It has been a while since I've posted, but that's been intentional. I often find that I'm the type of person that takes on more than they handle all at once. For the past couple of weeks, I've been working on getting major items off checked off my to-do list.
I spent this past weekend at Azusa Pacific University with my best friends. Being on-campus all weekend definitely made me feel a variety of emotions. I've been to APU on short little visits, just to say "Hi," but never to actually stay an entire weekend. I had an amazing time with my friends, it really felt good to get away from Merced and to be surrounded by some of the people that mean the most to me. But the entire time I was there, I couldn't get over the butterflies that were in my stomach of being back at APU. It felt like a thousand eyes were watching me at once and whispering, "He's the one..." When I gave my name for my coffee order at Starbucks, the barista replied, "You're famous." That was awkward. But perhaps the most awkward was when people asked if went there and I gave the open-ended response of, "I used to." Part of me was afraid to say anymore.
By the end of the weekend, APU once again felt like my home though. It was like the good ol' days of going to my friends' apartment and laying around being random and silly. I truly mean it when I say I miss what I had while at APU.
But on a different note:
This Thursday (March 6), Vince and I will be the guest speakers at a film screening here in Merced. The film is "Tying the Knot," which will focus on the inequality of marriage. Following the film will be us, we will be sharing our ex-gay experiences, experiences with activism, etc.
For those of you in the area:
Merced College, Room V-140
Thursday Night, March 6
7:00pm-9:00pm
I will post a review of how everything goes down. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We are a little nervous about this one, as Merced as a reputation of breeding some "interesting" people.
This past Sunday, two musicians from Azuza Pacific played the interlude at my church (a pianist and a violinist), I believe they are both on APU staff. My stomach cringed a little during the introductions as I remembered how you and Vince were kicked out.
ReplyDeleteDuring the service, a man from the Hudson Guild--one of the organizations we are supporting with our Easter offering--came up to speak about the program. "Hudson Guild found me," he said. "My partner and I lived through the AIDS crisis and I lost him fifteen years ago. I was an old man struggling to find my way in the world and they came to me, determined just what I need to get back on my feet, and helped me do just that. I wrote music for over 20 movies that will come out this year."
Later, one of our pastors talked about the upcoming Gay & Lesbian Ministries retreat during the annoucnements.
I thought to myself, Azuza Pacific may have kicked out Vince and Vince, but they are in Marble Collegiate Church now--the oldest religious institution in North America. They are in our house now, and we have something different to say.
Vince, awesome that you went back to ASU and had a good experience. So glad you have maintained your friendships there. So good for you and for them.
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