The Final Hours

The Loneliest Feeling,

The Final Week!

There I was sitting across the table from the girl who had broken my heart.  Through conversation she had told me that she had a new boyfriend, and that she was happy.  Though I wasn't completely convinced and still hesitant as to why she had instigated having breakfast alone with me.  I was also happy for this new opportunity to travel, and casually mentioned that Bogota would most likely not be in my itinerary because I didn't want to make her family feel obligated or uncomfortable.

"Jared, my family would love to see you. Berta asks about you all the time."

"Really? Should we really go to the park?  I know Austin would find it very interesting."

"Seriously, you should go.  They would love to see you again." was the response I was given.

If she had any reservations about our breaking up she wasn't hitting to me about them.  I expressed my desire to visit her family and made it clear that if I were to travel through Bogota, I would make every effort to visit them.

Months later, on buses through Ecuador  we realized that our departure flight out of BOG airport in Bogota, Colombia was drawing dangerously close.  I also realized that she had been correct, we should make a visit and say hi to everyone while in the city.

After sending emails and messages on facebook, I was growing concerned.  None of my messages received a response.  I persistently continued trying to contact my old friend, if for no other reason just to get an address.  As time passed without a response I actually grew concerned.  I had no contacted her since leaving the U.S. and was worried that something may be wrong.

Finally, the day before leaving Quito, Ecuador, and saying goodbye to my friends Ryan and Erica, I received my response.  "Jared, I wanted to be friends, but this is too stressful.  I hope you understand that I cannot be friends with you any longer.  I don't want you to ever email me again, and I am deleting you as a friend on facebook.  If you must visit my family please contact my mother for directions and information."

That was it.  There I sat, despite being in a tiny apartment with four people I was flooded with a sense of loneliness.  I never expected our relationship to be anything other than friends and for the longest time was completely comfortable breaking all contact.  What had changed?  Why would someone stir my emotions and ask to be friends only to reply with such a blunt email the very next time we had contact?

These shoes had walked around South America;
Tomorrow they were coming home to Charlotte.

I didn't understand it then, and I'm sure I don't understand it now, but God had an important lesson for me.  God is the only one who gives Joy.  We may find happiness or contentment in many things both good and bad.  Jesus told the woman at the well. "Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:13-14.  This is true joy and fulfillment in life, to know Christ and have joy like a fountain coming from within.

We did go to Bogota, and we were treated like royalty.  I planned to post a blog about those last two days, but I will surmise by saying a deep heart-felt thanks to the Torres family.  Those last days were perfect and I hope I can one day show you how much your hospitality meant to my brother and I who were so tired, weak, and poor (literally, I had spent my last $10 in Quito). So Thank You once again! You were a world-class send off from our Adventure in South America!

THANK YOU!

Standing on the Northern and Southern Hemisphere Simultaneously!

Quito, Ecuador: The Final Steps to Bogota and Home!
March 30, 2011

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: It is the power of God unto Salvation to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16

Ryan, Austin, and myself on the camp high rope course

We are leaving our 11th country Ecuador   We have spent the past three days with my old friend Ryan and his amazing wife Erica.  Ryan showed us his around the city where God has called him to serve as a full-time missionary.  We spent a day visiting the mission and attempting the high-rope course.  We are down to the last few days now and anxious to see old friends in Bogota, and catch our flight bringing us back home.

It is so exciting to see how God uses each of our talents for his glory.  Ryan has always been a true outdoors man   As he explains his duties in teaching local teens about the outdoors and Christ's love, I fondly recall my college days when he used to teach me these same things as we went rock climbing and rappelling together.  He has always enjoyed the outdoors and now he allows God to use his talents to impact the lives of Ecuadorian children and families to Christ.

Ryan took us to the equator and also to a local hot springs, while Erica worked tirelessly taking care of us.  She works so diligently helping Ryan learn Spanish, cooking, cleaning, making trips to the market and doing so many things that I am sure went unnoticed and unappreciated.  She made an overnight trip last three full days, and ultimately saying good-bye was a long difficult process.


Ryan, Erica if you are reading this thank you for your ministry and for all dedication to the cause of spreading the Gospel.  May you continue in your ministry, may God continue to use you, and thank you for your generosity in taking care of us and giving us a tour of your fantastic city.

"I will give thee rest"

March 17, 2011

Having been cared for and watched after on our long journey to Macchu Pichu and back, we left Cuzco,  Peru.  We went inland toward Lima the capital.  The bus stop and surrounding area was so dirty and uninviting, however, that we decided to leave immediately without even staying the night.  We simply caught the next bus out and continued on our way.

By this time Austin and I were exhausted.  Each stop, every single day had been carefully planned out in order to make the most of the few remaining days until our flight back to NC.  We were exhausted.  Having been in high elevation, cold, and rain ever since leaving Mendoza, Argentina, we finally rode the bus to lower elevations and warmer climates.  God kept showing me this verse. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give the rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29.

We had traveled and see God's wonderful creation.  We had learned of the vile history of mankind and how sin had corrupted everything, even the spreading of the gospel, using it instead as an excuse to gain riches and fame.  It was now time to rest and this rest came in the form of Mancora!

