The Suffering; 2Corinthians 12:7-10

Yeah!... I did it.

Did it hurt? not as much as I thought it would have.
Let's just say that my tattoo artist, Bob, was blown away at how I didn't nudge or slow him down while he carved up my right ribcage for two hours.

What is it? Its a personal design that I had already sketched out for a while now.
3 main elements:
The X- a sign of the cross (la cruz de San Andres- my middle name), a sign for past scars, X marks the spot of a sensitive area, that thorn in the flesh that Paul writes about in 2Cor, a target for the enemy.
The Crown of thorns- Christ, His pain and suffering while wearing it throughout His path to the cross, the crown of pain and weakness.
The 3 differently blossomed roses- the love of God that is found when suffering for His sake and glory, growth, beauty, power, hope, the Holy Trinity... and so much more.

Finishing up the time I have off from groups has been kind of a drag honestly. I'm in a small rural town by myself most of the time. no car and not many ppl to hangout with. What else can I say?
I am more thankful for cable TV and for the internet than ever before and especially Skype.
I never really expected this from missions work but I really didn't have prior expectations other than to work and serve... and right now its all mostly need to keep self-motivated to do office work. And today was the first time where I really experienced 'cabin fever' in the little office room where I have been trying to stay focused...

'hurry hurry hurry! before I go insane.
I can't control my fingers.
I can't control my brain.
oh oh oh oh oh OH!'

Seasons of seasons. Life is full of these seasons.I guess I'm thankful that I'm never stuck in a season for too long. I love change and variety. Whether is be the changing weather, a new movie that just came out, or meeting a whole new group of people. I dig change. I need it.
Saturday should be a fun night of going out with friends to a local karaoke bar/club... and without a doubt, I will be looking up those old school love jams and Beatles singles :)

With all of its highs, lows, laughs, and oh no's; life ain't a thing without love. none like the love from God above.