Bitter Sweet

        With my time here coming to an end it's hard to sum up emotionally what's going on.  There is a bitter sweet that wells up.  Im really missing home but leaving here is becoming hard to process.  I don't want to leave, I want to stay.  There may come a time for that but I have other obligations back home that I have to attend too,  So for now I must say goodbye and see ya next time.  

Ongoing   Project 

 

        Due to time frame and finances, of coarse, I wasn't able to watch the  aquaponics come to completion but I was able to make my time and skill set somewhat beneficial.       

        One idea was created to have a mobile watering system.  With some creativity and a few spare parts, the idea came to life.        

         

        This is Matt (owner) and Mr. Vernon, hard to sum him up in a few words but let's just say HE'S THE MAN.  Here we are testing the prototype to see if it's gonna work for Mr. Matts particular set up.  

        Everybody was happy with the results so off we went to finish the build.  

We then switched our attention to getting water to the green house.  With there being a water source near by we set out to get this thing plumbed up.  It was a pretty easy task minus digging in Nepal, which is never easy. 

             So Jeff whatcha been up to ?   

 WELL...... glad you asked !

       

         The project I was helping Aidan with is now complete and boy what a project it was.  Welding with sun glasses,  mixing 48 bags of concrete by hand,  but Raising the floor 2' was definitely the highlight of the project for me, I never wanna see a wheel barrel again.  

        Crazy what you can do with a little time, money and many hands.  In a world where the demand is so high and the need so great, that feeling of accomplishment soon fled.  Although this was a small project the hope is that the love that was felt in and around this community during the project will last longer then the building itself.  

        "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love" Mother Teresa.

        We quickly moved on to start / continue other projects.  One is at a local farm where a large storm ripped up the greenhouse and scattered all the contents across the property.  A constant reminder is, it's not just about a "process to complete" but also an opportunity to teach along the way.  What are gifts, experiences and talents we have if we are not able to teach them as we go, that way the knowledge is not lost and can be carried on when we are long gone.  

        The other project is at a local training facility with many foreign workers / volunteers.  With many obstacles and goals set at the property, a few ways to help out is to have a place to grow their own food.  To produce food from your local place is a great reminder of home.  Plus who doesn't like a little getaway to the garden for some down time, a little "soil therapy" if you will.  

        With Christ*mas time on the way the town is coming alive.  Cleaning, painting, hanging lights everywhere, Christmas decorations and music throughout. 

         Many are taking a little break for the season to be with friends and family, a much needed break from the fast paced lifestyle here.  We will continue after and see what we can complete with the short time we have left.  

                                                                                                Peace & Love 

 

Labor of Love

                             Namaste Y'all !

    

                            Meet Aidan! 

                Aidan is Great!

        I met Aidan around this time last year in Hawaii.  We found we had a mutual love and respect for Nepal. There was an idea that was birthed to travel to Nepal with a little     project in mind.  

    Aidan landed in Nepal just a few short weeks ago and has been hitting it hard ever since.  

      

                                                     There are 2 homes in the slum area that        were in pretty bad condition.  When Aidan left Hawaii he went home, worked hit butt off and raised  enough money, through the help of his friends and family, to help these 2 families start over.  

 

    You know I've never really gave much thought to what a "home" really means.  Even with all the ups and downs life has thrown at me, it's still been pretty good.  

    The conditions here put things in perspective !  

The project is far from over but in just 17 days it went from demo to rebuild.  Hours of running wheelbarrows of mud, sand, brick, gravel.  Raising the foundation. Cutting, welding, packing. Literal blood sweat and tears.  When it comes to labor of love...... It's worth it.  

Finished project post and in-between photos in the works !! 

Stay tuned

                                                           Peace & Love 

            

        

     The "Journey" 

        { An act of traveling, by land, sea, air or simply a process of change!}

      

            

        Over the last 6 months there has been a lot of growth on this journey, to say it's all been easy would only be a half truth.  But honestly for me there is not much growth when things are easy.  We learn who we truly are in difficult times.  The Quote " Silence reveals what Distractions cover up", was shared with me months back.   You ever felt something but couldn't quite explain it or put it in words ?  Well that's where it hit. 

 

      Learning the importance of that stillness, that quiet contemplation, the "scary place", uncomfortable even.  It was there where self-awareness was gained, that deeper insight.  The problem is i forget what it took to get there.  Life lessons are hard but not impossible, you always come out stronger !

