tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127483842012-02-09T04:16:16.615+13:00mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.comBlogger1301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-74354064869719490872010-01-27T21:10:00.003+13:002010-01-27T21:33:28.503+13:00

My soul drips with longingLongings which I, even I, do not know, do not understandThe inner sound of those desires resonates off the chamber of my heartIt is not the echo of emptinessRather it is the reverberation of a heart set on the hope of greater things then theseIt is not I who can satisfy meIt is the completion of all things, the capstone, the reconciler, the Christ

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-24660385470100840002009-12-26T10:00:00.000+13:002009-12-27T08:04:23.922+13:00

There is an old idiom that recites 'don't lose the forest for the trees'. Often has that come to mind. The idea is of course that the thing we focus on, to the point of ridiculous, is often a detail in the broad strokes of life. We lose the larger perspective of life as we focus on the singularity of our chosen tree. Sometime ago I lost myself in the forest, looking at all the pretty trees

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-5216341322303842562009-11-02T12:44:00.002+13:002009-11-02T12:53:48.698+13:00

I've got a friend, well really a conglomeration of friends, who are collaborating in a form of online media with a positive bent on life. It's definitely worth checking out and learning a bit - and feedback would be appreciated. http://ocsplora.com/

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-66513582739276227582009-10-26T20:04:00.004+13:002009-10-26T20:52:21.344+13:00

I'm not sure whether to continue the writing endeavor I once started on this blog. The beginnings of this once frequent stage were rooted in a journey that once seemed so clear. So much has taken place since I started this page, finding a place where I could let the world know what was going on and share my written heart when spoken words were not enough. Recently, an epiphany from outside

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-90223580155516321312009-06-18T13:00:00.008+12:002009-06-21T06:15:53.957+12:00

Sitting, I stare at the wall, thinking, wishing, hopingIt's the quiet stare of a man uncertain of the words that may comeWaiting for the door to open, the assistant to call a nameI am not alone in my sitting, others are here, waiting all the sameAnxious in the waiting, curious in the news of what is to beThe faces in the room with me betray signs of weaknessPain, fear, suffering, slight glimmers

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-46635411493875240542009-04-11T17:18:00.001+12:002009-04-12T10:21:10.862+12:00

Well, it's been about a week and a half since arriving in Northern Alabama and I have to say that I quite enjoy life on a farm. There is definitely something to be said for working with your hands to produce a crop that will go on to feed many. It is actually quite a wonder to experience such vast tracts of farm land and consider the sights and sounds of an African village where living from day

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-302620361092471542009-03-27T00:50:00.002+13:002009-03-27T21:52:30.636+13:00

The blog lives and so shall I. The journey continues on from Alaska to parts unknown. Well, that's not true, I do know where I'm headed next and its called northern Alabama. Home to a specific cotton farm for which I will become a working hand - two months out in the warmer temperatures enjoying work that is actually measurable at the end of a day. Four months back in Alaska seems just a blip

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-32840196245784602972009-02-03T21:36:00.000+13:002009-02-04T19:40:40.344+13:00

It will, perhaps go without saying that this blog has not been recently attended to with any form of 'blog-worthy' posting, and, the foreseeable future holds little promise for blogging - at least for the next two months. THUS, consider this blog suspended until March 2009. Thanks for your interest should anyone actually read this most recent post...

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-3950318388979633182009-01-05T19:10:00.008+13:002009-01-05T20:08:33.522+13:00

As a matter of summary and one-place-reference I've gone to the simple trouble of capturing the links to the blog postings from the past two years at YWAM and have inserted them below. As one last note (that may be quite obvious) I've gone ahead and divided this into 'Base Staff' and 'DTS Staff'. Perhaps, in the near future, I can continue an escape into the prose of this current life. In the

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-69927921157735941772009-01-04T11:41:00.002+13:002009-01-04T12:13:44.947+13:00

To say that this post, among others is a bit overdue, may be erroneous. It becomes difficult to know who continues to seek out this corner of cyberspace for updates on the whims of this life. I shared a message at the church here in ER just a couple Sundays ago, check it out if you like at the following: http://www.skylinefamily.com/sermonarchives/dec212008.mp3You may have noted an updated look

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-69822241557269038122008-10-16T14:30:00.001+13:002008-10-17T01:32:34.009+13:00

Once in a land far, far away I began a new vein of life voluntarily working with a Jesus ministry. Recently in a land far, far away from whence I begun, the end of this vein has been reached. I hope that the personal and spiritual wealth extracted from the vein is held onto for years to come. The gain is priceless and the cost worth it. I've constantly been reflecting on the past months and,

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-14470579248569207322008-09-12T05:44:00.006+12:002008-09-12T06:34:20.100+12:00

It's true that this blog thing doesn't always work out so nicely. Africa doesn't really help either! But, here sit I in Jerusalem, hoping to play a bit of catch up in the coming weeks. Needless to say there is more catching up to be done than there is time at the moment - we still have another week before graduation! So, we are now nearly done. Tanzania flew by. Our time as a team debriefing

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-26901436739656949322008-08-22T18:54:00.002+12:002008-08-22T19:11:53.664+12:00

