Academy Awards & YM...

Last Tuesday my wife and I performed one of our last official duties in Youth Ministry at our "old church". We attended a High School play. You know, the type that is filled with lots of giggles, a little out of tune singing (ok, maybe more than just a little), some good acting, a little bad acting, and lots of familiar faces.

I've sat through some awful plays during the years, but I need to admit that this was by far the best I've seen. Sure, it still wasn't Oscar worthy, but it was miles beyond the previous years. Maybe that had something to do with the fact that we actually knew 75% of the cast.

In past years I've gone and watched an entire play because only 1 or 2 students were in it. But this year, it would appear that we have a pile of budding thespians. Most were students who have come to an event or a Bible study while a few were from soccer teams that I coached. It just went to show me how far a YP's impact reaches into a community. And that didn't take a whole lot of work. Most of it just happened.

I'm not trying to pat myself on the back, for fear of my arm falling off, but it was just a great memory to part with. I will miss those kids. They've left a mark on my life that will not go away (and that's ok with me). And for that I am grateful. I may not get any of those hours back that I've spent sitting in that Community Center, but I don't mind.

I love what I do, and I can't wait until I get to do it again.

I just want my stuff...

So all our stuff is crammed into the basement here as we wait for another bedroom to be finished up. That means we can actually access very little of our stuff. And with nothing else to do, I'd love to be playing some games on my PC or sleeping on my bed.

Today we had the great joy of getting our car checked out. Just another check-up that the province wants me to do before they'll insure my car. Over and hour later (most of that spent wandering a lame little mall with my wife & daughter--my son stayed with Gramma) we were on our way...oh and my wallet was less $120.

Spent some quality time with my Ipod after the kids went to bed tonight and even caught up on my "Dirty Little Secrets" (xxxchurch) podcast. Ok, so I didn't actually catch up...I'm still only on episode 5 of 11. Or maybe it's 12 or 13 by now. I wouldn't know since I can't get at my PC. You see my dillema?

And we made it...

So we made it safe and sound around breakfast on Friday morning (we drove through the night). And our stuff just arrived today and is now taking up the in-laws basement. A full house of people and stuff...yikes! Hopefully we don't drive everyone crazy.

On another note, we're currently in talks with a church. Apparently they're quite interested in us (as we are in them, I might add) and they just had an "extended interview" with us today after church. They've checked our references, had one of their staff meet with us for lunch and they've presented our name to their Elder's Board. They had a few more questions which meant that we needed to get together today. Now they need to go back to the elders.

It went very well and so far, we are very excited by what we hear. But now we go back to waiting. If they are interested, we'll probably get a call to candidate sometime in the next few weeks. Wow...that'll really change how our future looks. But it would be a great Christmas gift!

This may not be normal, but it certainly is an adventure. And right now, I'm actually enjoying it.

Keano...

Late last night I was sitting in front of the TV watching Fox Spots World. Then came the news that Roy Keane was calling it quits at Manchester United. I was stunned. I still am to some degree.

Some say they saw this coming with all the trouble he's gotten into lately especially when speaking about the team. A team, I might add, that had been totally stinking the joint out. He said what everyone wanted to hear...and what everyone needed to hear.

But it would appear that he may have crossed a line that not even he could come back from.

I still can't imagine what it's going to be like to not have him as part of the line up. Even when he was out injured he was still a central figure in the team. Each comeback was eagerly anticipated. Every goal and every tackle was from the heart.

This guy bled Red. He will be missed.

Pack that truck...

So, we thought we'd call a moving company to see what they might charge us to move our belongings towards the ocean. The guy wandered the house writting notes on his pad of paper and then sat down and pulled out his calculator. Minutes later we received the bad news: $3600.

That's well over double what it would cost to do it on our own by renting a U-Haul. But then the guy phones back today. I told him we weren't interested because the price was way too high. He then asked if we would go for $3200. Again, I told him no. Then he asked if we would do it for $2500, but the catch would be that we'd have to leave next Monday or Tuesday.

