Howdee!
Well, the past couple weeks have been very eventful, fun, encouraging and emotional! I believe I mentioned recently that I was asked to be the best man in Lionel's wedding. I definitely was humbled and honored that he wanted me to be that for him! So here's a little rundown on the events of the past week or two.
So I planned the bachelor's party and Ryan B offered to host it. I talked with the bride-to-be and she gave me plenty of information to quiz the groom with. Then I was trying to find some way to "encourage" Lionel at the party with a new wardrobe, so to speak. I figured he would need some new hair so I was at the Display House and found the perfect hairpiece... a bright gold wig with pig tails tied up with pink strings! I knew that was exactly what I had been looking for! Then I got him a long dress with yellow flowers.... beautiful!! LOL!
Whenever Lionel got a question wrong, he would have a consequence... eating a fresh jalapeno. Well for those of you who don't know him, Lionel can eat hot stuff and not effect him in the least. So, he ate probably 6 or so and he was starting to feel the heat. So, we didn't want him to struggle too much (apparently fresh jalapenos are much hotter than the pickled ones...) So we decided to have Lionel take a stroll down the street in his wig and dress for one minute and got the pics to prove it! So we went back in, fed him a few more peppers and then one of the guys at the party suggested to have him walk down to visit the wives, who were at a house about two blocks away, so I walked down with him and when he knocked on the door, THREE video cameras greeted him! Someone must have called ahead!!! :) LOL!
So he said he had fun, he is REALLY a good sport. I joked with one of the guys that I can never get married because I've got a bro ready to "encourage" me back! I was kidding, of course...
Then Friday, we went to get our tuxes and the tuxedo shop (who shall remain nameless for now) messed everything up. My shirt didn't fit, pants didn't fit (not even close!) and they couldn't get me pants that night, so I had to go downtown to get the correct size 1 hour before I had to be at the wedding the next morning! Oy! It worked out okay, but had to be out of pocket for some expense for that even though I had already paid. I guess I won't be using that place when I get married someday!
So, I have to share about the wedding stuff. We had heard there was supposed to be rain/overcast for the day of the wedding so we rehearsed an indoor and an outdoor plan for the ceremony. We were all confident, however that there would be sun! And God was very faithful! Even though it had rained a little in the morning, by 10 the sun began to come out and it was absolutely perfect! We took all our pictures and they looked great! Jay Lance Photography did such an amazing job! This is no ordinary photographer, he has great vision and cool ideas! So after all the pre-wedding photos were over, we went out to usher and greet the guests.
As the time neared for the ceremony to start, Lionel and I went downstairs to get ready... As we walked down, I started getting very emotional. I was SOOOO honored to be his best man, to share in his special day like this. We sat down to make the final preparations and Lionel wanted to pray. I had him start because I was really emotional! I got a chance to pray and it was amazing! Jermaine came down shortly after and we all got ready. I was overwhelmed with the honor that I had been given!!!!
So, someone was supposed to come get us to let us know it was time to go out. Nobody did, but luckily Jermaine realized that that song had started, so we rushed out the door! Apparently everyone was wondering what took us so long! Oops! At any rate, Lionel wanted for us to "strut" out to the gazebo. Not just any strut, but like the deep early 70's strut! It was epic! So many people were laughing and enjoying it. I definitely was, too! So, we get out there and waiting for the wedding party to walk out too and remember, I am still pretty emotional... It was so great to see Lionel so happy... Then Autumn came out and as soon as I saw Lionel's and her eyes meet, I got suuuper emotional again and my eyes welled up. He was absolutely smitten and I got to witness it, standing right next to my brother! Unfortunately, it REALLY hit me when the bride's father gave her away and they were standing only feet in front of me for the first time, looking beautiful and handsome. I could barely keep my composure! It was so moving... So it was a very short ceremony, and I got the vows to the groom and then the ring... but instead of giving him the ring, I gave him the whole box!!! LOL, oops! It was probably just as well, I probably would have dropped it in the grass and would have had to get down on my hands and knees and find it. Anyway, it all worked out and probably wasn't a big deal....
So after the ceremony, we all marched out and the dancing commenced. Lionel also gave me the honor to pick out 80's and early 90's songs to dance to and I was dancing out there like a mad man. It was SOOO much fun! It ws definitely the most fun I had ever had at a wedding. I really didn't want it to end. It was great to have John B up from Ashland, Mark E, Ryan G and Dallas there as the groomsmen. I can barely imagine a group of men I would have rather had up there in the wedding party! The day was so perfect...
By the way, I forgot to mention, that after the ceremony when we went out to take pics with the family, groomsmen, etc., we groomsmen were waiting for our turn. Someone looked up in the sky and (I am NOT kidding), there was this huge cloud right overhead in the shape of a heart! And what's even more incredible, the sun was right behind it so the cloud's lining was bright (shall we say a silver lining?). It was amazing. Had I not been there and witnessed it myself, I wouldn't have believed it. We all agreed that it was definitely the shape of a heart... Inspiring!
