Moving Doors

I've had a very busy last couple of days! I've started school again this week. It's been a gradual start this week....I've been taking on more and more every day. I've started to train myself to be up at 6 every morning, and get a good start on the day. My morning system from last year is just a little bit thrown off because of the crutches, but I've been working on it.

I had my re-evaluation appointment for my ankle yesterday......it turned into a very long day with lots more appointments scheduled but I still don't have the answers I wanted....like, "WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY ANKLE???" The doc said I needed to stay on crutches for another 3 weeks, and then we'll have it x-rayed again. And I'm set to start physical therapy in October.

We had it x-rayed yesterday, but they said they couldn't see anything on the x-ray....but the one i had 2 weeks ago showed SOMETHING. He said it could be a subtle fracture....or some other big scientific word, but I think it is basically a really bad bone bruise (that could require surgery if it doesn't heal right) or it could be a bone bruise that is healing right and won't require surgery....I don't understand it all. But I'm looking at crutches for another 3-9 weeks.

But what I do understand is that I'm out of football for the season :( I went and talked to coach after the appointments and let him know. I'm not real happy about it....but life goes on. One door closes, lots more open. I just need to keep moving and not get stuck in the closing doors....if that makes any sense.

Never Forget

It gets me choked up when I stop and read the stories of the heroes who died in the 9/11 attacks. But it also gives me hope. Because it didn't matter if someone was a Christian or a Muslim, a Republican or Democrat on 9/12....we were all Americans. It's sad to me that it takes something as terrible as 9/11 for us all to remember that. There is something more to us than our differences. There is a hero inside of every American that unties us all in the face of danger.

We can never forget the fallen of 9/11, or those who continue to fall in the War on Terror. We're all Americans.

The Good Samaritan strikes again and again

It's a Thursday night (Japanese lessons night) and so mom is at the house with lessons till around 7-7:15. Practice end at 6. So i went over to the Mokuteki to get some dinner. It is next to impossible to carry anything in my hands when I'm trying to walk on the crutches. So i leaned the crutches against the wall and limped around getting what i needed. One of the employees, on seeing me getting up to get my food, said, "I'm sick and tired of watching you limp all over the place. Give me your receipt and go sit down." Probably the best service I'm ever gotten there!

And then when i was done eating, I was trying to throw my tray away (i'd grabbed my crutches this time) And then a elderly lady jumped up and took my tray from me and threw it away.

I then head over to the library to blow an hour. The Japanese libarian was like, "if you ever need anything, just let me know." And then we talked a bit about my injury etc. I'm so touched by how helpful most everyone is. The Good Samaritan struck again and again tonight....then again....that guy didn't help me when i got stuck in the door.....hhhmmm

Ever feel this way? lol

A Tale of Two Trips to the UCC

Last Monday at football practice, we were doing tackling drills. I was doing pretty good, I"d broken every tackle that day and was feeling good. But in the one tackle that i went down. I dont even know how to describe how it happened....but something bad happened to my ankle. That was game week against our rival for the championship and so I was determined to work through it.

I wasn't able to practice Tuesday, and Wednsay (my foot was still swollen) I was still limping. I wrapped my ankle and tried to practice. On Thursday morning my foot hurt worse than it did on Tuesday and Wednsay and was still swollen. So Mom and I went to the UCC. I'd torn my ligaments and the docs x-rayed my ankle and couldn't tell whether it a bruised bone or a broken bone......soooooo their remedy was to be on crutches for two weeks and then come in and get it x-rayed again and then they should be able to tell if it's broken or bruised.

This is soooo frustrating to me!! I was building up momentum again from my last football injury and now I'm on the bench for at least two weeks, or if it's a break then my season is done. In my complete and unbiased opinion.....this sucks. But at least we don't have a game for a couple of weeks and so I should be able to play in the next game.

It kinda looks like my leg was cut off....it wasn't! lol

*Sigh* I'm on the injured list again. I got hurt at practice last week.....short and sweet of it: I"m on crutches now. I'm waiting to find out if it is a broken bone, or a badly bruised bone.

In other news! lol We're getting ready to start school again! Human videos is getting ready to start. A friend is taking it over for me while I do football. I'm excited to see where this goes. I need to run and finish getting ready for practice! I'll update more about life later tonight (hopefully)

Football Mania

These last couple of weeks have been craazy! 2 a days with football is done....that was murder! This last week has been a bit saner with football, we only practiced 3.5 hours a day! lol

This is my first year to play football. Coach came and talked to me the other day and said, "You can either get little playing time on Varsity, or I can put you on JV and you'd get a LOT of playing time." Hmmmm....no playing......or lots of playing time. I'm on JV now. I'm having a lot of fun. There's not nearly as much glory or hype on JV, but the guys there aren't nearly as arrogant as the Varsity guys are and I'm learning the game and actually playing it. lol

I'm starting wide receiver. I was worried about learning the plays in time for the game (in about 6 hours) but I think I've got them all down. It really is pretty easy once you get the hang of it. I think my only problem right now is catching the ball, but I'm getting better at it.

There's a really fast update....sorry I haven't updated lately. I'm trying! I've got to run and get some school done before I need to get ready for the game.....I've got a good feeling about it.

ER

It has almost been 2 weeks since I last updated....sorry!! It has been crazy! I don't really remember what I did before this week, but this week football practice started.

We're doing 2 a days.....I was having a blast and tearing it up. I love all of the drills and how intense it is. On day two, about 30 minutes before we were done for the day, I got hurt though. We were running a play and I was playing defensive end. I saw a gap in their line and so I shot through it. Their QB jumped in front of me to block me and I slid to the left and collided with their runner back as he tried to make a run for it. We both ended up on the floor....I've heard a lot of conflicting stories from this point on.....some say I was down for about a minute, others said I jumped right up.....all agreed that when I did get up and I went back over to the line of scrimmage and lined up again. lol His face mask smacked me pretty hard in the face and I was bleeding and ended up needing to go to the ER and get stitched up.

so I've been out of football for the last couple of days, just waiting for the cut to scab before I can start doing drills again and then I have to wait till they take the stitches out of my chin till I can start tackling again. Oh well.

