Transitions

Dear Readers,
For those of you who check this blog regularly, thank you. Your support through my freshman year has been a blessing. However as I move onto my second year I hope to stay connected and I would like to try something different. Instead of blogs I will post videos via the iphone, that you can see on my youtube channel. I hope you will still be able to see how my experience here at Cal Poly is shaping the person I am becoming and how amazing technology can be to communicate ideas across the world.

Let me know if you have any trouble viewing the video's.
My video channel is:
http://www.youtube.com/user/giordanogianpaolo?feature=mhsn#p/u

Sincerely,
Jordan Gamble

P.S - I look forward to seeing your comments, reply's and thoughts on the videos.

Catalina Island

Senior Chemistry: Equilibrium 1

Justice.

What does making justice a reality look like practically in your life?


Uncle Alan asked this great question last week when he followed up on my post on Martin Luther King, Jr. I was slightly uncertain when I first saw this question but have since had time to contemplate the matter and have come to some conclusion.
In my life here in College, there is much diversity, both in attitudes and actions. I have friends who are ultra intense - studying 20 hours + a day, INSANE! Then there are the type that hate anything mainstream. Those students often argue that the washed out, grading system is worthless and pointless. This has brought up an interesting point which I have discussed with friends and, although many agree that the public education system is full of problems, the general consensus has been: What else is there? It is one thing to go against the status qou but if one chooses such a life then how is it better then the present sistuation? So far as I know, no one has proposed a better solution, yet...




A totally separate sphere of discussion is relating to my own activities. Busy with homework, tests and Club activities, it is tough to find the time to dedicate to service, prayer or volunteering. Although I can only offer a few hours a week to things like this, I do look forward to summer camp- where I will be able to build up youth with strong values and service, character, and teamwork . I will be working with the bike shop and have already begun toning my skills in preparation for the summer. Yippee!

My room is much cleaner today but on sunday I couldn't even get to my bed!

Thats it for this today. I got some HW due tomorrow and lots of CNC work to do.
Check back soon to see more of me in the metal cutting action! Hope you all have a great day.
Sincerely,
Jordan Gamble

Greatest American Rhetoric : Martin Luther King, Jn

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

Weekend - Fun Time

Cal Poly Open house was this weekend. We had alot of visiting alumni and new recruits. That the reason we had such a great time seeing the tractor pull, riding around town and meeting new people.

Bryan and I biked to the top of Perfumo Canyon - a long way to the top but super fun on the way back down.

That's me looking over Cal Poly - It was really beautiful.

Concert in the PAC. Tim the Music man.
Left to Right: David, Erica, Tim, Me, Kent, Caleb

Caleb and I checked out the architecture students project's. It looked like a miniature homeless city. Then we went home. True Story.

Today Matters

Have you ever wondered if there is a secret to happiness, success and life? I have. But my answer did not come a get-rich-quick package. Instead what I have found over the past week is a alarmingly thrifty yet applicable approach. The idea stems from my experience last week in fighting what my body desired to what I had plans for and also having recently read a book by John C. Maxwell, a well know christian, author of leadership. In his book, today matters, he explains the concept of success - not as a list of things to accomplish but instead, the idea he presents is entirely based on making a decision, and then following through on your beliefs. His main emphasis is on the importance of planning and preparing so that when the time comes to make a tough decision it wont be twisted by our emotions or desires in that moment.

In fact, he argues that the past experiences of yesterday are merely distractions to what we are doing now - claiming, "successes and failure often look bigger to us in hindsight then they really were." In the same way, tomorrow is a vague hope of what we want to become - "Its a lottery mindset... in some way hoping to reap what we haven't sowed. " Because today is the only time we can change, it is the most important moment of your life. "That is why the way we live today, impacts our tomorrow."

