Early that day I wanted to go to church one last time before we left Roswell for six months, one more Sunday in the singing praises and knock-out sermons of RUMC, of the loving people and familiar look... not to mention smell. One more Sunday. Just one more. It was all I asked of Mom and Dad, as we got ready with clothes and such. I planned to go to lunch with Dad, to see Little John (John David's son) and the people who live with him in his home. But Mom said that we were going to lunch with Uncle Andy and Will, which I would enjoy too. We all got ready, and we all went together in the car. Then we parked in the sanctuary parking lot, and got out. We entered up the sanctuary steps, in the lobby, and into the sanctuary itself. Along the way people we knew or had acquaintances with had talked to us, and said goodbye and bon voyage. A song was already going on when we took our seats in the pew. Rebecca on one side, Dad on the other, and Mom on the right side too by Rebecca. Rebecca kept moving and squirming throughout the sermon. Feet on the pew, kicking, rearranging; it was so annoying. Well, we listened to a few songs, and then some announcements we would never get to see, never get to be in Roswell to particapate in. It was a time to reflect, and hope everyone would have fun without us. Then came a prayer, and you know what our prayer was, that the trip would be fine and that everyone at home would remain safe. Then after they told about getting a lot of money for Divine Providence Training Center, a place that teaches Kenyan pastors. Claps from the congregation.
There was a funny video with a guy dressed up in a potato costume, and he just went to church and wanted to get closer to God. A carrot told him a about a small group he could go to. It was really cheesy and chucklesome. The carrot was the drama assistant for the WOW kids group. The morale of it was not to be a pew potato. Pew potato. Where do they come up with these things? But anyway, after that Pastor Mike stepped up on to the pulpit, and introduced the new sermon series as Living Toward Eternity or something of the sort. For the next hour or so, he cited scripture verses, and talked about the first part of the sermon, where you'll be in eternity, and whether or not you zap up right to Heaven or if you lay in the grave 'til Judgement Day. He said he didn't care, because zapping up would be fine for him and waiting for a while, sleeping actually, wouldn't be bad 'cause it took only a second for him, because you would be asleep. He said he probably needed the sleep. It was funny. But he did cite a Bible verse in which Christ said to the thief on the cross, "You will be in Paradise with me today." He also talked about how when you were dying God would lift you up and if you confessed for your sins and became a Christian, you got to Heaven. Mike's a funny and simple-talked preacher, doesn't say anything too confusing or breathtaking. Not too radical. The sermon was really good though, and I was quite downhearted that I wouldn't be able to see and hear the next ones. Don't worry, Mom told me, we would download on the website the sermon and listen to it. Or would we be able to do it?
After the sermon, we picked up our various stuff and Dad said, "That was a good sermon, wasn't it?" We got out of the sanctuary and into the lobby, then outside. Mom and I had decided that I could go say goodbye to my friends in the DOD, but not stay for the whole time. Until 11:10, in the small interval of time where I could say my goodbyes, and get contacts. Even though I had only gone to the DOD in the minimum of five times, I made a couple of friends along the way, like Jackson Scott and some others, and saw again people I had known at the Elementary school program, Kidz Zone. I perfected my relationship with others too, people I didn't know I'd be friends with, like Sydney and Kendall. Out by the parking lot, the Sanford family intercepted us. Their daughter Allyson, or Allie, followed the blog. We know them also from WOW. We talked a little before I went solo up the drop off of the church, through a stone path on a field, and up the steps of the DOD. I passed the street after some girls did. Inside, Mr. Sawyer (guy always at the check in) said that the computers were down so you didn't need to check-in. I walked on, and went through the gym. I saw basically only older middle schoolers and high schoolers playing basketball. I talked to and saw Alec Deno, who is a high schooler and was in Drama with me at one time, and told him about the trip. I then went back to the lounge area, where I found still a lot of high schoolers bustling around, talking, on their phones, and sitting on sofas. Aiden and Savannah were among the crowd.
I then saw Kendall, Zach, and Sydney all seated around a table. I said hello to them, dropping my Bible on the surface. We talked casually, about different things, and middle school and such, even getting some hot chocolate. What I just realized was that you take hot water and cocoa and you spin it up. I drank it slowly. Then I broke the news, that I was leaving Tuesday, and that I would miss them all. Zach said goodbye, but he recommended coming to a middle school and high school event that was happening that night, called CHAOS. And I later asked my Mom if I could come. Kendall was easier to say goodbye to then Zach, who's my best friend at church. I told him to keep the girlfriend, Sydney. Sydney herself told me to come to CHAOS too. They said it was really cool. I then went looking for Jackson, and found him in a booth in the restaurant area, with another kid, on his iPod Touch. They were watching an annoying orange video. I talked a little and looked at the stupid movie, and then left after saying goodbye. I said I would probably see him at CHAOS. Then they called us to go in the small group room. I couldn't do it, but was ushered in by my friends, and that I could go later. I was a little anxious, that they might not let me leave and I might miss Andy and Will's lunch. Around the table were all my friends, all the people I knew from Crabapple, and grew up with in the church. I sat down in a single chair, not at a table. Mrs. Sheridan and another guy with glasses spoke, and told about CHAOS and some other cool events going on. Jason Scott (Jackson's dad) told that a "rockin'" band was coming, that if you listened to it you wouldn't think it was Christian music. Tick, tock. Five minutes 'til I needed to leave.