Youth Rally-Set Me Free

Our human video team went and performed at a Youth Rally off base, done at a local church. I love helping out with these Youth Rallies, and they love having us out to perform so it all works out great. There were a lot of changes to this one, in contrast to the one we did at the Edgren Talent Show (placed 3thd). For one, I'm the devil.

Here's the team that performed (6 others were not there last night). I'm the one with the grey jacket, Arielle is far left, and Nolan is directly to my right.

From 2010-07-30VBS_YouthRally

You'll have to watch the video to understand what is going on! lol

From 2010-07-30VBS_YouthRally

Getting ready to fight-the one in white is playing Jesus

From 2010-07-30VBS_YouthRally

From 2010-07-30VBS_YouthRally

There's my little bro!

From 2010-07-30VBS_YouthRally

From 2010-07-30VBS_YouthRally

From 2010-07-30VBS_YouthRally

From 2010-07-30VBS_YouthRally

From 2010-07-30VBS_YouthRally

From 2010-07-30VBS_YouthRally

Back at the house!

From 2010-07-30VBS_YouthRally

It was a lot of fun! A lady from the chapel did the make-up for us. She did a really good job!

VBS-Day 1-2

We're almost half way through with this years VBS at the chapel. We've got around 250 kids attending, and a lot of volunteers. We've all been really busy.

I am a crew leader for the 3-4th grade boys......needless to say, they keep me on my toes! My crew, Crew #20, and I are all going to be really tight pals by the time this is done. We all have a blast. It kinda makes me think about House of Faith. I shutter to think about how immature I was that first year with dealing with them at HOF. I'm really glad I've had so much experience with dealing with hard kids, cuz I've not lost my cool once or even been close too.

Everyone knows Crew #20 is gathering up when they hear, "Hoorah, hoorah!" shouted everywhere. When I need their attention, or we need to gather up or move somewhere, I call, "hoorah!" and they all answer with "hoorah!" until we're all together. They're awesome guys. And then when we move from station to station, we form a Kongo line and sing. lol

Day 1 Funny:
The theme was God's Word being our compass. One of my crew members looked up to me (and this was after I'd been telling them how important it is to read the Bible cuz it will give you guidance for ANY life problems you may have) and said, "So the bible is our compass?"
Me, "Yep, that's right." He then reached out and randomly opened a pew Bible and started to read. I was suddenly distracted by one of my other crew members and so I looked away for a minute or two. My attention was quickly brought back to him when I heard, "Hey look! It says sex!" I looked down and he was reading something about sexual purity.
Me, "Ahh! Give me that!"
Kid, "But why does it say sex?"
Me, "Well the Bible is about real people and life-"
Kid, "And so it has sex in it????"
Me, "Just put the Bible down, let's sing this song."

Day 2 Funny:
It was at the end of the day, and we were singing the last song before announcements and then dismissal. Well......one of the kids in the crew in front of us decided to put his gum on the pew and one of his friends sat in it. So when we all stood up to sing, the kid suddenly got really freaked out because the gum was stuck to the back of his pants and it was holding him down.
Kid1, "AHHH! somethings got my butt!"
Kid2,"Oh my gosh, what is that????"
Kid3, "haha! it's stuck on his butt!"
Kid1, "Get it off!!"
You'd have to see it to really see the full humor in this. Kid1 was trying to stand up, but the gum wouldn't let him, and so Kid3 reached across and was trying to pull the gum of his butt, while Kid2 adds in sarcastic comments throughout the process. I tried to keep it under control, but all four of us were laughing really hard.

At the Library! (this is more exciting than it sounds)

I'm sitting here at the library......I just rode my bike up to base. Mom and siblings were at a deployment camp thing, and so I was chilling at the house till I needed to head into base for human video practice. I'm glad I left early, cuz the normal 25 minute bike ride took almost an hour.

Friends had told me to hand the chains (kinda heavy, need them for human videos) off to them last night at the VBS training night. I forgot to, and so I carried them with me. They were very heavy, and cumbersome. I held the bag with chains (I was afraid it would be to heavy and break the straps) with one hand and steered with the other. It was a bit wild, and it started to rain, but I made it! And now I've got about 15 minutes before I need to go and get the practice set up at the gym. I tried to log into my facebook account, but I've completley forgot the password :(

Fishing and Human Videos

It' has been a craazy week! I'm doing the final drive for a couple of my school subjects! Whew.....I'm tired!

I finally made it and got up early so I could go fishing. I didn't catch anything, but I did get a bite this time! haha I know there are fish in there, cuz there was this monster fish swimming within a few feet of the shore.....which is when my harpoon idea came to mind. If the fish are going to cheat and not bite my hook, then I'll cheat right back at 'em! I'm now in the process of creating a harpoon.....any design ideas? I'm thinking a barbed tip so that I can pull the fish in, and not just impale it! lol

It has been really hot these last few days. We've gone to the beach every day this week. The water is cold, but that can be pretty refreshing! Mom bought some water mattresses (ever tried blowing one of those up????) and those are a lot of fun on the waves. I was on one of the mattresses and had been getting rather close to the shore when a big wave rolled over the top of my and crashed me on the beach....and then pulled me back into the ocean.....hmmm note to self: don't float to close to the shore!

