Monday, July 28, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
What I learned from Ricardo
As Ricardo sat in the dirt and sobbed I realized we had changed his life (at least for the moment). We had spent 5 intense days playing, singing, creating and learning with him and his 120 amigos. When we first arrived at the Rosarito Church we weren’t sure what to expect. Having been there before I had ideas, just no certainties. As we pulled in we looked for the throngs of el ninos. There were none. We piled out of the vans and with a guarded excitement strolled towards the doors leading into the church. SITTING inside were 70 el ninos (children) which brought immediate pleasure and surprise to the 11 el teenos and their leaders. For months, the ninos had been waiting for this moment, frequently asking Arturo “when the Canadians come in, when the Canadians come in. . .? We had arrived and excitement was in the air.
We ended each day as a team, sharing our highs and lows . For 45 minutes, 18 people spoke of things that both amazed and challenged them. “My high is seeing how happy the kids are with so little.” “My low is that we have to leave on Friday.” One morning I asked the team to share some of the things they had learned. A theme quickly emerged. “I’ve learned you don’t need stuff to be happy. All a person needs is family and friends.” As human beings, we know this to be true. In fact, we know this to be obvious. It’s just. . .
For 35 minutes, the teens tried unsuccessfully to calm Ricardo’s tears. When it became clear the well was not going to dry up anytime soon, I encouraged the teens to say their final goodbyes and gave Ricardo a hug of my own. We watched him stand up and begin to walk away, slowly disappearing down the dirt road. As he walked he frequently turned around to see if #1 – we were still there and #2 if we were still there. Of course we were, how could we go? I think I'll remember that walk forever. Slumped shoulders, head bowed low, legs dragging his wilted body forward. Just when he or we had seemingly survived the moment - he fell to his knees. A few moments later the teens emerged at his side, resuming the grieving once more. It was heartbreaking to watch and one of those moments you don’t forget.
Short term missions are rarely about THEM. We act like they are because it’s hard to raise funds “so WE can have a life changing experience” but ultimately, that is the reason we go. The impact of a sobbing Ricardo on a group of Western teenagers is far greater in the long run than any impact they’ll have on him. Ricardo will grow up and soon forget about that week in 2008 but the teens will never forget. It will forever be etched in their memories even when emotions no longer accompany it. I’ve lead 3 trips of this kind and people from the first trip still talk about Tijuana like it was yesterday. Something occurs deep inside of us when we meet people living a life we know to be true. Beyond the bare necessities, the kids have nothing. Their houses, clothes, roads, are all falling apart. They have no cell phones, computers, or trends. They’ve never checked their Facebook or received a text message. They have no tickets to watch their team or hats to show they cheer for one. They have no urge to see The Dark Knight. Yet in spite of all this, they don’t act like they are missing out or rage because of their unmet needs. They live like they have all they need. How is that possible we wonder? We wonder, yet we know.
As we rumbled past the Mexican border on our way to LA the scenery quickly changed from a dirty grey to a sparkling green - almost like we had passed through a dimension in time and ended up in paradise. We arrived at our Castle Hotel about 7pm and after checking in, we quickly departed to the local theatre to catch the premiere of The Dark Knight. We ended up getting tickets to the final showing at Midnight - which meant we now had 3 hours to kill in Disneyland. FRICK. jk. We ended up killing time by going to a restaurant in downtown Disney. Apparently the restaurant requires reservations months in advance but they fell for the charm that is The John and let all 18 of us in immediately. One of the teens that frequents the land of the Mick said "John, my mind is blown." haha, I do what I can teeno.
After the restaurant we went to the theatre to sit in line for an hour because as you all know, purchasing the ticket is only step 1 in the movie experience. The doors opened and hundreds of LA batman junkies poured into the theatre. The excitement level was high and remained high throughout the movie as the audience clapped and cheered throughout. The Joker was mesmerizing and I remember thinking I hadn't seen a performance of that magnitude in years. Mr. Ledger may very well become the 7th grave-dweller to secure an Oscar nomination. In fact, I predict he will.
