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TheWhitFish
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Birthday: 2/14/1989
Gender: Male
Interests: Discovering God's will for my life, overseas missions, unicycling, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, water skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, scuba diving (!), making sand castles, skydiving, pets, reading, singing, and most anything healthy and fun in the outdoors.
Expertise: Making a fool of myself, including the initiation of periodic plate aerobatics at the dinner table.
Occupation: Student
Message: message me
Member Since:
11/29/2005
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| There are many things about Afghanistan that have made it really special to me. Every day brings with it a special set of sights, sounds, and experiences that instill it further into my memory and deeper into my heart. But whenever I travel here, I'm always put in awe by Afghanistan's terrain. Many people picture Afghanistan as a hot, flat, and arid desert. Although Afghanistan does have some arid desert regions, that is far from the complete picture. There are multi-colored hills and rugged, snow-capped peaks; lush valleys and dusty plains. Odd, symmetrical sandstone spires give a "Western film" nostalgia, while jagged mountains make you feel like you're in Switzerland. All of this variety is packed into one country, and it's this wonderful variety that I wanted to attempt to portray through the series of pictures below.
-Luther
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| Just a few days ago, I returned from a trip out West for Tamarack Spring Academy's graduation. To be honest, the 1 1/2 weeks I spent there were some of the most fun and fulfilling days I've had with friends in my life. Really, REALLY good times. While I was out there, I also got to go backpacking in nearby Glacier National Park and although our hiking options were limited because of the heavy snow in the mountains, we had a blast nonetheless.
Below is a video of my trip in Glacier Park that I slapped together, which I also posted on my YouTube channel: lutherTV. I know, the editing is a little rough, but at least it gives you a slight feel for what it was like . Beneath the video are also some pics of graduation weekend.
Class of '07. I was thrilled that all of us were able to make it!
Our fantastic teachers and all of the alumni, including the most recent ones--Krissy and Michael.
After four years of arduous labor, Michael almost lost his well-earned diploma when a handful of mischievious guys tried to snatch it.
Me and Stephen, geared up for the long haul.
This grouse, affectionately named Mr. Twitter, became friends with us on the trail and even attempted to follow us! Completely tame and fearless--quite amazing...
And finally, the awe-inspiring views of Quartz Lake. We'll end there
-Luther
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| The advent of the iSight webcam has opened a whole new avenue of human expression. It's more than just video chats and grotesque facial contortions (those of you who have played around with it know exactly what I mean!). It's a way to talk to your computer, a totally unbiased listener, and unearth your feelings and thoughts while still keeping perfect anonymity. It's a way to reflect on life and verbalize your thoughts. Whenever I'm going through a notable experience, I've often made the habit of recording my perspective on a video blog. More than a written page, it brings your perspective into a 3D reality...and later on, it's really fun to look back at your previous recordings and muse on old memories.
The last couple of days, I've been reviewing my video blog files. They're random, somewhat scattered, and maybe a little weird, but I decided to collate them into a video anyway. So instead of just typing a blog entry and slapping up a couple of pics, I've decided to give my thoughts just for you in full, animated color
I uploaded the video to YouTube instead of xanga, so here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/user/lutherTV
~Luther
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| As the rest of the world sizzles in the turmoil of global warming, the state of Maine is experiencing a problem of the opposite nature: global cooling. This winter, the state has been buried with at least 160 inches of snow--an amount topping all statewide records. The last time the state experienced an amount in close proximity was back in the 1930's. Weather analysts are perplexed at this anomaly, wondering if this could be a resurgence of the ice age. Residents are forced to grapple with these severe conditions. Some of them are worried about this sudden change in weather. Others are simply adapting.
Snow levels are clearly becoming out of control. Mere human effort is no match for this new menace, and large machines are sometimes used as a last resort.
As the sun rises over the snow-swept landscape, many residents get ready to head to work. But as they approach their car, they are faced with a challenge. The previous night's snowfall has often left their cars inaccessible, resulting in heavy delays as precious moments are spent shoveling the snow off of their vehicle.
Homeowners find yet another obstacle when they attempt to access outdoor buildings. Drifted snow has often impaled the sides of the structures, limiting accessibility to the brave, determined ones. And even if the snow is successfully removed, the door could be frozen shut, yielding the hard work useless.
Many people have resorted to other means to achieve their needed transportation. A new device, an ingenious blending of a toboggan and horse, is used to careen across the mountains of snow that are crushing all hopes of normality.
 
