It is hard to grasp that my whole life is going to change in t-minus 20 days when I move up to Minnesota for NET.  I have so much that I need to get done before then.  I need to raise some more money, which is only about $300 when you add in my mom's donation!!  Praise God that is all taken care of!!!  I need to finish unpacking all of my crap and get it all organized for when I come back.  I am coming back to Springfield for one last horrah before I fly up to Minnesota.  It will be at least a weekend but I am gonna try and see if I can get down there sooner.  Once I get back from Springfield, I only have 3 days. 

I am finding myself getting pretty excited about it at times.  Still, I am very scared.  I am dreading having to go through the EXTREME awkwardness of meeting new people.  Even though I know I am being called to this, I still have no clue why.  I want to stay in Springfield so badly, it hurts.  I am scared as what is to happen.  Prayers are welcome.

Since it has been almost a month since my last post, I'll give an update.  Stuebenville was amazing and the SFB kids had a great time.  I stayed in Springfield for another 6 days after that!  It was AMAZING!!  I had so much fun and it was so relaxing and so nice to be around everyone.  I went to Cheddar's (my favorite restaurant), Ebbet's (my favorite bar), hung out at the pool where Murph lifeguards (got in for free), went bowling (broke a 100 and almost beat Keith), then went to Logan's where Devin works and got some drinks.  Afterwards, we proceeded to a karaoke bar which was a great time.  I want to go back there.  Overall, it was very nice and I couldn't ask for more.  My 2nd trip down there is going to be a very different experience thou.  I am probably staying at Katie, Lauren, and Jamie's.  All three have siblings that are moving to MSU that same weekend, so they are all going to be occupied for the weekend.  Oh well, I know that I can hang with other people. 

The youth group has been doing better.  Numbers are up a bit and I have established some good relationships with the teens.  We also have a new CORE member, Kelly, and she is really cool.  Kathleen is officially moving to Washington to be closer to work which will make it easier to implement the changes that she knows needs to happen to better the youth group.  I have no idea whether I will come back next year.  I think I need to take on a new role in youth ministry.  I love working with teenagers and Kathleen, but at the same time, I am finding myself getting burnt out on it.  Maybe NET will give me clarity. 

This summer went by way too fast, as it always does.  That's life. 

Just 20 days left...

Much Love,

Matt

I know it has been a long time since this has been updated.  I have made previous attempts at updating but to no avail.  I guess I haven't had very much to write about.  Maybe I have found some inspiration.

This summer has been pretty crappy at times.  I miss all of my friends, most of whom are in Springfield or out of the country.  I find myself very bored at home playing online poker.  No worries: it is play money.  CORE Team at St. Francis Borgia has been going fine.  We haven't been getting many teens to come but we are doing well with the ones we have.  I do enjoy them. 

Christpower went well this year.  I didn't really know what to expect.  It was the first time in years where I was in the minority of knowing people.  I went with SFB and we only brought 5 kids as opposed to Incarnate Word who brought 80.  By the end of the week, I did enjoy myself.  I liked the CORE that I got to know and my group was pretty awesome.  I wish I could've stayed with them all week at all the sites, but nonetheless, they were great. 

Work has been pretty "blah" to sum it up.  I am getting along with a lot of the younger baggers.  Being a cashier has been getting pretty boring.  I think next summer I either need to train at Courtesy Counter or transfer to stocking. 

Raising money for NET has been a major pain.  I think I have about $1170 raised so far (1/3 of the way there!), mostly thanks to great donations from Uncle Jim, Donna, Jess' parents, and a scholarship I got from Dierbergs.  I am waiting to get my July report on the 10th to see where I am at.  I need to do follow-up calls with a lot of people I sent letters to.  Please pray for me with that.

I am going to Stuebenville in Springfield in 6 days and I am really excited.  It is on MSU's campus which is insanely ironic since I just graduated there.  I haven't gone to the conference in 4 years so this ought to be interesting.  I am staying an extra couple of days there because I miss everyone so much.  I need some time away from the boredom and occassional drama that I am getting in STL.

Well that is my BORING life. 

Much Love,

Matt

Inside the Actors Studio is one of my favorite shows and I love the questionarie at the end.  Here is what I would answer if I was on the show. 

What is your favorite word?  Love.

What is your least favorite word?  There are a lot of nasty words that I don't like.  I would say the F-word or "skeet."  That word is so stupid. 

What turns you on?  A really good hug.  I am not just talking about those two-second-side hugs either.  I am talking about those huge bear hugs. 

What turns you off?  People telling me what to do when they have no authority to do so and/or cockiness. 

What sound or noise do you love?  My friends laughing.  Everyone's laugh is so different and contagious and I can't help but smile. 

What sound or noise do you hate?  That noise that a group of people make when someone enters the room.  It is just a long "HEY!"  I can't stand it. 

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?  My dream job would be a therapist/counselor person. 

What profession other than yours would you least like to attempt?  POLITICS!  I hate everything about them.  I can't think of a more selfish profession. 

What is your favorite curse word?  I really don't like cursing and I try not to.  If I HAD to choose, maybe the S-word. 

If Heaven exists, what you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?  Welcome, I have been waiting for you.

That was fun!

Much Love!

Matt

only one group project and one comprehensive final and I am FOREVER DONE WITH SCHOOL!!!

Someone pinch me!

Much Love,

Matt