Well, this is a short and sweet post. Pretty much all I can say is that internet access here is painfully slow and inconsistant - welcome to Africa - it's also quite pricy at over $2 per hour as we are smack in the middle of the Safari Mile (my word for this small village that caters to many passing Land Crusiers or Land Rovers filled with safari clientele). We're here in this small town along

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-55416807620945314152008-08-03T17:34:00.005+12:002008-08-03T18:34:18.580+12:00

We've come to the end of our time here in Uganda - today we head out on a 14-hour bus journey to Kenya. It's been an intense few weeks - a VERY good few weeks though. We've spent much time in smaller villages around the shores of Lake Victoria as well as villages on islands and places in between. We've shared at primary schools, secondary schools, preached and performed at Sunday services,

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-67521504139504096772008-07-18T17:17:00.000+12:002008-07-19T02:18:48.619+12:00

Well, here we are... 4 days into Uganda! It's been great so far, but quite full! I don't have time now to write much more than than - we are leaving tomorrow morning for 9 days or so on the islands of Lake Victoria!For a bit more of our story please check out the following...www.truthbeautyjustice.wordpress.com

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-18551814487727669402008-07-07T23:00:00.001+12:002008-07-10T07:01:14.963+12:00

We made it... 10 days ago or so.As a team we've already had a number of roller coasters to ride. Sickness. Communication. Jet lag. Cultural adjustments. Blah. But, at the end of the day we can honestly look back and say it's been a good day. There is much going through my mind at the moment - things to share, emails to write, bed to seek out, and finding a cup of tea in the midst of it all.

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-60587738604247183612008-06-25T20:34:00.002+12:002008-12-11T15:19:38.236+13:00

And so ends the story...Well, not so fast. My team and I leave the country soon. Something like 11 hours from now, but who's counting? It's not clear what this blog will look like over the coming months. We'll be travelling through four different nations in Africa over the next two months. The next season of our journey is what we call Outreach. Simply a time of travelling to different

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-81588839072069428662008-06-25T20:00:00.003+12:002008-12-11T15:19:38.378+13:00

For Those Who Pray! - Prayer Requests for the Africa Journey! * God's Hand in the Midst of Our Steps : hey, if He isn't involved then we're just out for a bit of a feel-good journey - we NEED Him to be a part of this* People of Africa : for those whom we interact that we may have a positive and lasting impact, and really just everyone in Africa - throwing money at Africa isn't the answer* Travel

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-84006635242008159252008-06-08T20:24:00.003+12:002008-06-08T21:29:50.527+12:00

Some would say that returning to a place of challenge is something akin to 'getting back on the horse'. This is my attempt in the written update form - becoming once again 'current' with this online journal. And, so, to that end I'll submit the following journal entry from 7 June - I've given up trying to record or reflect in realtime on my days. Writing only becomes a release if I'm able to

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-78630100378852190212008-05-31T17:13:00.004+12:002008-05-31T23:13:17.156+12:00

It's become quite apparent of late that this so-called blog suffers from writer's neglect. Thus far it seems that the greatest intentions have given way to the greatest delays. My sense of time is heightened only by the lack thereof - if that makes any sense whatsoever. Past weeks have absolutely flown by - I didn't realize how quickly until someone recently said 'hey, you should update your

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-6934643840501878632008-05-13T23:47:00.005+12:002008-05-13T23:59:59.743+12:00

Still standingToday, a day of new beginningsTomorrow, a day of undiscovered potentialYesterday, a day where I learned about tomorrowAnd still I standHere go I wavering in the wind, listening for a voice in the whispersClear and true ring the words once heardPhrases of wisdom pulling towards a chasm of unknownShall I trust?I cannot say as the wind buffets against my willI know I cannot stay where

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-56981067641113865712008-04-25T17:21:00.004+12:002008-12-11T15:19:38.590+13:00

I cannot recall each step of the journeySome steps were along a riverMore steps brought me through a desertStill others climbed a narrow ridgeAnd a few more cascaded down a dark slopeBut, here stand I, scarred, bruised, occasionally batteredand set freeFree from my shameFree from guilt that was not mineFree of expectationFree of doingFree to beBecoming a being as I pause my doings***********

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-12110618541139641252008-03-06T20:41:00.014+13:002008-03-06T21:42:14.967+13:00

Moving across the face of the waters (Milford Sound)Seasons of change are on the nearing horizon. Nearly 14 months have passed since I arrived in New Zealand. The role I stepped into upon last year’s arrival has not ceased vocalizing an ever-present hunger of desires. I will complete this role within a matter of weeks, moving into a position that will likely cause minor mental whiplash upon my

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-69228022939064960982008-03-05T22:09:00.001+13:002008-03-06T22:13:51.359+13:00

On or around March 23 I will begin a 6-month journey as a School Staff member for the April 2008 Around the World in 80 Days Discipleship Training School (April AW80 DTS). This is an intense period that will focus on the 15 - 20 students who will come for a time in their lives to know God and make Him known. Myself and four other staff members will spend 3-months here in New Zealand with these

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-57400646538630114562008-03-05T21:42:00.011+13:002008-03-06T22:28:21.529+13:00

I don't expect anyone to give money! However, I have made the option available to those who feel led to give. I do truly appreciate your generosity and am humbled by your donation. THANK YOU!The budget I've created for the time period of April thru October 2008 is pasted below. Hopefully it makes cents.There are two US tax-exempt methods and other "international" methods.Preferred US Method:

