i get it. the first african-american president is a big deal. not only for a race, but for america as a whole. it builds on what the american dream is all about. but wtf? why is everyone so in love with obama? he hasn't done jack yet. its not that i dislike the man or anything like that. i think he's very intelligent and capable, but i know, and i'm sure others do too, that he will be hated if he doesn't make things better. just like bush. being a leader is difficult.

bush did the best he could. he did what he had to do. he took it to those who want to harm americans and put the safety of our nation above all else. and he cared about the troops. (but so many have died!) i know and it sucks. but let's face it, that's what we soldiers do. we fight and we die. he does not feel the pain of the families and friends, no one can, but he feels the pain as our leader. that's what i believe. as for obama? i respect him as a person, but he has to earn my respect as our president. at this moment, i don't think he feels for the troops as much as bush did/does. how could he? he hasn't been with us through the war like bush has. obama says he's satisfied with keeping bin laden in hiding and on the run? if that's the case, i feel like he's spitting in my face and in all the troops' faces. that's not good enough damnit! for all those who have fallen and those who continue to fight, bin laden and all insurgents need to be brought to justice. its a shame that bush couldn't see this to the end, but hopefully obama will.

so i pray for our new president. God be with him, his family and his administration. may he lead us well, through and out of these difficult times. amen.

i'm a slacker.

this is the farthest from God i've been since i've come to know Him. its bad but, where there is bad there is good. i'm slacking on God by not praying much and not doing QTs but, i think about how He is constantly working in my life. God rocks and life is amazing. i appreciate more than ever what He does for me. i'm alive, healthy and so are my friends here and that's more than what i can ask for. of course i miss my family and friends at home but, in less than a year i will be reunited with them. there are many good things to look forward to and it all starts with God. i'm not being a good christian but, i think i'm becoming a better person, a stronger person which will lead to becoming a better christian.

Next up is me. The question is...

"If you can take one trait or characteristic from people in our group, what would you take?"

First of all, I want to say that I love my brothers and wish them the best. I'll keep this simple.

Kevin - maturity - I always thought you were mature beyond your years and smarter than me too.

Hyungjoon - kindness - Unbelievably nice and able to express emotions. I wish I could express myself the way you do.

Brian - dedication - You stepped up as the praise team leader and I'm proud of you man. I remember when I'd show up early to church, you and your brother would be the first ones there practicing.

Jonathan - growth - You've come a long way. From being so quiet to bustin' out the moves being the life of the party haha. You have to teach me those moves sometime.

Steve - talent - Not only gifted, but you use your talents very well. I wish I was half as talented as you man.

Dennis - humor - I've had some of the best laughs of my life because of you man. I miss you and I know everyone at Bethzatha does just as much.

Yetch - calmness - You get excited over some stuff but overall you are level-headed and relaxed. I don't ever remember you being troubled or you just hid it really well. That's a manly quality bro lol.

Jason - passion and drive - You always wanted more for the yg and the way you praised was inspiring. When I would go to the praise practices while you were still on the team, you impressed me everytime.

Paul - honesty and coolness - You are completely honest about your relationship with God. Everyone looks up to you bro. Btw, let's win Bethzatha a basketball tourny soon.

Aron - depth - A deep thinker. No one else I know thinks like you. Always doing the research and finding the answers. I love how you'd stump us with questions or crazy games like the "dduk game" haha good times. And you led the way, inviting people to the church. You changed my life bro thanks.

Chris - leadership - Our fearless leader. Always challenging, teaching, guiding and helping us. You're like a big brother to us all. I hope someday, I'll be a teacher in the yg like you.

Thank you all for the support and prayers. I miss yall.