Best note of the week!! THIS is why I teach!

Between You and Brelyn G.

Brelyn G. 06 November at 18:36
Shawn u such a meany u still hold kids afterschool well i have you to thank cause if u didnt hold me after school and make me do my work i wouldnt be getting good grades also im a afterschool program so when i graduate i can go too any college i want so i thank u and i love u shawn and GOD BLESS YOU
Sent via Facebook Mobile

Text Messages....

Kim-Haiti- Your fb made me laugh so hard!

Steve-Harry's Dad- Yes, it did. Thank u 4 your consideration for Harry always, esp 4 Sukkot this year. I will be able to pay for it on my next pay check ^-^. Thanks again.

Mom-I LOVE you Shawn! I know that you dont understand this walk that I am on but I am not asking anything from you!

Kate Jackson-Camp Yeshua-Yeah! Camp wont be the same without you. Ill try and live up to your enthusiasm while im there. But no one can be the legend. :)

Kim-Haiti-Hang tough! Talking about how Jesus didn't complain or speak negatively. It said to be mentally prepared by victory thinking! And that's what you do!!! i

I learned a lot from you yesterday when I was stressed out! Thanks for being you kiddo
From Eddie Lee-ONE OF THE BEST TEXT MESSAGES EVER!!-After surviving Haiti and getting a eight-hour-layover!: Update. Were going to the airport regency. The address is 1000 nw le jeune rd miami florida 33126. See ya soon!

Kim-Haiti-I love you Shawn I can't wait to meet up again! Have fabulous time in new York!

Jeremiah-after I told him I clogged the toilet in Haiti...continually- No,you didnt.....you did?! Hahahaha,only you shawn would be humble enough:) gotta ask though.....are you malnourished???

Car Feliz Compulanos!

I was on my way to Jessica Lutton's funeral when I noticed my car had a birthday. The speedometer read 100,001. To celebrate the additional number on my dial, I wanted to get a picture with the five zeros. Five minutes later post discovery, neighbors could spot my car rolling in reverse all over the neighborhood; my car was not going to revert back to it's 100,001th birthday. Realizing that I was probably going to be late to the funeral, I released my agony and left. Happy Birthday Kia '03 Spectra!

Me translating Spanish is never a good thing...

After a hard day at school, I wanted to celebrate the hardworking and pleasant day with a stroll down South Omaha. While some call it South Omaha, others fondly refer to it as "Omaha's Mexican Cultural area". I am glad Sword of the Spirit has so much culture right outside its doors! I ordered a burrito...$3, and the English/Spanish barrier is always fun! After communicating that "Si, give me the chili" and I had my burrito in hand, I explored all 24th St. had to offer. Walking in this cultural area WHILE eating cultural food gave me a great thrill; gosh, I am so blessed! I soon realized that the common thing to do was look behind you ever three minutes or so to be sure you were not being robbed. Constantly turning around was a bit distracting, and it left an awkward not trusting others feeling, but I soon adapted to the technique.

I met a man named "Mamacitas"....or so I thought! He kept telling me, "Mamacitas? Mamacitas?". I thought, 'oh, how nice of the man to reveal his name!' Well, that crazy loon...Mamacitas means 'Hot Girls'. He was wondering if I had the hookup....leson learned: Not everyone that repeats the term 'Mamacitas' is telling you his name....only some! haha, ok, none at all....still, I have to admit...I REALLY enjoy playing the whole 'dumb American' card! =D

So I have decided that I enjoy pushing everything possible while on my iPod touch...I find later that I sent friend requests to people I have never met, provide status updates that don't make sense, and even place a bunch of letters on picture comments than could be taken as cuss words with symbols. 

Today, in class, I continued trying to work on my Spanish. Since two of my students speak it I figured I'll give them a good laugh (or a great annoyance) attempting to speak it in front of them. After asking what box meant in Spanish (caraka), I told students to place their papers in the cocka.....which means poop. I will learn this language someday!

The best gift I have received in the last two weeks came surprisingly from Tierza. She gave me a note stating how she loves being challenged and she really appreciates the standard I hold the class to. She got it! ...and not just that, her maturity level has stepped it up a notch post writing that. Gosh, that's awesome! Less complaining, and I can give her more responsibity. Whoop there it is!

