The Journey Begins

On the 26th of March 2011 I embarked upon an important mission that would take me through treacherous territory, across dangerous moors and over formidable mountains. 8 days, 7 men and 1 goal: to walk the 95 miles of the West Highland Way, from the outskirts of Glasgow to the highland town of Fort William, and survive to tell the tale.

It didn't help much when, the week before I was to leave, I fell ill. With aches and pains and congestion and coughing, I was not swayed as to whether I could take on this beast of a journey. I prepared as anyone would for the long walk. And by Saturday morning, the day I was to leave, the sickness had not left my body.

I met up with the others and exchanged greetings. And as we took the first steps toward our goal I knew these first few days would be difficult. But oh would it be worth it.

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life

There's nothing quite like waking up to a magnificent sunrise. It seems to give life and energy for the rest of the day. I think God knew that when he created sunrises. And I think he put a little of himself in each one so that we might see another part of God every time we watch another one.

How can we ever not know God if there's so much of him revealed in the vastness of nature? But then again, how can we really know him if there's still so much to discover?

To be or not to be

Cave on Iona

Ah yes, the difficulty of keeping up a blog. Especially when you think no one is reading it. I have been thinking, though, that one doesn't need to recount all events or even have something deep or profound to say in a blog. It is simply a way to share your thoughts. The problem is: Who wants to read a boring blog? I sure don't. I want it to be worth my time. So does one continue to write, or just forget the whole thing?

Family

Life is good. I'm writing from the YWAM base in Seamill, Scotland. I have taken a week off from DTS staff for rest and recuperation before the big adventure. It's good to be with family. I really feel like the people here at Seamill are part of my extended family and I'm just here to visit them for a bit. I also hope that wherever I go I can find more family. There's something powerful about family. I think God designed it that way.

So what do you think, can I count you as part of my family?

A Christmas Greeting

Today I went swimming in the Black Sea. It was a bit cold, considering it's the 26th of December. But to be honest I'm sure I've swam in colder water.
Christmas was different this year, being in Romania and all. But I enjoyed the quiet around the house and also being able to experience traditional Norwegian and Romanian food at the base leader's home.
Creciun Ferecit. Merry Christmas friends.

Constanta

Romania again

Yes I'm back in Romania, this time co-leading a team serving several ministries here. We've been visiting gypsy villages and now orphanages, handing out Christmas gifts to all the children. Their smiles and laughter are a great reward for the small effort we've put in. This week we leave for the Black Sea and Constanta where we will live on the YWAM base for our remaining 6 weeks. We will be there over the holidays as well; a different experience for sure.
Please pray for unity in our team, for hearts of service and the love of Christ to shine through us here.