At the Top of the World-A Cultural Experience on the Evils of Religion

The Evils of Religion

Men have for thousands of years used religion for selfish purposes, cults, sects, militant groups, all claim promises i.e. God's Divine purpose, eternal life, paradise, physical blessings, and the list goes on.  Christianity has taken a turn for evil thrusting humankind into the dark ages, attempting to control the entire known world politically, religiously, and especially financial.  The Catholic Church was a perversion of the gospel of the life of Jesus Christ and can even be considered a cult in most aspects.

One of the most blatent perversions of the Bible I have ever witnessed was the city of Potosi, Bolivia.  This city boasts the highest elevation of any city world. and was formerly the wealthiest city on earth.  The city dwllers exploited a silver mine.  A mountain on the edge of town was comprised almost entirely of silver.  Once this lofty town paved it's streets with silver due to the excessive quantities which were so readily available.

Austin and I spending time with a couple miners

When the Spanish Conquistadors came into this area of South America they noticed the mountain of silver.  They immediately began plotting ways of exploiting not only the vast riches contained within the mountain  but also local aboriginals into working long and tiring days in exchange for very poor wages.  They would exploit the mines silver as well as the labor of local tribes through a perversion of the Bible and the creation of untrue gods.

The Spanish created the "Dios" a typical satanic looking statue with horns and a tail.  They claimed that Mary and Jesus were the God's of heaven and earth, but the "Dios" ruled the underworld.  Any time they were working in the mines if they were lazy, slothful, or dishonest, the Dios would cause harm.  He killed many miners by cave-ins, falty explosions, and accidents.

Famous picture representing the false doctrine.

Locals cannot pronounce the letter 'D' and as a result the name of this god became "Tios".  To this day nearly the entire Potosi population worships the tios and is much too fearful to do otherwise.  Despite local evangelistic efforts no serious gains have been made to help free the local people of this perversion.  The Spanish had such an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with such a receptive audience willing to believe and follow so whole-heartily.  Instead they exploited, plundered  and lied.  As a result an entire area has for the past hundreds of years worshiped an nonexistent god.  To this day the Catholic Mass is attended by nearly the entire regions population, yet immediately they return to the mines and offer sacrifices in attempt to appease the wrath of the "Tios".

Feb. 24th...ish Boarders hunger sets in and to this day Protein Bars are one food I cannot EAT!

I am being literal in my opening explanation

Where the air is thin and people are thick, where deserts and skies meet to embrace and no distinction is made between the twain, where mountains take shroud by using the clouds, and more stars in the heavens have never been seen, Welcome To Bolivia!

The road north was not necessarily an easy one.  Though we made 2 stops in route to the norther boarder of Argentina and Bolivia, the poor bus service, refusal to exchange more currency, and one quit disagreeably customs officer made this trip exhausting.
From our last stop in southern Argentina we left a small glacial town and headed north all the way to the infamous Mendoza   Here we rested and enjoyed the town for a short couple of days and booked a 7:00am bus ticket to Bolivia.

After deciding that it would be best to sleep for the majority of the 25 hr. trip before us, we proceeded to stay up all night.  That evening before leaving we enjoyed an all night BBQ and some long goodbyes.  I was able to sleep away the first 13hours and when I awoke it was 8 pm and I was hoping I would be able to stay awake a few hours and then sleep away the night.  (I should stop here to inform you that the bus service to Bolivia apparently loves the Wayan Brothers, Monic, and Eddie Murphy as these were the only movies being played)!  I am truly thankful God allowed me to sleep through this time of my travels haha.

Next we spent several hours going through customs and exchanging US$ for Bolivian Pesos and purchasing train tickets.  Now it was time to eat! We ate several plates of chicken each as it felt as if we were going to starve.  We stuffed ourselves to exhaustion and it felt so good.

Let me explain. 28 hours earlier we realized we had only enough Argentinian currency to catch a cab to the bus station.  Not wanting to pay the exchange fees and have pesos left unused when we crossed the boarder we decided to eat only what God provided or that we could purchase with on visa.

Our bus service turned into a nightmare and we had no food.  Also because the bus was running late they did not stop long enough for passengers to enjoy a restaurant.  WE WERE EVEN LEFT ONCE!

We ate protein bars which we our mother had tucked away for us weeks earlier when we left NC and those were all we had eaten.  When we finally had reached the boarder we tried to hurry the mile or so from the bus stop to the crossing, but found ourselves exhausted due to high elevation and thin air.

The train ride up the Bolivian Andes and to the Desert

Finally we made it proudly presenting our Bolivian currency to the guard.  He however was only interested in US$ cash.  This made no sense, but after a confusing several hours we were finally on the Bolivian side and in a little wild, west town of Bolivia.  We stood there clinging anxiously to our train tickets to Uyuni with about four hours to spare until 2:30 that afternoon.

So we bought chicken, bread, coke.  It was a fantastic feeling and even that long train ride deep into the Bolivian desert seemed so peaceful and so relaxing.  I had just crossed a boarder into my 9th country and each bus, train, taxi, or boat ride was now taking me one step closer to home.

The Grand Conclusion to "One of the Most Amazing Adventures!"

Continued....

Where was I? Oh yes, I was being asked a very serious question from a very concerned Israeli citizen.

"So did we kill Jesus? Do Christians look unfavorably of us Jews?" He asked.

"Well, it is true that the Jewish religious leaders wanted to have Jesus put to death." I confessed. "But they could not issue the death penalty for any crime without Roman permission.  So they to take him to King Herod for permission."

"Jesus himself told Herod that he could not kill him. Saying what he did he did willingly.  He said that if He wanted He could call 10,000 legions of angels even in that moment to come to His rescue.  Herod only wanted a free magic show, but finding nothing deserving of death he released Him."

My new friend was quiet, wondering what I would say next.  I continued. "The religious leaders then took Jesus to Pilot who was the governor of the whole territory.  After Pilot investigated Jesus, he wanted Him to be released.  He did however give the sentence by saying, 'Do with Him as you will.'  No one could kill Jesus, He knew He would die.  He chose to lay down His life and He did this willingly.  He even told his disciples and many other that this would happen.  He wanted to do it because it was God's plan."

"The difference is that just as no one could have killed him, likewise no one could keep Him in the grave."

"True Christians believe God's promise to Abraham still stands.  God will bless those who bless all the descendants of Israel.  We believe this and pray for God's protection over the nation and that America will remains a strong ally."

So there on a bus leaving the world renowned "W" and the Torres Del Paine, I was given the opportunity to share the rest of the gospel message with an Israeli.  He had been led to believe that protestant faiths shunned he and his people for the harsh sentence of sin which was taken and carried out willingly by our Savior.

One of the most amazing opportunities of any adventure!

Feb 13, 2010  (My journal entry taking a bus back to Ushuaia after hiking the 'W')

As I have mentioned throughout this journal I have had the chance to meet many Israelis.  It seems to be quit popular to travel here in Patagonia after serving the mandatory two years of military service.  As I sat chatting with a young, Israeli, man in his mid twenties he confessed that he was non religious and wanted to ask me a couple of questions.  It was only after I promised to answer them as honestly as I could did he proceed.

"Have you read the whole thing?" He asked as he noticed my Bible.

"Almost" was my reply, "I may have not read every verse, but I have read it through."

He became very serious and questioned, "How does the Bible portray Jewish people? Are we good, bad, evil? What does it say about us?"

I tried to explain that this was a difficult question and would take some time to answer fully.  If he really wanted to know exactly how the Bible portrayed Jewish people I could give a detailed explanation.  This answer would take awhile, and if he were just making conversation then now would be his chance to drop the matter.

It was only being thoroughly convinced he sincerely desired the answer regardless of time that I continued.  I knew we would be on that bus for approximately three hours, so I had his complete attention.

What a fantastic opportunity!  I started with Adam and Eve and how sin entered the world.  Then went through Moses and Abraham which I knew would be of interest to this young man as he would be familiar with all of these stories.  I told him that according to the Bible salvation and redemption from the sin nature which has been passed down since Adam to all mankind was available to the Hebrews only.  They had the commands and promises given to Abraham.  Even though he and his family were chosen by God they were still enslaved to the nature of wrong-doing.

I further explained that the law was simplified into 10 commands and given to Moses along with a series of traditions and ceremonies to be performed ritually.  This law came only to the Hebrews, because they were God's chosen people.  God promised to take care of the Hebrews and bless them and those who treated God's people favorable.  I exampled Ruth and Rahab stories which he was vaguely familiar.  I assured him this promise is still true and that true Christians in the U.S. pray often for the nation of Israel.