To begin this transformation, we need to set out some clearly defined goals. I call them my Top 5 disciplines:

1. Relationships - Building strong, healthy friendships is important to living wholesome lives.

2. Food and Exercise - Daily guidelines are helpful in healthy living.

3. Learning - Practice and develop your mind in new ways.

4. Attitude - Make a decision to be in a positive attitude daily. Express your self.

5. Work - Commitment to hard work will help you manage your finances.

Hiking

Date of Departure: Friday, April 9, 2010.
"We have left San Luis and are traveling north on 1. (Not the 1 but "1") Ahead of us lied freedom, open beaches, and fresh clean air and most important, and Adventure. 7 GUys, Backing-packing in the awe-inspiring mountains of San Luis Obispo.

Passing hearts castle we look out over the ocean as massive waves crashed upon glistening rocks, the roars and thunder filling our ears with wonder at the power of nature. Stopping shortly we stumbled upon elephant seal, the size of which stun us - massive rippling fleshy bodies resting lazily in the sun. Unfortunately my friends stopped me but I am intrigued with those animals nature... Seeing their environment and home I realised they must be equally brutal and beastly to survive.

The Guys: Doug, Mike David, Tim Kent, Jorgie, Tim

The waster above us towered like beautiful shimmering clouds, resting on the steep wooded hillside. David and I climbed up to the top, to enamored to think about the potential dangers so high up. As we climbed higher, the four below watched anxiously. Suddenly a shirt appeared, flying over the edge. Shouts and yells were heard as the observers realized...

The waster above us towered like beautiful shimmering clouds, resting on the steep wooded hillside. David and I climbed up to the top, to enamored to think about the potential dangers so high up. As we climbed higher, the four below watched anxiously. Suddenly a shirt appeared, flying over the edge. Shouts and yells were heard as the observers realized...

Food Fantasies

I ran, sweat poured off my hot glisening body, I breathed in a deep breath of warm fresh air. The trees around me blew gently in the wind and I continued to run, through the low underbrush, across the dusty road, on toward a dream I thought was only 10 minutes away. Jamba Juice! In front of me lay this reward, and what I left behind was pain, fear, and weakness. As Lance Armstrong says, “Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”..."




Hi Everyone,

I know it been awhile and I am sorry to keep my diligent readers thirsting for some information on what is happening here in SLO.

If I could sum out my week in one work it would Maturity. Maturity because I have learned discipline in many many ways.

One of best memories of this week has been through challenges in planning and following through on my daily plans. Rocking awake I would be jolted awake by my alarm at 6:30 Am - "what a dumb idea I thought, as I put on the snooze and fell back asleep." In the first part of the week, I'd wake up minutes before class, and rush to ready for the day. Compare that to Thursday, when I woke early and had a wonderful morning routine. Its not easy, but It sure beat missing class at 8am.

The basic Idea which I was continually reminded of was that every description I made was going to change the rest of the day's events in some small way.

I feel a need to begin next week with a dog collar on, determined to lock it down and focus on what needs to get done according to my schedule.

If there is any doubt to my flexibility and openness to change, one simply needs to see my past history to see I am anything but constant.

Dr White, My math Teacher.

From Left to Right, Perrie, Sarah, and Steve,( steve is giving a peace sign)

Pro E Manufacturing This will go into the G CODE

Finally, to finish where I left of in my Jamba Juice crusade, let me tell you what happened.
With fifteen minutes to go, I was pushing really hard on the last bit of trail, trying to get home before three clock, which was when I had planned to study my Home Work.

Suddenly I stopped, breath heavy, hair matted in sweat, I listen closely and heard to my absolute joy a stream. I walked to the edge of the trail and look over the ravine. Down below, sheltered by bushes and oaks, I could see sparkling water, splashing against smooth rocks.

I was drawn into this paradise of beauty and decided to go for a swim. The water was fabulous, cool , refreshing and so good for my muscles. AHhh!

