5.12.09
The hand is mighter than the blinker

So I have this new motorbike now and it is awesome! It's a Honda SupraX 125 for those who care. We've been living in this city for about four months now and have been relying on public transportation ever since day one. By now we've pretty much figured out the mini bus routes to the places we like to go. But even then we've been limited by where we can go and what we can do. It's really great having our own transportation. It opens up our life and the possibilities in many new ways.

But besides all that, it's just really fun to drive. Driving a motorbike is so much more of a sensory experience than a car. You can feel the wind on your face as you accelerate. You can lean to the left and right and the bike responds. Balance plays a part of it. It's just a whole lot of fun. And here in Asia there are other perks too, like always going to the front of the line at stop lights. That never ceases to amuse me. Parking is easy too. Half the time you can pull over alongside the road, buy something from a street vendor, and not even leave your seat. Awesome.

There are more motorbikes on the street than cars so people expect you. They look out for you. And if you're not sure, all you have to do is wave your hand a little to the left or right to signal your intentions. That or a tap to the horn perhaps. There's a whole unwritten motorbike 'language' that I'm just starting to pick up on. Kim is getting her license tomorrow. I'm a little nervous about her driving honestly, but she wants so take a month or so and just learn from me before she tries herself. It's a great resource for the two of us, but a little scary too. Please pray for our safety!

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4.28.09
Language learning

We've been going to language school for almost three months now- everyday for about four hours. It's been pretty intense as my little brain tries to soak up and absorb all this new information. Half the time I think I am learning just how to learn. I've never really studied a language with this much intensity before. Two years of high school Spanish doesn't count. Being 'immersed' puts this on a completely differet level.

2.27.09
Making progress

I've been in Southeast Asia for almost two months now and everyday gets a little better. Things are starting to feel more like 'normal', or whatever that could possibly be. The fog has lifted from my eyes a bit and I'm starting to see detail and some repetition to daily activities. This is a really good thing. Ever since we arrived here we've slowly been adjusting to our new surroundings. From the start it's been hard- new language, new culture, strange people, new city and food, etc. There is so much to take in at once.

We've been in language school for one month now. It's amazing how much I've learned in one month. This is only possible because my language teachers speak English 5% of the time and we are completely immersed in the native language. Once we step out our front gate there it is. Once we get on a public mini-bus, there it is. Culture and language are all around us. We can either step out and face it and learn each day, or run from it. But I would rather face it, though it is difficult. I'm able to make basic sentences if I really think about it. I suppose I could hold a conversation too if they speak slowly to me. But really, after one month this is quite impressive. I don't consider myself a gifted language learner. I didn't do that great at Spanish in high school. But when it comes to this place it's totally different. My motivation is quite different- either learn the language or struggle for survival! Okay, maybe it's not that serious, but learning the language definitely helps. I want to KNOW these people. I want to KNOW why they do what they do. I'm very curious about their ways. What lays behind those smiles that I see so often? That's my motivation. To know.

I sit here and listen to REM on my iPod and it almost feels like home. These little things remind me of who I am, or rather who I used to be. But I have a feeling I'll be discovering a new me as I live and adjust to this new world.

1.17.09
Travels, time zones, and tea. What does it all mean?

Well, here we go again. I find myself in new surroundings all over again. A whole new world to explore. A whole new people to discover. I love this.

10.24.08
Faith is challenging, but rewarding.

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" - 1 John 5:4-5

Faith is an interesting thing. For some people, it is really hard, if not impossible. Skeptics can't get their mind around belief in God without evidence. To them, faith is blind. But to others, it is simple and childlike. It doesn't require fancy arguments or intellectual reasons. It is simply belief.

But what about me? For a long time I was on the fence. I wanted faith but my mind kept getting in the way. To me, it seemed like I couldn't believe in something that couldn't be empirically proven to all. Reason was an obstacle that stood in the way of faith in God. And so that's where I sat, unwilling to let go of my reason, but wanting God just the same.

