August 1st? Is that really the last time I was on here?? Dang.... Ha. Life has just been so busy lately; we're already done with our first week of school! Crazy...

Where to start? So much has happened since August 1st! Our trip to Montana with the soccer team was absolutely nuts, but SUCH a cool experience and such good times. I'll never forget that trip. Ha, 35+ hours straight on a bus will do that to you. ;-) But it was good -- our team is so different this year from anything it has ever been in the past -- namely, unified, ha. There's just a good vibe this year... People can actually talk to each other, the cliques have disappeared, and guys are just honest and willing to work and learn; I can actually say that I'm proud to be a part of our team this year. And we're 2-0 so far. ;-)

Then we had 2 weeks of preseason, which was fairly brutal, but actually wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. It was just SO time-consuming, and every minute you weren't on the field, you were just SO tired... But we made it. For the last 3 days of preseason, though, I had to be excused because I had training for my leadership position this year. That went well, but again, I was in class for almost 10 hours every day, and it was pretty brutal -- in a very different way. But the training was very helpful, and I'm glad I took the time to do it.

Then, my friends....school started. Haha. But so far classes have gone well. I am actually pretty excited about my Diverse Populations class, my 20th Century British Literature class (particularly because my professor is an brilliant and amazing man), and my Creative Writing class (despite the fact that this professor has been somewhat monotone and dull in his teaching). It'll be an interesting year, I think, as far as classes go.

And then there's my social life, ha. There's too much for me to go into detail about the last month, almost, but I'll give you some highlights. First of all, I moved in with my 3 roommmates (Darren, Jordan, and Caleb) this month, and so far that has been awesome. It's a good group, and we get along well. We're actually still in the process of arranging furniture and unpacking and all...it's getting there. Secondly, I am in a different dorm this year, so that has brought up some new issues (such as a new 10 minute commute to the middle of campus), but I'm living with a lot of the same guys as I was in Quincer, so that's been sweet. "It's not about where you are, but who you're with..." That's a good one. :-)

Last of all, there are a couple of things I could use prayer for, specifically, if you think about it... First of all, a new issue has just come up in the last few days about my financial situation (namely, I might not be getting a scholarship that I had been counting on -- I'll know by Wednesday), and it might mean that I would need to quit the soccer team for this semester to look for more work... And that's just a real burden right now -- this is the first year that I'm excited to be a part of this team, and I've already put so much time and work into this season that I would hate to throw it away.... But I've put that in God's hands, and I trust that He knows what's best. Pray that I would get this scholarship, if it's God's will, and if not, that He would provide another way. But especially pray that God would give me the faith and joy I need to not let worry consume me, and that in all things I would seek His kingdom first.

Secondly, just pray that I would have wisdom in my leadership position this year. As part of my position, I'm supposed to lead a small group, and I'm still trying to decide what we'll study and how we'll run that, so I could definitely use the direction and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the next few weeks as I establish those routines and get to know the guys in my group.

And finally, please pray that I would keep my focus this semester. It's so easy to get lost in the business and excuses and social life and studies during the year, and I just really need Jesus right now. Pray that I would keep the big picture in mind always, and that I wouldn't allow the daily details to clutter my mind. Pray that God would give me peace. Pray that God would give me wisdom in my relationships. Pray that I would be aware of His love and that I would live it out every day in all that I do.

Anyway, sorry this letter is a little more newsie and less contemplative and interesting than usual, but I promise to make a better effort at keeping this up-to-date and posting cool things and deep thoughts and all in the future. Hopefully things will settle down a bit after this week. (But of course we know that probably won't happen... ha) Thanks for caring and for all your prayers! :-)

Love,
Aaron