making an impact

As the days pass and the weather starts to change, I find myself in the same place that I did a week ago. And yet, I am little bit different on the inside as I was before. No more was I the same a week ago, and I will not be the same in the next passing days. Only now I can show and express my true feelings and thoughts on my experience here, on this planet. Days are fleeting and I want to remember everything that goes on in my life, especially during my transformation as a human being.

So, last week started out in a new module about Faith and Economics. This module really proved that God definitely has a hand in everything in this world. Thankfully, we only had a short True or False quiz on the book we had to read, which was pretty easy. And, the professor was really, really engaging. I learned a lot just about economics from reading the book. But, that is something that I will have to learn more about as I am more closely effected by the economy. I also gained a new sense of my Christian worldview through this module. That humans, whatever their job or occupation, are still valuable. And all people, including Christians, can greatly affect the economy. There is a lot more to economics than just the stock market and salaries. 

Before I go into the end of the week, I would like to take a moment to let everyone know that I have started the workout INSANITY, and I can just say that it is completely insane. I felt sore after doing the fitness test on Monday. And, everyday prior I have felt my body sore in some way because of this workout. I don't remember the last time I have worked out. But, i know this is good for my body and it is something that I can accomplish (hopefully). The only problem I have when doing the workout is finding that I simply do not have the endurance or energy to finish the workout. It's not that I get tired, I just run out of energy. I guess that will come with more INSANITY. 

Alright, so the last couple days have really opened my eyes to a world I was not very familiar with. After class on Wednesday, as a student class, we went to an organization called SIFAT (Servants in Faith and Technology). Basically, this organization brings in leaders from all over the world and teach them appropriate technologies (i.e. smokeless stoves, food preservation techniques, water purification systems) so that they can get their basic needs met, all while showing them the love of God while doing so. They also offer students the chance to experience what third world countries experience on a daily basis. And, it was amazing. 

First, we hiked to their Global village, having to go through "customs". (That was an experience in it of itself.) Within their Global village, there were homes fashioned from actual people from all over the world. Countries like India, Bolivia, Phillipines and Nigeria were represented there in forms of homes. Initially, we did this activity called the Grain Challenge and got into seven different groups representing different countries. Each "month" each country produced and consumed grain, but the problem was not every country had enough food to provide for their people. So, we had to trade with other countries to get enough or they would starve for that month. This activity really showed the dynamics of food distribution throughout the world and the challenges that come about from it. 

Growing upon that concept, we had a World Feast. Not really what you think it means. Before we could get to the service line, we picked a poker chip from a bag with a different color on it: Red, White and Blue. The Red group got food. The blue group got one tortilla. And, the white group got nothing for food that night. The percentile was 13%, 35% and 50%, respectively. This simulated how many people gets food per night annually throughout the world. Of course, I was in the White group and didn't get food that night. This experience was very eye opening as most of the people don't get food each night. I am on the Daniel Fast and I still get food! (But, as it turns out, they had enough food for everyone and provided food for those who want food.)

That night I stayed in the Phillipines, which was made completely out of bamboo. This sounds really cool in theory, but it was rough sleeping on rows of bamboo. The next morning, we learned about gender roles. The women went to cook breakfast while the men went to work. About half the guys and I went to go build a fence around a spring. We got to cut down trees and weave those trees into post we also had to cut. I thought that was really cool. After breakfast, we left the village to stay in their lodge. This was, of course, comparatively better than sleeping in the bamboo house, but still shows a lot about the comforts of my lifestyle.

Later that night, we got to experience what it felt like to live in a slum. A slum is an area of a city where poor people live and the buildings are in bad condition. I knew that the US had some but never really knew what it felt like. For the experience, we were split into group (or 'families') and walked to their 'mock' slum area. There was trash everywhere with a couple rows of tins house making this little slum area. Our 'objective' for the next three hours was to get basic needs met, get water, food and shelter. As a family, our initial plan was to get shelter, then water, then food.

But, that quickly changed as you had to rent out a 'home' from Hector, a person who owned the homes in the slum. In order to rent, you needed money, so we had to go to work. So, basically for the next three hours, we were getting odds-and-ends jobs just to get enough money for food, water and shelter. At one point, a shopkeeper in the slum had a barrel of various wire and would pay for the copper wire inside the insulation. The atmosphere was definitely dark and depressing as we were doing this at night. It really showed me a lot about peoples character and what people go through on a regular basis while living in a slum. 

