From: Jordan
Date: October 29, 2011

Greetings from the far and distant land of fierce wind, beautiful sunsets, and very long straight roads. Today I have made the courageous discision to stop procrastinating and actually write an update! (insert applause here)

Todd and I have been doing very well over here at Briercrest. We are successfully not married yet so that should count for something. I spend the majority of my time head down on my desk hoping my homework will complete itself.. and Todd isn't much better lol. The reading and work is not as easy as I expected it to be. I am finding the academics quite challenging. Todd usually waits till the last night to do any work, but he is somehow gifted at getting good grades in spite of the time he puts in.

As far as fun things we do, the lists are endless. I think if we had a motto for what we do it would be "it can be fun if you make it fun". I can't tell you how awesome everyday life is, especially in the dorm; its a gong-show. I like to occasionally play hockey and volleyball when there is opportunity. Our room is usually pumping out loud music, and dance parties happen a lot. Sometimes its cold out so we have to put shirts on. And also we probably play way too many video games.

Our dorm is the smallest dorm on campus. There are only 24 guys in the whole building! Everyone is super tight - it is amazing. It feels like we live in a house, not a dorm. I can truly see how some relationships that you make in college are life long friendships. Other dorms sometimes refer to us as "the vortex" because in previous years guys would only hang out with their dorm buddies and no one else. Although Todd and I have been doing well in making efforts to befriend others outside our dorm. I consistently volunteer at a soup kitchen in Moose Jaw and sometimes attend a youth centre when I'm not tired. There are lots of opportunities to meet people and get connected.

God has been working in both our lives in ways that we could not have imagined. I am learning how to put my reliance in Him always. Most days I really don't feel like doing homework or going to chapel or listening in class.. I find myself asking for his strength and wisdom a lot. I experience miracles often by seeing how he comes through for me when I can't rely on myself anymore. As for Todd, God has been challenging him to be more bold: speaking up in class, sharing opinions, etc. He has been speaking the truth in love more often, even though it might hurt or offend others. I've also never seen him more joyful and energetic since I have know him, its awesome.

I hope you all in K-town and GenNet are doing well. I miss hanging out with you guys! I have been hearing and seeing glimpses of what is going on over there and it seems really interesting.

with love,
Jordan