Life from Abroad

It's almost been one full week since I've been in this country (I'm just 12 hours short). It's quiet a bit different knowing that I'll be here for the next 9 months than just a 2 week visit. I've learned that making anywhere I go my home is very important so I've set to do that here as quickly as possible. It's more difficult then I had anticipated. Everyone is trying to figure out how things work and where they fit in. This base is quiet a bit bigger than what I'm use to so I feel like there's always someone new to talk to. On the other hand I feel like I'm getting to know my classmates quiet well. Last night we all went to the pub and laughed the whole time.
The work aspect is been quiet interesting. I feel like a bit of a geek. I'm now getting excited with Paul uses plurals. We've been in Philemon for the past three days and I feel like we could use another three days (we don't have that much time). It's amazing what you can see when you look into the bible and what others see. Our class has been very interactive and we're all encouraged to ask many questions, some of which may never get answered. I was told today that we will leave SBS with more questions then when we came. Not very encouraging if you want to teach the bible. However I think the bible can be studied over and over again and you will always find something new.
Anyway I should go make a cup of tea before class. Here's a photo I took of an old friend. May it bring joy to some hearts.

My Trip Thus Far

I’m writing this post as I sit on the floor of the Philadelphia International Airport (although I’m sure I’ll have to post this a bit later, due to my lack of internet). I just want to really record my trip thus far. I flew into Pennsylvania six days ago to visit friends of mine that I have not seen in over a year. One thing about visiting old friends is that you often leave feeling completely loved. I am convinced, once again, of two things. First that distance and time don’t diminish friendships (I think you enjoy time with them even more) and second that relationships are vital to our existence.

I just want to say that I really enjoyed my time in Pennsylvania. Let me just tell you the things I did. I watched movies (both sci-fi and romantic), drank root beer (IBC!!!), ate nothing but pizza for an entire day, went to a house of prayer, played a PS3 (my first time, but surly not my last), played Killer Bunnies and finally had great conversations with people that I love. The only thing that could have made this trip better would have been meeting Kirsten Dunst (and perhaps falling in love with each other and getting married). I guess not every trip can be perfect.

Well… I’m off to London!

P.S. I'm at the base now, but I'm putting things away. I'll post again soon.

Going Away

I understand that it's been a long time since I've been writing here. The summer has really flown by. I had a great job working with people I enjoyed. However now the summer is done and I am faced with the fact that I am leaving for England. With less than 48 hours left I do what anyone else would do... procrastinate packing. So this means I finally have time to work on my blog!
This summer I've got to see many people who I haven't seen in ages. It's been good to reminisce about the 'good old days'. It's been hard to say goodbye to people in the past but I am learning that our relationships are always changing. Some people I won't see as often, but it doesn't mean I'll stop loving them (Infact many are about to have babies, so there's more to love when I return!). I look forward, now, to making new relationships and hope that I will love them like I love the friends I have now. It happened in only a few months this summer, and it will happen again.
I think we should be happy that we will meet new people and look forward to the memories that we will make because in a few years these new memories will become the 'good old days'.

Well, I'm off to England soon. I'll try to keep posting here. Remember you can always find me on facebook.

My Very First

Well today is a big day for me. This morning I preached my very first sermon and I didn't get stoned or anything. I was nervous up until I got to the pulpit, then very calm. I feel good about it. I feel like God was glorified through it.
However it has made me come to face a reality I had tried to forget. I think I may be heading to seminary sometime in the future. At one point I had really wanted to do that, but over the years I thought seminary was full of stiff religious people and their doctrine. It may be, or it may not. Well, it will be full of doctrine but so is everyone else. But in the mean time I am going to be heading to England this fall. I got my acceptance letter! Soon I'll be writing (or neglecting) this blog with a cup of tea in my hand and my nose in my bible.
That's all for now, blogland. I was just excited to tell everyone that I preached. Yee haw!

