Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Lost In Awe

It's me again. Hope life is just peachy back in the States. A few things have happened since the last time I wrote...So let's just get down to it shall we?

On Friday, I went to a movie (or as in English call it, "the cinema.") in town, and it was really cool. Not so much the actual movie, but the theatre we were at. Instead of individual seats they had old couches that people donated to them and they even had an old beetle car for people to sit in and watch the movie. Oh and Justin, I just got a great new idea that we're gonna steal from these guys. Midway through the movie, they have a "halftime." It's genius!!! People not only get up and stretch, and not piss their pants from the holding it till the end, but people are able to buy more food during the break!! Brilliant!! Justin, we go 50-50. I need someone to run the day-to-day operation and you're my guy!

On Saturday, I went on a huge hike (for me) it was about 8 hours total! We walked along this river that came from a glacier, but it was so steep! I almost killed myself like 10 times! If I would've started falling I wouldn't stopped for like 1/2 mile. WE WERE HIGH!! But not like marijuana, like the height. Nevertheless, it was easily the most beautiful thing I've seen yet. Mountains on everyside, river coming down between the mountains, with a glacier on top. Who said God is not the Creator? He does all things well.

I watched, in my opinion, the best Super Bowl yet on monday. It was 12:00 p.m. on a Monday when the game started, and I went to a local bar to watch it. I think most people thought I was some raging alcoholic at first. What a great game!! I was going crazy down the strech! I was one of like 5 people in the bar watching and screaming. Great game!

While I was watching, this guy from Germany named Robi came up to me to watch the game. He told me he was biking for about 35 miles, came to the bar, and ordered a huge pitcher of beer. I asked him why he didn't get some water instead, and he looked at me like I was a freak. Then he left a biked another 35 miles back to where he came from.

Mom, Justin, and Silk, I think I've probably lost like 5 lbs (or 2.5 kg) since being here since I only eat when I'm hungry, and I buy the cheapest stuff too. But don't you worry about me, me and my ham sandwiches are just fine. You hear that Palmer? HAM!!!

Probably the biggest thing I need from my friends and family back is to be praying for me. As most of you know, I like to workout and I was running yesterday and I think I threw out my back. It's my lower back and I have been in a lot of pain. It's gotten better. But I can always use the prayer. Before I left, my Grandma gave me a verse to hold onto while I'm here, which is Isaiah 40:31. It's given me so much strength, but also verses 29-31 have given me hope as well.

"He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

There's no doubt that this is the verse of my trip. "Even youths will become weak, and tired." Wow, that has been me quite a few times, btu especially now. I realize that God is in control, but I will keep putting my trust in Him, because He's the One that renews my strength.

I love you all, and I pray for you everyday. Can't wait to see you.

15 comments:

Asian buffet guy said...

Dave, I really just wanted to be the first to post a comment... sorry matt. Just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for you and that I'm excited to see you when you get back. Love you man and talk to you soon

Unknown said...

First of MATT I waited to post until you did but you missed it again! I guess some people arent as thoughtful as me you know who you are silky! Dave sorry I wasted most of this post lecturing silk, but the glacier sounds sweet! Did you hang from it all cliff hanger style? Can't wait for you to get home dude "Aman-duh" was on tv the other day and made me think of you man. I think maybe we should try that new training technique your buddy showed you, drinking a pint in the middle of a work out who does that!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Matt, you are WAY too slow to win this competition. I didn't even try to get the first post and I still took the bronze. Better luck next time Mr. Consolation Prize.

Dave your trip sounds amazing! I can't wait to see pictures and chat with about the GOOD TIMES!

Jesse Johannesen said...

Dave,
I thought the story about the biker was really funny. I'm glad things are going well. By the way, I took a job in Des Moines, IA as the junior high pastor. Renee and I will be moving down in June. We have to get together a bunch before we leave. Miss you, man.

Dave Skahen said...

Haha for sure ron. It would be sweet to talk about the different sights that we've both been to. Miss ya ron.

And Jesse, that's awesome dude!! Congrats! I know you'll do great things in God's name, but we definitely need to hang out as much as we can before you go. Miss ya, buddy. And yeah, the germna guy was really funny.

lana skahen said...