I've been busy these last few days with human videos again! Cavalry Baptist Church is having another youth rally and invited us out there again about a month ago for the rally at the end of July. I've been communicating with their people the last couple of weeks: what song we're doing, the message, and then I needed to get them a copy of the script. I wrote the script, so it is a bit messy and I wrote it to read while I worked with the team. Needless to say I spent a bit of time editing the script! I sent that off to them, and now they're translating it into Japanese for the speakers.

A lot of the team (5 out of the original 10) won't be there....one moved, and four others are traveling. I'm sooooo extremely glad that I thought ahead this time and left a couple of the actors to learn all the parts, the "Jacks of all Trades," and so we've got most of the parts covered. I'm having trouble getting the last part covered, and so I think I may just grab my little brother and give him a crash course lesson this Saturday. I know he's not 7th grade or up, but he helped me write out the fighting scenes and we really don't have many other options so last minute.

And then today we decorated for VBS.....more details to come! It is going to be awesome!

School!

It's been a pretty slow, but somehow busy week! I'm pressing to get done with math by the end of next week, science is giving me some problems and so it is likely it won't be till around August that I'll be done with that :(

I've tried these last few mornings to get up 5; I was planning an excursion to the pond where I'd sit and fish for a couple of hours before the day started.....I attacked the alarm clock the first morning and went back to bed. The second morning it was raining, but I was awake! And then last night I just decided to go to bed and not try....but I woke up at 5:30 on my own. Weird. Maybe I'll try Sunday morning.

I'm going paint balling with the youth group tomorrow! And then after paint balling I'll run over the gym and get cleaned up and join the family. We are going on an ITT tour to see fireworks in Towada. I'm sure pics will follow!

I've been working my way through Crime and Punishment. That is a really good book! It is kinda dark, but I'm finding it very interesting. Yet at the same time, kinda disturbing. I've enjoyed comparing it to other "deep" books I've read this year, and seeing the similar technique that Dostoevsky and Victor Hugo used in their novels.

For the best books that I've read this year, Crime and Punishment ranks in the top three (with Pride and Prejudice and A Tale of Two Cities). All three are really good. Crime and Punishment is by far the most thought provoking though.

Random sightings

Saw this sign at the Morioka Zoo (a long post will follow :). It really is a good thing they had this sign posted, cuz who knows, I may have started to smork.

From 2010_07_05_zoo

We saw this old Orthadox looking church while lost in Morioka City, which was a bit of a zoo for that matter.

From 2010_07_05_zoo

Wandering Around Japan

A science experiment needed me to go and collect some leaves from trees in the area. During my search for leaves I found this picturesque Shinto shrine.....I really need to start taking my camera with me, because all I had was my cell phone. So I took pictures with the cell phone and then took pictures of the cell phone's pictures with Mom's camera. That is why they're kinda grainy. lol

From 2010_07_01_museum_games

From 2010_07_01_museum_games

From 2010_07_01_museum_games

Last Saturday I went with the youth group up to Aomori Christian center to help clean up the place (Cavalry Baptist sent a group as well). WOW! there was a lot of work to be done! And there was a lot of poison ivy and and poison oak. We did a lot of different stuff...from clearing brush to mowing 6.5 acres of grass with a push mower......it looked sooo funny to see five guys all pushing mowers in a circle on the same plot of grass!

It was a lot of work, but I had a blast! Hopefully pics will follow later!

Human videos is basically done for the summer. We will perform Set Me Free at Cavalry Baptist' youth rally for the Japanese at the end of July, and then we'll be dormant till school starts again. *Deep breath of relief* it has been a lot of work! But the team is awesome, and I'm going to miss it for the summer :(

This and That

I've been enjoying partial retirement.....I've had a lot of free time lately. Mostly I've been working out and chilling with siblings

From 2010_07_01_museum_games

We ran to the mall to get some dinner the other night (mom was at meetings all day, and we forgot to start the charcoal). It is funny to see Japanese on ToyStory! haha

From 2010-06-23_shimoda

From 2010-06-23_shimoda

Hey!

WOW! It's been a while since I've updated! I've been extremely busy, but here is a recap!

I got my drivers permit last week, and drove for the first time on Sunday. I can't really say it was hard getting used to driving on the left side, cuz I've never driven on the right side. lol I didn't run into anything or kill anyone, so I must be a natural ;)

I finished the core of my school work this week! It has been a super long drive, but I'm finally done with the core. I should be done with math and science in a bit, and I've got a couple of weeks left in PowerPoint. I'll be doing piano and Japanese lessons throughout the summer. I'm also finishing up Crime and Punishment, that's a deep book!

A couple of Japanese guys were at the neighborhood basketball hoop on Sunday. I went out and asked to play with them. They agreed (at first they thought I was coming to kick them out of the sub-division). I speak a bit of Japanese and they speak a bit of English, so we were able to communicate a bit. I told them my name, they told me theirs. It was pretty cool. and not that it matters or anything, but I beat the two of them 34-26.

Hmmm....we junked the hiace and bought a friends car, they were moving. Human videos is taking a recess until July, but we've got a very busy month coming up.

Saturday!

We went geocaching on Saturday. That was the first time that we've tried it without Dad or Cy to work the GPS, but we managed and found two! It took us down to the coast and then back into town.

From 2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

Zander found it!

From 2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

After we found the first one we walked around through the woods by Veedol beach...that's not the actual name of the beach but it has Miss Veedol's replica sitting out there therefore it is Veedol beach. lol.

From 2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

From 2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

I'm collecting bamboo rods for my own secret plans *evil laugh*

From 2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

We also found the original runway that Miss Veedol took off of. It was pretty neat. There was a Japanese man out there pulling plants off the side of the path and bagging them up. At first I thought he was weeding, but then I realized he intended on eating those plants. He said it was "oishi," (delicious) mom tried eating one there but didn't really like it.