They asked around which school we were all in, to some answered Mayberry, others Crabapple, Johnson Ferry. I said The Country. Which is my middle school. There were some chuckles from friends. Tick, tock. Three minutes left. I best go now. I told the guy guarding the door (literally guarding it) that I was going out to lunch with my uncle and cousin. He said okay, quietly, and I silently mouthed goodbye to all my good friends, the girls who despised me, the boys who accepted me, and my real friends. Morgan, Hannah Damico (despises), and others like Will and Ben (acceptors), and of course Jackson, Kendall, Sydney, and Zach (friends). It was a sad ending, a sad time of leaving, no joyous bon voyage or emotional farewell, just a silent wave, as the clock ticked and talked and the teacher talked about upcoming events. This might be the last time I saw them, if I didn't go to CHAOS. I walked down the hall, and tried to get another hot chocolate, and then remembered I left my Bible on the table. I dashed for it, and saw Mom asking where I might be to some people. I showed myself to her, and she rubbed my head as we went outside to the car.
Rebecca had gone with Dad to do the lunch with Little John, so we drove straight to a Brookwood Grill going to lunch with Uncle Andy and Will. We talked as I discovered the To Kill A Mockingbird book was in the car. We parked the car, and talked as we settled in an open waiting room, with a stand with waitresses, and a brick wall with little seats. We stayed in the lobby. The hostess asked us if we were ready, but we said we were waiting for some people. Mom on her facebook, I in my book, secretly ease dropping on the waitresses conversations, about a guy who was... and he.... did you hear...."Andrew, stop ease dropping on them. That's my job." said Mom. And so I stopped and read my book. I wanted Mom to read it also. It's really good. The dialects and the understanding is pretty confusing, but it is good. I like Atticus the best, Scout's (narrator) dad. He's a lawyer. But why am I saying any of this to you? You've probably seen the movie. As I read a little, Andy and Will came through the door. we came up and welcomed them and hugged. Then the hostess led us to a booth under wine bottles by the kitchen. Will and I were on one side and Andy and Mom on the other. We talked and were very nice towards each other, as Will asked about my book. I told him it was good.
Mom said that she liked this place, and had a gift card and coupon. Andy and her talked while I talked to Will a little about Football, and told some stories when I had done it. He did too. A guy in glasses came and asked for drinks, and we looked at the menu. On the kids menu I got a hamburger thing. I asked Andy some questions about his job, and we talked about the trip a little. "This may sound stupid," Mom said, "but we're going down to FL in the pan handle and down the bottom of the country, on I10 to go to Texas." Uncle Andy didn't think it was a stupid idea at all; we were doing it simply to touch FL, and say we've been to all connected states on the trip. 35 done on that day, and today I believe we've done 37. But I'm not telling you which states. You'll just have to read another blog post. Anyway, the food came in, steaming hot and looking good, as Will and I went to the restroom to wash our hands. On returning, Mom was eating her mixed green house salad, and a steak. Ribs, and a hot towel for drying off hands was Uncle Andy's meal. I don't k now if I've said this before, but Will had chicken fingers that were kind of fried, and he didn't really like it. And he got kind of sick. But my hamburger was good, black and hard, and also juicy. Although, I usually think a lot of things are fine. I'm not a good critic on food. But you should see me on movies...
Our waiter used fancy old words when he waited on us, like, "Sir, would you like this towel to wash off your dirty fingers? Your pleasure, my good gentleman." What is this, 1856? This is what he should of said. "Hey dude, you like that rag to wash off your...oh that's gross. Alright, wash your hands, man." But he didn't. After a while we finished the meal, and went to the restroom again. It is a good restroom, with nice pictures and automatic sinks. Automatic sinks don't stay on for long. But anyway, as we came back outside, Mom paid the bill with the gift card thing, and didn't pay a dime. Or a nickel. Or a penny. Well, she did drop one, but, no matter. We went outside, into the rain, saying we would see them the next day, with Libby, May, and Aunt Leah there also. So we walked in the parking lot, and then got in our separate cars. There was a family behind us, an older one with teenagers. No, wait, a couple and their father. So then we drove away, saying we had had a good time. Back at home, Mom watched some football, and I read and blogged a little. This is when I told her I wanted to go to CHAOS. I got five dollars, for the dinner, and dressed in casual clothing apart from the church one, with still a collar shirt but jeans and tennis shoes. This would be the last time I would see my friends from church.
