Hola, mis amigos!
Tuesday, at 11 AM, Kareesa and I left Monroe for Chicago to meet Sasha at the airport. She flew in from Frankfurt at 2:10 PM and finally made it through customs at almost 3. Seeing her at the airport in a completely open and free way was refreshing to my spirit. We both had our first airport kiss!
From there we went to the southside to meet Catherina Wojtowicz (Wojo). She graciously opened her lair (basement) to us for the night so we could be in the city for our early departure on Wednesday morning.
After Chi Tung Asian food and bulging bellies we bunked down for the evening. Well, Sasha and I repacked our bags to accomodate for all the purchases she made for her family. Target is great and I love the deals. If you're not a fan, become one! Shoppers beware. The Target chain does a fantastic job of created a warm, shopper friendly atmosphere that encourages the spending of money. If you struggle with self-control. Step back.
4 AM arrives and we all become aware enough of the world to finish packing our stuff, pick up our bedding, grab some breakfast/COFFEE and say farewell to the Wojtowicz family. They are sweet. It's worth going to Chicago just to see Wojo. Unfortunately, she does not drive expressways and when I said "we" early I was also referring to Kareesa. She stayed the night (Wojo and her being the real friend connect, between me and Wojo it's more of a fun acquaintance) and got us to O'Hare International Airport at 5:30AM. You're a star, sister.
Checking in was a breeze, only a minor complication with the credit card in the automatic teller machine but it worked out for the better. The lady who helped us fix it realized we were going international and said we didn't have to pay for the bags. When she weighed them and realized they were heavy I thought that surely she would charge us. I call this the "Sasha Effect". Whenever Sasha goes anywhere things seem to fall into place. Glad I was travelling with her. Security was security and we survived. Then waited an hour for our flight to Ft. Lauderdale, FL (FLL).
I slept the entire way there but Sasha didn't. This became reversed on the final flight from FLL to Port of Spain, Trinidad. At FLL we had Chili's (both of ours first time since being back stateside), sat, checked into Carribean Airlines, found out terminal, sat, cup of coffee, sat, 14 minutes 12 seconds on an internet terminal, sat and boarded at 8:10PM. Wasn't that bad actually, only about 6 hours.
The flight went smooth and we landed in Port of Spain at midnight. Touchdown in anoother country always brings that excited, mind-opening feeling of wanting to take everything in. Suddenly, we're not tired at all. No matter that Sasha has been in transit since Monday. She's going to see her family for the first time in a year and a half. Who wouldn't be bubbly?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Interest.
I've heard it said that it takes three blog entries a week to keep interest. Am I doing it? Are you interested? Are you getting this? Comment if you are!
This is not the extensive entry I wanted it to be. My mind is off. So much going on in there. If every this was an odd time inside me, this is a big one. No worries, God always does His thing and all things...all things...
I love you all. You don't know how much I do because I'm not showing it enough.
KCK
This is not the extensive entry I wanted it to be. My mind is off. So much going on in there. If every this was an odd time inside me, this is a big one. No worries, God always does His thing and all things...all things...
I love you all. You don't know how much I do because I'm not showing it enough.
KCK
Saturday, October 3, 2009
And I'm behind...and sad...
You know how Satan uses feelings of inadequacy to bring us down when things seem to be going well? Of course you do. Being a breathing, walking, thinking, fleshly human yourself you must have felt, at some point in history, a feeling of not having what it takes to do things correctly. All I will say at this time is that those feelings are lies. YES, you may not have what it takes. Where you are lacking God will fill beyond what is needed and that is why we are righteous. Don't worry about tomorrow, DO TODAY!
Anyway, I say all that to say I'll blog soon. Would be dishonest of me to say there hasn't been much to say. What I can say is...my sleep schedule is off, there's a lot to do, Ken and Judy are here tonight, I miss this one girl, feelings on the fritz and wanting to see some old, familiar faces but can't. Beyond that, you'll hear from me. Goodnight.