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-4379050581410255052008-01-31T17:42:00.000+13:002008-01-31T23:09:30.579+13:00

Looking west towards Erewhon StationPerhaps its time to admit that posting on this blog site is a losing battle. Seemingly each recent post becomes a fascination of why it has taken me such a long time to put together a coherent note deemed worthy of blogging. Truthfully, should I take the time to sit quietly and type away on this keyboard, many more posts may appear - writing is more of a

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-9764015483812467802008-01-03T00:24:00.000+13:002008-01-03T21:17:40.156+13:00

So, they (the pastor or pastors?) actually let me do another Sunday 'sermon' this time around while in the US of A. AND, it's online for those that would like to listen to it. Please find it at the following link:http://www.skylinefamily.com/sermonarchives/dec302007.mp3Today will mark the beginning of the return journey to New Zealand, arriving there on Saturday. This marks the end of the '

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-79575721935285740132007-12-05T21:27:00.000+13:002007-12-11T12:00:56.283+13:00

It does seem applicable to entitle this recent post in stark contrast to the title of the subsequent post. Although expecting the content of this post to be starkly dissimilar to the content of the last post is a mistake. The month speeds on the wings of warm weather. New Zealand is quickly approaching summer on four days out of the week - the other three days perform a reversal and take us

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-30977011577658030162007-10-29T21:38:00.000+13:002007-10-29T22:20:25.673+13:00

There is some wonder in my mind as to the effectiveness of attempting to communicate across many miles with the use of this simple blog. Certainly the wonder quickly subsides when it becomes quite obvious that continuing a current series of blog entries may much improve any supposed effectiveness. Yes, it is very much a true statement that I am VERY delinquent in providing a recent update to

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-59680810650454680552007-07-29T11:58:00.000+12:002007-07-29T12:27:55.673+12:00

Whoever said that the winter season brought additional down time? Somewhere along the line I lost that memo... This much I know that winter has brought: a lacking of emails, blogs, and pretty much just staying in touch with the world at large. Currently, I am wading through the pit of lost communications - someday soon I hope to emerge victorious! In the meantime know that I whole heartily

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-44708247534554072422007-06-17T16:36:00.000+12:002007-06-17T19:06:48.100+12:00

A view from my dwelling - well, nearly.This post marks the 100th for the blog that I begin sometime a bit over two years ago. Time waits for no man. The fact that it is the 100th post, a numerical milestone, plays the reflective strings that resonate in the history of my soul. It would seem that a look over the past 100 posts would not just provide a summary of where I have been, but perhaps

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-40804482490434234512007-05-26T21:13:00.000+12:002007-05-26T21:48:53.260+12:00

From Mt. Oxford, A...The first bump on the southern ridge approach to Mt. OxfordSuccess! It only takes one wrong turn to make certain that the do-over is done correctly the next time round... We started by a different route this time; a route that was marked and proven previously by a member of this second summit team. A week ago today I traveled along with this group of staff and students

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-49164061847121448572007-05-17T20:19:00.000+12:002007-05-17T20:28:29.962+12:00

I'm definitely learning more about time management - so much so that I don't take the time to post to this thing - ahhh! For those of you interested, we recently were able to post a Tour of the YWAM Oxford Base on our website. You can visit www.ywamoxford.org and look for the links on the main page, or you can follow the links below... Beware! The video file plays with Quicktime (if you have

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-3096777288332880202007-05-07T18:53:00.000+12:002008-12-11T15:19:38.923+13:00

Overlooking the beach just south of Bondi Beach, Sydney, AustraliaYaahh. For those keen to a wee bit more of the written content please click here or find your way through to the 'missions' update page on the Skyline Family Fellowship website. Or check out the right-hand sidebar.www.skylinefamily.com

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-4712155502494982007-05-05T22:00:00.000+12:002007-05-06T00:25:42.958+12:00

The local cemetery here in Oxford has become a place of respite in recent days and months. You might think this a bit odd; perhaps a degree of crazy. Fear not as it is not the attraction of death that enthrals, rather it is a quiet place.There are no concerns lain alongside these markers - no concerns of the busyness of the day, the tasks left undone, the need to solve the most recent 'critical

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-90391274149731747582007-05-05T20:30:00.000+12:002007-05-05T20:27:35.662+12:00

Current Prayer Requests! Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement!Prayer Requests:• This period of time for Suzanne, my sister, as she is now attending a DTS here. Her school is now a third of the way through their Lecture phase. The three teams will depart around the end of June for a near 3 month outreach. Suzanne will be joining the team traveling to Fiji, Philippines, Thailand,

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-66262304490630742712007-05-05T17:00:00.000+12:002008-12-11T15:19:39.060+13:00

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-36711258855451219052007-05-02T21:33:00.000+12:002007-05-02T21:54:34.101+12:00

So, if you are a fan of good music, allow me to turn your ears to Josh Garrels.www.joshgarrels.comFollow the link to Merchandise and then to the album Stone Tree - it's being offered as a free download for a time. Or, you can click on this link and look for "Free Download". It's some amazing tunes.More to follow on other things later...