But the neat thing about faith is how to get it. For me, I wanted God so badly that I was willing to be called 'blind' to have Him. I was willing to let go of the doubts and questions that were nagging me and instead just trusted Him. It was a very difficult thing to do. But faith is a very very powerful thing- strikingly powerful- more powerful than you think. Faith can overcome the world. What that means for me is that it overcomes doubt and uncertainty. It allows me to see God clearly, in ways I never knew I could. It's wonderful! Now I see all the evidence for God in a new light. I see the act of believing in God as the most rational thing a person can do. It makes total sense. But it took me a long time to get here. It wasn't easy. At the end of the day, God just wanted me to trust Him.

Are you willing to trust God today?

10.11.08
Hope in hard times

My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

What a great little verse from Psalms 62. I read that today and couldn't help but reflect on how good God's promises are towards us. In times of economic and global peril, I know that God is still in charge. I have confidence in His word- His words and promises are truly a Rock in my life. They change my perspective. They remind me of who is in control. And when times are tough, I plant my two feet on Christ and remember His promises.
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."

My faith makes me strong despite the crazy stuff that happens in this world. It's good to be reminded that God sees all the actions of people on earth. He knows what's happening, and is still always in control.

Has it ever occured to you that nothing ever occurs to God? . . .

9.10.08
My First Triathlon

I'm very happy to say that I survived my first triathlon last weekend. Well, actually it was a mini-triathlon but who's counting? It took place about twenty miles or so from Louisville. My father-in-law and I did it together. The 'mini' was a quarter mile swim, eight mile bike ride, followed by a 1.9 mile run. It was a lot of work but I really enjoyed it! I've never done a triathlon of any sort before but this was a lot of fun. I've done several dozen running races before. I've alwasys considered myself a runner. However, adding the swim and bike components like this took it to a whole other level. It was that much more challenging, and rewarding.

I finished a little bit behind the middle of the pack at one hour and seven minutes. Not too bad I suppose, but there's plenty of room for improvement. I wasn't out to break any records, just set a personal one. Above is a picture of me just as I crossed the finish line. I was pretty pooped! The race results can be seen here!

9.6.08
About Friends

Well, how's life? Not too bad I suppose. I can't hardly remember the last time I wrote on this webpage. It has been a while, huh? I guess I've been busy. I've been making preparations for a long time to go overseas. Although I can't say as much as I'd like, we're getting more and more prepared each day. Time ticks by, slowly at times, but it marches forward nonetheless.

Kim and I have been filling our time with family, friends and relatives. More friends are in her state then mine, but I'm beginning to think my family will ultimately be my closest friends in the end. Five years ago I NEVER would've said that, but that was before everyone got jobs, married and houses in different states. Now my family is the closest thing I have to a long term friend. That's a pity I suppose. Throughout my life I have had some really close friends. I've gotten to know, bonded with, and left so many people. It happens a lot. But does it slow me down? Certainly not! Being married, I've realized the value of friendships more then ever in my life. My wife is my best friend. She and I will do everything together. She will be a constant companion wherever we go. But I've come to learn the value of male friendships too, even if they are short lived. Marriage is awesome, don't get me wrong. But guys still need guys, and girls still need girls. One person cannot nor should not try to meet ALL a persons' needs. Friendships bring much needed diversity to life. Friends bring out different sides of yourself. The best kinds of friends bring out in you the kind of person you want to be. Friends motivate. I'm praying that Kim and I make solid friendships with the people we meet overseas. God knows we weren't really able to do this down in Dallas. But it taught me a very important lesson and I don't want to be without other people again.

6.26.08
Closer to home

Kim and I are back home. 'Home' has been a loosely defined term for us moving as much as we have. But it's wonderful to be out of Dallas, so much closer to the people and places that are dear to us.

The next few months will be an exciting time. We look forward to meeting with so many of our friends and family before we leave for overseas. These are the people that mean the most to us. June and August we'll be in Indiana. July and September we'll be in Wisconsin. We have a few churches to speak at. I enjoy speaking in front of large groups but I think Kim would rather meet with people one on one. We make a good team together.

5.21.08
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This site is now a 'work in progress'. =) In other words, Kim and I are redesigning it and as we get there new (and old) stuff will come back. Thanks for you patience!