I told him I'd have to talk to my boss (a.k.a. my wife) and get back to him. We've decided that it's still higher than the U-Haul, but this way we don't have to load or unload and we don't have to drive the truck. Sounds like a good enough deal to me.

Unless anyone wants to helps us move for even cheaper. Any takers?

Family fun...

One of the great things about being unemployed is getting to hang out with my family. Ate donuts with my kids for breakfast after we dropped my wife off at work. Then got started on some Christmas shopping.

We picked my lovely up after work and wrapped up the night with McD's and went to Chicken Little. Not the greatest movie ever, but it was fun to hang out with the fam and see the kids laughing!

I should probably get some packing done tomorrow. Maybe I can put the kids to work...

Walls are bare...

Everyday a few more boxes pile up and the walls and shelves start looking a little more empty. Sometimes it amazes me when I look back at our past. I remember moving into our first apartment and being able to transport everything in the back of a pickup.

Then we moved here and it took an entire U-Haul. It may have been the smallest one they had, but it was packed full. And now here we are soon to be packing an even bigger U-Haul with all our stuff (and that's after getting rid of a bunch of stuff). It's amazing how much stuff we've gathered over the years.

We just got back from a retreat with the other pastors & wives. It was good to hang out together one more time before we leave. We've still got a dinner together planned, but this was a great 4 day retreat for laughing together and enjoying each other's company.

On top of all that we've had some other recent developments. Since people have started finding out that I've concluded my ministry here, I've been recieving phone calls. I haven't been actively pursuing anything, but my wife and I decided that we would entertain conversations. God's definitely up to something.

We're both very intrigued at the possibility of doing ministry while doing our schooling. Obviously it will mean that my school will take a little bit longer, but it does mean my wife can get cruising on her Masters. She worked so hard to put me through school, that it's definitely time to repay the favor. (Have I mentioned that I love my wife? No? I love my wife!)

That's a wrap...

Lots of tears were shed this weekend (some of which were mine), but our time has now come to a close. Friday was my farewell (and my birthday, I might add) and I just want to say that my students and leadership team rock! They did a "wicked awesome" (some student terminology for you) job on the whole night.

I truly count it a privelage to have worked with them over the past 5 1/2 years. It really is sad to say goodbye, but we rest in the memories and knowing that we'll probably see them again. (Some of them sooner, rather than later, as they plan to invade our house one weekend in November.)

We're now technically on holiday (or "vacation", for my American readers) until the end of November. We get 4 days in the mountains for a retreat with the other pastoral staff (and spouses) which will be a great way to say goodbye to them.

I don't think that this has all sunk in for me. It might not fully hit me until the U-Haul pulls away from what has been our first home. We'll be "temporarily homeless" and we sometimes wonder when (or if) we'll have our own place again. I can't tell you exactly what our life will look like one month from now, nevermind 6 months.

This isn't normal...but we'll manage.

Boxes, boxes everywhere...

I had no idea I had collected this much junk in my office. Ok, so it's not all junk. I actually have some good books on my shelf...some of which I have actually read.

I also never figured it would be this much work to get things ready to leave. Besides packing books & shelf-toys in th boxes, I've got to change email accounts, change contact info at a bunch of places (many of which I'll actually forget to do), pass off all the website info for 2 websites...

Oh, and look...I just found some money...why on earth do I have American coins in my desk?!?!

On top of all that, my desk looks the same as it has for the past 5 1/2 years: a total mess! Maybe I should actually clean it before I leave. Hmmm...now there's a thought.

Tomorrow is our farewell. Our students & leaders are planning it, so it should be both hilarous and completely embarassing. I'm sure they'll mock me to no end.

