Sacrificial Spring Break

I wanted to post a few pictures from the Spring Break adventure I mentioned forever ago...

I participated in Sacrificial Spring Break with a local church. In the morning, a group of sixty-ish college students went to a local middle school to help landscape, paint, and beautify.

btdubs, I've both cut and washed my hair since this photo was taken, so chill out.

In the afternoon, we split up to work on different service projects around the city.

My group, the rag-tag bunch pictured below, landscaped at a local community outreach center in the afternoon.  I was so impressed by the organization. The pastor, Royce (pictured on the left below), has such a heart for his community and serving them well.

I feel the need to mention that I have never actually been to Wisconsin, whatever my sweatshirt may (might?) say.

My bud Emily's group worked at a non-profit farm for the week. I kid you not. Right after this picture was taken, Emily and team got yelled at for playing with the livestock. Haaaaha, suckers.

I think our efforts to beautify the city was somewhat metaphorical for how God beautifies our lives or something like that, which is awesome, but as I am neither poetic nor one for metaphors, I chose to dwell on the fact that the Bible calls us to serve and love our neighbours. It was a great time to practice humility and using a servant's heart, or, if you don't have those (hi, that's me), pray for them.

There was so much community - it was wonderful seeing so many college students worshiping together. 

I think the following lyrics from Amazing Grace really resonated with our group (or bRob):

  When we've been here ten thousand years

bright shining as the sun,

We've no less days to sing God's praise

then when we've first begun. 

One day there will be no pain, no tears, and constant joy! Forever happiness, as the the Jesus Storybook Bible calls it. Worshiping whole-heartedly with that group made me think about the eternal future that awaits. 

There was lots of juicy goodness in that week, and it was by far the best Spring Break I've had. Granted, my last Spring Break involved getting my wisdom teeth removed....but, still...

-bRob

PS - Several (ie two) of you have contacted me, concerned about the fairly lengthy haitus. Specifically, Grandma has expressed concern. Fear not, dear (two) readers (...Grandma et al), I will try to be more diligent about posting regularly.

The Reason For Not Posting This Time

Hey Webs -
   I do realize that 87% of my posts are posts explaining why I don't post more frequently, so in the interest of full  disclosure and consistency I felt it was due time to update with yet another.

This week has been such a beautiful and messy week filled with spiritual growth, dirt, paint, service, community, free food, precious people, very occasional showers, free food, WORSHIP, learning to not be the self-righteous kid I am 78% of the time, and free food. And the opportunity to beautify and serve my city in the name of the LORD.

Hopefully I'll explain better at a later date. But for now, it's been 14-hour days and no compie time, and I AM LOVING IT.

This week is leaving me with a faint sweet taste of Acts 2 (NIV):

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

What a gift.

-bRob

A Week in Mediocre Phone Pictures

At a dualing paino bar with some chicas.

It is so much fun - singing along with 80's and 90's hits...and Wagon Wheel.

Studying with my buddy.

The Day I Wore My ISE Shirt and Did Things

like examining my split ends

snappin' picks of Suzie on the way to the lake for canoeing

on the way to the lake

counseling with my adviser

went to the flea market yesterday. parking was terrible, as it turns out, because there was also a taxidermy convention.

Only here.

shopping for patriotic gear.

My parents came to visit.

This isn't a picture of that, though. This is a picture of me breaking in to my house after I locked us all out on the way to dinner.

To be fair, my dad did most of the heavy lifting, I just crawled in the window.

And we're in.

I'm pretty sure this answers all the questions you had about my week. Right?

Yes.

-bRob