______________________
So now I don't want to be a party pooper, but I have been struggling a lot in my relationships lately and has affected me pretty strongly. I have been trying to understand where to go from here and what to do about some things. I have been getting a lot of input in my life, but am still struggling to really grasp what the next step is. Any prayers for encouragement and direction would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to get into a lot of detail here, but I feel some changes are necessary in my life (I should say *more* changes) and I could use some direction...
______________________
And finally tonight, based on all of the above, I am super encouraged and excited for this weekend. I get the opportunity to be around a lot of my old, new and faithful friends this weekend and I really am looking forward to getting my cup filled. I have worked very hard the past year or two and really need some great fellowship time. I am looking forward to spending time with some bros from Montana and getting in some windshield time with them. I am grateful I am working at a hotel and have been doing well at my job, so I was able to get two nights free this weekend!
Anyway, I will have to update everyone on the weekend next week on the haps. I hope all is well with you and thanks for following what's up with Tim! Bis zum naechsten Mal!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Grateful for Friends
Gooood Eeeeevening!
It's exciting to report on another chapter in the life of Tim. I have concluded that life is, in fact, a roller coaster. To give you an idea of how I feel life being a roller coaster, I'll share my last roller coaster experience. :) In 2008, I had the pleasure of going to Six Flags over Texas and went on the Texas Giant, one of the world's largest wooden roller coasters. It was FUN, but after I got off, I was sooo sore from the moderately violent turns. So I am kind of feeling the same things about life in general these days.
To be completely honest, I have just been feeling lonely lately. I have been feeling stressed about some things and am just tired. I would love to take some time off in a very beautiful place, Hawaii is sounding really nice right now! Maybe I could talk Jeremy V. into putting me up (and putting up with me) for a few days!
So there's actually not too much to report at the moment, but I am excited to get some good time with friends this week. I am realizing I need people that are more my age in my life. Don't get me wrong, I love my singles ministry, but I need a balance of singles and age-similarity... Moving in the right direction!
I am also very excited about the singles conference in a few weeks. I really am looking forward to catching up with all my old friends! I'm looking forward to driving over with a good friend from Missoula.
It's also been fun and encouraging to do some work on my house. Now that I have no roommates left, I have been cleaning, organizing and throwing stuff out. I still have too much junk in my house, but it's definitely getting better... I can't wait to do some real renovating this spring/summer. New front steps on the house, tearing out everything and rewiring the dining room and maybe some other stuff too. I still need to work in the garden, but it's just been too cold lately. I hope some time this week I can get out there and plant some stuff!
Well, it's much shorter than usual tonight, but hopefully in the next couple weeks I'll have lots to update: the wedding, the conference, etc. So for now, thanks for checking up on me and I'll talk to you again soon. Peace!
It's exciting to report on another chapter in the life of Tim. I have concluded that life is, in fact, a roller coaster. To give you an idea of how I feel life being a roller coaster, I'll share my last roller coaster experience. :) In 2008, I had the pleasure of going to Six Flags over Texas and went on the Texas Giant, one of the world's largest wooden roller coasters. It was FUN, but after I got off, I was sooo sore from the moderately violent turns. So I am kind of feeling the same things about life in general these days.
To be completely honest, I have just been feeling lonely lately. I have been feeling stressed about some things and am just tired. I would love to take some time off in a very beautiful place, Hawaii is sounding really nice right now! Maybe I could talk Jeremy V. into putting me up (and putting up with me) for a few days!
So there's actually not too much to report at the moment, but I am excited to get some good time with friends this week. I am realizing I need people that are more my age in my life. Don't get me wrong, I love my singles ministry, but I need a balance of singles and age-similarity... Moving in the right direction!
I am also very excited about the singles conference in a few weeks. I really am looking forward to catching up with all my old friends! I'm looking forward to driving over with a good friend from Missoula.
It's also been fun and encouraging to do some work on my house. Now that I have no roommates left, I have been cleaning, organizing and throwing stuff out. I still have too much junk in my house, but it's definitely getting better... I can't wait to do some real renovating this spring/summer. New front steps on the house, tearing out everything and rewiring the dining room and maybe some other stuff too. I still need to work in the garden, but it's just been too cold lately. I hope some time this week I can get out there and plant some stuff!