So, I am definitely a person that GOES, GOES, GOES!! I enjoy being busy; lately, however, I just don't have any more in me to push harder! I have finally realized WHAT is the issue. BURNOUT. Words that echo far into anyone's soul. I need to spend a few minutes stopping and making time for me prior to attending the next event. If I can learn the proper balance, all will be well. Also, Ashley has been showing me the proper way to eat....apparently, I am not supposed to eat out for every meal! lol!! I am bettering myself through spending less money at the grocery store and training myself to eat basic food. Jimmy, a man from sukkot (actually, someone really didn't like me a few years ago), sat me down and encouraged me to press on towards another goal. I have been thinking alot about his request, and I think I like the idea. Now, the challenge is to find WHAT I can do. Scholarship money is out of the question, so I could try for grants. Class is going well....the kids are all working hard. I received a new student today, but her mother is willing to work with me in any means necessary to catch her up to standards....this will be hard work and worth it. I also want to begin thinking of a fall goal..............and fast! My summer goal was a complete success....traveling to Haiti and learning to fit into a whole new culture....fun!

Fun memories I want to remember are.......the only think our cook knew in Haiti was the word, "Chicken", the new year's migit story =O,appreciates how the hair college is an equal opportunity employeer. The stylist chosen for me had a shaking disease. All the same, the bad cut was SOOO worth the ridiculousness of the situation. "Sir, ok, Ill be honest....I have never succeeded in cutting a man's hair, but I usually cover the gap up before the instruct...or sees." (this is proceeded by a evil nerdy laugh!) LOL, BUTTERFLY KISSES at Luke and Kierstyn's wedding! LOL, While the Great Clips lady is cutting my hair, "OH, also does your salon sell lice shampoo?? It's bad this time for me. (Lady stares and drops comb!) No? ..that's OK, I'll remember to grab some the next time Walgreens has a sale." =), Today's Mission: go to family reunion, act like a creeper, and hit on second cousins I will never see again. =), is officially BACK!! Next time though, PLEASE remind him to take Windex when he does medical missions and/or prays for people. Boy, wouldn't the Haitian people just freak if after praying, he grabbed his bottle of Windex and start squirting....skin disease.....NO PROBLEM!!, My favorite experiencen in Haiti was when I found a bunch of ladies washing clothes in tubs.....I grabbed a tub, started washing, and we got a sing-a-long going....they repeated what I sang and then I repeated what they sang! Good times, good times!

...and I think id miss you even if we'd never met.

The hardest thing is loving someone and having the courage to love them back.
-The Wedding Date
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Hey, I actually had fun doing this; I wanted to get this out of the way prior to a for sure busy week! Thanks for the challenge, and I guess, keep your eyes pealed! =) Oh, and p.s., after writing this I remember that I actually had a dream about this very thing weeks ago! lol! In the dream you didn't receive it well, so I hope this list is different than that! Haha! Have a great week!!
________________________________

•Humble
•Loves travel and exploring different cultures; someone that sees life as an exciting adventure to live, not just something to get by in. I want to try skydiving, hiking in the Amazon rainforest, etc., and I want a partner to share in the experiences an excitement.
•Loves God (not a religion...they will go anywhere to find it)
•Compassion (it's a true test to see if God really is being allowed to work) for those less fortunate, those that need help and care, don't have positive role models, or need something they just cannot do or get. I will need them to agree with me to support, uplift, encourage, and care for these people in every way possible; our lives are to be a living testimony of Him. It is important we try to allow God to change people through us.
•is ok with adopting children
•looks are honestly not a factor. This person will need to respect herself, but she can weigh 100-500 lbs. and be gorgeous or ugly; she just has to have the compassion for others.
•someone who appreciates the small things! It's so hard trying to please someone who is not grateful.

Me
I don't care what other people think about me. I love getting things going and making everyone have fun and remaining involved. After this is accomplished, I have the most fun just going back to hanging with a few friends. I care deeply for youth. I am legitimately a dork from every definition of it (minus the glasses, but hopefully someday), and I love that about myself. Everything I create seems to break, but I give 100% while making it. I will never be rich, but I will make it in a home. I am a helpless romantic 100%. When I finally get married, I will be dedicated forever. I want to marry out of love and a deep respect for my wife. If I never find the right person, I am fine remaining single and making the best life a bachelor can have! My greatest downfall lies in overcommitting. You name it, I have either been a part of, helped lead at sometime, or and currently involved with it.

College World Series....last year at Rosenblatt!

Rachel Funk's Grand Canyon picture!

