Chance Encounters

On any given day you will find me "wandering about" campus looking for divine appointments. I often take a book and sit near a crowded corner, or walk through busy hallways hoping to meet an old friend or make a new one.

A few weeks ago I started out to campus and just as I was passing by the bus stop it began to rain. I quickly decided to jump on the trolley instead of taking my normal short cut. The moment I got on I saw a friend of a friend, who eagerly called out for me to sit with her. We talked as the trolley brought her closer and closer to her dreaded afternoon class, and just as we arrived at her stop she said, "Do you want to go to a coffee shop with me? I'm going to skip class."

Now, I don't encourage skipping class, but my time as a campus minister has certainly taught me that I can't change the fact that they will skip class. I simply make the most of every opportunity as it comes to me. We went to the coffee shop and chatted for hours. The afternoon ended with a promise to meet up again sometime.

Don't judge me, but I said, "Any time you feel like you need to skip class, give me a call."

Like I said, I don't plan a student's life for them, I show up and meet them where they're at.

We love GREEN at Grapevine. So of course, we love St.Patrick's day. We also learned, thanks to our special guest speaker Perry Rubin from Auburn Christian fellowship, that God LOVES us.

Halloween in March!

It's been a semester of Holidays at grapevine, and every week's a party! Using Holidays for the Souper Tuesday theme has been a fun way to keep people entertained, and it's added a lot of creativity to our events, and our talks. Costumes, a haunted maze, and crazy games set the backdrop for a talk about a scary story - The Fall of Man. Although this isn't the typical ghost story, it highlights the common fear of death, and if the story ended there it would truly be terrifying. But the Holiday theme continues, and at the Easter Party, which will take place on April 10th, we'll share the rest of the story.

"Where o Death, is your sting?"

Finding Nemo Retreat

In mid-February Grapevine took a trip to the beach to relax and enjoy God's awesome creation.

The weekend centered on the idea of finding lost things. Students played games about searching, performed wacky skits and loosing something important, and shared in discussions about redemption and forgiveness. One student, View, was able to share her testimony about being found by Christ. Of course, everyone found something while on the trip - a cute little puppy or an interesting seashell . . . or it might have been new Friends.

above: View, Michal Ruth, and Aom standing on the beach.

above: Michal Ruth with View

above: students take one last photo before heading home

Sometimes Fliers Really Do Work

Every semester starts off with a big promotional push for those of us in campus ministry. Trying to catch them before their schedule picks up, we strike out to every canteen and busy intersection and give away fliers and candy. After a few smiles and quick conversations, aided by more fliers and candy, we've talked to hundreds of students. Some of them appear genuinely interested. Most I'll never see again. But at least we've gotten our name out on campus.

Usually the fliers bring in a group of first timers to the next event. Sometimes they stick around, and sometimes they don't. That's just the way the process works. I've come to accept that fact.

Sometimes these random bits of paper take me entirely by surprise.

Last week three girls showed up near the end of our Bible study, and slipped in near the door. Afterward I went to talk with them, and asked if they had a friend at grapevine. They said that no they didn't know anyone here, but they had received a flier three weeks ago, and hadn't been free to come sooner. They'd kept the information and had been so excited to join that they showed up long after I'd anticipated seeing any real results from our opening promotion. They've also returned and, I believe, will keep coming back.

Sometimes fliers just get tossed out and trampled mere seconds after they've been handed out, and sometimes, not unlike a seed, they really do work.

Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

I love this photo that my roommate Grace took before we started our flood clean up. Such an appropriate hidden message to find scribbled on the walls of Grapevine.

Flood Clean Up

When we returned to Grapevine after almost two months of "floodcation," we had a daunting task ahead of us. Mud and mold covered the floors and walls. Furniture literally fell apart as we tried to pick it up, and mice had destroyed many cords and containers that the water hadn't reached. But with a little elbow grease and sweat, new paint and plenty of shopping trips, we were able to give our old rooms a fresh new look. We've already opened our doors and students are enjoying a new semester and a new place to hang out.

If you would like to help financially with the flood renovations

go to GIVE TO FLOOD RELIEF

Reasons to Give Thanks

Mid-November typically finds us scurrying around preparing for the opening of second semester. We plan a retreat to the mountains, and fun activities to welcome students back to Thammasat. I never have to conjure up reasons to give thanks at our Thanksgiving dinner because grapevine fills up with wonderful smells and overflows with students. This November Grapevine

overflowed again - with water.

Learning that the flooding in Rangsit would not only postpone the second semester for two months, but also cancel our Thanksgiving party, I felt disappointed. I always love the November activities. And yet, the more we waited through the flood the more I realized the blessing of rest. This year, we had plenty of time to prepare for the second semester and refocus on the importance of what we do. The time has given us the opportunity to get to know our church community better, to reach out to victims of the flood, and get to know student volunteers.

And not only did we get a chance to relax, we came up with a great theme for our second semester Souper Tuesdays - HOLIDAYS! We'll celebrate a different holiday every week, and find out what lessons God can teach us through these celebrations. The good news is there's always a reason to give thanks.

The flood has wrecked our plans, but we thank God that He promises to guide and teach us if we come to Him with willing and grateful hearts.

Talent Night

Before September 22, I thought grapevine had plenty of talented people. After September 22, I KNOW grapevine has plenty of talented people. We had singers and jugglers, speakers, artists, dancers and musicians. The staff started the evening off with a exciting interpretation of STOMP. Several students sang songs in various languages including Japanese, Thai and Italian. The exchange students performed a thrilling dance routine, and we thought the night was over. But the display of talent continued with impromptu interpretive dancing to Disney songs.

(above) Michael, Mic and Boat performing "Michael Row Your Boat Ashore"

. . . Alleluia

RATS!

So how do you keep the rats from getting into your lean to style kitchen?

- adopt "Grapevine" the Cat

- purchase rat trap and release the little animal on the other side of the dangerous road every morning

- POISON!

- Just live and let live

We simply don't know what to do. But the rats have certainly moved in and made themselves at home. I guess it's true that grapevine is the place to be!