so we got a new youth pastor at our church. it's been like 2 years since we've had one, and it's quite nice that we do have one now. he's in his early 30's i believe, married, with two daughters. theyre quite cute. he's now heading our youth and children's ministries. although he's been here only two weeks, he has made his mark. already he has set out a plan for the entire year, which is cool. he's really energetic as well, which is great, especially for youth. he seems to not have any reservations, which i think is a great trait. but of course, this is all after just two weeks of seeing him in action. but i hope that he will continue to bring the energy, and challenge not only the kids, but myself to mature as well. one thing that i noticed as a challenge on his part is communication. his english is not that good. but he is able to get his point across. especially during the sermon, when i thought it would be especially weak. he was able to communicate effectively despite the language barrier.
one thing that i really hope for is that i will be able to build a relationship with him--not necessarily as best friends, but as coworkers building up the body. i hope that i will be able to open up to him, and share with him the struggles that i am experiencing and such. it's kinda awkward for me, though, i dont know why, to share like that with people who are not my friends or my family. i dont know, it's just weird to me. i guess it's because he is that much older than i am...and because he's got the language issue. but i think that's the way our ministry can be more effective, is if we are in tune with each other and God. and i do want our ministry to work out. i want the kids to grow in Christ.
so, just this past saturday, he called me to go over some logistical things about our youth group. that was all fine and good, except i had been napping so i was a little groggy. anyway, what was funny was that randomly, he told me that he was praying for me every morning, which is cool...but then he told me that he was praying for my future girlfriend, that i would get one soon. sheesh. i guess it's a big deal, though i didnt think so. i know my parents ask me about it all the time, almost every time i talk to them, and my grandma asks me once in a while, but i didnt think my youth pastor (who id known for a week) would be getting in on it too. i guess it's pretty important--not only to me, but our church as well. i wouldnt be surprised if any of the aforementioned people would want me to get a girlfriend so that she could come serve at our church. :) so for all the ladies out there, consider yourself considered to be my one and only if you are great with kids, can sing and/or play an instrument, and a good communicator. just kidding. those arent real requirements. the real ones are if youre hot, hispanic, and at least 5 years younger than me. females under 5'7 need not apply. just kidding again, in case anyone couldnt tell. im a freak, i know.
i began teaching for kaplan SAT at oakland technical high school last tuesday. i like my kids because they really seem to care about their future, and im glad my class is only about 15 students, because 15 is easier to manage and teach than +30, like it was last semester at skyline high. anyway, i was introducing myself, and i told them i was a student at berkeley and that i lived there. promptly, one of my students, a junior male, said "hey! my friends steal bikes from there!" awesome. so if you had your bike stolen, let me know. i'll try to hook you up.