When things get desperate, skis are used to traverse the treacherous expanses of snow and ice that some fear might be turning into glaciers.
Even the household pets are feeling the brunt. Pet owners, fearing for the well-being of their animals, are forcing human apparel on these unsuspecting victims in lieu of the plummeting temperatures (see above photo).
 
Doubting the effectiveness of conventional housing in fending off the elements, some residents are choosing other forms of shelter. The snow cave has been increasing in its usefulness and popularity.
Yet another problem has arisen. Howling winds and dark, cold days have rendered normal activities nearly impossible. Outdoor gardening is no longer feasible, and mowing the lawn is no longer needed. Many people have had to resort to desperate measures in their efforts to curb boredom.
Some huddle in their houses to play a round of dominoes.
Others struggle with their skis to the top of the highest snow mound. As onlookers gape in awe, the intrepid ones fly down the slope, feeling the gratifying sensation of a two second adrenaline rush.
But it is only the most desperate of them all that participate in a groundbreaking activity called "snow jumping." Just-released photos below give a brief glimpse of this amazing new sport.
 
 
These photos clearly outline the steps involved in this difficult maneuver. However, the above is only a warm-up exercise.
 
 
The true test involves a plunge of high altitude. Climbing onto precariously high structures, participants take a deep breath before vaulting off of the edge and into the snow. As can be seen above, the landing can be intense, causing a variety of facial expressions upon impact. After safely landing, the contestants are deeply lodged into the snowy drifts. Both competitors are left in a standing position, with powder almost reaching their waist line (see picture). Some are hoping that snow jumping will be the latest addition in the next Olympic winter games.
As the sun sets over the frigid Northwoods, many wonder how the residents of Maine can endure such hardship. No one can answer this question for sure. Some speculate, however, that it has something to do with the following statements:
"Adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered."
- GK Chesterton
"We may read the character of the Creator in the heavens above and in the earth beneath, filling the heart with gratitude and thanksgiving. Every nerve and sense will respond to the expressions of God's love in his marvelous works."
-EGW
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| Humans seem to have an innate desire to fly. Whether it's piloting an airplane, watching the birds, or simply looking forward to Heaven, it's been our dream. For many years, I've wished that it was possible to not only create flying machines, but to be a flying machine. Well, today I found out that human flight is possible!
No, I didn't create the invention of the year--I just went sky diving Sky diving has been one of those things that I've dreamed of doing for years, but most of the time I just wrote that desire off, saying that I'd never get the opportunity. But when I got an invitation to go, the choice was easy...
All suited up and ready to go.
My tandem instructor and I walking to the plane. "So...what are the chances that the chute won't open?"
He managed to convince me that the risks were only minor
Here's the group of us, happily snuggled into the plane. As we gained in altitude, the reality of what we were about to do began to sink in.
 
Yours truly had the privilege of going first. As I made my way to the door, I remember thinking, "This is for real. It's really going to happen!" Peering over the edge at the ground 8,500 ft. below, I swallowed one last gulp before realizing that there was no turning back...
Before I knew it, we had tumbled out of the plane and were speeding towards earth at 120 miles per hour. And that's where the fun began!
Talk about a panoramic view!
The rush that you got from the free fall was amazing. The powerful wind blasting in your face combined with an indescribable feeling of weightlessness created a very addicting sensation:-b
Can you tell I'm having fun?
All too quickly, our 30+ second free fall was over and our chute deployed. Then we lazily glided to earth as the ground slowly approached us.
Here's our landing strip!
Touchdown...
I left with an incredible feeling that I had really done something worthwhile. Well, that's putting it mildly: I was ecstatic!
On the next sky diving trip, I want YOU to come with me . You won't regret it.
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