Faith in small things Sarah Burrows - The World Race 2007

Please join in praying for Tara!

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A few days ago we received an email requesting prayer for a World Racer, Tara Reed (June 2009). Shortly after leaving a big WR conference in Romania she fell from the second story of a building and was rushed to the ER... all we knew at the time was no paralysis and a broken pelvis. The WR community (many of you included!) have been praying for a complete healing and God is so faithful to our prayers! God is a God who LISTENS to our prayers and shows us his justice and compassion in so many ways! We continue to believe in faith that God will provide a complete healing in Tara and that she will continue to bring his Kingdom in any situation she faces!

Want to see an amazing example of how to praise God at ALL times and in ALL things?? Here it is!

The following is from Tara's blog: please visit her site to encourage her and to be blessed by what God is doing all over the world and in her life! tarareed.theworldrace.org

He Reached Down from Heaven and Rescued Me - Psalm 18:16

It all happened so fast. One moment, I was sitting on the 2^nd floor balcony having my time with God, the next moment, I was falling helplessly towards the pavement in Bucharest, Romania. I hit the ground. As I lay there gasping for air, all I could do was call out the name of Jesus. I heard people yelling my name, and I told them I couldn't breathe or move. After lying in agonizing pain for about 25 minutes, the ambulance arrived and people gathered around. They stabilized me and put me in the ambulance, while my team was calling out prayers for me. My teammates followed me in a taxi, while in the ambulance I was crying out to God to take the pain away and let me walk again. I then realized that I could move my arms and legs, and I thanked the Lord. He had saved me from head injuries, paralysis, and even death. As they wheeled me in to the Emergency Room, it seemed like 13 doctors and assistants surrounded me, all speaking "Romanian" to me in loud voices as fast as possible. One doctor said in broken English, "We take off your clothes now", then looking at the pain in my face, he said, "we cut off your clothes now."

On the way to x-rays, one of the doctors asked if I was a Christian. I told him "yes", and asked him if he was a Christian. He said "yes". I said, "Isn't it great to know that God loves you and you can feel His love?" He said, "God doesn't love me." I explained to him how he is God's child and that God does love him, and then I prayed with him. (We have found that although over 90% in Romania claim to be Orthodox Christians, many have never experienced God's love).

After x-rays and ct scans, I found myself in a large open room with many other patients and doctors. The man in the bed next to me screamed out in pain, saying "stop!!!please don't!!!" The doctors were having to re-set his arm. As the doctors walked away, he was whimpering in "gypsy". I began singing to him the only song in "gypsy" that I know, "Nadeek tu", which says that we are all the same in God's eyes and he loves us. The man settled down and fell asleep.

After many conversations, prayers, and pain medication, I was admitted into the hospital. Damaris, Tiffany, Heather, and Scottie stayed with me in the hospital all night. I didn't receive any more pain meds that night, but the girls prayed and read Scripture over me all night. The Dr. came in and explained that I had fractured my pelvis and it was separated and would require surgery. He told me that within three months I would be able to sit up in my bed, and would gradually improve. We continued to pray and sing songs to God, as other team members came and left, but God surrounded the room with his presence and peace.

"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6

God made this familiar verse truly come alive in my life.

As news leaked out, people began praying all around the world. My mother and friend headed out from Phoenix to be with me. The rest of my I-Squad had to leave for Turkey, and the decision was made for Dan and Becky to stay with me. What a beautiful ministry it has been! It has been incredible to have them there to comfort me and help me in so many ways. Dan & Becky spent one night in the hospital bed next to me and assisted in duties such as bed pan duty, holding hands during shots, making sure the bathroom was clean, talking with the Doctors, and more. We spent most of our time praying for each other, and praying over other people in the hospital, and making cards for others in the hospital. It was incredible to see each of us have our own ministry with different people in the hospital yet still love on each other as family.

On Monday, the Doctor took another x-ray and this time the results showed four minor fractures, but it was no longer necessary to have surgery! God again shows himself faithful and He is the great healer!

God made my favorite Psalm come alive.

"I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior. My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. The ropes of death entangled me; the floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress, I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his santuary; my cry to him reached my ears...He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters...He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me...You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush any army; with my God I can scale any wall. God's way is perfect . All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield to all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. The Lord lives! Praise to my rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! -Psalm 18:1-6, 16, 19, 28-32, 46

God is a great God and I trust Him.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

What's it like?

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So what's it like going back to a place you went on the World Race?

There are risks: How would finances work? Was all that travel time really worth it to go for just 11 days? Is this really wise to go in the middle of the education God has called me to? What if I want to just stay forever?! What if I really do kidnap about 10 of the kids and bring them back with me? To name a few...

It's Challenging: Being in a place the second time around is way different. You see all the things you loved the first time around. But you also see the ways things have changed... and it's tough to not wish it back the way it was. It's hard to pop in and out of a place and be able to really understand what's happening and all the reasons behind it. It's hard to be humble and let God take control of MY plans for this place and let Him use me as a tiny piece of HIS plan. I think the more someplace feels like home the more entitled we feel to having opinions about how it should be.

It's also more challenging to leave. Between ManMan asking if I would be back in 3 days and Benjii serenading me as I walked out the door with "Leaving on a Jetplane"... everything in me wanted to stay. As I was laying in bed the last night wide awake with a sore throat (which stayed with me for 2 weeks... hence the delay in writing this!), I was praying "OK God, If you want me to get on that plane tomorrow... please help me feel well enough to move... if you want me to stay (wink wink) make me sick enough that I can't fly!"

I'm back in St Louis.

It's Fun: I mean, really what could be more fun than: seeing old friends, spending time with World Race family, tucking beautiful children into bed, drinking coffee, seeing waterfalls, hanging out in the nursery, spending time with in the Special Education classroom, sleeping on a trundle bed in Christie's room, visiting families in the community... and having enough travel time each way to read an entire novel?!

Not much.

It's Inspiring: I LOVED seeing the vision of Kid's International Ministries unfolding day by day. God's provision and blessing of the vision he has given the Long family is remarkable. God says "go" and Jeff and the crew take off full speed ahead.

I got to meet a variety of people who are ministering to the people of Manila in AMAZING ways. Every few days I was blown away by the ministries I was hearing about (more to come about those).

I actually returned to St Louis so excited to be back in school. As I saw kids out in the community I realized that I know a lot more than I used to about what's going on with them... now I just need to know what to do about it! I am so honored to be back in school this year to learn how to actually be an Occupational Therapist. I'm refreshed, refocused, and excited for the future.

So, in a little over 500 words... that's what it's like to go back.

Armie

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Christie's child of the week this week is Armie (see blog below)! I love this little girl. She is a little bit sassy and then just loves to cuddle all in the same 5 minutes.
Here is a picture from the last time we were here at Christmas time:

And here's a picture of the two of us at a basketball game tonight:

Go subscribe to Christie's blog for more updates about these kiddos: christiealbaugh.theworldrace.org

This week, I would like everyone to meet Armie. Armie is 7 years old, going on 30. Trapped inside of this little body, is an adult ready to get out there in the world! Armie is in 2nd grade at our community school and is one of our best students at reading and speaking English.Just last week I saw her writing encouraging notes to a fellow volunteer after she got out of school.

People who come here often describe Armie as very sweet; she loves to help children's home staff, volunteers, and vistors around the house. Armie also loves to do people's hair, and frequently is seen in the afternoons sitting in the shade, creating a new and unique hairstyle!

Armie has asked that we pray for her mother and father. She is an only child and doesn't know where her parents are currently living. Please also pray for Armie's time in the children's home. Pray that she would understand and accept Jesus in her life, pray for the possibility of being adopted, pray that she would know how much she is loved for by people here, and also pray for her ability to cope with anger, because sometimes she has a difficult time doing so.

Armie is a beautiful young girl, and I hope you are able to see her sweet sincerity in the video below. Enjoy.

A Sweet Reunion

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Where do I start? I am back in Manila, Phippines for the next two weeks. The logistics are surreal! A surprise clearing of my summer schedule, a chance to minister again with Colleen and Danny and see Christie living her dream, a small scholarship to help with some school finances... I love God's attention to detail.

All I can tell you so far is that I am blessed to be back here. The last 24 hours have been a barrage of memories, emotions, and blessings! I was walking up to the Children's home with Colleen last night and I took a deep breath and said "did you ever think you'd miss this smell?" It's a weird mix of unpleasant odors, yet it filled me with joy.

The last day has been a whirlwind of such experiences:

I saw Man-man's smile.

Went running with Colleen on one of our favorite runs from the World Race... recalling so many memories. "Remember when you wiped out right here?" "Remember when Seth (Sr) told us he went running "in" the golf course but he really meant "by" the golf course" (we found this out only after being chased by guards trying to enter the golf course!)

Spent time in the nursery with little people who were just babies last time we were here and babies that will be people next time I'm back.

Was serenaded to sleep (and woken back up) by ridiculously loud and off key karaoke happening out the window.

Just to name a few!

Christie has been posting a "kid of the week" update on her blog:

I'll post some on here but please go and subscribe to her blog to support her and the ongoing work of Kids International Ministries here in Manila!

One old friend, and one new one:

Ben Wrote a Book

Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It could be argued that this act of faith is a little more involved than the ones I shared yesterday. But, it still involves this idea of stepping out in your everyday faith into what God's calling you towards.
Ben is a senior in college who I met when he was a baby freshman in our bible study my senior year of college. I went back to visit a friend over spring break who had an interesting looking book called "Green Bean Spirituality" sitting on her nightstand. I picked it up and saw the author was Ben MacKinnon.