Well, it's much shorter than usual tonight, but hopefully in the next couple weeks I'll have lots to update: the wedding, the conference, etc. So for now, thanks for checking up on me and I'll talk to you again soon. Peace!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Tri-Cities, Faith & Work
Happy Monday, All! There are lots of updates to get to.... but life's been good, I really enjoy life most when I'm busy! This weekend I had an incredible opportunity to join the leadership of the church to scope out the Tri-Cities. We are hoping to plant another church there sometime in the next year or so, so we had a leader's retreat there to check out the people and the area. Having grown up in Central Washington (don't call that Eastern Washington anymore because now I really DO live in EASTERN Washington), it was very exciting to get to know the people and the area of the Tri-Cities. First of all, I have to thank God for making it possible for me to make the trip at all. I was able to get a free room at the Red Lion Hotel as a result of some work I've been doing at my new job. As of early last week, I was officially a "Gold" member of the hotel's reward program and I even got free breakfast. It was really a great buffet! I digress... I was also able to drive with three other single/campus brothers who were able to share the cost of gas. I was able to do this trip with very little expense, so thank you, God for being able to afford to go!! We did a scavenger hunt, looking for people and seeing some of the favorite places of Tri-Citians (?). It was fun and inspiring filming and photographing places and people all over the area. We went to donut shops and a university campus and had our church service Sunday morning on top of a hill with INCREDIBLE views of the river and the whole area. It was amazing to take some time to pray with Ryan G before the service, see jackrabbits (and NO snakes!) and be able to hear Jermaine preach overlooking the cities. I won't soon forget that service or the whole weekend. Had some great talks with brothers and sisters and lots of fun! I have also decided that for now it might be good to live alone.
My roommate situation is challenging at the moment and feel strongly that the situation needs to change. I have prayed a lot about it and got advice on it as well and think this is the best for all involved. As a result of this, I am resolved to getting my non-house-related debt paid off. This excites me a great deal, however it means a huge sacrifice. I currently have about $15k in debt I have been trying to pay down, but unfortunately without roommates, I would not be able to survive without taking the money off my 401k. I have gotten advice from someone I respect a great deal and he had to do the same thing. I believe that I have been irresponsible with debt which has become very obvious now that I can't afford to make the payments on those loans. I am grateful that I have not been significantly late on my payments to date. That WILL change unless I take care of this right away. I know this is very controversial and I would guess nearly all financial counselors would advise against this route. I agree that this is not an ideal situation, but I can't see any other alternative at this point and God has blessed me with having something with which to remedy the situation and the ability to repent from my irresponsibility. I believe that is more important to God than me having "comfort" in my later years. I hope that if I can eventually find a good or great paying job, or if my business takes off, that I can make up for this withdrawal. See Mark 10:29-30. Again, it is not my first choice, but challenging times often require sacrifice and I believe that God blesses sacrifice and repentance. Now, if you are reading this and you don't know me as a result of church, please bear with me as I rant a bit on a subject of a spiritual nature. The past two years have been very challenging for me. I don't mean that in a bad way, because I think I am actually becoming a better person as a result of a lot of life stuff. I say this because I am grateful that God has helped me to stay strong through this time and I know at any time, I could fall, so my hope is that by staying close to God, that I will weather these storms and be a stronger man of God.
With that being said, I have to admit that I am feeling pretty discouraged about something I see around me a lot these days. I am saddened and disappointed in people's lack of love and faith. There have been too many of the people that I love leaving their relationships with God and going back to the world. I hate it when people that call themselves my friend and I find out they have not been honest with me. I begin to wonder if our entire friendship was based on such deceit. It is frustrating and extremely sad. Unfortunately they have allowed the challenges of this life to harden their hearts and it breaks my heart. More importantly, I remind myself that it also breaks God's. Why can't people see how AMAZING God is and how much he's done for them? Why don't they make the effort to get to know him, even after studying the Bible? The other thing is seeing people that call themselves Christians grumbling about little things. God was upset with the Israelites grumbling in the desert, to the point that he vowed that not one of the people that he led out of Egypt was able to see the "promised land" (Numbers 14:20-25). If you aren't fighting to help people get to know God, then you can't understand how amazing this life is. I heard someone complain recently at church that the Starbuck's they went to didn't have a microwave to heat their pastry! Really? Is that what makes you unhappy? Then you've already lost the battle! Be grateful that God has given us a rich life here in America. People all over the world go to bed hungry, fight to earn $1/day to put food in their family's stomachs. People die every day for lack of having food and clean water and a roof over their heads! This kind of selfishness does not make God happy. Find ways to love people and not seek your own comfort. Then write down things that you are grateful for. I'll step down off my soapbox now...