College World Series....the last year at Rosenblatt. I will be one of those annoying people that video everything......Sarah and Katie Brennan helped this year. The whole shortcut that the Patterson's once showed me is now a construction zone; this was realized in the middle of the night while lightening was all over....it was fun! =D

I admit...Haiti has finally reached me. I wish I could remain there longer. I miss Doddy and Manishka....gosh, I miss them. Their hearts were so pure and moldable.....
It seems like the life obstacles I encounter here are nowhere close to there...they are happy with what they have. I wish I could pour into them, and I enjoy how they receive everything. I could use the love God has grown in me to pour into them....gosh, I miss them. Now, here it is two weeks later, and I just haven't found my motivation...this just started (it usually takes me awhile longer to miss people!)....I meet my responsibilities, but the passion just isn't there....the world will still be great without accomplishing any of it....



-Samuel, Doddy, and Jimmy















-Jimmy



Normal day of playing games...

Haiti was fun. The most memorable stories.....

1) Passport issues! I have used my passport for a few countries, and it has been through the wash multiple times. Waiting at O'hare, I received my ticket from the gate desk (Cheaptickets used multiple airlines to get me the best price), and the receptionist said that I should probably get a new passport when I returned home. I boarded the plane and slept over in the Miami airport (totally suggest it by the way!). When I awoke, I was closer to the domestic ticket counter to check in; even though I was flying international, I could still check in domestic. I went up to the ticket counter to get everything, and the lady said there was no way she would take my passport. Granted, it was in two pieces, but still, it was there....haha, she, practically yelling, demanded I run and grab glue and apply it before she took it. I did.....when I came back, another lady took my passport this time. I explained to her what was going on, and she said, 'we can't take it'. she said they just got a e-mail yesterday saying not to accept laundered passports. I said, 'well, omaha took it, chicago took it, this is my last stop, and i need to get to Haiti.' She said I could either wait in the airport and wait for the embassy to open the following day (it was Sunday) or she could book me a flight back home. I told her I would think about it. I ran over to the international side, gave the gal my passport and was instantly in, no questions asked.

2) I saw a bunch of ladies washing towels in our compound in Haiti, and I asked to sit down with them and wash with them. Later on, when our bus returned, I returned to washing clothes with them, and only five minutes later, it was lunch break. They gave me a to-go container full of beans, sauce, and rice. Now, when a person goes to another country, they have to drink bottled water or face bathroom...now, remember that this food was cooked in this water....I got sick for a few days, but it was completely worth it to see the look of confidence on their faces.

3)Leaving through Omaha's airport, I found out that I could only take one bag of 50lbs....I had one large bag of 70lbs full of supplies for Haiti. The lady was awesome! She gave me another bag, so I was able to shove everything into my carryon and bag....Michelle was there totally helping me!

AK Graduation....

Ak graduation was a success...the big push this year to rehearse the performance with mics, music, and order gave all involved a positive outcome; everything ran very smooth. I felt a professional level had been achieved after the completion of everything, while cake was served. I was the sound man/prop man....I made sure everything was where it should have been, played movies, etc. Fun night....Steve asked me about the television we used for the performance, for it had been his prior to the family leaving for Cyprus last year. I wish I could give him everything back...that what Christ would do, right? Still, it's not my call....I smile, nod, and continue my tasks. I really am beginning to appreciate Steve's humbleness in everything....not what I would expect at a first appearance. Kindergarten Graduation was finally over...

Well, since this was Sword of the Spirit's last program of the year, I began putting everything in my usual storage boxes; more was to come! I, with Connie and Harry as my amazing helpers, brought up a few items to the storage area, and I noticed two police cruisers outside. Immediately thinking parents may be fighting, I went to see what was up. While the program was going on, Sword of the Spirit had its first drive-by....how exciting! Luckily, we were all inside, but apparently, whoever this was took a high-powered BB gun to some of the cars outside....mine being included. Windows were busted out on many of the cars, and after it happened, a awesome neighbor across the street (who was weed-eating by the way!)called the cops.

The most important thing to do in these instances is to remain calm. The devil gains a foothold if we allow our lives to be gripped with fear. This is normal life, and as long as we keep our head on our shoulders, we remain fine....God protects us! ...truly He does. Now, strategize....

I told the cops that they were welcome to do whatever....search my car, etc....they had full reign....honestly, I laughed....they were trying to find BB's on a floor full of Burger King bags and glass.....haha! good luck! I told the officer that he could ask me anything, but I did want to get back to the party and enjoy everybody else....the officer said CrimeLab was on their way, so I returned to the celebration....

