Bring on the Olympics...

Had a wonderful Dream Centre staff meeting this morning with Cecil and the Dream Centre team. We discussed where we all feel called to work and also where we see the Dream Centre heading. I can honestly say that that was the best meeting I have had so far since moving out here.

After the meeting we hung out with the Loft Youth kids who, since it's summer, come up to the church to hang out for a few hours in the afternoon. Haha I spent the time playing numerous pool games. We are having a talent show in two weeks and I am trying my hardest to get some of the kids to perform! The deal is; if I win they sign up, if I lose they dont. Unfortunately I've lost 5 of my last 6 games. . .

After dinner Rique, Ems, and I headed into town for Street Reach. The town was electric! Today is opening cermonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics and finally the City Hall jumbotron is being put to good use!

I have been waiting for the Olympics for soooo long! (Well I guess everyone has really) But I must say there are different levels to "Olympic love" and I qualify for the highest scale. . .

Level 1: You like the Olympics

Level 2: You love the Olympics

Level 3: You are obssesed with the Olympics

Level 4: You are an Ochterbeck

Even the excitement of the nearing opening ceremonies I was able to have some really good conversations with the teens who were out. I also passed out loads of American candy and packets of Koolaid. . . thanks mom and dad - yall are legends over here :)

After Street Reach Rique and I were debating about staying and watching the opening ceremonies outside City Hall. It was mild out but I knew the chill would set in and I didnt bring a jacket. . . then I noticed how loud the crowd was and how many weren't really focussed on the TV and the thought of them drowning out the sounds of the ceremony started to seal the deal. The clencher though was the thought of mint chip ice cream I had waiting in the freezer back home. So with that we handed out a few American flags for others to support and then we headed back to the church.

Well just wanted to write really fast before everything begins! I have my bowl of ice cream and hippo is here next to me. I'm in comfy clothes, have BBC on, on my laptop and my American flag is sitting beside me ready to be waved! This night couldn't get any better!
-J