        I landed in Kathmandu, Nepal 5 days ago so my sleep schedule is a little off.  But instead of fighting it I went with the flow.  In the city it's non stop noise ALL DAY !  People working,  animals complaining,  Shops chattering, All types of vehicles making noise.   

        They use their horns like a chaotic way of communication,    Then....... SILENCE.  Like the whole city goes to sleep.  Nothing but you and your thoughts.  Where are you with your thoughts today ?   What direction do they naturally flow ?  Be still and know !

      

        Who knows, maybe it's the time change or sleep schedules off either way it's me,  Here I am.  I look forward to my time here and will share it with ya'll as it goes.  

Until then.....Think about it !

                Special thanks to all who have checked in on me.  Life's a Journey and the amount of friends and family I've made along the way has been unimaginable and undeserved.   Wish ya knew how much ya'll mean to me.     

 

                                                                     Peace & Love  <><

    

                     Wait a minute...... WHAT ! 

          

         Not gonna lie this was probably one of the coolest builds thus far.  Meet the Bio-Gas machine (Working on a cooler name) and who would have thought you could take ordinary old scraps and turn them into fuel.  Easy to build and had most of the goodies just laying around.  

        Lana and our lovely friend Jennifer created this Rocket stove with a few common materials you would find most anywhere.  The idea is, with a little time and effort you can put together something, safe, easy and affordable that not only helps you but your family, your neighbors and mother earth. 

 

Just a Sneak Peek !!

 

OUTREACH

                It's hard to sum up the last 2 months but hopefully pictures will help, unfortunately they can't tell the full story.   During lecture phase the class was split into 5 teams,  Each team with a different location in hand.  Our team was given (with some divine direction) Azerbaijan as outreach location.  Where is that ? I know we had the same thought.  After a little research we had what we needed to start this little journey.  

WEEK 5 Complete

        

        

         I know there is a lot going on in this picture but in all honesty, there is A-LOT going on here at base.  With our weekly schedule jam packed there is a short window for personal adventures (consisting of resting in our room aka sleeping).   

        Water bottle for extreme rehydration, it seems as if we are closer to the sun here.  A plate of artsy stuff so Lana can have her down time.  

"After sun care" cause walking to class you can catch a burn.  Books for both personal growth and required readings.  Journals for creative learning, (also required).  A computer for maximum study enhancement.  Small loaves of freshly baked Swedish roles, (Lanas bonding time with her new class mates.)  And of course a towel drying over a chair due to the laundry room either in use or we're just cheap and don't wanna pay for it.  Rooms are not equipt with AC, so between the dry heat, open windows and a fan, things dry pretty quickly.

  

           Welcome to our class room, camera shy lol.  This week's teaching was on  G-d's heart for Missions.  The speaker, with years of experience under his belt, brought a practical style of teaching, which was refreshing.  We know that experience is the greatest teacher and let's be honest, books can only reveal so much for the human brain to comprehend.  The skills that we are taught can be applied anywhere and everywhere which is great not knowing where we might end up.

    

        Teaching English may be a realistic plan, and the idea was brought up about a game "English BINGO".  Let me tell you, I may not be good at teaching/speaking English but I play a pretty mean BINGO.  As the class continues we will work out the details in preparation for OUTREACH.  This is where we take what we have learned here in class and apply it in practical ways.   

            This is the OUTREACH team we have been  assigned to, (faces blurred due to safety purposes lol).    In the weeks ahead we will be planning different tasks  we would like to accomplish during our time away.  On top of that we have been going through different "team building activities" to pinpoint the different strengths and weaknesses in the team.  It's not easy digging deep to root out the weaknesses we carry nor to position our strengths but what better place, being surround by some pretty incredible people.  

            As the weeks grow so do our relationships to one another.  With so many different lifestyles, backgrounds and cultural differences,  it's has been awesome to see it all come together. 

          

         This hansom bunch of misfit we call the "Band of Bothers".   To help in our personal growth we have divided the class into small groups.  It's a chance for us to grow on a deeper level with each other and with our relationship to the Creator.  The old saying of "you only get out what you put in" applies strongly here.   If we can learn to be honest with ourselves it adds one more step to that personal growth ladder.

           

        Life aint easy but it sure is better together.  We laugh, we cry, we build, we tear down,  it's all part of discipleship.  And with that comes the responsibility of passing on what we have learned.

