All Called...

I always seem to hit the ground running.  For those who know me, this isn't a revelation.  Life is truly an adventure, this soul taking it literally.  When you jump out of, or off of, a moving vehicle without plan to consume some energy, moving in the same direction of motion then slowing, you are in for abrupt, potentially destructive tumble as the moving energy is applied to your tumbling body instead of flailing feet.  If you've ever seen a skateboarder's skateboard stick, unloading it's rider, if feet don't hit the pavement running...ouch!

So I suppose, one needs vehicle to slow when planning abandon, or, if moving swiftly, hit the ground running quickly.  For some reason, life never seems to slow when jumping off for me, maybe because I prefer it that way, or maybe because I am just too nice.  Life seems to pile up for me, moving from one thing to the next with youthful abandon, and at age 55, my feet don't work like they used to.  So this time I planned to jump off the hamster wheel of retail at Lowe's onto the already moving train in ministry...and we'll see how it works out...

I should have put my notice in at Lowe's and just left, weeks ago, but being the nice guy, with a key associate taking a month off for vacation, I stayed to cover and 'help out', until his return.  Now finding my feet moving under me, I jumped from one vehicle, hitting the street momentarily, jumping onto the next.  Thankful that the lessons learned at Lowe's achieved, I find myself joyfully on the train moving in ministry (assistant pastoring),  while continuing working as Facilities Manager at a preschool and finishing up some construction work for a friend's rental.  Then, I need to finish some projects around the home, several projects.  And, I am looking forward to getting them done!

It is early (5:15 am) and I have already been awake for a while.  I have already connected with some friends (in different time zones), one who is traveling to the Mayo Clinic to follow up on a procedure he had a little over a week ago, healing usually slow for him, but this time much faster, and I did ask God to provide that for my friend.  Another friend was brought to mind (praying for him and his upcoming union) as I sipped a coffee he recommended in Bosnia while there last year, he not there this year as he is engaged and getting married.  Checking Facebook, I got updated on someone from a family in our congregation whose daughter is having severe, life-threatening issues, praying for them all 'in the midst'; for medical wisdom and peace as they move through all the 'stuff' that is on their plate.  Facebook also led me to a past student requesting prayer as he 'loses some wisdom' in surgical mouth procedure this morning, so I let him know I'd prayed and will be praying for successful surgery and healing.

I suppose this blog serves to confirm 'the pastor' I am to so many already, the vehicle already moving but this time, not jumping off.  The adventure of this life, moving from career to career with all the skills and talents pressed into me has brought me here, to a place of great peace.  I'm not sure what you think when you think 'pastor', but I'd like to think a pastor is one who places meager gifts on the table before our Lord, being His advocate for care and wisdom imparted into the lives of those He draws near.  I've discovered 'pastoring' is more listening first, abundant, secluded prayer, letting Him tell me what His plan is for His people as we move, together, forward.  God leads me into the presence of people everywhere, stores, restaurants, offices, home, and I believe He wants to transform me and others as we walk this life together.

I have so many friends in so many places, and I sincerely love them all, and they have shown me that they love me too!  Praying for them, I also know they pray for me as I embark on this new journey late in life; or maybe it isn't such a new journey, but one I've been on for a long time, the caring for and with people.  What is a pastor to you?  Who would you consider 'pastorly' in your life?  Is your life filled with God's wisdom?  Or man's?  From whom do you draw your 'strength'?  Your 'peace'? 

One other thing I think about 'pastors' is that our job is best accomplished when someone doesn't remember us, but rather what The Holy Spirit said to them, His volumes of wisdom and work transforming God's people a bit at a time, just as He does in me, for we are ALL called to be priests of The Most High for His glory alone.  We are all called to be encouragers of faith in one another.  We are all called to pray; all called to serve...together.  Not just pastors.  All of us.

I am willing to lead, but am praying for followers; not of me, but my Lord.  Willing to work in the background I believe we will see His results with His power for His glory as we care for one another.  It is time to join the calling for care using our lives, letting the Spirit fan into flames the good works He intends us do, for this we are... all called.