15 minutes later I was back on track, running home, trying to beat the 3oclock deadline. I knew I didn't have time for a jamba juice now but my mind kept playing tricks, fantasizing about the sweet, fruity smoothie, only 4.95 at the cafe.

Finally, coming around the last corner I saw it, the green and yellow sign - signaling a sweet destination. Everything in my body was telling me to "GO, relax and enjoy life"!
Still, some subconscious force was telling me otherwise - it was this voice I listened to and for that I am grateful... I was able to finish up my Calc HW and get to class later that day.

If there's one lesson I like you to take away, its that discipline can be beneficial if we plan out ahead of time what we want and where we want to go. It's also important to note that desires are not necessarily bad but if we can learn to judge which desires are worthwhile then nothing can stand in our way. Thanks be to Life!

Spring Break

THe construction site before the actual framing. It was really amazing how quickly they built those walls.


Spring Break has been awesome! I 've had so many opportunities to spend time with my family and enjoy the beautiful weather here in San Diego. It has been hard work, building a house for grandma and grandpa, but the joy of pounding nails next to my father, brother and grandparents has been such a reassuring and joyful activity. The feeling I get is that all is as it should be and the love and the friendship I have around me should be shared with others.

We also had a wonderful time hiking up Iron Mt and talking with friends and family about their lives and personal travels. I even got an opportunity to go to a SAMPE meeting, where we had a tasty meal followed by a speaker who had lots of experience in engineering. I enjoyed the time and look forward to a time when we have a similar club on our campus.

I hope I can go back and finish up my freshman year with lots of love and expressions of joy and friendship.

The construction site durning construction. The cement was poured out on saturday, the week before I came home. I was so exctied to get working after seening all this activity going on without me!

Motivation

It's 3 AM - I am typing this quickly before going to bed after a long hard day of studying. In a little less then 48 hours I will be taking my Chemistry Final on which I am working hard and praying harder for an A - This goal is in my mind for many reasons, the first of which is personal education; I love learning about how our world works and seeing what makes up the things we use everyday. Another reason I love chemistry is that I hope to get 3.0 GPA so that I can apply for internships and scholarships in the years to come - with state fees rising it won't be long before I'll need to sell street tacos to pay my tuition. But beyond all other reasons the most most motivation at present comes from the expectation and trust each of my teachers has invested in me. Sacrificing their time, advice, and even personal tidbits of life's theology. I cannot express how grateful I am to them and how much in way of doing my best on the test.
For example, I've been in deep conversations with my Japanese Professor on topics ranging from health care to restaurant reviews and each time I feel she shares a little bit more of her own expansive life and entrusts me with these ideals.I feel it is not as much a desire to pass the class but to prove to her I understand the material.
Another example is my chemistry prof, Dr Nguyen, who has high expectations but lacks the English vocabulary to teach properly. (Another story, another time) I've spent many hours talking with him on concepts which may elude me, at first, but once I understand them I take it to my lab mates and teach them the concept, further cementing the idea in my head.
I recently sent him a email expressing my thanks and hopefulness about the class and the students success. Dr Nguyen's reply was a follows,

Jordan,

Some students like you really makes my teaching career worth it. Thanks for your kind words.

FN

Simple but heart felt - I was deeply touched and replied thanking him for his dedication to teaching the fundamentals of chemistry.
I know there are not always great teachers around but I am thankful that this quarter has been such a blessing to share stories and personal conversations with my teachers.

In this photo, (Alex Guzman, FN, Me, Tanya and Tasha - Sisters)

Now dear reader it is your turn - "Thank a teacher in your life "

“To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.”

I believe I will end this post here and go to bed. See you soon,
Jordan

Thanks Mother for your Amazing Gift of Music!

Family: A social unit where the father is concerned with parking space, the children with outer space, and the mother with closet space. ~Evan Esar
(HAHA, I know this isn't us but I thought it was funny.)

I hope all of you enjoy the new addition to the blog and aren't scared away by this new technology! The song is simply amazing and very much real to me.