From 2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

Haircuts!

I rode into the base on Saturday to get a haircut....but this time I was armed with a picture of how I wanted it done...oh yeah.

2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

I walked up and showed the elderly Japanese barber man the picture...he looked at, then at me, then he gazed off into the distance and said firmly, "NO." He tried not to smile, but there was a slight smirk as he cut my hair. And then afterwards he asked to see the picture again and then he went and showed it to another barber who busted out laughing. Ahhhh good times.

Adventures in Japan

Deep Breath! Mom is back! It was a really long week, but the folks at the chapel really took care of us while she was gone. She got back last night.

The human video team also performed in the high school talent show, we placed 3thd! I'll see about getting some pictures and a video later.

I started working on school again today, and got a lot done. I was feeling tired and so I decided to make an excursion to the ocean. It's a really pretty bike ride! As I got closer to the coast everything started to get really foggy and grainy; it looked really neat as it shifted across the rice fields though.

The beach was pretty foggy, I walked along it for a while and took a couple of pictures and collected some stuff along the beach.

I climbed out onto the wave breakers, and there was a big splash right behind me as I took the picture, and it kinda startled me! That's why I'm looking to the side

From 2010-06-10

From 2010-06-10

It was really relaxing and I felt refreshed and ready to take on life again when I got back. I also found a long bamboo rod in the wave breakers. I asked a Japanese dude out there (he was golfing on the beach.....hmmmm interesting) if it was alright to take it. I'm not entirely sure we completely understood each other but he said to take it. Getting it home was a bit tricky! I felt like a knight...but I'm sure I looked like a clown with that big old rod tucked under my arm! lol

Washington, part VI

After the war had been won, the Americans were governed by the Articles of Confederation. They discovered that this form of government wasn't working and so they held a convention, the Constitutional Convention. Washington was chosen to be the President of the Convention. Many of the delegates were getting angry with one another and the whole convention was on the point of falling to ruin when Benjamin Franklin stood up and suggested prayer. Everyone agreed they needed to pray, except for one man who rose to oppose it. It is said that "Washington fixed his eyes upon him with an expression of indignation mingled with surprise." [1] It seemed natural to him that they should pray for God's help, after all, "They began with prayer, and ended in victory and thanksgiving." [2] Washington considered prayer of the utmost importance for the individual and the nation.

Washington was concerned about the morals of his army; he wanted chaplains in the military. He wanted his army to stop swearing and hoped that his chaplains and officers would influence the rest of the army not to swear. Even during the heat of war, he made sure Communion was available.

He cared for the poor and supplied many young men with a chance to get an education. He made huge donations to charitable causes. He would go the local baker and tell him that whatever the poor wanted of his bakery that day to give, and he would pick up the bill. One of his life mottoes was, "Deeds, not words," and his deeds prove his sincere heart.

Another proof of his humility, and pure patriot intentions, was when he returned all the power given him by Congress at the outset of the war. This move startled most of the European courts; they expected him to claim absolute power. But he didn't. He resigned, and he intended it to be one of his last public acts, but he had one more to make. "I consider it as indispensible duty to close the last act of my official life, by commending the interest of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God."[3]

Washington then went back to his long absent Mount Vernon and private life. The transition went fairly well; every now and again he would wake up in the morning and start giving commands for his army and then remember he was home. He was bombarded by letters and visitors, all thanking him for the service had rendered to the young country. He was happy, and planned on living the rest of his days peacefully on Mount Vernon with his wife. But God had other plans for him. In 1789, by unanimous vote, he was elected the first President of the United States. Washington didn't want to return to public life, but another of his mottoes was "for God and my Country," and so he accepted after he realized it was his duty.

He warned that he had no political skill and that, "integrity and firmness are all I can promise; these, be the voyage long or short, shall never forsake me." [4]

What more can we ask of our leaders? His first term provided many difficulties for him, but he steered with a steady hand and a unshakable trust in God. The very first thing he did as President was to pray. "In this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being….that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States…..No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States."[5]

Washington set the tone for what future presidents should be like. He pursued a fair policy towards the Indians, and said that, "As Americans were more powerful and enlightened than the Indians, they ought to treat them with kindness and liberality." [6]. He also had to establish to the world that America was a sovereign nation. Washington set a moral example for the Americans; he went to church every Sunday, and observed a day of rest. He was punctual to the second and always had a kind word for a passing school child. He was loved by all of the Americans, and easily won a reelection for a second term. When he was at the height of his power, it was suggested to him that he take the title of King, he was disgusted. "Be assured, no occurrence in the course of the war has given me more painful sensations than your existing information of there being such ideas….I must view [it] with abhorrence, and reprehend with severity." [7]

During the second term of his presidency, the French Revolution broke out. America was divided on the issue, some wanted to join the French in the wars it had started with her neighbors, but others wanted to remain neutral. Washington decided it was in the best interest of America to remain neutral. France urged, and threatened America to join them. The British threatened no matter what. He was not shaken. He wanted world peace but knew, "that this could be effected only by the universal influence of the precepts of Jesus. "[8]

At the end of his second term, he decided he was done. He retired to Mount Vernon again where he lived out the rest of his days and died a happy man, 1779. The way he lived his private life is possibly more teachable to us than any public act or legislation that he signed into law. He was humble, trusted God, loved his wife, and loved his country, but more importantly, "he was a Christian."[9]
[1] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p216
[2] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p51
[3] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p205
[4] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p217-218
[5] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p 222-223
[6] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p237
[7] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p269
[8] The Life and Writings of Washington (Jared Sparks) found in the Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p270
[9] The Life and Writings of Washington (Jared Sparks) found in the Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p273

Bikes and Baby Ponies

Some friends gave Stacia one of their old bikes. It's a bit big for her, but she took to it really well! But first I needed to check it out! lol

From 2010-06-01

We picked up some training wheels and I tried to put them on. I did pretty good at first, but somehow there was spare parts and then later in the day one of the training wheels was upside down, so I'd say I didn't figure it out completely! lol

From 2010-06-01

An anxious rider!

