some cool things that people I know are doing

1. My fiancée (I'm still getting used to that) is visiting Anne Marie in North Carolina this weekend. They seem to be a having an awesome time! Today, they're off to a barbecue festival. I don't know exactly what that is, but it sounds awesome.

2. Apparently, Heredes and Marcy are running a 5K today! Now that's pretty inspirational. I hope it goes well for them!

3. David Uribe and Stephanie Montero both had art shows this week! That is amazing! I thank God for my artistic friends.

4. I just came back from an Upward Soccer game. My little cousin Josiah was bringing it on the field! Meanwhile, his two year old sister Lily was playing cheerleader on the sidelines. It was awesome!

5. This week, Priscilla Medina and her family adopted 3 kids into their family! That's amazing! (it's also her birthday today!)

God has put some incredible people in my life. It's amazing to know that He is using them for His ultimate purpose. It inspires me to continue serving Him all the more.

So what am I doing this weekend? Studying! Doesn't sound too eventful, but I know it's just bringing me that much closer to finishing my degree.

why i don't want to get married near water

God bless the FAIL BLOG.

just a little bit smarter

In my spare time (whatever that really is), I've started listening to lectures from iTunes U. Professors from Oxford, Cambridge, and Reformed Theological Seminary have posted free lectures, some video and some audio, to be downloaded just like a podcast. It may be a bit nerdy, but I enjoy listening to a good lecture on the Economics of Climate Change or the Peace of Augsburg. Check it out!

a new challenger

turns out, little dave can play wii tennis, and he's pretty awesome at it! i was impressed. not too bad for a two year old.

engaged

I've been unable to blog for the past couple of weeks because I've been so excited about proposing to Lauren. Friends and family all collaborated in a diabolical scheme to keep this a secret from Lauren. For the past month, I told Lauren that she would not see me until two days before my sister's wedding. That would have totaled in an entire 3 months that we would have been apart. It was a cruel and unusual lie that would allow me to set up a proposal that would surprise her.

A few days ago, I flew down to Miami without her knowing. Anne Marie, my sister, and Merari continued to comfort her while holding a straight face. Lauren was angry with me on Tuesday night because she thought that we would not be able to share in our usual date via iChat. Wednesday, I asked Anne Marie if she would tell Lauren that she had a flat tire and needed to be picked up from a nearby park. Lauren came and inspected Anne's truck searching for a flat tire. Anne called her attention to a tree, where I was waiting for her. Lauren took off running and leaped into the air, only to be caught (and thankfully, not dropped) in my arms. Amidst tons of kisses, I managed to pull out the ring and ask her the question that has been looming in my mind for months. Fortunately, the answer was "yes". Meanwhile, I had hired paparazzi, also known as Brigitte and Merari, to hide in the bushes and take photos of the event. Below is a video with their commentary. You can't hear Lauren and I, but their commentary is hilarious!


When I called my cousin to tell him the news, he responded with Proverbs 18:22, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD." I believe it!

It was harder leaving Miami this time. I'm not just leaving anyone behind, but my future wife. It hit harder when we said goodbye. The next time I see here will be in November for Brigitte's wedding.

Here is the video...


Thank you so much Anne Marie, Merari, Brigitte, Mom and Dad! You guys were awesome!

*side note* I would like to thank Eddie Vedder for the Into the Wild Soundtrack, and Ben Folds for Way to Normal. They have kept my spirits up and my mind entertained this entire trip.