"But", he interrupted, "Do you not believe we killed Jesus?" He asked.

So I continued, "Just as the sacrifice of animals was not enough to break the hold of sin on our lives, neither could a set of rules be kept.  So God had to send His Son."

"Jesus!" he said, "and Mary was a virgin. No?" He asked

I smiled, "Exactly!" I confirmed. "Jesus wasn't born into sin because his mother was pure. Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies which were foretold by the prophets in the Israeli Bible!"

He was on the edge of his bus seat, literally and was so intently hanging on every word that I was afraid he would soon be sitting in my lap! "So did we kill Jesus? Do Christians look unfavorably on us?"

I promise to finish this story before the week is over, I won't procrastinate.

The "W"

Patagonia Chili, the 2nd most beautiful place on earth.
As I recall my adventure had just taken me to the very bottom of the world, the southernmost city in the world.  Our next stop would be to cross the Chilean boarder and hike The "W".  I cannot explain the wonderful hiking that one can experience in Patagonia, but I am certain everyone has seen photo's.  This is a place that seems almost unreal, had I not experienced it for myself I would have believed that it really only exists in the minds of those who role write fantasy.

After a long bus ride, on which we were able to observe a pod of black and white dolphins, and a good nights sleep in Puerto Natale's, Chili,  we were ready to hike the "W".  The pictures I have taken will in no way do justice to this perfect area of land for the most part untainted by human interference.  Keep in mind that this is quit literally the bottom of the wold populated world.  Unless of course you care to count that peculiar dwarf people who waddle about in tuxedos all day.

The famous 'W' is a series of well kept trails that winds through sparkling clean lakes who's water is especially blue to an exceptionally high oxygen content from being compressed under the weight of frozen glaciers.  The lakes themselves of course are formed from the pooling runoff which is so cold and delicious it makes carrying personal water supplies unnecessary.  The 'W' itself connects the "Torres del Paine" (Towers of Pain) and Glacier Grey.



We began on the backside of the trail and hiked all evening to reach a particular camp site resting a few hours from the Towers.  After a hearty dinner we set up camp.  We awoke at 4:30 the next morning to be certain to catch a glimpse of the sunrise illuminating the majestic towers.  Though at first I was hesitant to leave my warm pack on such a cold morning, we knew this was the only chance we would get.  Looking back I know I would never have forgiven myself had I missed this opportunity.

As the sun rose the towers went seemed to come alive from they're cold, dark sleep.  The sun illuminated these intimidating peaks.  Though quit brief we sat spellbound.  We watched for a few marvelous minutes as the peaks turned from dark shadows to pale pinks, then shades of celestial blue, vibrant orange, and sinister shades of red as if someone had set the entire region on fire.

Around 7:30 we began hiking back down to camp and after a quick breakfast we broke camp and set a grueling pace for the next campsite.  We had no idea we were in for another 11 hours of trekking with full packs on our backs.  When we finally did arrive that evening we were completely exhausted.  The next day we leisurely enjoyed the scenery.  We explored  climbed and only moved a few hours to a camp site which was not only very close, but also had bathrooms, showers and a restraint.  Due to lack of competition the food was extremely expensive so in the end we decided to cook our own.


The next few days though grueling were extremely rewarding.  Enjoy the photo's and over the next week or two I will be sharing what the Lord was teaching me during this amazing week!

Sentiments of Departure the Conclusion.

     I thought it fitting to conclude my departure with a poem.  Some of you may have read it when it was written about a year ago, but it always comes to mind as a long trip comes to a close.  So for new readers, or for those who have not followed on fb; here is "My Old Friend" slightly modified from it's original penning.

     I have missed you much my old friend.  I realize that I left you nearly eleven months ago wondering when we would see each other next.  I am now returning to your loving shores knowing that I would confidently trade all the amazing sights of Asia for your quiet farms, gentle coasts, and wandering mountainside, my old friend.

     Everything I ever learned in this life was taught through your eyes.  From grade school through college you have been here watching over me, my old friend.  From driving fence posts to driving my first car: cutting down my first tree to building my first tree house, you were always beside me, My Old Friend.

     I do not know how much of you I will visit, nor do I know how long I will stay.  I do know however, that when my feet grow tired and my journeys grow old you will be here.  You will always be here, waiting, watching, shining Cape Hatteras and your other beacons from the outer banks, and I will come home.  I will always come home, because you are Here, you are Home, you are, My Old Friend.

NC, Sunrise--Oh you have been sincerely missed!

Sentiments of Departure Pt. 2

I would like to thank a few people who made this year very special, and exceptionally eventful.

     First of all, a special thanks to Jason Chen.  My new brother in Christ.  Thank you for the warnings and all the help adjusting to our jobs and living situations.  May God continue to bless you and may you grow in Spirit to know Him deeper and more sincerely.  I have missed you over the past 8 months.

     

     Aaron (Capt.) Donald D.  I will certainly miss your light-hearted way of enjoying everyone and everything God puts around you.  You have an unequaled gift of bringing joy to everyone around you and I still believe that you may be a geneous!  Your clever whit and keen sense of humor are a gift.  Good luck discovering God's plan on how to use them.  You have inspired me to read more often,  laugh more readily, and forgive more quickly so thank you.

     Andrea "Dre" your gigantic smile and excessive enthusiasm always wake me up on mornings when I'd rather just stay in bed.  Thank you for always being "ON" for the kids.  I know that God has a great plan for you, and that you are very excited to back home.  Thank you for always supporting and encouraging me on days when I thought I couldn't find my swag!  Never be afraid to "Gopher it"!

Julia "the savage" what can I say, you're a "hoot".  It was so fun getting past that layer of tough sarcasm and finally realizing how funny and spontaneous you actually are.  I know everyone back home misses you and will be excited to see you.  Don't give up on people, we all make mistakes and need patience haha, even though it is hilarious when you fuss at everyone--especially, your brother :D

Amber what can I say? From B-ball partners to beach bum buddies, you have been here the whole trip.  You are probably the most adventurous and spontaneous on the team, truly my partner in crime this year.  I know I would have gone insane had you not been around to hear me out and allow me to vent all my frustrations away.  Thanks for being a great friend, and always voicing your opinions.  Seriously, thank you for always being here when I needed you most.  You are so cool it is inspiring!  Don't give up on your dreams of learning, travelling, and giving back.

  Kyle thank you for your patience and steady leadership.  I know God has amazing things in store for you, continue seeking and trusting Him and I know you will succeed!

I have made so many great friends here in Taiwan I cannot mention them all.  But special thanks to Benjamin and Flora for showing me Chaozhou and always making me feel like family, Oliver and Allen who welcomed me at the gym and became my good friends, Sherry for helping me survive my first camp and always translating when the kids just starred at me, Queenie, Rainie, Peggy, and Lily who brought drinks and gifts regularly and were always around to waste time and watch movies, Ryan and John thanks for being great friends and always being around to help, Teacher Candy for helping me understand Aboriginal Culture and history, and a very VERY special thank you to Tony "DONY" our special friend who always would visit/buy meals/drive us to exciting places.  I promise to come back and visit you all very soon!

Thank you King Car Education Foundation for making this amazing opportunity available for us.  This has been the most memorable year of my life!  You are so gracious and patient with all of our mistakes and short-comings and have truly made this year one of personal growth and accomplishments.

Sentiments of Departure Pt. 1

     Too many people achieve complacency not contentment, accepting comfort instead of demanding exhilaration. We only get one time around on this earth, see, feel, explore as much as possible. Take the road least travelled, and never regret going where life takes you!

     In less than 24 hours, God willing, Life (with the help of American Airlines) will be taking me back home.  I am so excited to see everyone, and hear of all that has happened and how God has blessed while I was away.

     The past 11 months have been extrordinary, and at no price would I give them up.  I have made some amazing friendships, met so many interesting people, and lived so many ideas that would have seemed foreign to me just a few short years ago.

Panic in the Big Blue!

June 25, 2012


John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Regardless of all the trouble I run into too, despite being attacked, threatened, or even robbed, I have for some unexplained reason always had a peace.  I suppose this is the same peace that on a much deeper level has allowed other Christians to go through troubling situations and endure suffering, torture, and even death.

Thankfully I have never been tortured, apart from the Brazilian mosquitoes.  Monday, however, I did have a nearly fatal experience at the beach.  I was with friends down in Kenting, some of the best beaches in Taiwan.  However, due to excess litter we left the quiet waters of Little Bay, for the clean sand and great waves on the Kenting Beach.