"ummmm Colleen? Is this the Ben MacKinnon from DCA?"

"Yes. He wrote a book."
"Seriously? Is he done school??? That's amazing."

"oh no, he still has a year left... he's pretty motivated huh?"

Yeah. I'd say so. Later we ran into Ben in a Mexican restaurant and I asked him about the book. His response was "Well, I always wanted to write a book. God said do it now... so I just kinda made the time and wrote it last year."

Ummmm I don't even think I have time to write email and Ben wrote a book and raised the funds to have it published... while he was a junior in college... working part-full time to pay his way through school. Wow. This floored me. And the book isn't half bad either! J

In the book Ben shares his faith via 5 points in the Gospel message: Sin, God, Jesus, Grace and Faith. What intrigued me from the beginning is what he shared in the preface. He encountered a 12 year old who was bold and courageous in sharing the gospel with one of his friends.... At first he was taken aback and even offended and the "canned" gospel message presented ... but as he built a bridge and got over it, it encouraged him to write this expression of his faith.

Here's an excerpt: (...s are added by me... i don't know how to properly excerpt something, sorry Ben!)

"Spencer is a child prodigy whose left brained prowess has enabled him to take 400-level math classes at the age of 12... In the academic sense it could be said that Spencer is much better at math than I am, and if you feel you are impervious to bitterness, try being trumped in any area of your life by somebody who has yet to reach puberty. I did not realize how intense this self righteous rage was until a friend of mine had a run-in with my pint sized counterpart.

My friend Dave was walking out of class one day in the Physics building and Spencer pulled him aside... and began questioning him. He was asking if Dave has ever lied, stolen, cursed, etc. Dave answered these questions as honestly as a twenty year old should, which gave Spencer the fuel to move to his next point. Spencer told Dave he needed Jesus!

... My knee jerk reaction to this story was to rip into the math departments' pre-pubescent evangelical. I thought this kid was completely wacko thinking that canned theology was going to have an impact on anybody... Did this kid realize he was dancing in murky water with people who are much smarter and much more combative than he is? In mid-rant my friend Dave stopped me and told me his presentation was fair. According to Dave, Spencer mentioned sin, grace, Jesus, God, and faith with elaboration on each part by use of his twelve years of experience to draw parallels. Dave even mentioned there was a lot to be said about a twelve year old kid stepping up to the plate and sharing the gospel with people almost twice his age. Dave may have been right, but I still thought this kid was a looney-in-training. When I later got home I began to think about what it was that made me so vehemently opposed to this young man's tact."

And the result of this thinking was Ben's expression of faith on those same points Spencer shared in his gospel message in a busy college hallway.

When is the last time you were obedient knowing the road He was calling you wouldn't be easy and you would probably be rejected along the way?

If you want a copy of Ben's book to support this young author, display the cool cover art, or even perhaps to read you can buy it on Amazon: Green Bean Spirituality

Simple Acts, Big Faith

Sun, 24 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In my blog yesterday I shared a bit about what's been happening (or not happening) with my faith the last few months. Here is the first of 2 blogs about some people and actions that have been inspiring to me recently.

Jamie is one of my dear friends here at school. She is ready to change the world... one small act a time. She has a huge vision for her life and is a great model to me of using the here and now to build the foundation for the bigger life things God is calling her to. A week before Easter an email arrived from Jamie inviting people to her house to enjoy Easter dinner. As I was reading this 10 sentence email I was blown away... there were at least 3 powerful professions of her faith. When I examined more closely I discovered... this wasn't just sent to our group of "Christian" friends. It was sent to the whole list-serv!

"If you were planning on spending Easter alone, please, please come over and enjoy the company of others; it would be a shame to rejoice in this glorious day alone!"

Another sister of mine here in St Louis, Ali, has this incredible burden for her friends who don't know Jesus yet. It's amazing... I feel like every week she comes in jazzed up about who she's praying for, who she might see this week, and who is talking about coming to church with her. She comes alive when she is someone's "Christian Friend." It means they see something unique in her... which means they see Jesus. One of the really creative ways she shares her faith is during holidays. For Christmas and Valentine's day she has a zillion cards made up with a picture of her and her dog Budweiser (we live in St Louis... it's normal I promise... I have met several dogs named after beer/ Cardinals players). She writes a one line saying "Happy WhicheverOccaisionItIs! Love, Ali and Buddy" and fills up the rest with scripture. Then she sends them to everyone... classmates present and past, family, friends, etc. People love the cute picture and often comment how the scripture was a great reminder of what it's all about. Sometimes she sees one in the trash or finds one crumpled up back in her mailbox but her response is always something to the effect of "Sweet, they read enough scripture to get ticked at me for sharing it! At least that means they read it!" I love this idea and how she turned sometime so common into a statement of faith.

When is the last time you told someone about the victory of Jesus over the grave and invited them to the feast?

Complacency

Sat, 23 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Complacency is alarmingly comfortable. I haven't written a blog on here in months. The list of excuses is pretty long and fairly predictable. But the one I'll highlight here, and perhaps the best reflection on where I've been is complacency. Last semester I was high on world race spiritual steam. Last fall some rough life stuff happened and I would literally just put all my faith in Jesus, call him up to bat... and things would work out. This was my mantra:

"I need to put God first, choose people second, and let everything else fall into place behind that."

And it worked... for a time. But this past semester those priorities got all kinds of out of whack... and before I knew it I was a busy student and that was without a doubt my #1 priority. The scary thing to me is I didn't really know it had happened until I came up for air and God knocked on my butt (He is so good at that isn't he?).

I think in some ways I got sidetracked expecting God to call me to my next great act of faith. "Send me to the other side of the world! Tell me to quit school and go! Make something happen so I can show you how greatly faithful I am!" There's a lot of "me" in that line of thinking.

I'm learning (slowly) that it's a greater act of faith to step out in the everyday. When something huge happens (good or bad) it's really not that extraordinary a measure to show God we love him... when the ground is shaking I am more desperate for God. It's the seemingly small, mundane acts... the waiting and rejoicing in the small whispers... where faith really begins to mature.

Although I was pretty lame this semester, God is never so. In the next 2 blogs I'll post are a few of these "small" acts of faith I have encountered in the last several month. They don't involved World Racers on the other side of the world or anyone that is "in ministry." They remind me that God just calls us to be obedient wherever he places us and whenever he calls.... which often requires a great faith.

Go.

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am back from the Dominican Republic. It was awesome. I intend to write about it but I started school again on Monday and am too brain dead to process it all... plus i got sick (have i mentioned on here yet that I was not sick once on the world race and have been sick 3 times living in St Louis?!).

In the meantime, here is an awesome blog that Matt Snyder (January 08 World Race) wrote recently. If you're reading this and have been thinking about going, shoot me an email, lets talk.

10 Reasons to Go on the World Race

Maybe you're sitting behind the computer screen contemplating reasons why you should go on the World Race. Here are ten reasons for you:

1. You learn who you are. Going on the World Race introduces you to the person that God wants you to be. You won't necessarily be the Jack Bauer or Indiana Jones of missionaries, but you'll definitely learn what the heart of God is and how He wants to use that to show you who you need to be in the Kingdom. And let's face it - you're more than just another employee slaving away in a cubicle, or a student going blindly into the �real world' after college.

2. You get to see the world. Surely somewhere within you there's a desire to see the world. Most people think it's only a fantasy or a fairytale, but let's be honest, with God anything is possible. The World Race takes you to over ten different countries across four different continents... and God pays the bill, not you. Plus you can tell everyone you've been to Africa.

3. You can't be labeled a boring Christian. Most people think that Christianity is kind of a drudge and there's propaganda everywhere claiming that. Well, thankfully, you don't have to be a boring Christian. Twenty-four hour bus rides through the African bush is anything but boring, and feeding orphans and widows is a lot more adventurous than people give it credit for. But there's only one way to find out.

4. You will change the world. This isn't meant as a joke � you really will change the world. For each life you touch and empower with the love of God, they in turn will touch a life. It's just like the pay-it-forward principle, only with Jesus and love. It's pretty cool. This gets engrained into your everyday life when you go on the World Race. Maybe along the way you'll change the life that's going to find the cure for AIDS.

5. You learn to hear God's voice. Seriously, God still talks. There are a lot of rumors going on out there that He has a British accent and that He even talks in Spanish. Moses and Jesus weren't the only ones who had an �in' with God; you do too. Going on the World Race perfects your ear for His voice.

6. You get to learn the things you didn't learn in Sunday school. What if, hypothetically speaking, they didn't teach you something in Sunday school? Would you know what is? Because on the World Race, they know what you didn't learn... and they're willing to teach it to you.

7. You'll raise the dead. You really will raise the dead... literally and figuratively. There haven't been any reported cases of World Racers raising the literally dead yet, but maybe you will be our first. It's been prophesied... are you it?

8. Learn about the Matrix. Maybe the Wachowski brothers were onto something when they created that infamous movie back in the late 90's. What if you really are living in a reality that isn't really reality? If you've ever wondered if there's something behind everything you see, you should check out the World Race � swallow the red pill and see how far the rabbit hole goes.

9. You learn what community really is. Relationships can only go so far with people when you're sharing just a dorm room for nine months. Community runs a lot deeper than a dorm room. Living life with a group of people united in purpose and Truth changes things � like the world. Explore the heart of Acts community and see it come to life through relationships that you'll maintain even after the World Race.

