“Root!” “Log!” “Freaking huge pile of logs!” As a “roadie,” the bumps that are normal for mountain bikers seemed as if they would swallow my bike. That was last year. After purchasing a mountain bike in early 2011, I ventured out to Franke Park’s mountain bike trails to see if I really could ride a…
Chillaxin’
Now that I’m working full-time again, the arrival of a three-day weekend is a cause for great excitement and anticipation. Labor Day weekend 2012 came laden with expectation: a friend flying in from Utah, wakeboarding at the lake, bicycle rides, soaking up the sun at Warren Dunes, trail riding, and sand volleyball. Then there was…
Cornrows & Classrooms
Those of you who stalk me on Facebook (or saw me in person) know that I had corn rows all last week. Reactions to my hair covered a wide spectrum, from viewing it as a rebellious look to identifying the ease of care that it offered. In reality, I did it just for fun, but…
Taxi Driver, by the Will of God
Yesterday, I had the privilege of being the chauffer for the president of a Christian university. As I approached the hotel where I was picking him up, I realized the incredible value of the opportunity before me. For two hours, I would have the singular attention of a man who inspired my respect, not merely…
Chasing Pigs
People sometimes classify me as a country kid, probably because I own horses, enjoy baling hay, and know how to drive a tractor. I would agree. Until yesterday. When the farmer down the road is out of town, I typically take care of feeding his animals, and as State Fair was this weekend, I was…
They Say I’m Crazy
It’s true. Most people I know think I’m crazy. Maybe jumping off of waterfalls, riding a bicycle for 160 miles in a day, or buying a Kawasaki Ninja have something to do with that. Or mountain biking, playing volleyball, riding horses, bridge jumping, trail running, and swimming across flooded rivers. Or teaching high school, leading…
When the Eye Hurts…
If skipping church makes you a heathen, I’m in. I left church early this week (after skipping the morning service entirely) with a splitting headache. By time I made it home fifteen minutes later, my whole body was aching and I was dragging myself into bed. When I woke up several hours later, the headache…
Florida Adventures, part four
The thought from class today that flashed neon in my brain was, “When you travel, carry a leaky seed basket.” What a fantastic concept! Think about it. In Fort Wayne, the city where I grew up, there is an entire park dedicated to Johnny Appleseed, a man whose legend claims that he did just that–traveled…
Visa / Work Permit Update
Wow! The Lord has been doing great and mighty things! I got word late last night that my work permit application not only arrived in Papua New Guinea, but has been processed! This is exciting because it means that I can now apply for my entry permit (ie. visa). So there is still a lot…
Florida Adventures, part 3
The sunrise this morning was beautiful, as the tropical storm has passed, leaving Sanford bathed with sunshine. Yesterday’s time in class was spent looking at conflict resolution. I really enjoyed it, and have learned a lot. Some thoughts that stuck out to me from yesterday: The real issue isn’t the getting mad, the real issue…
Ride Fierce Racing 