The physics of 'tension' is worth understanding, the science of which allow flexibility in balance with rigidity and great reduction in required materials to accomplish immense tasks. Consider a suspension bridge. Towers elevate far above the passageway carrying the load of road and cables which spread all in shifting balance across the bridge; this dance of rigidity and flexibility, engineered to move minimally as a variety of forces are applied, both regular and variable. Winds, high seas, varying traffic loads, flowing and jammed, must all be considered along with potential seismic events and other rare incidents.
Moving through life, for the observant, is lived dynamically and if building the life is done more like constructing a well engineered suspension bridge, will endure hardship, catastrophe and the host of challenges life may throw at us. Crucial to the strength of the span are the towers, rising up strong and securely fastened to the earth below. Mandatory, as well, the cables stretched from tower to tower with tension provided not only by the bridge itself, but also fastened to the earth at opposite ends.
If the towers of our lives are constructed with the integrity of character the work of our lives will serve many in need of the traverse. While the towers flex minimally, they do not submit to the forces applied, they manage them with integrity, always returning to rest fully in position. The cables themselves also stretch and twist, but fully connected to the towers manage the dynamically changing forces applied as well, and the safety of all who travel upon it, knowingly and unknowingly are ensured. It seems, with increasing measure, life bridges now fail for lack of integrity.
If we do not maintain and monitor our structure, wear and weathering quietly and seemingly unnoticed chip away in relative insignificance. All appears well, all continues to function, but the overall integrity of the bridge is starting to fail. It can remain securely fastened yet without maintenance is now at risk of collapse from forces far below what it was engineered to endure.
As I have come to see it, our lives are bridges, suspension bridges constructed to demonstrate the ability and quality of our contractors and engineers. Constructed with integrity and engineered in obedience with respect to the physics of all forces applied in tension, along with required maintenance, the bridge will stand for eternity. Noble bridges serve its people well, and can oft be taken for granted. Few fully appreciate the need and requirement of it's maintenance and care. Few fully understand the absolute power and stature of its design and designer. And few take full notice of the dynamic tension required to keep the bridge standing.
From where do we get our integrity of construction? Is our bridge truly noble and divinely constructed? Does our character stand as an integral revelation of our designer? How well maintained is our bridge? This bridge is in need of maintenance and care.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Constructing Connections as a Contagion of Care
Four days now since my return and I find myself missing part of my heart, left in Bosnia and Croatia with my friends there, being replaced with an abundance of love and compassion, from theirs. These footprints of faith, in this, my personal walk of faith continues to connect and deepen understanding of the work of our Lord, through the people He calls, and has yet to call.
As I ponder events and world change through these growing eyes of faith, as I also ponder the time-line of change, I have come to discover that it isn't the speed in which change comes, it is the potency and passion found in the hearts of those who will forge ahead that is key. For excellence through change will come as those, who understand it's need, and value the power of Godly hope persist beyond the anchor of hopelessness and vanity; And, it seems as if God, for His reasoning, has placed me such that I discover and encourage such lives to continue with the relentless passion and pursuit of the good inside them, with attempts to link them to the only one who can give them strength beyond their own to continue as His agents of change, His agents of faith.
As I continue to forge ahead, now back at home, the call that rises within me is to press ahead, just as they, with passion and all that has been developed within me as an encourager, to construct connections, remaining a contagion of care for all who may choose to embark on deepening their journey of faith. With the first anniversary of my unemployment quickly approaching, I sit here amazed at what I've been allowed to do, have the privilege to do and God's provision to do, without salary! This walk of faith has been nothing short of amazing, just as my miracle of healing has healed my once failing heart.
For all of us, especially you who read this blog, there is one vital question...
Are we doing all we should be as agents of care for one another, committed to the call of our Lord in our hearts, as genuine and true examples of Jesus Christ?
And for those who don't know and see the miracles of God...
Will you choose to look deep into the lives of those who claim to be His servants, but in fact are not really, and discover the truth and honor of those who really are His servants, genuine and true examples of Jesus Christ?
Living in a land where 88% of it's people claim to be His followers, it seems clear to me that most of those are not and when they reach heaven will be in for a rude awakening.
Matthew 7:15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day (the day they stand before Jesus after dying), ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (New International Version of the Bible)
For you see, it isn't what we do for our Lord, as if that will get us into heaven. It is if we do, in response to Him, His leading, His call His work through us. If he recognizes us and knows us, and if we don't just call him Lord, He in fact is our Lord, then we will arrive and continue to press forward into eternal peace. My soul desire is to construct connections with Jesus as His contagion of care.
As I ponder events and world change through these growing eyes of faith, as I also ponder the time-line of change, I have come to discover that it isn't the speed in which change comes, it is the potency and passion found in the hearts of those who will forge ahead that is key. For excellence through change will come as those, who understand it's need, and value the power of Godly hope persist beyond the anchor of hopelessness and vanity; And, it seems as if God, for His reasoning, has placed me such that I discover and encourage such lives to continue with the relentless passion and pursuit of the good inside them, with attempts to link them to the only one who can give them strength beyond their own to continue as His agents of change, His agents of faith.
As I continue to forge ahead, now back at home, the call that rises within me is to press ahead, just as they, with passion and all that has been developed within me as an encourager, to construct connections, remaining a contagion of care for all who may choose to embark on deepening their journey of faith. With the first anniversary of my unemployment quickly approaching, I sit here amazed at what I've been allowed to do, have the privilege to do and God's provision to do, without salary! This walk of faith has been nothing short of amazing, just as my miracle of healing has healed my once failing heart.
For all of us, especially you who read this blog, there is one vital question...
Are we doing all we should be as agents of care for one another, committed to the call of our Lord in our hearts, as genuine and true examples of Jesus Christ?
And for those who don't know and see the miracles of God...
Will you choose to look deep into the lives of those who claim to be His servants, but in fact are not really, and discover the truth and honor of those who really are His servants, genuine and true examples of Jesus Christ?
Living in a land where 88% of it's people claim to be His followers, it seems clear to me that most of those are not and when they reach heaven will be in for a rude awakening.
Matthew 7:15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day (the day they stand before Jesus after dying), ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (New International Version of the Bible)
For you see, it isn't what we do for our Lord, as if that will get us into heaven. It is if we do, in response to Him, His leading, His call His work through us. If he recognizes us and knows us, and if we don't just call him Lord, He in fact is our Lord, then we will arrive and continue to press forward into eternal peace. My soul desire is to construct connections with Jesus as His contagion of care.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
It is I Who Feel Handicapped
Having only been home for one full day, jumping fully back into life here, I have had a little time to reflect upon all that happened while away in the Balkans. I will try to communicate in brevity and hopefully with clarity, the many facets of my trip, both personally and the benevolence as part of joining the work of World Hope International.
My two friends, Trent and Nikki, have sacrificed living in America, joining World Hope as a means to understand the Bosnian culture, but even more so, to immerse themselves in it, and in doing so, learned of the great need to develop and inspire a deeper quality in education for the people. Torn by war and three cultures, Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian, a corrupt governing body, and while still reeling from communism, much of the life has been beaten out of the people...with the exception of a small yet growing group of absolutely incredible nationals there...working together with my friends. Together, they are rebuilding eduction, both the facilities and practice, in the hopes of reviving hope in the struggling nation.
In the struggling nation of Bosnia, many, if not most of the populous, are wracked in turmoil, merely existing, and just getting through life. Their days are filled with inadequacies, insufficient means to live well, with plenty of time to stew in it. They have lost all drive to dream and invent, but not the drive to socialize and share in their plight. Even for me, as positive as I am, the challenges seem insurmountable, unless you choose to focus on the minuscule group of nothing short of inspiring teachers and one handicapped (or as the people call them there, invalids) lady leading the charge for change. These mostly younger teachers, and Šhemcija (pronounced Shem-see-ya), the handicapped viceroy of hope and enthusiasm in spite of her incredible physical challenges, are the future of Bosnia, should the people respond.
Together, they are validating the invalid, planting dreams of hope in young hearts, while reviving the beliefs of the people to rise above circumstances, realizing their incredible capabilities to invest in potent change. They are part of the transformation of culture steeped in disaster. They are the new pioneers of life and living, much like the pioneers who left England, sailing the Atlantic to establish a new nation in freedom. While the task seemed ridiculous to those who stayed back, to those who forged ahead, it was a call that transformed the world!