Enduring and Endearing...About Marriage

When I think about marriage, what I thought it was and what it has become, after over 32 years together with my girl, it is time for an additional category in the 'Of Footprints and Faith' blog....

Tidbits of things I have learned through the years, making a commitment, enduring and endearing.

This opening volley was recent discovery, on accident, maybe led by The Spirit, through prayer as I desired to continue down the trail of marriage.  Two things I have done that have had monumental impact and change in Carrie's attitude and sweetness toward me as we continue growing together in marital richness.  These two acts have done more than flowers or gifts of any kind in our years together, and have led to more such acts, from time to time that show my bride honor and cherishing from the man she loves. 

So, enough of the drama, let's get on to it.  The two things I speak of are, one taking out the trash before she asks, or, if, on occasion I miss the approaching spillage level, when she asks, drop what I am doing and do it immediately, and two, doing the dishes with great frequency, whenever I see a pile, small or overflowing in or around the sink, on the stove, you get my drift.

Yes, at first her response was skepticism, and she wondered if I would continue, or if it just a whim, and I had to work hard at the regularity of the doing, but, I persisted.  The noticing ended, invisible, without thanks, but that is not why I decided to do and persist.  What I noticed was as I persisted, she became more pleasant, more joyful, seeming more satisfied in a subtle sort of way, a way one can't put a finger on, but definitely different, definitely better.

The subtle change might best be explained in the following:

There was a time when we were getting fresh eggs from a dear friend's chickens.  We enjoyed them eating them with thankfulness.  It was a nice treat.  But we discovered that when we ran out and had to purchase store bought, the eggs tasted different, and 'not as good' as the fresh laid eggs from our friends.  This is the kind of difference my two things made in our marriage, subtle yet intrinsically significant in flavor.  Our partnership just seemed better, richer, more savory than before...and this discovery took me over 30 years to understand.

As I ponder the idea of marriage, honestly my view and reasoning for existing in this state has dramatically changed.  Early days found being with Carrie as a feeling, something that just seemed make me feel better, happier, in love.  I was getting something out of the relationship and I'm sure she was too.  But as time went on, the feelings changed.  Our togetherness wasn't about 'feeling' but became comfortable in the sharing of life, it's challenges and joys walking through, together.  The richness of sharing life together was blessed and transforming.  Now, I see marriage as not something I get out of it, rather something I give to bless and honor the woman I love.  And finally we find ourselves...here, having endured and persisted to many years of togetherness, I love her all the more.

Perhaps that is the 'reason' my two things work.  Perhaps our enduring marriage comes from commitment and honor, and by taking out the trash and doing dishes demonstrates to her, that I do both, commit and honor her. 

These things all started changing when, as I engaged my Lord, He seemed to tell me I need pray for her; not that she'd be a good wife, but that I find the way to become a great husband enabling her to become the most beautiful woman of God He desired of her, and it didn't stop at these two things. 

Perhaps I will share some of the many things God has led me to as husband and leader of my home; things that I wished I had known earlier on as I raised my family.  But for now, if you find your marriage 'stuck' or feeling worn, I make simple suggestion.  First, pray for her.  Second, ask God what it is you can do to honor her, help her become the woman of God He intends.  Third, do what He says.  REALLY do what He says and stick to it.  Not for the accolades and thankfulness.  In spite of her doubts that you will persist.  If you start with step one, and continue, you will find persistence and the spark in her eyes will glow.  Every woman wants to be cherished, not with words, with actions, addressing her needs.  Maybe it isn't taking out the trash, but here's a place to start.  Maybe it isn't with doing dishes, but why not start there?

As Carrie and move through life, together, I am blessed and thankful for her years of dedication and love expressed toward me and in our family.  She is the ideal for a woman of God and faithful wife.  An enduring and endearing marriage requires faithfulness and diligence, honor and sacrifice.  Here's a place to start.  Maybe you will discover this treasure much earlier in your married life sharing more years ahead of beautiful, rich partnership through life.  For me, 32 years is not near enough, and I pray for another 32 years, if allowed, to grow closer, deeper and spiritually richer, together.