Davey,
First of all thanks for letting me know about the walk along the river afterwards when you are safe and no broken bones.
And I even watched the super bowl this year and not just the commercials.
The ham sandwiches sound good but try a little cheese and throw it in a pan and grill it and see what you think.
I love grandma's verse she gave you. We all need to get to the place where we rely only on Him.
Do you feel like you are soring with the eagles yet. And he will renew your stregth.
Well see you in a few weeks,
Love and Kisses,
Mom

Matt S said...

hi dave... miss you bro. guess what guys, i talked to dave first. and didn't concentrate on some stupid competition to blog first. you'll get your's. see ya soon bro.

jvagle said...

Dude! YOU GAVE ME LIKE THREE SHOUT-OUTS! Love ya man! I'll be praying for you tonight!

SILKK said...

Dave! Oh MYLANTA I miss you! I JUST read all of your blogs and I am so excited to hear what God is doing in your life! He is truly good. (Matt Skahen emailed me your blog web link, so I seriously JUST read them!) Paul Conan has been coming to Backdoor since you've been away, but he never fails to bring you up about 3 times every time I see him! He seriously misses you, dude! You are a good man and are sincerely missed. The students and parents around CVC talk about you often and I hear how much they miss you! Just know that people around here, your family, your friends, and everyone else who has the pleasure of knowing David Benjamin Skahen misses you! So you lost 5 lbs.?! You must be like 180 now? Dave, when you get home we need to hit the gym and get HUGE! The office is quieter, the sanctuary is less "colorful", and the church is less funny with out you! LOL! I love you, Dave! Sorry that it has been so long since we've talked/blogged. According to Jason I am a failure, but I know that in your eyes I am your little fortune cookie...LOVER! Room 141 has never been the same since you left...God bless you, man!

SILKK said...

Dave! Oh MYLANTA I miss you! I JUST read all of your blogs and I am so excited to hear what God is doing in your life! He is truly good. (Matt Skahen emailed me your blog web link, so I seriously JUST read them!) Paul Conan has been coming to Backdoor since you've been away, but he never fails to bring you up about 3 times every time I see him! He seriously misses you, dude! You are a good man and are sincerely missed. The students and parents around CVC talk about you often and I hear how much they miss you! Just know that people around here, your family, your friends, and everyone else who has the pleasure of knowing David Benjamin Skahen misses you! So you lost 5 lbs.?! You must be like 180 now? Dave, when you get home we need to hit the gym and get HUGE! The office is quieter, the sanctuary is less "colorful", and the church is less funny with out you! LOL! I love you, Dave! Sorry that it has been so long since we've talked/blogged. According to Jason I am a failure, but I know that in your eyes I am your little fortune cookie...LOVER! Room 141 has never been the same since you left...God bless you, man!

Alicia Marie said...

Daveeed...
Love the blog. I am glad to hear you are doing well, even if you are being stretched! (and not just your gross dead skin, seriously, sunscreen buddy, sunscreen)I can NOT WAIT to see your pictures. I am sure New Zealand is magnificent! We find out if we have a boy or girl fedell tomorrow...will make sure you know! Keep us posted! P.s... i am glad you liked the superbowl. if you say you are sad that the patriots lost than you are excommunicated from my future child... love ya

Asian buffet guy said...

Well, hello David..
Its me again just wanted to send you a message and say that we all miss you a ton and look forward to your soon return. Church definately is not the same without you and you are sincerely missed by everyone. You're a great leader and when so many kids look up to you in a profound way, its tough to recover sometimes. Love you man and stay in the word, we have to go to the buffet when you get back and help you put those five lbs. back on. Miss you and am praying for you.

Jesse Hall said...

oh, man. guess what guys? dave just called me again today. thanks dave. it was great talking to you - and for a whole hour! i know you call me everyday and all, but it's still great to hear from you.

I can't believe i was the first to hear about you boxing a Wallaby
and riding on the back of a Dinornis to the top of a mountain. THAT'S CRAZY! ...what a long, strange trip it's been!

well, take care dave. and thanks for telling me i'm your favorite person back home. you're the best! =)

Dave Skahen said...

You guys make me laugh so hard! Thanks for the comments. Justin, you're welcome. Silkk, man do I miss ya man. I think about room 141 often...I mean often (wink, wink). Oh Paul, that kid is so funny. But seriously, let's get huge when i'm back for sure, I feel like a little girl over here. And thanks for the encouragement my friend. Jake, love ya man. And it's good to know that people miss me. I wonder sometimes if I have made a mark on peoples lives. Alicia, don't you worry about a thing, I was cheerin' for the giants the entire game. I can't stand bellichick. And yes, Jesse it's great to talk to you too everyday, but specifically the other day. Love you guys.