From 2010-06-01

A new addition to the block! Its name is Sakura (cherry, cuz it was born during the cherry blossom time?). I'm not sure what I call it though...I've been informed that it is wrong to call it a baby pony though.

From 2010-06-01

I rode my bike out to the ocean the other morning. It was really relaxing! I climbed out onto the wave breakers and sat and read for a while.

From 2010-06-01

The rice growing process continues to intrigue us! And yes, those are ducks swimming on the rice paddies! lol

From 2010-06-01

We've had a really busy week! Yesterday, the human video team had a dress rehersal for the talent show, which is tomorrow. This probably will be it till Monday or Tuesday, as we'll be staying with friends for the weekend.

Sunday!

The weather has really been nice these last several days and so we've been enjoying the sun!

Lunch outside the bowling alley

From 2010-05-30

hmmm...inside the bowling alley!

From 2010-05-30

Arielle said she doesn't understand how I managed to tie the game, but hey, I've got some really good form and stlye!

From 2010-05-30

Just as a side note, I didn't realize that all of the pics were of me till just now, after I've already shut down the pictures etc! lol

From 2010-05-30

Stacia bowling backwards!

From 2010-05-30

From 2010-05-30

Ready for the cool part? All of that was free! This base really does take care of the deployed families pretty well.

Washington, part V

The American army would split into three divisions. Washington would command one division and cross the Delaware and then split into two groups, and attack Trenton from the west and north. The other two divisions were to cross the Delaware at different points, one was to secure the bridge, and the other was to put pressure on the British in Burlington. The night fixed upon the attack was Christmas night and was bitterly cold. Sleet and snow fell on the poorly clad Americans as they forced their way across the Delaware. They surprised the British garrison at Trenton and took the town easily; taking over a thousand prisoners and all of the military stores there. The other two divisions hadn't been able to cross the river and so Washington decided to re-cross to safety. "Wisdom to plan, and strength to act, were given to him by the mighty God of armies." [1]

The results of the Battle of Trenton were far reaching. First, it reminded the British that the Americans were still fighting. It also lifted the spirits of the American forces, and the following spring saw no problems for finding men to enlist. It also ended that year's campaign on a good note for the Americans.

The winter proved to be extremely hard on the Americans, but they bore their trials with stoic bravery. Washington often marveled at the fact that there weren't any mutinies that winter.
The following spring didn't go well for the Americans. The British chased them all over the colonies. The British captured city after city, steadily forcing the Americans back. The situation looked very bleak for the Americans. It was also very trialing for Washington, who was responsible for so many young lives. His faith in God never wavered though. "My only hope is in God." [2]

During the following winter of 1777, the French, eager to get back at the British for their humiliating defeat in the French and Indian War, joined the Americans against Great Britain. Washington was overjoyed, he knew they needed help. "By order of Washington, the several brigades assembled, and their chaplains offered up public thanks to Almighty God for His mercies."[3]

The next several campaigns, with the aid of the French, turned the tides for the Americans. There were many setbacks, and defeats, but the Americans were winning now. On October 19th, 1781, the British general Cornwallis surrendered to Washington at Yorktown, thus winning the war for the Americans.

Trials prove the mettle of a man, as we see with Washington. Throughout the entire war he never doubted God. Washington looked at the events of the war and plainly saw God's involvement. "The hand of Providence is so conspicuous in all of this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude to acknowledge his obligations."[4] So said the Father of our Country. He didn't claim honor for the victories of the American army, he was a humble leader.

There were some instances in the war, when the more glorious option was not the wisest route. He always went with the wise options. At one point, all were urging him to make an instant attack on Philadelphia. He decided not to attack after sizing up the conditions of both armies. "His steady mind was not dazzled by the idea of the praise he should gain by success, and he persevered in resisting public clamor." [5]

Washington had an explosive temper, but he worked to control it, because he respected the Bible, ("Be ye angry, and sin not.") but also because, "he knew he could not command others so as to have their respect, if by the indulgence of passion he proved that he could not command himself."[6] He learned to control his temper, we know this because the army, and the Americans, all looked up to and respected him. One militia officer said this of Washington, "I shall never forget what I felt when I saw him brave all of the dangers of the field, his important life hanging as it were by a single hair, with a thousand deaths flying around him. I thought not of myself. He is surely Heaven's peculiar care." [7] Years later, as President of the United States, he was greeted on the street by the children as, "Washington," not "President," and he would always stop and talk to them and give them some kind words. They truly respected and admired him.

Washington always prayed for the victory of his armies and for the guidance of his nation. When both were granted, he thanked God. He made it a daily practice to read the Bible and pray. Robert Lewis, his nephew, several times accidently happened upon Washington during his morning devotions, "on those occasions he had seen him in a kneeling posture, with an open Bible before him," and he, "believed that to be his daily practice." [8] During the long years of the war, he always prayed. One man was walking through the woods when he heard the sound of low talking. He decided to investigate and saw Washington, "engaged in prayer, he quietly passed on, that he might not disturb him, and on returning home, told his family he knew the Americans would succeed, for their leader did not trust in his own strength." [9] Or another time, an officer was going to deliver papers to Washington, but heard voices within the room. He stopped to listen, and quickly realized Washington was praying. "I knew this to be his habit, and therefore retired with the papers in my hand." [10]
[1] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p85
[2] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p91
[3] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p115
[4] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p126
[5] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p105
[6] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p62
[7] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p88
[8] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p272
[9] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p118
[10] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p119

Washington, part IV

The Americans formed The First Continental Congress to resist the embargo on Boston. All thirteen colonies sent delegates. It was soon apparent that the only way to gain their rights was to claim independence from Britain. They appointed George Washington the Command-in-Chief of the American forces in 1775. July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed by some of the delegates, the vast majority signed later in August. By fixing their signatures to the Declaration they were signing their names in treason, and they all knew it. But they were resolved. "And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." [1] They put their trust in God and prayed for victory.