Such is the call of my friends there, to be an amazing part of educational building, and powerful change in Bosnia, but their lives of faith, who they are, also has opportunity to build into some of the people there. Just as I was to go as an emissary of education, I also know that I was led to go as a part of my connection with God and service to Him. He has given me great abilities to teach, and a deep love for people, all people, kids to adults, and now I have a deep love for those in Bosnia. My friends there have given up, sacrificed is a better word, so much to serve the people there, and it does cost them a great deal.
As I experienced their lives there, I discovered that they were in need of refreshment and encouragement, for they have worked hard, feeling like so little has been accomplished. But these eyes of faith, coming along side of these and many others who may not have them, saw, first hand, the need to be a part of the building and investing, long term, in the transformation of the people there, both educationally and spiritually.
I don't know if the latter will arise, but of one thing I am confident, that as I demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ, and His way of building hope within me, an unemployed man able to go on this incredible journey of faith and encouragement, I have been given the opportunity to infuse change, build hope, and rub shoulders with old friends and many new ones. As purveyors of hope, faith and rich, deep, meaningful life, we need to step up and be part of the transformation of nations, by bolstering up those, who are significantly called to a significantly difficult task.
I am humbled by the opportunity, just to get a taste of the task. These who live it daily, are the warriors for hope and peace. As I told Šhemcija, the woman witht he black argyle sweater talking with the man in green and jeans, it is I who feel handicapped.
Double click on image to see larger.
My two friends, Trent and Nikki, have sacrificed living in America, joining World Hope as a means to understand the Bosnian culture, but even more so, to immerse themselves in it, and in doing so, learned of the great need to develop and inspire a deeper quality in education for the people. Torn by war and three cultures, Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian, a corrupt governing body, and while still reeling from communism, much of the life has been beaten out of the people...with the exception of a small yet growing group of absolutely incredible nationals there...working together with my friends. Together, they are rebuilding eduction, both the facilities and practice, in the hopes of reviving hope in the struggling nation.
In the struggling nation of Bosnia, many, if not most of the populous, are wracked in turmoil, merely existing, and just getting through life. Their days are filled with inadequacies, insufficient means to live well, with plenty of time to stew in it. They have lost all drive to dream and invent, but not the drive to socialize and share in their plight. Even for me, as positive as I am, the challenges seem insurmountable, unless you choose to focus on the minuscule group of nothing short of inspiring teachers and one handicapped (or as the people call them there, invalids) lady leading the charge for change. These mostly younger teachers, and Šhemcija (pronounced Shem-see-ya), the handicapped viceroy of hope and enthusiasm in spite of her incredible physical challenges, are the future of Bosnia, should the people respond.
Together, they are validating the invalid, planting dreams of hope in young hearts, while reviving the beliefs of the people to rise above circumstances, realizing their incredible capabilities to invest in potent change. They are part of the transformation of culture steeped in disaster. They are the new pioneers of life and living, much like the pioneers who left England, sailing the Atlantic to establish a new nation in freedom. While the task seemed ridiculous to those who stayed back, to those who forged ahead, it was a call that transformed the world!
Such is the call of my friends there, to be an amazing part of educational building, and powerful change in Bosnia, but their lives of faith, who they are, also has opportunity to build into some of the people there. Just as I was to go as an emissary of education, I also know that I was led to go as a part of my connection with God and service to Him. He has given me great abilities to teach, and a deep love for people, all people, kids to adults, and now I have a deep love for those in Bosnia. My friends there have given up, sacrificed is a better word, so much to serve the people there, and it does cost them a great deal.
As I experienced their lives there, I discovered that they were in need of refreshment and encouragement, for they have worked hard, feeling like so little has been accomplished. But these eyes of faith, coming along side of these and many others who may not have them, saw, first hand, the need to be a part of the building and investing, long term, in the transformation of the people there, both educationally and spiritually.
I don't know if the latter will arise, but of one thing I am confident, that as I demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ, and His way of building hope within me, an unemployed man able to go on this incredible journey of faith and encouragement, I have been given the opportunity to infuse change, build hope, and rub shoulders with old friends and many new ones. As purveyors of hope, faith and rich, deep, meaningful life, we need to step up and be part of the transformation of nations, by bolstering up those, who are significantly called to a significantly difficult task.
I am humbled by the opportunity, just to get a taste of the task. These who live it daily, are the warriors for hope and peace. As I told Šhemcija, the woman witht he black argyle sweater talking with the man in green and jeans, it is I who feel handicapped.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
True Faith and Hope On The Radio Today
Today was refreshingly releasing as I had no 'official' job to do, but we did get to talk on the radio at "Studio N" of Livno, and Ethan played guitar. In addition I finished my PowerPoint presentation by adding the local language to the slides, and a few tweeks and we'll be hitting it tomorrow. It will be my final presentations for the week! The work here of encouraging teachers, and inspiring them with the challenge of leading their students through systematic learning discovery has warmed this teacher's heart, connecting with teachers here of equal passion. They will transform education here and the ministry team here in Livno is doing ministry right. If you are going to transform and build confidence and leadership in education with your presence, you must put your kids in the system, learning and supporting from the inside as well!
The Nettletons are investing in lives and interest is growing! Though they see their ministry here as slow in progress, as I look at it and all the connections they have built, gaining the trust and honor of the community, it is exactly right! Just as my trip here was planned by God, and led by Him, I had to make plans as well, but remain flexible and available to His leading each and every day. Little by little God is providing longer term support with Matt (a U of Michigan fan-Carrie will like that) and Anna and their soon to be three children. Josh, a wonderful young man, a cook, and servant is yet another blessed part of the team.
The faithful are never permanently discouraged, but they do get discouraged from time to time. They do get tired. They do grow weary. They do need encouragement, not only from the Lord, but His servants who can come along side with a different set of eyes. There is a good work and God is fully accomplishing His will in these lives, in these times. Teachers are becoming more effective and their passion encouraged. It is humbling to see that we, who think we sacrifice in our riches, are more like those who threw great amounts of money into the offering basket, while the widow, put in her last few bucks in, on her way through the door of the synagogue, receiving the praise of Jesus Himself! She was wealthy because she knew from where her support and care came. As these, who serve here in Livno do the same, giving up worldly wealth for heavenly. Now that, is true faith and real hope.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Real and Reality
On my only phone conversation with my wife two days ago (it is now Tuesday at 6am) she told me that I shouldn't write when I am tired. My hope is, that as you read my blogs,you get a real sense of where I am the real and reality of what I am going through, as I press through my time here. It is funny to read my blog in my current state of 'slightly more' coherence. After only 6 and half hours of sleep, I find myself taking time to blog about what has transpired thus far.
Thrust into a culture with the language skills of less than a toddler, mixed with the mental skills of an adult, I find myself drinking deeply of the culture, the politics, the environment and the lives of teachers here. It feels like being transported back in time 70-100 years ago to what I imagine education looked like in the states, chalk boards, small, I mean really small classrooms stuffed with students, and very little materials, other than books, paper and pencils.
And then, poof, for two classes of students, one 7th grade and one 8th grade, they are thrust forward, leaping into how I teach a century beyond where they are. For me, without language, without all the familiarities of my classroom, I find myself thinking, adjusting, and a bit frustrated that I was not prepared (no one could have prepared me) for what I experienced. It took every creative, entrepreneurial, classroom management skill I could muster, and, while mostly successful, was indeed nothing near the engineered classroom I run at home.
This being said, just as I am an anomaly here physically (you'd think I was an alien by the way young people look at and talk when they see me...blah, blah, blah Chinese! blah blah blah... or, while walking toward the school, class in session, the kids at the windows trying to get my attention by waving, distracting their classrooms) I am confident that these students had a taste of the future.
And today, I will embark on engaging many teachers in the same way, enlisting them and encouraging them to think differently, learning how to use some of the tools of hands-on, and graphic organizers to redefine methodology and pedagogy. What? That's like taking them gingerly 100 years forward? But something tells me, from what I saw in the teachers who attended yesterday's brain research presentation, they will be ready, these new young minds, to embark on just such a transformation.
