Picking them up and putting them down

Well, Acton Boot Camp got started today- it was an absolute blast. We spent from about 7:45am to 11pm last night doing a Profitability simulation where we got to run our business. Marc, Daniel, and Jason Herd were in my group; they were a blast to work with. Our company's name is called Dynacore, and man did we have a roller coaster ride in getting it off the ground. We almost ran out of money on two occasions- it's amazing we're still in business. But, I will say that we've got the company in good position for continued growth in our final two simulations.

One of the fun parts of this exercise is the bidding process. I felt that I had the upper hand on this part of the simulation because of my expertise in art of drafting (those from Camp know what I'm talking about). On several occasions my team strategically outbid the others...I was absolutely loving it...it fired me up! In fact, this last round tonight I managed to sell all ten green inventories for nearly top price!

Well, I know that's more than y'all would like to hear, but I did want to let y'all know I'm doing great and loving it so far. Tully and I are enjoying our new casa...if you're in town you should stop by.

One last thing- Sunday I went to Austin Stone church and listend to Matt Carter share a message about "givining it all up for the gospel", whichi is in 1 Corintians. I encourage you all to go get this message free on Podcast (search Austin Stone Community Church, Matt Carter) and look for the August 24th message. Not only does he tell a great story about him being in the Corp at A&M, but he talks about the essense of Paul's journey.

Everyone have a blessed week and feel free to shoot me an email if you want to say hello (travisearl14@gmail.com).

God bless!

Travis

I Made It to Austin

Greeting from the State Capital,

I finally got moved in, at least half way. My new address is:

3307 Cherry Lane
Austin, TX 78703

Tully and I were truly blessed with a wonderful house in a cozy neighborhood. I am close to school and also close to Lake Austin. Also, I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Lucy and Steve Butter- you guys are awesome! They let me stay at their house a couple of nights and hang out with their neato kids- Trey and Tate.

Tonight Austin and I got to attend Acton's Grand Opening (see picture above). The school is located right on Town Lake- you can see downtown in the background...it's really nice. I was glad because Austin got to meet a lot of my classmates. I have been impressed with the caliber of people in this program. I was really impressed when listening to some of our Master Teachers; y'all wouldn't believe (seriously) the business opportunities these guys are involved with (not just in the States). It's truly baffling.

Lastly, I just wanted to apologize to everyone before hand about how much time is about to be zapped from my life. Please just know that between now and May many of you may not hear from me at all (other than this blog). Nobody understands, including myself, how much time this program truly requires. This truth was reinforced tonight when speaking with several former students. So, please just keep up with this blog and don't think I've forgotten about you! When I say "I probably won't make one TCU football game this year", you know this is serious business.

Here's a verse I wanted to leave with everyone before I go. The Lord revealed this to me while in Zambia- it basically means that God is always at work, even when we might get frustrated or have things not work out as planned.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

A year ago if you told me I'd be in Austin, Texas, going to a school called Acton, I would have laughed and said, "What is Acton?". But then again, His plan is better than any plan we could ever put together.

Have a blessed week!

Travis

Big Accouncement!

Greetings to all Friends and Family!

Well, it's official! I will be moving to Austin this month to attend the Acton School of Business. Acton specializes in entrepreneurship and I was fortunate and blessed to be a part of this year's incoming class. There's only 28 students total, and once school starts I'll be spending 80 to 90 hours a week immersed in learning how to run a business. The program is just a year long, so I'll be graduating along with Austin and Price in May of 2009. You can check out all the details on the Acton Program by going to www.actonmba.org

Let me back track a little. It has been a difficult decision leaving Cleburne. I've made so many wonderful friends there- it truly is bittersweet. That being said, I know that attending Acton is what I am supposed to be doing. While in Zambia (see picture above with my boys) on a mission trip the past couple of weeks, I had a little more time to get alone and talk to the Big Man. I am thankful for the opportunity and ready for the enormous challenge that awaits. By the way, just to clear things up about the picture above-they're not throwing up gang signs (Dad, I hope this eases your concerns). They're showing their signs we created in a game we played called the "sign game".

The reason for this blog is two fold. First, I wanted to let everyone know of my plans. Secondly, I want to have a forum to update everyone on my Acton and Austin experience. Because Acton is so vigorous and time demanding, and because I won't be able to stay in touch as much as I'd like to this next 9 months, I'm hoping y'all will come to this blog to keep updated and keep in touch. Feel free to add comments as I will check it periodically.

Thanks for everyone's prayers over the last year- the Lord has truly blessed this time in my life. This event in my life is representative by my mom's favorite verse:

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I look forward to hearing from you all- God bless!

Travis