After finishing all my tasks and cleaning up, I checked on for an update on how the report was coming along. Apparently, CrimeLab searched my car, looked for anything that could help, etc.....I was hoping they would clean out my car taking the BK bags as evidence, but sadly, they did not. The street was cleaned up, and Cathie taped my window....now whenever I drive, I, kid-you-not, have to open my car door to see if anyone is coming. haha....I love it! Can you say 'ghetto'?



In case there is any question to who drives this beast, Shelly added the words, 'Shawn's Ride' in tape on the front side.

My only concern in this is that parents will not have the spiritual maturity to realize that this was an attack of the enemy to scare support off...pray with me in this? =)

Zoo Days...

This is as close to being a manly Snow White as I will probably ever come....I totally was able to get a close up shot of it without jetting....the Butterfly exhibit at the zoo is fun! =)

Musical...

Well, the Sword of the Spirit 2010 musical was a hit! Honestly, I was nervous...reciting lines in front of an audience totally got me; luckily everything came together for the performance. Growing up, I believed that I just wasn't acting material, but through this musical, I can attest that another fear obstacle of mine has been diminished. The unwavering confidence Amy put in me throughout the musical surprised me, and it made me want to continue working harder and harder for the project. The musical allowed me to put my character into another character...something I finally could finally do in front of others in an acting setting. Amy doesn't realize what she gave me...regardless, I'm glad she put trust in me!




My name was Professor John Spiritus Baptismo....


The parents just died as I danced with my talit around the stage doing the "Jan Brady"... I think the kids had fun also. =)






Totally hard cores.........

Piano Bar....

I joined Tyson and his friends at the Piano Bar, located in the back of DJ's Dugout....WHAT A HIT! Any song you know, they know...you can have them play it with a decent bribe ($20 usually does it!)....I loved hearing all the requests...the audience sings along....Sweet Caroline was my favorite! This was definitely a place I will have to visit again. =D

Dance Recital...

Brandee and Brooke's Dance recital was fun...well, watching them is anyways. I'm glad there is only one recital per year because the event drags on for hours...my big push was for the girls to smile throughout their performances. These two little girls pulled it off....with the lights blazing on the stage and hundreds of people watching the groups perform, the girls were able to maintain posure....I was thrilled! If they are raised correctly, these girls will be awesome people when they are older.

Signs....

I have yet to make an "interesting sign" section on the blog....



This is a sign to a women's restroom in a catholic church. Not trying to sound improper but WHY do you need an umbrella to enter.....guys mark the spot...follow the example, ladies!

Hillsong Concert!

Our church fellowship left at 2:30PM for Des Moines. The Hillsong Concert was awesome great! I appreciated the Austrailian accents....good stuff! My favorite songs performed were From the Inside Out and Hosanna.

Spring Cleaning!

Spring Cleaning is HERE! I let go of more things every year as I go through my collection of things kept over the years. ...and to be honest, I don't miss anything I throw out! Well, nothing except my orange abstract-dotted pj's I ripped when I was eleven.

Casting Crowns Concert......

Halla back!
"THE GROUP"....lol. Steven Curtis Chapman's sons are on sarah's sides.....fun! The two brothers started as the cover band...the announcer didn't announce their last names....which was good because 1, people went up to them afterwards and gave them words of encouragement without being like the paparatzie.....2, HAD the announcer stated their full names, they would have been overloaded with TONS of people afterwards being annoying and telling the boys how sorry they were....
=O!

He was SO excited he got this!

Everyone in the Mid-America Center praising God!








Driving before and after the concert was fun....before it seemed as though everyone was friendly and letting people in and such....afterwards, we were AT WAR with every other car in the parking lot! haha!!

Joslyn Art Museum.....

Great Museum! I guess they are open Saturdays and are FREE.....I want to really go and study the art!
75% of their art is locked in vaults.....the museum actually displays very little....and this museum is huge!
Fun tour guide!
Ahhh, the life of middle school drama! =O haha....love it!

Midnight Showing!

Amy, Josh, Joel, Cephas, Sue, and even Elijah, and I went and saw a movie at a midnight showing. Unfortunately, the movie wasn't a big enough hit to dress up in the characters, but it was in 3D.....any movie in 3D is just too cool!