Before going to CHAOS, we drove on over to The Poje's house, and parked our car as we went inside. This would be the last time I went on those steps, and saw their faces, for a very, very long time. They were cheery, saying we would be having a great time. I talked to Westin in his room, and did my special handshake with Julia. Talked about some things, like his crabs and the book I gave him about Lincoln dying. Then we migrated to the girl's room, and saw their Barbie doll Justin Bieber(gag) and also made this game called Picture something, that dished out cards. Westin couldn't quite work it. Then we just went outside, and jumped on the trampoline for a little. Westin was a little behind. It was a good jumping time, taking off our shoes and trying to not fall off.(it had no walls). We played around a little, and it was kind of sad but kind of nice, a little ending memory of us jumping over our troubles, and having fun with each other. Mom called that they had to go to football practice, and him and another kid came over at the end, and we had an emotional farewell of goodbyes, Mom and Deedee crying, Rebecca taking pictures of herself and Elise, me and Julia having our last cool handshake. Westin and I saying we would keep in touch, and that we hoped the trip would go well. A ceremonial last hug, and a wave and a "Goodbye for now." The last time I would see the Poje's for six months or longer, was then.
At about 5 or 5:30, Mom and I left. Rebecca had had a wonderful time at the lunch with Dad, and told me about it when I was at the house. She didn't come. Mom and I came up in the suburban, and saw Mr. Sawyer in his car. Mom asked as we parked what time she should be back, and then Mr. Sawyer and I walked in together as Mom drove away. In the place I saw many people, as I moved my way back toward the lounge. You have to go through a back hallway with the bathrooms, and I was confused, seeing all these people with food and not knowing where the line is. Still lots of high schoolers. 6th graders are only a small majority, like Rhode Island compared to Alaska. Then I got in line, and saw a friend Davis and another guy, Neil's dad, who has black hair and has glasses. So many people had glasses in this blog. Sunday school guy, waiter, and guy who took the money at the table with Davis. I paid my 5 dollars, which I got one dollar back of (it was really only four dollars). Then, in a line in the restaurant area (with paintings, tables, booths, and an arcade area), that connected to a kitchen, I got food off of a counter. Ladies gave us (Virgina, a friend, was right behind me) gave some lasagna and salad. I then got a water and napkin, and, finding no good friends in the restaurant area, except girls and Neil (his dad came down right by him though).
I then made my way to the lounge area, and sat down for a while, alone at a table. Some 7th grade kids were at another one close by. It was boring and uninteresting, and as I slowly ate, I then heard noises and saw Kendall coming out of a little auditorium, with doors on the side, and rows of chairs going up high, where they have some big group stuff. I took up my stuff and went over, through the door, behind the table where they took the money. I then saw Jackson, Sydney, Kendall, and Zach, plus an older tan guy with black hair. I said hi, and sat down with my plate on the floor of a row. It's carpeted. I said I was glad I had come. And they were too. That older guy, he wasn't the nicest as we joked and "burned" each other. Sydney calling me weird, I saying in what way, stuff like that. Zach had on a hat from a cartoon, which was white and looked like a bunny ones. It was from an "ADVENTURE TIME!" show. I tried watching that, and it's ridiculous. No offense, Zach. But he kept running around as people tried to get it from him, and Sydney chased others. Jackson took me aside (he also has glasses) and told me Sydney was thinking of breaking up with Kendall. That relationship lasted long. A month at most. But he also told me he liked her. This night would get interesting.
The lasagna was good. Others didn't eat it as much. As we ran around and did some wild things, trying to get that hat or protecting Zach, the people told us it was time to go up and listen to the band and the worship group. I was alone at the moment, and, going back, I couldn't find them all. Or any of them, at that matter. So, alone again, I made my way up a back staircase in the restaurant area, with all the older kids. Virgina was there, as we went up a painted metal staircase. Still alone. We went up into a room that looked exactly like the small auditorium, but with a stage, and musicians of different kinds. I saw in the right hand corner my friends again, on a couch. We sat down. Sydney was by Zach. Kendall and Jackson were more on sofa chairs, by the sound equipment and projector that made the sound go on. That kid again joined us, I guessed he was some friend. Three more kids sat down. I told him to scoot over, as Jason Scott told about the band, that on the right we would have a dry erase board, which kids could write on throughout the whole time, and could write inspirational phrases about God and being a Christian. On the left in a corner was a table with different colored cards, which you could put prayers for yourself and people on. Then he introduced a band called, "IT" as he walked off.
