The varied events of Friday nights remind me that our guys are all so different but are immensely interesting the more I am getting to know them. Thomas (left) and Evan (right), among the other juniors, are maturing noticeably from last year. I enjoy observing their creativity coming out in all-dorm Nerf wars, dorm unity huddles, and - even unexpectedly for teen guys - cooking gourmet meals. I can definitely see Thomas becoming a French cuisine chef when he is older. Several of our guys from France want to make a French dinner for the whole dorm soon. :)
It is exciting to see how God is maturing some of these guys even in a matter of months (and maturity does not mean that they do not love Facebook and movies, too. [see pictures on right]). One of the guys I had some of the hardest moments with last year is much more open to me this year. I drove him to "ortho" (the orthodontist) this morning, and we talked some. He later offered to buy me something at McDonald's since I did not have money with me. In contrast to last year, this is huge to me.
I feel like many of the guys are the younger brothers I never had. I am praying that I will be able to love them the way they need to be loved, even if it is tough love. I desire for them to draw near to God and that the "seeds" planted through me and so many others will not be "snatched up," but grow. It is amazing what conversations happen at the most unexpected times. I am learning more and more that the beauty of being an RA are for the unplanned moments when God allows me to get a little glimpse into the guys' lives. I treasure those moments. It is a matter of being available and observant and approachable.
