My Journey Update # 2

My Journey Update #2

Greetings friends and family! I first want to apologize for the amount of time it has taken me getting this blog post published. I will try and post future upcoming blog posts with the set time I originally had planed in the beginning. But for this one I apologize.

For the last 10 weeks I have been a part of a Christian program called Leadership Training or in short LT in Virginia Beach. LT was both challenging and rewarding at the same time. One of the most challenging parts for me during LT was probably my job. LT provides you with a job during the 10 weeks your there, and my job was a waiter at a local hotel. Some of the reasons it was challenging for me was because the hotel required me to work full time. as well as my shifts were usually morning, and working the morning shift required you to be there at 6am. Another way I felt LT was challenging was as I worked full time I also had to be at all the main sessions throughout the week. During main sessions we would have 1 pastor per week come and talk to us and share God's word with us. LT defiantly had its challenging moments, but it also had a lot of very rewarding moments as well. Probably the most rewarding part of LT for me was the community and relationships that I was able to make. One thing that really stands out to me was how fast people grew in relationship with each other. It only took about 2 weeks before everyone felt like family.  As I reflect back on LT the biggest thing that I miss is the community of believers involved in my life during that season of my life.

As far as right now, I am currently back in Idaho just resting and reflecting still on what I feel the Lord was doing in my life during LT. As I reflect and rest, I am also seeking and waiting for the next big thing that the Lord has for me. I'm learning as I wait for the next big thing that I should also focus on the little things He wants to do in my life right now.

I apologize that this update isn't that long, but I just wanted to update everyone quickly on what is happing in my life right now and where I am. Currently I am just in a reflecting stage in my life and waiting and seeking the Lord for the next thing.

Blessings

Jared

My Journey: Update #1

Hello Friends and Family,

I am pleased to announce that I have finally decided to make a blog in order to keep everyone current and up to date on what is happening in my life. My plan is to update my blog every month. I figured this time frame would give me enough time to analyze my life and construct thoughts that I could update everyone with, while I feel this time frame would help me with not becoming inactive on updating everyone.

Adventures In Italy Round 2

Parla englasa (do you speak English) Gracia (Thank you) excusa (excuse me) - My knowledge of the Italian language.

Yes, I went to Italy again! My trip down there was awesome. I love their food! and Jalato, Jalato is Italian ice cream! So good!

I spent about 2 weeks this time in Italy with my brother and his wife. Within 2 weeks we went to Venice, Florance, Pisa, and Rome.

The first place I went to was Venice. I believe I went to Venice at the perfect time of year, because it wasn't as crowded as it can be, but non the less it still had a lot of people. The thing that I loved about Venice was how historic and old the environment felt. You may have to be there in order to fully understand what I mean, but it was just something that I personally noticed as I walked the streets of Venice. As I walked down Venice I also noticed many older churches, it was amazing to be able to go into some of them and notice the amount of work that many people have put into them throughout the years. It was also amazing to think about how old some of the churches are today that I was able to stand in. I spent a total of about 6 hours in Venice, walking around and viewing all the buildings and landmarks.

The next place that I went to and my personal favorite was Florance. One thing that I learned fast about Florance was don't drive in that city its hectic. After parking our car I was able to walk around the city of Florance. The funny thing is, Florance was my favorite city to see and walk around in, but I cant pinpoint exactly why.  As I think about it, I would have to say it was probably more of the feeling I got from the environment than anything. When we arrived in Florance the weather was like Seattle, it was overcast but not raining. This type of weather really gave the city of Florance a unique ancient Renaissance feeling. In my mind I really visualized Florance as I saw it that day.  The most memorable part of Florance and Italy for me was climbing a tower that was 414 stairs but the top was worth it. The top overlooked the whole city of Florance, on top of that tower I could see the surrounding mountains and hills from a distance. An absolute amazing view.

After Florance, we decided to drive through Pisa on our way to Rome, so we could look and take pictures of The Leaning Tower of Pisa. We only spent about an hour in Pisa, but I was able to eat a Pizza in Pisa, That made me happy! That was my goal!

We arrived in Rome and stayed for 2 days. I don't think that I have ever walked so much in two days in my entire life. During our time there, we went to The Spanish Steppes, The Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Basilica, The Vatican, The Sistine Chapel The Coliseum and some old roman ruins. I would have to say that one of my two favorite spots in Rome would have to be a hallway leading to The Sistine Chapel, what amazed me about this hallway was its ceiling, it was COMPLETELY covered in individual paintings. My second favorite spot in Rome would probably have to be the Coliseum. The Coliseum was my second favorite because as I stood there, all I could imagine was the history that was made there.




























My time in Italy was amazing! I am very pleased that I was able to see everything that I saw. All I can say is I cant wait to go back! If you ever get a chance to go to Italy go! Its worth it!

My Future Plans

As I think about my future plans I can't help but get excited. In May I will be going up to Virginia Beach to attend a program called LT.  LT is a 10 week program where I will spend deepening my relationship with Jesus, as well as building fellowship with other participants and sharing the love of Christ with local community. While I share the love of Christ with community I will also have the opportunity to witness for Christ within my workplace. During my time in LT I will also be working full time. I believe a good challenge LT will give me is, how could I witness for Christ within a workplace. I am excited about this challenge because it will help me grow both as a disciple for Christ and as an individual in myself. During LT I will be living about a couple of blocks from the beach in a cottage community with about 6-8 others.  I'm excited about living with other roommates because of the deep and lasting friendships that can be made. I am very excited about attending LT this upcoming month, and I cant help but feel there is so much that the Lord has planned for me during LT and this upcoming season in my life.

Currently

As of right now I am currently back in Sun Valley Idaho working for the last month. I am also spending the last remaining amount of time in prayer about Virginia and the next season of my life, praying that the Lord's desire and will be done in my life.