Let me introduce you to my good friend Amber.  She is short, mouthy, and isn't afraid to give lip to anyone who she decides deserves it.  It is for this reason that she is one of my best friends in Taiwan.    She is one person on our team that always speaks her mind, but only when it has been thought about and has definitive, logical, reasons.  Her opinions mean more to me than any other team member.  We played basketball together and would talk lots of trash to other teams until she hurt her knee and realized that old injuries never really heal properly and we had to stop. Stop playing we still like to run our mouths. I know she is very athletic and a strong swimmer, so despite strong currents, I knew she was up for the challenge.

After several hours of wading and tanning, Amber decided she was ready to get past the breakers and swim in the massive swells.  We carefully waited for an opening in the waves, then quickly ran past the breakers and dove into the water.  We swam and talked for a few minutes until her fear finally went away and she was proud of herself for doing something new and exciting.   We decided to come in when we saw her sister Becca, who is visiting for a month, standing on the shore waiting for us.

On the beach Becca said she wanted to go also, and assured me she was a good swimmer.  Given her daily excercise and athletic shape, I was confident that a trip in the water would not be too difficult for her.  Amber decided to watch from the shore, and the rest of the group had gone to eat.

We easily slipped past the breakers, then past the drop off, and soon found ourselves surrounded by giant waves.  I watched her face carefully for her anxiety to give way to pleasure.  It wasn't happening.  She seemed to be forcing a few reassuring smiles.

 A large swell came rushing past.  We swam over and through it.  No big deal I suspected.  Then I saw her face, it was a big deal.  She tried to force a smile, but her giant eyes were filling with tears.  I looked at her and suggested, "Why don't we swim back?"

"Uh-uh-huh" was all she managed to get out with a nod of head.

We started swimming toward the shore but swimming as hard as she could and seeing no immediate progres was enough to stike panic.  Frantically, she grasped my arm.

"It's ok" I said. "You're doing great."

I looked right into her enormous blue eyes that were filled with water.  I quickly dispelled any fear I was feeling, she couldn't know that I was concerned.  Not now, not yet, I had to be brave for both of us.  "We can make it back to the shore.  I know you can do it.  But you are going to have to do what I tell you."  I gently placed my hand on hers as she desperately squeezed my arm and began cutting off the circulation.  "We need to make long, smooth strokes and just wait for the waves to carry us in.  Becca, we ARE going to make it to the shore.  It is right there! But first, you are going to HAVE to let go of my arm.  Are you ready?"

She nodded.  I wasn't certain she could make herself let go, but I knew that pushing her away would cause more panic.  I also knew that if she continued holding to me much longer we would both be in serious danger.  I needer her to be strong, she had to be brave!  Whatever was going to happen was completely and literally in her hands now.  She had my instructions, but I WOULD NOT push her away.

Ok, Ready, GO!" I said.  She immediately released my arm and began powerfully swimming towards shore.  With long, deep strokes we managed to hold our position in the water until a wave came and pushed us closer to the shore.

We were so close now, but as I felt the ocean floor with my foot I realized we were still inches away from the shallow side of the drop off.  We kept swimming.  A second wave carried us the rest of the way up, but as it crashed we were thrown against the smooth, round stones lining the ocean floor.

I tried to keep her head up or at least roll beneath her as the wave crashed.  My attempt was somewhat useless.  I wasn't sure how hard she had been crushed, but now was certainly not the time to find out.  The next wave would be grinding us against the pebbles again in only a few short seconds.

I snatched her hand, "Let's go!" I said.  And we ran up on the beach as fast as we could to the safety of the warm, blonde sand.  She sat on my trusty Brazilian conga, sipping water, as she recovered.

God always gives us the grace and strength to get through whatever situations may come our way, and today was no exception.  It reminds me of Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”  God was certainly taking care of us today.  I thank Him for giving me peace in the situation, and for giving Bekka strength to do what she had to do.  Thanks for a great memory and an exciting day Amber and Becca Rudlong!

Becca and I Safely on Shore

The rainy season in Taiwan

June 25, 2012

Here in Pingtung there are essentially two seasons, the hot season and the hotter season.  During the hot season we have temperatures very near those in North Carolina summer.  The hotter season is closer to summer in Miami.  It is so humid and damp and sticky that you spend your entire day from the time you get out of the shower in the morning, until the time you go to bed in a state of soggy, damp, stickiness.

This level of humidity also brings many tropical storms, typhoons, monsoons, and afternoon downpours.  That was the case the first 9 days I was here.  The day we arrived last August it started raining, buckets and buckets, of rain, and it continued FOREVER.  All we did was just sit in the apartment and watch it rain wondering what in the world this year would be like.  Well, it is now the rainy season again, and although I had forgotten how long and slow those days were, I was reminded this week.  It has been raining for days on end.  The plus side is that it gave me time to write the following poem, so I hope you all enjoy.

As the rain gently taps

   On the roof o'er my head,

My mind wanders farther

     Away from this land.

The life I am living

     Like a dream while sleep

Seems so far and so distant

     From the life that you lead.

The storm pounding down

     On this old window pain,

Brings reflections right back.

     They wash in like this rain.

Maybe it is sunny.

     I hope you are warm.

Maybe your holding,

     To me in your heart.

The rain leads me back.

     It washes me home.

Like a song from the past,

     The memories come.

So when the sun returns

     And when hot are the days,

I will come back again

     For a brief moments stay.

I will be here in Taiwan only a short few weeks longer.  I am very anxious to see everyone back home, but my home here will be truly, deeply missed.  

Go Where Life Takes You, Even to the Ends of the World!

Feb 5, 2010

We finally arrived in Ushuaia (the world's southernmost city) very late Thursday night, found a hostel, and got some much needed sleep.  The last hour of the ride was a fantastic experience.  I wish it had been during the day because the desert carefully merged with ocean, and as we meandered around the lonely roads suggenly vegetation began to appear and in just a few moments our bus was climbing the amazing ridgeline of the Southern Andes.  We were passing high elevation lakes, and pristine forestests.  I peered with my face pressed against the glass for intervals when the full moon would shine down between the clouds to reveal the exquisite creation all around me.

We made it into the town of Ushuaia very late and with slight difficulty made it to a hostel and were able to get some sleep.  Awaking the next morning in high hopes we anxiously explored our little town.  It was actually a bit touristy for my taste with Gore-Tex and Northface lining every street.  Boasting as the southernmost city in the world is quit impressive, and when combined with a few great national parks, make this would be sleepy and dreadfully cold town into a bustling city during the summer months (i.e. Dec.-Mar. in the Southern Hemishpere).

Being in the middle of summer, Austin and I decided to spend a couple days in Tierra del Fuego, the Land of Fire.  It so named because as European merchants sailed around Cape Horne, the would see small fires burning all along the coastline.  These of course were started by aboriginals keeping themselves warm in during the long, cold winters.

We spent the first night at a quiet campsite and enjoyed some time to ourselves just visiting.  After hiking all day we spent our 2nd night in a more populated campsite where we came across some Argentinians and one German hitchiker.  They speak Spanish so communication is limited.  I confess I was a bit worried that if we slept to soundly may awaken to find things missing.  I was careful to sleep lightly and ensure any valuables were on my person.

I was caught using my axe to secure firewood and the park ranger took it away.  I tried to convince him I was only cutting already fallen logs, but to no avail.  He did promise however, to give it back the following day as I left the park.  It was not a tragedy, because we were planning to leave the next day, I just wish I had been able to cut more pieces before having to turn over my tool.

The German seemed quit content to just float through South America, on whatever means possible.  He made jewelry out of copper and with his very meager proceeds invested in whatever food he could afford.  He slept under a piece of tarp tied to two trees and then to a stake on other, the entire dwelling was a small V-shaped covering which he contentedly called home.  The whole group generously offered to share a bowl of beans they were making on the fire, and we were able to give them a bit of our food, though we did not have much.

They were a pleasant band, and fortunately my suspicions were false.  Too my knowledge the only things we shared were stories, songs, and a very poor dinner.  They never tried to take advantage of us.  So the next day we procurred a bus and were our way back to town.

A Step of Faith

Feb 3, 2011

We continued travelling South, not really sure what to expect, but as we continued southward what we recieved was the desert.  Long hot days, and nights that were cold.  A dry, lonely cold that sinks down to the bones, and makes one's lungs feel alive.  The trees were swept and baren, the grass sparse and clustered as if hoping to huddle together to keep other blades warm.  No ice in this desert, but as we left Rio Gallagos it began dusting snow.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Ancient Chinese proverb.