I really appreciate the symbols of love and care that my mother has shown to me and the love she continues to reaffirm. So many other students tell me about their parents cutting them off and living as if they never existed. One friend told me that when he moved out his younger brother became an spoiled single child. I am so thankful that our whole family has been able to stay in contact with each other and I hope we can continue to enjoy each others blessings.

Love,
Jordan
You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu

Life and Education - Or, How I was challenged this week to be a more conscientious person.

SCHOOL! The Last Frontier of Man-kind, or at least, "The place of perpetual tests, homework, grades, etc...
In this post I will show three examples which I personally have found to be very constructive in my own life. I will also attempt to draw out a conclusion and make observations of these three experiences.

In the first story, I am at a chemistry study session (CSS) in which we are trying to make sense of the professor's lecture. I had a wonderful time listening, learning, and laughing at my and other student's misunderstanding of the material. It was so reassuring hearing others' difficulties in the class, and while most of us did struggle in the first 5 weeks, I can personally say, I've come a long way since the quarter started.

In fact, my CSS Tutor spoke to me after class and asked me about my grades. I was shocked to realize that the people around me were actually watching out for ME, and cared about how I was doing! For the past 6-8 weeks I've been fighting so hard to get the help when I need it, I thought I was all alone. It was a blessing to have such concern and compassion given to me personally. It also might have helped that I gave him a cookie, but, that is probably beyond the point. :)

Secondly, our final welding lab took place today, in which I had the opportunity to finish my project. I created a beautiful architecture design, which I am very proud of, in fact, I was so delighted I could not stop looking at it and almost ran into people on my way home. I realized that my obsession over my own success was distracting me from my present situation. With this in mind, I looked up and found, to my amazement, a beautiful orchid tree. The rain had left tiny jewels glistening on the flower pedals which were in full bloom - It was perfect - I felt so happy! And yet, I was also convicted that my own self-centeredness almost kept me from seeing the world around me. I think this can apply to many aspects of life and should be a reminder of human character, that 'while art is beautiful; beauty is also a blindfold to the eyes of man'.


Finally, in visiting with Dr Mori San, my SOC350 prof, she emphasized a social problem whose roots reach into the core of the Japanese education system.
It is common knowledge that the Japanese will focus entirely on one thing until it's perfect. In her story she says that the boys, after entering their teenage years, are faced with challenging exams and high social expectations in preparation for their financial future. For this reason the pressure on youth to do well in school can and often does force young boys to spend most of their waking hours studying. While this may seem like an acceptable lifestyle for many, many graduate from college and enter into politics with no worldly or social experiences. The lack of knowledge concerning the minorities and their struggles gives the inexperienced leader no moral or ethical guidelines on which to base their decisions. In countless cases, thoughtless and emotionless bureaucrats have passed laws which hurt the environment, cause injustice and suffering, and even in some cases cause the death or genocide of minority groups.
She went on to say it is very difficult for a young boy to get a well rounded and complete understanding of the Japanese state without traveling and interacting with the lay people.

For me, I think on my own life and how I'm living in the present. While I do have a great social network and am enjoying learning, I have found that I often avoid initiating friendships. This might seem trivial but without the courage to sit at a table with strangers I find it difficult to make new friends. One example is that I was approached by a friend in the Road Biking Club and asked if I would like to live off campus with him and some other guys. I was dumbfounded as to why he would want to room with me, but thinking quickly, I realized that I neither wanted to accept nor refuse immediately, I needed time to think about such a big decision.
This interaction has taught me the value of being brave and not worrying about what others might say, should I behave in a stupid manner or in a way which they feel is wrong.

In Summary: (I'm sure some of you just skipped down to this part but that's okay, you'll still like this part.)

1) Be Brave.
2) Meet new People.
3) Interact with those around you more personally.
4) Be open to God working through other people and events which will change your life.
5) Did I forget something? Oh YEAH! GO BIKING!!! :)

CLASS REGISTRATION

Soooo I signed up for classes today... Yeaaaa, soooo any wayssss...

