Blarg! It's Madness

I enjoy running, but not when I have the runs. Such experiences have only one redeeming feature: You get a good story. I, for one, love sharing funny stories. I also love stories which feature me as the main character. So, without any further ado (but some doo-doo), let's begin on a hot, humid summer day in Virginia. It was the 100 year anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Young men, dressed in the latest scouting fashion, flowed from all parts of the United States to celebrate the spirit of that organization. The 2010 National Scout Jamboree was an experience of a lifetime, and I was one of those uniformed youth in attendance. Located at  Fort A.P. Hill , the Jamboree was situated to host a large number of scouts, and there were rumors of more than 50,000 people in attendance. With such a large force gathered together, and with everyone camping, it was no wonder some of us grew ill. Whether it was an illness passed to me, or early signs of lactose intolerance, I discov...

"I think it’s impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them the way they love themselves." - Orson Scott Card, Ender's Game When I was a teenager, my dad called me a political fanatic. I remember debating that claim until my face flushed and stars filled my vision. I sputtered about our government infringing on our rights and blathered about internet conspiracy. I argued passionately for the need of the government to be transparent to reveal the corruption hidden there. I felt like the world and its evils were against me, and I was ready to fight for what I knew was right. I've since calmed down some. I still have passion, but an LDS mission and these years of reflection and study have helped me learn a few lessons, change some ignorant views, and gain a new perspective on life and other people. This journey was personal, but what I learned along my way out of this type of fanaticism could help others escape overze...

Dear family, friends, and other associates for whom I have pity: Okay, I'm just kidding. I'm not writing those people! :D Today, I'm writing Daisy! Dear Daisy: I haven't heard enough from you lately. I feel that you may have forgotten me, but if that's not the case, I'm sure you're elated to be acknowledged for the first time in a few weeks. You may not understand what a baptism is, considering you're never going to have to experience one, but I thought you might perk your ears a little at the news that Saturday we were able to help two young girls, Lisa Joseph (11) and Bree Rejouis (9), partake of that ordinance. Do you remember the times I used to rub your belly? That's exactly how I've felt in this area every time the members feed us. They are some pretty good cooks in the area, and they aren't simply giving us plates to lick clean! I remember one time you said, "Ar rar rar rar ar!" I think of it ever...

Dear Drones: And here I thought I couldn't come up with anything to start my email... It's interesting being a missionary. I never have any worry about finding what my purpose is, what I need to do, or why I am doing what I'm doing. It's all in Preach My Gospel and the scriptures. So, rather than being lost and seeking purpose of action, I get to work busily as a bee. Still, at times I remember I have family and friends back home, so I pray for you. I'll return to the hive at some point, but for now, I'm collecting the life-giving substance of experience, aka nectar, as I meet, teach, and help convert the people of South Florida. I'll bring it back at some point. If you're wondering why I'm talking about bees, you need to know I'm not a hornet. But I wanted to get you thinking. Oh, by the way, I'm a hobbit! I'll send photos when I remember my camera. We had one fun five-minute party on my birthday. We had a good t...

Well, folks, it's time for me to get back to writing as a form of a portfolio. I've done my own projects and exercises over the past few years, but I am now feeling I want to take some steps to becoming a published writer. That means more work, and I have to rise to the occasion. Thankfully, there's quite a bit I have written which can be polished, slightly, and shared on this blog. To get everyone updated on my writing, however, I'm going to start posting my emails from my mission - which is already complete - and sharing them. I'll share my entertaining portions, and hopefully, this will turn into a blog worth reading. Here's links to the first two emails I've posted: Did You Know I'm a Hornet? To My Dog Whom I Missed If you doubt the entertainment factor of my emails, I would challenge you to read one and ask yourself, "Is this your average letter home from a missionary?" If you still don't find it worth your time, worry not!...