Bob Lawson’s Law Blog Pt. II

Wednesday 3/11/09
Started horrible, ended well.
– Slept through breakfast
– Tidy Time followed by trip to Wooly’s for breakfast items
– Worship/prayer at Base Day
– Micah prayed with me/he was released from doubt, replaced by hope
– Break, checked on camera
– Nap
– Pizza “bread”/Mi-goreng
– Warehouse: worked for an hour 1/2, talked to Micah
– “Italian” chicken for dinner
– Frisbee and football with Johannes, Brad and Nah
– Wooly’s with Brad; ice cream, M&M’s and chips for Poker
– Card trick followed by M&M Poker
– Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2 Soundtrack
– Music-chat with Ryan and Christina
– Missed Coldplay
– Shared my writings with Evan

Thursday March 12, 2009
I thought I would be able to get away with a quiet birthday, but as the day progressed word spread like wildfire. I only “worked” half a day, a good bit of the time just getting coffee for the crew. Word is that this base has never had this many Mission Builders at one time ever, and we’re getting more next week! Apparently they prayed a couple weeks before I came and then “bam,” everyone came all at once. After my boys took me out to Subway I went back to take a nap. Dinner was during the commissioning ceremony and everyone was dressed up and beautiful. After the ceremony Evan, Micah, Kez and Ben took me out for dessert and coffee. Everyone was so kind and made sure I wasn’t lonely. Sarah, Abi, Taylor, Becca and Danny made me a birthday card during lectures and then posted it on my door. It was so thoughtful and sweet! I couldn’t have asked for a better crew of people to surround me. God sure knows how to bless me and get me out of my own self-built ruts. I can’t thank Him enough. – John Poole, 19 🙂

Friday March 13, 2009
Blur of a day. Mainly trash runs of limbs and leaves to the dump with Ben and Micah. Micah and I had an awesome talk, enjoying the breeze and sharing personal stories. Since the ceremony was last night, a few birthdays were celebrated tonight and it was wonderful. Dishes were better. Chicken [Fried] and veggies. No soccer, just Wooly’s with Corwin and Caitlin. Walked in the rain. Talked to my Irish roommates, Jay, for the last night he was here. – John

Saturday March 14, 2009
What a day! Pancake breakfast this morning, which was scrumdiddlyumptious. Worked with Brad and David in the back yard moving compost and leveling the compost bin. Youth Street was early Rego, so it seemed to drag on forever. Evangelism was 0 for 2 this week, only this time with Evan, Jordan, Sai and Lizzie. Crew was just Nathan, but 3 more arrived later on, which was a blessing. Michelle was nice. Rob spoke tonight on relationships. Johannes and I went on our normal ventures and Macca’s. Apparently the first day I arrived he opened the door for me and I just ignored his introduction. 🙂 When we returned I heard that Evan-licious was looking for me and once we found each other he invited me home/to a wedding with him this weekend. We left 15 minutes later and had an awesome 5-hour drive to Canberra, filled with wonderful, wonderful conversation and music. IT is now 2:00 AM and we are both dead tired. Evan is the eldest of 6, so it’s nice to be a full home again. There is such safety in family. – John

Sunday March 15, 2009
I had some of the craziest dreams last night. One had to do with two spiders fighting to the death and was extremely graphic. I hope it had nothing to do with the two spiders I slept next to in Evan’s room last night. One was originally at the head of my mattress on the floor, but then I switched positions and moved my head to the opposing side, where I later noticed the other spider. When I woke up today they were both gone. When I woke up today my mouth was open. Hmm. I enjoyed the cereal ‘Nutri-grain’ to wash away the flavour. 😉 The wedding is at 3, but we have to be there at 2:30. Oh, to be a wedding crasher. – John

Cont’d
So I talked to Evan’s Mom for a good bit. For some reason I always seem to get along with my friend’s Mums. I walked around the Parliament Gardens and learned all about Australian history whilst the wedding was underway. I also got a chai late’ and a chocolate/hazelnut/espresso trifle at the Parliament Cafe’. I walked around trying to find Evan for a bit and once we met back up we went to get drinks and head to Evan’s friend, Xavier’s house. It was a very relaxing evening consisting of conversation, Gears of War, Star Wars II video games, Indian food and Heroes. Evan’s friends are all so kind and funny and hospitable; a crown I never thought I would be able to place upon my head. Bjork is crazy. Right now I’m just talking/experiencing Evan’s family. – John