We arrived back at the hotel just after 3am and after prog reports, we fell into a deep sleep. We woke up 3 hours later so we could enjoy the FULL Disneyland experience. Did we ever. 15 hours and 20 rides later we arrived back at the hotel even later and more exhausted then the night before. What a rush.
The next day we flew home and after bragging to the parents about their wonderful teens I went back through security to catch another plane to Vancouver Island where I am now vacationing in Crofton, an ocean town of 2000. I've swam in the Ocean, played with dead sealife, climbed mountains and just yesterday lept off one, paragliding for miles. As huge of a rush as that was, my realtor called me this morning to inform me he had finally sold our house. Because of the crap market we were forced to sell it for tens of thousands less than we originally wanted but in the end we still walk away with tens of thousands more so I choose thankfulness instead of the other kind.
Its been an incredible ride, these past few weeks. I think about all the things I've experienced in that time and I realize some people will live a lifetime and never experience any of those things. Like Ricardo. He may never see LA. I'm guessing he'll never go to Disneyland, or wait in line for 2 hours to see the hit movie of the summer. He'll never fly across the world, paraglide off a mountain or sweat for 2 months for fear of only making 5 figures on his house instead of the expected 6. Neither will 110 of his 120 amigos. What do I do with that? Should I feel guilty? Do I purge myself of all that is The Western World and live like Ricardo? Should I spit on my own countrymen judging them for living a life opposite to our Mexican friends? It's tempting, believe me. But, in the end it wouldn't be beneficial. Certainly not for Ricardo. And probably not for me. So I do better.
I will learn from Ricardo. I will love much and lust for little. And I'll reserve my smiles and tears for the things that really matter. You.
John
We ended each day as a team, sharing our highs and lows . For 45 minutes, 18 people spoke of things that both amazed and challenged them. “My high is seeing how happy the kids are with so little.” “My low is that we have to leave on Friday.” One morning I asked the team to share some of the things they had learned. A theme quickly emerged. “I’ve learned you don’t need stuff to be happy. All a person needs is family and friends.” As human beings, we know this to be true. In fact, we know this to be obvious. It’s just. . .
For 35 minutes, the teens tried unsuccessfully to calm Ricardo’s tears. When it became clear the well was not going to dry up anytime soon, I encouraged the teens to say their final goodbyes and gave Ricardo a hug of my own. We watched him stand up and begin to walk away, slowly disappearing down the dirt road. As he walked he frequently turned around to see if #1 – we were still there and #2 if we were still there. Of course we were, how could we go? I think I'll remember that walk forever. Slumped shoulders, head bowed low, legs dragging his wilted body forward. Just when he or we had seemingly survived the moment - he fell to his knees. A few moments later the teens emerged at his side, resuming the grieving once more. It was heartbreaking to watch and one of those moments you don’t forget.
Short term missions are rarely about THEM. We act like they are because it’s hard to raise funds “so WE can have a life changing experience” but ultimately, that is the reason we go. The impact of a sobbing Ricardo on a group of Western teenagers is far greater in the long run than any impact they’ll have on him. Ricardo will grow up and soon forget about that week in 2008 but the teens will never forget. It will forever be etched in their memories even when emotions no longer accompany it. I’ve lead 3 trips of this kind and people from the first trip still talk about Tijuana like it was yesterday. Something occurs deep inside of us when we meet people living a life we know to be true. Beyond the bare necessities, the kids have nothing. Their houses, clothes, roads, are all falling apart. They have no cell phones, computers, or trends. They’ve never checked their Facebook or received a text message. They have no tickets to watch their team or hats to show they cheer for one. They have no urge to see The Dark Knight. Yet in spite of all this, they don’t act like they are missing out or rage because of their unmet needs. They live like they have all they need. How is that possible we wonder? We wonder, yet we know.
