Not a 1

Still no contractions. We had a doctor's appointment this morning and Trish is still about 2.5 cm dilated. He said he expects labor to begin within the week, but we heard that last week from the nurse. They won't induce until she is one week overdue which happens to be her birthday, March 11th.

We had an uneventful, yet restful, weekend just waiting for something to happen. Trish went back to work today after 9 days off (4 work days). This week I have to weigh about 200 people and measure body fat on about 50 of them so I hope the baby comes soon so that I can hand off that task. That, of course, is the least of my reasons, but still a good one.

Not Yet!

Trish is 39 weeks today, but no baby yet. Again, it should be any day now. We are more than ready for Roxy. Trish has been fortunate to have a good, healthy pregnancy. Her biggest complaint now is her back and general uncomfortableness, but all things considered she is doing well.

Almost 3

Centimeters that is. Today the nurse said Trish has dilated 2.5 or almost 3 cm. That was exciting news to us because we thought she might not have been that far along since she hasn't felt any contractions. Oh yea, she is also 75% effaced if you know what that means. I know I didn't till all of this. Anyway, it should be any day now and most likely within the week. She says she doesn't expect us to make our next appointment (the 28th). We're ready and waiting for you Roxanna!

My Beautiful Wife

Jean-Marie sent Trish this much adored and highly appropriate shirt. Also notice, Trish got new glasses, her hair cut last week, and is wearing ear rings (and a necklace you can't see) that she made herself. Oh yea, and she is 38 weeks pregnant. All this combined with her natural beauty make me one proud husband and father-to-be.

Statement of Pupose

For my application to graduate school, I had to write two essays. I am posting one of them here because it helps explain why I chose to apply to MHGS. It is a long 581 words so I don't expect everyone to want to read it, but here it is for those that do...

Essay 1: Statement of Purpose

As I explored the option of attending a seminary, I wondered whether it would be possible to find one that would fit my desires and goals. I knew I did not want an education steeped in denominational doctrine and would only yield a head full of knowledge. I want a school where I can be transformed and equipped to effectively reach a hurting, dying world with the gospel. I believe Mars Hill Graduate School (MHGS) is that place for me.

MHGS seems to be on the cutting edge of something I see God doing in many of His people: taking them from religion to relationship. Many Christians and non-believers in this age seem to be discontent with the religiosity of their faith. These people need to be shown the beauty of a life in relationship with Jesus and a believing community. MHGS seems to be equipping Christians to do just that by contextualizing the Scriptures and engaging, with relevance, the heart of people in the culture in which they are involved.

Through my education at MHGS, I hope to learn more about my own heart. I want my prejudices, wrong attitudes and motives, and misconceptions to be revealed to me so that I may continue the process of getting in line with the Scriptures and Jesus’ Spirit. I want to become conscious of my true desires, strengths, weaknesses, gifts, and callings so that I can live out an authentic life.

As my heart is transformed, I realize my views of God will change. I hope that as they do, I will simply learn more about Him and gain a deeper understanding of His desires for us. I expect my views of others to change as well. I want to learn how to correctly read other’s stories so that I can know their hurts and joys and help them in their relationship with God. I want to learn how to better engage my culture and especially people of other cultures.

I believe my first engagement with a foreign culture helped shape who I am. When I was sixteen, I went on a mission trip with my church youth group to central Mexico. I loved every moment as my eyes were opened to a world unlike any I had never known. We would travel to a village and go door to door to invite people to our play. The play was a mime of a creative version of the gospel accompanied by a Spanish and musical recording. The defining moment came for me when it was my turn to give the altar call at the end. As I spoke and looked out at the people gathered outside this hospital, I felt so alive as I experienced God’s compassion for these people. I did not want to leave that site until our group had spoken to every last person.

I wish every Christian, especially those enjoying the riches of this life, would take a trip outside of their culture and engage a hurting, poverty-stricken culture. I believe their lives will never be the same. You can read about places like Haiti, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, but until you go there for yourself, you cannot truly know their heartache and suffering.

Through my experience with MHGS, I hope to continue to grow in my passion for God and for people and more clearly understand how to channel that passion into effectively reaching a lost and hurting world.

My Valentine

Flowers, candy, and romantic dinner. It was sterotypical, but still special because I got to spend it with the best Valentine ever.

Not So Fun

So last night was the Misawa Security Operations Center (MSOC) annual awards banquet. Boy, was that three hours I wish I had back. I already knew I didn't win Sailor of the Year so the only reason I went was because of the pleading of my supervisor who paid for my ticket. They wanted all of the nominees to be there and we were all applauded. The MSOC, where I work, is run by the Air Force and they have this horrid tradition of obnoxiously banging there spoon on the table instead of clapping. So needless to say, it was annoying. At least we got to suffer with a few of our friends at our table.

The Plan

So the tenative plan is set. We are in the process of putting in a request for a six month early serperation. We would be discharged August 6th and take an additional two weeks of terminal leave. So we would leave here in early July, go to Seattle for two weeks of outprocessing, and then settle in Seattle, and I would start school August 22nd at MHGS (www.mhgs.edu). Seattle is coincedentally and conveniently the place where everyone in the Navy from Misawa outprocesses. That is the plan for now, but it all hinges on our commanding officer excepting our request, and I really do not know the chances of him granting it. We can only pray...

5 Years of Service

Today is my five year mark in the Navy. I do not think there is anyone that doesn't find that hard to believe, especially me.

I do not feel that I have contributed very much to the Navy, but I also haven't had that much opportunity. Most of the time our military is training and maintaining readiness for just in case. "Just in case" has been the thought that has got me through many of days feeling unproductive. Now, I do everything the Navy gives me to the best of my ability, but I haven't done much to contribute to our nation's freedom. I know in the grand scheme of things I have helped by serving in my command which in turn contributes to keeping our military informed, but by in large, I do not see any fruit.

On the bright side, training and my time outside of duty hours has been marvelous. I have had so many opportunities for travel and education, the pay has been great, and the job security is unbeatable.

I am thankful that I have been able to serve without being exposed to any real harm and never had to use force on anyone. I have enjoyed my time, but I am ready to move on. I believe I know my next step (more to come on that note).

By the way, the picture is from one of our runs where the whole base gets together once a month (except in winter) to run about two miles. I am leading our command formation as the Fitness Leader. I don't have many military pictures, but I wanted to include something.

Best of Jul - Dec 2004 in Pictures

Here are my top 50 pictures for the second half of 2004. I have lots of other slideshows like this one to share. All you have to do is ask?

http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeAOXDdm5ctWzr4…

Dear Roxy

Dear Roxy,

Only a few more weeks and I will get to hold you. I have been eagerly waiting for that day. I realize that my life will never be the same after your birth, and I am ready. I like change, and I love adventure. With you in our life, I am sure everyday will be an adventure. For me, it will be full of discoveries in fatherhood, awe of life, and a growing love for you, my first child.

I really hope that I will be a good father to you. I want you to be able to look back on your childhood with gladness, full of fond memories, lessons learned, and strong relationships forged. I know for sure you will have fun. We are going to have so much fun together and as a family. Along with the fun, I want to lead you to a strong faith in God. I want to be an accurate reflection of God for you so that you will have a healthy image of your heavenly Father. I want to teach you how to make wise decisions and give you the tools to lead a successful life.

I wonder if a lot of parents think they are going to be the best parents ever? Well, I think that sometimes, but I know parents mess up and that I will too sometimes. However, I promise I will do my best to care for you. You will never lack love.

There are so many things that I want to share with you and teach you. I am excited, and rest in the fact, that I have the rest of my life to do just that.

I love you,

Dad