Monday March 16, 2009
Perhaps it’s the lack of ozone, but the sky just seems so expansive here. The clouds are higher and few and far between on most days. Evan and I are prepping for the 5-hour drive back. His Mum made us bowls or mango and pears for brekky and we all talked for a short while. I just got out of the shower and once Evan finishes up we will be on our way. I am missing a call from Mom I am sure. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. – John

Cont’d
We didn’t leave until 3:00PM. The drive was Evan-licious and wonderful and I discovered so much good music. I’m really excited for Evan’s vision on base. God keeps putting all the right people into my life; it’s so affirming. I apparently didn’t miss much back on base this weekend. I probably won’t be able to sleep and I couldn’t be bothered to work tomorrow, but oh well. Seh-la-vie. – John

Bob Lawson’s Law Blog (Say That 10x Fast)

Tuesday March 10, 2009
– Rich and Jordan left
– Work as usual, only “Nah” joined the team
– Dominoes
– Dinner with Evan
– Outreaches spoke
-Rewrote/transcribed stories
-Bed is welcome

I Am (Not) Lonely (Anymore)

Memoirs from a very tired John. 🙂

I turned. There you were, just out of reach.

I said, “Come a little closer.” You said, “Follow me.”

And off we went.

I tried to change myself to please you. I never really changed.

Like Eustace I tried to peel off my flesh and change myself, but I couldn’t reach my heart. Nineteen years strong and only now did I realize that only you could have changed it’s state the whole time. In a month’s time I expected so much to change.

So much has changed,
And yet nothing has changed at all. Until now.

You touched my eyes and became the floating object that attaches itself wherever I choose to gaze. I can’t escape it, nor do I desire to.

I have started trusting you with the small things; the small decisions, and in that you are expanding my faith. I can hear your still, soft voice again. I had it all in my hands.

And then I lost it all.

“Be wary,” you warned me yesterday. Today I awoke and nothing had changed.

“Keep your eyes on me.” These were the words you had spoken since the day I was born. Once they used to be all I hung on to, yet only now do they make sense.

I don’t want to hurt you; you are my precious lover.

My identity; validation.

Reciprocation; a relationship is all that is needed. Above “doing your will” or even obedience itself, all you desire is me.

You replace the loneliness; besides you there is no other.

I do not exist.
(Only you exist).

Our Loves in Jeopardy (Baby)

Monday 3/9/09
It was the best of days, it was the worst of days. So many new bodies overwhelmed the house as the DTS outreaches had all arrived; it sent my skin crawling with tension, and I don’t know why. I was not in the mood to meet all these new people; be hospitable. I slept in until 9:00 and took my time with everything.
I played my guitar for a while enjoyed the breeze. Johannes initiated a crew to visit Blackbutt Reservation, but soon found he had Kitchen duties, leaving me, Brad, Rich and the English girl, Rebbecca, to go about it by ourselves. I was so tired that I immediately took a nap when I got home. I walked into the dining hall twice, but I just couldn’t make myself sit for it was too crowded and loud and uninviting, so I went on a walk and sorted my plight out with God instead. Johannes and I then walked to the soccer field and played a small game of football (soccer). I was going to go straight to bed, but I talked to my Korean roommate, Nah, instead. In all actuality, this was just what I needed. We talked for a very long time and we made our way to the kitchen for a late-night snack; ‘Me-goraing.’ Comparable to Raaman noodles, only with soy sauce; very popular here. I watched the Office again tonight and am now going to bed on a “new” mattress. 3 years of depression has prepared me for this day. And that’s all I have to say about that. 😉 – John

