10 for the 2000s: 2002 Personally

1. A New Love: It was the first year I played Fantasy Baseball. Things were never the same.
2. Starting a Family? Janelle and I began to think it was time to have kids. By the end of the year, we were starting to wonder...
3. Flashback: Our Spring Break Cutting Edge Choir Trip to Florida was the last of it's kind. Fantastic ministry opportunities and memories. I was also introduced to Laguna Beach Christian Camp and Resort on this trip; which played a significant role in Spring Breaks to Follow.
   
4. Ecuador: We took a team of 22 students 6 adults, and one researcher to Ventanas, Ecuador. More students on this team have gone on to full-time occupational ministry than any other team I've worked with.
5. My First Funeral: It was just your normal "student who graduated from your ministry and was murdered in a drug deal" funeral. It was the toughest week of ministry I had faced up to that point. What do you say to the family? What do you say at the service? In the words of the wise Pastor Marvin who helped me, "You love. You remember the positive. You preach Christ. You sit down."
6. Yankee Hat Day: It was in this year that my tradition that lasted till the Fall of 2007 developed. Janelle was working full-time at the church. I would sleep in on Thursday. I would wake up. I would shower 50% of the time. I would put on my NY Yankees hat. I would head to Mishawaka or Elkhart for a movie or some other extended time of mindless activity. It was my day off.
7. Insurance Break: Ahh, age 25. I could rent cars and insurance went way down.
8. Fort Lauderdale Fun: Janelle and I took a trip to Fort Lauderdale, FL. We flew down and got a free upgrade on our rental to a PT Cruiser. It was great times at the pool and beach. The treasured time away from it all and focused on each other is something I will not trade in.
9. The Cabin: My parents got a cabin place in Ludington, Michigan. Janelle and my first visit took place in the summer of '02.
10. Building Project: At NMC, we were gearing up for a major building. Terry and I had the opportunity to design our "dream youth room." The Fieldhouse was that room.