As we rumbled past the Mexican border on our way to LA the scenery quickly changed from a dirty grey to a sparkling green - almost like we had passed through a dimension in time and ended up in paradise. We arrived at our Castle Hotel about 7pm and after checking in, we quickly departed to the local theatre to catch the premiere of The Dark Knight. We ended up getting tickets to the final showing at Midnight - which meant we now had 3 hours to kill in Disneyland. FRICK. jk. We ended up killing time by going to a restaurant in downtown Disney. Apparently the restaurant requires reservations months in advance but they fell for the charm that is The John and let all 18 of us in immediately. One of the teens that frequents the land of the Mick said "John, my mind is blown." haha, I do what I can teeno.
After the restaurant we went to the theatre to sit in line for an hour because as you all know, purchasing the ticket is only step 1 in the movie experience. The doors opened and hundreds of LA batman junkies poured into the theatre. The excitement level was high and remained high throughout the movie as the audience clapped and cheered throughout. The Joker was mesmerizing and I remember thinking I hadn't seen a performance of that magnitude in years. Mr. Ledger may very well become the 7th grave-dweller to secure an Oscar nomination. In fact, I predict he will.
We arrived back at the hotel just after 3am and after prog reports, we fell into a deep sleep. We woke up 3 hours later so we could enjoy the FULL Disneyland experience. Did we ever. 15 hours and 20 rides later we arrived back at the hotel even later and more exhausted then the night before. What a rush.
The next day we flew home and after bragging to the parents about their wonderful teens I went back through security to catch another plane to Vancouver Island where I am now vacationing in Crofton, an ocean town of 2000. I've swam in the Ocean, played with dead sealife, climbed mountains and just yesterday lept off one, paragliding for miles. As huge of a rush as that was, my realtor called me this morning to inform me he had finally sold our house. Because of the crap market we were forced to sell it for tens of thousands less than we originally wanted but in the end we still walk away with tens of thousands more so I choose thankfulness instead of the other kind.
Its been an incredible ride, these past few weeks. I think about all the things I've experienced in that time and I realize some people will live a lifetime and never experience any of those things. Like Ricardo. He may never see LA. I'm guessing he'll never go to Disneyland, or wait in line for 2 hours to see the hit movie of the summer. He'll never fly across the world, paraglide off a mountain or sweat for 2 months for fear of only making 5 figures on his house instead of the expected 6. Neither will 110 of his 120 amigos. What do I do with that? Should I feel guilty? Do I purge myself of all that is The Western World and live like Ricardo? Should I spit on my own countrymen judging them for living a life opposite to our Mexican friends? It's tempting, believe me. But, in the end it wouldn't be beneficial. Certainly not for Ricardo. And probably not for me. So I do better.
I will learn from Ricardo. I will love much and lust for little. And I'll reserve my smiles and tears for the things that really matter. You.
John
Friday, July 11, 2008
Bacheing
I debated the spelling. Should I leave off the e? Add a T? In the end I stand by Bacheing. It's what I've been doing. I said to Angie yesterday "you realize its been 2 weeks since I've seen you and the kids." She couldn't believe it. Apparently time's just flying by for her. How nice. Well dearie, it will continue to fly by another 9 days. I'm heading to Meh hee hoe. Tijuana.
Gotta be honest, I was actually looking forward to my bacheing time. Eat whatever I want, watch whatever I want, wear whatever I want, fart on anything I want. . .truth be hold I've done all these things. And its been fine. But here's the rub: I've discovered I'm the kind of guy that needs his wife. Needs his kids. I thought I didn't but I do. I thought I could go without but I can't. Angie's my best friend, the kids add energy and joy to everything I do. Without them I've felt lost, almost floating.