I Bet You Look Pretty Good on the Dance Floor

Sunday 3/8/09
I slept late this morning. I just awoke with a homesick, overwhelming loneliness. Funny how switching directions on my bed was an encouragement. Above me were words written on the top bunk-bed beams, telling my to push through and the reward would be great at the end of the YWAM journey. After composing myself and getting ready, the only person around was Corwin, which was cool, so we walked to the French bread shop and then to Wooly’s for a cheap drink. He might even be more money-conscious than even I. Last night’s desert was a prime example. We sat outside the cafe’ down out street for quite some time just talking and getting to know each other better. I’d never skated before, so we went to a skate park where I quickly busted my ass. I am limping now. He had to be back for afternoon tea with an elderly lady on base to speak about intercession, so I was left with an afternoon to myself. I still felt lonely and physically sick, so I ended up taking a 4-hour nap, which surprised me since DTS outreach had gotten back today and there were so many extra bodies which made so much additional noise. Upon waking I went to Wooly’s with Joel, Isaiah and Faith.
When I got back Johannes, who I hadn’t seen all day, invited me out with him and Tabea. We took the bus to Newcastle, but the crew we were meeting up with backed out at the last minute, so just us were hanging out until Tabea’s friend from Uni, Liza (and/or Liezl) met up with us. She is also German, and comes from the same family set-up as I do. We talked for a bit and then hit the dance floor. Well, the girls did. Johannes and I stepped outside. I’m not a big fan of large crowds or drunk people and loud house music. Johannes and I killed the party when we tried to dance, so we left shortly thereafter. 😉 My skateboarding injuries didn’t help my lack of dancing skills. We took a cab back home and here I am, winding down. I think I am peacing out now. 🙂 – John

Grace, Make Your Way to the World

Saturday 3/7/09

Today I was so tired and overwhelmed I just skipped morning duties and slept. Everyone is so freaking loud early in the morning it is hard to sleep, especially being straight across from the loud bathroom door. I didn’t miss much anyways; it was just a conference you could pay to go to, so it was all good. I was dreading Youth Street all day long, but funny enough grace abounded the moment I stepped foot into service. I was still overwhelmed and stressed out, but it was manageable. Before that I had gotten Dominoes for the first time here [first pizza in forever, it seemed]. gave half to a homeless guy and then Johannes and I ate the rest.
Johannes and I had a really good talk about spiritual warfare tonight. Apparently his Mom counseled demon-possessed patients, and the craziest thing she had experienced was a patient’s face physically turning into that of a horse. Now that’s messed up! It totally topped any story I had.
After Youth Street Corwin and I walked to Wooly’s to get supplies for a dessert concoction of his. Cantaloupe split in half, cleaned out and then filled with ice cream. I learned so many things, unexpected things, on this walk. As he fixed the dessert, I talked to Matt, Shawn and Emily about East/West Coast cultural differences, mainly. Corwin, Danny and I then watched several episodes of Season 3 of Arrested Development; hands down my favorite show. I always forget how funny and random that show is, A definite hidden treasure. Takes me back to the wisdom-teeth days. Anyways, I think I am heading to bed now. Till later – John

Fast-Forward to the Future

I’ve been trying to keep all of these posts in chronological order, but I can’t play catch-up fast enough for my tastes, so I just wanted to share Mustache March before it gets too late! There is so much seediness going around with the guys facial hair, I can’t resist sharing!

Ian^

Shawn^

Jordan^

Micah and I^

Moi^

Mmm mmm mmm… delicious!

Photos courtesy of Jordan Norris (c)2009.

I’m On the Train to Crazy-town!

Friday March 6th, 2009 (Happy Birthday, Mom!)
3:25 PM
I’m at Macca’s right now because I slept through lunch. I’m  trying to nip this exhaustion in the bud, but I feel I can’t quicken this time adjustment by any means. I figured by now I’d be good, but I guess I still have a few more days to suffer through. Things are starting to get a little more overwhelming. Albeit, I am still washed in the prayers of everyone, and I time I can physically feel it. Grace is a wonderful gift.
I virtually just cleaned shop today.

