Stop 31 - St. Louis, Missouri

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

Stop 30 - Back in The Beltway (Washington DC)

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

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

Stop 29 - Phoenix, Arizona

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

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

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

Stop 28 - Peoria, IL

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

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

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

Stop 27 - DC (There and Back Again)

To complete my cross country circuit I have returned to the nation's capitol. While my Youth With a Mission Team did not get the desired election results, current events should not detract from a long expected party.

The celebratory day was enhanced by combining six birthday parties into one massive festivity. For enhanced appreciation of the festivities, we began with a massive house cleaning operation that ranged through the four floors of our communal home (28 people can clean or or destroy a house very quickly). Afterwards our Mexicana party theme included wearing fake mustaches, eating burritos, and playing ridiculous games. Competitions ranged from a pinata (beheaded by a giggling woman in one swing), to blindfolded fighting with foam noodles (everyone was sober at the Christian party), to other blindfolded antics.

The party provided and excellent juxtaposition to the stream of news about elections, wars, and economic downturns. Even in a world of miserable headlines, I have great reason to celebrate life and a God who loves me (and you).

Stop 26 - Los Angeles

Running through an airport with rolling luggage without a working escalator was an excellent workout. Though the luggage weighed less than my pack in the Bataan Memorial Death March, my race to catch a flight back to DC did not result in a victory. Out of breath and exhausted, I found myself with an extra 11 hours of unanticipated vacation (or layover) in LAX. Not wanting to waste the day, I headed to the USO Lounge to enjoy a plush couch and write my blog post. As a nerdy example in recursion, I posted a picture above of myself writing on my blog.

The minor setback at LAX gave me time to think about how much I have to be thankful for. Unlike my brothers-in-arms, I have not been shot at or had a car bomb explode close to my location. Along with physical safety, God has granted mercy for all of my mistakes and failures through Jesus' death on a cross.

What do you have to be thankful for?

Stop 25 - San Deigo (The Call)

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

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

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

Stop 24 - There and Back Again (Washington DC)

Do you ever feel you dressed to casual for event?

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

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

Stop 23 - New York City

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

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

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

Stop 22 - Back to DC

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

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

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

Stop 21 - North Carolina Outer Banks

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

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

Stop 20 - Washington DC

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

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

Stop 19 - St. Louis

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

Stop 18 - Road Trip (Indiana)

While driving through Indiana, I saw a blue sign highlighting a local tank museum. As a good member of the armed forces and a man who loves firepower, I decided to exit the highway. After a few miles of driving through beautiful farmland, I came upon a man's farm that was filled with giant hulks of metal. As a five-year-old in a candy store, I enjoyed climbing on tanks, learning history by experience, and testing the weapons (unloaded of course, see picture above) Local workers who restored the vehicles at the farm told many fantastic stories. Engineers in past wars improvised huge leaps in technology to assist the survival of the US against numerous opponents. On a larger scale, I am thankful for God's fantastic engineering skills that allow the earth to sustain life and catapult around the sun.

Stop 17 - Road Trip (West Virginia)

As my wandering adventures turn to the United States, I endeavored to drive from Boston to St. Louis. Along the way, my adventures took me to Harper's Ferry in West Virginia to see the site of one of the worst US military defeats. In the Civil War over 12,000 Union soldiers surrendered to the famous southern general named Stonewall Jackson. On the battlefield, a ridge overlooks a beautiful river (see picture above) From my vantage point overlooking the natural tapestry, I decided to spend time in prayer and talking to God. Afterwards, I was struck by the stark contrast between the ugliness of defeat on the battlefield and the beauty of the nature. The contrasting scene reminded me that God's beauty is far greater than our mistakes and suffering. 

Stop 14 - Washington DC - The Call

Excited about fasting. Yes, Really! I was very excited to have a chance to fast on the Capitol Mall in Washington DC with 70,000 other people. Despite the lack of physical food, my soul was well nourished and I had an amazing spiritual experience with Jesus. The Call (http://www.thecall.com/) was part of a series of gathering by Christians from around the country to pray for God to bring great blessing and healing to the United States. Although I love the USA and thank God for the many blessings we have in America, several tragic national decisions (slavery, abortion, Native American deportation) have caused innocent bloodshed. A solution to the past mistakes can be found in Joel 2 of the Bible where an entire nation is called to fast and pray for God's forgiveness. In Washington, many people rallied to pray for God to forgive past sins, bring great healing to national divisions, and pour out tremendous blessings on the US government. Besides a radical encounter with God, The Call really gives me hope that better days are ahead for the United States and the people serving in the Federal government.

Stop 13 - London

During my three hour layover in London, I decided to leave Heathrow Airport and take a whirlwind visit to England's capital. By taking a 15 minute express train I found myself in Paddington station. (ie Bourne Ultimatum) After walking around Westminster for 20 minutes and drinking some excellent coffee, I rushed back to Heathrow for my plane to the United States. Along the way, I realized that I may want to learn British for my next trip across the pond. As an example, the picture above is a warning sign for people to not stand to close to approaching trains.