As I sit here, I am amazed that God has placed me in a place, where just by being and high quality, ordinary teacher, I have extraordinary gifts that can be used to be a part of transforming education in a struggling third world country. For me, it is like my real reality is the expertise and college doctoral degree, crafted just for them. And here we go, my real and reality, will collide with their real and reality today, while you, my faithful friends at home, are sleeping (it will be midnight in Santee, when I present here).
Thrust into a culture with the language skills of less than a toddler, mixed with the mental skills of an adult, I find myself drinking deeply of the culture, the politics, the environment and the lives of teachers here. It feels like being transported back in time 70-100 years ago to what I imagine education looked like in the states, chalk boards, small, I mean really small classrooms stuffed with students, and very little materials, other than books, paper and pencils.
And then, poof, for two classes of students, one 7th grade and one 8th grade, they are thrust forward, leaping into how I teach a century beyond where they are. For me, without language, without all the familiarities of my classroom, I find myself thinking, adjusting, and a bit frustrated that I was not prepared (no one could have prepared me) for what I experienced. It took every creative, entrepreneurial, classroom management skill I could muster, and, while mostly successful, was indeed nothing near the engineered classroom I run at home.
This being said, just as I am an anomaly here physically (you'd think I was an alien by the way young people look at and talk when they see me...blah, blah, blah Chinese! blah blah blah... or, while walking toward the school, class in session, the kids at the windows trying to get my attention by waving, distracting their classrooms) I am confident that these students had a taste of the future.
And today, I will embark on engaging many teachers in the same way, enlisting them and encouraging them to think differently, learning how to use some of the tools of hands-on, and graphic organizers to redefine methodology and pedagogy. What? That's like taking them gingerly 100 years forward? But something tells me, from what I saw in the teachers who attended yesterday's brain research presentation, they will be ready, these new young minds, to embark on just such a transformation.
As I sit here, I am amazed that God has placed me in a place, where just by being and high quality, ordinary teacher, I have extraordinary gifts that can be used to be a part of transforming education in a struggling third world country. For me, it is like my real reality is the expertise and college doctoral degree, crafted just for them. And here we go, my real and reality, will collide with their real and reality today, while you, my faithful friends at home, are sleeping (it will be midnight in Santee, when I present here).
Fast and Furious
My lack of updates should belay the way the trip has been going thus far...like running next to a roller coaster, as the events unfold. All of this, in a good way, but not so good for updating my blog. This one will be brief as it is late and I am very tired.
Today's events went well and I have been asked by the head master of the school to return again. The teacher who was supposed to be present, had a heart attack and is doing okay, but obviously not there to see the lesson. So I was the sub. Hmmm...God sends substitute teachers 1/3 of the way around the world for a science class in Bosnia? Now that's a God, demonstrating His sense of humor and provision, at work!
I had to scramble with resourcefulness for something to work, but found a way, God leading all the way! So great for Him to provide! A parent, whose son was in my class today told me that her son really enjoyed the science class and told her all about it (they only have class for half the day here). She thanked me and wanted to let me know that her son appreciated what I did with them today! How cool!
One quick mention of interest; I now know how a celebrity feels, really! Everywhere I go, and I mean everywhere, people stare at me and watch me; as I eat in restaurants, as I walk around the town, as I walked the halls of the school. In fact, when arriving at the school, the four story complex had kids faces pasted to their windows waving hi to me as I walked the pathway to the school's entry. Just too funny! One thing for sure, I'd never get away with anything here. All they would have to say is "The Chinese guy did it", and I'm toast!
Well, so much for privacy. So much for blending in with the crowd. Off to bed for some rest before tomorrow's footrace. Thank you to all who are joining me in prayer. I wish I could update you with more, but things have just been fast and furious!
Today's events went well and I have been asked by the head master of the school to return again. The teacher who was supposed to be present, had a heart attack and is doing okay, but obviously not there to see the lesson. So I was the sub. Hmmm...God sends substitute teachers 1/3 of the way around the world for a science class in Bosnia? Now that's a God, demonstrating His sense of humor and provision, at work!
I had to scramble with resourcefulness for something to work, but found a way, God leading all the way! So great for Him to provide! A parent, whose son was in my class today told me that her son really enjoyed the science class and told her all about it (they only have class for half the day here). She thanked me and wanted to let me know that her son appreciated what I did with them today! How cool!
One quick mention of interest; I now know how a celebrity feels, really! Everywhere I go, and I mean everywhere, people stare at me and watch me; as I eat in restaurants, as I walk around the town, as I walked the halls of the school. In fact, when arriving at the school, the four story complex had kids faces pasted to their windows waving hi to me as I walked the pathway to the school's entry. Just too funny! One thing for sure, I'd never get away with anything here. All they would have to say is "The Chinese guy did it", and I'm toast!
Well, so much for privacy. So much for blending in with the crowd. Off to bed for some rest before tomorrow's footrace. Thank you to all who are joining me in prayer. I wish I could update you with more, but things have just been fast and furious!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Day 1 the final and Part of Day 2...
Though my home clock says it’s still yesterday at 10:30pm, my Croatia time is 7:30 am, and I arose refreshed and renewed, finding myself requiring nine and a half hours of solid, uninterrupted sleep! Having shaved and taken some pictures again, off my sixth floor balcony, of the Adriatic coast, the large island directly across and the dotted islands spread to the north, I find myself compelled to continue my writing. I tried last night after my wonderful dinner at Joke’s again (pronounced Yo-kayz) of medium rare steak with truffle sauce, tomatoes and fries and fresh salad with greens a grated form of white cabbage and a few olive oil marinated onions, but found myself too exhausted to produce coherence. It might have been a good reflection to have pressed to writing, only to review the blathering incoherence this morning, but alas, I truly had neither the strength nor desire. So, refreshed I rise and now finish the final occurrences of yesterday, but before I continue, I must make my way down to the breakfast buffet, and my first cup of coffee.
Mission accomplished! The coffee machine is interesting and has both Croatian and English on its buttons. I have yet to peruse the buffet, finding myself enamored watching even the other visitors, students from Italy, try to figure out its function. Ah, but the coffee, even from a machine is fine!
For some amazing reason, while checking in last night, I had mentioned to the clerk that I had traveled from western U.S. and was desperately in need of solid rest. Unknowingly at the time, she chose to room me in 602, on the south side arm of the hotel, knowing that 100 students from Italy were staying the night, part of a college experience group in the Balkans, were staying in the north arm of the hotel. What a Godsend!!! So, let’s finish up yesterday’s activities and head on to today’s.
Returning from a late lunch at Joke’s
Last afternoon, upon walking back to my hotel, my mind remembers, which couldn’t last night, three girls, sitting feet hanging off the dock, talking in Croatian and then I hear “Chinese” figuring they must be talking about me. They quickly arose, walking off the dock, grabbed their bicycles and strolled by me as I walked down the steps to the dock, their eyes glancing at me as they passed (I watched them through my peripheral vision). It’s not that they are not used to seeing Orientals here, just not off season, as the cruise ships bring many to the locality; It’s just that, and granted from a distance, they didn’t think, Japanese, but rather Chinese. I did snap a picture of them long before they saw me, so I should include it here.
Time warp back to present buffet
(Ah, and just as I speak, while continuing my buffet breakfast) A young Chinese girl dressed all in black, from high boots to tie in her hair strolls by (part of the Italy group? And obviously the only oriental on the trip from Italy?). As she descended the stairs to the restaurant, I noticed she saw me and couldn’t help but stare, wondering what another oriental, and adult to boot, was doing here in this hotel! Too funny!
Back to Past
Returning to back now to yesterday, in a daze, I found myself wandering the hotel. After settling in, it was then 2 pm and I found myself hungry, partly wondering if my blood sugar was creeping to low state, but not wanting to test it for fear of slight panic, I headed downstairs to escape to the beach and Joke’s, the restaurant which has had my attention ever since Cheri mentioned it to me in reminder, before I left. As indicator of my state, I remembered that when I asked the desk clerk earlier how to get to the beach, she told me, so I thought, to go down the stairs and to the right. I did so, heading down to the restaurant only to wander and find no such opening. Returning up stairs, I asked again and she told me to go to the left, down the stairs and out, and so it worked. I wandered down to the familiar walkway and, remembering to turn right, strolled down a short distance to the ever familiar and long awaited, Joke’s.