The British commander in Boston decided to try and break up the stockpiles of American weapons. He sent his army to seize a stockpile in Lexington. The Minutemen, local militia, rushed to meet the British. The leader of the British expedition ordered the Americans to disperse. They didn't. Someone, maybe British, maybe American, fired a shot and the Battle Lexington and the American Revolution started.

Washington left Mount Vernon to take command of the American army; he doubted his ability to win the war. "I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with."[2] But it was the wish of his countrymen that he lead them, "and he did so, with an earnest desire not to disappoint their confidence, and an humble trust that he should have the blessing of God." [3]

The task before him was a hard one indeed. The British army was well trained and the soldiers seasoned, plus there was a lot of them. The American army, by contrast, was scantily armed and clothed. In addition to this, soldiers served short enlistment times, meaning the army was constantly changing its features. Washington wrote to Congress about the American army, "these situations are melancholy, but nevertheless true. I hope for better."[4]

The Americans enjoyed brief success at the start; they freed Boston and held their own at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The British controlled the seas and could land soldiers anywhere along the coast, however. One thing Washington had learnt from his time in the French and Indian War was that by avoiding pitched battle, a small band of troops stood a better chance of victory against a larger army.

Washington and the army stationed themselves at Long Island; where they anxiously awaited to be attacked. The British landed a large force on Long Island, trapping the Americans forces on the island. Washington was determined to avoid open battle when the odds were so against them. He also knew that if the American army was killed at Long Island, the hope for freedom would die with them. "The fate of unknown millions will depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army. Let us rely on the goodness of our cause, and in the aid of the Supreme Being."[5] He decided to evacuate the army from Long Island.

It was very risky; he would have to load his whole army onto boats and then get them pass the British warships to the Continent. As night approached they realized that, "a kind of Providence favored the Americans with a night so dark, and a morning so foggy, that though their enemies were within a hundred yards of them, they did not know the movement they were making until they were beyond the reach of their guns."[6] Washington was in the last boat to leave. There are many examples of God intervening for the Americans throughout the War. Rivers would suddenly flood as soon as the Americans passed over, stopping the British. Or storms would throw the British fleet off course and damage them. "For they never would have succeeded in defending their rights, unless the mighty hand of God had upheld and guided them."[7]

The British pursued Washington, who kept retreating. One officer, getting discouraged with always falling back, asked Washington how far they would run. He replied, "To Virginia, and if followed there, over the Alleghany Mountains, and try what we can do there." [8] The rest of the year went the same until winter. The British decided to winter at Princeton, New Jersey, and were warm and comfortable. The Americans sat out in the cold ; their suffering was great. Most of them didn't have shoes, and none of them had winter clothing; in addition, they didn't have much food. Morale was low, and so was reenlistments. Washington was concerned that there wouldn't be any enlistments in the spring. And so he formed a daring plan.
[1] Declaration of Independence
[2] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p60
[3] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p61
[4] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p74
[5] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p74
[6] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p75
[7] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p50-51
[8] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p81

Washington, part III

Sadly for the British soldiers, their general wouldn’t listen to Washington, who knew how the French and Indians fought in the woods. He suggested to Braddock that he and his Virginians comb the forest before the British tried to cross a river. Braddock was offended and ordered his men to cross the river. The French and Indians attacked suddenly; the ambush was devastating. "In vain did their commander, and the undaunted Washington, endeavor to restore them to order and prevent their flight." [1]

The massacre of the British was terrible, "The slaughter at the Monongahela River continued for two hours. By then, 1,000 of the 1, 459 of the British soldiers were killed or wounded, while only 30 of the French and Indian Warriors firing at them were injured."[2]

The British were easy targets, especially their officers who rode on horses to distinguish their rank. "One by one, the chief's marksmen shot the mounted British officers until only one remained." [3] This one officer was Washington. The Indian chief ordered his braves to bring down the last officer. They fired again and again. Twice his horse was shot out from under him, and twice he remounted, four bullets pierced his coat, and several grazed his sword. The Indians were at a loss. "His safety in the midst of such attacks, astonished his savage enemies and they called him 'The Spirit-protected man who would be a chief of nations for he could not die in battle."[4]They then grew afraid as they realized this officer was being protected by someone Supernatural. "The shield of his God protected him."[5] Washington rallied the troops and led the retreat to save the little bit of the army that was left. He was hailed as a hero by the Colonists.

Rumors started to spread that he had been killed in the battle. While writing to his brother to dispel such rumors, he wrote about his miraculous survival, "See the wondrous works of Providence!"[6]

The next British officer who took command after Braddock, he had been killed in the fighting, didn't care much for Washington's advice either. The new general decided to pull the British army out of Virginia and winter them elsewhere, leaving Virginia unprotected. Governor Dinwiddie appointed Washington head of the Virginia militia.

The following winter was a hard one for the Virginians as the French and Indians raided across the border, "whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions."[7] It was a terrible and trying time. Washington did his best, but they were hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned.

The British captured Fort Duquesne in 1758, thus securing the Virginia border. The British then went on to completely drive the French from the North American continent. Washington decided to resign again, now that the threat was over.

