Story Entry #3: Eli

I realize there must be a lot of hype going into this entry, seeing as how it's the finale of my entries as well as the fact that I put a lot of talk into it. Well I'm here to say right now, that writing this, while it may be an official entry, is not for competition, rather I want to show you a side of me you'd otherwise probably not find. Should I lose, then oh well, at least I know I'll be the first in our group to write a book...Yeah. And thus, the story we've all been anticipating.

I cannot tell you how many times I've stared Death in the face...Well alright, maybe I can, but there were a lot of instances in which I merely did or witnessed someone making a 'prank call', if you will, to Death and hanging up before the punchline. Something like that. Anyways one episode of such a caliber was early one morning this past Summer when I was running with my sister Megan. Now it was relatively cool, seeing as how it was only 7 in the morning, and she and I were going at an easy pace. But all the sudden the sun came out and punished everything in its presence with the smoldering effects of such an event. Well Megan had not been properly hydrated and I turned around just to see her collapse. For those of you who don't know, I am extremely close to my sister, and would easily take a bullet for her (not to mention the rest of my family). So you can be sure I was immensely concerned. I immediately picked her up and took her to the nearest house (which fortunately happened to be Carlos') and made sure she was properly hydrated. When she gathered herself together I insisted on calling our parents and getting her to the hospital, but Megan wouldn't have it and insisted she was fine.

Now I don't question that many of you have had encounters very similar to this, but mind you, this is only a set up for my relationship with Death. To tell the whole story I need to give you a quick background on me and Eli (no, not the one from my last story, but a much contrasting friend).

Eli grew up with a hard life from day one. He's constantly shuffled around from drug dealing relatives, criminal background cousins, and with the aggressive presence of gang activity. So how do I know him? Good question. You see, he and I were at another church's youth group for a period of time and I had met him for the first time at a lock-in. The rather unfortunate part of this was that we were both tired and cranky by the conclusion of the event, and I had no clue who this guy was. Needless to say we got off on the wrong foot...In other words he was actually willing to, in a politer term, beat the living tar out of me. Well when I heard that and I heard about his shady background I became rather paranoid having no idea what kind of execution I just ordered.
Skip ahead a few weeks.
We were at a camp retreat one night. Now Eli having a very broken family, had a prayer for his mother during group time. Despite the fact that he and I had become enemies, God compelled me to openly voice a prayer for him and his mother's behalf. After this, much to my amazement, Eli came up to me and gave me a 'cool style' hug* and were cool after that. The very next night, after the service, Eli came to Christ! How awesome is that? There's no question God was mingling in our conflicts just to prove His glory...But then again, what else is new? Let me tell you, ever since then, me and Eli have been very close. I can't tell you how many times we've stayed up until the wee hours of the morning talking about God and just solidifying our brotherhood. Which basically he is a brother to me...A Mexican brother, but a brother none the less.
*A huge consisting of a one-arm embrace. The other is in a suave-like hand shake. These elements make-up the very 'gangster' style and popular method amongst most public school students as of 2003.

With that now you know our background. But what you don't know is what we've been through. Upon entering into a friendship with Eli I realized that I wouldn't be so sheltered anymore. This thought came upon me pretty quick when I was over at his house and right outside gunshots went of for a long period of time. Now seeing as how this was my first time in this situation I was very afraid, as I'm sure you can imagine, but it wouldn't be the only time. No, no, no, by the third time I became a slight bit more accustomed to it; bothered of course, that such act of hatred goes on, but understanding of the life Eli lived for 17 years. However, this wasn't the most intense moment in our friendship. That time was one I never wish to repeat again.

Eli's past had a hard time letting go of him, even though he gladly gave it up. There was one night were a group of old enemies of his from Odessa came down to Manchac, Texas looking for him. Fortunately he was over at my house and I was able to get a hold of these guys before anything went down. Even though I didn't lie, I lead them to believe Eli was nowhere to be found in Manchac (which he wasn't for he was safe in Austin) and sent them on there way back to Odessa before they were able to carry through on a death threat. That was a time that demanded much prayer.

And prayer is what's gotten us past all the hazards of his background. Prayer is what has kept him and I together and is what is keeping him safe to this day here in Austin. God has been very loving and gracious with us, and I've been very blessed to have such a friendship.

Now I don't mean to go on much longer. But I just thought you'd like to know a little bit more about yours truly. Alright guys stay out of trouble and congratulations to whoever wins the contest.