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-68309164193239400232007-04-21T21:42:00.000+12:002007-04-21T23:05:48.427+12:00

Whoa, a new post! Yeah, it has even shocked me. Certainly I agree that my attempts at keeping this blog updated have been utterly failing over the past weeks. However, the blog is not alone in its neglect - I have failed to post to the church website, to write another email update, and to even have some sort of communication with friends. So, perhaps it is time for a renewed effort at these

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-34816414062446756512007-04-09T23:30:00.000+12:002008-12-11T15:19:39.673+13:00

She's arrived. Suzanne has arrived. Actually, it was this past Friday. In any case it is grand to have her present with me in Oxford where she will reside for the next 3-months attending the Lecture Phase of the April AW80 DTS 2007. I think she is glad to be here. Flattering pictures, no?The staff and students of April AW80 DTS 2007

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-62404897637026957272007-03-28T22:02:00.000+12:002008-12-11T15:19:40.507+13:00

The river valley near Hanmer Springs.A bit "Photoshop'ed", but a spot in the woods that reminded me of Oregon.On the way up the Mt. Isobel track. Did I say this reminded me of Oregon yet?A weekend away from life and work at the YWAM Oxford Base. It was quite nice, no, really great. As part of a celebration and transition to new roles here at YWAM Oxford, the Jan-Mar 2007 crew of Basic

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-63191898536495676692007-03-17T09:45:00.000+13:002007-03-17T10:20:26.906+13:00

One week from today in the States, Friday the 23rd of March, is Freedom Day. Freedom Day is a day of awareness and education of the modern-day human slavery taking place throughout the nations of the world, including within the US. Friday, 23 March 2007, from 3-5 pm, on the State Capitol steps in Salem, Oregon, will be a rally spending a few moments publicly addressing human trafficking. I

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-72256989739740207932007-03-11T12:01:00.000+13:002007-03-11T12:09:27.812+13:00

Well, the title above may be debatable to some of you, but really it's not that debatable - sorry to have to break that to you...From the Last Frontier originates a race of will, partnership, and community - with some people thrown in. The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is in it's final days. The dogs and their mushers will begin arriving in Nome within the next few days. Check it all out at

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-32876189816691991962007-03-08T23:10:00.000+13:002008-12-11T15:19:41.026+13:00

And here is an example of where my time (see prior post) has been invested as of late. But, the office is up and running and we now have more room... one step at a time. The 'new' portable office on-site and in-use - thankfully!Inside the portable office - never know who may show up...An early morning sun break through the misty coolness of a warming day.

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-47913403037993188262007-03-07T23:20:00.000+13:002008-12-11T15:19:41.882+13:00

A fire from Alaska. Fun times to ring in the recent New Year!A sunset in the late afternoon over a frozen Alaskan expanse - near the Wood cabin of Southeast. “God sends people our way.” J. Oswald SandersIt has been said by someone, sometime, somewhere, that you can tell much about a person by considering how they spend their time. Well, I don't know if I have really heard such as a quote -

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-67241775913727856142007-02-17T15:00:00.000+13:002008-12-11T15:19:42.763+13:00

Really, this has nothing to do with anything, other than its just Beny being Beny. Whoa. Time stops for no man (or woman). There are evenings where it’s an effort to recall if a certain event occurred that morning or the mornings of past days. The days have been full, and it has been good. I have struggled over the last two weeks to complete a newsletter and updates for this blog and the

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-90370706248830968862007-01-28T19:30:00.000+13:002008-12-11T15:19:42.896+13:00

A photo from Alaska: Keweenaw, the dog. Focused on her favourite play thing - snowballs. ***Note to readers: Beware as I have begun sharing the musings and adventures from New Zealand in two separate locations. The writings in each location may very a great deal from time to time, or, they may be very similar. Check out the website of Skyline Family Fellowship (www.skylinefamily.com) and find

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-33835984722979645642007-01-23T23:00:00.000+13:002008-12-11T15:19:43.237+13:00

I didn't take this picture! But Ge-off did ->>> James 127 Photographyhttp://www.myspace.com/james127photograpyComet McNaught as viewed from the lookout near Oxford last night. Learn more about Comet McNaught here.Will's long exposure artwork - the dark areas have been enhanced. Long shutters combined with a LED headlamp and great patience created some striking images. We ventured up to the

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-11985225184688083172007-01-11T23:07:00.000+13:002007-01-11T23:38:15.775+13:00

Yes, 'tis true, I have arrived in New Zealand. Every day I have thought, "Oh, I really need to post to the blog and sift through the stacks of waiting emails!" Uh, that thought, while very much a necessity in my mind, has seen little progress in the past six days since arriving here. Much activity as the new DTS begins. Students arriving and last minute preparations to be accomplished. It's

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-91567903475618784392006-12-31T00:30:00.000+13:002008-12-11T15:19:45.531+13:00

Well, this is the first "newsletter" of sorts that I sent around. It's a description, with more than a few words, of the path upon which I now travel. Read, digest, process, argue if you must, and let it soak in. Please respond to me at the email address on the right sidebar with any concerns or issues.**************************************************December 31, 2006Eagle River, Alaska

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-84686421903991025402006-12-31T00:29:00.000+13:002006-12-31T23:42:41.945+13:00