10. Pursue the dream God's planted in you. Sometimes there are dreams we have in life that get crushed by your typical 9-5 obligations. The World Race helps awaken your wildest dreams and plants a picture in how they can fit into the Kingdom. Do what you love doing while seeing God's Kingdom come to life through your life.

So what's it going to be? You're sitting on the edge of something great and it's as easy as applying. This is more than a mission trip. Go on the World Race and change your life and others'. There's something more out there... are you willing to look for it?

Apply here

Spend Less on Gifts, Give more Prescence.

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So you know when something starts as an idea.... and you kind of think about it a lot... and then all of a sudden you are seeing this idea everywhere and slowly but surely it kind of overtakes your thoughts for awhile? Maybe that's just how my brain works... but thanks for coming along for the ride.

For weeks now I have been praying for missionaries in America like Gary and Lisa who have dedicated themselves to serving my generation and waking us the heck up! Or Colleen and Jeff who graduated from college and decided to put off the world of jobs and home owning and pursue their passions. Colleen is doing campus ministry with athletes at UD and Jeff became wrecked for boys living in inner city Wilmington and has committed to Father them through Urban Promise.

And the January squad has been on my mind... how myself and other past racers have an opportunity and responsibility to carry their cause, cover them in a thick blanket of prayer and support.

I keep wondering how it's possible that people who have decided to follow God's call could be struggling with finances. I understand (in a very basic way) that there's a financial crisis. Right now, I live in the world of grad school where everyone is living on borrowed funds (hellooooo student loans!). Cash is tight. But I still buy coffee.... and fuel up my car to drive wherever I want.... and buy Christmas presents out of tradition.... why? I think consciously I know where my money should be spent.... and occasionally I get it right. But culture is a sneaky and pervasive thing.... it's engrained in us and it becomes part of our subconscious. So when not actively trying to weed it out of my system.... it's the default world view from which I will make my decisions.

I think as a whole people want to give to something bigger than themselves. We want to be free from our culture and to be a part of kingdom of God. But it's a hell of a lot of work and we get tired. So what I want to pray is for the kind of energy that doesn't come from sleep and for the will to press in and donate our time and resources to things that are lasting. ESPECIALLY at this time when our culture is saying "buy buy buy, this is what you need!"

Maybe this year I'll buy a few less gifts and give G42 for Christmas, or give one baby being held in swaziland by a world racer, or just give away some of myself....

Here are a few more things that came into my consciousness recently... I hope they will inspire your imagination like they have for me:

An awesome article in Wrecked by Jeff Goins:

Holiday Cheer: What Song are you SInging?

A blog by Shane Claibourne:

Buy Nothing Day as Advent Activism Against the Demon Mammon

and finally this awesome video from www.adventconspiracy.org :

All I want for Christmas....

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Is them!

Look at this picture! How could anyone not want that?

This is the next squad of world racers who have answered the call to pack up the life they know it, shove it all in a backpack, say their goodbyes and head out into the unknown. When I look at this picture I see JOY and energy. They will need it! They will be stretched and broken. They will be set free of all the baggage they have carried with them for so long. They will be changed and transformed and will never be the same. Trust me, it's impossible to go back to the way you were.

They will experience all of this AND they might just get to set some captives free and bring the light of a savior to places filled with darkness. They might get to hold a baby in Africa and tell him that God is in love with him. They might see an angel in China. Perhaps they'll see a miraculous healing. They might. We don't know at this point what they will get to do and see, it's all part of the mystery.... But we do know they want it. And it's beautiful!

I am getting to join this squad in the Dominican Republic this January to help launch them into the great unknown. Again, I don't know what will happen, but I know God is calling me to invest here and what an exciting call that is!

Here's the deal. They want it. And anyone who has had experience with the world race and seen and felt what it's all about... we want it for them. They need a little help getting there! MANY of them are in dire need of support and the deadline is bearing down quickly. I remember the highs and lows my team experienced with support raising... it is a tough process because it is not of this world but the miracles that happen are amazing. I LOVE World Race support miracles!!! I'm praying for about 16 of those in the next week!

Please consider supporting one of these amazing world racers to be. If you go to the world race homepage you can get to their blogs by clicking on the January 2009 link.

If you want to connect with a racer that I have some personal ties with, let me introduce you to Di Dinnis. Di and I connected through Dave Berg when I was still in the field. Di met my parents and I in Georgia and has asked my Parents and I to cover her in prayer and to mentor her this year... and all this when my Mom was starting to get her life back with our squad back from the race and blogging less and less ;) We got to meet her at REI over Thanksgiving and pick out a beautiful pink sleeping bag (among other really "serious" camping gear!).

She is a fireball of energy and an amazing woman. In the short amount of time we have gotten to know her she has planted herself deep in our hearts.

Di didn't grow up in a church family and so is in need of some churches to take her in by praying for her and supporting her financially! What I want for Christmas is donations to her account. You just click the "Support Me" link on the left hand side of her page or by clicking the handy direct link I've set up below. It's an investment in her transformation and in God's kingdom. Giving at a time when money is tight and storing up treasure in heaven... wow, that's hard to wrap and put under a Christmas tree but what a gift it is!!

Support Di!

Thank You In Advance For Your Support of Di
and the January 2009 Squad!

P.S. Di and I are cut from somewhat similar cloth.... here's one last gem I found to entice you to support her:

Di on the cover of her Campus Magazine!! Look at that spirit! Wow, she is going to be a great world racer :)

The journey continues... and my first video!

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lots of funny things happen when you come home from the World Race: the ole ordering a coke light, repeating yourself 3 times, and thinking something is "off" with the waitress when she has no clue what you're talking about, insisting that someone takes your name badge holder when they compliment it (I lterally forced it into this woman's hand)... walking away thinking, "crap that's not normal here," Or this:

Last night I was lying in my bed, unable to sleep from drinkinh a Chai too late in the day. I was alternating between wishing Colleen was there to do shadow puppets with me and thinking about writing a blog. I guess it kind of brings me full circle. Initially I applied to the World Race because it seemed more fun that grad school applications... and now I'm writing blogs because it's more fun that grad school essays!

My "transition" has been pretty seamless. I arrived home, loved on my family and friends, and moved to St Louis to start grad school. I live with an awesome family across the Illinois border. I love school. It's busier than I ever could have imagined but it's nice to have my brain stretched again. God confirms all the time that he put me here for a reason... and it's a little different every day so I have to pay attention! I'm thankful to shower regularly, be back in a real life gym (turns out I miss the company when I run, but am adjusting really well to not having to rebuke angry dogs in the name of Jesus!), and for so many other little luxuries I don't take for granted anymore!

It's also been really hard. I intend to write a blog about a particularly challenging couple of weeks next. I have to brace myself every time someone posts a blogs from the Philippines... it gets a little emotional! I miss my team, my friends around the world, being on the move, eating interesting foods, having the freedom to wake up and say "where do you want me to head today Jesus?" Don't get me wrong, I still ask, but these days he pretty much says "go to class."

But class is a good place to be... for now.

Also, I got ambitious and made a video. Well, to be clear, Danny was no longer around to do this for me, so I had to make a video.

This video highlights our year, it follows on Team LESS's theme verses from Isaiah 61 and the music is one of our Sqaud's favorite songs. I hope you'll relive our year with me and lift up each of these countries in prayer!

The World Race Journey from Sarah Burrows on Vimeo.

Lunch on Sunday Cancelled

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hello Everyone!

This is the quickest, most effective way to do this... and I apologize for using the blog for this purpose.

The lunch that is scheduled on Sunday in Wilmington is going to be postponed (date TBA). Please pass the word around if you read this! We'll have it announced in church on Sunday as well.

Why you ask? Last night Sarah Lapp, one of my best good world race sisters, lost her Mom to her fight against cancer. We've prayed and prayed and prayed for her and believed in a miraculous healing right until God brought her home. So instead of lunch and pictures in Wilmington I'll be joing the party in Louisville, Kentucky. As Gary reminded me several times last night... she is dancing with Jesus right now. So we're going to do a little dancing on this end and celebrate her life.

(As a note... I'm still going to make the wedding, don't worry Mar! Flying in and out of Louisville instead of St Louis... just using that as homebase for awhile!)

Sorry for the unexpected change.

The remaining thoughts in my head are: be blessed today, spend time celebrating life, do a little dancing for the folks in Louisville, and don't forget to praise the one who made you!

Repost: A Year In Videos

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hello Everyone!

I'm home... it's really fun and really surreal and not really like life... but fun, so we're going with that for now.

I posted this on the exact day that we started having problems with the website (of course). But not it looks like it's better (again on the day I post! :)) So, here is a blog a posted during the confusion in case you want to take a look:

I wanted to post the video that Danny made for our final banquet highlighting our year. But then... I got a little carried away. So here is that video followed by all of my favorites from the year! Danny did an AMAZING job summarizing our lives into beautiful videos. So here they are to reflect on your favorites or catch one you missed along the way.

Also, I will be taking applications for someone to continue to summarize my life in beautiful video format...

Only the Beginning of The Journey:

LESS from Danny Gutman on Vimeo.

When We Were Still Strangers (slightly odd strangers):

DANCE from Danny Gutman on Vimeo.

Farewell from Tokyo and Finding Our Voice:

Team Less from Danny Gutman on Vimeo.

Baby World Racers take on Thailand:

Untitled from Danny Gutman on Vimeo.

Walking down our smelly yet friendly street in Cambodia:

Good Mornings from Danny Gutman on Vimeo.