I've been trying to simplify my life lately by selling a bunch of stuff that I don't need and that have some value so that I can pay bills. It feels so good to get rid of stuff! Having too much stuff weighs me down and I have a hard time feeling joyful because my temptation is to take on another project. I am getting rid of projects and working hard to make my life a little easier. I still have a lot to do. I don't know how those guys on the show "Hoarders" do it. I don't have anywhere near that amount of stuff, and it is still hard! I have also been having a fair amount of health issues. Mostly they have been related to the cold that I had for two months, and back problems which I have no idea how I injured it, but at least it's getting better now. It was a challenge there for a few weeks! I started going back to the gym today, did about 20 minutes of fast walking on the treadmill (which I did much better than I thought I would) and then did some core stuff, chest and legs. It was a great workout and I already feel a little better. So I definitely need to keep that up. To date I have lost a total of 13 pounds. I am also very excited about my new work schedule. The last few months my job has been GREAT with working around my schedule... unfortunately, it meant that I worked late two nights a week and early the next days. By Thursdays I would be just completely wrung out and had a hard time focusing and being giving at Bible Talk. So, I changed my "availability" at work and they started scheduling me for early morning shifts! Now, I have to be honest, there will likely be a short period of transition because I am a night owl, but I am so excited to have some evenings free to spend with people... Woo hoo! Well speaking of which, I do need to start getting ready for work... I am happy that it's only been about a week since my last update and hope to continue to update every week or two at the most. So thanks for checking in and stay tuned for more updates...
My roommate situation is challenging at the moment and feel strongly that the situation needs to change. I have prayed a lot about it and got advice on it as well and think this is the best for all involved. As a result of this, I am resolved to getting my non-house-related debt paid off. This excites me a great deal, however it means a huge sacrifice. I currently have about $15k in debt I have been trying to pay down, but unfortunately without roommates, I would not be able to survive without taking the money off my 401k. I have gotten advice from someone I respect a great deal and he had to do the same thing. I believe that I have been irresponsible with debt which has become very obvious now that I can't afford to make the payments on those loans. I am grateful that I have not been significantly late on my payments to date. That WILL change unless I take care of this right away. I know this is very controversial and I would guess nearly all financial counselors would advise against this route. I agree that this is not an ideal situation, but I can't see any other alternative at this point and God has blessed me with having something with which to remedy the situation and the ability to repent from my irresponsibility. I believe that is more important to God than me having "comfort" in my later years. I hope that if I can eventually find a good or great paying job, or if my business takes off, that I can make up for this withdrawal. See Mark 10:29-30. Again, it is not my first choice, but challenging times often require sacrifice and I believe that God blesses sacrifice and repentance. Now, if you are reading this and you don't know me as a result of church, please bear with me as I rant a bit on a subject of a spiritual nature. The past two years have been very challenging for me. I don't mean that in a bad way, because I think I am actually becoming a better person as a result of a lot of life stuff. I say this because I am grateful that God has helped me to stay strong through this time and I know at any time, I could fall, so my hope is that by staying close to God, that I will weather these storms and be a stronger man of God.
With that being said, I have to admit that I am feeling pretty discouraged about something I see around me a lot these days. I am saddened and disappointed in people's lack of love and faith. There have been too many of the people that I love leaving their relationships with God and going back to the world. I hate it when people that call themselves my friend and I find out they have not been honest with me. I begin to wonder if our entire friendship was based on such deceit. It is frustrating and extremely sad. Unfortunately they have allowed the challenges of this life to harden their hearts and it breaks my heart. More importantly, I remind myself that it also breaks God's. Why can't people see how AMAZING God is and how much he's done for them? Why don't they make the effort to get to know him, even after studying the Bible? The other thing is seeing people that call themselves Christians grumbling about little things. God was upset with the Israelites grumbling in the desert, to the point that he vowed that not one of the people that he led out of Egypt was able to see the "promised land" (Numbers 14:20-25). If you aren't fighting to help people get to know God, then you can't understand how amazing this life is. I heard someone complain recently at church that the Starbuck's they went to didn't have a microwave to heat their pastry! Really? Is that what makes you unhappy? Then you've already lost the battle! Be grateful that God has given us a rich life here in America. People all over the world go to bed hungry, fight to earn $1/day to put food in their family's stomachs. People die every day for lack of having food and clean water and a roof over their heads! This kind of selfishness does not make God happy. Find ways to love people and not seek your own comfort. Then write down things that you are grateful for. I'll step down off my soapbox now...
I've been trying to simplify my life lately by selling a bunch of stuff that I don't need and that have some value so that I can pay bills. It feels so good to get rid of stuff! Having too much stuff weighs me down and I have a hard time feeling joyful because my temptation is to take on another project. I am getting rid of projects and working hard to make my life a little easier. I still have a lot to do. I don't know how those guys on the show "Hoarders" do it. I don't have anywhere near that amount of stuff, and it is still hard! I have also been having a fair amount of health issues. Mostly they have been related to the cold that I had for two months, and back problems which I have no idea how I injured it, but at least it's getting better now. It was a challenge there for a few weeks! I started going back to the gym today, did about 20 minutes of fast walking on the treadmill (which I did much better than I thought I would) and then did some core stuff, chest and legs. It was a great workout and I already feel a little better. So I definitely need to keep that up. To date I have lost a total of 13 pounds. I am also very excited about my new work schedule. The last few months my job has been GREAT with working around my schedule... unfortunately, it meant that I worked late two nights a week and early the next days. By Thursdays I would be just completely wrung out and had a hard time focusing and being giving at Bible Talk. So, I changed my "availability" at work and they started scheduling me for early morning shifts! Now, I have to be honest, there will likely be a short period of transition because I am a night owl, but I am so excited to have some evenings free to spend with people... Woo hoo! Well speaking of which, I do need to start getting ready for work... I am happy that it's only been about a week since my last update and hope to continue to update every week or two at the most. So thanks for checking in and stay tuned for more updates...