Current Prayer Requests! Thanks so much for your support and encouragement!***Prayer Requests (Team & Personal): There are many new, but familiar faces, currently or soon-to-be residing at YWAM Oxford serving in any number of capacities. It's an exciting time as God builds personal foundations at this place in New Zealand. Pray that the focus will remain on the Lord

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-16735061705304488872006-12-31T00:28:00.000+13:002006-12-31T23:44:36.966+13:00

I don't expect anyone to give money! However, I have made the option available to those who feel led to give. I do truly appreciate your generosity and am humbled by your donation. THANK YOU!The budget I constructed in December 2006 is pasted below. Hopefully it makes cents.There are two US tax-exempt methods and other "international" methods.Preferred US Method:Please send a check to:

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-27796290675282634342006-12-24T14:00:00.000+13:002008-12-11T15:19:45.952+13:00

So, today I had the opportunity to speak at church. I hadn't done this before (a sermon that is) and so the experience was an eye opener. But it was good, really good. If you like, feel free to give the speaking a listen. There are two services at Skyline Family Fellowship - same message for both, or so I thought. It's pretty amazing the differences between the services. Not that the two

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-47507762672552653562006-12-21T14:05:00.000+13:002006-12-22T12:07:21.626+13:00

It's snowing outside now. A light, yet constant snow that, over time, builds into inches of fresh powder on the earthen layers outside the window. Darn, it would be nice to break the snowmachines loose from their summer trappings. The whine of a two-stroke engine plowing through fresh snow is music to the ears. Maybe next week. The focus of the current weeks, aside from the obvious Christmas

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-27489487789804261442006-12-05T00:30:00.000+13:002006-12-05T21:28:46.642+13:00

And so the travels continue. This time it is down to the Lower 48 ('aka' America) to revel in the company of relatives and long-lost friends. It is with great pleasure that my Isuzu Trooper was found in good working order after months of loneliness while I was out and about - the Trooper has become a friend of sorts, escaping with me to the Pacific Northwest areas and providing the independent

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-56530706058598168742006-11-29T09:13:00.000+13:002006-11-29T14:21:13.433+13:00

Shots of Denali (Mt. McKinley) with Dad and the dog and me. Time slows down for no one. I keep thinking that any day now I will update this thing - not that I don't want too, it's just that procrastination is too often my friend. And, so, I sit here and compose a brief update nearly two weeks after arriving back in Alaska from New Zealand. In amongst these near two weeks my parents and I made

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-10390128979481285352006-11-15T10:30:00.000+13:002006-11-15T10:29:44.319+13:00

The travels in New Zealand and Australia have nearly come to an end. None too soon I think. The travels with my sister have been good. We're both tired and ready to be done traveling. Well, I know I am. There weren't any knock-out, drag-down fights - thankfully. Though I suppose we came close a couple of times. After six weeks of traveling together in close proximity I suppose that such

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-56098506823428681472006-10-29T20:25:00.000+13:002006-10-30T16:26:31.742+13:00

Not actually NZ - the coastline south of Byron Bay, Queensland, AustraliaSuzanne and I arrived back in Oxford late last night. It was good to be back. Our time in Australia was good. Australia is a huge country. We traveled 4100 km (~2400 miles) up and down the East Coast of New South Wales and Queensland. The furthest that we made it North was to Town of 1770 - many, many hours short of

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-5634920410599936532006-10-17T19:20:00.000+13:002006-10-17T22:10:09.102+13:00

Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia. Home of tropical temperatures, sandy beaches, and many a fine Humpback whale.We shot a few Humpbacks today. Well, with a camera anyway. It was quite beautiful and I do hope a few picutres turn out. They were close, very close. Amazing really. Oop, times up!

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-26676727175413652842006-10-12T19:30:00.000+13:002006-10-12T21:35:46.132+13:00

We've become something a bit shy of beach bums but don't quite fit the hard-core backpacker style either. Our journey up the East Coast of Australia has brought us to Byron Bay today. We will depart tomorrow, likely for a day or two in Brisbane. It's quite beautiful here - more so than the previous locations we have traveled I dare say. I can easily understand why this town has become a place

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-65317309345769896662006-10-09T21:00:00.000+13:002006-10-05T20:26:01.462+13:00

Suzanne (my sister) arrived last week in New Zealand. We were able to travel New Zealand for a few days, well, actually it was more like sleep in and then get out for the afternoons... Centering our days out of the YWAM Oxford Base made an afternoon out to Christchurch just as easy as an afternoon (quite sunny and nice I might add) to Castle Hill (renowned bouldering & scenic area that just

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-28998451168948906402006-10-03T21:05:00.000+13:002006-10-02T18:01:12.273+13:00

The Around the World ticket is no longer. Saturday late afternoon marked the end of the last flight of the RTW ticket with my arrival at Christchurch. It's good to be back in New Zealand. Fiji was good as well. Warm. Beach, snorkeling, sun. What more could one ask for? But, only five nights in Fiji is a bit short for those wishing to visit more of the islands - with only >300 islands or so it's a

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-33273114010401609302006-09-26T15:00:00.000+12:002006-10-01T12:57:51.952+13:00

This is a second try at something I had begun earlier - I can't say I am too pleased with the computer system here at Smugglers Cove Resort in Fiji - other aspects of the place are nice, but the computers are frustrating (yeah, sounds like a lot of whining for being in Fiji). The adventure continues... Location Fiji. Five nights or so before moving on to Christchurch area in New Zealand -