I might not of gotten some of the classes I needed had I not taken the incentive in communicating with my professors. The following details our correspondence:

Dear Dr Waldorf, I am a MfgE student and planning on taking Computer Aided Design in the Spring quarter. I have taken the prerequisites specifically to get into your class yet the registration filled at an alarming rate and I am 11th on the wait list. Obviously I have little chance of getting in this spring but was hoping the IME office could offer an additional 335 class. In my opinion there are enough students to merit this extra cost and I feel it would be unfair to many students if the limited space keeps them from learning these skills. Please consider this carefully as it is most important to myself and fellow students. Thank you for your time, Jordan Gamble

His Reply:

Jordan
You can use permission number 811853 to add ime-335-01 (class number 5440) and sign up for the Friday afternoon lab section (03).
Dan







So as you can see, I did successfully sign up for all the classes I wanted, including chemistry. Chemistry will be with my roommate, Liang. I know together we will have fun and benefit from working together.
Other good news is camp Hi Sierra and Catalina have both contacted me and will be giving me the position details shortly. Until I know further, I am uncertain as to which camp to go to - Both sound fun but too bad I only have one summer... Maybe next year.

I hope you have the same success in all of your endeavors as I.

That's all for now,

Jordan

In teaching others we teach ourselves

Dear Reader,

Greeting from SLO - City of Beautiful Green Hills, Busy Weekdays, and Lots of activity.
To summarize my week I'd like to start with a story. (Warning, the following paragraph may have greater significance to me in my present situation than to you!)
It all began Monday night - the weather was charming - Cold wind thrashing the rain as it poured down in sheets. Some say, San Luis Obispo was underwater! In an attempt to study for the coming midterm I sat down in the library and worked on some problems... I got through most of them and was doing fine until it hit me that my friend, Alex, was probably studying on his own also... Taking action, I sent him a text message detailing my position. He quickly responded in the affirmative and after a few moments he had arrived at the library to study with me. We sat down and began... For the next two hours, he and I beat the tar out of every question in the Chemistry book. We then switched to calculus 141 and hashed out another set of related rates and derivatives questions. Keeping each other focused we pushed through until 7pm when we quit and went home to eat. I was glad to have his company and as I was walking home, I realized just how much I finally understood the material. Anytime he got stuck, I was able to give him a hint and often teach him what I knew. Conversely when I struggled with a trig function or algebraic definition he could help me out. The rest of the week followed with more study, more running, and more classes.

Architecture Class- Today we learned about a Cock Fighting arena in Guadalajara Mexico.

Very ironic, because Friday morning I was chased by turkeys while I was running.

Me - Running from Turkeys at 7AM

Games, Food and Friends - Friday night we had a lot of fun, maybe too much for our own good.

Study Group photographing my art work. Moments before, I was explaining the lost art of Bacon Wars... Only the Gamble family will understand this...

Calculus Equations and Identities - Is this two much to learn? NOT BY the PROFESSORS STANDARDS!

I know my story might seem trivial but the personal growth gained was applicable to many other events which happened during the week. In the end, on Friday, I went to class knowing exactly what was on the test. Save for a select few, I was able to "drop kick" the questions and finish under the time limit! I am grateful to Alex and my professor for the help and coaching they gave to me and hope to do well on the next quiz also. I am sure the coming final will be equally challenging, but I am sure with the help of friends and teachers I will continue to improve.

Welding or Brazing

This is a demo of Oxy Fuel Brazing. This differs from welding in that the base metal is not melted but rather a filler metal with a lower melting poin is melted into the joint. This process is very strong when properly done. My braze joint was actually stronger than the base metal in tension.

This is a demo of Oxy Fuel Welding of Carbon Steel. The torch is fueled by Acetylene and Oxygen and a filler of ultra low carbon steel is being added to the weld pool.