He married Martha Custis on his return to domestic life. He was happily married to her the rest of his life. He wore a miniature portrait of her around his neck. Through all of his dangers and adventures during the War of Independence, he always kept her close to his heart. When he was general of the Continental Army, she made it her duty to be by him during the winters and suffered along with him and his army from cold and hunger. Their marriage is truly a beautiful example of love, sacrifice, and devotion.

For some time Washington lived quietly at Mount Vernon, but events were taking place in Boston and London that would again call him to service. The British government was imposing severe taxes on the Colonies. The British claimed that it was only right the Colonists help pay for the Seven Years War. The Colonists protested; they had fought the French and Indians bravely and if it hadn't been for them, the British would have lost in the American theatre. The British government replied by imposing stricter regulations on them. The Colonists petitioned the King for relief, but he didn't listen. Instead, he raised the taxes, and started to try and take away their right to vote their own legislators into office, he kept a standing army in the colonies during a time of peace, and he took Americans from America and had them tried in Britain, and he pressed the young sailors into the British navy.

Tensions were rising and almost came to a head when a group of nervous British soldiers fired into an unarmed mob of protestors in Boston, which came to be known as the Boston Massacre. The American Colonists were furious. They stopped trading with Britain to avoid the taxes, which in turn infuriated the British. The British government then tried to tax the tea being shipped to America. Bostonians, dressed as Indians, raided the British ships with the tea and threw it into the harbor in 1773. Britain responded by putting an embargo on Boston and stationed a large body of soldiers there. The Americans started to stockpile weapons and prepared for fighting in 1774.
[1] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p36
[2] Under God (Toby Mac and Michael Tait) p11
[3] Under God (Toby Mac and Michael Tait) p11
[4] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p38
[5] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p38
[6] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p40
[7] Declaration of Independence

Washington, part II

He rapidly promoted through the ranks of the militia to major, holder of a steady salary. He was very young for such trust to be placed in his hands, being in his late teens to early twenties.

The years that he was living in were dangerous times. Europe was arming itself for yet another conflict. The French and the British both had colonies in North America; both nations wanted to edge the other out. The Americas was a plum for trade and expansion.

The French were trying to connect their Canadian colonies with their Louisianan colonies. By doing this, it would hinder British expansion and put the thirteen colonies into a deadlock . The French could attack the colonies from their entire frontier border. In addition, France had joined Austria, her traditional enemy, along with Russia and Sweden, to bring Frederick the Great of Prussia back to size. Great Britain jumped on board with Prussia, with Spain joining later on the French side. The war in Europe, 1756-1763, was called the Seven Years War; the American colonists called it the French and Indian War. This war covered most of the globe, with fighting raging from Europe to America, from India to Africa. In all reality, this could be coined World War I.

The results this war had on American history is far reaching. At the end, with the British victorious, and the French driven from the North American continent, the Colonists were left emboldened with the fear of French invasion removed. It also gave Washington the experience he would later need while fighting the War of Independence.

The French had constructed a fort, Fort Le Boeuf, on the south of Lake Eerie, in 1753, on territory granted to the Virginian colony by King James. The governor of Virginia sent Washington to the fort to demand that they leave. "It is clear enough that Washington, despite his youth, was considered equal to his diplomatic task." [1]

Washington immediately left for the fort. The journey wasn't easy; winter was approaching. The French didn't care much about the British orders to leave their territory, and cordially refused to leave the land. They said it was part of the Old Dominion, and therefore was French. In addition, they planned to expand further as soon as spring came; Washington was sent away empty handed. The journey home nearly claimed Washington's life a couple of times. In one instance, he was thrown from the raft into an icy river. Yet, he was amazingly able to get back onto the raft, when his companion thought he was lost. "In this dangerous situation, he was saved by the protecting hand of God." [2]

Because he had done his duty so well he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Virginia's militia. The word Washington brought back raised a flurry of action from the British. Governor Dinwiddie was furious and ordered Washington, in the spring of 1754, to erect a fort on the north side of Lake Eerie and not let the French pass, and if they tried, he gave him orders to fight them.

Washington was dutiful, and thus it was he who ordered the first shots to be fired. A small French force advanced to try and hinder the building of the British fort; Washington marched out and defeated the French. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel for his victory and daring. "I heard the bullets whistling, and believe me, there is something charming to that sound." [3]
A large French force marched on him to avenge the previous skirmish. The militia weren't ready, and the hastily constructed fort, Fort Necessity, was easily captured by the French. Washington was able to negotiate for he, and his soldier, to march home with all of their weapons and supplies but they had to abandon the fort.

During the course of the next few months, the king of England ordered that any British officer would outrank a Colonial officer, regardless of his rank or experience. Washington was offended and resigned. His elder brother had just died and he inherited Mount Vernon. He was busy putting his estates in order when he was invited by General Edward Braddock, the British general sent to capture Fort Duquesne (formerly known as Fort Necessity). The way to the fort was dangerous, and many of the Indians joined the French; Virginians were brought along because they would know the way. Washington agreed and left Mount Vernon to join the campaign.
[1] George Washington (John Alden)
[2] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p30
[3] George Washington (John Alden) p27

Washington, part I

Here is my biography on George Washington; blogger has messed with the format a bit. I'll try and fix it, but I'm having troubles getting it to work with me. I hope ya enjoy!

The Father of our Country, George Washington, was a remarkable leader. He lead the Continental Army, a ragtag band of rebels, against the disciplined British Army, and won the war. He guided our young nation through the stormy seas of its infancy. He was a brilliant tactician, a fearless soldier, a daring general, a steady handed President, but more importantly, he was a devout Christian. What made him great was his unconditional faith in God.

George Washington was born February 11, 1732, in Westmoreland, Virginia. At the time nobody thought that he would shake the world; he was a Virginian colonist, not a European aristocrat. During that period, Europeans dominated the political theatre and the colonists, living in "exile" in the New World, never played a role on stage.