At the end of the three hours, we had enough money for rent, food and shelter, but we did not have enough money for protection. We had the option to pay the 'slum keeper' to keep us safe. That was an experience I was not expecting. I really did not see that coming. For that actual moment, I forgot about where I was and believed my life was in danger in the slums. However, thankfully, this was simply a (very-moving and powerful) simulation and we got to go back to the lodge after it was over. But, that experience was absolutely stunning and bewildering. I would love it if everyone had to experience those three hours just so that they know how people live throughout the world. 

Alright, well I am finally getting around to posting something. I'm trying to do something every week, preferably on Saturday. It's getting kind of late but that's okay. I am usually up like this every single night. 

Monday started a new discipline that I am not used to at all. Pretty much, as a class, we decided to do a fast fashioned after the Daniel of the Bible. Basically, we can only eat fruits, vegetables and whole foods while we are on the fast and it is only for a 21 day period. Basically it is a time where we can draw closer to the Lord and learn something new about the life of Daniel and how we can live out his life in our own lives. Personally, I want to learn more about the life of Daniel and fashion my life after his. I don't know a whole lot about him and this a perfect time to do so. Overall, eating only certain foods is definitely a challenge but I want to focus my attention more on what God is doing in my life than simply eating certain foods. That is my goal for the next week.

On Sunday, I got to hear Nolan preach! It was great to see us as a community come and see our brother in Christ preach on something very applicable in everyone's life. Funny thing was he preached in a Methodist church. I have never been in a Methodist church so it was a great experience for me altogether. I thought Nolan did absolutely wonderful, with much room to grow and learn how to speak the Word of God to people. He is definitely meant to be a preacher. Only God knows where his life is going and I know it will be great. 

Another amazing thing that happened (but not necessarily something I would ever want to do again) was a project our C-Group had to work on and present within a 24 hour period. Initially, I didn't know what to think about the project and knew that other members on our team was stressed out about the project. We had never done anything like this before and we had to complete it no matter what. Compared to the other presentation we did the day before, we were forced to work together on the project to complete the task. So, as a group, we worked on the project together, fed off of each other's ideas, stuck through the pains of staying up pretty late, and, ultimately, had a great project we presented to the group! We really bonded as a C-Group together and learned so much more about each other through this experience. I even learned a little about myself through the project. God is working in our C-Group and I can't believe that we are already growing closer together. 

Finally, over the last couple days, we had to put on a little community project for some children in an International Village in Georgia. On Friday, we all got training for what to do and some things that Winshape Camps do to put on at camps. Honestly, I really was excited to see what God was gonna do today through our lives as we served the community. And, I have to say that I had an amazing time! I was in charge of the sound system (all the speakers and equipment) and I got to be the MC of the day, which I had an absolute blast doing! I really enjoy being in front of kids and being goofy and having a great time. The kids were absolutely fun to be around and a joy to pour our lives into theirs. These kids came from all over the world, only coming to the US as refugees. Even though some of them did not know how to speak English, we could still show them love in mighty, mighty ways. I can only praise God for the day that he gave us to pour into those kids lives. 

The last couple weeks have been completely uplifting and powerful in my life. Words cannot describe what I have been learning here at IMPACT 360 and I am so thankful for God everyday for being here. A lot has been going on and I have a feeling that this post will be kinda lengthy. (And, I really need someone to hold me accountable to writing in this at least every week. It's so hard to remember to get it done. This is something for my family, supporters, future students, and also me. Just gotta remember to do it.)

Alright, well first I really want to emphasize the community that I have come to know and love very dearly. Recently, one of my peer's mother passed away from two strokes within a 24 hour period. Even though none of us knew her mother personally, as a community, we were all affected by the loss. We were all praying for Anna, her mother and her family. We all came together to love on Anna and her family and actually went to her mother's life celebration service. One thing that struck a cord with me is how well our class came closer together because of this. I am thankful, so thankful, everyday for these people I get to call my family, my community. 

