So I’ve had the flu all weekend…which was lame.  But it seems to be passing.  I’m sure the guys will be happy to hear that too.  We did okay…just in the middle (Saturday night) I was a little snarky.  I got mad at some of the guys for the first time (a few of them broke curfew for a silly reason).  They felt bad (they were just being…uh…dumb teenagers.  I apologize to any teenagers reading.  But come on…you are sometimes…), but they picked the wrong night for sure.  I told Isabel what I said to them and she….laughed at me.  She told me I’m the politist angry guy ever.  I guess it’s true that I don’t have that Latin fire…but still, I think I did okay.  Especially considering I was sick and it’s hard to yell at someone in another language.  Besides, these guys are used to being yelled at.  They had no idea what to do with someone who was mad and very solemnly made his point, and then calmly dismissed them and told them he would see them in the morning.  I’m pretty sure it made them feel worse.  They sure were listening better in the morning…

I did received some good parenting advice from many of the parents in the crowd, which I appreciated…however weirded out I was by needing to receive it.  One wise friend told me “not to sweat the small stuff”, which are wise words…but perhaps a bit misdirected.  As I told her, that’s kind of the motto of my life.  I’m pretty sure that won’t be too much of a problem.  Except, like I said, when I’m tired.  Then all bets are off…

But she also told me to pick my battles, which are also wise words and something I’m learning to do.  Part of that is remembering where these guys have come from and that wiping the food crumbs/chunks from the table onto the floor is pretty normal when you have a cement/dirt floor.  We’re all learning….

One last note…for those of you who know him, I had supper tonight with Jose.  I know some of the team from the SCS have been asking about him.  He’s doing well I think.  He’s been working out of town on a construction site.  He had some great stories about how God has been answering his prayers.  One night he was feeling really tempted to go back to drugs, and so he prayed….and he said he felt a warmth come over his whole body and the temptation was gone.  He said he wasn’t exactly sure how to explain it…  =)  

He’s still facing a long road, but it was encouraging to talk to him tonight.  He’s planning on coming to church with me and the guys on Sunday, and he and I are going to start getting together every week to read through a book on spiritual freedom together.  I’m looking forward to it.  He’s a good guy, with a great heart.  Thanks to those of you who have been praying for him.

It’s late and I should head for home.  I have a meeting with the guys tomorrow that I still need to prepare for.  We’re finally getting started with our “official” schedule (we’ve changed it a few times).  I’ve been kind of avoiding it ’cause it means having to get up earlier for breakfast.  I know, I know…it won’t kill me.  So you say.

Thanks for praying everyone.  On behalf of the guys, we appreciate it!  It’s making a difference.