Well, here it is, the night before I leave. Well, leave Washington that is. I spent a few hours playin' guitar with Erik and Stephen tonight and we set up a single mic to record the whole thing. It's anyone's guess how the recording turned out. It sounded good in the room. That may very well be the last time I play guitar for a year! I'm hoping to be able to buy something cheap over there. We'll see how it goes.
This past week has been crazy, mentally. Every time I go to do something, I ask myself if this is worth my time. It's like time management times 1 billion! I've had a hard time enjoying myself this week because I keep wondering if I could be having more fun or doing something more worthwhile. All the while, there's tasks to be finished, and I'm forced to ask myself, do they really need completing? What's really important here? If there's a lesson to be learned in this, it's don't get so behind in life that you get to this point that I'm at. Live every moment like it's your last. Do make plans, do create goals, but don't get so wrapped up in them that they become your life. If God throws you a curveball, don't swing like you would for a fastball. Be ready to adjust your plans for what has come. In the grand scheme of things, what's really important? Hold on to those things and be flexible with the rest. You never know what will happen next.
As I'm sitting here in my room, I'm asking myself, how do I pack for a year? What am I bringing that I don't need? What am I forgetting that I do need? It's really hard for me to get my mind around it. I suppose I could have stuff shipped, but I'd like to avoid that if possible.
People have been asking me two things: "How can I pray for you?" and "What do you need?" To answer the first question, I need prayer for adjusting to the new environment. I'm not talking just the climate (though that will be tough!). I'm also talking about the living space as well as the things I have to leave behind such as guitars and civilian clothes. Things that don't usually mean much until you've been without them for some time. I'm also praying that God will bring someone into my life over there that I can talk to on a personal level. Mainly for those times that I can't communicate with those back here. I'm an emotional guy (yes, I admit it) and sometimes things get to me and I just need to vent. God's blessed me with wonderful friends here that I can do that. I pray he will provide over there as well. Also, keep my mother in prayer. I know this is going to be hard on her, though she doesn't tell me so. She can use your support during this time. This is true for the rest of my family as well. God has truely blessed me with a caring family. I will miss them for sure, especially my little brother!
To answer the second question, there's really not much I need right now. Later on, however, I would appreciate letters! During basic training, letters kept my sanity levels on track. Even something seemingly rediculous like a churchwide invite to an event I obviously wasn't going to be at was comforting. I felt like even though I was far away, that I was still remembered. Another suggestion is for you to send me disposable cameras in the mail and I'll fill em up and return them to you. You can even send a request sheet (IE, I want 3 pictures of camel spiders, 2 of you and 1 of your roomates).
Lastly, I'd like to leave you with a general holiday greeting and a Happy Birthday! As odd as it sounds, I will be gone for every holiday and every birthday so I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Halloween, April Fools Day, Happy New Years, Happy Superbowl, Happy Easter, Happy Canadian Boxing Day, Happy Casmere Pulaski Day, Happy Valentines Day, Happy Women's History Month, Happy Birthday, and in case I don't see you again, Good afternoon, good evening and good night!