And Sunday is our final day here. I'm wrapping things up by singing something for "Special Music" (apparently "Nah, nah, nah, hey, hey, hey, goodbye" is not an "apropriate" selection for Sunday morning worship...go figure!) and then passing the torch to our volunteers. Something else might be in the works too, but I'll fill you in next week when I'm officially unemployed.

This will be a long day...

I have a birthday coming up, so a bunch of my family got together to buy me a new graphics card for my computer. This has been in the works for almost a year. I have a handful of games that are just sitting on my shelf collecting dust because my PC can't handle them.

That shall soon come to an end...I hope. Yesterday I picked up one card, only to get home and discover that I had bought one that would never be able to even fit in my computer. So then my wife returned it (ain't she the best) and get the one that will work.

And now I have to wait until the end of the day to get home, install it, and begin playing my games. It is going to be a long day...

I don't want to talk church...

I must say that the Habs are looking great this season. Definitely more of an underdog compared to teams like Ottawa, Detroit or Philly...but a team that can win when they need it.

Look at last Tuesday. After being down 2-0 early in the 1st against Boston (and playing horrible hockey I might add) they buckled down to fight back to tie it up and then went on to get the win.

Sure, we may not be sitting top of the division by playoffs, but I'm thinking they may go farther than most people imagine.

And just when you think you can write a team off...

Chelsea hasn't dropped any points at all this season, which is completely frustrating (but hey, I guess if you spend over $600 million on a team you should win a few games) yet somewhat fascinating. You're always wondering who might bring them back down to earth.

Apparently that job goes to Everton. And if lowly Everton can hold them, then certainly we can beat them!

And after Chelsea announced this week that they want to dominate football for the next 100 years, and that they plan on having the Premiership title wrapped up by Christmas, you had better believe that teams are going to be after them with a vengence.

That was gross...

Let me backtrack for a moment. When we arrived at our church 5 1/2 years ago one of the first events we held was a gross games night. It was a blast. So, we decided that we would try to go out with the same event--Gross Games II.

So, last night was our last official Friday night event with our students because next Friday our leaders and students are planning up a farewell. And it was a mess...whipped cream, chocolate sauce, marshmallows, honey, puffed wheat, jello, beans...and a few more surprises. And somehow I ended up wearing all of it when the entire group turned out me. Imagine that!

(Incidently, if you ever want to have a laugh, get all your students to place an egg on their head and then pull nylons on overtop to hold it in place. Then try to hit them with a pool noodle. That is perhaps one of the funniest things I have seen in quite a while!)

We ended things off with a challenge to accept Jesus' invitation "Come, and follow me". It doesn't matter how messy your life is, Jesus has called YOU! And it's time to drop what you're doing and follow Him. Sure, you may not know what's going to happen, it defintely won't be easy, but it will be an adventure.

The evening went even better than I could have expected. And now I have some more great memories as I prepare to say farewell.

Where am I...

Is it already the 18th?!?! Where is the month going? Or where did it go? Only 12 days left at the church before a much anticipated month off. As for what happens after that, only God knows. And I mean that quite literally because we don't have a clue.

We're officially homeless as of November 30th, although our in-laws have opened their door to us if we need it. We've also had a few more "doors" open in the past few weeks, but we'll just have to wait and see where that goes.

On a less important note: Habs win again!

On a frustrating note: Only a draw for the Red Devils...and an injury for Giggsy! Crap!

What a morning...

Ok, this is actually about yesterday morning, but I'm a little slow.

It was our Mission Trip Service where all our students talked about their experience this past summer on our trip to Tijuana. I'm so proud of them. I think they were more nervous about talking in church than they were about going to Mexico.

But they did awesome. We showed a few videos, taught everyone some spanish songs and then talked...and talked...and talked some more. We didn't get out until almost 12:45pm, and that's a service that starts at 11:00am. At one point I thought about trying to shorten up the morning, but then I figured that God probably wouldn't mind if we went late!

Mornings like that make it harder to say goodbye...at least to our students.