I was greeted by a familiar face, that of Mate (pronounced Mah-tay), our waiter from last year’s trip. His English pretty good, his smile and conversation, as the place was slow, did much to add comfort to my being here ‘alone’. We talked of the beach and then of olive oil, only to discover that he has family and father, who presses his own. I asked if it was much like that served with my bread and his positive reply forced my inquiry into to purchase of some before I left today. I arrived at the restaurant that evening, only to find absence of Mate, and then his partner whose name is lost in the fog of last night, tell me that he was called in tonight to bring me the oil, which I purchased for 160K for two liters, the two bottles costing more than my delectably delicious dinner. Mate spoke of his grandfather hand pressing the oil, in the past, but now his father using the same machine with a motor to press the oil, cutting the olives by hand, placing them in the vat, pressing out the oils. My plan all along was to replace the Nyquil I brought for the Nettletons, and return with olive oil, exchanging one form of liquid gold with another, both to be ingested toward health, mine being much tastier, and if you’re lucky, you might be invited over to try some yourself!
So for late lunch, I had fish soup and octopus salad (remembering the incredible salad I had last year in this venue), and was not disappointed in the least. While eating the lunch, a guy (who I took a picture of, was snorkeling just off shore by the walkway) walked by in his wetsuit, diving gloves hanging with his flippers under left arm, and out of his bag carried by the right, an octopus tentacle dangling (the remaining 7 in the bag, I’m sure). My current culinary consumption had to be yesterday’s or an earlier catch today. Wow! I engaged Mate in more conversation asking him if he knew Kent and Cheri, after a brief pause, and a mention of "Amerikanat", he finished with, "who live in Trogir?". And I affirmed, as he continued talking about their occasional visits to the venue.
Finally, fully exhausted, and filled with gastronomical content, I returned back to my room, struggling to remain in coherent contact with the world, instead to be overtaken by the eyelids for about 40 minutes. I always feel the need to press myself, clinging to muddled consciousness, until late night in my new time zone as an effective way of settling this body into the circadian rhythm of the zone, but failed somewhat this time. Following my extended power nap, I watched some local sports (European Olympics of some sort) and stayed awake until 7:15, finally heading back to Joke’s for dinner.
My steak with truffle sauce and incredible shredded cabbage and local lettuce salad dinner was stunning! I could close my eyes for moments and find myself overtaken with the joy and laughter of our group, back in May cajoling and drinking in our satisfaction, the glory of basking in all things Adriatic, and Dalmatian. The olive oil, the food, the friends, the beauty of the salt water gently lapping on the coast, it was just a short distance from heaven, and then my eyes open to the sounds of music and only a mother, father and young daughter recently joining me in the vastly empty, nautically themed eatery.
Back to the present (again?)
So here I sit, now that my morning buffet has turned silent, the crowd of young men and women leaving, being hailed by an adult, the music wafting, then drowned in their ruckus, has finally found my ears, reminding me of the Croatain music in Joke’s too, a blend of local Croatian fair (or so I believe). The only difference is that Joke’s played classic American tunes, while the music here is totally Croatian piped in radio station, complete with commercials. It is strange to have this whole, huge restaurant to myself, sans the three ladies who have moved through the room resetting and refreshing the sky blue table cloths and deep lavender napkins while another refreshes the breakfast bar.
Having finally found ‘the right’ button on the Necta Kobalto machine, my coffee now appears hot and full flavored, ah, I need two more cups of this! I am not sure why, but the eggs here are vibrant, nearly yellow orange in color and so flavorful! In fact, my steak last night and all my food here is, as I have heard Kent refer to as "tasty, bringing health to the body", as opposed to American food which when he eats it leaves an unsettled feeling in his stomach. Even in this breakfast bar, where I’m sure the food isn’t the freshest or finest, the depth of flavor, even in the cheese I am now consuming, is amazing. It seems we, as Americans and all the processed food has done nothing but processed out the fullness of flavor, my wish, that I could bring all this food and flavor home with me!!!!
Having returned to my room after purchasing and sending a postcard home to my similarly waxing in loneliness bride, I open the back patio door of my room to be greeted by the sweet smell of Adriatic Sea air mixed with the scent of coastal pines and junipers. The gentle swooning of seagulls and their cries in the distance and an occasional vehicle or loud vespa like motorcycle, drives by near the back of the hotel. Vehicles here seem so much less restricted, sounding sportier, in a European sense, than those found at home with so many seeking soft spoken vehicles and the inefficiencies these restrictions bring…
I find myself nearly overwhelmed with so many memories pressed in yet rejuvenated by the nearness of sight and smell of the Balkans. Soon I will be pressing on to the next page of my trip, the apparent reason and blessing of being reunited with my Bosnian friends, Trent, Nikki, Ariela their oldest daughter and Luka, their youngest son. I find myself thinking that, even should some terrible event keep us from my continuance on this journey, I could be quite comfortable remaining here for the next 11 days, and return home thankful for the restful, tasteful rejuvenation, but something tells me, that all will go on as planned.
The long awaited and much anticipated journey to Livno, will finally arrive today, and I will experience it unlike my colleagues of last year’s trip, staying in a hotel there and dipping even deeper into the fullness of the Nettleton’s ministry, into education, the people and the development of faith there. I find sweet joy in the unfolding of this adventure and the input of God into this heart of exploration. I find myself torn between wanting to remain in my room and wafting the cool, refreshing Mediterranean air, or making my way replete with baggage, down to the generous, yet empty lobby, but alas, the time has come to lurch forward to my next spot in wait, and, maybe more musings as I do. I don’t want to keep my friends in wait, just because I am lost in the sights and smells of all things gloriously Dalmatian. So, I’ll head to the reeking of smoke elevator, down 6 snail paced floors, to the lobby 45 minutes before the said, scheduled arrival of my dear friends.
My mind rushes, like streaming of consciousness from one thing to another and I hope my musings here do not wander too ineffectively in such musings, but this morning I was lead to Ephesians, finding myself closer to the area and thinking about the peoples then and there, and it struck me.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Eph 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One (Jesus) he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment —to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
I suppose the heading of this part of scripture is partly correct (as it always is) yet not fully correct (as it always is). There are many blessings in Christ, being elect the ultimate blessing, but while many may either think they are of the elect or in fact truly are (in God’s estimation), maybe for some, being conformed to His will can be found in the ordinarity of life, the regular, day to day repeated chain of events, or for some, like me, the extraordinary chain of events, also rising in praise for His glory. Either way, for this soul, I find great comfort and joy that He allows me to forge ahead, maybe to flippantly, to causes that carry me to foreign lands with a gusto much like a bull in a fine crystal shop, or maybe, more accurately, like a bull in the midst of people, any people, anywhere. For I am the lucky bull, who gets to explore and revisit foreign soils, being fully ‘unemployed’, using skills and talents given me, by my Lord! For now, I get to venture on such trips of faith actually reveling being ‘stuck’ in this time machine laced hotel, the fixtures reminiscent of the 60’s futurama, Dalmatian marble floors, cheaply veneered woodwork replete with decades of scrapes and damage from it’s visitors, but alas, my friend has arrived and with him, his dad, visiting here in Trogir! How wonderful!!!
To be continued!....tomorrow.
Mission accomplished! The coffee machine is interesting and has both Croatian and English on its buttons. I have yet to peruse the buffet, finding myself enamored watching even the other visitors, students from Italy, try to figure out its function. Ah, but the coffee, even from a machine is fine!
For some amazing reason, while checking in last night, I had mentioned to the clerk that I had traveled from western U.S. and was desperately in need of solid rest. Unknowingly at the time, she chose to room me in 602, on the south side arm of the hotel, knowing that 100 students from Italy were staying the night, part of a college experience group in the Balkans, were staying in the north arm of the hotel. What a Godsend!!! So, let’s finish up yesterday’s activities and head on to today’s.