Last weekend, we had our first break from IMPACT. This was a time to simply get away from school and be with our loved ones and all that. Unfortunately, I was not able to go home. I had to find a place to stay the weekend. But, thankfully, Tripp's family welcomed both me and William into their home for us to stay. The entire break was very relaxing and restful, though we had a book to read and a (modified) précis due the we got back from break. Tripp's mother, Mrs. Amy, even decided for us to go on a little trip to North Georgia, where we got to do some pumpkin picking, have a hay ride, and go on a trial to a beautiful waterfall. I had a ton of fun and really appreciate Tripp and his family for accommodating us. (Oh, and did I mention that the new Pokemon game came out during that weekend? POW POW)

Coming back from break, we talked about worldview a little bit more. We started to address other worldviews and how they are, essentially, flawed. But, starting the beginning of class, the professor, Dr. Gentry, basically broke everything we knew about our confidence in our faith. He called us moral relativist and basically made us feel like we didn't know anything. But, because of that, he was able to strengthen our Christian worldview completely and give us much insight into all that we are and what we believe in. I really enjoyed the class. 

Finally, I really want to talk about the best part of last week: Preview Day. My preview day was one of the most memorable experiences today, and it also changed how I lived life. And now, we get to provide preview days for future students. And, I had a ton of fun! Our C-Group had the job of creating the student activity everything had to be a part of. We decided to go with a pumpkin carving contest and I completely enjoyed every part of it. And, I think the preview students also enjoyed it. What's also cool was we got to meet some of the alumni from last year and previous years and it was great simply talking to them and being able to hear from them. 

I had a lot of fun these past two weeks and hope can give some more of my inner thoughts next time. Until then, God Bless.

Another two weeks and I finally get around to posting again on this blog. It's very inconsistent but I feel that it's the best I can do in these circumstances. Ha. These past two weeks have been a blast! I probably should do this every Saturday, just to be consistent with those weeks events and the happenings of that week. 

Last week, we talked about Intercultural Studies with a wonderful professor. She gave a lot of perspective on the life in Brazil specifically and things that we should look out for to not offend the culture altogether  since we are going in January. I am pretty excited for that! Definitely should keep up with the Portuguese lessons to prepare. Also, we had a formal dinner lesson on how to eat in formal settings. That was very informative and helpful. Then, we got to partake in a Formal Dinner, where we all got to dress up and eat properly. What made it great was the people that were at my table! We even came up with a family tree story just for fun. I really, really enjoyed that. 

This past week was probably one of my favorite weeks so far. We got to go backpacking in the woods of Alabama and learn about spiritual disciplines. The professor was absolutely amazing, teaching us about the five generic places that God meets us: Creation, Word of God, Jesus, the Body of Christ and the Holy Spirit. I found that he was fantastic in relating to us and being personal in each of our lives. During the week, we had to hike, and live in the wilderness. I have been camping before but this was a totally new experience. I loved every moment of it. We even got to go night hiking in a cavern and rappelling down a 125 foot cliff. I really want to relive the entire experience again. 

During that time, we had to do a five hour solitude in the woods. First, I was intimidated by it and had no idea what I would do for five whole hours. But, afterwards, I'm glad that I got to have those five hours of solitude. I learned about God's peace like never before! I got to simply rest in the Lord most of the time, without knowing what time it was (we were not allowed to have watches). I really hope to do that again sometime soon. At another point during the module, I learned that I am very broken and only God can fix me. During a time of confession, I wanted God to reveal some sin within me, but instead He simply revealed to me that I am just broken. That's always humbling to hear that from God. 

Overall, I really enjoyed my week and could not ask for anything better! As a class, we all grew together more and learned about each other even better. Impact is doing some amazing things in my life. I can already feel it. Ha. Well, it's time for some sleep now. 

I am really inconsistent with this blog. it's a bit ridiculous but I can only get to it when I really feel like I have something to write. Or else, there would be a bunch of posts about the day and not really a reflection of what is going on in my life and the transformation being made. This is both a blog for others to read as well as a place where my thoughts can be displayed for my future reference and nostalgia. Hopefully, this blog will be here for a while for even my children to see what I did coming straight out of high school.

Anyway, I have to say, Impact has become a home for me! Since the second day of Impact, I felt like I can just talk to nearly anyone and just have a conversation with them. In a weeks time, I was having so much fun being with my peers that I almost never had before ever. This community created by being with each other 24/7 is simply astounding! Before Impact, I never really knew what it meant to be in community with other believers, being in constant union. Now, I have the freedom of being myself, being intentional in each other's lives and be a full-on Christian at the same time! Just the bonds I've formed in the last three weeks of being here does not compare to the friendships and relationships I had back home. I don't want to say that I want to just leave those I made in Las Vegas, but this community is so impactful on my spiritual and emotional life. I only wonder how much more we will be closer after these nine months living with these people! I can't wait!

