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!!!