So true are these words, whether one sets out to trek the world or just to cross the street and invite the neighbors to church, it must begin somewhere.  It must begin with a step, a leap of faith.  To trust the Holy Spirit for words, to stand up to your boss, maybe even to quit your job,  the fact remains the constant, the first step is ALWAYS the most difficult.  Until we as a nation, or as a united brotherhood of international believers, are willing to take that first step our journey will never begin.

What is your step?  What has Christ convicted you to do but you are so worried about the end result that you fail to just take that first step?  I am inclined to believe that God never asks people to climb mountains, He simply asks them to step up to the base camp.  Then he asks us to grasp that first hold!  I believe He only then asks us to put our foot up on the first ledge and inch by onch and step by step He guides us up the rock face.

Did you ever go mountain climbing, how easy it is to reach the summit with an experienced guide standing below saying, "Now reach up with your left hand, ok put your foot in that crack."

We can't be scared to step up to the base.  What if Abraham had been to scared to take a step outside his home?   NOTHING!  The first step is difficult in my opinion because it is very clear.  We do not know the outcome but we know the step.  The 8th, 9th, 1,000th, they are unclear.  Maybe we aren't sure exactly where to go, but we always seem to know the right direction and are just too scared to take the 1st.

We understand that it is the first step that shakes things up.  That first step is the one that makes people angry, makes people laugh at you, maybe we won't be able to max out our IRA's this year.  We can always hear that first step though!  We hear it loud and clear...or is it clear...I'm not sure...maybe it's just the wind...do you hear anything...oh guess it was nothing.  No it is very clear, we choose to ignore it.

The world has bigger problems than our retirement plans, and you and I have a much higher calling.  God has a greater purpose if we only trust Him.  You will never climb a mountain, or go anywhere, or be remembered if you are too afraid to take that first step.  The step of faith.

So we are always of good courage.  We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.  For we walk by faith, not by sight.  II Corinthians 5:6-7

South Bound!

Febuary 1st, 2011
I realize that it may not exactly be Magellan, but somehow taking that bus southward was one of the most exciting experiences of my life, and a bus ride all the way from Buenos Aires to Ushuia is no picnic.  The hot summer days and the warm tropical nights full of Tango and lavish dinning in Buenos Aires were mile by lonely mile forgotten and the replaced by the barren desert plains of central Argentina.

I awoke suddenly after catching a few hours of sleep.  I checked my watch: 4:00 a.m, from my bus window I observed one of the most spectacular stellar performances I have ever seen.  The constellations were out in full strength, no artificial lights for miles.  Orian, the southern cross, Jupiter, and even some distant gallexies I had never seen, were all there right in front of me.  As I gazed in astonishment several stars even fell from there loft heights and vanished in the darkness.

After a whole day of riding on this dusty road, things were taking a turn for the worst.  I was wired and tired.  Finally night came, but to my disappointment tonight brought no stars, no sleep.  In addition the Argentinian girl who was not only a cutie, was helping me practice spanish had reached her stop and had been replaced my a heavy-set elderly lady.  It could be worse I have been stuck with smelly people, so I am very thankful she smells of wonderful grandma things.

52 hours on the Inside

May 30th, 2012
Last week I had the priveledge of spending 52 hours on the Inside.  No not the inside of a prison cell, the inside of the terminal--which I would like to point out is a very scary thought.  I mean do they really have to call the embarking point and final destination of an airplane "terminal".  But that is a topic for another day.

My journey began 4:00 a.m. standard eastern time (SET).  I will keep the time in (SET) so that no one is confused as time was changing at every terminal.  I woke up quickly dressed and ate breakfast, threw the last of my things in my pack, grabbed a snack for my friend Barra Eduardo (who is from Brasil, but was travelling to Miami the same day), and my sister who was going to drive the car home after we left.

Finally, our journey was under way.  As we approached CLT I received a call from my EXTREMELY helpful Delta contact who so generously had allowed me to fly standby at a drastically discounted rate--thanks again Mrs. Steeb :)!  She informed me that it may be best to try to make it too Tokyo out of Detroit as opposed to NYC which had been the plan.
"When does the plane leave for Detroit?" I inquired.
"6:00, can you make it?"  came the response.
"I can try."
When we arrived it was already 5:30, the line through security was very long and getting longer by the minute, and I hadn't checked in yet.  "No problem, I thought these things have a fantastic way of working themselves out" I thought to myself in my usual care-free attitude.  Just as I was being handed my ticket, the opportunity that I had been anxiously observing for suddenly presented itself.

For some unknown reason security in the employee line stepped away from his post just before I had positioned myself in the common line, and I walked right up to the front and present my passport.  5:45a.m. (SET) boarding for Detroit had begun long ago, and unfortunately the gate was on the opposite end of the airport.  No worries I thought as I began sprinting through the airport shoes in my hands, belt in my mouth and all the other random articles that have to be removed from luggage or taken off to go through security dangling, spilling, or just bouncing along with me.

5:50 (SET) I reached the gate and presented my ticket.  They had not yet closed the door and I was allowed to board.  Everything was going to be OK...or so I thought.

7:30a.m. (SET) I arrived in Detroit, I found my gate and began to wait.  My plane would depart very soon, just a short 8 hour wait until 3:30 p.m. (SET).  Seriously, if anyone read my last post, the only reason it was written was because I was sleep deprived and had 8 hours with nothing else to do!

3:30 came but to my surprise I did not make it on the flight.  This was actually the very first time this had happened to me.  Typically, it comes right down to the wire and flight attendants are suckers for a boyish smile, curly hair, and big blue eyes.  Not today however, there were at least 7 or 8 others standing there and my name was not at the top of the list.  This would be a challenge requiring eyes much much bluer than mine.

I began the process of creating a new plan, again with the help of Mrs. Steeb and very helpful Delta employees, we decided that waiting until the next day's flight out of Detroit seemed to be the most practical option with over 20 seats currently available.  So I spent the remander of the evening in the "terminal" (seriously, doesn't that just sound like a horror film).


As the sun sank, I managed to sleep nearly six hours, and upon waking up, at 5:30 am and cleaning up as best I could, had breakfast.  While eating I decided it would be in my best interest to check on the status of my afternoon flight, so I quickly paid and returned to the Delta counter.  My flight now had only 5 remaining seats and it was only 8:15 am (SET).  After looking at all other possibilities, I was informed that a flight out of Seattle, WA had 70 available seats!
"How can I get to Seattle?" I anxiously inquired.
"Well, we have one flight to Seattle.  It's at 9:00am (SET), but there are no available seats."
"Print my ticket, if I don't make it I will come back!" I said, just moments before beginning my sprint across the Detroit airport.

I arrived at my gate in plenty of time as people were still filing onto the plane.  I waited.  The entire stanby list was one by one allowed to board.  There I was, my name was moving from standby to cleared.  I just stared at my lonely name on the board expecting it to move, but it didn't.  It was time to reach deep into my arsenal and take matters into my own hands.

I quickly put on my puppy face, practiced my smile, and strategically placed a little lock of curly brown hair in clear view.  I was going in!

"Am I going to make it?" I asked, while performing a traditional hold my breath and smile sheepishly grin. (classic).

"Let me check." was the plain professional response.  But we knew where this was going.

"I can stand in the bathroom." I smilingly suggested.

"We have available seating, but it is now a weight issue."  --Oh she was good.

"Oh!" I said almost as if she had offended me by claiming there would be a weight issue if I boarded, "I guess it's a good thing I only weigh 140." I offered confidently.

"We are going to have to weigh the airplane." Still stern.

"What if I suck it in, and hold my breath the duration of the flight" I suggested as I stood as straight and thin as I possibly could.  Now one slightly extended look with the big blues and ...wait...maybe...Yes! She couldn't resist any longer, now she was smirking.

She regained a stern look of professionalism, "Just one moment."

Then she saw my backpack--UH-OH.  This could ruin my masterpiece, she looked and me and said, "You're going to have to check that. They will take it as you board." as she sighed.

Yes! I was on my way to Seattle, slowly but surely I was making my way west toward the far east.  The rest of my flights went relatively smoothly.  In Seattle I not only was assigned a seat, I was bumped to first class.  In Tokyo, they wanted to see a departure itenerary, but my leaders worked quickly to get my return flight to my email.  I was concerned at first since I had only 1:30 until boarding, but they were very diligent and within 45 min. I had my itenerary which I was able to show them and again get upgraded to first class seating.  I finally, arrived in Taipei (a six hour bus ride away from my home) at 10:00 am standard eastern time exactly 52 hours after I had initially flown out of Charlotte.