Stop 12 - Koln Germany

The picture was not in Boston, but Germany. My coffee gulping seen above took placed at a Dunkin' Donuts in Koln, and I wanted to have documented proof that you can get American coffee in Europe. (even with English writing on the cup)

Stop - 11 Oradea, Romania

Farmer Weddings. Jeff and I were able to travel with the host family to visit a grandmother in the Transylvania countryside and help with farm work.

Along with harvesting plums and cutting firewood on the farm, Jeff and I were invited to a rural Hungarian wedding. After the church ceremony, the reception reminded me of Bilbo's 111th birthday party in Fellowship of The Ring by JRR Tolkien. The joyful throng paraded to the banquet hall with musicians, singing, and rings of dancing. With appetites enhanced by rigorous dancing the hundreds of guests packed into a hall with long benches for food. At the peak of the evenings festivities a massive three tiered wedding cake with huge sparklers (fireworks) was rolled across the hall like a giant flaming wagon (see picture above). Although I left at 3am, many guests (and elderly grandma's) stayed far longer. The joyful festival of marriage made me wonder how much better heaven's wedding feast in the Bible will be (Revelation 9, The Bible)

Stop 10 - Budapest and Voz in Hungary

While traversing to and from Eastern Europe, we stopped in two amazing Hungarian cities. Visting the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Church and the Danube were delightful experiences. An even greater attraction to Budapest was the monumental effort to make the city tourist friendly. Before our exit from the train to Budapest, we had a tourism official come to our seat and offer free maps and advice. Furthermore, the city was blanketed with smiling people offering you help finding a hostel. Even more, the food, books and other needed items were far cheaper in the easterly sections of the old Hapsburg Empire.

Later in rural Hungary, we attempted to inject vast quantities of manliness into the trip by hiking a mountian outside of Voz. The picture above is not a cling for life from the mountianside, but simply a human imperession of a monkey. After reaching the top, I surveyed a massive section of the Danube. The picturesque scene reminded me of how God must see the big picture, while people can walk through a dense valley with limited visability. Nature's reminder of God's soverieghn power brought great peace as I spent time praying to a living God.

Stop 9 - Czech Republic

Cross country biking was not as intimidating in Austria. With an Austrian friend at my side, we biked across rural Austria into the Czech Republic. Along the roads, I surveyed the scenic landscape of rural Austria. After a brief stop to eat delicious fruit fresh from the tree, we arrived in the Chezk Republic. An attempt to buy a bottle of water reminded me that some areas of the EU still do not use the Euro (you need crowns in the Czech Republic).

In order to replenish our strength, we stopped at a grandmother's house and had a wonderful meal consisting of black bread, cheese, coffee and fruit. Along with my stomach, my mind also expanded with the hearing our host's stories about life in World War II. Many of the German people from the Czech Republic were secretly killed or expelled to Austria after the war by the local government. Although US troops gave meals to help the refugees, the survivors suffered difficult atrocities. Despite the wounds on the hearts of the survivors, my hope is in the power of Jesus Christ to help both nations apply the healing balm of forgiveness and repentance.

Stop 8 - Croatia and Slovenia

Entry denied! Staff member's from our host church in Vienna heard the preceding statement when they tried to return to he European Union through Slovenia. the visa technicality resulted in several visits to the austrian consulate, nights in a Croatian hostel, and prayer meetings for a safe return. After several days of suspense, Vienna Christian Center was able to celebrate the staff's return on a direct flight to Austria (without the church van).

In response to the lost van, Jeff and I were sent on a rescue mission. Operations stated with a train ride to Zagreb (see picture) and a hunt for the local bus to the airport parking lot. Miraculously, we found the van in great condition and plenty of gas. As we trekked through roads with signs in a foreign language trying to remember the art of driving with a manual transmission, we surveyed the beautiful Balkan countryside and had great fun.

Along the way, we encountered many interesting adventures including entering highway behind a large convoy of cars celebrating a wedding (with lots of random stops). In addition, I saw an amazing traffic light on the main highway which lasted longer than 15 minutes. During the red light, drivers would subsequently leave their cars to talk and smoke only to scramble back in when he light turned green.

Even with the circumstances and adventures god blessed us with safe travel, the ability to drive in the Balkans, and no visa hassles while driving through the same Slovenian border.

Stop 7 - Slovakia

As a respite from the constructing of buildings, we took a team of volunteers from Florida to visit Bratislava, Slovakia. Around the city, the construction was beautiful, the people friendly, and the food cheap. We were photographed by local youth as part of a school scavenger hunt (needed a picture with tourists). Afterwards, we walked the grounds of a beautiful castle overlooking the Danube river. In the picture below, I am contemplating a mythical dive from the battlements into a river many meters (no yards or feet in Europe).