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-40032710184594640732006-09-19T11:24:00.000+12:002006-09-18T19:31:30.042+12:00

Somewhere along the Denali Park Road. OK, so just 'cause I live in Alaska doesn't mean I get out that much. In fact, I would venture to say that there are many Alaskans who just don't get out as much as we should into this state where we reside - I am at least one of these many. Each fall the National Park Service allows four days, following the tourist season, of private vehicles to drive the

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-59087990334447422422006-09-14T07:25:00.000+12:002006-09-14T06:37:19.132+12:00

OK, changed the blog - slightly. It's a work in progress and hopefully will be looking a bit better in due time. I figured it was time for a change and seeing how it is completely an adverse distraction to the long list of other must-do items there is no telling how far I might take it...Also, after months of wondering it finally happened - I now know why the comments on my blog postings

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1156911185793469742006-08-31T07:37:00.000+12:002006-08-31T07:52:20.436+12:00

Clouds and a picture.Up in the clouds - the dog, Kewee, and me. Kewee checking out the view. Colors of the higher elevations at Mt. Baldy.The sun, bursting through the late morning clouds. A day on top of the hills. Maybe a day to think or just a day to browse the hill tops. It was sunny - for a portion of the hours spent on ridge. Possibly one of the few remaining sunny and warmer days for

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1155972980998713412006-08-19T19:22:00.000+12:002006-08-19T19:36:21.033+12:00

fun with gp's new camera...Yeah, and so the blog is not well paid attention too these days. What'd say when the mind is attempting to connect with the heart but recieves little response?Ah, the States. It has been just over three weeks since returning from the outerworld back to the States. Hard to beleive. At times I feel as if I haven't been away from the States at all - as if the last 7

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1154467290557277772006-08-02T08:21:00.000+12:002006-08-09T09:07:12.200+12:00

site of wedding, near Stanley, Idaho (Sawtooth Mts)The return to Alaska. It has been very grand to have returned to the US of A. It's been a week since boarding a plane in Rome and flying back to the US. It's been a rather full week, well, at least up until yesterday. Following a nearly 24 hour plane commute to Boise, Idaho I had the opportunity to attend my brother's wedding near Stanley,

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-70724105743980950952006-07-25T20:30:00.000+12:002006-12-26T20:01:21.753+13:00

If you want to shake up your life a bit, do a YWAM DTS. Check out the options at www.ywam.org or at www.ywamoxford.org!Here is a summary of my YWAM DTS blog postings! (click away to read the entries)YWAM LECTURE PHASE:January 2006DepartureNew Zealand!YWAM OxfordYWAM Oxford #2OutreachFinally, Pictures!February 2006Greymouth & BeyondTim Tams and Vehicle Common SenseMarch 2006Faith Week!Faith Week

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1152868878332708082006-07-14T12:10:00.000+12:002006-07-14T21:21:18.343+12:00

on the ferry to MykonosA week in the Greek Islands. It's pretty rough. Sun. Beach. Beautiful sunset dinners from the balcony of our rental. Good friends. Time to contemplate life. Fun with modes of transportation. I would reccomend it to anyone!Our time will end early next week and then its off to Athens as a group of six and to Italy from there.

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1152388963270685252006-07-09T23:00:00.000+12:002006-07-14T06:56:17.646+12:00

So, travels continue. We have graduated just over a week ago from a program that gave the opprotunity to change lives, if one let God do such a thing. And, now, we are venturing out from our release in Jerusalem - some to the East, some to the West, some to the North, and just two to the South. Travels over the past week have brought me (along with other Y'ers) to Barcelona to view the Sagrade

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1151253248916497152006-06-26T19:32:00.000+12:002006-06-26T04:34:08.930+12:00

The journey with YWAM is nearly complete. We are now in Jerusalem for 10 days of debrief, touring the sites, and hanging out with one another. Over the past few days we have all had the chance to visit many of the historic and important sites of this city and of the area around the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee. Our time here has been amazing - it is an amazing place! It's difficult to

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1149563879912252832006-06-06T09:30:00.000+12:002006-06-06T15:53:12.020+12:00

Out the back door of the guesthouse in UB, MongoliaAh, a chance to upload a few photos to the picture album - well, maybe more than a few...Click here or copy and paste this into your web browser address bar:http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=10647013&uid=3614333If those two options don't work than just click on the Photo Album link on the right side bar - it's over there

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1149249465267519842006-06-05T11:59:00.000+12:002006-06-05T18:14:10.890+12:00

It would seem that the water here is not the safest to drink. Or the vegetables and fruit the safest to eat, that is, without first a bath in iodine water. To date, while here in Nepal at least five out of eight of our team (Trevor is planning to catch up with us tomorrow!) have had some sort of trouble resulting in the general diarrhea or the more problematic dysentery (not confident in the

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1148814348419199972006-05-28T16:00:00.000+12:002006-05-28T23:59:42.836+12:00

Nepal - a country in turmoil, a country with a changing government. We arrived here only yesterday and will be staying just over a week. The status of Kathmandu appearas, intially, to be calm and collected at the moment - the Seven Party Alliance and the Maoist groups are currently holding talks. If you should care to know more about the Nepal situation please visit www.nepalnews.com for the