KCK-ILY
Anyway, I say all that to say I'll blog soon. Would be dishonest of me to say there hasn't been much to say. What I can say is...my sleep schedule is off, there's a lot to do, Ken and Judy are here tonight, I miss this one girl, feelings on the fritz and wanting to see some old, familiar faces but can't. Beyond that, you'll hear from me. Goodnight.
KCK-ILY
Monday, September 28, 2009
Live Music
I find there's no greater way to experience music than live performances. If you're actually sitting and hearing/seeing/feeling the music that is being played before you the affect is drastically different then just pushing a CD into the player or popping in your ipod.
Last night (technically Saturday night), Cafe Claudeen catered the Big Top Chautaqua show that came to the Monroe PAC (Performing Arts Center). First, thank the Lord it wasn't raining because whoever designed that auditorium didn't think of the fact that an uninsulated, tin roof would be impossible to hear over when it's raining. Clear weather made for a clear sound coming from the stage. This show really reminded me of the pride I have in Wisconsin. There were 4 vocalists (1 doubled with guitar on a couple songs, another doubled as a cello/guitar player on all the songs), 1 bass, 1 guitarist, 1 mandolinist, 1 fiddler and 1 trap-setter (doubled as "Dr. Finnius Third Eye and local, nostalgic fisherman). They were brilliant. If you've ever heard of Appalachian Journey or any really good folk group...they were that. The sound they produced, their harmonies, their versatility and their style were breathe-taking. I loved it. Apart from the music, there was another aspect of the show that took me back and brought me to. In the middle of the stage was a large screen where various pictures and videos of past and present, northern WI life were presented. Seeing the steamboat era, the logging era (where they floated logs downstream for lack of any better transport) and the natural, God given beaut of nature really made me feel nostalgic.
Growing up I often wondered what it would be like to live somewhere else. California living always seemed to appeal to me, or even the East coast, but no wondering or visits elsewhere have ever shown me the great things that those slides did. To invoke such pride in one's home state is refreshing. When I was in school, down in Lubbock, TX, and on the mission field, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, the subject of where I was from came up so many times. Unfortunately, the only contemporary reference that people could relate to WI was That 70's Show. After MY explanation of this great state I would state that it's the most under-rated state in the union. Keep your Texas, I'll have WI and live merrily ever after (this is NOT an alcohol reference:). All this to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the show and would see again whenever I am up the Bakersfield way (correct me if it's not in Bakersfield).
On a much more spiritual note, ... even though music is a GREAT gift from God ... , being with the church this morning was encouraging. How welcoming and loving this body in Monroe is. I had forgotten the feeling of being so close to them but it's swiftly returning to me. For this I am grateful. Thank you, Father. Sitting here listening to Flatfoot 56 there's a stirring within me to delve deeper into the Word. Challenged this morning by the subject matter in Daniel 9, I feel the need to pursue prophecies and their purpose, timing and content. FIRST, I go through the Gospel according to Mark. It's been a while since I've gone through a gospel book and I need the words of Jesus. James...read it everyday and it's still not enough. Not yet at the point where I read it everyday, but there was a time. Hopefully, with God's help, I'll get back into that habit.
It rained again. On the mower, burning along, and droplets that could fill ketchup packets start hitting my head.
"This is just a flash. The sky doesn't look too threatening...I'll ride it out (no pun intended)."
Yeah, ok. That didn't last very long. It only got better - or worse depending on your glass and water perspective - and away with the mower. At least the garden almost was finished. With the howling winds it will be dry enough to continue in the morning before going to IKEA with my mother and sister. That should be nice.
For the sake of intrigue, I'm working on some secret projects. That is all...
If I don't go to sleep I won't and will regret it greatly later on today.