It's still too Soon:

Dancing With Man Man from Danny Gutman on Vimeo.

It's almost time for the real deal... but first:

World Race Olympics from Danny Gutman on Vimeo.

This is Africa:

LESS in Africa from Danny Gutman on Vimeo.

Wow, that was even more than I thought... Thanks so much for doing this for us all year, Danny!!

Tethered

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tomorrow's "the" day. We fly back to the good ole US of A, back to the only life we once knew, back to family and friends, back to opposite ends of a really big country. Final banquets, love notes from teammates, last dinners, meetings, hugs I need to go pack my pack and load up my sweet 70s green suitcase I inherited for extra stuff

It's becoming increasingly more difficult to live in denial that it's over and it's just beginning. Recently all of my thoughts come in pairs "Next week I get to play tennis with Troy! crap, next week I won't be going to get coffee with Colleen" "Wow Sunday I get to go to Aldersgate (my church)!... man, next week I'll be away from my world race church"

It's a confusing little world to be in. In one breathe it's exciting and sad. Mourning and celebration. Basically, it's life at it's finest.

Yesterday I was talking and this quote from Adam's Return by Richard Rohr has been playing on repeat in my head

"Ultimate security allows you to suffer small insecurities without tremendous effort. If you are tethered at a center point, it is amazing how far out you can fly and not get lost."

It's a little scary going home. It's filled with tremendous uncertainty and insecurities about how to do this away from the ever changing location of here. There are a very many small insecurities. But I walk out of this confident that I have become tethered. Even this year I feel myself fly out away from God and waver but he always pulls me back. I can tell you confidently that I will fly out even further in the future but I will never get lost. That's God's grace in all it's beauty.

To all of my supporters: Thank you for sending me out into the world to find God in a way I didn't know was possible. Thank you for supporting me in my endeavor to fall flat on my face as many times as possible in my attempts to find God. Thank you for your prayers, comments, finances, emails, and on and on the list goes. I'm not sure I will have concrete evidence for each of you of the fruit of this year (I hope you will see just a little of it in my life and in the stories we'll share) but I promise you that you have stored up for yourselves some treasure in heaven if I have anything to say about it (which I don't, God's kind of in control of that bank!). I can't wait to see you and continue to walk out life with you.

All that being said see you SOON!

Inside LESS- Colleen Foley

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Colleen Foley

Aliases: Leen, Leenie Foley, Leenie Lopper, Folinski

Hometown: Chicago

After the Race: Visiting Chicago

Support: Thanks to a Christmas miracle... Colleen went from needing several thousand dollars to stay on the race to being completely support raised in only a few weeks. Thank you everyone!

Overview of a Racer:

Colleen, in a word, is awesome. Colleen has that quality where people feel welcomed and connected to her instantly. She is really warm and just genuinely loves people. She loves little fat babies and Grandmothers and literally everyone in between. Colleen sees beauty in everyone. On our team she has this radar for when someone is out of sorts and she is great at loving us through whatever it is.

To me, Colleen is a model of someone who wants to do things the right way. A lot of times Colleen will describe herself as a worrier but what I see in that is this heart that just wants to walk out her faith as correctly as possible. She loves God in all his many roles and she is really good at discerning which role Hes filling when. She loves having God as a Dad and as a friend and relies on him in all things.

Colleen is gifted with evangelism and with mercy. Now before you get all squirmy... it is more than just the way we are all called to share our faith, and it is definitely not the kind of evangelism that we give a bad reputation it is this beautiful pure gift that God has installed in Colleen. He will put someone on her mind and she cannot stop thinking about them until she has shared the gospel with them. She's never pushy, just obedient to what God tells her to do. The time we really got to see this gift on fire was in China. It's like the Chinese people who were starving for the gospel could see this presence on Colleen and would seek her out. One time when we were at an English corner a girl came out of the crowd hitting Colleen on the arm saying "tell me what you know about Jesus!" So in her sweet undemanding way she did and this girl became a Christian. And thats not even a once in eleven months kind of story!

Daily Colleen shows me how to find Joy in all things. When you meet Colleen I dont think you can help but feel joyful. She has a beautiful smile and an incredible laugh and she loves all the fun things in life (and can pull fun out of the unfun as well). Meeting Colleen you would never suspect that some pretty sad things have happened in her life. However, after hearing her whole story you walk away with a beautiful picture of redemption. Being in her life even for this short time has been so amazing. Another piece of the healing puzzle falls into place every day but no matter where she's at in the process she chooses into the joy that God promises.

A few tidbits:

* Colleen is a hospitality guru... together Colleen and I formed two very fun committees... food people and the birthday committee. To make sure you have the proper perspective on how our committees work.... the mantra for our food committee is "food is FUN."

* Colleen has lots of interesting remedies for common problems (like for the hiccups someone needs to pull on your ears while you drink water). She is often heard saying "wait, is this normal or something only my family does?"... and usually it's the latter. This trait also applies to the fun language her family created when she was little, names for past dogs, and many other slightly quirky and endearing mannerisms.

* She has one of the best and most contagious laughs in the world. She is also known for having laughing explosions that can not be controlled even in public.

* Colleen is the only person I know who genuinely loves doing dishes. When people try to enforce the rule that you can't cook AND do dishes she gets really sad and then puts up a fight until they let her do the dishes. For her birthday we gave Colleen her very own personalized birthday sponge

A Few Recommendations:

Silent Judgements
"He has brought me to places and shown me people who are so different....and all of them love Him so much. From super "charismatic" Christians and churches to very shy and conservative Christians....to missionaries who have been saved and changed by the Lord through Christian television stations... "

He Upholds the Fatherless
The more I prayed for him, the more I saw redemption in Benji's life. God is taking care of him. God is restoring his life, and giving him love and security. God is taking a mess of a situation, and revealing His glory and power.

Additionally, Colleen coauthors all of our photo blogs from the year!

Oh Colleen, I don't even know... thank you for being in my life. Thank you for sticking with me. My day, my year and my life would not be the same without you. I think this is all I can type because it's very hard to stay in denial about leaving you while doing this... so I"m coming to find you for a hug.

I love you , Pesto!

Inside LESS- Lindsey McDonald

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lindsey McDonald

Aliases: Lins, Lenses Magee, Midge

Hometown: Houston, Texas

After the Race: Every few weeks Lindsey has a different plan from returning to Africa to reliving one of Paul's missionary journeys to more school for social work. For now she's heading back to Texas to wait for God to put one of those plans into action!

Support: Lindsey is support raised!

Overview of a Racer:

Lindsey is a really incredible woman, teammate, and friend. Lindsey has this really amazing sister quality about her and I have been so blessed to have her in that role in my life. Recently one of our ministry contacts perfectly described Lindsey as really comfortable in her own skin she knows who she is. This makes her really great to be in community with. You don't have to guess when she's in a bad mood (although sometimes she tries to hide it for our sake) and when she's in a good mood that shines even brighter.

One of my favorite qualities about Lindsey is that she never settles for an easy answer. She wants to know what God really means when he speaks through His word. Two of the biggest topics I've seen Lindsey wrestle with this year are Justice and Compassion. What does it mean to loosen the chains of injustice? What does it mean to live out love? What about God's compassion? She digs deep into many things where most people just choose to settle for the easy answer. And she really wants to live that out in her life.

Lindsey has truly been broken for every place that we've visited this year. She sees injustice and wants to see change. She builds amazing relationships with kids and grownups alike. She has a calm and compassionate nature that easily draws people from many cultures into her warmth. Lindsey is highly tuned into the simple things that make a huge difference. One of the things Lindsey does regularly is buying people food. And she never hesitates. When there are kids begging on the streets it has become such a common sight to see Lindsey hand in hand with them heading into the nearest convenience store to buy them something to eat.

A week or so ago I was listening to a sermon where the preacher summed up our call as disciples like this: "see a need, meet a need, declare the kingdom of God is a hand." I instantly thought of Lindsey. Her desire for God's heart makes her incredibly tuned into seeing needs. Her obedience to walking out God's justice allows her to meet those needs. When I see how Lindsey lives I can tell you that her life declares daily that the kingdom of God is at hand. Lindsey is going to be amazing to watch over the years her desire to know God's heart for His children and her obedience to the details of how to be that love on earth are forming her into a gentle yet unstoppable weapon in God's kingdom.

A few tidbits:

* Lindsey has a really amazing laugh and when she really gets going her whole body begins to participate by shaking.

* In Cambodia Linds bought the entire series of Arrested Development on DVD she is responsible for slowly but surely converting almost everyone on our team into fans leading to many Arrested Development reminders such as this one

* Lindsey is annoyingly sensible about things. She just doesn't worry about a lot. For instance in the Philippines I was panicking about potentially getting lice and Lindsey just looked at me and said "look if you get lice, you get lice what are you going to do about it?" And she was right. And it somehow helped

* this rule about being sensible flies out the window whenever a big bug is involved.

A Few Recommendations:

The Practice of The Prescence of God

"If I believe God can heal people through me, I need to go out and claim healing over people in the name of Jesus. If I truly believe that God hears my prayers, why do I pray such simple prayers? If I truly believe he answers prayers and that "all things are possible with those who believe," why do I doubt?"

Man vs Nature

"Though the woman was more passionate about nature than most, she reminded me of how much God delights in his creation. "

Lindsey, my sister, thank you for being such an amazing friend to me. The way you live your life seeking out God... the real God... inspires me. I love how you dig deep even when it's super hard. You are amazing and it's my joy to know you as my friend!