Washington was brought up well. His older two brothers were sent to school in England, but he was never sent. If he had, who knows how he would have developed. Washington never received much formal schooling. "He acquired none of that classical lore that was driven into boyish heads at Eaton, Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard." [1] That's not to mean that he was a barbarian; Washington was a very civil young man, "he perseveringly tried to improve himself by study, reading and practice." [2]

His father died when he was eleven years old and he inherited Ferry Farm, his father's property along the Potomac River. His mother was very dutiful in raising him, "One of the first lessons which young Washington received from his faithful parents, was; the importance of always speaking the truth." [3] And the fruits of her careful teaching was seen throughout his life. Washington was very respected at school; his word on a subject was always considered to be truthful and would end all arguments.

He applied for a commission in the Royal British Navy when he was fifteen, but out of respect for his mother, who was terrified of the idea, he withdrew his application. "He gave up his own inclinations, to promote her comfort….his filial tenderness was an example to them of compliance with the direction which is given to children in the word of God, 'Let them learn first piety at home, and to requisite their parents'….The act of filial regard which 'requited' the anxious cares of his mother, may be traced his usefulness to his country and the glory of his character." [4] He loved his mother very dearly, and she him; she was also very proud of her son, "I am not surprised at what George has done, for he was always a very good boy." [5] She trusted God to take care of him during his many dangerous adventures.

Washington didn't remain idle, however; so he occupied himself with the surveying of unsettled lands and joined the Virginia militia. A good attitude about life attracts success, as is seen with Washington.
[1] George Washington (John Alden) p4
[2] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p266
[3] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p20
[4] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p24
[5] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p210, Mary, the mother of George

George, sickness, and Homac

I've been extremely busy this week! I've had a lot of school I've been working on. I'm still editing my biography on George Washington, I'll post it probably when I'm done. I finished up my study of the Civil War. This is really a sad part of our history. It made me sick. I've got a lot of thoughts about the war, and the times, but I'll elaborate on that another time.

There has been this virus running around. It got Mom, Stacia, and Alex, but Arielle, Nolan, and I didn't get it. The three of us partitioned the house and would randomly disinfect the rooms and anywhere where the sick people may have been or thought about going. Several people brought us meals while everyone was sick, which was amazing and really tasty!

I fixed my bike the other day and went for my first bike ride in Japan! That is exciting stuff! I rode my bike down to Homac to buy chain for the human video we are working on. It took me forever to communicate to the Japanese lady what I wanted. I don't know how chain is sold in America, but here it is just one big long chain and you tell an employee how long you want the chain and they cut it for you. That's a really smart system with only one slight defect: you have to speak the language. But it turned out alright and I practically got what I wanted.

That's all the time I have for now, I need to go and start cooking dinner (Mom is at a ladies retreat).

The cheap and the legitmate heroes

I've been thinking (y'all know that is when it time to be afraid) about people and how people love the concept of the hero dying for everyone else in a story. Think about it. There are hundreds of stories, spanning from the Ancients to the present, where the hero of the story sacrifices himself for everyone else. I forget the Greek dude's name, but Greek mythology is full of examples of the story dying for his friends. Or we've got Brutus for the Romans, he threw himself into a crack in the ground to save Rome. Or when Mr. Carton switched places with Mr. Darnay and dies for him. There are literary examples throughout all of history.

We as humans are fascinated by another person dying to save others. It gets us excited. There's just one problem for all of these guys who heroically die: they're dead. I know of only one, true story, where the hero dies and then rises again. That story can be read in the Bible. Jesus paid the ultimate price, and sacrificed Himself for us. He died for the villains.

And now Hollywood is trying to get in on the action. Think about it: there are lots of movies nowadays where the hero "dies." But the sacrifice in the movies is a cheap sacrifice, because the hero never actually dies. Everyone thinks he's dead, and so they're sad, but then it turns out he didn't really die and so it all turns out well. This seems like a cheap form of sacrifice to me. The most recent movie I've seen, "How to train your dragon," (I loved it, very funny) is a good example. The hero does something brave, but everyone thinks he dies; and so they cry and get really sad. But then he shows up a bit burnt and everyone is happy again.

I'm not entirely sure where I was taking that...but its been something I've been thinking about. Hmmmm....I'll do some more thinking and then come back with a brilliant conclusion.

R2D2 and I

We bought a charcoal grill the other day. Nolan and I went to work on putting it together yesterday. After it was built, I decided to name it R2D2.

It was my first attempt at grilling while Dad is gone, and my first time ever to use a charcoal grill. It didn't go so well. I sat out on the back porch, in the rain and cold, and couldn't get anything to cook right and we lost 4 hamburgers to the fire......R2D2 and I had a bit of a rocky start to our relationship.

Paintball!!

I went paintballing this Saturday. It's been over a year since I've played, so I was a bit rusty, but I started to get my groove on near the end of the day.

I shocked everyone out there by showing up in my paintball gear....or lack thereof. Everyone was wearing vests and 20 layers of clothes...and then I show up in cammo pants and a sleeveless muscle shirt. They were like, "are seriously going to go out there like that????" I've got some nice welts!

Without going into very many particulars, the group of guys out there was rough. They also had extremely good guns.....so in a shootout between me and one of them they usually got the better (their 20 rounds to my 1 per second adds up after the first few seconds!). I did bust a move or two....like rushing a guys barricade...and then  jumped and slid on my knees while shooting and got him....very cool! lol

After paintballing, Mom and I ran to get some lunch at the BX (I was kind of a mess, covered in paint, dirt, mud, and welts). And thenI went to go mow Ch. B's lawn. After that I ran over to the chapel to load the slides for the service in the morning. I had troubles with the slides and so I wasn't able to load them till the next morning.

Mothers Day was good.