KCK-ILY
Last night (technically Saturday night), Cafe Claudeen catered the Big Top Chautaqua show that came to the Monroe PAC (Performing Arts Center). First, thank the Lord it wasn't raining because whoever designed that auditorium didn't think of the fact that an uninsulated, tin roof would be impossible to hear over when it's raining. Clear weather made for a clear sound coming from the stage. This show really reminded me of the pride I have in Wisconsin. There were 4 vocalists (1 doubled with guitar on a couple songs, another doubled as a cello/guitar player on all the songs), 1 bass, 1 guitarist, 1 mandolinist, 1 fiddler and 1 trap-setter (doubled as "Dr. Finnius Third Eye and local, nostalgic fisherman). They were brilliant. If you've ever heard of Appalachian Journey or any really good folk group...they were that. The sound they produced, their harmonies, their versatility and their style were breathe-taking. I loved it. Apart from the music, there was another aspect of the show that took me back and brought me to. In the middle of the stage was a large screen where various pictures and videos of past and present, northern WI life were presented. Seeing the steamboat era, the logging era (where they floated logs downstream for lack of any better transport) and the natural, God given beaut of nature really made me feel nostalgic.
Growing up I often wondered what it would be like to live somewhere else. California living always seemed to appeal to me, or even the East coast, but no wondering or visits elsewhere have ever shown me the great things that those slides did. To invoke such pride in one's home state is refreshing. When I was in school, down in Lubbock, TX, and on the mission field, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, the subject of where I was from came up so many times. Unfortunately, the only contemporary reference that people could relate to WI was That 70's Show. After MY explanation of this great state I would state that it's the most under-rated state in the union. Keep your Texas, I'll have WI and live merrily ever after (this is NOT an alcohol reference:). All this to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the show and would see again whenever I am up the Bakersfield way (correct me if it's not in Bakersfield).
On a much more spiritual note, ... even though music is a GREAT gift from God ... , being with the church this morning was encouraging. How welcoming and loving this body in Monroe is. I had forgotten the feeling of being so close to them but it's swiftly returning to me. For this I am grateful. Thank you, Father. Sitting here listening to Flatfoot 56 there's a stirring within me to delve deeper into the Word. Challenged this morning by the subject matter in Daniel 9, I feel the need to pursue prophecies and their purpose, timing and content. FIRST, I go through the Gospel according to Mark. It's been a while since I've gone through a gospel book and I need the words of Jesus. James...read it everyday and it's still not enough. Not yet at the point where I read it everyday, but there was a time. Hopefully, with God's help, I'll get back into that habit.
It rained again. On the mower, burning along, and droplets that could fill ketchup packets start hitting my head.
"This is just a flash. The sky doesn't look too threatening...I'll ride it out (no pun intended)."
Yeah, ok. That didn't last very long. It only got better - or worse depending on your glass and water perspective - and away with the mower. At least the garden almost was finished. With the howling winds it will be dry enough to continue in the morning before going to IKEA with my mother and sister. That should be nice.
For the sake of intrigue, I'm working on some secret projects. That is all...
If I don't go to sleep I won't and will regret it greatly later on today.
KCK-ILY
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday in Wisconsin
Good morning to you!
It's a hazy, drizzly day in Wisconsin and I'm glad it is. Although I haven't exactly done a lot of physical work, I've been lifting and trying to stay fit while being back. I know that if I allow my body to become unfit it will drag me down quickly if I get into a rut. So, I'm staying on top of that.
If the weather had permitted, the lawn would be being mowed right now and I'd be cutting more wood from the trees that line the drive. Unfortunately, outside work is not on the menu for today. Other entrees are up for eating.
So, what am I doing? Well, I've cleaned the stove top, done the dishes, am running loads of laundry, vacuuming, running to Clarno (a little village 10 minutes from the farm) to get supplies for the re-roofing of the back-porch and READING!
