Journal entry : 7.24.05 -
Well, since we last spoke, I've been mad crazy at work. I'm having a blast working here. I've met some really great people through work and have had the blessing to take care of some really sick people. Its days like these that I feel God pulling at my heart to let me know that this is part of where I belong. I can't begin to describe how it feels to make a difference in someone's life when perhaps they couldn't have done it themselves. What a great job I have. I truly feel like Jesus healing the sick, except He was a lot better than I. HeHe. As far as church goes, I've not had success yet. The two churches I've tried been anything unlike home. I know the Catholic Church is universal and that mass is mass, but it's just not the same out here. People don't sing and talk during mass. I feel bad for them because they’re missing out on so much. Each church seems to have lots of kids, so I'll be looking into their youth programs. Hopefully I'll be able to meet some cool folks and perhaps share some inspiration to encourage a more active participation in mass. Wish me luck. I've also been busy driving through town taking cool pictures that you might like. Until next time, I won't forget you. God my God you are so great. I love you all!
TOM

Journal entry : 7.31.05 -
Okay, so I just worked way to many days in a row. If 8 straight wasn't enough, I signed up for 7 this week. I promise that I'm not just working out here. I'm taking my time off to do some pretty extraordinary things. I've made a huge list of places and things I want to do while out here in Cali. So to start the fun and excitement for you, I went to the Sequoia National Forest. After viewing God's magnificence, SPLENDID is the only word that comes to mind. The more I see and do, the more I'm glad I made this trip. So far it's been great and I expect only more greatness to come. Of course missing all you folks is tough, but I keep myself busy with the task at hand. I can't wait to see you all soon. Until that very day, enjoy each other’s presence and share your faith a little, I dare you! Always on my mind!
TOM

Journal entry : 08.09.05 -
Today I went down to Los Angeles to see what all the hype was about. All I could figure was that it seemed like any other city I've been to. They all have the same stores and what not. I did take a cruise through Beverly Hills and Hollywood. I enjoyed it but nothing to fancy about either place. There where broken down cars randomly placed throughout the streets and thousands of mom/pop stores along the way. I guess on TV they only show you the rich fancy stuff to make us think it's only beautiful. Never the less, lots of fun! On my journey to find the infamous sign in the hill, I got lost in the rich hills of Hollywood. Now those are some sweet houses. I'd never want to live there though, because I jeep was as wide as all the streets. Eventually I was successful and found my way. I hope you enjoy the pictures and know that "I'll be back" as Governor Arnold would say. Have a great rest of the week. I'll type again soon. God Bless!
TOM

Journal entry : 08.13.05 -
Next came the Street Teams. What an awesome presence of Christ. We met at the shack to bag up groceries and toiletries, which was exciting. Then we split into teams and rendezvoused to the target. The neighborhood we invaded was very receptive and welcoming of us and of course the message of Jesus. I had the opportunity to pray with a single mother of 3. She works nights at a local hospital and raises 3 kids during the day. That in my eyes is honorable. She and her happy kids were very welcoming and enjoyed the fact that we cared enough to knock on her door. I must say that I've never done anything quite like this. I was very scared and didn't know what to expect. But MAN, did God ever do His part. I felt humbled to even be apart of such a wonderful opportunity. That's a family I'll probably never forget. Well I promise that there’s a lot more to come. I hope you’ve enjoyed my journey thus far. I can’t wait to bring you more excitement. Be patient. I know it’s hard to contain yourself. I miss you all. Stay strong and pray often. Be Blessed~

Tonight was an amazing event called Operation School Bell. We had the band Fusebox come out to Beach Park. Let just say that these guys know how to whorsip. I had a great time working with folks from the JS and meeting new people. In fact I met three cool guys who love Christ and aren't afraid to show it. I might have just made some new friends. If any of you ever have the chance to get involved in an outreach ministry, I strongly encourage you to take part. God is so wonderful in His blessings. Enjoy the pohots. See you down the road. Blessings~
TOM

Journal entry : 08.17.05 -
Well I've now had my first show while out here in California. I met some folks through the JesusShack from Life Journay Christian Church. I was invited out to help kick off there new year of ministry. What a bunch of cool people. I had such a blast. We even had a first for me. A Christian Mosh Pit during an accoustic performance. Gods presence could truly be felt among them. What a great program they have at LJCC. I met Ken (Boss) their Youth Pastor, and look forward to hanging out with him again. What a great heart for Christ. While there, not only did they get to hear some great music, but we played the infamous game Ships&Sailors. Known well to my friends back home at OLOF. What a great time had by all. I look forward to some more fun!
TOM