The good news is me and the cat have kinda bonded. Turns out Rusty's not that bad. Every night when I get home there he is meowing at me to open the door and start the party. And its not just some normal meow, its a low moaning meow almost like he's saying "I need you master. I need you to feed me then stroke me." * haha, I could insert an Angie joke here but nah. I was gonna take old Rust to the SPCA because I'll be gone for 3 weeks and then we're traveling for the year. I was gonna, but I couldn't. Which is a real surprise. The other 4 who live with me wouldn't be lying if they told you they 'd seen Rusty airborne, tumbing out the door many a time. Its true. Sometimes he annoys me. But lately he's made me soft. er. So I didn't take him. And I haven't thrown him. Instead, I'm leaving him at home while I'm gone and asking the trusty neighbors to keep watch and insure his dish is always full. See, people can change.
As I said, I'm headed to Meh hee ho. It's Mexico actually but I've pronounced it like that as long as I can remember. It makes me feel kinda neat. I'm taking 17 people with me, so it should be intense. We'll be teaching the ins and outs of God's love to 120 kids each morning while engaging in light construction in the afternoons. The evenings will be spent enjoying Tijuana's culture. Unfortunately not THAT culture. Can't expense THOSE things to the church. Can't stroll into THAT red light distri. . .I've taken 2 other groups before and its always been amazing. Arturo and Lupe are amazing hosts. In fact, they're the hostess with the mostess. Such great people. We're ending off the trip at Disneyland July 19. It'll be great. All of it. This is the kind of stuff I live for as a youth minister. We leave in 20 hours.
Before I yo quero Taco Bell myself away I should probably update you on our house and travel plans. Our house continues to be visited by many people (12 this week) but no buyers as of yet. In spite of that, we are confident it will sell eventually. It has to. Our travel plans have stalled as of late, we were hot and heavy at them for months and have kinda taken a break. We are still excited we're just more cautious I guess since our house is still for sale. That being said, we have nearly finalized our Europe plans (Sept 19 - Dec 30) and I just paid the balance on our tickets. So we're going. . .no matter what. The only thing that may change is how long we go. Should be 10 months, could be 4. It all depends on how loving God is. haha. just kidding God. I know, I know you ARE love.
And there you have it. My life for the past 3 weeks. Oh yeah, I also went to a family reunion where I saw Mark and Blair and Pete and Chels and all my other cousins/friends. The sucky thing was nobody won the Close award this year. It's wierd because we invented the award - which begs the question -why can't we win our own award? I thought I should have won. For obvious reasons. Or even Chelsey. She's nice. Granted, she's not really a Close and she charges a lot for her pictures but she was there, at the reunion, and was pretty nice to everyone. Anyways, they could have given it to me. Or Chelsey. Me or Chelsey. Or just me. . .
John
Gotta be honest, I was actually looking forward to my bacheing time. Eat whatever I want, watch whatever I want, wear whatever I want, fart on anything I want. . .truth be hold I've done all these things. And its been fine. But here's the rub: I've discovered I'm the kind of guy that needs his wife. Needs his kids. I thought I didn't but I do. I thought I could go without but I can't. Angie's my best friend, the kids add energy and joy to everything I do. Without them I've felt lost, almost floating.
The good news is me and the cat have kinda bonded. Turns out Rusty's not that bad. Every night when I get home there he is meowing at me to open the door and start the party. And its not just some normal meow, its a low moaning meow almost like he's saying "I need you master. I need you to feed me then stroke me." * haha, I could insert an Angie joke here but nah. I was gonna take old Rust to the SPCA because I'll be gone for 3 weeks and then we're traveling for the year. I was gonna, but I couldn't. Which is a real surprise. The other 4 who live with me wouldn't be lying if they told you they 'd seen Rusty airborne, tumbing out the door many a time. Its true. Sometimes he annoys me. But lately he's made me soft. er. So I didn't take him. And I haven't thrown him. Instead, I'm leaving him at home while I'm gone and asking the trusty neighbors to keep watch and insure his dish is always full. See, people can change.