Why do I emphasize READING? Since I've been back in the states very little reading has taken place. The book I started before leaving South isn't even finished and there's only a half chapter to go. Lately I've been feeling the need to go through the Gospels! It seems like I'm aware of the facts, but nailing down where, when and why Jesus said things is fuzzy in my mind of late. A ploy by Satan to drag me down. I feel the tug, but I'm not giving up. It's frustrating to let God down. I learned this at a very young age when I realized my parents seldom yelled at us unless tact wasn't understood by us, the children. To disappoint a parent is the worst feeling in the world. God being my FATHER, the disappointment is far greater than if I were to let my father or mother down. I feel it deep within me when I sin. It hurts and I don't want to hurt anymore. This leads to another lesson, as well. Peace and trust. God is there for us through everything. We commit the vilest of offences and He never wavers. To me, this is the greatest show of love.
Why would I not say the cross? This is part of the cross. Failure is inevitable, but through the blood of Christ we are made righteous. So, the love shown by Jesus is extraordinary. TRULY extraordinary. Recognize this and you're well on your way to being a devout, trusting, self-less servant.
I'm still being worked on and working on it myself. Let God in...
The day is still young. After James, I'm headed to Mark!
It's a hazy, drizzly day in Wisconsin and I'm glad it is. Although I haven't exactly done a lot of physical work, I've been lifting and trying to stay fit while being back. I know that if I allow my body to become unfit it will drag me down quickly if I get into a rut. So, I'm staying on top of that.
If the weather had permitted, the lawn would be being mowed right now and I'd be cutting more wood from the trees that line the drive. Unfortunately, outside work is not on the menu for today. Other entrees are up for eating.
So, what am I doing? Well, I've cleaned the stove top, done the dishes, am running loads of laundry, vacuuming, running to Clarno (a little village 10 minutes from the farm) to get supplies for the re-roofing of the back-porch and READING!
Why do I emphasize READING? Since I've been back in the states very little reading has taken place. The book I started before leaving South isn't even finished and there's only a half chapter to go. Lately I've been feeling the need to go through the Gospels! It seems like I'm aware of the facts, but nailing down where, when and why Jesus said things is fuzzy in my mind of late. A ploy by Satan to drag me down. I feel the tug, but I'm not giving up. It's frustrating to let God down. I learned this at a very young age when I realized my parents seldom yelled at us unless tact wasn't understood by us, the children. To disappoint a parent is the worst feeling in the world. God being my FATHER, the disappointment is far greater than if I were to let my father or mother down. I feel it deep within me when I sin. It hurts and I don't want to hurt anymore. This leads to another lesson, as well. Peace and trust. God is there for us through everything. We commit the vilest of offences and He never wavers. To me, this is the greatest show of love.
Why would I not say the cross? This is part of the cross. Failure is inevitable, but through the blood of Christ we are made righteous. So, the love shown by Jesus is extraordinary. TRULY extraordinary. Recognize this and you're well on your way to being a devout, trusting, self-less servant.
I'm still being worked on and working on it myself. Let God in...
The day is still young. After James, I'm headed to Mark!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Mild regrets...
One of the nice things about being back in WI is the twenty minute drive between Honeywind Farm (my parents house) and Monroe. It's just enough time to mull over the upcoming events, people I need to contact, and possibly job opportunities before arriving at my destination. I say this to say I have thought about one of my mild regrets about my time in South Africa:
Not keeping up with my blog. Now, this is an ironic statement considering my publicizing of this feeling is coming from a blog entry. That's fine by me, though. For all of those people who wanted to follow the daily grind of my South African experience, I sincerely apologize for not keying you in on everything. Someone made a good point, instead of wanting or trying to put something profound up, just a few paragraphs about what I did that day would have been really nice for those back in the states to see. Unfortunately, I failed in this respect.
What's done is done. I've learned from it. Hopefully there will be minimal regrets like this in the future. One of the biggest life-lessons I learned while being away was the DEEPLY important necessity of communication! Never stop communicating...
Not keeping up with my blog. Now, this is an ironic statement considering my publicizing of this feeling is coming from a blog entry. That's fine by me, though. For all of those people who wanted to follow the daily grind of my South African experience, I sincerely apologize for not keying you in on everything. Someone made a good point, instead of wanting or trying to put something profound up, just a few paragraphs about what I did that day would have been really nice for those back in the states to see. Unfortunately, I failed in this respect.