Returning from a late lunch at Joke’s
Last afternoon, upon walking back to my hotel, my mind remembers, which couldn’t last night, three girls, sitting feet hanging off the dock, talking in Croatian and then I hear “Chinese” figuring they must be talking about me. They quickly arose, walking off the dock, grabbed their bicycles and strolled by me as I walked down the steps to the dock, their eyes glancing at me as they passed (I watched them through my peripheral vision). It’s not that they are not used to seeing Orientals here, just not off season, as the cruise ships bring many to the locality; It’s just that, and granted from a distance, they didn’t think, Japanese, but rather Chinese. I did snap a picture of them long before they saw me, so I should include it here.
Time warp back to present buffet
(Ah, and just as I speak, while continuing my buffet breakfast) A young Chinese girl dressed all in black, from high boots to tie in her hair strolls by (part of the Italy group? And obviously the only oriental on the trip from Italy?). As she descended the stairs to the restaurant, I noticed she saw me and couldn’t help but stare, wondering what another oriental, and adult to boot, was doing here in this hotel! Too funny!
Back to Past
Returning to back now to yesterday, in a daze, I found myself wandering the hotel. After settling in, it was then 2 pm and I found myself hungry, partly wondering if my blood sugar was creeping to low state, but not wanting to test it for fear of slight panic, I headed downstairs to escape to the beach and Joke’s, the restaurant which has had my attention ever since Cheri mentioned it to me in reminder, before I left. As indicator of my state, I remembered that when I asked the desk clerk earlier how to get to the beach, she told me, so I thought, to go down the stairs and to the right. I did so, heading down to the restaurant only to wander and find no such opening. Returning up stairs, I asked again and she told me to go to the left, down the stairs and out, and so it worked. I wandered down to the familiar walkway and, remembering to turn right, strolled down a short distance to the ever familiar and long awaited, Joke’s.
I was greeted by a familiar face, that of Mate (pronounced Mah-tay), our waiter from last year’s trip. His English pretty good, his smile and conversation, as the place was slow, did much to add comfort to my being here ‘alone’. We talked of the beach and then of olive oil, only to discover that he has family and father, who presses his own. I asked if it was much like that served with my bread and his positive reply forced my inquiry into to purchase of some before I left today. I arrived at the restaurant that evening, only to find absence of Mate, and then his partner whose name is lost in the fog of last night, tell me that he was called in tonight to bring me the oil, which I purchased for 160K for two liters, the two bottles costing more than my delectably delicious dinner. Mate spoke of his grandfather hand pressing the oil, in the past, but now his father using the same machine with a motor to press the oil, cutting the olives by hand, placing them in the vat, pressing out the oils. My plan all along was to replace the Nyquil I brought for the Nettletons, and return with olive oil, exchanging one form of liquid gold with another, both to be ingested toward health, mine being much tastier, and if you’re lucky, you might be invited over to try some yourself!
So for late lunch, I had fish soup and octopus salad (remembering the incredible salad I had last year in this venue), and was not disappointed in the least. While eating the lunch, a guy (who I took a picture of, was snorkeling just off shore by the walkway) walked by in his wetsuit, diving gloves hanging with his flippers under left arm, and out of his bag carried by the right, an octopus tentacle dangling (the remaining 7 in the bag, I’m sure). My current culinary consumption had to be yesterday’s or an earlier catch today. Wow! I engaged Mate in more conversation asking him if he knew Kent and Cheri, after a brief pause, and a mention of "Amerikanat", he finished with, "who live in Trogir?". And I affirmed, as he continued talking about their occasional visits to the venue.
Finally, fully exhausted, and filled with gastronomical content, I returned back to my room, struggling to remain in coherent contact with the world, instead to be overtaken by the eyelids for about 40 minutes. I always feel the need to press myself, clinging to muddled consciousness, until late night in my new time zone as an effective way of settling this body into the circadian rhythm of the zone, but failed somewhat this time. Following my extended power nap, I watched some local sports (European Olympics of some sort) and stayed awake until 7:15, finally heading back to Joke’s for dinner.
My steak with truffle sauce and incredible shredded cabbage and local lettuce salad dinner was stunning! I could close my eyes for moments and find myself overtaken with the joy and laughter of our group, back in May cajoling and drinking in our satisfaction, the glory of basking in all things Adriatic, and Dalmatian. The olive oil, the food, the friends, the beauty of the salt water gently lapping on the coast, it was just a short distance from heaven, and then my eyes open to the sounds of music and only a mother, father and young daughter recently joining me in the vastly empty, nautically themed eatery.
Back to the present (again?)
So here I sit, now that my morning buffet has turned silent, the crowd of young men and women leaving, being hailed by an adult, the music wafting, then drowned in their ruckus, has finally found my ears, reminding me of the Croatain music in Joke’s too, a blend of local Croatian fair (or so I believe). The only difference is that Joke’s played classic American tunes, while the music here is totally Croatian piped in radio station, complete with commercials. It is strange to have this whole, huge restaurant to myself, sans the three ladies who have moved through the room resetting and refreshing the sky blue table cloths and deep lavender napkins while another refreshes the breakfast bar.
Having finally found ‘the right’ button on the Necta Kobalto machine, my coffee now appears hot and full flavored, ah, I need two more cups of this! I am not sure why, but the eggs here are vibrant, nearly yellow orange in color and so flavorful! In fact, my steak last night and all my food here is, as I have heard Kent refer to as "tasty, bringing health to the body", as opposed to American food which when he eats it leaves an unsettled feeling in his stomach. Even in this breakfast bar, where I’m sure the food isn’t the freshest or finest, the depth of flavor, even in the cheese I am now consuming, is amazing. It seems we, as Americans and all the processed food has done nothing but processed out the fullness of flavor, my wish, that I could bring all this food and flavor home with me!!!!
Having returned to my room after purchasing and sending a postcard home to my similarly waxing in loneliness bride, I open the back patio door of my room to be greeted by the sweet smell of Adriatic Sea air mixed with the scent of coastal pines and junipers. The gentle swooning of seagulls and their cries in the distance and an occasional vehicle or loud vespa like motorcycle, drives by near the back of the hotel. Vehicles here seem so much less restricted, sounding sportier, in a European sense, than those found at home with so many seeking soft spoken vehicles and the inefficiencies these restrictions bring…
I find myself nearly overwhelmed with so many memories pressed in yet rejuvenated by the nearness of sight and smell of the Balkans. Soon I will be pressing on to the next page of my trip, the apparent reason and blessing of being reunited with my Bosnian friends, Trent, Nikki, Ariela their oldest daughter and Luka, their youngest son. I find myself thinking that, even should some terrible event keep us from my continuance on this journey, I could be quite comfortable remaining here for the next 11 days, and return home thankful for the restful, tasteful rejuvenation, but something tells me, that all will go on as planned.
The long awaited and much anticipated journey to Livno, will finally arrive today, and I will experience it unlike my colleagues of last year’s trip, staying in a hotel there and dipping even deeper into the fullness of the Nettleton’s ministry, into education, the people and the development of faith there. I find sweet joy in the unfolding of this adventure and the input of God into this heart of exploration. I find myself torn between wanting to remain in my room and wafting the cool, refreshing Mediterranean air, or making my way replete with baggage, down to the generous, yet empty lobby, but alas, the time has come to lurch forward to my next spot in wait, and, maybe more musings as I do. I don’t want to keep my friends in wait, just because I am lost in the sights and smells of all things gloriously Dalmatian. So, I’ll head to the reeking of smoke elevator, down 6 snail paced floors, to the lobby 45 minutes before the said, scheduled arrival of my dear friends.
My mind rushes, like streaming of consciousness from one thing to another and I hope my musings here do not wander too ineffectively in such musings, but this morning I was lead to Ephesians, finding myself closer to the area and thinking about the peoples then and there, and it struck me.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Eph 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One (Jesus) he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment —to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
I suppose the heading of this part of scripture is partly correct (as it always is) yet not fully correct (as it always is). There are many blessings in Christ, being elect the ultimate blessing, but while many may either think they are of the elect or in fact truly are (in God’s estimation), maybe for some, being conformed to His will can be found in the ordinarity of life, the regular, day to day repeated chain of events, or for some, like me, the extraordinary chain of events, also rising in praise for His glory. Either way, for this soul, I find great comfort and joy that He allows me to forge ahead, maybe to flippantly, to causes that carry me to foreign lands with a gusto much like a bull in a fine crystal shop, or maybe, more accurately, like a bull in the midst of people, any people, anywhere. For I am the lucky bull, who gets to explore and revisit foreign soils, being fully ‘unemployed’, using skills and talents given me, by my Lord! For now, I get to venture on such trips of faith actually reveling being ‘stuck’ in this time machine laced hotel, the fixtures reminiscent of the 60’s futurama, Dalmatian marble floors, cheaply veneered woodwork replete with decades of scrapes and damage from it’s visitors, but alas, my friend has arrived and with him, his dad, visiting here in Trogir! How wonderful!!!