Five Miles too Far...

The bike trip grows to legendary proportions as the story of my immense strength and power is told repeatedly among the wheelmen, with respect and awe. 73 miles on a bike, up to the highest local peak, all the while riding with the A group, wow. Of course, only I know the consequences of such a feat. Did I expect my body to hold up to that kind of treatment without recourse? Was I really thinking a 3000-foot climb was that easy? Was I really that... well....maybe.


Now I realize my mistake, for in the following days I grew weaker and weaker... my body struggling for time to recuperate and rebuild. There is no rest for the weary as I went out again, deliberately killing myself on hills 3-4 times in repetition... (the exact number evades me due to lack of clear thinking at 7am). 


Tuesday was the last day of normalcy before it happened. Again, I went out running on a beautiful sunny afternoon, the wind in my hair, healthy muscles working their way up the hillside. Upon returning home and feeling fine, I fell asleep, unaware of what the morning would bring...

Wednesday morning, in a totally unexpected sequence of events, my body fell first to stomach sickness and then to fever, only to grow worse as the days flew by. Friday, I faced an oncoming chemistry quiz with incredible weakness. I had spent two hours every night of the week preparing for this one quiz. To compensate for the intense stomach pain, the collection of food ingredients, which I had scavenged over the weekend, had been gathered in my room for comfort. Soups, yogurts, and apple juice made my days so much more enjoyable, as the rampage on my stomach and studies continued.


 The days were filled with memorizing chemistry equations and periodic table rules, and drinking lots of fluids, and nights were early to bed. Thursday night was the peak, as I lay in bed hot, sweaty, and feverish. Restless and coming in and out of consciousness, gallon after gallon of sweat poured off my body.

On Friday morning, I awoke, feeling utterly still, so calm. I went running. To my surprise, there was no pain, no sore muscles, no dizzy headaches... I was healthy again, Praise God! Excited, I went to class and arrived right on time to take the quiz. 


Now came the test to see if my week of studies could pay off. Did I learn my lessons about test taking? Was I prepared for the questions and did I understand the material? I was about to find out...
 
I was thinking about the past week and began to see a series of steps leading up to this point. Shopping on Sunday gave me an awesome feeling of paying attention to detail and searching for the best food product, much like finding the perfect answer on a test. 
This also made me think about the whole chicken I gutted, cooked, and consumed since Monday. Though the experience wasn't pleasurable, I came away a more experienced chef and confident in my own cooking skills.

Finally, I thought about all the other tests and quizzes taken over the past 6 weeks. I considered my revised study techniques with the new understanding of how the tests are written. Based solely on the lecture notes, the test was prepared for by spending the better portion of my week reading notes and practicing homework questions. I know this test taking technique will benefit my future tests also. Through these many experiences I came, ready for the test, not overly confident, but sure of the material.

I opened the test and skimmed the test. Instantly I recognized 3-4 questions I had done only days before. Then there were two others I had practiced but were only slightly altered. Skipping over the two I was uncertain about, I quickly finished 7 out of 10 of the questions. After only 10 minutes, I was done, more certain of my answers than I had ever been. Confidently, I reviewed my answers and was surprised to find a misunderstanding on my part. Carefully, I fixed the hasty mistake and completed the paper. What a victory, I thought to myself... of course it was hard but I could do it... I could meet whatever standard the professor set and go beyond even that.

Success is my focus now, as I go into this next week with great expectations. Having a grasp of understanding the skills and knowledge expected makes me feel at ease. I know this was a long post but I wanted to share my victory with family and friends and to thank you all for taking the time to read it. I hope you all took something away and enjoyed hearing about my challenging but fun adventures. 


Good luck in your own challenges, Jordan Gamble

Jump salmon Jump!

