200+ (and counting!)

The funny thing about my body is that it hates being up late at night. If I stay up late -- midnight or later, usually -- I will wake up with a hangover, regardless of whether I've had anything to drink. Such is the case today, (no alcohol, raging headache) but at least this time it's completely worthwhile.

Last night was the University of North Carolina "Fall Fest." Its intended for all of the freshmen to have the opportunity to investigate all of the student organizations that are available on campus, and runs from 9 pm - 2 am. (I was there the whole time...) Literally thousands of students swarm over South Road on campus and provide the perfect opportunity to give them information on Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship.

Our general practice is to simply start up conversations with students as they walk by (while many did come directly to our table -- always encouraging). We'll give them a flier which explains some of the interesting points of Chi Alpha and then ask them if they want us to drop off a "goodie bag" the following day. Students love free stuff, and most are quite willing. So, we get their contact info and their dorm number and today we follow up.

We have over 200 students to follow up with. This promises to make for a long day -- but what an outstanding problem to have.

Cold down there, eh?

I saw a cartoon once where there were two little devils sitting around in hell. They've got their pitchforks, and they're covered in snow, clearly freezing cold and shivering. Evidently, it has frozen over. One of the devils is looking at the other and the caption reads, "I dunno... maybe the Vikings won the Super Bowl?"

The Vikings are the only team to have lost four Super Bowls -- which comprises all of their Super Bowl appearances. An amazing feat, capable only of a team from Minnesota.

The reason I bring any of this up, is because I believe this past Friday the little devils are thoroughly confused, hell having frozen over, but it not being football season.

Why, you may ask?



My dad just learned how to text.

Deeper Exhaustion

I think this may be the most exhausting turn my life has taken.

For the past three months I've been serving with Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship as a campus missionary at the University of North Carolina. Prior to this, I was a chemistry graduate student for two years, and woven through it all is a six-year commitment to the Marine Corps. But this present season may prove to be the most exhausting thus far.

Though physically exhausting to an extent, it doesn't really compare to the Marines in that respect. Thankfully, I am no longer expected do 20+ mile forced-marches or go upwards of 3 days without significant food or sleep.

Though mentally exhausting, I don't have the same sensation of when I was in graduate school -- having just studied for days to take a five-hour long final, desiring nothing more than to curl into the fetal position and let my brains drip out through my ear.

I think it is the sudden onslaught of emotion which can only be caused from getting to know many people and realizing just how painfully broken this world is. How much pain and hurt exists. How selfish I/we all truly can be. Experiencing the collateral damage of people who claim the title of "Christian" without actually working to surrender all to Christ. Emotionally investing in those who may ultimately turn and betray; baring one's heart to be stabbed. Worse -- aware that there were those who came before that did the same for me.

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." -- John 12:24