As I said, I'm headed to Meh hee ho. It's Mexico actually but I've pronounced it like that as long as I can remember. It makes me feel kinda neat. I'm taking 17 people with me, so it should be intense. We'll be teaching the ins and outs of God's love to 120 kids each morning while engaging in light construction in the afternoons. The evenings will be spent enjoying Tijuana's culture. Unfortunately not THAT culture. Can't expense THOSE things to the church. Can't stroll into THAT red light distri. . .I've taken 2 other groups before and its always been amazing. Arturo and Lupe are amazing hosts. In fact, they're the hostess with the mostess. Such great people. We're ending off the trip at Disneyland July 19. It'll be great. All of it. This is the kind of stuff I live for as a youth minister. We leave in 20 hours.
Before I yo quero Taco Bell myself away I should probably update you on our house and travel plans. Our house continues to be visited by many people (12 this week) but no buyers as of yet. In spite of that, we are confident it will sell eventually. It has to. Our travel plans have stalled as of late, we were hot and heavy at them for months and have kinda taken a break. We are still excited we're just more cautious I guess since our house is still for sale. That being said, we have nearly finalized our Europe plans (Sept 19 - Dec 30) and I just paid the balance on our tickets. So we're going. . .no matter what. The only thing that may change is how long we go. Should be 10 months, could be 4. It all depends on how loving God is. haha. just kidding God. I know, I know you ARE love.
And there you have it. My life for the past 3 weeks. Oh yeah, I also went to a family reunion where I saw Mark and Blair and Pete and Chels and all my other cousins/friends. The sucky thing was nobody won the Close award this year. It's wierd because we invented the award - which begs the question -why can't we win our own award? I thought I should have won. For obvious reasons. Or even Chelsey. She's nice. Granted, she's not really a Close and she charges a lot for her pictures but she was there, at the reunion, and was pretty nice to everyone. Anyways, they could have given it to me. Or Chelsey. Me or Chelsey. Or just me. . .
John
Friday, July 04, 2008
Theological Implications of Global Warming
Let me start by admitting I AM NOT A SCIENTIST. I'll leave all things sciency to my father. That being said, I do wish to comment on a sciency thing today, even though I'll almost assuredly embarass myself. If you are sciency, feel free to correct my ramblings. Dad? You out there? Tim Bolton?
Global Warming.
It was revealed this morning that of all the G8 countries, Canada is second to dead last on efforts to chill out Global Warming (this last phrase further proves my lack of sciencyness) Canada, often thought of as more liberal and socialist then our southern neighbours, is now more like them then ever before. Depending on your worldview, this may be a good thing. For me, not so much. (I love Americans I just hate their sin) Because what it means is the 2 richest countries in the world are now united in doing next to nothing to care for their planet while at the same time raping it of its natural resources faster then you can say Al Gore got robbed in 04.
Global Warming
From what I understand, Global Warming is what occurs as our Globe gets warmer. I could be wrong but I'm really relying on the name here so hopefully I'll be ok. All jokes aside, many reputable scientists and one past presidential candidate strongly believe that due to our reckless use of the planet's resources, namely fossil fuels, things are literally heating up causing rapid weather changes, melting ice caps, damaged coral among other things. The negative effects can be seen most notably on the plants and animals living in these areas. Weather, Coral, Icecaps, what's the big deal? Well, for starters, the latter has as many grams of fat as a Big Mac. True Story. But secondly, entire ecosystems are said to be in danger. If you've seen An Inconvenient Truth, you'll know what I'm talking about. When the temperature of the earth changes even a degree, numerous things are effected. In the last few decades, the rate at which this temperature has increased is greater then any time in recorded history - which is why scientists and Mr. Gore are pointing the fingers at us, and our misuse of fossil fuels.