Happy Valentines:)
This past weekend has been such an exhilarating yet fatiguing series of events that I find it difficult to put my feelings into context. First, it started with an awesome worship fellowship time on Friday night. Saturday morning I joined the A-Team on a 78 miles bike ride up to Black Mt, the highest point in Slo County.

Later Saturday night, Alex and I played some board games... I lost... Badly.

Then came Church, which, again, was awesome! Tim, my small group leader spoke to the students on Desiring God and afterwards I got help on my PC from a friend. Shopping, Laundry, and Valentines Dinner Party. I cooked spaghetti and other people brought brownies, pie and ice cream! SWEET! Then we all watched Bella, a beautiful film on the struggles of a young single woman in New York City.

Finally, Monday is free from classes and I am cooking burritos for Alex and I as we are planning a picnic on this beautiful afternoon. Alex has also offered to help me in Math which is much needed. Thank you for this wonderful weekend! I look forward to this next week with much excitement.

God Bless you All
Love,
jordan

Pasta Putinesca

Bonjour Les Salutations el San Luis Obispo,

I make tortellini tonight... its very good, o mama mia!

My week has been filled with feeling of frustration, success, gritted teeth, relaxing runs, intense bike workout, and the completion of my first half of freshman year! I am so excited to get these classes over with and really look forward to finals day so I can say to my professor, "see, I told you I could do it!" Sometimes, It feels like everybody out to get you and nobodies there but then, if you poke your up out of the mists of studies, there is light! That's what I found when I began my search for roommates... It is truly amazing how many people there are who are just like me - Searching for friends. I suppose the idea that everybody has friends is old by now but its still hard to reach out and introduce yourself to new faces, new activities, new habits. I guess that's what college is all about: finding your SELF in a place of many possibilities. I know I am finding more and more a personal desire to trust God with all my heart, all my hopes, and all my fears. This is true happiness for me, to see God work in the hearts and minds of people around me and in my own heart also. Praise be to God! Good Pasta!

Engineering Classes and Lab! FUN!

Greetings from Southern California- The Small town of San Luis Obispo. Home of the great Cal Poly Mustangs. It is such a blessing to have gotten so many birthday cards and wishes from all my friends and family.

This week has been especially tough because I took a Chem Midterm that didn't go over so well. After studying and taking a midterm last week I was shocked to see that grade I received. Not knowing where I had stumbled I went to my professors office hours. In speaking with Prof Nguyen I realize my understanding of the material was not lacking but instead a test taking inability and attention to important details. For example, the instructions in one problem stated clearly the requirements. This being my first Midterm, I was feeling rushed and I hurriedly read over the most important details, thereby losing myself in the sequencial problems. A problem that should have taken 20 seconds ended up 2 minutes later. This is why I was guessing in the last minute on all the easy questions!

Through this experience I have realized I do need help and practice in test taking and I hope with my profs guidance will do much better on future tests.

Until Next Time,

Jordan Gamble

Family VIsit

Griffin Is Here~
My birthday started quite early, 5:30 in fact, with a call from my good friend, Kent, who on realizing how much I enjoyed the outdoors decided to make cinnamon rolls, hot cocoa and drive me up to a beautiful hiking spot before the sun even rose!

It was a cold hike, the mist was dark and the light had not even started coming over the horizon. As we hiked higher, into the pine trees, a cold bitter wind picked up and blew past our faces. The cold sweat on our bodies froze, yet we continued to hike. Up on the precipice, the morning mists flowed up over the top, like dawn rushing up to meet the new day. It was inspiring, calming, awakening, awesome! It was God in the silence. It was Love. His love.

Last night we went to the Intervarsity bible study and had a fun time talking about Gods' healing forgiveness. It was great to introduce Grffin to everyone and I'm sure everyone thought Griffin was a great kid.

Today, we've got a big plan coming up involving the math class, the architecture class, a photography hike, and finally the large group Intervarsity. It should be an enjoyable day and I look forward to the weekend as the Austins are arriving.