But, unfortunately, there are a few that I just cannot connect with. And, it's not like it is a ton of people that I am not connecting with, it is just a couple that rub against my personality. And, for me, being here, that is slightly uncomfortable for me. Most everyone here I can just have a conversation with no problem, even some that have grown out of their shyness. But some, I can't seem to find myself relating to them. Maybe living with them for nine months will change that. God willing...

So about the classes I am taking. I am simply enjoying everything about them! Even though we have had a pretty busy schedule with going to corporate and SOs and classes. I am learning so much about knowledge, truth and faith, stuff I really never thought about or knew I could learn! The content is so rich and heavy, full of knowledge, in which some cannot even comprehend what is being said in class. And, I am loving every part of it! It's great to learn how to defend my faith, and what it means to be a Christian and to ask tough questions I don't have the answer to. I have been so challenged to think and question every part of my belief system and heart, and I am excited to see what is next. The class has been such a great experience for me, though they are pretty lengthy.

Another thing I want to address is the busyness of the last three weeks. I'm sure that this will not get much better (though they say it will). But, we always have something that we, as students, need to be conscious and aware of in the near future. Whether it be a future class, or the next assignment, or next event we are going to, we always have to be planning ahead to see what is our next task! I think the schedule, non-scheduled routine that we have is a very nice change from the summer I just had, where there was no schedule at all. Even in all our busyness, we have time to be in community with each other and intentional in each other's lives. I simply love that. And, we always have books to read. Ha. 

First day at Impact. I have to say that this experience was something that I would never expect in my life. Right now, I don't feel any different than I did than the day before. Maybe that is a bad thing, but I guess, that doesn't really matter. Hah. I'm here now and I am finally ready to start this journey. 

Coming from a hotel in Columbus, I had to be there at eleven to unpack and set up my room with my roomates. So, I get to the room, last one there, and have to take whatever I get left. My bed is the bottom bunk in the room in there is about five feet of space for my body to sleep. I was not expecting that. Not too worried about that, My parents start to unpack and set up the space. That went pretty smoothly with the other two guys, names Caleb Pineda and Matthew Guzman. I'm sure that you will hear more about them over the year. After a good 45 minutes of setting up the room, I'm standing there and I just ask if we can rearrange the room a bit. Caleb's mom is in agreement with me and we start to make this bed situation work for both of us. After a few attempts, and help of Daniel, we move the furniture around to for the both of us. I really like my room and the layout. It will definitely work for us. 

Soon after that we have a little orientation and getting know each other, which was really fun, we had dinner and had to say goodbye to our families. That was sorta rough for me. Of course, I'm not shedding a tear and my mother is balling her eyes out with my dad trying to hold back tears. They are so great and supportive, in that moment, I knew that this was much harder for me than it is for me. Right now, I'm fine and ready for the next day. And, they are not trying to let go. And, I love them for that. I could not ask for better parents. Oh! And, I cannot forget my sister who posted the most wonderful thing on Facebook and I was nearly in tears about that! My family is simply wonderful.

What's also great about today is that I get to be around people that I have been waiting to see for the longest time now. We have been talking on Facebook, well more like half of us, and it's so great to just be able to meet everyone in person and put names to faces. And, that is only like half the class! I have yet to really get to know the other part of the class and get to know everyone. Everything is about community and family here and I already love it. We can just be with each other and not worry about relationships or tension, tough I'm sure that we will still have some. I'm sure. Hah. But, like I'm finally here (and this is probably the longest post I've written in a while). 

Well, I think I have everything I had on my mind down now. Night ya'll!

I have to say that this summer has been pretty great. I didn't do the stuff we normally do in a summer - camp, camping, vbs - but, I still had an awesome summer doing a ton of other things. I graduated this year, saw my family a bunch, had a rocking eighteenth birthday, got to go to Disneyland with my best buddy, got to stay in a cabin with my family and will be driving to Georgia in a couple days. Everything seems to be working out according to God's plan and I can't help but be glad that he worked everything out. This is definitely a summer to always remember and keep in my heart for all eternity. 