^–Micah finished painting and Johan, grinding. There is some meeting in the warehouse tomorrow, so we couldn’t work this afternoon for sake of dirtying it up. I will definitely use that to my advantage.
So my friend, Abi, was also healed of depression merely days before arriving. Her story, amongst many others, are so relateable to me. I can never express how God’s timing is impeccable. Just like my HVAC class was set apart and seemingly designed just for me, I feel every person on base is here for a reason.
An employee from Macca’s just talked to me for a good 10 minutes. Mayfield, where I reside, is known for it’s high percentage of crazy people, and the lady, although very nice, was a little too informative and started talking about things I had no idea of. Oh well, it was still enjoyable, I guess. But I think I am going to head back to Lewis House now. Until later… -John

10PM
I piddled the rest of my day away, not doing much of anything, really. It was nice to a degree, but somewhat lonely. When Johannes got back we went to play soccer at 6:30 until it got dark. I talked to various people about nothing in particular, and the longer my day went that old, overwhelming and anxious feeling seemed to creep back up on me. I immediately isolated myself and cried for a bit. Corwin knocked on my door and invited me to watch a movie with him and Danny. Corwin and I have almost identical backgrounds to the point that it’s scary. He seems so innocent and is a really nice, quite guy. I was surprised when he told me his life-story; it was a lot more relateable than I expected. We ended up watching Good Will Hunting and I always forget exactly why I like that movie until I watch it and fall in love with it all over again. I had a packed-house in my room last night. Apparently the Korean, Nah, almost collapsed on top of me in the night and lowered the bunk considerably to almost touch my face. I pretty much almost died. Not really, but it wouldn’t have been pretty. Anyways, farewell again! – John

Oh, What Little Structure We Desire…

Thursday March 5th, 2009 Once again, waking up was hard. I had traveled all over Newcastle with Johannes and Tabea the night before, so I slept very well from exhaustion. Work was fine today; short for me. After the music team meeting I painted/ground away excess patchwork until lunch time and after lunch I helped with dinner prep with Brooke and the Korean girl, Sophie. Brooke is very approachable and funny. Dinner-prep was easy, so in my spare time I went to Wooly’s to get necessities and did my first load of laundry since arrival. After dinner Brad and I hung for a bit and ran errands together. I wasn’t sure how to take him at first, but I really like him now. Apparently I just can’t stay alone in my room, so I must go prepare for my British guests (Sarah Mason’s friends) tonight. Farewell! – John

I Couldn’t Be Bothered (to Have a Dull Time)

Wednesday March 4th, 2009
I did not want to get up today. It was ‘Base Day,’ so it was a bit more lax than other days. After breakfast and Tidy Time we all went to the “Hall” and worshiped together for a good while. I cannot express the God-given talent of music and everything in general amongst these people.

We had two specific speakers, one giving words of encouragement and the other speaking on Indonesia. I went to the first session, but after break I went with Johan to deliver his camera to the Post. Before that we have gone to Macca’s where he ate and I mooched fries. Yesterday I’d feared we’d lost conversation, but we picked it right up again today.
We only worked 2-5 today, so I couldn’t complain. The new guy from Cali., Brad, was a huge help. He’s really mild-mannered and nice; a good fit. After curry for dinner, Johan and I went on our usual walk through Mayfield, but as he left to meet up with Tabea, Brad/Kirsty and I went to Macca’s for ice cream. I got the $0.70 extra chocolate stick with mine (that’s double the worth of the cone itself) and it was, shall I say, scrumptious? 🙂 We talked for a good bit and headed back to the Lewis House, only to encounter Emily and have her and Kirsty serenade Brad and I in front of my room in the hall. They’re both hilarious, yet have gorgeous voices, topped only when harmonizing together. When Johan and Tabea arrived we played “Reverse Spades,” which can be played with five people instead of fur, and had a blast. The Germans and I went out for a “cocktail” with two of Tab’s friends, Liza and Synot, from Uni and got well and relaxed. We walked to the park and talked for a good bit, only to part ways soon thereafter. I am now off to bed. Goodnight! -John

Australian Phase of the Day:
“Couldn’t be bothered.”

Example:
” I couldn’t be bothered to work 6 days a weeks. That’ d be heaps boring!”