The Boys and the Canyon
Ricky had the most fun... I guess?
After the Canyon we made our way back (all the guys sleeping, making me completely jealous) and came down (south) through Oak Creek Canyon toward Sedona. We stopped off at Slide Rock. What a hoot. There were a ton of people at both state parks today! Slide Rock got the best of us too… a few of us slipping into the water while holding our backpacks and clothes! Dylan unfortunately was the hardest hit… bye-bye Ipod (water damage).
Slide Rock... literally, sit down and slide
Dylan discovers the death of his ipod
We then hit the town of Sedona for dinner. Good times there as well. Check out the beautiful scenery!
Sedona and the rainbow
We made it back to the house at about 9:30 and I want to get a post about one more of “the guys” before heading to bed early! I am beat.
The first lifeboat meeting at Vince’s Pizza was attended by Frankie, Alex and one John Dakin. It is hard to believe it was nearly 4 years ago. John Dakin was a skinny and slightly socially awkward boy when I met him. He is now a strong young man whom I would describe as a true gentleman. His “Christ confidence” is such an encouragement to me, I believe he is in a very good place in his relationship with God. His tender heart will take him a long way in life. He set the tone for being vulnerable in our lifeboat and I think every guy is thankful for the tone he set. I believe John is going to make a fantastic father and husband; I envision John being a stable elder in his church, serving in a variety of ministries. His immediate plan is to study at Highline and then transfer to a four-year school. Pray for him as he considers helping with the BPPC youth group (trying to balance school, work and ministry life).
My Bold Prediction for John: I think John “The Gentle” will emerge as one of the best WWE wrestlers of all time. He will be “Jesus in a spandex Jumpsuit” to the many lost souls who attend and work in that industry. Sure he may look awkward, but he’ll body slam his opponent and wrestle them into submission, only to invite the pour soul to submit to the real maker!
John, living on the edge
Posting more tomorrow!
Grace,
Brian
BRIANAABY.COM 
Hey guys, sounds like you are having a blast. Don’t know some of you, so that’s kind of weird. As for Dylan, sorry about the Ipod, bummer. Read your blog, I wish we could have the kind of power you spoke of. Jynxing stuff I mean. That would be pretty cool, but dangerous wouldn’t it!?
John D., I don’t know you too well, but I see you as gentle and kind. And I believe you will do well in your future. For now John D. remember to just have fun on this trip. All other worries and responsibilites can wait. Brian, nice pictures, like the rainbow one. Reminds me of a song I sing with my 2’s class almost daily. “Red, orange, yellow, green, blue purple. (repeat twice) These are the colors of the rainbow!” Enjoy the rest of your trip everybody!
Sorry to hear about Dylan’s Ipod. On an interesting note, one of my students, Brant, has sent his ipod through the washing machine 3 times. Each time he puts his ipod in the refrigerator and it comes out working.