I love you!!

Inside LESS- Jackie Zuiderhof

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jackie Zuiderhof

Aliases: J, JZ, JZZ, J Money

Hometown: A variety of very small towns, South Dakota

After the Race: Moving in with her sister's family and investing in her two adorable nieces (she gets to meet baby Grace as soon as she's home!)

Support: Jackie is fully support raised... except for her reimbursement.

You can bless Jackie by clicking here: Support Jackie!

Overview of Racer:

When I describe Jackie... two words come to mind. The first is change and the second is obedience. Jackie has been transformed this year. At the beginning of the race change really stressed Jackie out. When we got to Thailand Jackie wasn't sure she was going to make it... now she just hops on the bus/plane/train... figures out where the ATM is (she's also our finance person...) and she's off. Also, Jackie was not much of a snuggler before the year... now I can always count on Jackie to come up with arms outstretched when I look sad. Just the other day I heard someone tell Jackie in the car that they need a little personal space because she was sitting too close.

There have also been huge spiritual changes in Jackie this year. She has come alive in a really powerful way! In Africa there was this 180 turn from a conservative Christian background to a bold and powerful woman. When Jackie prays now she gets so fired up. She speaks truth over our group... even when our group is big. I was so excited when Jackie even decided to get baptized in Africa. She began to walk in her giftings and she hasn't wavered.

All this brings me to the second word... obedience. Jackie does what she thinks God is telling her with very few exceptions in her life. She explains how she got on the World Race like so many things. It goes something like this: "I looked at the World Race and didn't think it looked anything like me... traveling, change, raising all that money... but I thought it's what God was telling me so I did it." That's obedience! She wants to be where God is... even when it's not where she would choose to put herself. So simple, yet so so so hard. But Jackie just gets it.

One of my favorite moments from Jackie this year just happened in Guatemala. The first day we went to the hospital Jackie met a woman named Rufina and they became fast friends. The joy on both of their faces as they would visit was contagious. I loved seeing Jackie and Krystle come around the corner from a day out at the park with Rufina. Three huge smiles came around the corner ready to take pictures and share about the ice cream they just ate.

Jackie's year has been so amazing to watch... I'm so jealous of the people who will get to see her rock South Dakota after this year!

A few tidbits:

* Jackie has a quality we have lovingly coined "The Afterthought." Jackie is one of those people who has several thought processes going in her head at the same time. Lots of time the conversation moves along while Jackie is processing away... leading to an out of place comment several minutes (hours?:)) later which relates to a topic that the rest of us have long since left... an Afterthought.

* Jackie has done a great job being our finance person this year... and she's almost done! If you ever need to know where an ATM is located or what the exchange rate is anywhere in the world... just ask JMoney... she'll pull out her trusty orange calculator and you'll be all set.

* Also, I read in a magazine this year that I need a good friend to help me get "motivated financially." She's my finance friend... I call her... you can't have her.

* Jackie is a very talented World Race sleeper... pretty much without exception Jackie finds a way to stick to her rather early bed time... and is up literally with the sun to do her quiet time and get on with the day.

A Few Recommendations:

Alajuelita

"I was ten times more blessed today than the day before. I left knowing that this is what life is truly about. "

Following God

"The day we left Hong Kong for China, I changed forever. I learned that if you just pray in situations. God will provide and show You where to go. The learning did not stop there. God gave me joy and let me get over things that I struggled with. I left China knowing I was changing and it would continue."

Jackie, I don't even know where to start. It has been a joy to be be here with you on this wild ride God has you on. Your desire to follow him at all costs inspires me. Your sister is lucky to have you next year... and I can't wait to hear about all the powerful ways God is going to use you! I love you, JZ!

Inside LESS- Kyle Crimi

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kyle Crimi

Aliases: Chester, Captain Djibouti, Ky

Hometown: Jordan (J-town), Minnesota

After the Race: Moving to Colorado to live life and "figure it out"

Support: Kyle still needs some support to be fully raised to get reimbursed for insurance, vaccines, etc... This would be a huge blessing to get help get him started in his next step after the race.

You can bless Kyle by clicking here: Support Kyle!

Overview of Racer:

Kyle was one of the first people I met on the World Race all the way back in April. I remember thinking "wow... he is really quiet." He was on my original training camp team (go green team) and he told us very early on that once he gets to know you he won't stop talking. That statement is a little extreme (sort of like Kyle :)) because he is an extremely deep thinker... but Kyle is also extremely great to talk to and whole lot of fun to joke around with. He's a really great mix of deep thinking and goofiness... and he's really sincere about both.

Since last April we have seen Kyle go through an incredible transformation. In April Kyle was unsure of his faith and his place on the World Race. He was convinced that he could never pray in front of people. By September he was sharing a message with our squad. Now, he shares detailed devos with our team, writes really challenging blogs, and enjoys sharing messages with different congregations we've met around the world.

He is so hungry for God. He wants EVERYTHING in his life to reflect God. He loves when God takes him through something painful to refine him and transform him. Before the race Kyle bought a camouflaged bible cover called the "Truth Hunter" (Kyle really loves outdoors stuff... especially hunting and fishing)... this very distinct bible has become one of his trademarks this year because it is always with him. Kyle is a really great example of how to run towards God with abandon.

One of the times I really saw Kyle "come alive" this year was in the Philippines working with Sherwin and his family on the gutter project. Kyle jumped into those relationships and really invested his heart there. It was amazing to see the fruit of that... church with their family on Sundays, playing Chess with his younger brother (and "letting" him have the winning record), the little girls that just squealed with joy as they ran into his arms, ,seeing the look on Sherwin's wife's face when the two of them came back from haircuts with matching mohawks, and finally seeing them celebrate new years together in Manila. It is such an amazing example of how we can invest in each other across all sorts of boundaries.

A few tidbits:

* Kyle is easily encouraged to change his "look" for a few days before a haircut or before he shaves. We've been treated to flashes of mustaches and mohawks all year long.

* In case you think Kyle has lost his "edge" this year... you should also know that Kyle is not just a missionary but also a fearsome pirate. He became Captain Djibouti last May and was seen pirating around all last summer at a Christian sports camp.

* Kids are obsessed with Kyle. Now, some of this has to do with his height (most cultures have never seen someone 6'4" tall), but there's something else going on there. Kyle has been a human jungle gym and great friend to nearly all the children of the missionaries we've met this year.

* Kyle brought his guitar this year so that he could learn. At the beginning of the year he needed Danny's help with everything... now we hear him singing away and he can learn a new song so quickly. We were even treated to him leading worship in Mozambique.

A Few Recommendations from Kyle's blog:

Just a Guy
"I am just a guy...
A guy that thought following Jesus was easy...
A guy that is learning that following Jesus is the biggest challenge of his life...
A guy that really wants to face this challenge..."

Do I really Want to Look Like Jesus?

"But when it comes to the Jesus that was unfairly treated, abused, beaten, bloody, suffering, carrying his cross, and then hanging on the cross...I seem to shy away from that..."

Kyle, thank you for an awesome year... you are a great friend. It has been amazing to see God transform you this year... you are continually becoming an amazing man of God. I can't wait to see what God does with your passionate pursuit of him!
Love you, Brother!

Inside LESS- Danny Gutman

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Danny Gutman

Aliases: Gus Gus, Tank, Butman

Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah

After The Race: Headed to the Protege program (Seminary and church planting) at Mosaic church in California

Support Status: Danny needs some help to finish his support raising commitment for the year. Also, it would be amazing to see God use us to provide for Danny's reimbursement (insurance, vaccines, etc). A young man moving across the country for seminary immediately after the World Race will put the funds to good use!

You can donate to Danny's account online by clicking here: Support Danny!

Profile of a Racer:

Danny is an amazing man of God, leader, and a great friend. He is incredibly humble and just really transparent about where he's at. In fact, the first time I ever saw Danny it was right after everyone got off the bus at training camp. It was kind of dark, there was a awkwardly quiet group of World Racers standing around when Ben asked the group if anyone was hungry and wanted leftover pizza... there was only one honest hand that went in the air... Danny's. This trait has really grown Danny this whole year... when he's struggling he just throws it out there and it's amazing to see what God does with that honesty.

His humble nature and his desire to learn make so apparent how he genuinely loves people. Danny is our sponge for new cultures. He's sort of the morphus cultural being. I think that in nearly all of the countries we've been to he is told that he talks just like someone from that country. He really cares about the details... learning a few words, learning to cook, learning to dance... we've seen him cooking up Thai food with Ma Paeng, breaking it down with African Grandmas and everything in between this year.

Danny loves worship and we have been blessed this year by his love of doing that with the guitar. I LOVE when Danny is a few rooms away just belting it out in a room all by himself. We have taught "Lean on Me" to children all over the world. And I think Danny has led worship on every continent so far. He also LOVES studying the bible. When you open his bible it is one of those bibles that is completely highlighted and underlined with wise notes in all the margins.

He has also taken on the job of leading our team for most of this year. Danny is the example of servant leadership. He has this quality that I love: when someone needs help he is always the first one out of his chair. The other night when we pulled over because someone's car was broken down and before our host could even explain that they needed help pushing we saw the silhouette of Danny and about 3 Hondurans heading down the street. Additionally Danny has this amazing pastor quality where you just feel better when you've told him something. If something is on your heart and you're really fighting through it... Danny is always a humble ear to turn to.