(Also sometimes I'm a cowboy)

New Girl in my Life

I have an announcement to make! I have met a girl. Her name is Keisha and she is beautiful and I am in love. Now many of you reading this will think this is quiet sudden, and it is. My mom introduced us and it was love at first sight. I think my parents love her even more. Ok, the jokes up. Keisha is our new puppy. My mom woke me from my nap (yes the spirit of nap was upon me) to come and look at dogs. She was like a kid at Christmas (or my Grandpa at Christmas, who is amazed I can sleep in with the knowledge of presents under the tree). Keisha is only 3 months old and is a black and white lab/collie cross. My parents are proud dog owners once again meaning that my picture has been replaced on the refrigerator once again (sorry Amanda, yours too). I’m very happy for my parents as they look so happy and alive with this dog. I hope they stay that way when she eats the couch and poops on the floor. Well, I’ll still love her.

Many Thanks

As I reflect on all my mother has done for me, I realize that there's a lot of people that I should be thanking but I don't often thank. I know I won't be able to cover it all, nor should I right now, but I really want to thank the people who push me towards the right choices. Even when I would rather swear at you.
To those people who got me out of my bunk bed and made me talk to God, thank you.

O Life, Where Art Thou?

I finished work 5 weeks ago. I have had no job and no real commitment. I’ve been looking forward to this time since Christmas. I really wanted to take this time and figure some things out.

What am I doing with my life? What are my passions? Who am I?

I wish I could say that I’ve figured it all out. I haven’t. I don’t feel I’m any closer to those answers. I have more questions now.

What brings me life? What do I find fun? Do I like to be around people or spend time by myself?

I like people. I know that one.

At the close of my 5 week holiday/soul journey/being a bum I have begun to feel so discontent. Like I’m just drifting. Always asking where is my passion? My life? It’s been so hard to be happy when I sit alone.

My Grandpa always asks me about my future. He wants to know what my endevers now will lead to. I’m going to do a SBS in England in the fall. I don’t know what I’m going to do after that. I don’t even know if I’m coming back to Canada.

I feel like I’ve been trying to be the Mike that use to live in this town, while trying so hard not to be him. I’m older more mature and people should see that. I’m 22 years old. I’ve helped lead missionary teams overseas and walked with people through personal issues but I also really enjoy playing a card game called Killer Bunnies and fart jokes. I’m not the person I was 5 years ago and I’m not the person I’ll be in 5 years. I am now who I am. I can’t go backwards and I can only go forwards one step at a time. So I still don’t have the questions of life figured out, but it’s OK. I’m discontent with so much right now, but it’s OK. There’s only two weeks left of Jack Bauer, but it’s OK.

I start a new job tomorrow. I get to work with other people. I can’t wait.

First Time in a New Space

So here I am writing in a new blog. I finally got around to changing my blog address and picture. Sometimes it takes me a long time and much prompting to do things. Sorry to everyone who has been wondering how I am and have had no response. I am doing fine… I think.

Just kidding, I really am doing fine. I just finished having a little holiday with Amanda. Needless to say time with Amanda is always good but you're not allowed to hide from God when you're around her. I may have spent a lot of time hiding recently. I mean, sure, it's not life giving but it's easy. Alright I need life.

So now I'm trying to choose life, even if it's hard (and for some reason it is). I'm trying to figure out how I can bring Heaven here even when I feel so defeated it's like hell. Sometimes it's like I have forgotten who I am and what brings me life so I try all these things that use to bring me life. But I'm not who I use to be. I've changed. Being back at my parent's house is always hard like that. I feel like I'm still in High School. I try so hard to make sure that other people don't see me as that same "kid". But it's not them, it's me. I still see myself as that "kid" and end up acting subconsciously like that "kid". A friend of mine recommended that I spend some time figuring out what my passions are. Figuring out who I am. It's like at one point I knew it, but I can't remember. That leaves me trying to figure out who I am and who I am not. I feel like I've already done this but it's a necessity to do it again. So here's a secret that I don't share with many people. I want to teach. I love sharing the Word of God. That's why I want to take a School of Biblical Studies. I want to know the Bible so I can teach it. I also love worship. Sometimes I feel insecure in my ability to play the guitar, but I know it pleases God. So now I've shared my secrets and you, my friends, get to hold me to them. And thank you to my friends who knew these and hold me to them.

Also I've learned that I like board games. I think they're great quality time. I just discovered a game called Killer Bunnies. So if you ever need an extra to play games, call me.

Oh ya. As I'm trying to get more "with it" I made a myspace page. It's at http://www.myspace.com/koushus I have some pictures up. If you have myspace you should add me.