"You're just fat," that mean kid said to me. I said he was about the same size as me. Zach came to my defense also, saying to get off, we had been there first. There was too many kids on that couch. I just got off, away from those jerks. It was sad they were acting like that on a Sunday, at a worship time. Those kids were saying THEY were there first. So I sat on the floor, a kind of stair really, and Zach and Sydney came down with me, loyal and great friends they are. I noticed that Sydney was trying to be by Zach the whole time, even though I am pretty much his best friend. Even when she would leave and I'd scoot down toward him, when she'd come back she would say, "Um, you're sitting in my spot." It didn't seem it was that big of a deal, and so I just scooted back. She had only really known him for at least two years, but maybe they got closer while I left. Really closer. It got me to thinking...
The music was hard Christian rock, in a way, with great loud music as the drums, guitars, and singing happened. Some older girls came up to the mike, and sang and told with Jason and others Bible verses in between the songs. Us three decided to go down to the board, and wrote some cool things. Then Zach went back and forth with his teenager sister on the floor, where they all stood. Alyssa texted me and I didn't hear it, over all the noise. We also wrote prayers on the cards, and mine was about the trip going well, everyone at home being fine, and my Aunt Beth to not get her tumor again. We then listened to the songs, and had several inspirational moments of the people on stage praying to God that anyone in the audience not a true Christian to come closer to God. I liked one song:
My God is not dead
He's surely ALIVE
Living on the inside,
ROARING LIKE A LION (repeat)
It was really great, to have all the music and prayer, and the songs and speed, the people all coming together, under one God, with praise and love and hope all around, the lights, words, rocking echoes of music, the beat of the drum, and the holding of hands. The kids in the back goofing off, talking about unimportant things. Us shutting them up. That kid trying to say something mean, me making him come closer by holding my hand to my ear, and then pushing him back and to be good. Sorry, but I had to do it. Then, as the songs toned down and the zenith progressed, as I told about some things, Sydney told me she no longer liked Kendall, but didn't want to break his heart. I said the truth must be told, and she went over to where he was sitting and whispered in his ear the news. Then Sydney, bit by bit, broke to me that she had a crush on Zach. I kind of already had a hunch on that point. And she wanted to tell him. She also told me Becca, liked me a little. And I liked her back, but said I was with another girl, Alyssa. But, that night actually, Alyssa said she only wanted to be friends. Funny how that works out. But at that moment Sydney told me I should tell Becca how I felt, before I left. She wasn't there that night, and I never saw her before I left. I will tell her maybe when I get back. Maybe. I'd rather be a kid still though, and sharpen wood and make forts, and write blogs.
After the whole thing happened, and we went back downstairs, Sydney told Zach she liked him and if they could be together. I was sad for Jackson and Kendall, as they had both lost their true love. But then, surprisingly, Zach broke the news that he was already dating someone, named Grace, but that if he did not have Grace he would be together with Sydney. Jackson then told Sydney HE liked HER. So, she accepted him, as she had no other choices. She rejected one boy, got rejected herself, and accepted another guy. A lot of relationships that night.
Dad texted me I had to go. Now. I got my stuff, and said goodbye. There was a lot of chaos, people leaving, everybody in a crowd. I went outside, seeing Dad in the Chrysler 300 on the side of the road. I asked him if I could go back and say goodbye to Sydney, who I didn't say goodbye to yet. I had talked to Dad on the phone, and when girls had talked, I boldy said, "Hey, CAN YOU BE QUIET! I'm talking to my dad." They laughed. Then I said goodbye to Aiden, who was in the gym in a chair. It was the first time I had spoken to him, the whole time. We talked a little as I said goodbye to Kendall and that I was sad his heart was broken, and then to Jackson to have a good time with Valentine's Day with Sydney. I also got his phone number. To Zach I said goodbye to, and it was pretty sad. I hope he has a good remainder of the year. I didn't find Sydney, and went out in the car, telling Dad about what had happened all that night. Back at home, Lauren and Vincent were in the den watching a football game of the Denver Broncos. I was on my computer and phone, and talked to Jackson. I gave him the blog address, and he said he wanted to write a book but wasn't finished with it. He said it was about an inventor with a device, and I had a few cool brainstorming moments. He said thank you. Vincent was very into the game, and yelled when they won and got that goal, I think you may of seen it. He also showed me a cool game called Woords, which is cool. They then left, and I never saw Vincent again.
I went to bed tired, and didn't finish a blog. It was a fun day at church, and a sad farewell to my friends, a good sermon and lunch with my uncle and cousin, and I had a good time. It was a time of praise, and a goodbye. So see you on another blog, my friends.
In New Orleans,
Andrew.
No comments:
Post a Comment