But, with the close of summer, means the beginning of Fall. And, for me, that means IMPACT 360. Halfway through the summer, I received some books to read, to be exact, four books. The titles are Spritual Leadership, Kingdom Triangle, Life Together and God At Work. They were to prepare me for the first week of class, I guess. I didn't think much of them and just read them at my leisure. Until I got an assignment for one of the books. I had to write a précis on the Kingdom Triangle. And, I kinda haven't started doing the actual assignment. But, it will have to be done before I enter class on Tuesday. Right now I am reading Life Together and will have to get to God at Work as soon as possible. Even when school has not begun, I have been procrastinating. ...oh well. 

I really can't wait to finally meet my classmates on Tuesday! We have been talking on Facebook and chatting about who knows what! And, I just can't wait to be with everything finally and have a community with them like no other. I just can't wait to see how our personalities will mix and just having a good time. I'm sure there will be some highs and some lows but that doesn't mean we are already family. I know that God put me here for a reason and I can't wait to figure out why. 

Another aspect that I have to address is my suitemates and getting to Impact because they kinda go together. Basically, my family wants to see the campus and I have things I have to bring for the room and living and all of that. So, we decided we were going to drive there. Which I think will be a great time for all of us. (Oh yeah, I just got my license! Aw yeah!) And, I have been talking to my suitemates on what we are bringing for our rooms and kitchen. Yes, six guys will be sharing a kitchen. I have no idea what we are going to do with it but we are bringing things for it. It's interesting because we made a chat message thing but we barely use it to commmunicate. For me, I am always on social media checking up on my friends and family. Maybe because I live in a city-type culture. I don't know. But, I just don't want to miscommunicate something and have double of something or we are missing something. In the end, whatever happens, happens I guess. Heh. 

Halfway through the summer and I don't know when it was the last time I updated this. Hah. I guess that is what summer is for. Leisure days and relaxing nights. Surprisingly enough, this summer has been really easy and manageable, compared to multiple summer I can recall. Summer has always been a nice break from routine, if I would like to think about it that way. At least for me, its an easy escape from schedules and routine. But, the routine is something I kinda thrive on, at least in the right circumstances.

So, from what I remember, nothing much as gone down since I last wrote a post. Just recently, I received an email from Daniel Horton, a person called an SLC, Student Learning and Living Coordinator. With his female counterpart, and from what I have read and heard, they will be living with us the entire year and will become our dean/counselor/RA while at IMPACT. Which, I mean is kinda cool, three positions tied into one. He seems pretty nice, along with Karen Jordan. I'm sure I will get to know them quite well over the course of the year.

Upon meeting them, they added me to a Facebook group dedicated to connecting the new Class of 2014. I thought this was a great idea and I sorta have benefited from the group so far. For a couple days, no one really talked to each other, simply adding each other as friends and things of that sort. Pretty traditional/basic Facebook actions. But then, someone posted something, and a few of us just started to have a conversation on the comments right there. I'm sure we made about a thousand comments just talking and getting to know each other. Finally, we moved the conversation over to a chat and are talking there frequently. It's great to just talk to others before we even meet in the Fall. The benefits of technology is being shown right there.

Going back to the email I was talking about, they mentioned that I would receive a packet with some information I would have to fill out for them. Some medical forms and transportation things. But, there were also little personality questionnaire type things for us to fill out and send back. It asked basic questions about who I am, what I like to do, what are my sleeping/study habits, etc. And with those questions, they will match me with my roommate(s) for the Fall. That idea is really cool. Compared to my friends who randomly have to live with someone, they are trying to room me with someone I would be more compatible with.

As always, it has been quite some time since I have posted here. I guess you could say that a lot has gone on since the last time I was on here. And, I don't even remember when that was. 

Anyway, two days ago, I graduated with High Honors at Advanced Technologies Academy!!! It was at the Orleans Arena, and everything went perfectly. My family (some of my family) came out and supported me and the whole experience was absolutely fantastic. Honestly, i cannont believe that four years of High School went by so fast. Looking back, I would not change a thing in how things went. I had great friends, awesome teachers and a wonderful experience. (Even if, my grades could've been better). In the end, I am very satisfied with my grades and performance at the school. Especially this past year, i have to say that I enjoyed myself with my friends. I will never forget the times we had together. 

