blurbs

snowboarding was amazing!! Abu, Aduma, Becky, Martha, and i spent two wonderful days on the slopes. i caught on quick enough (though i wouldn't have said it then) and am ecstatic to go back in 2 weeks to work on it some more. we'll have another great group of friends (including my brother!!)! w00t!

three weeks after our new year's ice storm, kearney is still limping along on only 2 of 5 transmission lines. last week we were so close to exceeding the load that two of our manufacturing plants went back to generators. it's been really neat to watch the community surround those without electricity -- free showers at some schools and the ymca, community shelters, money raised to assist individuals, etc. the utility companies are receiving fema funding to help with their costs (which, last i heard, was at $200 million), but none money of that is going to individuals. i believe there are still a few towns running completely on generators, but they will hopefully be back on line power within a few days.

we started a sermon series on "unforgettable encounters with God" at church yesterday. one of the things Pastor Mike said was that God meets us where we are, not where we should be. isn't that incredible?? it doesn't matter how much i've failed God, He will always meet me wherever i'm at!