This is me waiting for class to start in CST101...I checked my blog reader and read Invisible Children's recent post and news bulletin, take a look here. I was rather excited after reading about the "500,000 displaced individuals...have resettled in their original villages." That is amazing! And it looks like there might be a peaceful end to the war. I copied the post down below:

Peace Talks to Restart This Week

After being away from the negotiating table for a number of months, both the Ugandan government and LRA are ready to reconvene in Juba to finalize the two remaining agenda items: (1) a formal ceasefire and (2) demobilization, disarmament and reintegration. With Kony’s recent rash actions (killing former Second in Command Vincent Otti and replacing his representatives in the peace process), some are wary of his commitment. But his renewed involvement could be a positive indicator of his desire to come to a resolution. Read more about the talks and the implications of Kony’s actions here and here. Read more about the LRA’s preparation for the peace talks here.

Planned Attack on the LRA

For over a month, the Ugandan government has been foreshadowing a military response if Kony and the LRA do not leave the Congo and reassemble for the peace talks in south Sudan. And while all want the peace talks to come to a resolution quickly, military action is a step in the wrong direction. Many would prefer to exhaust the options of a peace process before regressing into conflict again. Reagan Okumu, a member of parliament from the Acholi region says, “Because a military solution has failed for the last 21 years, we thought that the peace process is the only [thing] we should pursue.” Read more about the response to a potential military reaction here.

Ugandan Rebels Appeal for Peace

On the same front, this Monday the LRA appealed to the Ugandan and Congolese governments not to act rashly and launch into an unnecessary military offensive. While some have accused the LRA of regrouping and traveling to Sudan to access arms buried there, the LRA says they are committed to the peace process and want to return to Juba without incident. Read more here.

Displaced Returning Home

Over 500,000 displaced individuals in the Acholi, Lango and Teso regions of northern Uganda have resettled in their original villages. It’s estimated that over 700,000 remain in the camps. Read more about the situation of the displaced here.

1st Day at CSUMB...I'm an Otter.

I had my first day of school at CSUMB today with just two classes...Writing 95 (Integrated Reading and Writing) and FYS (First Year Seminar).

I was late for my first class because I was trying to get a parking permit and Student Photo ID...lot of confusion, so i decided to quickly head to my class and deal with it later...so I went to my writing class which I think I am gonna like. I really enjoyed the discussion this morning about a particular author's opinion on how books affect on culture...interesting topic.

After class I went and grabbed a bite, checked up on blogs, and went to FYS class. It was....different. The teacher seemed a bit unorganized and showed up kinda late, but I wanna give her a chance...I mean think about it, I showed up to my first class late and I am not an organized person, so who knows we could end up getting along.

One thing I gotta do is find a coffee shop with free WiFi in the area...for my "in-between-classes" time on Monday and Wednesday...
Tomorrow I have math and a mac computer class...so it should be a very left-brained day.

P.S. Here is a picture of me during my IBC (no not root beer...in-between-classes) time.

Fight with Love

For a good portion of last night and this morning, I was thinking about the people of this world...and all of the death, destruction, confrontation, and evil that is occurring in it. I thought specifically about Burma and the genocide/war that has taken place for nearly the last 60 years. I started asking the question, "How do you stop genocide, war...or evil?"...but I thought back to a couple of days ago when I was talking to my friend and brother, John Paul. Sometimes, I can get very critical and judgmental on how people act or do certain things, and so my reaction, sometimes, is to stop it or put up barriers or rules or rebuke, which is not what Jesus came to do and what He doesn't want me doing either (John 3:17 & Luke 6:27-38). He came to love everyone...EVERYONE...my mind shouldn't be worried about ending evil, I could never do that, only Christ could accomplish that and did...I should be loving in any circumstance or situation...no matter who, when, or where.

Love Wins.

Unexpected

Last night, our usual group showed up at Fosters' and we really got to talk about some personal things relating to what each of us felt God's Will was in our own lives. A few minutes into our conversation, one of my friends comes in and mumbles something about, "...gonna need more chairs...not gonna fit." Nevertheless, we continue our talk...a few seconds later, 20 of our high schoolers waltz in and begin to crowd around and unfortunately interrupted our conversation...I will be honest and say that I was kind of bummed because I am still trying to get to know my friends better. Even though I didn't glare or sulk when they all showed up, I have to ask myself, "How should I have reacted or what was God's will for me in that moment?" and "Did I act in such ways?"

