Lists

So I was going to do a serious post about some stuff I've been pondering on lately but I don't think you or I are ready for that.  So instead I'm going to try to play with some editing stuff and make a fun list of things I'll miss about America and things I won't miss so much.

Top 5 things I'll probably miss:


1. Moe's, Chipotle, Qdoba, La Unica (any other variation of mexican or tex mex foods).  Seriously most of them cater I wonder if they can cater over to Uppsala, Sweden.

2. Netflix.  It has seriously taken up a large part of my summer, rewatching Lost and catching up on shows that I never had a chance to watch without a TV in college.

3. Being able to understand signs.  Sometimes I have no idea what kind of restaurant a place like "Pinky's" is so I need to read a menu or some type of describing sign.  This won't be possible in Sweden, but I'm sure the local Swedes can help me out. (P.S. Any one reading that doesn't live in North Carolina that might visit one day, make sure to never go to Pinky's).

4. My family and friends (duh).  I'll make new friends and my team will be my second family but all of you guys will be missed more than I can describe, so Skype me!

5. Not ALWAYS being the loudest one in the room.  If you know me you might doubt that I'm not the loudest one in the room in America, but in Sweden it will be on a whole new level.

Honorable mentions: Winters in short sleeves and no snow, fast food, being able to be late to stuff.

Top 5 things I won't miss very much:
1. Pavement.  Sweden has marvelous trails and gravel walkways as well as cobblestone.  Cobblestone is awesome.

2. The constant tie to my iPhone.  I admit this is completely an issue I should be able to deal with on my own right now, but it's simply impossible.  In Sweden I am hoping to break this habit.

3. Living at home.  Love you parents! But living with 2 other solid guys in our own apartment is going to be sick and I can not wait.

4. Constantly sweating.  Come on now does it really have to be in the 90's until October??

5. Driving.  Seriously, this is really the only time I get stressed.  So many people surrounding you in 2 ton metal boxes with some going 15 under and some going 34 over with barely any control.  I'll take a bike over that any day.

Honorable Mentions: Lady Gaga, "Run Forrest, Run," Sarcasm, Steelers football

What are some things you guys would miss/are missing about America?

Be ready for a serious post next week.

Love you guys,
Alex Martin

Who am i?

Welcome everyone!

If you don't know me and randomly stumbled upon this, my name is Alex Martin and it is great to electronically meet you.  I'm a recent graduate of UNC-Wilmington (GO SEAHAWKS!) in Environmental Science.  I came to Christ my Junior year of high school, since that day I have had quite a journey of ups and downs while I slowly grasped the true freedom that I have in Christ and the sacrifice that He made for us all.  I may post a more detailed story of my life later this year but this is just an intro post and I don't want to chase anyone away just yet.

This blog is all about the new adventure that Christ has called me to in Uppsala, Sweden.  Over the next year I will be working for CCCI reaching students in Uppsala with the truth and hope of the Gospel.  I'm still raising support for this time but am so encouraged by the people God has called to fund this ministry to see His name glorified in all tongues by all nations.

I hope I can entertain and encourage you guys as you walk through my days on campus, my culture shock stages, and most importantly the work that God does through a regular kid like me for His kingdom.  If you read this please introduce yourself below, I'd love to meet you and know who is reading this!  Also feel free to leave prayer requests because I would love to be praying for you.

In His Love,
Alex