Oh yeah, Happy Turkey Day to my fellow Canucks!

Oh yeah...

Hockey's back! And my Habs won! Woohoo!!!

Beginning of the end...

What a great break it was to hang out in California with my wife. We spent a couple of days in Disneyland before heading off to Sacramento for NYWC. (By the way, thanks Katie for the lift to the hotel!) Met some people in person, met some new people, and just had an all around great time.

This convention (our 4th) was the weirdest one ever because this time we weren't thinking about our youth ministry back home. Instead, this ended up being a time for God to do some work on repairing my heart. It was very refreshing. I now feel like I'm ready for saying goodbye. Yeah, it still isn't going to be easy, but I feel better about where my heart is right now.

I also arrived back in the office to find out the board wants me to take all of November off...with pay! The only bad thing is that it moves our final farewell up even closer, but the time off...and the extra money...next month will be helpful.

I've got some other interesting developments, but I'll save those for another day. But I'm reminded through this all that God is in it all. I know, it's cliche...but it's also truth!

I'm loving it...

I spoke at a youth retreat this past weekend and man was that a blast. Every once in a while it's good for me to go hang out with another group of students for a weekend, it reminds me that I love what I do. After 5 years in one place I've often wondered if I started all over from scratch again, would I still love youth ministry. Apparently so! I'm glad that God threw me into this.

And the even better part of the weekend is that two students gave their lives to Christ. Woohoo!

And now I'm back home just in time to get some laundry cleaned before heading off to California with my beautiful wife tomorrow. A couple days together in Disneyland before heading to Sacramento for NYWC. It should be a great 6 days together of fun in the sun.

But then we'll be returning to say goodbye...hmmm...

What I've heard...

Here's a sample of the comments I have heard over the past week that have absolutely done a number on my heart. These are the ones that make it hard to leave.

"It's not fair. I've only known you guys a year." (recent grade 11 student)

"It feels like I've been broken up with." (well known grade 12 student)

"Why do you need to get better at what you do? You're already great at it. Stay here and practive on us." (well known grade 12 student)

I knew this wouldn't be easy, but I honestly didn't think it would be this hard. I'm going to miss these students. They have left a permanent mark on my life. My wife and I will have a very hard time when it comes time for the official farewell.

In other related news, we meet with the Real Estate Agent tomorrow at 4:00pm. We were originally thinking about selling privately in order to achieve maximum moolah, but then I remembered that I'm still a pastor. How on earth am I supposed to fit selliing a house into my schedule?!?!

On top of all that I'm speaking at a retreat this weekend before my wife and I head off to California for a mini-vacation in D-land and NYWC in Sacramento next week. In one sense I'm looking forward to it, but on the other hand I know that coming back means saying good-bye.

This just isn't going to get any easier is it?

The week in review...

Well, since it's all said and done, I figured that I would recap what happened this past week. It's probably fairly easy to figure out, but here's the rundown:

Tuesday
I read my resignation to the board of elders. My wife and I have decided that it's time to get our Masters. But a few things have led up to this, and I told them that. I think it's safe to say that this caught them completely off guard.

Thursday
Told three of our recent grads who are now off at college.

Friday
Told our volunteer youth staff. They handled it very well and were very excited for us as we take this next step.

Saturday
Told our students. This was by far the toughest. Their comments make this hurt even more, but I'll probably reflect on that later this week.

Sunday
Read my resignation letter from the pulpit.

I'm still processing it all. To loosely paraphrase the great philosopher Napoleon Dynamite, "But it hurts real bad." It's not all gloom and despair though. We are taking a step that we want to take and have wanted to pursue for some time. I just wish that it could have come about under better circumstances.

Oh well, I guess you can't win them all.

What a week...

This week will be, without a doubt, the most difficult week of my ministry career. Last night was just the beginning, and unfortunately the next 4 days will not get any easier. I'd write more, but I'm at a loss as to how to describe it right now.