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Busy crazy life
Hey All! Thanks for checking in. I'm sure you all could say the same of me. :) Where has the last four months gone??? I really love blogging, but life has sure been busy lately. I have not had a lot of energy left over to do things like this... HOWEVER, I am still committed to this blog and am thankful that you are following me! So I'll start where I left off in December.... At that time, I was having an interview with ACS, the company that Red Lion Hotels outsourced (locally!) to handle their reservations. I was hired (yay!) and have really enjoyed the job. I went to training starting Jan. 17 and was very sick with the crud that's been going around, and like many others, it took a very long time to get rid of. I finally went to the doctor and the antibiotics finally seems to have taken care of it. I had been sick with that crud for two months and was so miserable. I am grateful to be healthy again!!! Anyway, I'm loving the job and the people I work with. The company is great and I have been able to make use of the hotel once (for free even!). I am very impressed with Red Lion Hotels and this coming weekend I get to try another hotel, in Pasco. I'm very excited! So the job has been great and I've been happy. My schedule has been a little crazy, but I'm very grateful they have been able to work around my church schedule. They have been great! The people are amazing and it has been a good experience. My only real struggle there is the pay. They DO have a great incentive program, so the better you do, the more you can earn. Unfortunately, I am earning about $4 less per hour than I was making on unemployment. It was more important for me to work for my money than to be on the dole in a challenging time for our state's budget shortfalls. I hate to say it, but I am still looking for work so that I can make enough money to pay my bills. I have never been past due on any bills until the past year and that has been a tough pill to swallow. One of my two roommates moved out and has made my finances a real challenge. I am grateful to work, truly. Unfortunately I really need to try to make it financially... I am considering applying for food stamps as well. I never thought I would have to resort to that, but reality is reality. As much as I don't want to be on the dole, I am earning just over half my former salary and I need to feed myself and Wolfi... All in all, I am still very happy and enjoying life, and trying to learn how to live on what I do earn. The past year and a half has been challenging, but I feel like God is teaching me to really trust him and to rely on him and not on myself and my talents (which HE gave me anyway)! So, on a brighter note, I am very excited to say that I am officially a business owner! I haven't sold anything yet, but that's okay... I just started it about a week and a half ago but am very excited to be a representative of market america. A friend introduced me to a product last year that has had an amazing effect on my stomach. I had a lot of reflux and was in a LOT of pain and this is an aloe product you take internally that is really incredible. I am also trying other products and can feel more energy and vitality! They have lots of avenues to get discounts on products for myself and others and the health products are the best on the market. Back in September I purchased a 1987 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, FX-16. It's a sports model of the Corolla and is such a cool and fast little car. After I bought the car I realized I really couldn't afford it with my salary so I decided to sell it after doing some things to fix it up. I decided to post it on eBay and sold it for $500 more than I bought it for. It sold before the auction was up and the buyer flew in from Massachusetts and drove it home. Due to the windshield being badly scratched, I replaced it so they would be able to drive it back safely. I picked up the buyer and definitely felt like I made a new friend. He and his girlfriend were really cool. They took off and I mentioned to them that the only concern I had with the car was that the heater wasn't working very well and didn't know if it would be an issue. Well, I regret to report that it apparently was a problem... The car overheated in Montana, but he was able to patch it and still get it home (how, I'm not sure, but that's AMAZING!). I felt terrible about it, because it had never overheated on me. I don't drive a car that I don't trust and I certainly would have never let him drive it across country if I felt it was an issue. I just felt terrible about it. Life has definitely been challenging lately but I am convinced that God still has everything firmly in control. He sees my suffering and will bless me and I believe he will not give me more than I could handle. I could use some good news soon, so please God, hear my wish! I have found a couple jobs that I have applied for recently, including a job with Spokane County as a Liability Claims adjuster. It sounds extremely interesting and challenging. I love my current job, but it's not really pushing me very much. This job would be fun and I would learn a lot, but be able to use a lot of years of experience in claims handling to be successful in it. Prayers would be greatly appreciated! I have also been paid a GREAT honor by one of my very best friends, Lionel. He and Autumn are getting married next month and he has asked me to be his best man. I am so humbled and honored that he asked me. I'm so grateful for him! He asked me to help him pick out some songs for his reception because he wants an "80's Dance Party" for after the wedding. We spent some time Thursday night listening to all these great 80's songs and now I can hardly wait for it. The songs are danceable and many are very meaningful as well. It's going to be soooo much fun! I've never been a best man either, so I'm a little intimidated. I hope they're encouraged! Well, there are a lot of other things I could discuss so I may have to do another update soon. Anyway, I wish everyone a great week! Thanks for checking in on what's up with Tim!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Early Christmas Present
Well, I am super excited about a Christmas present I just got a few days ago. I went to college at the University of Maryland in Munich, Germany. Recently, I got back in contact with my Journalism professor from there(I graduated 20 years ago!!) and I asked if she had copies of the college paper, of which I was the assistant editor. To my complete delight, she said she did!! In a very short period of time, she had scanned them and posted them on FB. I was beyond encouraged to see one particular article that I thought I would never see again.
