This is a little sooner than the four years I was thinking for the past several months, but I think this is still a reasonable goal...and who knows, maybe God will grant me to move sooner. I would love that.
As far as what I'm saving for this summer, I really want to get back out West for just a little while again. Goodness, I feel such a strong pull to be out there...anyway, one of my friends who lives in Colorado Springs has also been encouraging me to visit and try to get things sorted out, as they took their own leap of faith and moved there last summer, and God has been doing great things with it.
So, I've been researching airplane ticket costs from Detroit to Colorado Springs (which has proven to be the cheapest flight), and I can get a round-trip ticket for $277. Not too bad considering how much I would spend on other forms of travel. If I'm able to save enough this summer, I think I'm really going to try to do this.
It's about time to get a real adventure started.
Peace.
Well, as I started realising these things and decided to cut back as best as I could (go to the Bee's less, try to drive around less if possible, etc.), of course, something goes wrong. For those who haven't already heard, I got into a car accident this past weekend, and the days of the Man Van are finally over. Now I get to bum rides all over the place (including my early-morning job, which I hate asking people to take me to), and I'll probably soon be making car payments on my next car (probably a Taurus, if this week goes as I expect it to...).
Kinda sucks, but I'm learning humility in this. I've noticed a lot of pride growing in me lately, and this is exactly the sort of thing that I need to bring me back to reality. I've also been asking God for patience lately...which is ALWAYS a dangerous prayer, and now it seems I'm waiting around all the time.
This is also a good thing in other ways (at least in my head). I will be saving a lot of money on gas if this goes right, and my "new" car will probably be more reliable than the van. I loved being able to haul around people and all sorts of stuff in my van, which I won't be able to do any longer, but I think I'm ready for the switch. This may also help me whittle down the amount of junk that I have and really force me to keep less stuff around.
I was walking to McDonald's today while talking to one of my good friends on the phone. We both are trying to save money for some end-of-the-summer events (he's probably going to go teach in China with another good friend of ours; I will explain mine in a bit), and we've both realised that we need to make some major lifestyle changes in order to prepare better. I mentioned that I was passing a grocery store, and I should probably get food there instead of at McDonald's. He replied, "Well, which one is going to save you more money in the long run?"
Dangit.
Needless to say, I turned back to the grocery store and bought at least a week's worth of meals...and I definitely made the right choice. I plan on not spending any more money on food for at least a week, and no more on gas for longer (Obviously I don't have a car right now, but if I get another one soon, I will probably try to siphon the gas out of my van's tank, which is full. Start with plenty of gas, getting better gas mileage...I think that's a good start). My paycheck at the end of this week should also come close to doubling what I currently have in my bank account, so I think if I really buckle down and start living more wisely, I will be able to start claiming some of my bills from my mom (who has helped me enormously in all of this) and still be saving money up.
The goal:
Move out West by 2015.
This is a little sooner than the four years I was thinking for the past several months, but I think this is still a reasonable goal...and who knows, maybe God will grant me to move sooner. I would love that.
As far as what I'm saving for this summer, I really want to get back out West for just a little while again. Goodness, I feel such a strong pull to be out there...anyway, one of my friends who lives in Colorado Springs has also been encouraging me to visit and try to get things sorted out, as they took their own leap of faith and moved there last summer, and God has been doing great things with it.
So, I've been researching airplane ticket costs from Detroit to Colorado Springs (which has proven to be the cheapest flight), and I can get a round-trip ticket for $277. Not too bad considering how much I would spend on other forms of travel. If I'm able to save enough this summer, I think I'm really going to try to do this.
It's about time to get a real adventure started.
Peace.
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