Highlights of 2006

Here are some highlights of 2006.
January: Continued schooling and serving at Mahomet Christian Church, Illinois. Great to work with David Johnson and see the progress at MCC. Began working on my thesis (extended research paper) – topic: The Tabernacle. Started to read through the chronological Bible and a blog called “What did you have for breakfast?”
February: Turned 30. Visited Junior and Emily in D.C. and shared my testimony with the youth group. Changed Dryden’s diaper (first ever diaper change). Philip is new roommate on the weekends from LCC. Made a deal: He would cook and I would clean.
March: Sabbatical from MCC to work on thesis paper in Colorado Springs. Invited 31 of my closest friends to call me during the sabbatical and ask “What did you have for breakfast?” Grew a beard. Fasted. Spiritual retreats at Glen Eyrie, Horn Creek and the Great Sand Dunes. Finished rough draft of thesis at 100 pages. 6300 mile road trip (Mahomet, IL to San Diego, CA). Broke my fast on Mission Beach, San Diego with an apple. Stopped at the Grande Canyon, Death Valley, Las Vegas and the Arches National Park.
April: Created “The Upper Room” for Good Friday. Shaved my beard off the day before Easter. Drove to Eureka Springs Arkansas with Bret to see the life size model of the Tabernacle. While in Eureka Springs we drove to Oklahoma just to say I’ve been to Oklahoma. Finished second draft of thesis paper.
May: Presented paper on the Tabernacle. Graduated with two degrees (BA in music; MA in Worship Studies). Mom and Dad came to my graduation. Open house at my apartment. Hung out in Chicago with Justin and Bret and was given a HUGE American flag for FREE. Interview with the Grande Prairie Church of Christ.
June: Invited to come to Grande Prairie as the Creative Arts Director. After much deliberation and prayer I accepted the position. June 13 Bret was in an accident and almost died. Ankles were shattered, 4th lumbar was shattered, tear in the aorta, ligaments were stretched and hands burned from cable. Induced coma. Psalm 91. He had to have his right leg amputated below the knee. God spared his life and is using him in a mighty way to bring glory to Himself. Went to Edisto Beach, SC and spent time with Smiths, Mays, Armettas and Krafts. Drove to Florida and visited Derek and Ashley. Drove to the furthest southern part of the continental US (Key West). Stopped at the Unclaimed Baggage Store in Scottsboro, Alabama.
July: Indiana Dunes. Sears Tower. Vacation with the Hufford’s in Michigan. Sleeping Bear Sand dunes. Drove around Lake Michigan. Checked off Wisconsin as the 48th state I visited.
August: Farewell concert at MCC. Sky-dived into church (with JC Colclasure) on my last Sunday (Aug 6th). Flew to Reno, NV to meet up with Rob and Amanda for a 5-state road trip (Checked off Idaho as the 49th state I’ve visited). Experienced Lake Tahoe, the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone National Park. Flew to Hawaii as the 50th state I’ve visited: Experienced sky-diving, sea turtles, Dole plantation, volcanoes, Mona Kea (highest peak in Hawaii and taller mountain than Everest if you count from sea floor), snorkeling, waterfalls, hostels (great place to stay for cheap), Waikiki beach, Honolulu and Hilo. Drove from Denver to Grande Prairie (40 hour drive). Stopped in Radium Hot Springs, Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefields. Arrived in Grande Prairie Aug 22nd. Lived at Pine Ridge Camp. Staff Retreat at Pine Ridge camp.
September/October: Lived at Pine Ridge Camp for 3 weeks. House sat for the Bertrands for a few weeks. Lived with the Tunke’s for a couple weeks. Becky and I sang “Praise You in the Storm.” Began house sitting for Ken. Major snow fall. 2/3’s of the annual snow fall within 3 weeks. Very cold temperatures (-42 degrees with the wind chill). Grandma had back surgery. Accident with my car (Mimas). Car is totaled. Driving Grandma and Grandpa’s car. Started using Media Shout in the worship services.
November: Art’s Night. Started a Christmas Choir.
December: Invested in RRSPs for the first time. Lived at the Landon’s for a few days. Christmas Eve service (used the song “My Deliverer” as a central theme to the service). Drove to Shelley’s for Christmas Eve. Drove with Shelley’s to Mom and Dad’s for Christmas day. Everyone but Jamie’s was there. Drove back with Shelley’s and then drove to Jamie’s for Boxing Day. Great to see all the nieces and hang out with the family. Bought a computer.
To all my friends and family and to my Lord – thank you for a wonderful year of friendship, challenge, determination, wonder, thrills and life change. To God be the glory!