Here it was actually 10:00 p.m. so I had to spend another night between the capital city and my home, but that was no problem.  I was just happy to finally be HOME!

Thanks again Mrs. Steeb and Delta Airlines!

To have loved and lost

Although I do not understand exactly why, I suppose my "love life" makes for an interesting read.  For some reason everyone is anxious to get Jared married.  I had planned to skip this story I have changed my mind, and am including it in my South American journals strictly for my readers.  This is truly is a story of a perfect meeting and relationship that just wasn't meant to be.  Wow, I feel certain I will regret this so this article may be taken down soon, probably as soon as I realize this was an awful idea and only happened as a direct result of sleep deprivation.  Regardless, here is how the story unfolded.

Our very first day in Uruguay I had noticed one of the most perfect women I have ever seen.  Her hair was long, dark, and thick, her skin naturally tanned, but freckled from the kiss of the summer sun, her cheek bones were high and femanine, her figure was tight and lean, yet full and enticing, despite all her dark latin features her eyes were as bright and blue as the skies above my Carolina home.

Being a bit of a self-proclaimed expert at identifying nationality, I immediately decided she was Argentinian.  This was very intimidating because after living in Brazil, I could not say a single word in Spanish without twisting it with a Portuguese accent.  (Let me clarify my delima by explaining that Argentinians detest being spoken to in Portuguese--I suppose it's a local rivalry thing).  So that was that, I would have to shake my Portuguese accent in order to strike up a conversation.  To further complicate the situation, a group of guys from Argentina were always loitoring around the lobby and they were certain to intervene or mock if I tried to practice spanish with her.

That was that--or so I thought...

As it happened I returned to the hostel early after riding bicycles all day long and anxiously began prepairing for a long night of R&R.  I was going to sleep long and hard, and wake up to pack and return to Argentina the next morning.  My plans however, were thwarted by a twist of fate.  In an act of generousity, I allowed my older brother to not only borrow my computer, but also to enjoy the entire room to himself to have a serious and private conversation with a girl he was at the time dating.

I could do this, despite exhaustion I was a Gringo.  I had a military haircut, wore cargos in 100 degree weather, carry a hatchet and a knife on all my trips, and recently everyone had assumed I had just finished a tour of duty.

So there I sat wide awake in all my gringo glory.  I tried everything, coffee, shower, tv, and conversations with other hostel dwellers.  All in all I was doing great!  Great that is until I looked at my watch...it was only 11:35!

I don't remember much after that, until I was awakened by a shadow.  I was asleep on the couch in the common room beside a desk where the public computer was.  Sitting in front of the computer was the woman.  Everyone else was gone, it was just the two of us.  I have never been woken up by the precense of someone else before, but that night I suddenly was wide awake without so much as a sound.  People had been using this computer and television all night, but for some reason at 12:30 I almost 'felt' her  come into the room.

I sat up and looked at her, she didn't really notice me.  This was my chance, we were all alone.  There was literally no one to make fun of my futile attempts at speaking Spanish.  So I quickly strung a few words together and fought the portuguese accent as hard as I could.  She looked at me, most likely trying to figure out what on earth I had tried to say, and then softly suggested, "I can speak English if you prefer."

Those few words led into conversations of books, economics, the U.S., Canada (where she actually had spent the largest portion of her life), revolutions, monarchy, and so on.  I learned that her mother had been a personal advisor to the king, and when the Uruguayan monarchy had been overthrown her and her mother and sister fled into Canada.  She was fluent in English, French, Portuguese, and of course Spanish.  After medical school she had been travelling and researching plants which she believes will very soon produce the cure cancer.

We went for a stroll around town and stopped at a restraunt, it seemed we had only been talking a few moments when we heard,
"I need to go home" Our server said, "It's 4:30."

I couldn't believe it!  Had five hours really gone by already?  We said our goodnights, and retired to our respective rooms.  The following day I did not see her before checking out.  I looked around the hostel hoping for some clue of where she might be or have gone.  I suppose it our meeting was just for a night, but I would welcome the opportunity to sit and learn more about old Uruguay and her tramatic fleeing of the country she loves so much.

...To be continued soon...maybe...probably not...I left my email at the reception desk...if she ever contacts me again my readers will be the first to hear.  I promise.

Colonial Uruguay

January 28th 2010,

Austin and I decided to take a couple of days to recover from the long buses out of Brazil and all the hiking at Iguazu.  In an attempt to gain an easy stamp in our passports, we chose to relax in Uruguay.  A short ferry ride and a $35 nonrefundable visa fee was all that was needed to find ourselves in a sleepy colonial town just across the straight from Buenos Aires.

The next few days were filled with leisurely bike rides around town, and enjoying the local cuisine.  Our first experience immediately following the locating of our hostel was our introduction to Uncle Tom.  His name was Tom but I do not know his last name and as he was 57 years old, I decided quit quickly to refer to him as "Uncle" Tom.  His hair was feathery and wild, he was constantly stroking it back down with his hand, his eyes were bright and wide with excitement, his voice high and raspy, and his figure, well he was very boney and skeletal like.

Austin and I were doing push ups as he crashed into the hostel room, his eyes wide with enthusiasm, and immediately he commented, "Are you guys on furlow?  What branch?"  We convinced him we weren't in the military and only cut our hair because we were both sick of long hair and had gone a bit extreme in the opposite direction.  The next few days we go to know Uncle Tom a bit better.

He is a lonely man who travels around making friends.  He is one of the most generous people I have ever met.  He has done many things, and experienced some amazing adventures, but Uncle Tom was searching for something.  He loved to travel and with his financial success in earlier years, now has the freedom to do so.

I spent many hours with Tom, sharing stories, exchanging travel information, and looking for the opportunity to share Christ with him.  I do not think the soil was ready and he seemed much more interested in local seafood and wine than anything else, but I believe he is searching,  I sincerely believe that Uncle Tom will give his heart to Christ one day, and we must pray that he has or will do so in the near future.

Uncle Tom taught me some things about myself, others, and the world around me.  So here are my lessons from Uruguay learned from Uncle Tom:

1)Always look for the good in people
2)Never set money as more important than people
3)Never lose your sense of amazement in this life
4)Listening will solve more problems than speaking

"For I know the plans I have for you.  Plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart I will be found by you."  Jeremiah 29:11-14

This does not say 'if' it continually says 'when' so in this verse God declares that He ALREADY knows what is in store for our lives and it is a matter of WHEN not IF we seek Him.  I believe God has a very special plan for Uncle Tom's life.

Iguazu Falls

January 27, 2011

I was spending a couple of days at the most spectacular network of waterfalls in South America, a series of falls that link three country's: Brazil, Argentina, and Peraguay.  I cannot describe the feeling of watching millions of gallons drop so far into a raveen.  It is absolutely breath-taking!  One feels so small standing at the bottom of the falls and so completely helples and useless at the top. 

It is just such places that people seek out to seek out God, but the tourist (like myself) drown out the roaring, rushing power of the falls as they push and argue to get to the rail and look out over the ledge.  The brilliance of the falls seems to be reduced to a mere circus side show as thousands of people push and crowd to the front.  That is what the falls was trying to teach me!

God wanted to show me something here at Iguazu, but it wasn't what I expected, and it wasn't what I wanted to learn.  The splendor of the pounding of millions of gallons of crystal waters reflecting clear mountain light, all rushing tirelessly to their free fall, was nothing comared to the excellence that went into the creation of just one of these "annoying" tourists that were shouting and pushing me out of their way.  God loves each and every person here so much more than He cares about a waterfall, and I should also!  So be it alone with God or in the middle of a crowded attraction, Christ wants me to love others the way He does.  I am selfish but God can teach me to love, and He showed me that through these spectacular waterfalls!

The Human Energizer

The Road to Argentina

Jan 24, 2011



When travelling between Sao Paulo and the Argentine boarder be on the lookout for one, Adamir.  Normally, right then between 11:00 and 12:00 p.m. I would be sleeping especially in the middle of a 16 hr. bus ride.  Yup I said 16 hours.  That would be considered a short ride by the end of my travels, but at that time it seemed endless.

Sleep completely evaded me as I discover the human incarnation of the energizer bunny!  Sure he looks all round and cuddly on the promo's beating his drum and circling the world proving the power of a lead cell battery.  Fortunately for Engergizer, rabbits do not TALK.