Story Entry #2: When The Three Boys Cried

Ah yes, time fore 2 out of 3. I've been trying to think of the perfect 'second-best' story to write for a while, and this one seemed to romance it's way to the blog...Excuse the metaphor.

It was a Friday Night of October-similar to that of the 13th, but it lacked those superstitious qualities in that it was merely a day off from that of so called 'bad-luck'. As I was saying, there was an intense storm brewing early in the evening and would soon be accompanied by the sure thing of thunderous claps and blinding flashes. Well two of my buddies Carlos and Eli were staying over at my house after a Bowie football game (which they actually won, believe it or not). Most of the evening was spent playing Madden, watching Conan, and being three troubled 15-year-olds. Finally, our good time was restrained by the human limitation known as 'being tired', and with that we decided to go get some shut-eye somewhere around 3 in the morning.

Well this storm had been orbiting for a while now and had intensified greatly from the initial arrival, and we were just about to turn off the television when there was a earth-shaking jolt, followed by the immediate surge and loss of power. My first and only response was to just go to sleep and let everything just happen, and so we tried...Kinda.

From the decline of our conversation I realized I was falling into a much needed deep sleep and was quite content when the loudest antagonist of silence clap was heard out-side. I jolted awake and came onto high-alert and was accompanied by Carlos and Eli. Trying to dismiss the impact we calmed eachother down with a conversation of reassurance. But this was in vein for about 30 seconds later we heard and felt a banging impact on the very house we were in. We were convinced someone had just busted down the door...And we were afraid.

Now what would you do in this situation? Well I assure you a brave man like Gordon would simply make a proclamation that he was in the house and the intruder would wet himself and make a dash for the next county; others like Box might sing the 'Aggie War-Hymn' and pretend that A&M will beat Texas and fall asleep.-However, we lacked such courage. Yes, three boys; a wrestler, a 6'2''-200 lb. Basketball player, and a guy with super long hair were about ready to accompany any of Gordon's intruders and wet ourselves very badly. So with that, our reaction was, and I kid you not, to sing 'Amazing Grace' approximately 3 times through. This was concluded by a timid prayer from me asking our dear Heavenly Father for protection. Bravery was a distant thought by this point.

It got worse. Suddenly, we heard the sounds of someone climbing up the stairs in a staggered pace. We could hear death and with each footstep another scene of our previous 15 years was played before our eyes. It was at this point that I, the bravest of the bunch, came up with a plan of retaliation to this tyranny. I conjured up a quick game plan and dug into my closet for 3 of the best improved weapons present. So I handed carlos and Eli my two lightsabers from my childhood and held tightly to my Randall aluminum baseball bat. We were read for this invader, whoever he be. It was at this point that the steps had grown tremendously more violent and with the new-found spurge of adrenaline we flung open the door and leaped out!

The cat just sat there with a questioned stare and a sharp-tongued meow.

We "pretty much" (that was for you Faith and Box) felt like the biggest losers in all of the greater Austin area and tried to calculate what went wrong in the mental process. When the sun came up I checked outside only to find that our knocking down of the front door was a shudder that had escaped during the storm via rather large gusts of wind. With that, all the features of this night were accounted for, that is except for our dignity. In fact, we made a vow that night that we wouldn't dispense this information to anyone...Yeah I kind of broke that just now. But it was in good cause to educate you in such matter. But at least when a real burglar comes in, we'll know what not to do.

Just Call Me "Juan Ricardo"

Note: This does not qualify as an official Story Entry, even though this post alone could probably knock the socks off anything Box or Jason could attempt, I don't wish to enter this particular chapter of my life in the contest. Where as while Colin may have marched with the Penguins and Jason may have proposed in a fish-tank, I had my own reward in seeing God's work done, but I'll get to that later. Thank you.

So let me begin by saying everything happened this weekend. Texas embarrassed OU, David Crowder came to Borders, and there was actually a Sunday at church without Junior Highers (which, if I may say, was pretty upset that that one special weekend off was the one I'd be gone). Yes it was a productive weekend and I assumed a fun one for those who were actually in Austin, but my weekend was completely different. I mean it was like foreign....Oh wait it was, 'cause I was in Mexico, Piedras Negras to be exact.