In October 1989, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the very beautiful city of Prague, Czechoslovakia (it was still called that then). But as beautiful as Prague is, I had another sight of interest I HAD TO see while I was there.
Having watched the German news prior to my trip, I saw very compelling images of East Germans that had fled to Prague to seek asylum at the West German embassy. The media showed pictures of hundreds of tents set up in the courtyard of the embassy and a large metal gate. I was determined to get to that gate while I was there.
I was so excited, because my professor allowed me to write an opinion column about my this life-changing experience that weekend. After I left Germany in 1992, I left most of my stuff with the lady I rented a room from in Berlin. Unfortunately, she put my boxes in an unsecure spot and everything I owned got stolen, except the two suitcases and one carry-on that I brought home. So, I hadn't seen this article in 18 years.
When I "friended" my professor on FB, she mentioned that she remembered me as the student who was there at the time of the events that precipitated the "Velvet Revolution" (the revolution in Czechoslovakia) just over a month later. I had never heard it referred to as that (ie: that they actually gave a name to the things that I was witnessing). I was pretty blown away!
When I was back in Munich, I remember very vividly staying up until 3am to make sure my article was p-e-r-f-e-c-t. I am so excited that I now have a copy of that article and that I am able to share it with you. This was one of my most poignant memories of my seven years in Europe. Here's the story I wrote:
(From the Munich Observer, November 1989, page 2)
STUDENS TRY TO HELP IN E. GERMAN FLIGHT
by Tim Morse
The sun was setting as we prowled through a quickly darkening forest in West Prague. We could see Czech guards only 50 yards away, watching us through the trees.
"I have to talk to those refugees," I thought.
That infamous eight-foot iron gate I had seen in the media eluded me by only a few meters. But I wasn't about to give up.
I and sophomores Amy Cashman and Tara Brown went to the West German Embassy in Prague, only to find it heavily guarded by Czechoslovakian police.
At the time of our October visit, about 1,000 East Germans called the West German Embassy courtyard home.
At one point, we were able to come within only a few meters of that iron gate which had meant the last major obstacle to freedom for thousands of East Germans in the preceding weeks.
It, too, was heavily guarded.
My dream of helping a refugee over that gate was quickly dashed as I viewd the security around it.
We still tried everything in our power to get closer to the gate. We walked around the embassy, mostly on the wooded hill behind it, for over two hours.
We even tried sneaking through the dark, steep forest that lead to the back side of the embassy, that is, until we realized we were being watched.
We then tried to talk to the guards, who were huddled around a small fire. Not only were they unwilling to help us, but they were downright rude about it.
Because I didn't have my passport, they refused to acknowledge me, told me very bluntly to leave, and pointed the way.
The second group of guards we met around a similar fire was surprisingly friendly. They tried to communicate with us in German and English, and of course Czech, but they couldn't allow us to access the gate either.
The did allow us, however, to take pictures of all of us together. It should be quite a souvenir.
I thought we could meet the refugees on our own, but of course, couldn't. So as a last resort, we went to the front door of the emmbassy.
I talked in German to the man who answered the door, but he responded that it would be "uberhaupt nicht moglish" (not at all possible) to talk to any refugees for matters of security.
I took this news very hard, but comforted myself in that I was, in fact, witnessing history in the making.
The events leading up to this exodus are historical.
For the first time in over 40 years, people in the Eastern Bloc countries were, for a time, able to "escape" the oppression of their countries with relative ease.
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, on a trip to East Berlin to celebrate the 40th anniversary of East Germany last month, advised now former Communist Party leader Erich Honecker to ease restrictions in his country so that Gorbachev's policy of glasnost might gain more credibility throughout the world.
In past months, Czechoslovakia and Hungary have opened up their borders to the point that people may come and go almost as they please, according to our Czech tour guide, Vladimir.
This has made it possible for these East Germans to come West because before, they didn't need visas to enter Czechoslovakia.
Because of the exodus, they now do.
Media sources say that a majority of West Germans would like to see the two Germanies reunify, bu this would cause numerous social and economic problems for West Germany.
