five scores...

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:12-15

The honeymoon is great. I assume this of course, no mom I didn't get married. But I am picturing two weeks of gazing into the others eyes, watching sunsets, and parasailing over Carribean waters. You both get a nice tan, a couple lame Hawaiin shirts, and maybe some Cuban cigars for your friends back home.

Well Kaleo, the honeymoon is over.

In my lifetime I have had the opportunity of being involved in some incredible communities, been able to share in some amazing fellowship, and worship with people I would consider some amazing brothers and sisters. One thing is inevitable though; when the pleasentries are over, the smiles have finally worn off, the true community appears.

It has become obvious this past couple days that feelings of discouragement and confusion have been hampering a lot of the students out here-feelings of inadequacy, mostly from past hurts...pains. I have noticed this as nescessary though in a community. To grow a thriving and honest community you must get rid of the old soil, the unfertile grow. You must dillegently and faithfully pluck the weeds that exist. Only when the garden has become fertile and prepared can growth take place.

These last few weeks there have been many weeds pulled, both in my life and in the life of others here. Weeds I didn't even know existed, probably the deadliest ones. Luckily I have had the opportunity to continue to build into meaningful and deepening relationships with a lot of the people here. A day has probably not gone by that I haven't discovered a new aspect or new truth about the character of God.

Coming up there are a couple things that I would love you guys to pray for. This weekend there is a retreat up with my youth group, three days of pretty intense interaction. I know there are kids right now struggling with even going and if you could pray for those kids that would be awesome. Secondly, if you could just pray that we wouldn't hinder God's work in anyway, that we would be open to God's will and ours would not get in the way. It would be extremely encouraging to know that there was a community holding us up in prayer between Friday and Sunday.

God is moving in big ways in the group. I am constantly amazed at how God has used this mosaic for his glory, how kids who by the worlds standards shouldn't get along but do-it can only be attributed to the grace of God. He is so good. I want to thank you in advance for the prayer, God has been working out here in amazing ways. Love you guys and check ya later.