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1148309171479843602006-05-23T02:28:00.000+12:002006-05-23T02:46:11.490+12:00

And so Mongolia has now become a part of our traveling history as we now venture off to another country. A lengthy update is warranted for the experiences over the last two weeks, however, time and the government in this country are preventing an update from occurring - it seems that access to my blog site has been restricted by someone other than blogger.com as I am still (obviously) able to

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1147334053773427782006-05-11T16:55:00.000+12:002006-05-21T04:24:25.013+12:00

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The air is crisp and cool here with sunshine - heaps of sunshine. We are in downtown Ulaanbaatar at an internet cafe using the day to adjust to the city, to the culture, to just being in Ulaanbaatar. I would like to post more on the previous country in which we spent a chunk of time, however, I will not yet do that as we still have to pass back through the country on

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1145688324093993662006-04-22T14:45:00.000+12:002006-05-16T08:56:43.010+12:00

Trevor has added a few pictures on his website of our time in the Philippines and Taiwan. Visit http://www.ywamconnect.com/sites/TrevorElste/Phillippines for the Philippine photos and http://www.ywamconnect.com/sites/TrevorElste/Taiwan%20Photos. Or you can visit his website at www.ywamconnect.com/sites/TrevorElste/ and browse for yourself. Maybe, someday, I too will have photos to post as well

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1145550865066177242006-04-21T00:30:00.000+12:002006-04-26T09:40:52.180+12:00

Added a few more people to the right-hand sidebar under "Fellow YWAMers". The top five people are part of this Far East Asia Team, whereas the others are members of other teams. Do check out their web pages if you have time - I enjoy reading others updates anyway. Some folks are posting pictures as well. For those people whose sites are on TravelJournals.net you may have go a couple clicks in

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1145183954812884932006-04-16T18:30:00.000+12:002006-04-18T15:45:24.463+12:00

Asia - well, an island off the coast anyway. It's been a grand three days since our arrival. We are definintly in a different part of the world then the Philippines - culturally, environmentally, & mentally. The contrast is sharp in many respects and I believe that all of us have enjoyed the new surroundings - it has been refreshing after some hot and challenging days in Tondo, Manila.

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1144747576574097802006-04-11T17:30:00.000+12:002006-04-12T09:15:41.363+12:00

We have arrived! Actually, it was over a week ago now (after a night in Sydney - Opera House and all!). Our time to departure is now just two days away. The expereince is something that words and images will never adequetly describe. Any expectations that we did have (I don't know of many really) were blown away. If we ended our journey after just this first stop than that would be enough I

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1143835910274257992006-04-01T07:54:00.000+12:002006-04-01T08:11:50.286+12:00

Over the course of the next 11 weeks it is likely that this blog and my email will go without updates or checking due to the sensitivity of the countries in which we are visiting as well as the likely non-availability of internet access. At minimum I expect to be out of touch with the electronic world for around 5 weeks beginning by the end of April. It is rather likely that for the entirety of

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1143334520514401152006-04-01T07:30:00.000+12:002006-04-01T07:43:07.493+12:00

(not my picture...)The time has come for the once far-off departure from New Zealand into the greater world abroad. It is a sad farewell from this beautiful country, however, it is not the last that I hope to see of this place, or the people here. The past eleven weeks have been full of adventure, relationships, amazing country, God, and ice cream. The next three months will be ripe with many of

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1143142578193471162006-03-24T06:36:00.000+12:002006-03-24T08:12:08.553+12:00

In the course of life there are events which are explainable, rational, logical, and blatantly obvious. And, then, there are such events which fulfill not one of those adjectives but remain common sensical, rather unexplainable, undeserved, and very real... In the course of ten weeks (going on eleven soon) here in Oxford, New Zealand, the students and staff have experienced such personal and

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1142119194785243142006-03-12T00:00:00.000+13:002006-03-12T12:21:14.250+13:00

Okay, finally, there are a few pictures from Faith Week posted on the photo albums website. You can click here, copy and paste the address below, or click the thumbnail photo next to the words New Zealand in the right-hand sidebar:http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=9145948&uid=3614333The newly added pictures start about midway down with the recent bouldering competition that took

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1141461665618642792006-03-04T22:30:00.000+13:002006-03-06T16:28:07.270+13:00

We've returned! Our team arrived back at the Base around 2:30 this afternoon. The last team (out of eleven?) trickled in just before afternoon tea (dinner) this evening. Upon arriving back teams (including mine) have been swamped with hugs and questions of how things have gone. I have yet to fully process the week in my mind - I am not sure that many have yet. The week was short for some and

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1140324207200286642006-02-21T08:15:00.000+13:002006-02-21T08:32:59.480+13:00

As one may imagine New Zealand has a number of products, specialties, interesting items, and just plain oddities to which no other country, well, at least America, has any hint of. One of the more amazing delightful products that this land holds is a product actually imported from Australia (go figure) - it's called a Tim Tam. These are a variety of chocolate biscuits (or cookies for you North

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1139123956990817732006-02-08T20:13:00.000+13:002006-02-18T09:58:06.853+13:00

So, I feel as if the updates to this site are trickling in - well I suppose that is because they are. In any case, this particular update is going to be a tad lengthy - reminiscent of the England musings of some time ago...Where to start? There have been a number of questions coming in and so maybe I will try and summarize things here to answer a few of those questions then we can jump into a

