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...