My point in this post is not to deal so much with the science of Global Warming, way beyond my expertise, but rather its theology. Yes, theology. You may not think global warming could have theological implications but apparently it does because millions of North American Christians believe Global Warming is a myth. Think about that for a second. Millions of North American Christians believe Global warming is a myth. Now this is just a guess but I'm thinking that the average NA Christian doesn't have advance degrees in science nor have they ever really researched this phenomenon - which means, like me, they don't know jack squat about global warming. Yet, yet, they claim its a myth CREATED BY AL GORE to make money. Meanwhile, ecosystems continue to disappear.
My question today is what on earth does Global Warming have to do with a person's spirituality that causes them to not believe in it? Why do they deny its reality? What threat is that reality to their faith? If you are one of those people, please, for the love of God's ecosystems, tell me how the belief in Global Warming could interfere with your relationship with God. I really want to know.
For me, its the opposite. Global Warming has everything to do with my relationship with God which is why I DO BELIEVE. In the book of Genesis, we see God giving his planet to man for one reason - to care for it. (Genesis 2:15) In the beginning the earth was a gift from God to us. Yet ever since then we have been taking that gift for granted to the point where we now knowingly inject millions of metric tons of posinious gases into the air each day and only give it a second thought when tree huggers attempt to hold us accountable. Btw - a tree hugger is anyone who loves the planet. Apparently.
Seriously though guys, this is one fact that can't be denied. We knowingly inject posion into the air each day. I think every single person would agree that this occurs. So why is there so much controvery when scientists tell us that this same poison is beginning to affect the earth in negative ways and so we should dramatically cut down on our poisioning? Shouldn't this be expected? Its like a doctor telling his smoking patient that his habit is literally killing him and the smoker responding "your diagnosis is a myth and your just trying to make money off of your research." If we heard any smoker use this arguement, we might question their sanity.
So, what it is then? Why do so many Christians live in denial? It would be highly judgemental to suggest that these conservative, republican, suv/hummer driving/ Iraq supporting / Oil lovers would be against Global Warming for personal reasons so I won't go there. So, my only guess is they think by admitting Global Warming is occuring they are somehow implying God is no longer in control of his planet. What they forget is God gave up that control the same day he created us with free will. And when we use that free will to poision our own planet spawning Global Warming, its our bad, not his. The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, says the psalmist, yet the Lord gave that earth to us. And so our misuse of it has become his lack of control?? Can we honestly be ok with this?
This is a loaded topic, one I've wanted to write on for some time but haven't, not feeling inclined to poke the hornets nest. But after reading about MY COUNTRY'S EMBARASSING second last place finish today, I couldn't contain my thoughts any longer. If I have offended you, please know that I think your great, I just disagree with your opinions on the weather. That being said, I'd love for this to turn into a conversation so please, comment away!
John
Global Warming.
It was revealed this morning that of all the G8 countries, Canada is second to dead last on efforts to chill out Global Warming (this last phrase further proves my lack of sciencyness) Canada, often thought of as more liberal and socialist then our southern neighbours, is now more like them then ever before. Depending on your worldview, this may be a good thing. For me, not so much. (I love Americans I just hate their sin) Because what it means is the 2 richest countries in the world are now united in doing next to nothing to care for their planet while at the same time raping it of its natural resources faster then you can say Al Gore got robbed in 04.
Global Warming
From what I understand, Global Warming is what occurs as our Globe gets warmer. I could be wrong but I'm really relying on the name here so hopefully I'll be ok. All jokes aside, many reputable scientists and one past presidential candidate strongly believe that due to our reckless use of the planet's resources, namely fossil fuels, things are literally heating up causing rapid weather changes, melting ice caps, damaged coral among other things. The negative effects can be seen most notably on the plants and animals living in these areas. Weather, Coral, Icecaps, what's the big deal? Well, for starters, the latter has as many grams of fat as a Big Mac. True Story. But secondly, entire ecosystems are said to be in danger. If you've seen An Inconvenient Truth, you'll know what I'm talking about. When the temperature of the earth changes even a degree, numerous things are effected. In the last few decades, the rate at which this temperature has increased is greater then any time in recorded history - which is why scientists and Mr. Gore are pointing the fingers at us, and our misuse of fossil fuels.