What's done is done. I've learned from it. Hopefully there will be minimal regrets like this in the future. One of the biggest life-lessons I learned while being away was the DEEPLY important necessity of communication! Never stop communicating...
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
...commitment...
It's funny how things work out. I started this blog over a year ago and I believe the number of entries can be counted on fingers and toes. Shame really...there's been so much to say.
As of today, I have 19 days left on the continent. Everyday seems so much more significant now than when I first arrived. Funny how the blunt realization of departure makes one feel. It's going to be good though. God has a plan for me to be back in America sooner than I expected. Ah...how that works. The Spirit within me moves my heart to know that I need to go now and God, knowing it, worked it out that way. I'm glad He did. If there wasn't a grand plan I would be so lost. Luckily, our Father has made arrangements. It's up to me to get on the plane now.
My name is Tyler and I have felt bad about a lot of things for a long time. Having the end in sight has brought me to a new level of trust and expectation. I feel anxious, nervous, bitter, jealous, happy, sad, angry, calm, intense, flinchy, emotional, and fine all at once. It's astounding. Fear not, because my emotions are not what dictate who I am, what I believe, or how I live. They get to me at times and they're not something to run from, but if I always feel sad then I'll never truly live as God intended.
A true testimony to how great the body, mind and spirit God has given us is. Someone once told me that we only use 10% of our brains capacity. If this is true, THINK OF THE POTENTIAL! We are amazing creatures and God made us to have intellect, freedom, conscience, and the capacity to house the Holy Spirit.
Are we minuscule?
In comparison to the vast power of our Father...yes.
In comparison to the world around us...good heavens, what do you think? I should say NOT!
Something that has been driven home to me time and time again whilst being in this place is how important it is to let the little things go. I spoke on Sunday night about passionate anger and how we need to channel that anger into positive purpose. Read Proverbs 16 and watch NOOMA Store.
{Side note: if someone wanted to purchase something for me, they could get as many NOOMA videos as possible (seen as how I only own FLAME)}
Trust in God with all that you are and He will make sure that your path is made straight. You don't make it straight. Only He has that power. Your commitment will insure that the world is overcome. Why? Because...
As of today, I have 19 days left on the continent. Everyday seems so much more significant now than when I first arrived. Funny how the blunt realization of departure makes one feel. It's going to be good though. God has a plan for me to be back in America sooner than I expected. Ah...how that works. The Spirit within me moves my heart to know that I need to go now and God, knowing it, worked it out that way. I'm glad He did. If there wasn't a grand plan I would be so lost. Luckily, our Father has made arrangements. It's up to me to get on the plane now.
My name is Tyler and I have felt bad about a lot of things for a long time. Having the end in sight has brought me to a new level of trust and expectation. I feel anxious, nervous, bitter, jealous, happy, sad, angry, calm, intense, flinchy, emotional, and fine all at once. It's astounding. Fear not, because my emotions are not what dictate who I am, what I believe, or how I live. They get to me at times and they're not something to run from, but if I always feel sad then I'll never truly live as God intended.
A true testimony to how great the body, mind and spirit God has given us is. Someone once told me that we only use 10% of our brains capacity. If this is true, THINK OF THE POTENTIAL! We are amazing creatures and God made us to have intellect, freedom, conscience, and the capacity to house the Holy Spirit.
Are we minuscule?
In comparison to the vast power of our Father...yes.
In comparison to the world around us...good heavens, what do you think? I should say NOT!
Something that has been driven home to me time and time again whilst being in this place is how important it is to let the little things go. I spoke on Sunday night about passionate anger and how we need to channel that anger into positive purpose. Read Proverbs 16 and watch NOOMA Store.
{Side note: if someone wanted to purchase something for me, they could get as many NOOMA videos as possible (seen as how I only own FLAME)}
Trust in God with all that you are and He will make sure that your path is made straight. You don't make it straight. Only He has that power. Your commitment will insure that the world is overcome. Why? Because...
"Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. "
I John 5:-4
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