I'm hoping and praying that God will provide more opportunities for our group to grow in our relationships with one another and God. I also pray that I will act or react in ways that glorify God, no matter what happens.

Dare I say, "Final Draft"?

As every artist knows, calling any piece of work final is a bold statement, but I have faith. This is the Final Draft of our trip to winter camp (I changed some pictures in the beginning).

Parenting Tips...

This is a post for John Paul and Sarah! I figured since you guys might still be new to this whole "parenting" thing. Why not share some friendly advice?

Your welcome.

Winter Camp '08 ("First Draft" Video)

I finished putting together a slideshow/video of our weekend in Sugar Pine, and I am going to show it at the Winter Camp Reunion. So I uploaded to YouTube and I wanted my blogitizens to take a gander and throw me some feedback! Thanks.

Transluceparenseethrough Screen

I have always found these fun, so I thought I'd try it...

Leatherheads

I saw this trailer a while back and never got around to sharing it with y'all. George Clooney, John Krasinski, and Renée Zellweger...it's gonna be good! Enjoy...

My 1st Winter Camp!

Talk about amazing! I don't know if I could ever sum up everything that went on in the past few days in just one post, so I won't...I am going to make this a series of post for our weekend adventure! I thank God and everyone involved that was involved for the opportunity of going to the camp with everyone!
To start it all off, here are some photos for your viewing pleasure. I didn't really take the time to take a lot of pictures with my camera, so I have only have a select few...but I am getting many more from other people that were at the camp and went "Kodak Moment Crazy"!
The girls of the White Van!

Yucca!?!? Need I say more...(A war cry like none other)

Christian and Ethan just chillin' from a long day of icy fury

Jersahid "The Man" Lopez

The WHOLE Gang!

Sugar Pine!

This afternoon, our middle schoolers, leaders, and myself are taking a trip up to a camp in Oakhurst, called Sugar Pine. I am super excited to be a counselor for the guys cabin! Guess what?
I haven't packed one thing yet, so I gotta tackle that this morning...I won't be blogging for a couple of days, but don't worry, you have plenty of other blogs to check out! So have a great weekend and I would appreciate any prayer for the trip, the students, amazing things from God, the leaders, and above all else, that God's Will would be done!

P.S. Cloverfield came out today? Is anybody gonna see it!?

Get LOST

Alright, so we don't have ABC for our TV, therefore we can't watch LOST or Grey's Anatomy. So I went onto the ABC website to check out the new Grey's episode. And to my surprise they have all of the Seasons of LOST and I'm sure other shows as well...AMAZING! I always wanted to catch up with LOST and now I can by watching it online. Just thought I would share my discovery! And the best part is that I don't have to buy any seasons or waste any packaging, etc. YAY! Not to mention they are all streamed in HD....Here's a link.

Jon Foreman

For those of you who don't recognize the name or face, Jon Foreman is the lead singer of the band, Switchfoot. He is currently in the process of recording 4 Seasonal EP Albums, he has already released a 'Fall' album, and just released a 'Winter' album. From what I have heard on his website and myspace it all sounds good...if you have some time, head over to check him out.

Throwin' Some Blog Love...

I just wanted to let you all know that I updated my "Other Blogs I Read" list today to reveal some of the other blogs I look at that maybe you haven't checked out...this little list sits on the right of my page if you want to ever check it out. Which brings me to my next point ("...Don't do crack!" Rican Joke), if anybody has any suggestions for other blogs to check out, I would be stoked to check 'em out and who knows, I might just send you some Blog Love!

Washing Weather...

Today, Momma Ri and I washed and cleaned our cars, and I actually kind of enjoyed it, because it gave me a chance to think about things that have been going through my head. And not to mention, the past few days have been beautiful with great weather for outside activity. Yay Salinas Weather! (Warning: These are the same pictures that are on my mom's blog!)

I'm feeling super...