To be continued!....tomorrow.
Day 1 Leaving San Diego, on to Philly, Munich, and Split
As I find myself approaching Munich, a bit manic and beat up from the long and arduous plane trip, I can take some comfort in the fact that my fanny has fared fine thus far, thanks to a pillow purchase in remembrance of last trip’s pains. This adventure still in infancy has gone well, with the exception of inability to sleep, which is unusual for the guy who can usually sleep while standing, leaning on a wall. Even so, I can confess that, for some strange reason, I actually feel pretty good, but we’ll see how the day progresses. I still have yet to transition, in Munich, to my final departure, then upon arrival in Split, grab a cab to the hotel and some lunch. If I find myself in a state of stupor, that may prove quite a challenge. However, maybe my current status is due to the prayers of friends who have, and are, lifting me up in this time of my journey, especially a few, who on facebook have told me of their intentions.
I find myself yawning constantly, eyes watering and wondering what will transpire as the day presses ahead. But, it will and more will be added soon... Sooner than I thought. The stewardess spilled orange juice on my lap while serving my seat neighbor. I have always had a habit of closing my laptop or in this case, netbook, and it saved my precious right hand implement! Not only did she mange to douse my privates, she also managed to do so to the lower right corner of the cover of my netbook. I guess there’s no reason to cry over spilled o.j., but its gonna make a sticky mess and I still have more travel to go! We’ll see how this unfortunate incident affects the day….an interesting way to change the smooth trip thus far.
In addition to the staining of the privates, the stewardess just announced that there would be no coffee as the maker is broken!!! You have to be kidding me…no java to jump start this day? Something tells me that things are heading in the wrong direction! What’s up with this? Can you feel the panic starting to rise? Calm my rising b p. Okay, Lord, I’m trying to get this. But I am thankful in a decaffeinated, sleep deprived sort of way. Note to self…like the lovely lady who was knitting the row ahead and to the right of me….pack an extra set of clothes in the carry on for incidents such as this. Nothing happened to her, she just changed and freshened up before we land. Totally girly…I guess. I would have never thought of that.
Okay, I can always count on my love to bring me comfort even when she isn’t near. I remembered the pb and j remaining in my backpack. Nothing like pure love and protein to make things better. But then again, just as I was thinking I’d head to the w.c., the fasten seatbelt light comes on and the captain announces we can’t leave. So, at least, I am glad that this is a temporary state, even if it means I can’t go until we de-plane. Brings new meaning to de-plane, de-plane, de-plane!
Munich to Split
Rugged, razorbacked ridges rise relentlessly, covered as if powder sugar dusted and drenched as I watch in awe through the window of my Dehaviland turboprop. These must be the Alps! My memory of the lighted return trip of last, still fresh even though it was a year ago, but we flew to London, missing the Alps. Excitement looms and rises in my heart like the ridges below so distant, yet soon to be so present. I sit amazed at the smoothness of the journey thus far, wondering if it is the sign of what is to come, a joyous, rich and profoundly blessed trip, in response to my Savior and the prayers of friends holding me up before Him.
The mystery of faith is such an adventure; great risks, limited by a great God. Who would not choose to live such a vision quest? I suppose it isn’t for the faint of heart. I even find faint fears fly into my mind, only to turn them over to the God who has brought me thus far, and only to know that tomorrow, my friends will find me, at all costs. So before me, the landing in Split, the gathering of luggage, confirmed on the plane as I watched them load it for I did not need to grab it and go through customs yet, but will when I arrive, no doubt in Split.
I find myself amazed also at the apparent brevity of this trip compared to the last, and of course the lack of pain in my backside. Surely the pillow helped, but even more so, the prayers; I remain so thankful for the prayers. Surprising also is the absence of nakedness as I take leave of all things musical at home, something I rarely do on such journeys of length. Will there be a guitar there? Will I not have need or time for one? Only time will tell; but I do have plenty to do, plenty to see, and as stated earlier, plenty to be thankful for.
I finally got my coffee on this little bit of a plane, and a cheese sandwich to boot. Also the wonderful pepper cracker, I took two, they come individually wrapped. The coffee tastes different, wonderfully different and I am reminded of my son Derrick asking me if I was planning on bringing some more home. Even he tasted the difference and tells me ‘it’s so good!”. Yes, it’s all good, every bit of this trip thus far and it has only begun. The absence of my life partner is the only bitterness I can taste thus far on this trip. She has sent me with plenty of her love, but while her gifts and prayers are cherished, her presence would be cherished even more. Alas, it is only for 12 days, 10 more if you count it from where I sit now. There will be comfort of friends starting tomorrow, and until then, this people person of a man will try to make best use of a little solitude and adventure.
Arrival in Split was simply smooth. Through customs easy but long, then out to get my cab, and 120 kuna later arrived at my hotel, small room and just as the reports, the room clean and the hotel dated an aged. Rust on the iron at the edge of my balcony and surrounding points of the building. The hotel not surprisingly empty as it is not tourist season. My $44 dollar room (about 250 K) which includes buffet breakfast is livable and will do well for the night for this weary, very weary traveler.
I find myself yawning constantly, eyes watering and wondering what will transpire as the day presses ahead. But, it will and more will be added soon... Sooner than I thought. The stewardess spilled orange juice on my lap while serving my seat neighbor. I have always had a habit of closing my laptop or in this case, netbook, and it saved my precious right hand implement! Not only did she mange to douse my privates, she also managed to do so to the lower right corner of the cover of my netbook. I guess there’s no reason to cry over spilled o.j., but its gonna make a sticky mess and I still have more travel to go! We’ll see how this unfortunate incident affects the day….an interesting way to change the smooth trip thus far.
In addition to the staining of the privates, the stewardess just announced that there would be no coffee as the maker is broken!!! You have to be kidding me…no java to jump start this day? Something tells me that things are heading in the wrong direction! What’s up with this? Can you feel the panic starting to rise? Calm my rising b p. Okay, Lord, I’m trying to get this. But I am thankful in a decaffeinated, sleep deprived sort of way. Note to self…like the lovely lady who was knitting the row ahead and to the right of me….pack an extra set of clothes in the carry on for incidents such as this. Nothing happened to her, she just changed and freshened up before we land. Totally girly…I guess. I would have never thought of that.
Okay, I can always count on my love to bring me comfort even when she isn’t near. I remembered the pb and j remaining in my backpack. Nothing like pure love and protein to make things better. But then again, just as I was thinking I’d head to the w.c., the fasten seatbelt light comes on and the captain announces we can’t leave. So, at least, I am glad that this is a temporary state, even if it means I can’t go until we de-plane. Brings new meaning to de-plane, de-plane, de-plane!
Munich to Split
Rugged, razorbacked ridges rise relentlessly, covered as if powder sugar dusted and drenched as I watch in awe through the window of my Dehaviland turboprop. These must be the Alps! My memory of the lighted return trip of last, still fresh even though it was a year ago, but we flew to London, missing the Alps. Excitement looms and rises in my heart like the ridges below so distant, yet soon to be so present. I sit amazed at the smoothness of the journey thus far, wondering if it is the sign of what is to come, a joyous, rich and profoundly blessed trip, in response to my Savior and the prayers of friends holding me up before Him.
The mystery of faith is such an adventure; great risks, limited by a great God. Who would not choose to live such a vision quest? I suppose it isn’t for the faint of heart. I even find faint fears fly into my mind, only to turn them over to the God who has brought me thus far, and only to know that tomorrow, my friends will find me, at all costs. So before me, the landing in Split, the gathering of luggage, confirmed on the plane as I watched them load it for I did not need to grab it and go through customs yet, but will when I arrive, no doubt in Split.