We arrived at Mancora a few days ago.  A small surfing village at the northwestern corner of Peru.  The Pacific Ocean was fantastic, and has never been more inviting than that week after spending nearly a month in the cold Peruvian/Bolivian Andes Mountains.  The Pacific was cool, and dark and the waves tall and rough, so different from the warm, quiet, gentle waves of the NC Atlantic coastline.  It was a fantastic experiences as surfers, boarders, and well sun-worshipers internationally gathered in this desert town to lounge by the sea.

Our hostel had a large pool, so after baking beside the salty ocean all day, we simply wandered a few dozen yards and relaxed on our lawn chairs beside the sparkling pool.  The plan was to only stay a couple of nights, but the sun was so warm and inviting that we finally decided we simply must leave on the 5th day.

And so we left Mancora behind after nearly a week of seafood, local fruits, sun bathing, and beautiful sunsets (being from the east coast I've only ever seen the sunrise over the ocean).  We traveled north and upward back up into the mountains entering country #11 Ecuador.

Machu Picchu at Last!

March 14, 2011

 There I sat overlooking the sacred, lost city of the Incas.  Nestled safely and quietly in the high mountain tops of the Peruvian mountains, the old jungle standing watch and surrounding the city on two sides leaving the luminous cliffs as defenders of the rear and back entrance to the city.  There I sat perched high above on what was once used as a lookout point and intended as a fortress the city ever fell and a last resort must be sought-out.

The city itself was designed to resemble the siloette of the condor which was worshiped as the god of the air and contained within the city were temples to many of the gods worshiped by the Incas: the snake representing the inner earth, he is wise and associated with the mind, the puma rules the animal kingdom with his strength he is the god of the body and the earth, the condor is great and all seeing, he sees ahead, behind, and below, nothing flies over him and because of this he is the god of the air and represents the soul of man.
I had been studying the Inca rulers the previous day and had learned all I could about their cities, customs, beliefs, life-style, music, etc.  I had learned that the Incas always followed a rule of three in all of there worship ceremonies.  The Sun, Moon, and Stars were all three worshiped.  The three parts of our being associated with the three great rulers of the animal kingdom as well as the three parts of the earth as discussed in the previous paragraph.

They also had a three great commands to live by: 1) work hard, 2) do not lie, 3) Do not steal.  In order to have a secure a good name for yourself in the afterlife, the Incas taught that you should follow three codes, love, work, and honesty.  These would be used to judge how you lived your mortal existence   There I sat reflecting on the past few days all that I had learned and the journey that I had made the previous day.  Let me explain.

March 12, the day after my birthday had been spent planning a route, learning about the Incas  and visiting ancient ruins.  March 13th, we began the day quit early to get as far outside of Cuzco as was possible by road.  Then we discovered that the local train which costs ruffly $2 for locals, cost nearly $70 for tourists just one-way.  So Austin and I decided to hike the 30 miles to Aguascalientes at the base of the mountain.

Thirty miles is much longer than it seems, and after an entire day of constant walking my legs ached, my feet were swollen, and my back ached from carrying a pack.  We were determined not to spend the night near the tracks and pressed on to the town.  I remember the torture of those last 2 miles.  To that point everything seemed fun, a bit exciting, challenging, and adventuresome.  When we were within 2 miles however, my legs could go no further.  Each 1/2 mile was a milestone worthy of celebration and a 5 minute break.  At dusk we were within 1/4 mile and as the last rays of golden, warmth disappeared we dragged ourselves wearily into town.

As I sat perched soaking in the view I had dreamed of experiencing for the past 10 years, my swollen ankles and aching legs seemed to regain life.  It was an unparalleled feeling, like looking into the night sky and gazing at the stars for the first time.  Here in that moment thousands of years seemed to come standing face to face, as the ancient stones watched idly as tourists crowded and shoved around the old ruins.

I sat looking down on these old foundations which had been lain down hundreds of years earlier, but here they were frozen in time.  I recalled Ephesians 1:4, "Long before He laid down earth's foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as a focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love." These foundations were abandoned due to the cruel Spanish who conquered the continent with hate disguised as 'God's Will". But what if the people who lived here, who sacrificed infants to false gods had been treated with love and not hate, how might history have been written differently.  How might the cause of Christ been expanded instead of destroyed.

The Best Birthday Ever!

March 11, 2011

Birthday #25 was probably the most exciting week of my physical life.  I had little idea how the day would play out, but from a very early age I had determined to see the lost city of Mochu Picchu.  And on this day of my journey I find myself in Cuzco the closest city to the ancient ruins.

Austin and I left the hostel and explored the old city.  The original city walls which remains mostly in tact consists of massive stone boulders perfectly cut and stacked.  The mystery of how this was done remain uncertain, but once in place the stones fit together so perfectly no mortar was used.  They simply stack like giant 1-2 ton lego blocks.  We visited a local museum to educate ourselves on local Incan traditions, lifestyles, and customs, and enjoyed some street food before returning to our hostel.