A Few Random Tidbits:

* When performing any sort of motion which raises your hand over your head (head scratches, back scratches, yawns etc...). 9 times out of 10 you will receive an "Armpit Punch" (We're just thankful he stopped with the "Goat Chop!" (a mini karate chop across the throat)

* Danny is really great with kids. He makes little buddies everywhere he goes.

* One of the first things I remember about Danny is reading on his profile that he describes himself as "Tallish, Darkish, and Rather Hairy." I thought this was funny... but he really does grow a beard at a rapid rate of speed. It's amazing to behold.

* Danny is our video guru... if you've enjoyed any of the videos posted from this year... you have Danny to thank (Pay no attention to the fact that my name gets credited in the last few... that's mostly a joke... I do nothing except create more work!)

A Few Recommendations from Danny's Blog:

How's My Heart:

"Throughout the race I've continually prayed to God to break down my walls, help me to trust, destroy my skeptism, increase my faith, and allow me to feel for people. And looking back at it now I realize that God has answered each and every one of these prayers in some way or another. And he continues to answer them. "

Finding Myself:
"I have always known the Lord gives and takes away. I have always known that Satan comes to steal kill and destroy abundant life in Christ. But I haven't always been so sure that there is peace on the other end."

Thank you for an amazing year, Danny! It has been a joy to grow alongside you. I can't wait to see what God does with all of the amazing things about you in the future!!

Inside LESS

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I've got some people on my mind and I need to tell you about them. They are some of my best friends and my family. These blogs are going to be about my teammates. Welcome to my longest blog series yet I think it might even be longer than the fall of Kyle series which is awesome and you should read it!

I'm going to tell you about each of my teammates and I think you will quickly understand why I love them and why you should love them too. I hope you'll take the time to picture each of them as you read, to lift them up in prayer, to consider supporting them financially, and to go and read their blogs (and leave comments!) You'll have to work hard to beat my Mom (Pat B) but I think you can do it. In fact, that's a challenge see if you can out-read and out-comment my Mom. Their lives will really challenge you and stretch you and just make you smile.

For this blog I'm just going to tell you a little about our team as a whole and then refer you out to one of Danny's blogs...

The naming of Team LESS.

The joke version: The name came about in a unique and very "us" way. We are a tad immature and think it's funny when people happen to say the word "do" twice in a row during a sentence. For those of you who are above potty humor when you say a sentence like "When we do do conflict correctly" the double "do" sounds like doodoo which is a term for poop. So anyway jokingly we wanted to name our team Team Do Do which transformed into WeDoDo at the suggestion of world race director, Jerry Goode. In a session we were told to come up with an acronym that would define our teams values thus LESS was birthed. It quickly became LESS DoDo and then was simply shortened to LESS.

On a more serious note: LESS stands for Love Encouragement Simplicity and Service. Over the months this has actually defined our team quite nicely. We also think of the verse that says "He must become greater, and I must become less." When I look at my teammates that is exactly what I see. A group of people that wants to become as small as possible for God to be great.

How we Roll

Our team is very easy-going. Sometimes we are so easy-going that it is hard to make a decision. We love to serve and just to be where God is wherever that is. I am so blessed to be surrounded by people that love to find God in every situation. Our team isn't one to dwell on the negative. We tend to acknowledge it and move on. Every country has brought a different kind of Ministry and different challenges to us as individuals and as a family unit.

We have 2 boys and 4 girls, We have 3 high school teachers (2 math and an English) and 3 people who worked in Student Ministry last year. A Minnesotan, Utah non-mormonite, Delawarian, Chicagoite, a Texan, and one from the great state of South Dakota. Our ages are: 26,26, 25, 24,23 and 23... I'll leave guessing who's who in this category to the reader.

This is not a group of people that ever claims to know the answer. We are broken and want to learn from every situation. We are learning to be live like a true Acts 2 church, learning what our gifts are, and learning how to challenge each other and push each other beyond the current definition of comfortable.

What else can I tell you oh, we love to laugh. Fun seems to follow our team wherever we go. I refer you my photo blog of Botswana should you need more convincing! We thrive on being ridiculous and joking with someone is definitely a love language on our team.

You know, coming on the world race I sort of expected to generally like the people I was with... they seemed interesting enough. God far surpassed that expectation. I never really expected to genuinely love each of the 5 people I get to spend every day with this year. I don't really know if that happens for everyone... but if I had to do it all over again, I can promise you that I would choose these 5 as my travel partners for this year.

I hope you will enjoy reading all about them as much as I enjoy talking about them!

Hear is a blog that Danny wrote back in November that explains a little bit about the natural roles that each team member falls into. It's still pretty true 6 months later and when I talk about how our team is passionate about God and that laughing is not too far behind.... it's a classic that you should read:

Our Little Church: Part 1 and Part 2

How to Celebrate a Birthday - World Race Style

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I really love birthdays. I didn't really know that about myself until last year when my friend was explaining to a stranger that I am always the first one to call him on his birthday... sometimes even before he had time to remember that it's his birthday himself. I love birthdays because it's chance to celebrate how amazing and wonderful the birthday person is. Now this is usually the very thing that turns people off from birthdays... all the attention... the ole "it's just another day" excuse. "Unacceptable," I say.

This year we've had the privilege of planning 5 World Race birthdays for our teammates. They were all kind enough to be born in different months so we have had a year of great celebrations! I had a great committee member, Colleen (except when she had to be selfish and have her own birthday!) and all of our teammates help out and then are top notch revelers when the big day arrives.

Now a world race birthday falls into a whole different category than a normal birthday. We are away from home so it is extra important to have a great day. And then there's the traveling lifestlye... on the World Race you rarely can pinpoint where you'll be and what you'll be doing on any given day. Will there be a grocery store? What about gifts? Given all your surroundings what kind of day would best suit the birthday person? This has been my favorite challenge of the year!

So this blog is a little guide should you ever find yourself traveling the world with your family of 6 trying to do it up for a bday:

How to Celebrate a World Race Birthday:

1. You must examine the calendar and make a guess at where you'll be for the day... this should probably happen one to two months earlier (Jackie was predicting where we would be several months in advance... airport or Africa, airport or Africa?)

2. About a month out the present gathering process should begin. Last minute shoppers beware: there may or may not even be grocery stores available the week before the big day. Shop early.

Present suggestions:

* Food is always a good choice for the world racer far from home... we chose to give each of our teammates their favorite cereal (or the closest we could get). Dannys birthday was April 9^th in Botswana and he just finished his Birthday Granola last week... that's right, it made the continent jump...

* Presents you would receive at home are often hard to come by:

-so usually you have to go for something meaningfully funny and or just ridiculous. -often we end up with many many little presents instead of just one big one

Danny with his pile of presents and morning Mocha.

Everyone's favorite pirate... Lenses Magee

Here you will find Colleen celebrating her pens and my little pony pencil case

3. The element of surprise is key...

4. When planning the actual day you need to consider your surroundings... if you can swing the scenic location we had for Lindsey's birthday in Mozambique... your day is already off and running:

5. Cater to the birthday person:

For Kyle our resident hunter... what could be more perfect than a day out hunting his teammates with a paintball gun?

Note: also a great release of team tension

For Jackie's birthday we went out for milk shakes and did a big game day (picture unavailable, sorry!)

Or for Colleens birthday we went out and played dress up in the Mall...

6. Old school party games are always a great choice... we've seen pinatas, scavenger hunts, and (imported from Chicago :) ) pin the tail on the donkey all succeed for Birthday Fun

7. Dinner: if you can manage to cook up a close knock off of the birthday persons favorite "home foods"... if you can get a group of Botswanans to cook up a feast of native foods... even better.

8. Finally, the birthday dessert... please don't forget this step!

Our pictures from birthdays are rather random... but we never missed a picture of the cake!

This year we had a treat... it's called the "Grammy Bomb." It is an ice cream cake crafted by Colleen's world race famous Graminator. This is our first (rather sad) attempt for Kyle's birthday:

Jackie blowing out the candles on the "best cake we could find/create in Swaziland" Cake

Lindsey blowing out the candles on her Mozambiquen homeade by South Africans cake:

By Dannys birthday our birthday crew had gotten so good that we made one heck of a Grammy Bomb and another cake showed up at the party... the double portion continues.

For Colleen we went through several options and landed on a Pizookie... combining several of her favorite things... large cookies, ice cream, peanut m&ms, and high school musical (??)

The last thing you should know is that there is no need to spend money on plates or napkins... because 95% of World Race Birthday Cakes are eaten something like this...

9. Finally, when you don't have an actual legit birthday to celebrate... you can always find a "half birthday" to celebrate just for fun:

Heres to many Happy Birthdays to come!

Calling

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Byron is 10 years old. Only two years ago he was sitting in the lines of children in wheel chairs we saw everyday at the hospital we spent time at in Antigua. He didn't speak, he didn't interact and he didn't eat solids.

His story was headed the way of so many children we saw... their parents can't take care of them... or won't because of the extreme stigma that sits on a family when they have a handicapped child. So they are taken into San Pedro Hospital... which is a great institution... they do the best they can... but they are still an institution. The nurses do what they can... but the amount of love the children receive depends on how many visitors are in that week... and when there are none? They sit in the morning, receive their three meals a day, have their medical needs taken care of, and are in bed by noon. It's just too much for the nurses to take on.

So there sat Byron. Until one day a kind hearted man named Dick took one look in his eyes and saw the sparkle that so many overlook. He sprung into action.