I find myself amazed also at the apparent brevity of this trip compared to the last, and of course the lack of pain in my backside. Surely the pillow helped, but even more so, the prayers; I remain so thankful for the prayers. Surprising also is the absence of nakedness as I take leave of all things musical at home, something I rarely do on such journeys of length. Will there be a guitar there? Will I not have need or time for one? Only time will tell; but I do have plenty to do, plenty to see, and as stated earlier, plenty to be thankful for.
I finally got my coffee on this little bit of a plane, and a cheese sandwich to boot. Also the wonderful pepper cracker, I took two, they come individually wrapped. The coffee tastes different, wonderfully different and I am reminded of my son Derrick asking me if I was planning on bringing some more home. Even he tasted the difference and tells me ‘it’s so good!”. Yes, it’s all good, every bit of this trip thus far and it has only begun. The absence of my life partner is the only bitterness I can taste thus far on this trip. She has sent me with plenty of her love, but while her gifts and prayers are cherished, her presence would be cherished even more. Alas, it is only for 12 days, 10 more if you count it from where I sit now. There will be comfort of friends starting tomorrow, and until then, this people person of a man will try to make best use of a little solitude and adventure.
Arrival in Split was simply smooth. Through customs easy but long, then out to get my cab, and 120 kuna later arrived at my hotel, small room and just as the reports, the room clean and the hotel dated an aged. Rust on the iron at the edge of my balcony and surrounding points of the building. The hotel not surprisingly empty as it is not tourist season. My $44 dollar room (about 250 K) which includes buffet breakfast is livable and will do well for the night for this weary, very weary traveler.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Prayers Powerful in the Kingdom
Adventures abound with 'firsts' and new experiences and this trip starts out with one that brings some great comfort to this techie...internet access on my Airbus A321!!! Funny, though, because this brand new plane has a wire which has fallen untucked from its place along the overhead bin above me. None the less, this update comes from the comfort of my seat as I wing my way to Philly; comfort learned from my last international flight, purchasing an Eddie Bauer pillow for the backside. On my last trip to Croatia, I arrived with a very painful rear, and it didn't settle down the whole trip, only to get on the return flight to aggravate it even more. It took me a month to return to seated comfort. Thus far, the Eddie pillow is working miracles...that or my God. Either way, I'll take it!
I arrived, delivered by my lovely bride, at 4:28 am at the terminal this morning...before the crowds, and since I hate crowds, it was PERFECT! Got checked in and have all my tickets through to Croatia! I will have to pick up my bags in Philly and then turn international, retrieving them when I arrive in Split. If this and all the preparations are an indication of the trip, it will be smooth and wonderful. I know that I am to thank God and my praying friends for that which has transpired to this point in my journey.
If you happen to be starting to track my journeys here, make sure you check out my previous blog with itinerary and schedule of events! I will appreciate your directed prayers for each detail, especially as I teach both kids and their teachers. What a blessing it is to continue my overseas teaching experiences, having taught in Japan and Germany in the past, only this time, not to Americans in foreign lands, but to nationals. I will continue to brush up on my Croatian, and Bosnian is similar, or so it seems. They do have different currency from Croatia, and while I do have Croatian Kuna, I was unable to get Bosnian markas.
I continue to celebrate in praise, all the works of our Lord in my life, and as He leads me forward on this trip. I have confidence that He will keep me safe and lead me through a rich experience with my friends Trent and Nikki, as well as other new ones like Brad and his son Evan, and the rest of the team there in Bosnia.
When one comes close to loosing their life, as I did nearly 12 years ago, there are few things that can put fear into my heart, mostly because I am confident in the miracle and work of my Lord, and the eternity that awaits us, those of us He knows as the result of our relationship to Him. Since I now know that low blood sugar moves my mind and cognitive abilities into compromise (experienced on my last trip to Croatia a year ago) and now have the means to keep it in check, at least that part of my difficulties should be a non-issue. I do have my glucometer, nebulizer (in case of asthmatic issues) and 6.3 lbs. of Nyquil, yes, 6 bottles, but those are supposed to be left with my friends for future illnesses.
Thank you all for reading and especially praying for me in this trip. You are all so precious and valuable to the success of my adventure!!! Prayers are powerful in the kingdom, and I have a feeling, when we all arrive in heaven, will discover that it was the prayers of the saints that were huge in the glory of God's work in and through His people. I believe it isn't just something to do, it is THE thing for us to do. Either way, I'll take all you'll send up on my behalf. Bless you all for being there at home, holding the ropes for me out here.
I arrived, delivered by my lovely bride, at 4:28 am at the terminal this morning...before the crowds, and since I hate crowds, it was PERFECT! Got checked in and have all my tickets through to Croatia! I will have to pick up my bags in Philly and then turn international, retrieving them when I arrive in Split. If this and all the preparations are an indication of the trip, it will be smooth and wonderful. I know that I am to thank God and my praying friends for that which has transpired to this point in my journey.
If you happen to be starting to track my journeys here, make sure you check out my previous blog with itinerary and schedule of events! I will appreciate your directed prayers for each detail, especially as I teach both kids and their teachers. What a blessing it is to continue my overseas teaching experiences, having taught in Japan and Germany in the past, only this time, not to Americans in foreign lands, but to nationals. I will continue to brush up on my Croatian, and Bosnian is similar, or so it seems. They do have different currency from Croatia, and while I do have Croatian Kuna, I was unable to get Bosnian markas.
I continue to celebrate in praise, all the works of our Lord in my life, and as He leads me forward on this trip. I have confidence that He will keep me safe and lead me through a rich experience with my friends Trent and Nikki, as well as other new ones like Brad and his son Evan, and the rest of the team there in Bosnia.
When one comes close to loosing their life, as I did nearly 12 years ago, there are few things that can put fear into my heart, mostly because I am confident in the miracle and work of my Lord, and the eternity that awaits us, those of us He knows as the result of our relationship to Him. Since I now know that low blood sugar moves my mind and cognitive abilities into compromise (experienced on my last trip to Croatia a year ago) and now have the means to keep it in check, at least that part of my difficulties should be a non-issue. I do have my glucometer, nebulizer (in case of asthmatic issues) and 6.3 lbs. of Nyquil, yes, 6 bottles, but those are supposed to be left with my friends for future illnesses.
Thank you all for reading and especially praying for me in this trip. You are all so precious and valuable to the success of my adventure!!! Prayers are powerful in the kingdom, and I have a feeling, when we all arrive in heaven, will discover that it was the prayers of the saints that were huge in the glory of God's work in and through His people. I believe it isn't just something to do, it is THE thing for us to do. Either way, I'll take all you'll send up on my behalf. Bless you all for being there at home, holding the ropes for me out here.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Air Adriatic and Balkan Blessing
As I prepare to take wing to the Adriatic coast in my flying 'hotels' (Airbus and DeHaviland aircraft), having just returned a day and a half ago from my previous journey, visiting Carrie's family in Michigan, I find myself deeply ingesting as much of home in me as I can. It is interesting to ponder that some of the things I ingest are from places I've been; This morning's coffee (toasted almond), from the Roast and Toast coffee shop in Petoskey, MI (we stopped there and only there on a detour up to my mother-in-law's), and cajun bacon from Plath's Meats up in Rogers City, MI (we always stop there in mom's home town and bring back a cooler filled with their AWESOME meat!!!)...along with two brown eggs, these from our local Costco for my next to the last breakfast at home.
As I continue this preparation, my mind drifts to places I hope to visit in Trogir (the local market for Croatian coffee to bring home, and local cafes to sip and watch the animated and joyful peoples), and, near my first hotel, Jokes (pronounced Yo-kez), a restaurant brimming with atmosphere and GREAT food. Then slapped like a fresh caught tuna on the deck of a boat I make the connection; It is my deep love for people and the food that connects me with them, even with strangers in a strange land! Even as I gathered some Croatian Kuna, in preparation for my day in Split and for the taxi ride to the hotel in Trogir and other needs, I find myself comfortably holding their bills with warm familiarity. My memory stirs with the remembrance of new friendships made on the last journey, the deepening of some of them as we briefly visited when they were in the states, and the joy of making new ones on this next adventure.
