The Final Countdown

Tonight was the senior tribute at HBR, the dorm I used to live at and still hang out quite a bit. It was such a great evening of giving some honor to a group of guys who I've come to know quite well. Some of these guys I've known since they were junior high students, and the most recent additions to the crew have been here at least two years. One of the guys has been a part of my life for the last six years. Amazing when you think that he is not yet twenty, thus about 1/4 of his life I've been a part of. The evening consisted of a dinner, then a time of sharing stories, feelings, and thoughts about each of the seniors. As I sat there a rush of thoughts and memories came back from the past six years. At times I questioned why I am leaving. Other times I knew that this moment was one of the final steps of my time here. One thought that crossed my mind as I saw them all sitting at the table together was that of the Fellowship of the Ring. I saw this group of strangers brought together for a common purpose. They came from different tribes. Individually they could not accomplish the task at hand, but together they would become a team. Sure on their journey they would have to separate, and unfortunately would fall away. Likewise this group of guys came from different countries to this place for a common goal. And while they have become a team, they are hitting a point where they must separate for a time. And as unfortunately as it might be to think, some might fall away. But for this brief shining moment, they are warriors, they are heroes, they are champions of a cause. They are graduating.



I am proud, honored, privileged, and extremely thankful to have been able to share in their lives. I'm also a better person for what they have shared in my life.

Two of my friends, Bah and Jodi, have written excellent posts about their similar feelings. Check them out.

One final thought- I kid you not, as I got in my car to come home from the dinner, the song on Radio Regenbogen was The Final Countdown by Europe. I had to laugh, as the opening lyric is, "We're leaving together, but still it's farewell." How fitting.

Currently listening to: Europe -

Musical Suggestions

I'm in the process of making a year in review slide show to be shown later this week. Besides the fact that some of the photos have gone missing, all is going as usual. Everytime I try to put one of these together, I reach the quagmire of selecting music to go with the show. As I listen to my CDs I feel like I'm almost auditioning them for the covetted three or four spots to compliment the slide show. Some artists do not even get a time slot in the CD player, as I know that David Hasselhof, Buckman and Garcia, or "Weird Al" Yankovic just would not be appropriate. But that doesn't cut down the selection process down too much.

So I ask you the reader, what song or songs do you suggest I use for the slide show. Leave your suggestions in the comments. I will warn that there is one song that will warrent a severe beating (verbally or physically) to anyone who suggests it.

Currently listening to: Live coverage of the Indy 500.

Parenting Tip #443

After working with kids for so long, I've come to the conclusion that some kids are just spoiled. Their parents have done everything for them, bought them what they wanted, and forced the school to get them into the clubs they need to be to pad their college applications. But if you are a parent of one of these spoiled kids, there is one thing that your kid does need you to provide for them. And those parents out there who have brought your kid up in a proper environment, don't think you don't have to check out this link. See every kid needs the tools to survive in the fierce world that they will soon face. How as a parent are you going to guarantee that they have the know how and training to be a success? As I see it, this might be the only good option you have. So go check out how you too can get your kid (or niece or nephew - for concern aunts and uncles) a bully of their own.

Oh, and if you ever get a song stuck in your head, you might want to bookmark this great service. Using the latest technology, they can let you know the title of that song.

Currently listening to: Crowded House -

Free Agent Missionary

Well folks, if you haven't heard yet, I have been named a free agency missionary and can seek other opportunities in misisons around the world. After six years of devotion to the school I work at, it has been made clear to me that there are some in leadership here have expressed in poorly chosen words that I am not appreaciated here.

So, if you are connected with a ministry that could use someone who will serve above and beyond the call of duty, someone who realates well with youth as well as adults, someone who has communicaiton, development, and web design skills, please feel free to contact me. I've got over six years of missionary experience working with youth. Previous jobs that could be incorporated in future ministry include radio announcer, substitute teacher, and butcher. I can cook, drive, type, make stupid jokes, and have many hours of cleaning laundry and toilets. If you are looking for someone who several of his coworkers are begging him not to leave his current position, you can reach me at webmaster at this here website.

I'm open to relocating to anywhere in this world.

Even if you are not connected with a ministry, but want to offer a nice paying job, I'm entertaining all offers.

Currently listening to: Counting Crows -

A Job Done Well

I wanted to share with everyone what was read about me at the Staff Appreciation Dinner the other night. I share them mostly so my momma and my supporters can see what was said. I don't really like getting praise, as I'm just doing a job that needs to be done, with the work ethic that was taught to me by my parental units.

"I remember when Ryan came to BFA. I will never forget your long flowing red hair. Ryan has always had a servant's heart. From the start he was always willing to do whatever and whenever. When you came you actually lived in the Palmgarten before it was a dorm and helped in construction/maintenance. Later you moved into HBR as an RA. Ryan is the model RA - there for the kids. Ryan also came to BFA with some amazing training and talent in the area of commmunications and we needed those qualities and so he joined our communications team. All of you know the high quality of our webpage and the credit for that goes single-handedly to Ryan. In today's world, an organization's public face is often first seen through its webpage. We can be proud of ours. We have gotten glowing reviews and comments about how good it is, how usable it is and how it stands as a model for others. Thanks Ryan. When Ryan moved over to communications, he never lost his love for the residence program. Most nights and most weekends he is in our dorms helping out. The man just never stops. For Ryan it is all about the kids. It is all about being there (no one takes more pictures to document their lives at BFA), and pointing them to the Lord. Your contribution and example is a model to all of us. Thank you Ryan for sharing your passions with all of us and for wanting the very best for BFA. I can only hope and pray that we will be able to continue to meet the high standartds you are levaing behind. Thanks you Ryan."

Currently listening to: Counting Crows -

Thems A Lotta Kids

Wow, there is a lady who gave birth to her 15th kid, and she herself is 38. The amazing thing is not that she has had that many kids, or that she was named "Arkansas' Young Mother of the Year" this year. No the amazing thing is she and her husband are responsible for a large portion of the population of their hometown. I know, as I used to drive through Tontitown many times during my college days. And believe me, it took about forty five seconds to drive through that town. Although if you are in that area, you must eat at Mary Maesti's for some darn fine Italian food. And if you are in that area, turn your radio to 101.1 KLRC, the first radio station I worked at.

Currently listening to: Downhere -

Two Concerts and Two Ladies

The other night, a friend of mine offered me four tickets to see Gordon Sumner in concert. Not being one to pass up an opportunity to catch a concert, especially free, I took the tickets and three students to Zurich to catch the show. As concerts go, this was one of the better I've seen in a while. The lighting and graphics behind the band were stellar. And as expected the band was composed of great artists from across the globe. The only down side to the show was the opening act, who was a great piano player, but came across a bit bitter, not to mention attempting a song in German in front of a mostly German speaking audience.

But what does that all have to do with the title of this entry? Well, I thought back a four years ago when Mr. Sumner's tour passed through this area. A small group of friends went up to Freiburg to see the show. In the group were two females, both coworkers. One of them I was interested in at the time and even bought her ticket to the show, so she could go. The other was just a good friend. So now, four years later, I found myself thinking how the one that was just a friend still keeps in touch with me, and we still have a friendship. The other, well let's just say I haven't heard from her in years, and don't expect to this side of heaven.

Just thought I would share. If you get a chance to catch this tour, do so, but show up late. If you get the chance to take a girl you are interested, go dutch. You will thank me for it.