San Marcos Stories

My first entry of the New Year...I didn't plan on it happening so late. My break was awesome, writing about it would only serve as partial justice so I will refrain from doing so in order to process my thoughts concerning a few more recent events. This is mostly intended for my friends who hopefully still check this from time to time.

I have made a few observations of things that I am thankful for.

First, I really like San Marcos...it continues to grow on me in an amazing way. We live in paradise compared to many places...the people are great, the nearby cities (particularly Austin) are awesome, it's located in the scenic Texas Hill Country...and the weather has been fantastic. It's been close to perfect (sunny, often under 20% humidity, highs in the 60's, 70's and 80's) almost every day so far this month, which happens to be January...perfect weather is not common in January in many places north of the Equator...but in Central Texas it is.

Secondly, there is a great community forming here among my friends and I have had little to do with making it happen...neither have they...it's just, happening. I have the best friends here and in other parts of Texas and the United States that I could have ever imagine and I am so extremely thankful for them.

Third, last semester was rough...very challenging at times...however, I can look back on the experiences I had and be comforted that I did actually grow while I underwent them. Now, I am less picky and materialistic than before...I thought I was already, but I learned otherwise...I still had a lot to grow in those areas and I still do as of today.

Fourth, I love working with junior high/high school kids...I'm thankful for that because that is what I currently do for a living. I was skeptical about it at first...but my skepticism was won over by a sense that I am doing something, for now at least, that I am somewhat gifted at...simply investing in the lives of those that are a little younger than myself. The same is true of a few freshman guys that I have gotten to know over the past semester. It's strange...I have always mainly associated with people that are my age, maybe a year or two younger, or a year older...and yet now I have found myself building relationships with guys that are younger than that...but I really do love those guys and I know that I help them out and yet they've blessed my life as well in a big way. I contenue to learn that you cannot put limits on friendship or on love of any kid. I have seem people that I wrote off based on age, background, where they are from or their interests become some of my best friends here at Texas State. I used to hate being proven wrong but in this area I really do not mind so much.

For those of you reading that know me, those of you that I consider to be my friends...I love you, I really love all of you guys...I just need to find a good way to express it. Thank you so much.

- Jordan