The 'Stuff' of Life that Stuffs Our Lives

What happens when you go away for 10 days and return to what seems dammed up 'life stuff' awaiting your return to work with it all?  First of all, many of us experience this, so it is nothing new.  Second, my life's 'mantra' is "How do you eat a bagel? One bite at a time."  For if you stuff the whole darn thing into your mouth, it will never get eaten.  (This is my version of "How do you eat an elephant? moved from absurd to real).

Now before any think I am belching up complaints, looking at these 'situations' sans thankful heart, or allowing B.P. (blood pressure) rise, I'd like to squelch such matters immediately!  In conversation with my cousin Wayne (he and his recent 2 bout chemo wife visiting my folks from Wisconsin) he stated that it seems like in everybody's life he knows they are dealing with difficult stuff.  And honestly?  I think when we all stop and examine our lives, there is always something difficult in them, what changes is apparent degree of difficulty.

So, as we return from Croatia and Bosnia, we return not only with the added questions and contemplations for ministry there as we look ahead to next year's trip, we also find them mixed with the dammed up stuff of life lying in wait.  Stuff like helping my mom and dad figure out what the next step in his healthcare will be as it seems all of Kaiser healthcare system has been exhausted here dealing with his pancreatic cancer and pancreatectomy, needing to call another hospital as my dad's advocate to see what they might do.  Stuff like dramatic changes in my home church ministry which occurred while we were away, meeting with my head pastor (who is my boss at one of my jobs) for breakfast to discuss the details, me being one of his assistants.  Arriving home to a dead router, crippling our internet connection and cell phone service (yes, even in a town like San Diego, cell coverage has gaps) vital to communication and work.  Needing to attend to work at the preschool as some things there 'fell apart' while I was away (another one of my jobs).  And wishing that my job at Lowe's was behind me, but for some dumb reason, I had to tell them I'd stay until one of the sales associates in plumbing return from his month vacation.  And a host of other things waiting for me to 'take care of'.

So for the past hour (it is now 5 am) I found myself rising to prayer, seeking God's wisdom, timing and priorities to 'eat my bagel' before me...one bite at a time.  It will get done, I just want to attend to it all in the order He deems before me.

So, today attending to immediate needs at the preschool before breakfast at 8am my pastor, and then , calling to start working on stuff for my dad and then maybe working to install new router, and then? All the other stuff, a host of other stuff that will occur, planned or not.

Today's blog is about 'stuff'.  You know, the 'stuff' of life that stuffs our lives.  Real.  Important. Consuming.  People standing on edge of (some jumping off) a cliff.  Decisions made out of confusion, lack of details, trying to, like I figure out how to move each issue over the cliff, checking them off the list of things to do.  We all have them.  We all have to deal with them, and I am glad I do not need tackle them myself, with my wimpy wisdom.  I can lay them out before my heavenly Father, seek His wisdom and leading, for His purpose and His glory, in the midst of all that surrounds me.  Really.

God wanted me go to Croatia and Bosnia.  The  need there is OVERWHELMING!  I am such a small boat in a humongous ocean of need there, but I seek do that which He calls as I sail through.  The same is true when I return home, both overwhelming need and the process to sail through things here.

When I went on an Alaskan cruise, our family with children celebrating my folks 50th anniversary, we went on a smaller ship able to go farther into a finger off the greater body of water we sailed to see more of the beauty and sights of the state.  We could find havens of familial seclusion on the ship as it wasn't an island serving larger percentage of facility space as other cruise ships have, and for us, the cruise was more relaxing because of that feature.  In short, the smaller vessel offered more for us and our needs.

There is purpose in small ships on large seas.  In many ways I think it better to be lean and light rather than large and lethargic.  That is why I like small churches, small groups, small teams.  That is why I believe God is leading me to be involved with the process of discipleship, building disciples of Jesus, real disciples that present His real image, not the corporate one many have come to know.  Jesus simply dealt with the life and lives of those presented Him as He walked the earth.  Meeting their real need not just their perceived need.  But often He and His heavenly Father tackled both.  The real deal of His ministry worked better one on one that with crowds, but He used crowds to demonstrate the power of God to care for all of them, some 'getting it' while others remained 'lookey loos'. Even the 12 closest had issues understanding what was unfolding before them...for years they walked together, everyday, and still they didn't always 'get it'.

