This is What it's All About

It's been a good day. Lot's of memorable experiences.

--First of all, I'm sick and my classes have been so great to me. We were in the middle of playing a review game, and this one kid offered to lead the discussion/game playing for me so I wouldn't have to talk. They're good kids. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow (again). I just HAVE to get better. I'm dying. I'm coughing so hard that I gag and feel like I'll pass out (as tears trickle down my face). I'm in a lot of pain but also really stressed about missing work.

--Next experience. Today, during our starter, this little group of guys were raising their hands fighting for me to call on them so they could list "reasons why In-N-Out would locate itself in Utah" (we're talking about spatial distribution in Geography). My eyes bounced from each of the three guys and I called on one of them. This student just transferred into a different period so he could attend Seminary. I liked him in my other period better, but I was really glad he is going to attend seminary. I always assumed he wasn't a member. He wears a shirt with a girl with a bikini on it all the time and one day offered me some of his Arizona tea. When I responded, "I don't drink tea" his shoulders shrunk and he said, "oh, I usually don't either." Still, I wasn't sure because of a few other reasons. Anyways, I called on him and not this other kid. The other kid mouthed, "What the F---." I called his name and said, "get out of my room right now," he resisted for a moment but eventually left. After I finished going over the starter, I met him in the hall. I said, "What's the problem? Why would you mouth those words?" He responded that he didn't say those words and that he said, "Freak man," (which he did not) and he was very defensive (as he was the other time I talked to him in the hall) after battling back and forth for a few seconds, I tried another method. I whispered (partly for effect and partly because my voice is so shot), "Listen. It's just you and me. I know that you don't swear, you're a good kid. I know that. But to me, what you mouthed looked like some strong words and if they look like that to me, they probably do to a few others. What do you think?" He nodded a little, eyes a bit glazed. I continued, "to be personal, I know that we believe the same things, and I know that you are trying to be good and fit in at the same time. I'm proud of you and secretly I'm routing you and the other Mormons in your class on. I know ya'll get picked on a lot and that hurts my heart to see that. You're a good guy--I want you to work a little bit more on what you're saying. What do you think?" Wow. He crumbled and I think he sincerely wanted to change. It was a really, really great experience and he was a little angel for the rest of the period.

--Experience Three. Jan and I went to Zupas for dinner. We had finished up and were just sitting, talking. Harvey Unga from the football team, walks in alone, goes through the line, grabs his dinner and sits down at a table right next to ours. Actually, it was awkwardly close to ours. We were still talking, kind of quiet, as out of the corner of his eyes, we see him bow his head and pray. It wasn't just a quick "please bless this food, amen." It was a real, sincere, somewhat long prayer. I don't worship this guy, but it was really touching to see someone who we all admire as an amazing athlete doing something so kind and respectful while no one was watching (kind of).

Well, by this time, I have been to the doctor. I have a bit of phenumonia and some bronchitis. I just took a four hour nap and I'm feeling infinately better--and really wishing I could have gone to school. I'm excited for next week. I hope I am back to par :) I'll plan it all. Only 3 weeks until Christmas!!!

Oh, and we beat the U last weekend :)
(Monday, for our Youtube- video- of- the-day, which usually relates to the daily subject matter, I showed the highlight reel of the game. The students were HATING me. And I am fine with that :) I'm tired of them saying/writing "BYU sux!!!" on my things. Thank you for winning BYU. Next time, don't say anything afterwards Max Hall. The End