Here is Joel being AMAZING! lol
Now, here are the three gangsters....ok, maybe the group could use a few lessons?? lol

Zoo Day....great animals....the skyfari doesn't open for awhile yet. I appreciated the colorful and miniture faced animals. =) Ashley had fun! We caught up on the last couple of months....yes finally. lol

We are not the victim.....and we never will be. Different circumstances will approach our lives, but it is critical that we see them for what they are....ruts in the road that will better us as people as we conquer them and move on. The people sent to concentration camps were not the victims. They were called for a certain period of time to be witnesses for Him; they did not complain. Granted, sure they had family members taken away just like really bad things happen to us today, but the Israelies REFUSED to stay down. We must not either....it is vital to our survival. See things for what they are. When life seems to corner us with negativity, we must look at it with hope knowing that IT WILL PASS. Don't get caught up in complaining about life....WE are the painters in our creations....HOW should we glorify God in every situation. Secondly, no one wants to hear people complain again and again and especially if it seems as through there is nothing more to you. God gave us a purpose....TODAY, this SECOND.....live for Him.....DON'T lose sight of the perspective. Through day-to-day struggles, let Him continue to create a better and better person IN US. Love ya!

Easter egg hunt maddness!

Why do people celebrate Easter with fake eggs? The colors originate from centuries before when it was a pagan ritual and honestly, babies were slaughtered and blood was captured; the people used it to color the eggs and please the fetility goddess. People don't think of this today, but all the same, I personally do not see me taking my kids to a Easter egg hunt. ...just because of that and because I HATE how parents misuse childlike faith to believe in characters that don't even exist (i.e. easter bunny, st. nic, etc.). HOW are they supposed to believe in the real God that really cares for them with a childhood of one that has believed everything else......I am fine tempering my thoughts and at least participating in Easter with friends and family....maybe even a few eggs, but I just CANNOT have my children believe in something that doesn't exist.....

Those thoughts stated, I absolutely have no say with other families, and I apprecaite the families' good traits, not bad ones. With that being stated, welcome to Palm Sunday with my family......


Braxton's mother is a good friend of Becky. He came with us to church! =) He was AWESOME as he left me take this while everyone was going crazy for eggs...."Just One," I told him! lol

My baby sister brandy, brooke, and grace?.



1800 eggs.......crazy! These kids should be in candy heaven after this!!

My baby sister!


Halla back for Palm Sunday! This was so cool how they did this! =D

Passover with a small church close to Wahoo, Nebraska...

We had massive problems with the huppah! Weddings, weddings, weddings! Today was another wedding! =D ....Shelly Whitner and Andy Spegiel. Andy was such a great guy...I had no idea his father passed away when he was 16! I would have definitely tried to hang out with him earlier. Rebbi Nate was there too; FINALLY, he no longer sees me as the enemy. The man has opened back up to me and I can feel his sweet spirit once again....that's not to say that I will go back to his church.















I almost feel like he maybe feels pressured there? He finally SEES us on the same team! FINALLY! =D I was the action man after the wedding, telling people where to go and dance, etc. I think it went well. I danced with Maria, and I kept trying to find the time to ask Sheri and Carol....I wanted them to feel included. It will be awesome to have a wife that will challenge me to do things I don't want to....become a better person because of it!


Later tonight, I booked it over to the Tranquility Park Ice Rink. The Trebbiens were there, and I watched everyone skate around. SO many memories came rushing back...the seriousness of the guy and girl holding hands while skating, the dance party in the middle, the every-other song being dedicated to the next couple, ahhh the realm of high school drama. How I miss how it all made sence. I remember the largest issue that separated youth from adults was allowing youth to let their guard down in front of adults.....sitting in the bleachers of this rock party, I realized that I was now on the other realm. Perhaps the kids saw me as a father? I laughed so hard at this....it seems I was just on their side.

I am happy with my life...I entertain myself even......I giggle about the strangest things continually. I'm sure people have to see me as a creeper! But JUST how many of these kids keep their guard up, I realized I have been doing the same thing. Because I put my heart on the line when I care for someone, I have talked to people about myself because I don't have to care, therefore trust them. I realized bitterness in my heart....NOW I have to pray and seek where it is from. I have noticed for awhile that I have talked about myself lately, and I ask why. Apparently, these people are not giving me enough of themselves to make a relationship last....should I try to keep it going by talking about what I have been doing in hopes that they will open up to me? The Lord has told me that there are alot of walls I put up towards people because I don't want to trust them...fun! lol

Walking out of the ice rink though was a blast! Leaving with about three-hundred kids all around me, I was no longer on the youth side, I was an adult judging side. Oh how I hope kids see my openess and willingness to understand them. If youth were to open up to the right adults, so many mistakes could be prevented. Me as an adult though....I continued giggling to the car! LOL!