Week Two

I think I’m almost settled into this new place.
Its good to remember what its like to be an ‘Overseas student’ again. In amongst the core existential issues that drive our quest, are the basic unresolved practicalities. And so, like the fish who finds himself out of water, I’ve been flapping around madly, meaninglessly wriggling trying to find my way back into some kind of life – sustaining routine…

I think I’m almost there.
I’ve got a nice one bedroom dorm about 10 minutes from Classes. It has some kind construction workers next door who generously provide me with a regular 6am jackhammer alarm clock. It also has adequate solitude and seclusion from the already deserted UBC summer campus – I’ve hardly seen 2 living souls in this complex in the last week! I still haven’t been able to successfully dial out of my room phone, although I have got the answering machine working and I can receive calls on 0011 (1604) 225 5955]!!


I’ve found a basic little grocery store that’s not too far from here. The only fresh food they stock seems to be bananas and peaches. But hey, I like peaches. I’ve worked out some decent eating places not too far from me: McDonalds, Subway, Harry’s Pizza… The other university restaurants are all closed for summer…but my salvation is a little Japanese place that does $5 bento boxes and the trusty ol’ Chinese takeaway.
This weekend though, through Tami’s mum extensive social network, I suddenly got to meet a wonderful group of aunties and uncles. In amongst their wonderful hospitality over BBQ dinner and after – church lunch, I managed to loot a couple of days worth of leftovers. Maybe that’s why I feel a bit more secure now hmmm…

I’m plugging away at 3 subjects right now.
The first one is with Dr. Bruce Waltke. I’ve been wanting to meet this guy for a while and to sit under his teaching in person. He’s an eminent Old testament scholar who’s one of the 15 guys who nailed out the NIV translation and the new 2005 revision. We’re ploughing through his 400 pages of lecture notes on Old Testament theology…and somehow we’re supposed to finish this by next week?
The second is with Prof David Lyon. He’s a sociologist who is leading some interesting research on the social consequences of technology – especially in regards to privacy and global surveillance (ie., webcams, iris scans etc. etc.) This subject opens up some pretty interesting discussion about the impact of a shrinking and speeding world on how we build relationships and interact in community.
Lastly, I’m taking a subject on Leadership with Dr. Mark Strom. We’re taking a good hard look at Paul as a leader and contrasting his leadership style to the managerial and ministerial modes of leadership in yesterday’s and today’s churches and businesses.
I dare say, I think I’ve gone a bit silly with the work load. I’ve got 6 hours in classes each day plus assignments and readings.
But then, I’ve only got one more week to go.
Next week begins a new fortnight of classes.

I’ve been able to explore out some really nice running circuits around here. The one I’m think I’m gonna work on is a solid 10km loop that takes me 4km through the heavily wooded forestry of the Pacific Spirit National Park, then 3km along the Spanish Banks Beach, then up this crazy 3km incline that goes up up up along the coast to Point Grey on University hill. I’ve done it a few times now and I think its worthy of my sweat!

Thanks to my awesome team back home, I’ve even been able to get connected back to Sunday’s service to hear the fresh sermons and stay in touch with great momentum that’s starting to spin.

They say that the people you first meet when you come into a new place, even after all the other people you meet, will still be the best friends you keep. In my first class, I got to know the guys I sat next to and we formed a prayer group. Its pretty awesome how the Master has brought our lives together at this particular time in each other’s lives. Drew is from Dallas and has just in the last 2 weeks had his first experience with speaking in tongues after his mother’s conversion. Tai is from Seattle and has also just started exploring this whole new world of the Spirit in the last 2 months. I feel like I’ve just walked in on the middle of the Master’s masterpiece! They’re also facing some pretty significant transition issues with relationships and future plans – so, at least I don’t feel like I’m alone!
Friday night we headed out together. Had authentic, home – cooked Korean food and then trooped down to the Richmond night market to try some octopus balls and barbeque fish…

And of course, I’ve managed to start getting this blog thing going. I don’t think I’ve got the hang of blogging yet at all. I write too much, I take too long, I get caught up in things that most of you guys probably only want to read when it comes out in an edited book! Anyhow, I’m trying. Do let me know how I’m going along the way!


So here’s to another week. I’m trying to focus on studying and thinking through a whole stack of issues but my thoughts keep snapping back to the beautiful faces that I know are walking with me on Expedition. You guys are in my thoughts all the time. May the Master work His wonders into your hearts just as He’s working on mine.