A Change of Scenery

This morning I woke up, and for the first time in my life, my Mom wasn't in the kitchen making breakfast, or sitting on the couch drinking a cup of coffee. I woke across from a dude named Lincoln, my roommate, as he let out a big yawn, wishing it wasn't 6:30.

I am living in New Philadelphia, Ohio, with 5 other guys who's deepest desire is to know more of Jesus. I got Link as my roommate, then Travis, Don, Seth, and Correy. Everyone here is from Ohio except for myself and Seth. Seth is from Alaska. I am pretty jealous... I have always wanted to go to Alaska.

The town here is beautiful. It isn't what I expected. I thought I would be coming to Farmville USA, where everything is flat and I can't walk a mile without seeing a cow. I actually haven't even seen a cow yet. There is this really cool park in town called Tuscora Park, where I ran to this morning. It's like an old fahsioned carnival park. There is a ferris wheel, mini roller coaster, those spinny chair things, and few other rides that only cost a quarter. Down the street from us, there is a movie theater that costs $3. Back home, it would cost me $12. New Philly is about an hour and a half west of Pittsburgh, PA. There are a lot of local coffee shops here, something that Massachusetts really lacks. Corporate America hasn't hit New Philly yet, and it should stay that way. The nearest Starbucks is like 40 minutes from here.

This morning we went to the local gym for about an hour and a half. I look pretty pathetic lifting weight compared to Lincoln, Travis and Don. They are all pretty ripped. I told them that if they can get me looking life Hugh Jackman from Wolverine by the time I go back to Boston, then I will have gotten my moneys worth. Just kidding.

Don is a pretty good cook. He whipped up an egg casserole in like 20 minutes. It had sausage and peppers. It was really good. We eat a lot of food here.

I can get used to this cozy little community. Its really homey. The pace of life so much slower. Back home, almost no one likes to just sit and chill. Since breakfast, we haven't really done anything accept sit around the living room and talk. I have the laptop right here, Link is doing some school work and Seth is playing around on facebook. Its really a great atmosphere.

Here is a link to the Off The Wall website. www.offthewallministry.com

Check it out if you have some time.

I'll check back in in a few days.

JN