I mentioned earlier that the transition to the new UPC Chairs would happen April 18–19, but there’s now been a slight change of plans. I was not aware, but the transition process involves a retreat of some sort, and seeing as how the 18th and 19th are Easter weekend this year, they’ve moved the retreat up to April 11–12. I have no idea where we are going or what they plan to do, as I still have not received any information via email (Mondi called me last night to tell me about the rescheduling).

I’m really starting to look forward to this position, and can’t wait to meet the other council members. I think I’ve met some of them but never really got to know them. The retreat should be a good place for us to familiarize ourselves with one another. 

I found a good quote today from John Adams, second President of the United States:

It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation’s humble acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence.

I really think this has never been more true than now. It is extremely important that we trust our nation’s leaders and the soldiers who are fighting for us in the Middle East, but it is infinitely more important that we look to God to uphold our freedoms against those who would destroy them. According to Isaiah 63:1–2, He is “mighty to save”, and He will deliver our troops from harm if we turn to Him in humble prayer. 

It’s Spring Break this week and I haven’t gotten anything done. I’ve been helping Stu move, which I’m more than happy to do, but it has been taking a lot of my time. I really need to get my application for full major status done, but I’ve spent most of the week doing other things.

I’m working full time today, which I can only do since I don’t have school. It’s nice for the money, I guess, but I really could’ve used this morning to do other things—but the question is… Would I have got up this morning if I didn’t have to come to work? Probably not.

Janene and I are going to see Steve and Merissa in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tonight. They are doing it as an activity with their LDS Stake. I’m sure it will be a lot of fun.

Hopefully I’ll be able to squeeze in some time tomorrow and Saturday so I can build my portfolio. I need to look into getting a transcript of my ACT scores. I think I got a 30 (maybe a 31 🤔), but I can’t remember. I’ve heard that a transcript costs $30, and I’m really not looking forward to forking out that kind of cash. The things we do for a university education, eh?

And in other news, we started bombing Iraq last night. I put more of my feelings about that on The Forum. I just want to pray for America right now, especially that our leaders will have wisdom as they make decisions that are affecting our future as a nation. They are doing what they must to protect our freedoms, and for that I am extremely grateful. I cannot imagine having the weight of those decisions on my shoulders.

I’m also praying for the families and people in Iraq that they can understand why we have to do this. I can’t hope to comprehend what kind of suffering they are going through, but Christ has suffered all things. So I pray that God will be with them to comfort them and their children through this turbulent time. 

I’m not sure it’s actually sunk in for me yet. I’m sure most of you already know that last night the United States performed a first “surgical strike” on Baghad. From what I can gather, U.S. Intelligence spotted a bunker that they believed was housing severel top Iraqi military officials. If they’re right, this whole war might be over already.

I seriously doubt they got Saddam, partly because he appeared on Iraqi television a few hours later (although it could’ve been taped previously or faked), and partly because if we would’ve spotted Saddam I doubt we would’ve killed him with cruise missiles. We have enough special operatives in the country that if we knew where he was we could storm the building and take him out. The only reason our military would start to fire missiles is if they wanted to take out key command bases or similar structures.

The biggest thing I’m worried about is that Bush has completely disregarded the U.N. on this issue. I know a lot of people are anxious to get rid of the U.N. entirely, and maybe this is the only way to get things done, but I can’t help but wonder how this will effect global politics. I just hope when the dust settles the rest of the world won’t look at us as the bad guys.

Other than that one little concern, I’m all for what is going on over there. Saddam has played with those people way too long. He needs out, and I truly believe this is the only way. We can’t just keep sitting around on our thumbs waiting for him to disarm while he’s in there slaughtering his own people. We have the legal and moral responsibility to remove him from power. He has violated the terms of his earlier agreement at the end of the Gulf War. That agreement plainly states the penalties for violating those terms, and the U.N. just wants to continue playing nice.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. Let me know what you think. 

I just spoke with Mondi Basmenji, this year’s Union Programming Council Board Chair. I’ve been chosen to be next year’s Technology Chair! This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, since I was about the only person to apply, but I’m glad to have the selection process out of the way.

The transition will happen April 18 and 19, and I should be receiving an email any day now with more information about how that’s all going to work. I’ve already asked Stuart to serve on my commitee, and I’d like to extend an invitation to any other U of U students with any kind of web-design experience (PHP, CGI, and Flash are a plus, but certainly not necessary). If anyone reading this wants to join, or knows someone who may be interested, please contact me for more information.

I also want to thank all of my friends and family who have supported me either directly, or through other means. I really appreciate everyone’s help proofreading my application and I’m grateful for your all of your thoughts and prayers on my behalf. I’m really looking forward to serving the University in this new position.