So it has been a while since my last post and while nothing dramatic has happened so much has changed. It is all the subtle ways that God chooses to work in our lives that really shape who we are. The day to day living defines who we are more than the major events or roadmarks. Don't get me wrong those roadmarks are important but I've learned to focus instead on taking life step by step and remembering that today is all that I have and I must make the most of it what I can.

My growth in D.C. has been slow and in subtle ways. For the first little bit up here I became very much a cynic, not trusting the establishment and people in general. While my belief regarding the proper structure of government has not changed I believe my attitude and perception has changed. It is hard to remain an idealist in a place where the reality of life is so pronounced. But God has taught me to have faith, to trust in Him and rest with confidence in the knowledge that His will will be done. There are big changes going on up here. I've said before that we are at a crossroads and the decision made in the next few months will shape the course of our nation. That hasn't changed and the decision is now before us. The question before us in whom shall we rely. Is our hope going to rest in the government or in God, that is the question before us now.

Update from D.C.

So I am at the end of one week here in D.C. Started work on Monday and had a very busy week. I am doing a lot of work with mail. It is very interesting getting to know what the major issues are up here and also what Congressman Thornberry's stand on them are. I have also gotten to do some Capitol tours and that is one of my favorite things to do (when I am working that is). It is a great privilege to work in the seat of power for what is one of the most powerful nations in the history of the world. I love getting to meet new people and talk with them. I did get to go to a briefing on Afghanistan. That was really cool. Please, in the fog of all the huge things that are happening here at home, don't lose sight of all the other issues that are really vital to this world all over the rest of the world. Afghanistan needs to be in our prayers. But don't ignore the domestic issues either. We are at a crossroads. We can continue down this path of increased government control or we can take a stand and say that we will not allow for this to happen in our time. I am really blessed in who my roommates are. They are really great guys/gals and we really getting to know each other. A couple of us are looking for a church right now. So if you could keep Kayla, Billy and me in your prayers as we do that I would be grateful. So that is about it. I am going to sign off for right now and do some other stuff. If you want to here more you can go read my blog. There is a link to it on my facebook. God bless.

My first blog, sorta

So this would be my first blog if I hadn't already written one about a story that my roommates told me. In reality none of that was my writing. I was just the scribe. So I am sitting here sipping on a glass a wine, in my smoking jacket, with my pipe in front of the fireplace in a comfortable high-back chair. My hound dog, Sir Winston, is lying at my feet savoring the warmth emanating from the glowing coals. I am currently residing at 202 East Capitol Street NE in Washington D.C. I work in the House Office Buildings for Congressman Mac Thornberry of Texas. It is very stimulating work. My days are filled with important phone calls and even more important letters. It is my job to make sure that all these correspondences make it to the proper authority. Without me the office would fall apart. I and the people like me are the mortar that hold the stones of the Capitol together, we make government possible. Ok, enough of the malarkey. I am an intern working for Thornberry in his office. I do answer phones and work with letters. But I am certain that if I were not there they would do just fine. I am enjoying my experience though. Even the mundane stuff is in its own way interesting. I mean stuffing letters isn't exactly exhilarating but as I stuff I read the letters and get a better grasp of the issues, the constituent's feelings and Mac's views on them. So I am here for 12 weeks and I am looking forward to it. Maybe you'll here more from me this semester, if time and my faulty memory allows.

Good times on Capitol Hill

"So this is how it went down. We were all standing there and we had just exited the buffet line with our steak. Four interns were standing together. So one of the interns asked another intern where did he get the drinks. Then they turned around and another intern is asking Congressman Gingrey, "where did you get that?!" and pointed at the Congressman's drink. Congressman Gingrey looks at him and said, "I don't know, somebody brought me my drink." Everyone started laughing while his friends grabbed him and ran away."

This story was conveyed to me by my roommates.