You see what the commercial fails to show is what happens after the cameras have all gone home and the lights are out.  As near as I can tell, after the filming the rabbit morphs into a creature named, Adamir, and he talks unstobably to anyone who will listen.  And he goes on chattering about gosh knows what (I was only catching pieces but it was all insignificant tidbits).  He is extremely funny and seems to thoroughly enjoy pleasing people, but it was reeally late.

After noticing that I was trying to read he promises to allow me to continue and remains quiet, for as near as I can tell a complete 40 seconds.  Then he begins his random nonstop questions again.  Interesting to note the chapter in the book I was reading was about loving people, so I answered all his questions to the best of my ability and for the first time sincerely regreted learning Portuguese.


This post is dedicated to my siblings who still laugh as they make reference to this analogy I made over one year ago.

Part 2--The Adventure Begins, Rio to Cape Horne!...

Here are a few of my lessons on the way.

January 22, 2011
Lesson 1:
"I am resolved never to stop until I had come to my goal and had achieved my purpose."
David Livingstone

"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation"  Jesus Chrst, Mark 16:15

Excitedly I had disembark the plane; I was back in Rio and on my way around the southern tip of the continent.  My jumping off point was Rio de Janeiro, my home for nearly the last five months.  Now however, I had just finished spending a wonderful holiday with my family, and now visionns of pristine waterfalls, icy glaciers, amazing wildlife, and beautiful treking danced in my head like they would a 10 yr. old boy dreaming of the great explorers of long ago.

We left Rio the next day after visiting a few old friends, we made it to Sao Paulo and spent the night with our old friend Andre--it was really good to see him again.  This will be my last night surrounded by the familiar and tomorrow everything will be new.

New?  The word sounded so excited in my head, as if anything will ever be new.  Isn't it interesting how often we use the word, but in all actuality NOTHING is ever truely NEW.  Somehow seeing or experiencing something for the first time makes it so.  There is so much for me to discover, but it is no longer the why (which was my focus in Rio) it has now become the what and more importantly the how that concerns me.  These will be discovered along with the "New" over the next two months!

So what is my purpose?  I am confident that by the time I discover the answer it will already have been accomplished.  And my trip was not off to a great start as I already managed to leave my hiking boots behind in Rio de Janeiro.  The upside to this was that I was able to spend an extra day with Andre, and catch up with Austin at the Argentine boarder the next day.  Andre told me, "If you are in a position where God can teach you--stay there.  The first and foremost important work is the work Christ does in you, not through you."  Thank you Andre, that was lesson #1!

A Tree Top Devotion

November 16 2010,

At this point, God providend the opportunity for Austin and I to return to the U.S. and spend the holidays in our home state, surrounded by family and friends who we loved and had not seen in quit a long time.  Having been living and working, loving and learning, serving and seeing, we returned to our home soil having completed our work for a season and learning all that God had shown us, we returned.

This is a poem I wrote at age 16, but at this time it has never seemed so meaningful.  On November 16, 2010 it really rang true for my life as it felt so good to come home.  I wrote this while having a devotion out on my families farm and I will never forget penning these words as the sun sank low, deeply and thoroughly it seemed to be swallowed up into a field of pink and reds as the tall grass and neighboring corn fields reflected the brilliant shades of a magnificent sunset.  I had a climbed up into an old oak tree that stands out in the middle of our fields.  Here is that poem titled:  A Tree Top Devotion

Here I stand God, High in this Tree,
Here I stand God, Please draw near to me.
I came here alone, I came here to stay.
And stay here I will As I continue to pray.

I stand here in awe Of all that you've done
As I taste the sweet breeze, Hear the birds, feel the sun.
Your commision to go written all through Your Word,
Commands that I go into all of the World.

But the World seems so cold, And the world seems so dark,
As I stand here so warm Against this old oak trees bark.
You've spoken Your Word so I must obey.  I must shine your light in every way.
One day I'll come back to this old tree my home,
To study again and meet You alone.

Here is my late Easter post.

I have introduced you all to Raiza.  She was one my friends in Brasil and remains a close friend still.  Austin, Sarah, Raiza, and myself would hang out all the time.  Except on days that she was too busy studying, or doing her nails...actually that was most days, but when we did all hang out it was alot of fun.

(from left to right: Sarah, Austin/Narlie Beard, Raiza, Me/Jew fro, and I actually am not sure who the last person is--that was the only night I met her.)

One day while exploring a fort/rennovated restraunt, Raiza told one of the funniest most relatable stories I have ever heard.  Now, to read this story does not do justice, as you probably should see her Ginormous eyes bug out with enthusiasm and her arms flailling around to truely enjoy the experience in it's fullness.  Reading it will be the kareokee version of a Broadway musical, but I shall do my best.

As she tells it, her car had been broken into so she was unable to drive to class because the window was broken.  Let me point out she could not take it immediately to the shop because she had to study for an exam the next day.  With no way to school except a bus ride from a station two miles away, she asked her father to drop her off.  Hoping to enjoy his day off engaging in absolutely NOTHING minus his giant television and video games, (specifically in this case call of duty) her father was none too excited over the prospect of having to do anything as difficult as get off the sofa.  Again let me point out this is the day of the exam it was important that she NOT be late to class.

Grumbling and complaining they latched their seatbealts and began the drive to school.  The entire trip or at least the first part of it was quit boring and uneventful.  Soon however, they collided with another vehicle.  Now it was quit obvious to her and I suspect even her father that this accident was caused because he was simply too busy complaining and arguing over the cruel and unusual punishment to befall him on his day off.  Also this was a result of wearing flip-flops while driving, illegal in Brasil.

This is when the story really took a turn of interest.  Immediately he began shouting and waving his arms again.  "This is Your fault because you were too lazy to get your car fixed.  This is Your Brother's fault because he Couldn't Take You!  Actually, this is YOUR fault because YOU ARE SO SPOILED! And it is YOUR mother's FAULT because SHE SPOILS YOU!"

I have to laugh because only as a man can we manage to make a full circle of blame that touches everyone around us, and still have nothing to do with something that we just caused.

I talked to Raiza early this week, she expressed frustration over the stupidity of the holiday.  I have to agree Bunnies+Eggs (which are laid by chickens NOT BUNNIES)+Chocolate+Jesus=What kind of screwed up holiday is this?  I admit that I have serious reservations about how most people "celebrate" Easter, and completely sypathise with the confusion.  Especially for someone with outside the church.

Then I recalled her story.  The story that always brings a huge boyish smile to my face as I realize that as outlandish as the story seems and as fun as it is to watch her tell it in a way only she can, it does happen to all of us.  We all push blame.  We all point fingers.  So what does this have to do with Easter?

Today, let's focus on the one thing.  Jesus, his example, his life, and most importantly his death.  He lived a perfect sinless life, yet he took our faults and paid the price for our souls.  We will never understand how or why, but He chose to leave Heaven's spendor, much more enjoyable than a big screen tv, come to earth, much farther than our daughter's university, and pay the price for our sin, infinately greater than the repair bill of an automobile.  He did it all without complaint, without expectation, and without saying a single word.

Today, forget the noise, forget the chocolate (ok well I know you cannot completely forget chocolate, but just try to prioritize ok), forget about bunny's, and eggs.  I want to refamiliarize myself with the real meaning of Easter.  I want to understand the depth and the suffering that was experienced because of me.  Not for "all of mankind" or because, "there is so much sin in the world." No I want to face my sin, I want to recognize my depravity, I need a Savior because I have failed, because I am worthless.  He chose me, not the other way around.

Practicing Observation!

I have been discussing Joy and Love, two character qualities demonstrated by Christ that in my humble opinion are any Christians most valuable assets.   One of the points I am going to mention but not deeply explain or expound is that we are never commissioned to go argue and convince, but simply to love one another, and to preach.  Considering that not everyone is given the spiritual gift of preaching then we must use our other gifts as well as loving those around us, patiently accepting their faults, observant to their needs, and humbly accepting nothing in return.

Noverber 8ish 2010,

This is my lesson in observation.  I am anxiously planned for a quiet day alone to pray and practice observation, and I will be the first to inform you if you are ever concerned that a day is going to be boring and uneventful try being more observant.  You will be surprised by how many oportunities present themselves when you patiently observe and are constantly alert.  Here is how my day played out.