My point in this post is not to deal so much with the science of Global Warming, way beyond my expertise, but rather its theology. Yes, theology. You may not think global warming could have theological implications but apparently it does because millions of North American Christians believe Global Warming is a myth. Think about that for a second. Millions of North American Christians believe Global warming is a myth. Now this is just a guess but I'm thinking that the average NA Christian doesn't have advance degrees in science nor have they ever really researched this phenomenon - which means, like me, they don't know jack squat about global warming. Yet, yet, they claim its a myth CREATED BY AL GORE to make money. Meanwhile, ecosystems continue to disappear.
My question today is what on earth does Global Warming have to do with a person's spirituality that causes them to not believe in it? Why do they deny its reality? What threat is that reality to their faith? If you are one of those people, please, for the love of God's ecosystems, tell me how the belief in Global Warming could interfere with your relationship with God. I really want to know.
For me, its the opposite. Global Warming has everything to do with my relationship with God which is why I DO BELIEVE. In the book of Genesis, we see God giving his planet to man for one reason - to care for it. (Genesis 2:15) In the beginning the earth was a gift from God to us. Yet ever since then we have been taking that gift for granted to the point where we now knowingly inject millions of metric tons of posinious gases into the air each day and only give it a second thought when tree huggers attempt to hold us accountable. Btw - a tree hugger is anyone who loves the planet. Apparently.
Seriously though guys, this is one fact that can't be denied. We knowingly inject posion into the air each day. I think every single person would agree that this occurs. So why is there so much controvery when scientists tell us that this same poison is beginning to affect the earth in negative ways and so we should dramatically cut down on our poisioning? Shouldn't this be expected? Its like a doctor telling his smoking patient that his habit is literally killing him and the smoker responding "your diagnosis is a myth and your just trying to make money off of your research." If we heard any smoker use this arguement, we might question their sanity.
So, what it is then? Why do so many Christians live in denial? It would be highly judgemental to suggest that these conservative, republican, suv/hummer driving/ Iraq supporting / Oil lovers would be against Global Warming for personal reasons so I won't go there. So, my only guess is they think by admitting Global Warming is occuring they are somehow implying God is no longer in control of his planet. What they forget is God gave up that control the same day he created us with free will. And when we use that free will to poision our own planet spawning Global Warming, its our bad, not his. The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, says the psalmist, yet the Lord gave that earth to us. And so our misuse of it has become his lack of control?? Can we honestly be ok with this?
This is a loaded topic, one I've wanted to write on for some time but haven't, not feeling inclined to poke the hornets nest. But after reading about MY COUNTRY'S EMBARASSING second last place finish today, I couldn't contain my thoughts any longer. If I have offended you, please know that I think your great, I just disagree with your opinions on the weather. That being said, I'd love for this to turn into a conversation so please, comment away!
John
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Around the world in 80 days
It's true. We are currently scheduled to fly out September 19. Originally it was September 20 but the budget airline we used just emailed us and said "yeah, so. . . we're gonna fly out a day earlier instead. ok? Kisses." You get what you pay for.
People ask me if I'm excited. The answer is yes. How could I not be? I'm pursuing my dreams of world travel. But. . .(there's always a but, a big hairy pock marked but) we still haven't sold our house. It's true. We thought we had sold it a few weeks ago but at the last second the deal fell through. Something about the buyer's limited credit. That one hurt. I think I struck every moutain on the way down from cloud 9. Since then, we've had a number of lookers, but that's it.
My dad was telling me about a dream he had the other night. Never before has he done this. In his dream God appeared to him and said "I'm really gonna make John sweat on this one (referring to the trip)" That was it, that was his dream. I was dumbfounded. I'm really gonna make John sweat?? What? Why? And why gossip to my dad about it? This whole thing is very unlike my dad, he doesn't typically share his dreams or even subscribe to an audible God. But. .. he also never lies and I've been sweating so. . .