Journal entry : 08.18.05 -
Well after such a fun night with the folks at Life Journey Christian Church, I went up to the canyon and played on Lake Isabella. Much thanks to an elementry school friend of my mom's. Turns out that Cindy and my mother lived in Wisconsin together during their childhood and now I happen to be only minutes away from where she lives. Today was a long and exciting one. Much took place, from sun burns, riding jet skis, and playing poker. A good time was had by all. Thanks for such welcoming hospitality, I'll definitely be back.
TOM

Journal entry : 08.23.05 -
So last night I ventured out to the canyon and Lake Isabella for some restful camping. I've never quite enjoyed that outdoors so much. It's truly peacful to sit among Gods creation and be still and listen. What an experience. Little sleep was enjoyed by the sounds of the raging Kern River. Only feet away the brisk waters flowed by. To my surprise, I saw in the morning that I was camping down below the lake which was thankfully held back by the dam. I hope you find the view as enjoyable as I did.
TOM

Journal entry : 09.12.05 -
Well, lots has happened since we last talked. I've been up to tons of work and some play time. So below you'll find some cool pictures of the past couple weeks. When things get SLOW in the ER there's never any telling as to what might go on. In fact, I'm usualy the cause of most the fun and excitement. Other than work I've recently vetured down to L.A. to visit with my cousins and what a fun time we had. From enjoying Worship to strolling along the beach wishing the million + $ homes where ours, or seeing the surfers and thinking to ourselves that we could do much better. Well not actually since I've never touched a surf board, but it looks fun! So here's a little view of what I saw. I can't wait to come home. I'm shooting for October 11th. If all goes well, I'll be home for a while. I'm looking forward to all the hugs and smiley faces. Until then enjoy the view. Be Blessed and keep Christ ever present in you hearts!
TOM

Journal entry : 09.21.05 -
So I've decided that what better way to spend a birthday than Praising God. On my 25th birthday, I was blessed to be in Riverside California. There I stayed with my friends TJ and Crisa. What a great couple. They opened their home to me and made me feel ever so welcome. Their warm generosity will not be forgotten. While there I open for Vanessa Jourdan at the Coffee Depot. It was a great night all around. I saw a great rainbow. I think that was my present from God. We had a great time rocking the wall at the Depot. I must say that opening for Vanessa was a treat. She's an amazingly gifted artist on her way to the big time. The trueness of her lyrics and directness of her melodies are soothing and lovely to hear. I hope to play with her again. To make the night even better, my sister surprised me with a special message, which was delivered by Vanessa. Who knew a stranger, now friend, would be in cahoots with my sister. Great job to the girls! What a celebration so far from home. Speaking of home I'm still looking to the day when I'm back in your arms. Until then Stay in the Spirit. Love you all!
TOM

Journal entry : 09.29.05 -
What trip to California is complete without going to Yosemite National Park? I set out at 3:30 in the morning. The long drive had me entering the park at sunrise. What perfect timing. The view of Yosemite Valley in the morning is splendiferous. Along my hike to Half Dome, I met some pretty cool folk. The first leg of my journey was shared with Kevin, who I ran into at the trailhead. He's from New Jersey. I met him on his long way around to Boulder Colorado. So far he's been to most of the NP's out west. A smart man I must say! We had a great time hiking up to Nevada Falls as we talked about many things under the sun. I look forward to seeing him again. What a great guy. Somehow I feel God put us both at the trailhead for a reason. After he turned back, I trek on in the silence of the trail. It was a peaceful and painful duration. By the time I got to the top, I could barely feel my legs. While climbing the cables to the top of Half Dome, I got stuck behind some folks. One on which was afraid of heights. I must commend her on going the long haul. It turns out that this group of folks consisted of a flight nurse (the one scared of heights), and ER Nurses. We had a fun time on top of the rock and the way back down. They were generous enough to let me camp with them in the valley. The steak was delicious and the tent, sleeping bad and air mat they let me use was awesome. I had a good time sitting around the campfire listening to stories from their work and silliness of their lives. Thanks ladies.
TOM

Journal entry : 10.12.05 -
The time has come for my return home. I'm very excited to see all that lies between here and home and I'm lucky to share it with my dad. Along the way we made stops at the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, the Meteor Crater, the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest, and Carlsbad Caverns. The trip was one I'll not forget. The sites were awesome and made me happy. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. I can't wait to see you all so soon!
TOM