Dick has been in Antigua full time for 5 years and has used his love for the disabled to change the lives of so many. He works with a group who receive used wheel chairs, fix them up and then distribute them throughout Guatemala. Dick also is the resident father figure to the kids in his neighborhood. He also is a great friend to all of the residents in the hospital and a fantastic advocate for what it takes to not just take care of them... but to give them LIFE. You should see the commotion when the residents hear his voice... the place is a flurry of hand-clapping, bouncing up and down and shouts of joy. Who knows what will happen... he brings them out to lunch, out to church, wrestles with them, and talks to them like they are his friends.

With Byron Dick was convinced that he could be in a power chair. He tried several times to get him in a hand controlled chair but with his tremors he couldn't quite master it. Dick went to work rigging up a chair that Byron could control with his head.

Off he went.

Within 6 months Byron was transformed. The ability to make a choice about where he went switched on his whole personality. He talks and laughs, causes trouble, eats solid food and loves going out anywhere with Dick. He really became a 10 year old boy. His best friend just happens to be an amazing man 50+ years his superior.

As I have prayed about the future... life after the race... God keeps bringing me back to this idea:

Life-giving health care

For a good part of this year I thought that I would show up to some country and hear a mandate handed down in a big booming movie-God voicetelling me where to go after the race. No booming voice yet! I was sure that it would be something really unique in the middle of nowhere on the other side of the world and that it would be this huge sacrifice. Instead, I just keep coming back to Occupational Therapy School... in St Louis.... about as middle of America as you can get.

It's been confirmed over and over. And usually the confirmations come in on the days when my emotions are tugging me away from this path. The application I filled out last year before the race is still visit, housing with extended family only 25 mins from school, promises that I can still spend time at the G42 "kitchen table" during breaks, the list goes on... most recently amended with our time at the hospital. Meeting a team of Occupational Therapists there on a missions trip? Amazing. The way that Dick advocates for the people in the hospital and pours himself into his neighborhood kids? Inspiring. The way that each of those children instantly implanted themselves on my heart? Confirmation.

So that's the path I'm on... it leads to St Louis for now. I know that someday it will lead me back to my Byron. Byron is my calling. I want to spend my life letting children whose stories don't suggest it be kids. I want to be in places where the basic medical needs are taken care of and see their quality of life improve. I want to see people receive life. To become 10 year old boys... or 40 year old women... or 60 year old men. To see them dream. To see them fall in love with their Maker and their Savior.

So what is G42?

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In my last blog I told you a little about my encounters and entry into G42- The 42^nd Generation.

Here I want to give you some explanations that far exceed how I could explain any of this.

The series of blogs I've linked to here explains the G42 teachings:

What is the 42nd Generation?

42nd Generation- Stops En Route to Your Destiny

42nd Generation is about getting inheritance

42nd Generation- Stop Your Wildnerness Thinking!

The 42nd Generation Will Cross Into The Promised Land

The 42nd Generation Will Change the World

Here Seth explains some of the beliefs of the G42 tribe...

Like metal filings to a magnet, a tribe is gathering. It looks a bit rag tag and broken, but in our spirits, we've seen a better day and are moving toward it and each other. Metaphorically, we're like the children of Israel moving out of the wilderness of our own isolation. If we look a little different, it's because there are a few things that set us apart. Here they are:

BELIEVERS AND OPTIMISTS
Yes, the world is a mess, but we serve the Lord of all glory and our best days lie ahead. We may not have crossed over the Jordan yet, but we've got our toes in the water and have our eyes on the Promised Land.

TROUBLED SEEKERS
We've looked inside ourselves and know that we're a mess. It may not be pretty, but we're going to press into the pain, confront those hard things that have left us broken, and move toward wholeness. Ken and Barbie don't exist in our tribe.

GRACE GIVERS
Having stared into the abyss of our mess, we would suffocate without the freedom to coexist without judging or being judged. None of us has a leg up on any others. We're at peace within ourselves and with each other because we've taken the inside look, we know that our brokenness is normal - part of being human.

DEEPLY COVENANTAL
We're still working this one out since almost none of us were raised this way. We were raised to be independent and consumeristic. Yet in spite of our tangled motives and tendencies, we've committed to each other and the tribe for life. We'll argue and get mad, but we won't walk away from the table.

ACTIVISTS AND WARRIORS
We're not happy with the status quo and we're going to do more than just discuss the world's problems. We're God's change agents on planet earth. Jesus gave us all authority and we intend to use it to bring hope to all the hopeless we can find. A few of us may be wounded or die along the way; we're not unrealistic about the price to be paid.

THROW PACHANGAS
"Pachanga" is Spanish for an all-out celebration. Celebrating God, His people, and his creation is our deepest pleasure. We worship and party with equal abandon. We love the exuberance of a multi-generational dance beneath the stars.

And finally... here is a little video clip of Andrew Shearman explaining what is meant to "die or be killed." If you click on the vimeo link you can find a lot more video clips of Andrew and Gary Black explaining their hearts on a whole bunch of topics:

Andrew Shearman 1 from Seth Simonson on Vimeo.

I ran off and joined a tribe

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

G42. A tribe. Coming Alive. Swimming in the Mystery. Identity and Calling. The World Race.

What is this all about? Great question... a question I've asked myself repeatedly this year. The World Race started as a mission trip... a rather long interesting mission trip. It combined so many interests... God, traveling, helping people, community, etc. It's not that they conceal information... they tell you it's going to be hard, you're going to break many times over, the year will go really fast, you will never be the same.... and that it will be worth it. But like so many things... you really just can't understand until you're out in the world... struggling, breaking, speeding along, changing forever, and learning that it is indeed worth it.

There is a movement that walks hand in hand with The World Race called G42... or the 42^nd generation. This is a tribe of people sold out for Jesus, trying to live out their faith the best they can, aiming to raise up a generation of people that will receive their inheritance... oh, and a little thing about reclaiming keys to the kingdom every step of the way. I haven't written earlier about because I don't know how to explain it... but luckily the amazing men and women behind this tribe having been explaining it in great detail recently... much of which I will disperse to you in my next blog after I tell you just a little about my journey:

Beginning of the Philippines: Seth Barnes did a teaching about a process of abandon, brokenness, dependence on God, empowerment and receiving your identity in Christ, receiving your calling, and confirmation of that calling. I knew at this point (two months in or so) that I had experienced some of this, I knew enough of my identity to know that God had a lot more to show me, and that I wanted to know my calling (in a far off, "who even knows what a calling looks like?" kind of way).

Beginning of Africa: After traveling to Africa for many days, completely drained, I was sitting on the floor of Gary Black's living room listening to him talk about turning on our gifts, jumping in completely, swimming in the mystery and just running at God full force (this was only maybe 20 minute talk by the way)... enter empowerment... my heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest... there was only one obedient response... I sat Gary and Lisa down at the table and told them the only thing I could... "I don't even know what this means but, I'm in."

Since then: We've been treated to amazing teachings by "The General" Andrew Shearman. I want to follow him around with a tape recorder and glean from every word he says (luckily you can watch him on video now!). Andrew baptized me on Good Friday. Gary and Lisa have continued to pour into us and challenging us every step of the way. This tribe of people promises no easy answers. One of my favorite things is when I ask Gary too many questions and it switches on spiritual father mode and the reply is "I'm in it with you... figure it out." They struggle and grow right along side us.

I'm learning to chase my identity and inheritance through the discomfort and occasional moments of outright pain. I am learning to have God's eyes and to try to allow myself to see people as God sees them. God, Community, traveling and helping people are still some of my favorite things I just see them from a different view point. I've even received some pieces of my calling (stay tuned!).

Two little words "I'm in." And I can't go back.

They didn't lie...this is hard. And it is worth it.

The Antig-GANZA

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the Antigua Guatemala Installment of the Colleen and Sarah Photo extravaGANZAS!

This month we left the the guys behind for some manistry time. We have no idea what has happened after the taking of this photo and we may be better off that way...

The 4 Team LESS girls, Traci and Krystle from Ignite and 5/6 of the Beloved Ones headed to Antigua

After 10 months of traveling we found that many of us fit right in with the backpackers... and others found their flair for Guatemalan Culture... well maybe just one in particular.

Antigua is a BEAUTIFUL city with many historical sights, cobblestone roads, old cathedrals... and adorable elderly people.

Here are several photos from around town:

One morning a group of us headed up to Pacaya, an active volcano only 2 hours from our little city!

Jackie, Sarah and Lindsey in front of the Volcano... and the whole group of World Race hikers.

Parts of the rock were hot enough to do this to marshmallows... and to the soles of shoes if you dont step carefully!

There were a few close calls... but we all made it back safely.

We spent time in a hospital for mentally disabled children and adults. We made lots of great friends with the amazing women and children who live there.

Colleen and Gloria... who loved her makeup and always had lots of jewelry on display

Krystle and Lupe with her award winning smile

Kari and Gloria hugging over our lunch outting to a local chicken restaurant

Jackie and Rufina became instant friends

The whole group on our way back from lunch

Every day it was amazing to see local people and missionaries spreading love around the hospital

This is Dick playing with Byron in the park. There is not nearly enough space here to explain how much we love him and how wonderful he is... consider this a sneak peak into future blogs.

a great candid shot of Lindsey loving life in Antigua

Lest you should think we forgot... here are some of the unique sights from our time in Antigua

When our friend refused a photo with Colleen for the third or fourth time... she decided to take matters into her own hands... and chase him through the streets

One day there was a party slash competition at the hospital. From what we can gather... people were divided into colored teams with mascots... and then completed tasks all over the hospital. Here you will see Team Bear crossing the pool and Team Construction Paper Donkey running off to their next event.