I saw these at Target for a good price and decided to add them to my DVD collection...So here is the question:

Who is more of a "Hero"?
Superman or Batman?

I have a Poll/Survey to the right for anyone to take just for fun...

Prince Caspian Trailer

Nothin' but blue skies...

This is yet another Salinas Sunset...this picture (from my phone) doesn't do justice for the real thing, but it still reminds me of the creation that God made for us to enjoy and be responsible for.

Fellowship

I regret not taking any pictures today, but this afternoon, my friends and I played several different games including Ping Pong, Rock Band, Halo, Wii Sports...when I play with these guys (no matter what the game is) I tend to enjoy more of the camaraderie that is made and the hilarious jokes, than the games themselves...sure its fun competing with friends, but for me I get so much more out of the bonding time with my friends.
We also got to visit our friend Katie, who just got her wisdom teeth taken out yesterday...it was good just to hangout and check on her. I thank God for days like today where I can relax and hangout with friends and family.

The Dark Knight

There's a new Dark Knight Trailer...

It Sunk In Today

I was reading Annette's blog today and this line caught my eye:

"It was so good for us to be with people that know us and have history with us, I sometimes forget what that feels like."

Ever since the move up north, I have been dealing with it pretty well...my thought process was something like- Yes, I will definitely miss my friends down in Riverside, but think about all of the new friends and opportunities that God has planned for my family and I. Anyway, I have been missing having friends that I can come to and talk about vulnerable things with in both my life and in their own. It really does take time and God to make friends like that and when you basically start over, it sure is rough.
I thank God for people like John Paul, who is the middle school pastor apart of our church, but more importantly...he is a really good friend that God has blessed me with. He has done so much for me since I have been up here...just talking with one another about life and praying, it is awesome.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I really thank God for all of my friends and family, and pray that you all continue to be blessed and be a blessing to others.

Not just any bass...

SO can you guess what I'm playing next weekend? That's right folks, an Acoustic Bass! It's actually kinda cool, I have played one before at like a Sam Ash or Guitar Center, but never with a band or anything. So this will be new for me...I am more curious about how it will sound as apposed to a regular electric bass. Thanks Mark!

I'm still reading...

Yes, I am still traveling through the bible...I got a little sidetracked with the move and the holidays (no excuse), but I am back on track now! Last night, I read about Abram and God's promise to him. Abram is an interesting guy...God tells him to leave everything basically and go where I tell you so I can bless you. So what does Abram do?
"So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him...Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his nephew, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the persons which they had acquired in Haran..." In a nutshell, he took a lot of what he had with him, but I have to cut him some slack because he did leave his country, ways, and followed this God. Pretty crazy stuff, could you imagine that happening today with someone, maybe a friend you know who might not have a relationship with God? He comes to you and tells that God wants him to leave everything and go wherever he leads. People probably thought Abram was crazy...so I ask myself: Do I seem crazy/different/joyful to people or am I just like everybody else...if I am different, what is too far? Just some thoughts...not to mention, I have been thinking about God lately as a creator. Just admiring his creation, stars, sunsets, rain, landscape, mountains, and so much more...just amazing stuff.

Rain Stick Hooligans!

All last night it sounded like a bunch of people were shaking rain sticks outside my window...and it sounds like they are still going. I tried to catch these sneaky people in the act but no dice. Just raindrops everywhere...go figure.

ONE

Took some photos of my new wrist band...if you haven't heard of the ONE campaign, then go here. If you want to help spread the word, host a banner, wear the wrist band (BTW I have 9 other wrist bands if you want to wear one), or just tell your friends about the ONE and what they are doing to make poverty history!

So This Is The New Year!

This is the gang who stayed up all night!
From left to right: Me, Ian, Westin, Jessie, and Josh

My conquering partner blowing away the competition in RISK!

At one point our fleet of yellow spread across the map like locusts!

We put up a heck of a fight for 6.5ish hours, but in the end...

The winner of RISK in 2008 was Jessie!

Besides playing the never-ending game of RISK, we watched the movie Dejavu starring Denzel Washington and Val Kilmer, we played Girl Talk Jenga (don't ask) and Catch Phrase, and of course, ate too much junk food...it was a great New Year's Party!