On the train ride back to Vienna, I had an amazing spiritual experience. One of my friends played a harmonica for the entire train car. The songs included Amazing Grace and other songs about the love of Jesus. During the music, the train filled with the peace and glory of God. As a result, the mood of the entire train changed and people sat in peaceful contemplation for the duration of the journey. The experience illustrated to me how the cross of Jesus can bring love and peace to any place (or train car) in the world (see Romans 3:23 and Philippians 3:5-6, The Bible).

Stop 6 - Wien, Austria

A jackhammer can be used for fun or work. In the picture below I am using a jack hammer 'Rambo' style. As for work, I am currently in Vienna volunteering for a church construction project. My work ranges from electrical work to using the jackhammer to destroy rocks in ditches.

I have been greatly blessed with an apartment for the month and many free meals on the work site. God has also blessed me with a great group of friends at the church. On Thursday nights we all spend many hours praying together. The times of prayer to Jesus have been the highlight of the trip and have really brought great life to my heart and strength to my bones.

Stop 5 - France

While traveling to Vienna on various modes of transport from ferries to trains we got to have a few interesting adventures. The trek included sleeping on trains with beds that were narrrow enough that rolling over could cause you to have a akward entanglement with a sleeping neighbor.

With stops in France we vistied Metz and Montpellier. The town had beautiful buildings and churches (although many churches were closed). While wandering through Metz we passed a French military local recruiting station. As captured by the picture, I briefly considered joining the French millitary (for 1x10^-11 seconds). Nevertheless, I decided to stay on the strainght and narrow and remain with the US Air Force.

Another note, I have found nutella to be a great discovery in Europe. Altough I may be late in trying the spread for any bread, Europe's answer to Peter Pan has been a worthy find. Another great discovery was when a guard ran after me to return my cellphone and wallet that I left at a checkpoint. God really has provided for us on our journey, and Jesus has mercy that is greater than any propensity to make mistakes (even mistakes by LTs).

Stop 4 Morocco

First question by cstoms at the border to Morocco was, "Bush or Obama" (I don't know if the wrong answer could cause a deportation). The trip was a post-windsurfing adventure across the straits for some tourism and visiting a Bedouin village. People stay out late and there are many new and beautiful ocean walks. The locals also make a great mint tea (albiet sweet) and serve tasty olives. The picture shows both continents.

Stop 3 - Spain

I have been staying near Malaga Spain in a fantastic villa for a few days rest. A friend's family owns a house in the area, and they have kindly opened the door for us to stay in the wonderful mansion. We even have a pool surrounded by flowers and gardens.

Also, I have learned that good milk can come in a box (not jug) and that Spain makes amazing cheese. Also, one should not take fruit to the checkout of a grocery store without having an employee weigh the item in the back of the store (initially very confusing when you are not fluent in Spanish)

As we rest, we have also been windsurfing, beach bumming, and hiking part way up mountains. God has truly blessed us with a break before we go to Austria for a construction project.

Stop 2 - Hamburg

I am enjoying seeing two close friends in Hamburg, Germany. We are staying in their apartment near a beautiful park in nothern Hamburg. During the day, Jeff and I are volunteering near St. Pauli (near the redlight district) with the Jesus Center (http://www.jesuscenter.de/). The charity gives food, housing, counseling, and much more to people in need. Yesterday we had the chance to serve by cleaning and washing windows. Tomorrow, we plan on painting and serving in additional ways. I am looking forward to serving people who ociety could define as lower class, but whom God considers to be just as valuable as myself.

Stop 1 - Köln

I am in Koln visiting my old campus pastor from college. I am staying with his family and even have my own room and bed. I am staying in a cool little town on the outskirts of Köln called Zündorf The host family is cooking excellent food for me, and I have had copious amounts of bread and potatoes. The hospitality is overwhelming between the food, tours, free train tickets and just great times. (my host can give a great tour despite not speaking the same language)

The small town itself has amazing walking paths and two beautiful lakes along a large pavilion. We can even get to downtown by a quick train ride. The town is even celebrating its 1000 year anniversary in a few months (three times older than Boston)

I also have been able to volunteer and help a number of churches in the local area. We spent time with one of the local campus ministries (called Chi Alpha in the US) and we were able to speak at a class on the Holy Spirit at a local church. Later I even got to see one of my friends from Boston who passed through the area. I have run into many friendly people (even customs and train workers)

For everyone who has been praying, thank you. I hope that more people will see their value the Christ's love.

Leaving

I am trying to pack quickly, throw all of my needed journey items into a single pack, and get out of the door. My last few minutes on active duty were spent rushing from one part office to another completing tasks so I could make a promotion ceremony seconds before it started. My preparation reminds me of a Bilblo Baggins who was hurried off to adventure by Gandalf without breakfast or a pocket handkerchief. I am looking forward to traveling abroad, but I miss so many people already in Boston.