What competition would be complete without a rainy character dance-off in the courtyard...

At first glance... Sarah thought she was looking back in time when a bumble bee came running by.... but in fact, they actually made more than one bumble bee costume for children... to be worn by adults.

Finally, there was a concert at the hospital one afternoon... and much to our surprise and enjoyment we found out that Willy Nelson doubles as a xylophone enthusiast in Antigua.

Well, thats all for now... see you at the next... extravaGANZA!!

Panama Picture Extravaganza

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our team recently spent 2 amazing weeks in Panama. We hope these pictures will give you some insight into our experiences.

... so welcome to the latest Colleen and Sarah photo extravaGANZA!

Danny and Lindsey preparing to overwhelm the taxi drivers with 6 people, 6 packs, 6 backpacks, a guitar and few purses...

Hydration is very important when you are visiting the Panam Canal

Jackie, aka J Money, doing her thing wherever and whenever she can

Our first weekend we got to go to Campamiento, an annual youth retreat for the high school...

One of these things is not like the others... (Note the miracle taking place: you are witnessing over 100 teenagers on the beach by 6am for morning devotions and very energetic games)

Kari and the Staff splashing around

Sunrise

Several days during our week we got to go to the Comador (a feeding center). It was run by an adorable Grandpa-man named Bernardo. We helped paint chairs, make a table, pour cement and serve food to all his little friends.

Colleen documents the morning zone out trend from our team waiting for the bus.... versus Sarah.

Kyle helping Bernardo put together a table

Just a Grandpa doing what he loves to do.

Carlos

Saving some for later?

Three cheers for food... (and Americans with cameras!)

Here are a few pictures from our time at the school. We got to follow teachers around and teach English.

Hard at work

Teacher Colleen and one of her amazing students

On Saturday we got to attend the International Day of Prayer! It was a big festival at the school... complete with a performance by the students of cultural dancing. No captions for these ones... just some beautiful photos.

These are a few pictures of our host family:

Matteo really is this cool

Pedrito, Pedro and Maria at dinner on of our last nights

Adios friends!

Normal Things...

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our time in Panam was filled with many interesting experiences. When we looked at our pictures we discovered that there were lots of very unique sights and experiences that we want to share with you here.

... so welcome to the Things I Never Thought Id See Colleen and Sarah Photo extravaGANZA!!

At the Prayer Day we found out that they needed balloon animals made... over 100 balloon animals.

As we have no formal clown training and are somewhat timid around balloons and clowns, we were amazed to find that we actually have the balloon animal annointing (right Gary B?).

Many many many balloon dogs later... all of the children were happy customers.

In other unused skill sets... Sarah was signed up for modeling class at the Campamiento... and was quickly awarded a tiara.

Take your Daughter to Work Day- the daughter of our cab driver crusing around with him watching videos on a Saturday

Sorry AIM... we tried to stop him. But Danny became a RACATACA (local lingo for a Panamanian woman who gets in many fights)

Gary L. requesting a hug photo

Our grown men entranced (understatement) by the magic shop in the mall

First, we found a spot where we could leave our bags while we finished our shopping. Then, came the surprise... instead of a ticket.... or a tag... we recieved a numbered shopping basket to reclaim our packages when we returned.

At 3am one night of traveling... our bus was stopped at a drug check point. First, drug officers boarded the bus yelling a very latino name. Next, we had to exit the bus with all of gear. Then, they let loose the drug dogs... not german shepards... the ever feared COCKER SPANIEL!! The fearsome beast was relentless... he didnt even pause at the muffins sitting on Sarahs pillow... as Danny said Scruff McGee! Take a bite out of crime!

... thats all for now... see you at our next photo extravaGANZA!!!

oh HEY Dads

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Father's Day to all of the Fathers, Uncles, Grandpas, and Spiritual Fathers I know... and to my Dad-man!

I wanted to make sure you know that Fathers Day is celebrated in Latin America as well... we found this handsome Father in the Walmart type store in Costa Rica.

Here is a story about both Father's Day and Famous Faced Stalker Team LESS has acquired...

At the school in Panama, the 4th grade students had to bring in a picture of their Dad and right a few sentences about him for a bulletin board.

From far away this bulletin board looked like any other:

Upon closer examination there were many heart felt sentiments such as the ones from this child... who's Father is both short AND fun.

We also couldn't help but notice that there was a familiar face a little out of place on this board:

Closer still...

George Clooney! The very same George caught during our time in Botswanna snuggling in bed with Danny Gutman...

So riddle me this... why is George stalking us? What could the spiritual significance be of encountering George on two different continents? And he complains about the paparazzi...

Now that we've got that sorted out... here is a picture of my great amazing wonderful Dad and my "baby" brother, Sam:

Dadman, Thank you so much for all you do. You are a wonderful Father. It has been amazing to get to know you even better this past year than I ever have before. You have an amazing heart. I hope you have a great day... I love you!

Happy Fathers Day One and All!

Update and Meat Log

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Update

Hello... writing from San Jose Costa Rica in the middle of a bus riding marathon. We boarded the bus last night at 11pm and arrived here this afternoon around 4. Tomorrow we will spend another day on the bus to get up to Managua, Nicaragua. After that the men for LESS will be joing the Ignite guys for 10 days for what has become a world race tradition, "Manistry." The LESS girls and a few additions will be going to Antigua, Guatemala (Another 2 days bus ride!) to work with an orphange there.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for our whole squad as we are traveling like crazy

Pray for health... lots of people are a little sick and we're heading into the land of many parasites

Pray for perserverance.... it's been on my mind a lot recently that although few of us are just "done" with the race we're all tired in different areas... (ie patience, or group travel, or new places, etc) I pray that no one on my squad will miss a single experience God has lined up for us because we're tired of something and focusing on that.

One of our coaches in in surgery today... please pray for Lisa Black and her amazing family

THANK YOU!

Meat Log

Panama: Sow (the pickled calf area of a pig)

Costa Rica: Zip lining, pedaling around on a pink beach cruiser

Africa: Warthog, Pop (it's white and looks like mashed potatoes but it's corn meal and very flavorless), sleeping in our tents, seeing big bugs and snakes, goat meat, hitchhiking to the grocery store, our Kruger safari, planting a church, big kid baptism, hiking up the side of a mountain with no path, swimming across a lake

China: New Foods: Pigeon, Yak, Yak Milk tea, Pheasant egg, Pig stomach (a delicacyJ). We saw: the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and parts of the Forbidden City. We rode on trains (for more than 90 hours in 2.5 weeks!). And finally, my favorite, being pulled by a little Chinese man down a street in a rickshaw it was as ridiculous as you think

Philippines: New Foods: Lumpia, Adobo, and pheasant eggs, Adventures: Playing paint ball, swimming in the Manila bay/South China Sea, sleeping on a beach, riding in a Jeepney (see below) and a Tricycle (moto with a sidecar!), lice encounters, holding a puffer fish, spending Christmas on a beach, Thai massages, Thai massage in a pizza place at the table while you wait for your food, drinking a frappachino (who knew Starbucks would be an adventure that would catch up with me on the other side of the world!

Cambodia: Riding a motorcycle sidesaddle (riding a moto at all), eating fermented duck egg (a delicacy here- Hard boiled 19 day old duck eggs (Containing a fully formed baby duck fetus) ), "Shark Fruit Eyes" which is actually "Shake Fruit on Ice" but we thought we were getting fruit and shark eyes right until the fruit smoothie was set down in front of us!, eating fruit salad in coconut milk topped with shaved ice and one raw egg cracked over top, Jack Fruit, Twice Baked Frog on a Stick, Tarantula Legs

Thailand: New Fruits: Dragon Fruit, Longon, Rambutan, Eating sheep we slaughtered at the farm skinned butchered and bbqd that night, pig intestine soup, sleeping in a tree house, planting a pineapple field, using a hoe to mow the front lawn, eating fried frog, using a machete to make sticks to plant in the front yard which will grow into a fence, surfing at a lake, eating a whole fish, Bananas boiled in coconut milk (best dessert ever), bright pink taxicabs, tuktuks

Tales from the 6th Grade

Sat, 7 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our last week in Arraijan, Panama has been amazing. We are working with a baptist church full of young adults that love working with youth and with children. Many of them are associated with a sort-of-bilingual private school in the area (we are sleeping on the Principals floor!). They asked us to come and help the students practice English. Everyday we earn our title of "native speakers" many times over. I was assigned to work with the two sixth grade classrooms with Teacher Nelson. I have never seen a group of 11 year-olds so focused on learning. Plus, there are many benefits to being their American... such as the standing ovation I receive every morning when I enter the classrooms. Nelson is a really wonderful teacher, the kind of teach you can tell loves his job.

Our last day together he gave me the opportunity to share my story with the students and to prepare the topic for their "Mind Map" (sort of like brainstorming as near as I can tell).

After my story I decided to tell them the story of Joshua and the Israelites... a story that just keeps coming up this year. I told them how God did amazing things for the Israelites but they would always forget and run back to their idols. At the end of the book of Joshua, he is addressing God's people and tells them that they have a choice. They must choose who they will serve... God or Idols. That message resonates in our lives today, doesn't it?

Enter the Mind Map. Our topic was "Choose who you will serve." And we drew pictures of what it looks like to serve God or to Serve an idol.

I will let a few pictures demonstrate the results:

(please note the boy with the heart thoughts idolizing his girlfriend... they were very proud of this example)

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!" Joshua 24:15