6:15 a.m.  I went to the kitchen of the hostel and grabbed whatever breakfast I could find laying around.  I dodge out the back door and make my way to a quiet mountain trail.  I am spending the week on Isle Grande pronounced (ee la,  grun-gee).  I took the wee morning hours because hiking at this time of day allows the viewing of the transition from nocturnal to daurnil animals.  I did not have to wait long before I was able to put my goal into practice.  While walking and praying I nearly stepped on a species of viper blocking my path.  Typically I would scurry him on his way, but today I decided to observe.  I sat motionless as he did the same.  Neither of us flinched, until a beautiful bright blue humming bird apparently mistook me for a new variety of flower and began darting right up to my face.  I allowed the new friend to continue until I feared my eyes were in danger and stood waving him on his path.

My other companion took this oportunity to also continue his routine and left me all alone on the trail, and so I continued.  As the path meandered around the mountains and by waterfalls, I noticed some 130 year old aquaducts.  I had read that they were on the island but I didn't know where.  But sure enough here they were.  I admit that I had every intention of casually observing from the ground as the trail continued onward, but almost in an out of body state suddenly found myself standing on top of them high above the tree line and making my way towards the top of the mountain much quicker than the trail could possibly have gotten me there.

What a spectacular view, these ruins were so fantastic, and so precisely constructed that now 130 yrs. later I can stand atop and observe the whole side of the island and sun takes it's place in the morning sky and a field of blue chases the brillant shades of red and orange away.  My thoughts drifted to home and how in just a few weeks I would be back in NC for the holidays.

After I climbed down I turned toward home.  I was greeted by a squirrel but not just any squirrel this young man seemed intent on climbing me!  He approached with the same curiousity as the humming bird and would not leave me alone.  Is everyone this friendly when you observe them I wondered.  Finally, I chased him away with a stick, and as he seemed to sulk on a rock looking at me I turned my back and again headed back to the hostel.

After a long morning it suddenly dawned on me how much is available for our enjoyment and for our deeper grasp on the amazing world in which we live, if we only take the time to be observant and to welcome these little opportunities.  The rest of the week contained giant 3 feet long endangered earthworms, sea turtles, monkeys, and other exciting opportunities as I continued to keep wide-eyed and observant to all God's wonderful creation around me.

(No animals were harmed in the making of this blog post, but I nearly went over a 60 ft. waterfall that day after my feet slipped in a creek)
But that is another story for another day.  In the meantime I completed as many hikes as possible while on the Island and finally we finished our amazing week in Isla Grande and were but four days from returning to NC for the holidays!

Joyfulness, Look for Joy, It is all around you!

"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of Joy." ~Psalm 16:11
"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee." Psalm 5:11
"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.  Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You" ~Psalm 51:12
"These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." ~John 15:11
Finally, "And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." ~Acts 13:52

Let me say first off that in the interest of time and for the benefit of my readers, I have done left out the context of each of these verses.  Please by all means go read the entire passage, it will certainly only contribute to the following lesson which I am going to be discussing.  Secondly, I realize that this is in no way an exhausted list, there are literally THOUSANDS of verses dealing with joyfullness of spirit and gladness of heart.  These verses however are sufficient for the purposes of this article.

In Rio one of the things that Austin and I did on a regular basis once we completed several construction projects and developed basic vocabulary, was to play basketball with the children that would come and hang out everyday looking for something to do.

One day in particular, I noticed a boy with an extremely contented countenance.  While all the other kids ran, screamed, vandalized,  used profanities to see if we would notice, tried to remember the things we asked them not to do so that they could do them, and performed minor surgeries on the small, weaker specimens, he was smiling.  He was always smiling.  I realized that I really never saw him not smiling.  I wondered what was wrong with him, and that is when I realized God had an important lesson to teach me and this small boy was the object of that lesson.

Let's face the music this is what we do as humans.  We see someone completely content and comfortable and instead of asking what is wrong with me that I am not experiencing that level of joy or contentment we quickly conclude, "Oh! there's something wrong with him.  I'll just mind my own business."  I do it!  We all do it.  But my question is what if we could allow our minds and our spirits to be transformed so that we live in this state of joy.  What if everyday Christians lived their lives in such a way that people on the outside were forced to ask the question, "What is wrong with them?  Why are they so happy?"

I wanted that joy, and I know that Christ died so that I could HAVE that joy.  I think about my friends, and I cannot forget Dru Holdren, a fantastic friend and truely an inspiration.  Even in difficult situations he always is bubbling over with joy and can make an impact on everyone around him with a constant smile, and ever rejoicing countenance.  I wanted that joy!

Every Christian should not only have this joy, but should actively be living it out.  But how will this affect others you ask.  Well let's face the facts, most likely they are going to do the same thing we do in our daily lives and say, "Oh my, he..well he is just, special."  GUESS WHAT? We  know that we have met the all-powerful ruler of the universe and He has declared us--What? He says He "Knew us." That means WE ARE SPECIAL!

It is way past time for us to get beyond our piousnessly long and stern faces and start enjoying the amazing creations and beautiful treasures all around us.  We are blessed more than any other nation, and we have the opportunity to experience joy and laughter and appreciate God's truth every day.  Yet how many of us are so concerned with work, kids, bills, american idol, or the next top model, that we never take the time to smile?

Do we wonder why churches aren't full?  Are we unsure why fellow believers do not want to sit in a pew for one hour every week?  Do we fail to see why there are so few new believers?  I think have a pretty good answer for all of these questions.

I decided that I wanted to live my life constantly looking for the good.  Always finding the glad and experiencing the joy in the day to day and living each moment to it's highest.  I wasn't sure if I had begun to succeed or not, until the other day someone asked, "What's wrong with you?"  "Why are you so happy?"  I just sighed and smiled.

Actually, I can testify that if you walk down a busy sidewalk with a sincere smile on your face people WILL stare as if you suffer from down syndrome.   The bad news however, is that when you become aware, I have learned it will only make you chuckle to yourself and cause your smile to grow all the bigger and brighter.  Now those around are really concerned.  At this point you will start getting glares...please resist the urge to laugh out loud, the average person has no idea how to handle seeing someone walking along laughing all alone and they are 100% confident at this point that they should call the boys with white suits.

This is what I would like all of my readers to try.  Purpose to be joyful and to actively be aware of those good things around that will bring a smile to your face.  A flower, a sunrise, an ice cream cone, a happy puppy getting into mischief, maybe a Bible verse (who would have thought about that right), a kitty chasing a ball of string, your favorite hymn, a child laughing and playing outside, or quietly with their toys, anything in the day to day that you would normally be too 'busy' to appreciate.  My personal favorite is watching someone trip on the sidewalk.  Usually just a stumble but occasionally you will get an full on squirrel dive!  Make sure they are not injured and then don't feel badly about laughing hystarically.  If you do witness a good trip that can usually last you an entire day all by itself.

Here is a perfect example of how this works.  To the untrained eye it would appear that I am simply enjoying a cable car right through beautiful Hong Kong.

Take a closer look.I am actually truly appreciating one of the most sincerely humorous things around me.

This is your social assignment and if conducted properly I promise you will receive strange looks, peculiar stares, funny questions, and maybe even make a few odd friends.  Either way the world will be more accepting of who you are, and more willing to understand what you believe if each day is lived as if it were your first and brightest, and each night enjoyed as if it were your last and best.  I wake up smiling about getting to cook breakfast (my favorite part of the day), and go to bed each night thankful and excited about the chance to rest.  Each step between the two is just an additional bonus because God is good and has given us so much to enjoy and experience!

The Timid Gringo

Alertness and Awareness


This is a subject that I wrestled with throughout my journeys through Brasil and so I would like to recap for my readers why this was such a difficult lesson to learn.

It is very easy being from rural NC to begin feeling very trusting and confortable in your surroundings.  It was at least for me, but after all the goings on and shake-ups I found myself struggling with too much caution.  Let me explain by first giving a brief summary of the personality shift that I encuntered during this first tour.  Naive tourist-to-comfortable foreigner-to-extremely cautious foreigner-to-American who is always on guard-to-Gringo with balanced sense of caution and interraction.

As stated in previous posts upon arrival I felt completely safe.  I knew there was a reason I was there and nothing could hurt me.  As that curtain was removed, my level of alertness  had to increase as well, but there was a certain lag time between the two and that is when I had a very short learning curve to catch me up to speed.  After the mistake of riding on the back of the bus and loosing many belongings, I found myself subconciously blocking people out.  My attentiveness to my surroundings was at an all time high.  As I walked down the streets I was constantly positioning myself away from open doorways, passing cautiously those who looked homeless or suspicious, and I was finding that my eyes were always drawn to a persons waiste line (checking for possible weapons) and then immediately back to the ground.

