I'm Back in the States!!!

I officially made it back in to the United States as of July 27th, 2011 at 4:00pm. I am still experiencing some minor jet lag, but I am recovering at a wonderful pace. Thanks for all the prayers because they are apparently effective in the long run.

Today, I drank a Dr. Pepper and I must say that it has never tasted better to me. Life feels good that I am home, but I am constantly reminded of the things I went through in a more different environment.

I'm trying to keep my life consistent with the way I lived while I was there so that the fire doesn't dim down too much. It was the most wonderful experience and honor to go where I went and do the things I did.

Thank you for tuning in to an era of my life. I hope the future produces more of this kind of fruit, and that I have edified the thing that is most important.

The End.

Almost Home

I have one more precious day in another city before I return home on Wednesday. The work I have done here is still unfinished and my heart's deep love and appreciation go out to this country. I love these people, I love this culture and I love this climate.

One more important prayer before I return is that I would have a safe trip back. Please remember all the others coming back from the field with me, as well as separate from me.

I'm worn out from packing and traveling so much in 24 hours, so this blog is relatively short.

My love goes out to you all!!!

One Week to Go

I must say that my time here has been a great honor and is definitely getting me thinking about spending more time in other countries serving. I can't describe how much of a stretch I have come from before to  now.

“For no one can see [the] need with his own eyes and ever be the same again.” That is just a paraphrase of what it takes to have your heart bent for a worldwide vision. I have been slowly realizing and understanding how important it is to think and pray for people that are so lost or unreached. How much more of an impact will you make if you do?

Only one short week before I return, I need as much prayer support as possible for the people I last interact with... Thank you so much! 

Nearing the end...

Lately I have been having a lot of mixed feelings... Ups and downs have set in and I have been constantly attacked by Satan.

Today was a good day though. I went to help with another team in a city not too far from where I live. It was so much fun.

The layout was basically a carnival tent, 35 kids and 30 volunteers. We split them into teams according to fruits and made them go to many different stations to play a game at each one. They had a blast and their faces lit up like the stars in the sky tonight. Can I just add once more that they LOVE Americans.

Before we began all the fun and games, the kids were very anxious about playing and were starting to get out of hand in the tent. I decided to start a series of activities for the guys to do and they wouldn't stop doing each one after I demonstrated them all. I started out with a handstand, they were immediately amazed at my sub-par attempt at it. After that, it was just a blur. Headstands, jumping jacks, somersaults and cartwheels. It was good to finally do something that I thought was useless for kids' attention in the States.

Tonight we had an amazing pasta meal at the M family household and the meals just seem to get only better and better. Please lift me up. Specifically for wisdom and commitment for these last couple of weeks. Thanks so much!!! Love y'all.

Mountaintops

This past week has been just amazing. I had the opportunity to finally visit a work camp on the top of one of the mountains right outside the city. I was astounded at the sight I had beheld... God really showed me how to stop and just lay back in amazement of what he has created. Just to think how he carefully molded and created everything for his own glory. Man, what a big encouragement and self-check it was to feel and see this.

Another day in the Mountains...

Today marks the day of America's independence!!! Today is a special day because it represents the freedom we have from oppression, war and beliefs (speech). Just another reminder of how much more free we are in God than in even the country we live in! As we celebrate by being in fellowship, lighting off fireworks, eating and drinking, remember to have the Word tucked in your mind about our ultimate freedom.

Yesterday, a group of guys, including some national brothers, M kids, the guys from the same replica shop and I, went to play paintball at a nearby field together. Needless to say, we had the most amazing time shooting each other and laughing. Even though it seems like our intentions were to hurt each other, it was definitely a bonding experience. I feel a great pull to these same few guys and I know with the right wisdom and intentions that only big things can come in the future.

I am very thankful for the prayers!

No doubt they are working...

One month to go,

Happy July 4th!!!

Divine Appointments... *YouTube Video Update #2*

Just yesterday, I was making my rounds in the market to find a place to grab some fresh produce. I was looking in each shop, but I saw one that had only souvenirs and replica jerseys. I stopped in to see if I could find something good to possibly purchase for someone back home. The man was very kind, and when he recognized that I was American, he automatically called for his sons. He didn't speak much English, but he knew his sons could hold somewhat of a conversation. When they came in, a series of animated questions were poured onto me. They were so happy I was there that they ran to grab me a pop and told me to have a seat. From that point on, I was family to them.

I slowly conversed with them through various subjects of life. It was such a comforting experience. We talked about culture, television, music and even a little religion. Once we hit religion, the tone lowered. They had been taught to follow someone that they knew much about, but seemed reluctant to believe anything other than that. I shared with them about Jesus and they just nodded their heads in respect. I quickly realized that these guys had their family honor on the line. They didn't want to offend me, but they gladly shared in the conversation. 

Near the end of my 2-hour long visit, I invited them to the bakery/coffee shop for a movie night that we were having that night. They showed up and looked like they were enjoying themselves. They asked me to come back the shop the next day. 

Earlier that day, I sat up on my bed to wake up and a revelation came over me. "Ask for people to come." I immediately lifted that up to God and without fail, the people came...

Today will soon be gone...

Every day that I spend here is a very precious revelation in my life. I have been reading a couple of books that are strengthening and challenging me to be intentional for something greater than myself.

I had originally began one of these books before gifting it as a winter present to my wonderfully supportive girlfriend. And when I saw that the M family here just happened to have it, I had no choice but to pick this phenomenal book back up again. I began to re-read the book about 5 days ago and I am already more than half way done. Let me just say that the author is writing with his soul and that he has a lot of truth that keeps you hungry for more. As a fellow missionary, the guy has some radical interpretations of the Bible and they are understood to be true in my opinion so far.

