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.