One day while coming home from the supermarceta (grocery store) I heard my name being called.  I turned and a small boy that often came and played with me, was standing in the street shouting my name.  He ran up to me and wanted to introduce me to his mother and friends who were playing with him.  How had this happened I wondered.  I had been so cautious to blend in, not attract attention, and carefully watch anyone of suspicioun that I had actually blocked out the people I had been trying to help.  In my state of alertness I had been so cautious and persistent to realize all possible threats that I had neglected to acknowledge the very reason I was there.  How could I be any use in these slums, or serve any perpose at all if I do not open up and give freely.  These children are the reason I am here, and regardless of what happens to me, I must never become to afraid to do everything I can for them during my stay.

After that instance I purposed to be alert and cautious only to the extent that it did not interferre with helping those in need.  As I have discussed before Christ commanded that we show love.  If showing love means taking an occasional risk then those are risks that I must take, but I cannot live my life in fear of what man can do to me.  I cannot stop interacting or loving those around me just because I had a few 'scary' circumstances.  I am not claiming that we should live out our lives in a state of naivity, I am only suggesting that everyone needs to find a balance in their own life and for their surroundings.

I suppose the lesson I learned today and in the upcoming weeks of reflection are that we must always be alert to our surrounding and environment while being still maintaining a constant awareness to the needs, hurts, and opportunities around us.  I feel this is a critical lesson for anyone wanting to travel abroad or just cross the street.  Be alert to your surroundings, but infinitle more important be aware of those needs all around you.


This is when I realized that Jesus was never suspicious He was simply aware of His surroundings and alert to the needs of others.  He can give strength and courage in any situation.

"The wicked man flees though no man persueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
~Proverbs 28:1

Baisino his nickname means "Shorty" in Portuguese--A lesson in Dedication

I may have mentioned the brief encounter I had with the Brasilian work ethic.  If so I would first like to mention that my oppion is extremely limited as I was only exposed extensively to one demographic of the population and geography of a vast and widely diverse country.

If not then let me elaborate on my experiences.   Any holiday international, national, local, or imaginary is a great reason for a Carioca (native to Rio) to skip work and go to the beach also a futbol game (soccer match) is an unquestionable excuss to skip work, and any boss that is worth working for will close on game day.  Any sunny day it is understood that board shorts and flip flops SHOULD be worn to work in case you can visit the beach before, during, or after work, preferably all three, at the same time as you can sleep in, go to the beach (technically before and during work simultaneously) then leave work a few seconds early to try to beat the "rush".  Actually this became one of my fondest pastimes in Rio, observing people go to great lengths to spend time in the sun if only for a few brief minutes!  Also to note flip flops are always acceptable work attire in Rio de Janeiro.

So there we were one blisteringly hot afternoon, clearing an old room which was full of lumber.  Moving it by hand outdoors to be inspected and put to use so that we could then put the room to use.  As I worked I noticed that it is 3:00, this is a time of afternoon which never goes unnoticed.  At approximately 2:50 nearly everyone working in my favella would begin slowing their pace, and wrapping up anything that had to be accomplished.  Starting anything new would be completely taboo.  Here it was exactly 3:00 and everyone was diligently at work.  Time slowed, my mind staggered, knees weakened, my world began closing in around me.  Had everything I had observed and the steriotypes I forged been completely irrashional and circumstantial.  Now I realize that there are very many hard working individual's in Brasil contributing to the growing economy, but I had worked with these guys for nearly four months now and this was completely atypical behavior.

I shrugged it off and grabbed another stack of lumber.  Despite the heat I would not slow down!  If these men were going to sacrifice their coffee break and continue working then I was determined to work harder.  Finally, curiosity got the best of Austin, "No cafe?" he asked 'Shorty'.

"Que hora sou? (what time is it)" Shorty responded in muttering tones through his missing teeth.

"Trece y Des" I replied, as I was the only one wearing a watch (recall mine had not been stolen because it was so ugly and worthless that even theives snubbed it during each of the robberies.)

At this point without saying a word he drops his lumber in his arms, bolts the door, and while muttering curses and collocials under his breath begins moving faster than I had ever seen this 4' 10" Brasilian man move in my life.  He had a bad leg and walked with a limp anyway, but today he seemed to teleport down the favella, and up two flights of stairs nearly before I could finish saying the time and turn from my project.  I strolled casually to take a cup of coffee and as I picked out pieces of the conversation I kept noticing one major theme, "Maloca, Brinquerra!" (My watch is crazy)

And so my mind was put to ease, his watch had, "Gone crazy!" He had the wrong time, and now he would never get those 10 minutes of extra work back.  Oh well guess my life and jokes can return to normal, crisis averted.  There was however, a 15 minute window where I have never experienced so much confusion in my entire life!

October 20, 2010 Sao Paulo, A lesson in Love

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.  John 13:35

This is my commandment that ye love one another as I have loved you.  John 15:12

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God for God is love.  I John 4:7-8

Sao Paulo, a lesson in love:  October 20, 2010

I had just returned from a great weekend with my brother from Sao Paulo, our friend Sarah-whom you will recall from a previous posting-had hosted us in her home city.  It is a massive place, and the financial hub of Latin America.  Her childhood friend Andre allowed us 

While staying with here I had th opportunity to sit with Andre and bouncing ideas and discussing things God had impressed upon us and been showing us.  We began discussing how legalism not only destroys an individual's faith, but also ruins the testomony of the believer.   This keeps people fro knowing Christ in a real way as the message of the relationship with an all powerful God gets lost in a list of 'Do's' and 'Don't's".  

Andre shared his testimony, which in my opinion looked very similar to most "Christians".  He had a resume if you will.  You know what I am talking about, "I have perfect attendance in Sunday School.  I have never touched alcohol.  I go on the mission trip every year, and even help out at kid's camp." Let's face it as a Christian this is about as good as it gets.  I mean this is what a 'real' Christian looks like right?  If Jesus were alive today isn't that what he would be doing, going around making sure to sit in Sunday School every week, and stare down his nose at anyone wearing jeans?  He would invite people to the temple, but if they actually came he would be surprised and try to avoid sitting or talking with them for to long--right?  That has been my experience, and unfortunately the experience of many others who when invited to church respond simply, "Oh I don't really go to church, I have met lots of Christians though."  If we were to truely ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" would we be shocked by the answer, would the world be shocked by the answer.  For some of us we may be called into the desert to eat grasshoppers like John the Baptist, others would be famous and have many supporters and friends like Billy Grahm.  Regardless of the answer, one thing is certain, we would ALL be challenged to follow this one command--LOVE!

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye go to church every sabath day and night, and sometimes wednesday, and don't forget singing in the choir for extra credit. What? NO!  "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another." John 13:35

It is so simple yet overlooked so easily.  Standing in line at the grocery store, stuck in traffic in the heat of summer, how often do we love these neighbors?  The elderly in the nursing homes, the children in the poor areas of town, how often do we love these neighbors?  So simple? Not really, this is a much more difficult command to follow than I could have possibly imagined.  Employers, neighbors, coworkers, even family members and other sunday school attendees can be difficult to love.  

Honestly,  whose life have you had the deepest impact.  Was it someone with whom you have had a deep theological debate, or someone in your life that you just showed love and kindness towards, someone you were not afraid to love regardless of difficulty or self-sacrifice.  I know for me it has always been those who showed me love.  People who poured into my life selflessly, friends who were not afraid to be my friend even when I was being teased or ridiculed.  With this in mind doesn't it seem logical that if we are to have the greatest impact on the world around us that we should start by showing love?  Often we are so concerned with making people perfect that we never stop to realize that--IT ISN'T OUR JOB!

For Andre, it took getting past church, getting out of religious circles, breaking free from Bible College.  Only after Andre experienced life outside of religion could he appreciate and sincerely believe how radically different Christianity is.  As I explained in previous articles, love is what the world is looking for, love is central desire for which human beings yern.  Love is the difference that should be apparent in all Christians, yet for some reason it is not.  I am under the strong conviction that if Christians followed this single mission that churches would be packed, and the need for evangelism would diminish as people come seeking the difference in the lives of their new friends.  

God is not a nagging mother rattling off a list of rules and schedules, He is our loving, patient, Father.  He is encouraging us, cheering for us, and passionate that we do our best and waiting to help us along the way.  That is the God I serve, that is the grace that sent Christ to redeem us.  That is the powerful life that I want to live for this year and the rest of my life.  My goal for this upcoming year is to love people more deeply and in doing so experience Christ's love in a new, powerful, and exciting way.