Stop 34 - Tyler, Texas

The great nation of Texas (temporarily allied with a larger neighbor). I am enjoying my stay in a state known for big trucks, big oil, and big hospitality. My tenure at YWAM to complete a Discipleship Training School in Tyler, Texas also afforded me a welcome break from the cold northeastern winter. Warm sun is shining through my window as I read about the frigid and icy conditions in the far north (or Midwest)

Along with the school's classroom work, I am relishing additional communal living (three minute showers) and the joy's of working with my hands (janitorial work duties). On the weekend, our class of fifteen had an opportunity to live out true Christianity. Per the Bible's mandate in the book of James, our team traveled to a widow's house to help rake leave's, clean a garage, and impersonate the painting American Gothic (see photo above) Since serving the orphans and widows depicts true religion, then what poor and needy can you bless in your town?

Stop 33 - Oklahoma City

Weary desert nomad's refresh at a lush oasis. My travels took me to Oklahoma City where a family from the Air Force generously gave lodging. Before arriving in Oklahoma City, my trek included driving for 12 hours, stopping to see friends for breakfast, and time at IHOP (for prayer not pancakes)

While in Oklahoma, I feasted on the exotic delicacy of Tex-Mex (enough nachos to feed three small cities followed by an entree drowning in cheese). During the digestion process, I reminded myself why I avoided pilot training by playing several hours of Wii. After only a single night of antics, I was completely refreshed.

My friends oasis illustrated the great value in hospitality (in many senses of the word). If God ever grant's me a home one day, then I wonder who I can bless with the ancient tradition of welcoming guests.

Stop 32 - Kansas City

A rowdy, but loving mob. In Kansas City for the One Thing Conference with the International House of Prayer, I learned with 15,000 other people about how to love God with my whole life. The week was filled with incredible Bible teaching, friendly people, and enough coffee for a medical student's finals. As people exited the event at midnight, I encountered a large crowd gathered in the streets of downtown Kansas City. Conference attendees formed a massive knot of people centered around several sidewalk drummers. Fast paced music accompanied the crowd's worship songs to God, energetic dancing for Jesus, and joyous laughter with friends. Later, someone in the crowd shouted that God had supernaturally healed a sick person. The testimony resulted in an outbreak of prayer for the sick (see above picture) and joyful celebration. In contrast to angry mobs appearing in newspaper headlines, the crowd remained respectful and loving throughout the evening.

What miracles will God work in your city when not hindered by man's schedules, agendas, and assumptions?

Stop 31 - St. Louis, Missouri

Returning home is not only for prodigal sons, but nomadic wanderers can trek back to see family homes. Entering the threshold of my parent's apartment in the Midwest was a festive occasion with the slaughtering of the fattened calf. (or soy for a vegetarian nomad) Time at home included holiday feasting, generous gifts, and plots to solve world problems from a dining room table. As Christmas passed, my thankfulness for a loving family and parents who merit great honor has increased.

Stop 30 - Back in The Beltway (Washington DC)

My Youth With a Mission (YWAM) team was photographed outside Washington DC's Library of Congress. Throughout the last three months we have lived communally, prayed continually, and fought courageously for truth. Despite the fasted lifestyle, many days were filled with fun antics. (carefully examine the above image and post what you find)

Seasons of laughter notwithstanding, our group has shifted to a time of transition and farewells. Our leadership has declared a sabbatical and many people are changing vocations. With the scattering of our fellowship, I saw many tears wiped from crying eyes. I am thankful God gave me friends and homes worth a season of grief. Gandalf's words from Lord of the Rings are more than a light witticism when he proclaims, "I will not say, do not weep, for not all tears are an evil"

Stop 29 - Phoenix, Arizona

Adopt-A-Family is not a new game show with scandalous behavior, but a term for when friends from the Air Force invited me to spend Turkey Day in Phoenix. By accepting the generous offer, I spent a wonderful several days with an awesome family. Even though I was not officially a relative, I was showered with kindness, food, and friendship. My incorporation into the family included going with the father to work at a local ministry, playing music during devotionals, cooking pasta for dinner, and numerous opportunities to improve humility (losing at board games).

While reflecting on the holiday, I am so thankful for the many times I have received undeserved love and acceptance. My history of adoption was not only at Thanksgiving, but I have also received a free adoption by God into a heavenly family. (see Ephesians in The Bible)

What undeserved blessings are you thankful for? (feel free to post them)

Stop 28 - Peoria, IL

My next adventure involved sneaking back to Peoria to surprise my Mom for her birthday (see video). One my way back to the Midwest, I had to battle a snow storm and icy roads. After overcoming the wintery mix and flying out of DC, local officials shut down the small Peoria airport and would not let people leave while police swept the facility for bombs. My plans for spending the night in a tiny regional airport with one restaurant (a Subway) were thwarted when the airport security finally opened the door to freedom.

One day later, I had an awesome opportunity to Adopt-A-Block. In Peoria, the South Side Mission lets locals commit to serving a low-income neighborhood over the course of several years. As a result, I had the privilege of going with an engineering manager, several young adults, and a church secretary to knock on doors, pick up trash, and pray for people. Determined volunteers from Northwoods Church, have constantly visited the same block with the objective of meeting the needs of poor families (clothes, home maintenance, counseling, ect) and sharing with people how important they are to Jesus Christ. Years of consistent service produced noticeable results with a significant drop in crime rate, consistently smiling (and crying) faces at neighborhood doors, and a great sharing of love.

In retrospect, I wonder if God can use you to radically change a neighborhood in your city?