John Jay, John Jay, John Jay [institute].....

There, that should let everyone find this blog! I was a little freaked out when told "yeah, we've been reading your blog." So people that i don't even know yet have been examining my thoughts, rantings, and experiences from one of the most formative times of my life. A little voyeuristic, it feels to me. Well, i suppose, depends on how closely they read it. O, well. Not that i have anything to hide--well, the fact that i'm still a kid at heart, that would be better kept under wraps :)

But alas, that part must be somewhat rescinding, it seems. Law school applications are staring me right in the face, as are possible job applications if the John Jay folks shun me [their loss, i know, their loss]. It really is a perfect fit for them and me...a match made in heaven in my opinion. As would be, you know, Stanford or Yale or Georgetown. After years of worrying about not being good enough, or paying for it, etc., i'm going for it. It's liberating, if nothing else, just to be in that position--daring God to out-bless me, as i've heard it said. Seriously, though, I have realized it could very well be a matter of obedience, as if God designed me with a top-shelf mind and interpersonal skills, etc., than I must put them to use in the most challenging environment possible.

Jared [my roomate, the other guy here doing a work-study at the Focus Institute] and i are having lots of fun. He's the most hilarious man in the galaxy, quite frankly. However, the overall adventure and fun level has quite decreased [come back everyone]. It's a bit morose with the community having been drastically shrunk. Still great to be here, though, and getting more things done for myself than i would be if the whirlwind of activity was still occurring.
Well there you go...and a random story. I was belaboring that i would like to grill for dinner tonight, and a few hours later, the woman above us who apparently is moving out, comes down and asks us if we want a gas grill! Thank you Lord, for that very unique gifting. So I am currently grilling chicken and feel very much at home even with everyone gone, as the smell of meat over an open fire always reminds me of home :)

In diligence and Christian obligation,

--Matthew