I find also rising in my soul, the heart of grace and encouragement that wells up like a spring of peace within; a peace that speaks of the love and comfort of my Savior and shepherd, Jesus; For He goes before me and with me as I embark on this sacred journey He called me to. It seems that wherever He leads, a part of those places become, fully become, a part of 'home' in me; the people, the cuisine, the life. There is beauty and glory as I journey, leaving these footprints of faith.
Many may think I go alone, but not only will Jesus be with me, my friends, dear church friends and others, my family, especially my beloved Carrie will walk with me in faith, vicariously. I have learned that what I think is planned for me, will partly be the reason I go, but more importantly to look with the eyes of my Lord, for the other opportunities and moments of grace He desires to pour into them and me. The air Adriatic is sweet and fondly rests upon my heart. The Balkan blessing is that as I went and now go again, I will return richer in spirit, hopefully less hind end sore, and more deeply connected to the people and my friends there than the day I left here.
Thank you for joining me in the reading and journey as I go. Thank you too for those who supported me financially, sending this ambassador of faith into places and lands where His light will shine in His glory. If you would still like to assist in this project, you can pray and send financial contributions to:
New Heights Community Church
c/o Balkan Teaching Mission
10701 N. Magnolia
Santee, CA 92071
Please do not feel obligated to give, but do as our Lord leads. While I am still short funds, I rest confident that He will provide, one way or another all that I require. He has provided for my airfare, He will provide His glory, His hope and His peace as I go and return. While my initial hotel has no internet connection, I will be updating my blog as I am there (at least that is my plan). So please feel free to connect and read about the trip as I go. If you'd like to know what is planned, continue reading...
Thursday
Airport -San Diego at 4:30 am leaving at 6:30 for Phoenix (then on to Philadelphia)
Airport -Philadephia, transfer international Depart to Munich at 18:30
Friday
Airport -Munich 8:45 March 4 change carrier and depart to split 10:10
Airport -Split 11:40 catch cab to hotel in Trogir.
Continue study for upcoming class, will be solo until next am...rest.
Saturday
Breakfast at hotel- picked up at 11 am for trip to Livno by friends. Time to get the trip I missed on the last journey because of illness.
Sunday
Church and prep for the week's meetings and presentations.
Monday
9:40-11:30 Teach to 7th grade class and 8th grade class Guided Discoveries I "Floating and Sinking" Hands-On Lab.
12:00-15:00 in class Brad Garner Presenter "Brain Research in Education".
Tuesday
9:00-11:00 Meeting
12:00-13:30 Bob Present "Guided Discovery I, Lessons for Educators"
13:30-15:00 Bob Present "Guided Discovery I, Lessons for Educators"
18:00-19:00 in class-Special Needs with Brad
Wednesday
Morning off (Flex)
12:00-13:30 in class Brad/Marijana Present "Dance of Writing"
13:30-15:00 in class Brad/Marijana Present "Dance of Writing"
18:00-19:00 Meeting- Debrief
Thursday
9:00-11:00 Paraplegics Meeting
12:00-13:30 Bob Present "Guided Discovery II, Lessons for Educators"
13:30-15:00 Bob Present "Guided Discovery II, Lessons for Educators"
18:00-19:00 Meeting Debrief
Friday
9:00-10:00 Meeting with School Superintendent
12:00-13:30 Brad to Present "Kids with Special Needs"
13:30-15:00 Brad to Present "Kids with Special Needs"
18:00-19:00 Final Debrief/Future Plans
Saturday
Flights for Brad and Son to return.
Open day for Bob
Sunday
Open part of trip for Bob...church and ?
Monday
7:35 Depart Split to Munich arrive 9:10
11:50 Depart Munich to Philadelphia arrive 16:20
18:00 Depart Philadelphia arrive San Diego 21:00
Or so it seems, goes the schedule. I will update you as I go, I hope.
As I continue this preparation, my mind drifts to places I hope to visit in Trogir (the local market for Croatian coffee to bring home, and local cafes to sip and watch the animated and joyful peoples), and, near my first hotel, Jokes (pronounced Yo-kez), a restaurant brimming with atmosphere and GREAT food. Then slapped like a fresh caught tuna on the deck of a boat I make the connection; It is my deep love for people and the food that connects me with them, even with strangers in a strange land! Even as I gathered some Croatian Kuna, in preparation for my day in Split and for the taxi ride to the hotel in Trogir and other needs, I find myself comfortably holding their bills with warm familiarity. My memory stirs with the remembrance of new friendships made on the last journey, the deepening of some of them as we briefly visited when they were in the states, and the joy of making new ones on this next adventure.
I find also rising in my soul, the heart of grace and encouragement that wells up like a spring of peace within; a peace that speaks of the love and comfort of my Savior and shepherd, Jesus; For He goes before me and with me as I embark on this sacred journey He called me to. It seems that wherever He leads, a part of those places become, fully become, a part of 'home' in me; the people, the cuisine, the life. There is beauty and glory as I journey, leaving these footprints of faith.
Many may think I go alone, but not only will Jesus be with me, my friends, dear church friends and others, my family, especially my beloved Carrie will walk with me in faith, vicariously. I have learned that what I think is planned for me, will partly be the reason I go, but more importantly to look with the eyes of my Lord, for the other opportunities and moments of grace He desires to pour into them and me. The air Adriatic is sweet and fondly rests upon my heart. The Balkan blessing is that as I went and now go again, I will return richer in spirit, hopefully less hind end sore, and more deeply connected to the people and my friends there than the day I left here.
Thank you for joining me in the reading and journey as I go. Thank you too for those who supported me financially, sending this ambassador of faith into places and lands where His light will shine in His glory. If you would still like to assist in this project, you can pray and send financial contributions to:
New Heights Community Church
c/o Balkan Teaching Mission
10701 N. Magnolia
Santee, CA 92071
Please do not feel obligated to give, but do as our Lord leads. While I am still short funds, I rest confident that He will provide, one way or another all that I require. He has provided for my airfare, He will provide His glory, His hope and His peace as I go and return. While my initial hotel has no internet connection, I will be updating my blog as I am there (at least that is my plan). So please feel free to connect and read about the trip as I go. If you'd like to know what is planned, continue reading...
Thursday
Airport -San Diego at 4:30 am leaving at 6:30 for Phoenix (then on to Philadelphia)
Airport -Philadephia, transfer international Depart to Munich at 18:30
Friday
Airport -Munich 8:45 March 4 change carrier and depart to split 10:10
Airport -Split 11:40 catch cab to hotel in Trogir.
Continue study for upcoming class, will be solo until next am...rest.
Saturday
Breakfast at hotel- picked up at 11 am for trip to Livno by friends. Time to get the trip I missed on the last journey because of illness.
Sunday
Church and prep for the week's meetings and presentations.
Monday
9:40-11:30 Teach to 7th grade class and 8th grade class Guided Discoveries I "Floating and Sinking" Hands-On Lab.
12:00-15:00 in class Brad Garner Presenter "Brain Research in Education".
Tuesday
9:00-11:00 Meeting
12:00-13:30 Bob Present "Guided Discovery I, Lessons for Educators"
13:30-15:00 Bob Present "Guided Discovery I, Lessons for Educators"
18:00-19:00 in class-Special Needs with Brad
Wednesday
Morning off (Flex)
12:00-13:30 in class Brad/Marijana Present "Dance of Writing"
13:30-15:00 in class Brad/Marijana Present "Dance of Writing"
18:00-19:00 Meeting- Debrief
Thursday
9:00-11:00 Paraplegics Meeting
12:00-13:30 Bob Present "Guided Discovery II, Lessons for Educators"
13:30-15:00 Bob Present "Guided Discovery II, Lessons for Educators"
18:00-19:00 Meeting Debrief
Friday
9:00-10:00 Meeting with School Superintendent
12:00-13:30 Brad to Present "Kids with Special Needs"
13:30-15:00 Brad to Present "Kids with Special Needs"
18:00-19:00 Final Debrief/Future Plans
Saturday
Flights for Brad and Son to return.
Open day for Bob
Sunday
Open part of trip for Bob...church and ?
Monday
7:35 Depart Split to Munich arrive 9:10
11:50 Depart Munich to Philadelphia arrive 16:20
18:00 Depart Philadelphia arrive San Diego 21:00
Or so it seems, goes the schedule. I will update you as I go, I hope.
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