When Angie and I made this decision, we knew it wouldn't be easy. I remember saying to her that most people work their whole lives to realize their dream so chances are we're not just gonna abra cadabra sell our house and alacazam fly off into the sunset. It'll be a grind. Well, it has and it is. Yeah we still have a couple months to sell our house, yeah everything will most likely work out in the end, but in the meantime this Island of Uknown sucks bigger then the Wings stealing Hossa today.
The unknown is a worse hell then the tragic known. At least you can move forward when you know. I've watched good friends live on this Island for years at a time only to discover the tragic known. Currently my friend Jordan and his wife Kari live there, waiting and wondering if their 10month old son Drew will overcome whatever it is that he might have. I can't imagine the soul ache they must feel.
Everyone we talk to tells us they just can't believe we have the courage to do this. They say things like"we'll never regret it, if we don't do it now we'll never do it again, that it will change our lives forever." Many have even said they live with regret today because they didn't do the same thing.
Those are the exact reasons we chose to do this. Hairy pock marked but. . .we still wonder.
Are we doing the right thing?
What if our house doesn't sell?
What if we don't deserve to go and that's why our house isn't selling?
What if. .. what if. . .what if. . . it's the twin Hell Island to the Unknown.
I return to my dad's dream. "I'm really gonna have to sweat." I have felt the sweat. Yet, I move forward anyways encouraged by the words of my good friend and fellow world traveler Kori Jones. "If it was easy, everyone would do it. Just keep the faith and move forward."
John
People ask me if I'm excited. The answer is yes. How could I not be? I'm pursuing my dreams of world travel. But. . .(there's always a but, a big hairy pock marked but) we still haven't sold our house. It's true. We thought we had sold it a few weeks ago but at the last second the deal fell through. Something about the buyer's limited credit. That one hurt. I think I struck every moutain on the way down from cloud 9. Since then, we've had a number of lookers, but that's it.
My dad was telling me about a dream he had the other night. Never before has he done this. In his dream God appeared to him and said "I'm really gonna make John sweat on this one (referring to the trip)" That was it, that was his dream. I was dumbfounded. I'm really gonna make John sweat?? What? Why? And why gossip to my dad about it? This whole thing is very unlike my dad, he doesn't typically share his dreams or even subscribe to an audible God. But. .. he also never lies and I've been sweating so. . .
When Angie and I made this decision, we knew it wouldn't be easy. I remember saying to her that most people work their whole lives to realize their dream so chances are we're not just gonna abra cadabra sell our house and alacazam fly off into the sunset. It'll be a grind. Well, it has and it is. Yeah we still have a couple months to sell our house, yeah everything will most likely work out in the end, but in the meantime this Island of Uknown sucks bigger then the Wings stealing Hossa today.
The unknown is a worse hell then the tragic known. At least you can move forward when you know. I've watched good friends live on this Island for years at a time only to discover the tragic known. Currently my friend Jordan and his wife Kari live there, waiting and wondering if their 10month old son Drew will overcome whatever it is that he might have. I can't imagine the soul ache they must feel.
Everyone we talk to tells us they just can't believe we have the courage to do this. They say things like"we'll never regret it, if we don't do it now we'll never do it again, that it will change our lives forever." Many have even said they live with regret today because they didn't do the same thing.
Those are the exact reasons we chose to do this. Hairy pock marked but. . .we still wonder.
Are we doing the right thing?
What if our house doesn't sell?
What if we don't deserve to go and that's why our house isn't selling?
What if. .. what if. . .what if. . . it's the twin Hell Island to the Unknown.
I return to my dad's dream. "I'm really gonna have to sweat." I have felt the sweat. Yet, I move forward anyways encouraged by the words of my good friend and fellow world traveler Kori Jones. "If it was easy, everyone would do it. Just keep the faith and move forward."
John
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