West Germany would have difficulties supporting the large number of new residents should the East German government allow such a reunification. West Germany has an accute housing shortage among other things.
Sophomore Martina Manles, whose mother is German and who plans to settle down in Germany, is skeptical. She believes that the refugees will take job opportunities away from the West Germans, herself included.
Whatever the outcome, I hope that the people of the East Bloc, who are suffering under the oppression that can still be felt there, will one day soon be able to enjoy all the things we take for granted here in the West -- espeically liberty.
(End)
________________
Due to time restraints, I was not able to proofread the article, so please excuse any misspellings, missing punctuation, etc. (Remember I was the editor of the paper) Anyway, I know it's a long blog today, thanks for hanging in there and sharing this with me. Until next time....
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
In October 1989, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the very beautiful city of Prague, Czechoslovakia (it was still called that then). But as beautiful as Prague is, I had another sight of interest I HAD TO see while I was there.
Having watched the German news prior to my trip, I saw very compelling images of East Germans that had fled to Prague to seek asylum at the West German embassy. The media showed pictures of hundreds of tents set up in the courtyard of the embassy and a large metal gate. I was determined to get to that gate while I was there.
I was so excited, because my professor allowed me to write an opinion column about my this life-changing experience that weekend. After I left Germany in 1992, I left most of my stuff with the lady I rented a room from in Berlin. Unfortunately, she put my boxes in an unsecure spot and everything I owned got stolen, except the two suitcases and one carry-on that I brought home. So, I hadn't seen this article in 18 years.
When I "friended" my professor on FB, she mentioned that she remembered me as the student who was there at the time of the events that precipitated the "Velvet Revolution" (the revolution in Czechoslovakia) just over a month later. I had never heard it referred to as that (ie: that they actually gave a name to the things that I was witnessing). I was pretty blown away!
When I was back in Munich, I remember very vividly staying up until 3am to make sure my article was p-e-r-f-e-c-t. I am so excited that I now have a copy of that article and that I am able to share it with you. This was one of my most poignant memories of my seven years in Europe. Here's the story I wrote:
(From the Munich Observer, November 1989, page 2)
STUDENS TRY TO HELP IN E. GERMAN FLIGHT
by Tim Morse
The sun was setting as we prowled through a quickly darkening forest in West Prague. We could see Czech guards only 50 yards away, watching us through the trees.
"I have to talk to those refugees," I thought.
That infamous eight-foot iron gate I had seen in the media eluded me by only a few meters. But I wasn't about to give up.
I and sophomores Amy Cashman and Tara Brown went to the West German Embassy in Prague, only to find it heavily guarded by Czechoslovakian police.
At the time of our October visit, about 1,000 East Germans called the West German Embassy courtyard home.
At one point, we were able to come within only a few meters of that iron gate which had meant the last major obstacle to freedom for thousands of East Germans in the preceding weeks.
It, too, was heavily guarded.
My dream of helping a refugee over that gate was quickly dashed as I viewd the security around it.
We still tried everything in our power to get closer to the gate. We walked around the embassy, mostly on the wooded hill behind it, for over two hours.
We even tried sneaking through the dark, steep forest that lead to the back side of the embassy, that is, until we realized we were being watched.
We then tried to talk to the guards, who were huddled around a small fire. Not only were they unwilling to help us, but they were downright rude about it.
Because I didn't have my passport, they refused to acknowledge me, told me very bluntly to leave, and pointed the way.
The second group of guards we met around a similar fire was surprisingly friendly. They tried to communicate with us in German and English, and of course Czech, but they couldn't allow us to access the gate either.
The did allow us, however, to take pictures of all of us together. It should be quite a souvenir.
I thought we could meet the refugees on our own, but of course, couldn't. So as a last resort, we went to the front door of the emmbassy.
I talked in German to the man who answered the door, but he responded that it would be "uberhaupt nicht moglish" (not at all possible) to talk to any refugees for matters of security.
I took this news very hard, but comforted myself in that I was, in fact, witnessing history in the making.
The events leading up to this exodus are historical.
For the first time in over 40 years, people in the Eastern Bloc countries were, for a time, able to "escape" the oppression of their countries with relative ease.
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, on a trip to East Berlin to celebrate the 40th anniversary of East Germany last month, advised now former Communist Party leader Erich Honecker to ease restrictions in his country so that Gorbachev's policy of glasnost might gain more credibility throughout the world.
In past months, Czechoslovakia and Hungary have opened up their borders to the point that people may come and go almost as they please, according to our Czech tour guide, Vladimir.
This has made it possible for these East Germans to come West because before, they didn't need visas to enter Czechoslovakia.
Because of the exodus, they now do.
Media sources say that a majority of West Germans would like to see the two Germanies reunify, bu this would cause numerous social and economic problems for West Germany.