The next author is known as an intellectual, that breaks down some evidences in his book on whether or not what we have is valid or even relevant... He visits the best of the best, meeting with top professors of the world and recording every conversation in an investigative way. The book very quickly forms into a philosophical and mind-progressing experience. This just feeds the fire inside me and motivates it more and more.

You know what happens to a cup it gets too full of something? It spills over. And if it spills into another cup, let it be.

So now which cup shall I fill and how much?
I need you to pray for us in this regard. Please stop... get in a quiet environment, and lift one up for us. It sounds selfish, but we need it. We all need it. God understands.

We are trying to exchange culture with a few people here, but the language barrier has been an issue. Knock down those walls and I think we are golden. People did it back in the day, and why not now?

Thanks for the support,
Please continue... And if you want to send some words of encouragement or something, just contact my mother with a brief message and she will send it on to me.

Her email:  sharon@highpointe.org

Hope this finds you well!!!

The first update... finally. **Click here for video update YouTube**

Hi everyone,

I know it has been a while since I last updated this thing, but the adjusting process has now been complete. I have been through an information overload for the past week or so. I have also come down with minor sickness due to lack of sleep and environmental factors. I am almost fully recovered, still have some nose stuff to overcome. 

Where do I start? Well... I am currently working at a local bakery/coffee house that the M family here has just recently come into the possession of. They use it as a great tool to catch kids and adults when they pass by to have a spot of coffee, away from the world and a treat or two for the sweet tooth. It's really fun seeing the stuff that we make in the bakery being enjoyed by the people here.

A couple of days ago I also had the opportunity to play some football (soccer) with the kids near the coffee shop, in this little broken down, caged court. It had two goals, no netting and the posts were held down with huge rocks so the frame stayed in place. When we (the M kids and I) walked in, everyone was staring at my ball. They all asked if they could play a game right away and took to us American very fondly. It was amazing! The kids here are so skilled in the sport and can school any random jock off the street any day. At least from what I have seen so far.

 Anyhow, I made friends with two of the boys and I told them we might be back to start up another game soon. 

Other than that, the stars are brighter than ever, the people are hungry and thirsty and the mountains are more inviting each night I stay. They are beckoning, and I will go and find that quiet place one day.

So continue to lift up Korpo and myself, we have been paired for this area of work.

You are touching lives!!!

I made it!!!

I finally made it here yesterday, June 3rd!!!

I has been a long trip, but with lots of time of preparation, moving in and hooking up internet I was able to get online... The people here are so sweet and friendly to Americans. It's like they try and protect us here lol. Very warm and welcoming people. I mean deep warmth. Like "you are my blood, family, kin or brother" kind of warmth.

The M family is beautiful... I cannot have asked for a more amazing family. They are so funny, lively and high energy that it makes life here so much fun. I have a perfect view of the local mountains and I have to say it is absolutely gorgeous. It's like they are coming down to greet me.

But yes, more to come later definitely...

Sunday Specialty

Let me just start out by saying that Father is good!!! He provided when I most needed. I was reluctant to trust him at times, but he always delivers in his perfect timing.

So I would like to give a shout out to all those who are lifting me up during this time of travel. I will NEED it. It has come to my attention, definitely during these past two weeks of preparation, that I am in a battle. A large struggle between two forces. And if I don't have the kind of support I have been receiving, I cannot win. Let me just say that I am running on pure adrenaline for the work that I will be doing, because of the people who encouraged me today and from the people who showed up during the right time.

I am fully ready to enter Europe now. By the spoken words, written words and acts of all who support me, I am ready. The only thing I would challenge you with is that you would do the same in the place where you are. Be content with where you are and share in the joy of life with others.
Keep it strong brothers and sisters... I love you all.

Listen first, then speak
And continue to lift our crew up :)

Prep Time...

This morning I have been looking up flight regulations and weight limits for baggage to see what qualifications must be met before liftoff. As it turns out, there are no discrepancies with luggage specifications and I can now begin the packing process (keeping my main suitcase below 50lbs and my carry-on under 22lbs).

The convenient thing about packing is that I have already comprised a word document with some very essential travel necessities. I have tweaked this list for about 2 and a half years now, so it is nearly perfected. I use this list for everything from camping trips to a weekend trip back home from college.

While preparing, I was reminded of a friend who is in China exchanging with people there. As I hear the things that God has done with her over there, I become extremely encouraged. People are becoming brothers and sisters, and I get to be involved with that.

I am reading a daily book that helps me meditate on deeper things, giving me inspiration and passion for the journey. Along with that, checking into the bible is where I find peace in this stressful time of preparation. Throughout life, I think it seems like the darkness weighs the most right before the light will shine :)


Thanks to everyone and continue to
Lift up our crew

Getting Ready for the Trip

Today has been an overall productive day. I have been researching countries, history and culture to get some information on the places I will be before I get there. The information that I found is very entertaining and only increases my excitement that much more!

Apparently, the people there love coffee, which is completely fine with me. I love smelling even a hint of that amazing bean. It really creates a deeply gripped feeling in your senses. While I love the smell, the taste is even better. I only moderately drink coffee here in the states, but I look forward to getting immersed in the culture and having it as a part of my daily life.

I also have recently come to realize that Americans have adopted sports that mainly use hand-eye coordination like baseball and basketball, while Europeans have sports that use the feet like soccer. Once again, I am so down with that. My fascination and love for the sport of soccer will only make my new relation to Europeans that much easier.

Thanks for following. There shall be more to come in the future.
Lift up my partners Lacy, Korpo, Caleb and myself.