My Birthday Feast--And it was even happy to see me :)

As we walked back in through the hostel doors, Austin and I noticed that a pirate party would be held upstairs in the food area later that night. (If you know anything about me, dressing like a pirate is one of my favorite things to do).  Phil his wife Marika, who were still travelling with us, Austin and myself then went out to dinner that evening.  We decided to split a Guinea Pig.  Guinea Pig is a Peruvian favorite with it's very dark, rich meat.  It is a delicacy and very expensive and the entire rodent should be consumed leaving nothing to waste.

Desiring to both enjoy this treat to it's fullest and not wishing to insult the chief we proceeded to consume the entire animal.  I enjoyed the ears, while Phil and Austin each tried an eyeball.  Then we shared the tiny little brain after cracking open his skull.

Now we wondered back to the hostel which to our surprise was full of excitement as the staff prepaired for the pirate party, which I had somewhat forgotten.  Marika began helping me prepare.  She dug through her entire pack finding, "just the right pants" and "Oh the perfect shirt" and "These things that I had to wear". Seriously, her enthusiasm and British accent was really fun.  After she adorned me in all the proper scarves and beads and dangly things, she did my make up.  We had a bit of an argument during the make-up process when she made a slip of the tongue.  After a brief argument about proper terminology she finally admitted that by 'gay' she actually meant 'scary'.  I was "ready".

 When we walked into the grill, we were welcomed with a "Surprise!" and "Happy Birthday!"  Then the staff gave me a cake!  Seriously, why would a hostel staff do that? Not having a normal knife I decided to use my sabor, which was turned out to be quit a popular idea.  We had a fantastic evening and finally got some sleep after the cake and a lot of dancing. Twenty-five was going to be a great year and it was already off to a perfect start!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Bolivia

I'm Alive, slightly embarrassed, and a bit bronzed from the scorching Bolivian sun, but alive non the less.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I shall be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10.  Even though this versed was continually recurring in my thoughts and even in my readings, sometimes it's necessary to have all distractions completely taken from you in order to fully explore the depth and power of this verse

Today's story begins in La Paz, Bolivia.  Now there are very few interesting stories that happen in La Paz, but as it happens altitude sickness is quit the exception.   Though it began in La Paz the story actually takes place in Coroica, so the tradition of uneventful, crowded, grimy, rainy, and otherwise gloomy stories for which La Paz may have a reputation can thus continue uninterrupted.

Phil and Marika-Aren't they Cute :D

This story I want to tell not for sympathy or even because it was unique, but mainly because it proves how God provides exactly what we need.  It also is the perfect opportunity for me to introduce a few very good friends who will always have a place in my heart because of the adventure we shared and the care they took of me.

Austin and I had just checked into our hostel in the bustling capital city of Bolivia, La Paz.  We turned in for the night and the next day, oh about lunch time, were watching the Rugby game in this very vibrant British hostel when I felt a stroke of long curly hair go walking past me.  To my delight it was Marika! A fun, outgoing, adventurous European whom we had met with her husband Phil in Brasil.  I knew they were in the city but didn't image I would just happen upon them so quickly in a city of this population.  Marika has a bright smile and a charmingly bubbly personality, she can make friends, and strikes conversations with nearly everyone she meets.  Phil is cool, somewhat quiet and reflective, very smart and very good at nearly everything he puts his mind to.  They are so fun and a perfect match.  If you guys are reading this thank you both so very much for taking the best care of me and my computer that week.  It was a great week and makes an awesome story.

The next day Austin was going into the Bolivian jungle, and I would  stay behind to work on my Spanish.  God however, had bigger plans.  I spent the next day struggling with my computer which apparently had suffered a hard drive crash, and was unable to use my language program at all.  Thus I was quit obliged to tag along when invited to go to a quiet mountain town of Corioca with Phil and Marika in Austin's absence   I thought it would be a great opportunity to just soak in the Bolivian countryside, but nothing could be farther from what happened the next few days!

Too my best understanding I developed altitude sickness.  Fortunately, I had escaped the loud parties and busy streets of La Paz and the next few days Phil and Marika took great care of me.  Phil repaired my computer, something I could never have done on my own, and Marika made sure I was comfortable and allowed me to relax and recover.  I suffered extremely high fever and was unable to eat anything.  Due to the fever staying hydrated was quit difficult.

I could barely manage strength to stay awake and sit up.  One day while going downstairs to the bathroom (which was outside just a short distance from the upstairs room the three of us were sharing) I found myself waking up with a splitting headache, and staring up at the blistering Bolivian sun shining through the palm trees and wondering how I got there and how long I had been lying on the pavement.  Most importantly however, I wondered had anyone seen me do something as embarrassing as passing out and collapsing.

After three days without food and only minimal hydration, I finally began to recover and manage to take in a little yogurt and some cool-aid mix we concocted to get some salt, sugars, and water into my system.  In effort to keep this story no longer than it already is, I shall summarize : I did not enjoy long walks and extended periods of quiet meditation in the Bolivian mountains, however, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect environment or better friends to help me recover from altitude sickness.



"...and Lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world"  Matthew 28:20.  So God promises to be with us lo, but today's story proves He takes the time to care for us and provide for us even in the highest of elevations.

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!