In case you didn't know, Friday morning I ventured out with literally a group of people I'd never met before and crossed the border to partake in the on-going saga of "GO" ministries. The concept was simple: Go into a small little border town and leave it better than when you entered. The work was not so simple. The car-ride itself wasn't too bad, but I knew this was going to be intense when we stopped for Tacos close to the border, and all that was in mine was a solid pound or so of cow-and it wasn't necessarily cleaned to expectation with questionable ingredients, it was one of those 'Don't ask, just eat' kind of things. During this time I was introduced to what would be my grandma and abuela for the trip who were by all means stereotypical. One was strait out of 'Tuna Christmas' and the other was one of those Spanish, family oriented ladies you see on t.v. and what not. Shortly there-after I'd find myself crossing the line (no pun intended) and being able to say "I'm out of the U.S."

Upon arrival of the small colonia (community) stage one was to become acclimated to our environment. For most this was putting up flyers in Spanish about the clinic we'd start where as for me it consisted of playing futbol (soccer, for you illiterate individuals...Which is sad if you really are) with the local kids or chicos. A good time was had by all and I'm proud to say I had some of my first authentic conversations in Spanish with another person. That night I went to a Spanish-speaking Baptist church back across the border in Eagle Pass, Texas and shared my testimony to a group of people who I'd never met before. But it was awesome, even though as I'm sure most of you fully realize, I cannot stand public speaking and I'm the shyest person you'll ever meet.......Yeah. All of this was the easy part, the next morning would be volumes more important and challenging.

I awoke, ate, and entertained Saturday morning. For all the children, I was there newest toy. Mainly I'd just stand in the middle as they dazzled with their uncanny ability to pelt a soccer ball barefooted or in flip-flops* and have hours of fun running around (they never really seemed to tire down, which was a bigger challenge for me you can be sure). One of our games consisted of kids tossing the ball and me using my head to relay the action. After about 5 minutes of this I realized there will probably be repercussions in my future sending me into an early encounter with Altzheimer's somewhere down life's road. But it was a fun time. Dirty, sweaty, definitely smelly, the kids and I were occupied allowing the adults plenty of time to go through the clinic and receive the proper medical attention needed.
*Some did have shoes I won't lie, but that doesn't really matter seeing as how they could probably be on their knees and with their incredible shape put the fat little American kids to utter shame. This time it's not a question of what they feed them, but the fact that they don't gluttonize and that they actually cherish the ability to be mobile.

One of the things that amazed me about these children was how genuinely happy they were. To be honest they have next to nothing, perhaps a few hand-me-downs from older siblings that received them as hand-me-downs from America, but yet they made the best and didn't allow poverty to stricken them as some would think. They didn't need computers, or television, or Myspace to pass the time, and in a way, they were better for it. There was a sincere joy coming from situations where most American kids would say "I'm bored." In there minds, 'boredom' was the refusal to have fun, and none of them knew such a concept.

The other over-my-head quality was how kind they were. Even if you couldn't speak a lick of Spanish, or in my case, you could only force out broken sentences, they didn't care. All that mattered to them was that you were showing a substantial interest in their life, that you were actually giving them much deserved and needed attention. Most of them are used to not being noticed (which is absolutely horrible) in that either their parents don't have the time to, are gone from their lives, or just didn't care enough to stay and love these children. In this situation a little goes a long way as I'm sure you could imagine. It's heartbreaking, but a definite need that we as the more fortunate can help out with. It was then that I realized why God led me to go on this trip. He needed someone to show a few of His younger children that He loves them all. This time it was through a blonde, super-white kid from Austin. Jars of Clay paints this exact ministry of love very accurately in the song "Show You Love"**, and that's exactly what God wanted from me. That's exactly what the children needed from me.
**Album: Who We are Instead. The verses are significant as you will be able to see, but really key in on the chorus' lyrics.
Speak- say the words that no one else will ever say, Love- love like the world we know is over in a day/I'm gonna show you a love in every language, I'm gonna speak with the words that need no form, I'm gonna give you what you never had before/You're beautiful and I am weakened by the force of your eyes, So shine bright to separate the truth from the lies, I'm gonna show you love//So tie me to a tree and let the smoke and ash collect, No I won't regret to let love do what love will let, We can drown in mixed emotions or walk across an angry sea, This is the cost of being free//.


Once the day concluded the rest of the trip was mainly details. The quick highlights were that I got to lead worship, a capella at that, and I was able to share my experiences with the rest of the group that night. I was able to learn something about worship in Spanish cultures; it doesn't matter how perfect or in-tune it is, the only elements of any value are that it's loud and joyful. In this sense they are one step ahead of most Americans in this area for they realize worship isn't about dynamics, rather it's where the heart and the soul kneel before God's presence and through this meet the Beauty of God's love head-on, thus connecting with Him.

