Stop 25 - San Deigo (The Call)

While in southern California, my YWAM team stopped to pray at UC San Diego. Although I did not meet movie stars, I decided to spend some time with the 'Cat in the Hat' and Dr. Seuss. Unfourtunately, I forgot to bring mountonous headwear to match the cat's style. (see picture of the statue)

After a walk through the campus, we decided to stop and pray at the famous monument to humanism called 'The Snake's Head' near the campus library. Despite standing near man's pinnacle of self-worship, we saw God is still alive and active on the campus of UC San Diego.

Tomorrow, I plan to The Call in San Diego. Based on Joel 2 in the Bible, thousands of people are coming together to fast and repent to God. The hope is that God will have mercy on America and bring a divine solution to national crisis.

Stop 24 - There and Back Again (Washington DC)

Do you ever feel you dressed to casual for event?

Recently, I was praying outside the Supreme Court with Bound 4 Life while wearing flip-flops and jeans. Unexpectedly, someone taped me on the shoulder and invited me to attend a Supreme Court hearing. Lacking the time to change clothes, I strolled into the nation's highest court wearing my flip-flops. While watching the nine justices in a room filled with well tailored business suits, I was reminded of the saying, "one of these is not like the other."

Along with silently sieging the Supreme Court (see www.bound4life.com), my days are filled with lots of monastic fun. At Youth With a Mission in DC I get to eat meals with 30 other people, pray through the night, and learn from my many amazing roommates. Overall, I feel as if I get to change the world and touch a piece of heaven while praying in the nations capitol.

Stop 23 - New York City

Traversing New York City in a large tank-like suburban proved to be a character building experience. Days were filled with navigating crowded streets, dodging angry drivers, and searching for the prized free parking space. While hauling my Youth With a Mission teammates to various appointments, God used the harrowing experience to increase my compassion for New York taxi drivers.

In light of the recent economic headlines, our YWAM DC team decided to travel to New York on short notice (no prior housing arrangements) to pray for God's peace and restoration. Along with miraculous provision housing and food, we saw God answer numerous prayer requests for the city (many within 24 hours).

The fun continued even after we left the Big Apple. While stopping at a park along the Hudson River, I decided to add some fire to life in the form of govermental posting. (see picture)

Stop 22 - Back to DC

When you step out the door will adventure sweep you away?

One day while inside the beltway, a door opened for a West Wing tour via a close friend at the White House. My tour consisted of viewing the Oval office, asking a question from the Press Room, and strolling the 15 second commute (the president's daily commute past the Rose Garden to work). I decided to stand guard outside the White House (see picture) where a Marine is normally posted. Fear not, the Air Force is not trying to take away Marine Corp jobs.

God's creativity and mercy truly make life an exciting journey.

Stop 21 - North Carolina Outer Banks

My break from the DC Beltway involved a trip down to the friendly South. When I passed the first Waffle House, I realized that I was back in a land of big churches, wonderful people, and good grits. During the trip, I stayed with the family an Air Force friend. The joy of being in The South was enhanced by the wonderful hospitality, great food, time on the beach, and windsurfing. When sailing off sand dunes, I got to enhance my prayer life as I inadvertently practiced a variety of 'tactical landings.' (including flipping upside down in an impersonation of a turtle and snapping part of the airframe) Along with the aerial stunts, we actually found a sign ordering a jump from a bridge into a shallow pool (see picture above)

After returning to DC, I am very thankful that God provided an oasis during the season of monastic life. How much additional refreshment does our creator have for the hearts of people who will ask for the peace of Jesus?

Stop 20 - Washington DC

After an early flight at 'O Dark 30' and a cup of Starbucks, I have arrived in the vicinity of the beltway. I am looking forward to a few additional months on the East Coast while still avoiding the northern winter. Using a computer at a generous USO lounge, I hope to explain logical progression behind my recent break from world travel. Along the way, I also saw some famous DC landmarks (can you guess the landmark in the picture?)

A monastic life in the United States, what fun! Recently, I decided to take a brief internship with YWAM to pray and fast in Washington DC. As a Christian, God mandates that believers pray for all governmental leaders (Republican, Democrat, and Independent) to have wisdom and govern justly. In the Bible, many people ( ie Esther, Daniel) took time to pray and fast for a wide variety of leaders. As a result, mass murder was averted and many kings were humbled by God's great mercy. In light of the past success, I have decided to spend several months in a kind of modern monetary. (think of granola and young people instead of monks)

Stop 19 - St. Louis

Back to the home of toasted ravioli. (and my birthplace) I spent one week in St. Louis visiting family and speaking at my home church. Along with the comforting plethora of St. Louis sports paraphernalia (go Cards!), I was able to enjoy good home cooking, many friends, and chances to touch a piece of heaven (I mean praying with other people not putting a hand on the St. Louis Arch)