San Francisco 2006

I think I am becoming a running junkie. Over the past year and a half, I have really become attached to my running regime. It’s one thing, other than my devotionals, that when I don’t do it, I actually miss it. This past weekend I did the San Francisco half-marathon. It was a blast. The excitement and the energy of all my fellow runners is too difficult to explain in words.

The race began at 0530 in front of the Ferry Building (not fairy), and wound itself through the entire city. I ran along the SF Marina, then partway up the Presidio Hill, then through a park (whose sprinklers were still on because it was so early), then down along the Bay, and up another large hill until I reached my favorite part: The Golden Gate Bridge. It was awesome! I turned around on the other side and caught a view of the entire city right after sunrise. It was breathtaking. Then back over the Golden Gate, up another large part of the Presidio Hill, through little Italy and China town, ending up at Golden Gate Park.

I wasn’t as tired as I thought I would be, and regretted not doing the full marathon. I finished better than I had planned. I was able to maintain a 7:10 minute mile the entire race, running it in 1 hour 34 minutes. Out of the 3858 people that were running the first half-marathon I finished 41st, and 15th in my age group of 20-24 year olds. It felt really good. I look forward to my next race, the San Jose Half-Marathon in October!

fresh strawberries

I had an interesting encounter yesterday. I was walking through Farmers Market, a weekly gathering of local merchants in downtown Monterey, and had just finished getting some fresh strawberries and blackberries for my smoothie addiction when someone behind me called my name. I turned around to see a longtime friend, David Wynegar, who has apparently moved to Monterey while his girlfriend is studying at MPC. I was shocked. Despite the fact that neither of us knew we were out here, it was such a weird meeting! I was so shocked, I forgot to get his cell phone or any contact information whatsoever. Maybe hell be at the market next week too.

My parents came out to visit for Memorial Day. We had such a relaxing week. We spent a day and a half in San Francisco, touring everything from Alcatraz Island to China Town. We even managed to hop a ride on the trolley. We spent the last part of the trip in Monterey. We headed out to Pebble Beach for half a day, went to Bubba Gumps, walked along the beach, and just spent time enjoying each others company. We ate a lot of food (including that amazing meal on Coast Guard Pier) and laughed until my mom almost had an accident. Also, a good friend of mine from GCC came up to visit, Stephen Hinkel is his name, and serving God is his game.

Went out to the Range two weeks ago. It was at Fort Hunter-Liggett, which is about 2 ½ hours south of Monterey. We left base at 0230 in the morning (where does the Army come up with these times?!) and as soon as we left the Monterey area, the temperature shot up from 64 to 80. On the way down, we almost had a serious accident, one that may have injured or killed many soldiers. We were approaching Hunter-Liggett and getting off on the exit ramp when suddenly the brakes in our bus went out. The driver tried to pump them, but nothing happened. We continued our exit at 55 mph, flying through the intersection at the bottom (and that stop sign). Praise God though that no one was coming through the intersection, and that the entrance ramp to get back on the highway was right through the intersection, rather than a jog to the left or right. Also praise God that we were the first vehicle. If we had been any other vehicle (and there were five buses), we would have slammed into the back or side of another vehicle as it was turning at 55 mph. I wonder how many guardian angels were following us on our trip that day.

The Arabic school house that I attend issued every one of its student brand new, still in the box, Video iPod. Retail value $300. Unbelievable where the Army spends its money. It has been nice to have though.

I have so much more to write, but its late and I need to head back home and sleep. Plus, they just turned the lights off at the coffee shop Im sitting at.

20 miles a week

It is official. My fellow classmates and I are a third of the way through our Arabic program. I can't believe that in less than a year I will be home and fluent (give or take a few words) in Arabic. It doesn't seem like that day will get here!

This past week has flown by. We had Friday off becuase of a base-wide "Language Day", which was such a blast to attend. We had high schoolers and teachers from all over the country come to see how the DLI operates and teaches languages so quickly. We had teachers from as far away as Michigan and New York join us. It was great.

This past Friday I went and saw the Da Vinci Code. It was the first time that I had been to a movie that was completely sold out (our group of four had to split up to find a seat), and that had protesters and camera crews outside. It made for an enjoyable night. The movie was done really well but I recommend reading up on your church history before going to see it, as there are many blatant errors in the film. Click here for a link to some good material.

Saturday I spent with my roommate Randy. We went for a seven mile run from Asilomar to Lover's Point and back. It was a beautiful day, right around 74 degrees with a light breeze. I have really gotten into the sport of running. I run over 20 miles a week and have met a lot of new people doing so. I see people all the time in downtown Monterey that I know just because they run the same trails/roads that I do. It's like a secret little community that I never knew existed! We're all training for the same thing too, the San Franscisco Marathon. So whenever we see each other we say, "You better be training hard if you want to beat me!"
My prayer is that I can run the race of life with the same fervor and run alongside a strong group of Christians that can motivate me when I'm down and keep me accountable when I'm weak.

I think the LORD has blessed me with such a group. I have been attending a Bible study at a couple's house in Monterey for nearly three months and have really gotten to enjoy the people there. Saturday we went to see Ice Age 2 and then headed back to their house where Rich cooked us his famous BBQ spare ribs. They were delicious. Then, in a surprise move, we decided to go to the beach for a bonfire (yes at 11pm). It was such a blessing. We spent about an hour talking with each other, roasting marshmallows, joking around, and then 45 minutes in worship: Andy on the guitar and God on the drums (the ocean). I remember looking up at the stars and thinking, "If this is even a glimpse of Heaven, being surrounded by friends and worshipping you all the time, then I can't wait to get there."

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.~Ecclesiastes 4:12