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1138441972643876702006-01-28T23:00:00.000+13:002006-02-09T10:29:26.826+13:00

Okay, after a week of broken promises I have finally had the opportunity to upload some New Zealand pictures (completly going through laptop withdrawl at this point). Certainly not the fanciest of the place but they do communicate some of the activities and beauty. So, if you have time, cruise over to the following address or click on the thumbnail picture at right to view the album if you are

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1138081385671612912006-01-24T18:30:00.000+13:002006-02-07T15:24:14.936+13:00

The Base is a buzz with talking and laughter this evening during the dinner hour (or tea here in NZ - ya got me...). Just over an hour ago we found out where everyone was headed for our outreach period. The method of revelation was rather nonchalant by the staff which I think added to the excitement on the Base. Everyone is pretty excited - well, very excited. Come April 2 as we depart for the

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1137883731914152602006-01-22T12:00:00.000+13:002006-01-22T11:48:51.926+13:00

Today is the day we must make our top three choices for where we wish to travel for outreach. There are to be a total of 6 teams covering Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East, and South America. It is odd to sit here and think about such a decision - at what other point or in what other life would a person be faced with selecting their top three choices of such an opportunity? Some have

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1137565418406537882006-01-18T19:08:00.000+13:002006-01-21T12:13:28.106+13:00

We are just now getting into the school routine. It's strange, after just arriving on Saturday - only 4 short days ago - it seems that everyone feels very comfortable with one another and the facilities - almost like we have been living here for more than just 4 days or so. Tonight we'll learn a bit about the options available for outreach and then have until this weekend or so to pick our top

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1137300177866423432006-01-15T18:00:00.000+13:002006-01-17T19:15:53.010+13:00

Oxford, New Zealand. Arrived to the YWAM base around 1 pm yesterday (that would be Saturday, 14 Jan 2006). (Oxford is 22 hours ahead of the Alaska time zone and thus jet lag hasn't been bad - only two hours and a day difference.) It is quite beautiful here. We are west and slightly north of Christchurch - tucked into a spot just south of a ridge of mountains - not high mountains but certainly

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1137013219645473272006-01-12T09:39:00.000+13:002006-01-12T14:58:08.910+13:00

Ah, today is the day to depart for New Zealand. Well, it doesn't happen immediately as the travel time is somewhat significant, but eventually the plane will land in New Zealand. Hopefully, everything is ready to go. The last couple weeks have been a bit too absorbed in packing, or repacking, or tossing things out that I don't think I need and then, later, adding them back into the mix. Oh

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1136529034713522072006-01-06T19:19:00.000+13:002006-01-15T07:53:17.330+13:00

Well, it seems that a recent clip has appeared in the local newspaper providing a brief look into the experience I had with Mercy Ships last spring. Amy Armstrong, of the Alaska Star, completed a nice piece which you can view by clicking here or by visiting the Alaska Star's homepage at www.alaskastar.com and checking out this week's edition (which I would certainly recommend even if you didn't

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1136235389407685202006-01-03T09:47:00.000+13:002006-01-08T13:37:17.176+13:00

Happy New Year!Hard to believe it is 2006 - actually it's still hard to believe that it is anything past the year 2000... There appears to be a exponential relationship between the age of a person and the relative speed at which time passes. As promised below a new picture album has been added with recent exploits - click here to view. And some of the posts that were awaiting authoring have

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1135988422868886602005-12-31T13:15:00.000+13:002006-01-03T09:46:27.246+13:00

It seems appropriate to begin this post by saying a Happy New Year to everyone! Yeah, well I know it isn't quite 2006 yet, but at the rate I am going the New Year will be here long before an appropriate post can be made... Where to start... You might first notice that there have been a few suttle changes to the blog site. Unfortunately the blog site modification learning curve is steep and

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1135531386365972832005-12-26T06:00:00.000+13:002005-12-26T06:24:28.320+13:00

After a very extended recess from blogging it seemed appropriate to begin anew with a short note to say a simple Merry Christmas to one and all!And so, Merry Christmas - enjoy the day and eat all you can, but don't forget the reason for the season!More blogging will follow; as will some pictures. However, in the meantime, there are presents under the tree that have not yet passed the shake test.

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1135987736998440652005-12-21T17:00:00.000+13:002006-01-08T13:34:04.166+13:00

3500 miles. That's what it will take go tripping south from Washington DC to northern Alabama, west on I-40 to California, and north on I-5 from Bakersfield, CA to near Portland, OR. Of course that figure also includes a small side trip or two; notably to the Grand Canyon. So how did we end up on the road? Spur of the moment, one time shot to drive a truck (purchased over eBay mind you) from

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12748384.post-1135987696882334662005-12-05T13:00:00.000+13:002006-01-09T06:55:52.403+13:00

YWAM - Youth With A Mission. DTS - Discipleship Training School. AW80 - Around the World in 80 Days. Those are the generals of the upcoming, and you might say, current experience. I leave for New Zealand early on 12 January and arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand on 14 January. Actually, I'll end up at the Oxford YWAM base just outside Christchurch. I still haven't figured out if I lose a

mwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08941275452242531208noreply@blogger.com0