Now, I'm looking forward to the Fall. The other day, probably Monday, I received an email from the SLC (Student Learning Coordinator) from IMPACT 360. Basically, a guy that will be living on campus with the students and things of that sort. In the email was some info about a Facebook page and a packet coming in a couple days. Through the Facebook group, I was about to friend request some of the other students that will be attending the program this Fall. The realization of IMPACT is just becoming more and more of a reality every day! I am super duper excited for everything that is to come. 

So, this summer, I have to stay occupied. My dad has be reading like eight different books and I hope to get a job, plus my license. Thankfully, this year we are not doing a lot of what we did (Camp, VBS, Kansas). But, we still have to find a way to fill up that time with something. Hopefully, the summer goes by quickly.

Soooo, I have not been posting on here very often. But, there is a reason for that! Nothing really has happened specifically with IMPACT and I have honestly felt no need to be on here posting. As I get closer to the Fall and through the year, I will be posting a lot more. This is just a place for my thoughts, concerns, wonders, anything really. Just so that I can catalogue all that I am feeling now, during and after IMPACT. I have a feeling that it will impact (see what I did there) my life and I like to see the change. 

Anyway, everything has been going really, really well. Let's see. I had Finals and all that back in January. I was pretty successful with those, able to pull out decent grades. Um, school has been going pretty well. It's already the Fourth Quarter and I can't believe my high school career is almost over. Just got to get through my 4 AP Classes and make it through the year with good grades. it's so crazy like, I never thought I would actually be here now as a Senior. And, now that I am here, it doesn't feel like Senior Year at all. Time just loves to fly and I can't seem to keep up with it all. Strange....

Well. The Bible Club has been going pretty strong at this point. We now have about an average of 8-10 students that come out. Being the president of the club, it is hard but it definitely worth it. And, soon we will have to pass the torch to someone new. God willing, the club will thrive and grow from something I started back in August. 

It's funny because I have come into contact with a couple of my friends that I met when in Georgia for my interview and they are going to be with me in the Fall. Every so often I like their photo on Instagram or shoot them a text, but its so cool to see others just as excited for the year as I am. There is so much anticipation for the year, I just can't wait to be back in Georgia after almost a year of not being there. It's like what my friend Anna said: "It's like going on vacation making new friends, but we get to see each other again." That's exactly how I feel. It's really exciting. 

Looking at my friends and people I go to school with, I am blessed to say I know what I will be doing in the Fall. Most of my friends applied to 6, 8 or even 12 schools and barely getting into one of them. They are such great students and so much more academically inclined then me. And yet, they are facing rejection left and right. I'm not saying that I am better than them or anything but, I just feel that it is cool that I know where God wants me. It's something that feels completely right. Am I wrong for saying that? xD

So, the world didn’t end last Friday, which was actually pretty interesting. I got to hang with my friends, see the Hobbit and spend some quality time with my best friends, Josh (the one who wrote my recommendation for Impact. The end of the world was not so bad and we did not collectively die, which is always a plus in my book.

School finally let out on that Friday. Then Tuesday was Christmas!! Which was equally as amazing. This year, my parents surprised my sister and I with iPad minis. I was not expecting that. And, my dad decided to get the family an Xbox 360 because of the Kinect. I also got shoes from my sister, a watch and a necklace. Of course, like last year, we opened our gift at midnight. We use can’t wait in the morning anymore to open gifts. I just love to see my family open gifts together and have a good time with it. I just wish I could do more for them as they have to put up with me all the time. Heh.

Because we are on ‘winter’ break, the whole family have been relaxing a lot and just bent together. That is something that I will miss when I, one day, leave the nest. It has been nice, simply enjoys our gifts and taking some time away from everything. I even have been able to play League of Legends a little more than usually. And, I have Started a year study of reading the word in a year because of my lovely iPad here. That thing is such a blessing.

Two days ago, some family from California came out to spend a few days with us. It’s always good t see them and spend time with them. It’s always a joy to be with them. So the last couple days have been spending time with them, playground games, going shopping and eating at different places together. Even more family came in town this morning and we went to the snow at Mt. Charleston!! So much fun.

Well, we just got our information about financial aid for Impact. Because of merit scholarships and minister dependent scholarship, the cost is a little better. Now, we just finished the paperwork for FAFSA.

