personal blog

This semester I have been posting more frequently on my personal blog, elrincon.metikos.com. Please visit for more frequent updates on what’s going on in my life. As for this blog, I promise to not let it die completely, but I’d rather not post than write low-quality material. When I have some good ideas to share, I’ll toss them out. Anyway, I still read my friends’ blogs regularly, so I encourage you all to keep writing.

Feel free to link to my personal blog from your sites, if you wish. Maybe I’ll get more traffic that way. I’ve unlisted that site from all major search engines, so it won’t show up even if you link to it.

Koinonians at Andrea’s house

Life is good. What story can I tell? This weekend was such a relaxing time to enjoy fall at its peak. This has been the most beautiful fall since I’ve been in Michigan for college…

On Friday night I went to Brunks’ Cabin (Goshen College) just north of the Indiana-Michigan state line. 30 MKs (missionary kids) and TCKs (third culture kids) from Calvin and Goshen spent the night together. We had a lot of fun: dinner, games, a bonfire, smores, boating on the lake, staying up late, a chai chat, more games, breakfast, cleaning, and more boating. And I got to see my dear sister Sarah. Yay! I also got to know a lot of young first year students whom I would not otherwise have met.

On Sunday we 2005 Koinonians had lunch at Andrea’s house. Her parents are always so hospitable, and cook the greatest Greek food. We took a great picture in the yard outside her house:

Sarah and Grace and I took a lovely Sunday stroll through Heritage Hill and my neighborhood. Probably the last really perfect fall day… it was so worth it!
I’m so grateful to be surrounded by such extraordinary friends.

from Indianapolis

So I’m in Indianapolis for the Lilly PTEV (programs for theological exploration of vocation) conference. Great people (I’ve met students from Goshen, Messiah, Dordt, Alma, Austin, etc), great conversations.

Coolest thing about this conference? The OpenSpace way it is run: we decide what, when, and how we want to talk about stuff. The only guiding question: What does the world need to know about your theological exploration of vocation?

I’ve gone to conversations like:
is thinking about vocation a luxury? What about those who can’t (injustice) or are unable (disability)?
how can we come together? Ecumenism rocks!

aqualung

So I just came back from the aqualung concert, and I must admit I was slightly disappointed. Maybe it’s that I wasn’t exactly in the concert-mood, but I thought the opening bands were mediocre. Although aqualung was better, I got the feeling that these were bands that would come and go, pass by and not leave a major mark on musical history. None of the bands were particularly innovative or unique – just more electric guitars and jaded love songs.

My housemate Elly labelled The Perishers as “Swedish emo”, which I thought was right on. They gave away free samplers with a few live songs – a brilliant marketing move, if you ask me.

I guess my big mistake of the night was breaking rule #2 of Calvin concert-going: make prior arrangements to go with someone; never go alone. Thankfully, Elly gave me a ride there and back, but I would have really liked to be with some friends. It’s kinda lonely during the intermissions when there’s no one to talk to.

On another note, I’m excited that my sister Sarah is in GR for a few days, staying at my house. I love being with her!

Breathing again

After a few weeks of struggling to keep my head above water, I feel like I’ve settled into the rhythms of college life. I don’t exactly know what about those first few weeks of this semester made me feel so overwhelmed, but whatever it was has changed. Many thanks to all those who prayed for me. It really made a difference. Last Wednesday was some sort of tipping point, and since then things have been improving.

For one, I enjoy my new job as Dr. Bert Polman’s (chair of the Music Department) research assistant. The work may not be glamorous (mostly video editing and conference planning) but I enjoy the challenge and the freedom.

I love my classes:

Persuasion and Propaganda – a lecture-based class with Dr. Bytwerk, whom I enjoy just as much as last semester.
Gender and Communication – a discussion-based course with Dr. Groenendyk. The readings about gender roles and stereotypes and parenting are fascinating.
Popular Music Criticism – my current favorite. Dr. Smit at his best, leading a high-level seminar course with lots of music and discussion in a classroom of brilliant people.
New Testament Greek – challenging but interesting.
Basic Conducting – difficult for me, given my lack of formal musical training, but I’m getting better.

Things I’m excited about:

Sarah is coming for her fall break
Rest
The Harambee house
Going to Indianapolis next weekend for the Lilly Vocation retreat
Interviewing with CRWRC