Week Two

I have learned over the years i may not know everything (i know hard to believe). In almost the year process in selling everything and moving here to this beautiful Island I thought i had a pretty good idea of what to expect here. I mean, i've seen movies and pictures, heard the stories, A quick google search will tell you "white sandy beaches, surfing, hula skirts, tiki torches, or Pearl Harbor." Boy was i so far from the mark. .......

.... People see beauty in may ways, I try to find beauty in all things (although at times this can be difficult). I didnt expect the amount of non-beauty mixed amongst the beauty, i mean its Hawaii "destination paradise" right. The Homeslessness can be heart breaking at times, the run down building of dreams once had, cars piled up in disrepair, Trash EVERYWHERE! What a reminder of how prespective plays such a role in our lives. We see what we want to see, and at times it allows us to disconnect from a reality we yet want to embrace. I mean dont get me wrong if i had to pick a place to be homeless, THIS WOULD BE IT, But in reality this shouldn't be. .... Ok sorry but i had to get that out. .... Wrapping up week 2 of lecture phase my mind feels fuzzy. Each week they will bring in a speaker to teach on differnt topics, college right? But see that's only a small portion of this process. With the teaching comes practial application of what we were taught. At UofN there is a large focus on Family. So we have Family teaching (time) that comes with it. Times where we get to dance and play and learn little skits that we will be applying on outreach. On top of that we have meal times, prayer, meditation, intercession, worship, outreach meetings, ministy nights, family gatherings and we cant forget work duties. See unlike most universities everyone on campus is a Volunteer, or a PAYING staff member, that's correct they pay to be on staff here. ....

... My work duty is made up of 11 students from 3 different school and 1 staff leader. Lana gets to play receptionist at the front desk (lucky). 4 of us make up a team that repairs/remodels/rebuilds small projects around campus. Although we take our time here serious we do have fun along the way. This University is made up of 30 somthing different nations and numerous states in both staff and student. The crew i am with is a mix of Finland, Sweden, Canada & Ohio (Which is pretty much the same) lol just kidding. But seriouly we spent the first 2 days teaching how to use a tape measure, it was hard to take that day serious and boy did we laugh. ___________________________________________________________ Outreach locations were revealed this week but i wont get into that at the moment. ___________________________________________________________________________________ We are finally starting to get a pattern going with our schdule and weekends are pretty free yet come saturday we cant help but feel exhausted. Luckly there is quite a bit to do nearby and not much travel is needed. We were able to sneak away for a bit to take a tour at a local coffee farm, not sure if you knew this but Kona Coffee is kind of a big deal here.

_________________________________________________________ I will end with this ! Being in a place like this with the teachings and people we have been encountering it is helping to find clarity. Being reminded to Slow Down, Press In.__________ To ask ourselves "What's holding us back."______ To shut up and Listen.______ That at times we must Unlearn and Relearn._____ That it is the testing of your Faith that Produces. __________________________________________________ PEACE & LOVE _________________________

This beautiful 125 Acre property (Approx size), houses close to 1,000 staff and students per quarter. That lovely little arrow is where we stay, it's a Cozy dorm style room and thankfully has it's own bathroom. Our daily schdule is pretty rigorous and ranges from in class activities, prayer, meditation, work duties, various readings, journaling and can't forget the food, could propbably add to the list but hopfully you get the picture. Most evenings and weekends are pretty free which is nice cause well, it is Hawaii.

This little master piece was taken near the base on a littl outting this past weekend. Most people just pass by and or keep on driving and i get it. See things like this are a common occurance here, any givin day you could see up to 3, But to us..... this was breathe taking, worth a slight detour just to get the shot.

At times it does seem stressful with what feels like so much to do in a short time to do it in, we could just let these moments pass us by........but why. What is the hurry ALL THE TIME. I end with this, one of the spearkers this week shared a simple yet very difficult quote. "SLOW DOWN, Enjoy the journey, it goes by fast", now i share it with you. I cant help but think of all i may have missed out on over the past 13-14 years longing to be back with my YWAM family. As i sit writting it seems like just yesterday i was here. G-d help me to slow down.