Well, as the title suggests, Happy New Years! Looking back over 2012, I have learned a lot about myself, the world around me and my loving God and Savior. I came from being a Junior in High School trying to figure out what to do with his life to leaving a Senior with plans to leave home and be apart of Impact 360. I had no idea I would be at the place I am today when the beginning of 2012 started.

At the beginning of the year, the Hunger Games was becoming a big thing and around that time, I began to write a lot more. A lot of Hunger Games related things. Junior year was definitely a challenge academically. I had three APs this year with the most challenging being AP US History. Thankfully, I pulled put a 3 on the test and got credit for it, even got a three on the AP Composition test. But, I failed the AP Physics B with a 2 n the test. But that is okay, I guess. Overall, I finished off the school year passing.

My cousin had his wedding and I was honored the opportunity of being one of his groomsmen. Of course, the wedding was the weekend before we got out of school, so I had fly out, my first time flying, to California. Got to hang out at his new apartment and be with family. I had a great time!

After finishing school, my parents went out to New Orleans for the annual SBC conference. So, that meant my sister and I had the house to ourselves for a week. Thankfully we still have a house and everyone alive and well by the time my parents got back. But, while they were out at the conference, my dad discovered the Impact booth and that is how we found out about the program. At the time, however, I did not the much about the program, just another thing on my list of college things to apply to.

A week after, approximately, the youth group went to Hope Camp, a camp put on by a sister/partner church. I have been going since I was a small sixth grader and have been going every year since. This year was great because I was able to with my friends and I simply had an amazing time. I changed there, I think for the better, at least. I had a great time. Being able to learn about Him and everything that he does for me. It seems that He has always been there with me, driving me, leading me, guiding me through to my entire life and I get to see what he does with this small life I call my own.

Afterward, if I can remember correctly, it was my birthday. I had a simple pool party and I invited practically everyone from church and a couple school friends. 17th birthday!!

At the end of the month of July, my family had the opportunity to go on a singing Mission Trip to Canada with Hope Church, the same church who puts on the camp. Now that trip was absolutely astounding. I got to hang out with a couple other youth that came along and we just had a blast serving and singing for The Lord. As a group we have been practicing for weeks on songs we wee going to be singing and we were able to do that. Canada looks like the US but it definitely had a different feel than the US. We did a lot of prayer walking for the area of Vancouver and but on a worship conference for a small church in a little town called Steveston, a little ways away from Vancouver. That is also the location of my favorite drama show, Once Upon A Time! We also discovered the Screamer, a mix between soft serve and Icee. It’s stunning! But, that trip taught me a lot about the hearts of the world and how hard they are. They said it takes about 9 to 12 months before they start to hear about the stories of the Bible. And this is a country bordering the US!

That trip was fantastic and by the time we got back, it was already time to go back to school. SENIOR YEAR! This year has been probably the best s far. I have classes with all the ‘popular kids’ and I get to hang out with my friends for one more year! I really enjoy all my classes and I am not have as much trouble in those classes than Junior year. That third year is definitely the toughest. But, this is also a strenuous year for all of us. We have to worry about college and our futures, which is rapidly hurdling towards all of us.

As for me, I started to think about what I wanted to do. I can remember every week my mind changed on what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. I wanted to go to California, then Reno, then Arizona. I just could not make a definitive decision. It kept changing based on what I have heard and what my preferences changed to. Finally, I decided to try out this Impact thing. I filled out the pre-application and went from there.

After filling out the entire application, I got an email to come down for an interview. This was around September and the only one I could go to was in November. So we set up the time and everything was good. But, still at this point, I still was “eh” about goi because I didn’t know much besides what it was. I went through school and did what I was supposed to do.

Finally, it came the time where I got to go down for the interview and a Preview Day. I got to fly by myself. It was very exhilarating for me and everything. The entire trip was completely worth it and after that whole experience I really a wanted to get into the program. All I had to do was get the references in and I would know if I got in or not. I had everything in and I had to wait for a youth party to get the package with my acceptance letter inside.

So, I have decided to keep a running, live blog of my walk through my life starting with an acceptance letter. A letter of acceptance to IMPACT 360, a gap year program with a mission to teach young people to become servant leaders. I wanted someway of trying to write down my entire journey from start to finish and beyond and I felt that this will be the best place to put everything. A journal would be to feeble and might break while a blog is everlasting as long as there is an Internet. And, blogging is so much easier than writing things out, in my opinion.

With that being said, welcome to my adventure.