West Germany would have difficulties supporting the large number of new residents should the East German government allow such a reunification. West Germany has an accute housing shortage among other things.
Sophomore Martina Manles, whose mother is German and who plans to settle down in Germany, is skeptical. She believes that the refugees will take job opportunities away from the West Germans, herself included.
Whatever the outcome, I hope that the people of the East Bloc, who are suffering under the oppression that can still be felt there, will one day soon be able to enjoy all the things we take for granted here in the West -- espeically liberty.
(End)
________________
Due to time restraints, I was not able to proofread the article, so please excuse any misspellings, missing punctuation, etc. (Remember I was the editor of the paper) Anyway, I know it's a long blog today, thanks for hanging in there and sharing this with me. Until next time....
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tonight: Short but Sweet... Revolution #2
Hey All,
Well, I have two bees in my bonnet tonight and I'm gonna be in and out, and keeping y'all up to date.
1. Still no decision (see last post), seems like things are a little more complicated, I'll keep digging and keep you up to date.
2. Revolution #2: The Whole Reason for this blog... So, I have been a slacker lately and have rediscovered my love for ice cream. I'm not going to rant and rave about how I feel about gaining back some of that weight.... I will show by my actions, updates on my weight, how I feel, and GETTING BUSY!!
Thanks for checking in!!!
Tim
Well, I have two bees in my bonnet tonight and I'm gonna be in and out, and keeping y'all up to date.
1. Still no decision (see last post), seems like things are a little more complicated, I'll keep digging and keep you up to date.
2. Revolution #2: The Whole Reason for this blog... So, I have been a slacker lately and have rediscovered my love for ice cream. I'm not going to rant and rave about how I feel about gaining back some of that weight.... I will show by my actions, updates on my weight, how I feel, and GETTING BUSY!!
Thanks for checking in!!!
Tim
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Decisions, decisions, decisions... It's a good thing!
Hey all!
Well, thanks to Jess for encouraging me to blog on this topic. I have a lot on my mind (it's all good, I promise), but the things I am contemplating will likely set the course for the rest of my life. It's exciting! ...and I have to be honest, a little scary.
I have been looking for work for the past couple months (I'm grateful it hasn't been years!), and have been applying for jobs for which I feel I am very well qualified, being that I have been in the insurance industry for nearly 12 years. Not getting any of these jobs has made me think that maybe I should be considering some other options that may currently be available to me. Specifically whether I should go back to school or start a business....or both (would need to have very specific prayers answered for THIS one). Ha!
I am thinking of getting my BA in Business Management, so I will have to look into the local schools to see what is out there and available. The hope is that the schools will accept my AA degree in its entirety so that it will hopefully only be a 2-year program.... I also have a dream of starting my own business, a coffee shop. I can't divulge too much because I have some very specific ideas on how it will be different from all the other coffee shops out there, location, etc. Stay tuned, I will let you know if/when this idea moves forward. It's in God's hands at this point.
Anyway, any prayers would be appreciated as to which direction I should follow and to be able to get all the information, advice, etc. that I will need to make the most informed and/or faithful decision and what would be best for me spiritually. My hope is to stay in the Spokane area, so prayers for that would also be appreciated!
Well, I think that's it for now. If I think of something else, I will post more. Thanks for checking in on me and I hope everyone has a great Christmas! Don't forget to be grateful to God for all you have: family, homes, and all the amazing gifts He has given you.
Well, thanks to Jess for encouraging me to blog on this topic. I have a lot on my mind (it's all good, I promise), but the things I am contemplating will likely set the course for the rest of my life. It's exciting! ...and I have to be honest, a little scary.
I have been looking for work for the past couple months (I'm grateful it hasn't been years!), and have been applying for jobs for which I feel I am very well qualified, being that I have been in the insurance industry for nearly 12 years. Not getting any of these jobs has made me think that maybe I should be considering some other options that may currently be available to me. Specifically whether I should go back to school or start a business....or both (would need to have very specific prayers answered for THIS one). Ha!
I am thinking of getting my BA in Business Management, so I will have to look into the local schools to see what is out there and available. The hope is that the schools will accept my AA degree in its entirety so that it will hopefully only be a 2-year program.... I also have a dream of starting my own business, a coffee shop. I can't divulge too much because I have some very specific ideas on how it will be different from all the other coffee shops out there, location, etc. Stay tuned, I will let you know if/when this idea moves forward. It's in God's hands at this point.
Anyway, any prayers would be appreciated as to which direction I should follow and to be able to get all the information, advice, etc. that I will need to make the most informed and/or faithful decision and what would be best for me spiritually. My hope is to stay in the Spokane area, so prayers for that would also be appreciated!
Well, I think that's it for now. If I think of something else, I will post more. Thanks for checking in on me and I hope everyone has a great Christmas! Don't forget to be grateful to God for all you have: family, homes, and all the amazing gifts He has given you.
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