9 years

October 2nd that is todays date. The last time i posted was 2015 and boy let me tell you......... its been a crazy journey. Few things to announce, 1. Im sitting in the airport borading to Kona,Hawaii. i know i know. 2. Im sitting in the airport WITH MY WIFE, thats right married now. We are flyin to Hawaii to start our YWAM journey (continue mine). As we set aside these next few months to process the past, imagine the future and be in the preset. Guidance, understanding, direction are a few things that are on my heart and mind. When i returned from India my goals were to get trianed, start a family and head back. I can check all the boxs now but leading up to this point it was hit and miss at times. G-d has a funny way of giving you what you need when you need it, not always when you want it. And so the Journey begins "again"

Sweet

Create Your Own Visited States Map
Create Your Own Visited Countries Map

 SLOW DOWN !

SPEED LIMIT !

Perfect example of my life right now and possibly you can relate.  Have you ever been cruisin down the road and i mean really cruisin. It is THE PREFECT DAY, sunshine beaming down from above, your favorite song playing on the radio, windows rolled as far as they can go, you can feel the wind hitting 

you from every angle.  Man it's like I'm there right now.  

On this beautiful day your going that comfortable speed of about 55 miles an hour, now that's a cruisin speed.  In the distance you see that familiar shaped sign approaching. It's coming up pretty quick but you can't quite make out what it says.  

Then all the sudden WHAMMM you see it

your foots on the break, you think the radios to loud, your looking around for cops cause you didn't slow down fast enough. Almost like your world was just turned upside down.  Now maybe this only happens or has happen to me but it's a real good way to explain it.  

So i would say my life at this point is very similar.  Time to unpack, regroup and remember what's really going on.  It's very interesting to see what it takes to put us back on the "right tract."

Oops!

Found this blog post just hanging around and guess i forgot to post it.  Sometimes i feel times running out but I'm not really sure what it's running out of! 

For the last 3 months I've been working on this whole college thing and for those who don't know i start THIS THURSDAY,  MAY 17th 

 C  R  A  Z  Y 

  I'm going for the Paramedics course which makes me super excited and super nervous at the same time. It's gonna be good and I'm glad I'm going through with it.  I've got a really good support team backing me up so lets go and make this happen. 

Peace & Love   

Recipe for Time !

Just the other day, in a conversation with a dear friend we got on the topic of time. 

 Time is an interesting thing see it can't be bought or created or even borrowed but what it can do is hide.  

We can always FIND time to do things meaning it can hide right,   right.  

Well she made it pretty clear that she could MAKE time so i asked 

"can i have the ingredients so i can try to make some."  

Upon finding this VERY VALUABLE information i thought i would share.  

What you do with it is up to you. 

 Enjoy

Start with one (1) cup of your big "purpose" for the day,
add 1/3 cup of fuel (the Word, prayer, food, naps...),
add 1/4 cup of  flexibility and improv for when unexpected things come up that demand your time,
then you've got to add sugar and salt to taste (aka make sure you're not leaving out the love and adventure you need to make life worth it all).

 Sounds good to me !

2012......... REALLY !

Well sense this is the "End Of All Years" might as well make it a good one. 


Been home for awhile now and things are well.......... "moving along"
I have this problem where my body needs to rest but i get bored, and when i get bored i'm reminded " Idle hands are the devil's workshop", Oh how true this is but how far can i push this "Proverb". What if it gets to the point of bodily harm or mental stress, Man why do i feel i have to be busy all the time .  I realize if you live life in a hurry you just speed up Death, Right ?

It's still hard to say "New Year", can't explain why, it's just hard deal with it being 2012, It's probably got something to do with the weather, i mean living in the south is great and all but dang it was 73 degrees today. People are starting to go back to the beach, WHAT?
Being back home has been great/confusing.  I know i know not a good combo but it's all i got. See confusing right!

Nice ending to 2011

Swing dancing partners.
We spend most Friday nights swing dancing over in Pensacola.  I've really been getting into this whole swing dancing thing.

TAGGIN ain't no simple thing
Don't worry, over in P-Cola they have a spot where they let you tag a wall.
Cops come and run you off, no cuff's involved.

Spent some time working on the models over the Holidays but i have enjoyed not getting up  at 3:30 in the morning.  

Ain't nothing like Friends, Family & Dirty Santa.  We all got together for a little Christmas Party.  It was good to have laughs with people you love over the Holidays. 

Also during the Holiday Season a Nazarite Vow that i took earlier this year was completed.  After about 137 days Rabbi  Yishai  AKA Jesse at the end of the Vow sacrifices are to be made then the shaving of your head in required to complete the Vow.  Through prayer & further study NO SACRIFICE was needed, when Christ came and did what He had to do He was and is the FINAL sacrifice needed.