Such an amazing experience. Such an opportunity. Obviously I'm going to say that should you ever find yourself presented to do such, which if I'm correct Box is working that out for in the future, take advantage of a gift God is offering to you. Don't let the enemy frighten you with the barriers of culture and language, and the water there. But instead see how amazing God is by seeing His love shared and expressed from countries other than our own. Guys, believe it or not, there actually IS a world out there that, believe it or not again, God actually created. I'm just blessed to be able to become a part of that one chico or chica at a time.

Story Entry #1: The Art of Dating

So check it out, it was the end of freshman year and I had been going a while without falling for anyone, for the time that was impressive you can be sure. Anyways there in my English class there was this cute girl, who shall remain anonymous, and for some reason because of the banquet (Story #2) I had gotten to know a little more formally.

She was friendly and smart, very pretty, and I was being very flirty (I know, I know, it's hard to believe!). So each day I'd talk to her a little more, and so on and so forth. Well one day we had this class ballot of different titles to give to classmates such as "Drama Queen", or "Most friendly". But the one that got me was "Most Dateable". Well you know who I put down, but the big news was that I learned how she had put my name down for that exact same spot as well.

My heart skipped....






.....Really fast.

Anyways, I made the mistake of telling a less reliable source and that source happened to be a 'Silver Star' with my love-interest. To cut to the point, she told my crush and that was bad, 'cause I hate it when other people tell before I get to do it myself. The good news is that my crush responded with a blush and a smile. The bad news, I had to keep it from being awkward.

So here's the conclusion of the story: When I had heard that she smiled upon hearing my secret, I was very optimistic. I had a swagger in my step that day to English, and nothing would break me....Well, almost nothing.

As I was walking to class I saw my crush in the arms of another guy and wanted to pretty much die at that moment. Most of you have never been fortunate enough to see me embarrassed for I'm rather to stupid most of the time to notice/care, but that was pretty much the Superbowl of anguish right there before 8th period. Yeah, it sucked.

I was recalling the event the next day to my good friend Eli. I remember saying to him "Man, if I had known she was dating someone I would have never had to go through that kind of public humiliation. I mean, did you know she was dating him?"

"Yep." He replied.

What a punk. He knew and he never told me. "What's the deal bud!?!"

"I guess I figured you already figured it out."

Well obviously I didn't. And that's what makes it funny. My own friend knew and never shared that important little detail. Looking back though, I can share a laugh or two for it makes a good story. Me and the girl are friends now-and I have no intentions of hooking-up with her mind you. But it was worth telling. Now TOP THAT!

Crossroads

So in keeping y'all updated, I have found myself at a crossroads. It's not a recent discovery, more something that has been boiling over since the beginning of summer.

As some might already realize, I have been wrestling for quite a while (4 years to be exact). Having said that, it's clear to me that this is a factor in a decision that must be made this year. In about 3 weeks I will I have to decide whether I will choose to pursue my career in wrestling or if I am to go on to other things, most likely music and things of that area.

Again, because I have wrestled for 4 solid years, and have even found myself at the national level once, the dilemma is so hard for me. Should I choose wrestling I will shut the doors on other such opportunities and I'm not sure I'm quite willing to give into that either.

Why would I choose music? Well I have found so far in my trying to understand the ancient language, that when I am involved in music, and most importantly worship, I feel the closest to God as I can ever be. I feel that when I'm worshiping I'm standing right next to God and there are no limitations to our relationship. I feel like nothing else matters, like the world has no control on my life. Music in general has opened my thinking and perspective to a whole new level. It's given me the ability to be bold, to be optimistic, even clever.

Why wrestling? The past 4 years have shaped who I am today. Through the countless hours drilling, sweating, bleeding, at times even crying, I've gained a discipline that cannot be mocked. I have gained self-respect and learned the true value of winning. I can in many ways evaluate and predict the psychological, and I see when I am relied on when it's most important that I succeed. I have no question that I would not be the person I am today had it not been for the sport. As far as a spiritual connection, God has given me confidence and the ability to stand up for what I believe in. Never once have I looked back and thought what would have happened had I gone another way.

Perhaps you see why I've lost sleep over this issue many nights in a row at times. Maybe you have a better view of something I debate daily. All I ask is that you could keep me in your prayers. I have no question God will use one of these roads to further His glory through me, but I am very in the dark as to which one. Oh why must there be life decisions?

A pic of me last year wrestling...Yeah that was against Austin High you Maroons. And I beat him.