   We did burn the hair though. 

Wonder what the new looks gonna be ?

ROAD TRIP CONCLUSION !

WESTERN NEW YORK
WEATHER:    COLD, COLORFUL

It was hard to leave the Dewittville, Bemus Point & Jamestown area.  Seems like every where i go i begin to attach myself to my surroundings.  I don't know if it was the people that made it hard for me to leave, the atmosphere or maybe just the area itself that made it difficult.  Loved it !

PORT HURON, MI
WEATHER:   COLD, RAINY

Great place to live and good people to live with.  My time there was with a good friend Ryan Dankenbring and all the people he's affiliated with up there.  I got to help out with a few projects like cooking, cleaning, car maintenance and a bit yard work.  Ryan and I have always Challenged ourselves when we get together.  Thanks Ryan & Euphoria.

Elk Rapids, MI
WEATHER:   ICE BALLS FALLING FROM THE SKY
OH BOB,
Bob came and stayed with me when i was in India.  He stayed for about 2 weeks working in several different ministry's.  While in India we had amazing conversation early in the morning over fresh "crushed" coffee.  Bob's visit encouraged me to give him  a visit.  While with Bob i was stretched in many different area's of my life.  It was a refreshing time with Bob and even though we didn't get many early morning coffee conversations we managed, i think one of the phrases were "an all day interactive bible study"  Thanks Bob. 
Also, Special thanks to everybody who helped me when i was down and out with my car troubles. 

Grand Rapids, MI
WEATHER:  COLD, WINDY
While in Grand Rapids i got to visit a friend of the family that had visited South Alabama a time (or 2). She did a show in our backyard (which was great by the way.)  Now she's marry to a nice guy, that's right Alex your alright.  My next stop was just 20 min east to the Barnett's place.  Liz Barnett was female staff chaplain and co CIT (Counselor In Training.) director. We had one last project to work on to call the summer complete.  One of the assignment we had was for the CIT's to write out there Testimonies.  Just about 2 months later we sent letters to them encouraging them and reminding them of the Power of G-d working in there life.  Thanks Barnett family and Hosts : )

Williamsburge, IA
WEATHER:  SNOW, SNOW, & MORE SNOW.  3 FT OF SNOW (I've got pictures)
Oh the Family
So i got a few distant cousin that live WAY UP IN IOWA and sense i was a VERY YOUNG LAD last i visited Iowa, i figured it was time.  It was good spending time with them in Iowa, could've done without the snow but.......

Kansas City, MO
WEATHER:    not as COLD,  WINDY
IHOP....   no not International House of Pancakes but Prayer. 1999 the prayer room was opened and started a 24/7 Prayer and worship and has continued ever sense.  It was great to be in the presents of some many believers committed to prayer.  The spiritual vibes there were so real, i mean when you walk in the building the whole atmosphere changes.  If you haven't been i encourage you to check it out.  IHOP.org

Springs, TX
WEATHER:   HOT, LIKE SUMMER HOT : )

 Thank you G-d for the heat and boy was it hot.  Being in Texas was a good time for me.  I was able to hangout with a good friend and his lovely wife.  I got to go and see what the did and see just how hard they actually work.  Andrew & I met many years back but weren't really living right.  Years later we meet Jesus and start hanging out together.  It has been a Great friendship, i owe much to him,
(My own personal sharping stone)

True Worth
I spent about a month and a week on the road and Boiiiii  was it AMAZING !!!
VALUE was "the biggest" thing i learned on this journey.  The moment we Understand our own value, our Worth in Yahweh's eyes, a new door is opened in our lives.
Experience your true Worth !  
What i learned i will remember for ever and it's even safe to say I will be practicing it for a life time.
Jay-Ma-See   

Where ever the "πνεῦμα" blows

Before i  left New York a friend of mine said to me,  " You just move around with the wind."     

I told her about this song but she had never heard it before.  

 I love it and yea it 's probably got something to do

 with the fact that is does kinda talk a bit about my life.  

 Native Indians believed that the wind were like spirits some even said that "The Great Spirits" voice was carried by the wind.  So many other religions and different belief systems have quotes, poems, songs, dances about the wind and the power of it.  In the bible it talks of wind 123ish times.  Like Natural winds, Satanic wind, Prophecy in wind.

    I like John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 

                      HUMMMMM  that's interesting.