Example, the following:

 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.
   
(John 6:60-71 ESV)

Life, here and eternally needs explanation.  What we see and do here is only a shadow of what will be when we leave.  The "stuff of life that stuffs our lives" can be dealt solely with human wisdom or wonderful divine wisdom.  All I know is that when I get all this right, as life unfolds, a supernatural peace fills my soul; not a positive thinking kind of peace, real, spiritual, God ordained peace.  The kind of peace that in the midst of overwhelming situation does not overwhelm.  The kind of peace that allows continued excellent thinking and response through what would undo most.  The kind of peace that is not surprised because I know my God was not surprised.  The kind of peace that turns to Him first in prayer rather than last after all my solutions have been exhausted.

In the passage above, what should surprise us is that even God Himself, Jesus could not convince all of the 12 who lived with Him for years.  My previous blog about corruption speaks to that which clouds, or can cloud our perception, deceiving us from seeing truth, and yes, it is difficult to overcome.
 
So, how do you deal with 'the stuff of life that stuffs your life'?  How is it working for you?  Do you have a peace that passes understanding?  I have found such peace, and no, it isn't the kind where you stick your head in the ground hoping it will just 'go away'.  It isn't the kind that removes problems and makes them go away either.  It is the kind that deals with the stuff of life with real answers, trusting in a HUGE God, footprints of faith led through a challenging forest of issues, He, together in me, helping this soul get things done, one at a time as He leads.

Corruption Consumes, Righteousness Reveals

It requires time to 'debrief' and process a trip across the globe to foreign lands.  The fog of jet-lag still numbing my brain, having returned immediately to work, then catching up in preparation and process for the ensuing week of life returning home.  In addition, with meeting with arriving family coming to visit the beloved mom and dad of mine, heading to today's event of visiting with dad's surgeon to learn of progress or regress in my dad's state of challenge add to the 'stuff' of life and living for this travel/work/ill and weary man.  For many, if not most, just these things alone might cause one to feel on the edge of insanity, but rising in my heart, is peace. 

Streaming through my head?  The overwhelming sense of need in the lives of people we just visited, knowing we barely made a dent in the task that lie in wait.  The abundant opportunity with limited personal resources will either require miracle, or masses join our prayers for the people in the Balkans.  And then these thoughts find mix with another, that we Americans are steeped in the same with greater complexity, elevated to an even higher level, lulled asleep by apparent disparity between those in the Balkans and those here on home soil.  Talking with my cousin, yesterday over lunch, he nailed it.  He said that it isn't that corruption does not exist in either government (Bosnian or American) it is just that American government have taken it to a much higher level (meaning the masks and means are near impossible to expose).

The truth is, corruption will overtake us all, unless some moral fiber, beyond human and earthly human cause reset our compass to the essence of honorable, pure, holy living.  That which feeds personal pride and accomplishment is the counterfeit, for that which is truly benevolent and righteous.  Such is the battle we face daily, with result obvious or obscured by complex conniving, fogging exposition.  Human condition tells us we are created in the image of God, and how much of that image, along with our limited ability to actually be a holy, righteous and perfect god, is the battle of holy condition for living.  With no doctorate and simple college education, I have discerned life, not about becoming god, rather placing God where He is, as God, me created in His image, potentially having bestowed upon me, His power, His holiness, His righteousness, His love, His purpose, not as a god, rather relinquishing my pride and disposition to discover what He would like me do as His child.

Quite simple, actually, only doing so goes against every fiber of 'my image'.  So, daily, I must slay the beast of personal pride and perceived personal holiness and godliness, to:

• Put on His robe of righteousness (perfect righteousness is empty of human arrogance and pride), 

Requiring abandoning...

• My plans, for His (perfect plans provide eternal bliss), 

Exchange

• My deceitful heart, for His (In God's heart is no place for deceit, even Satan is aware of his final destiny), 
• My personal gains, for His (if you own and made it all, the only gain will be for those you created to choose you), 
• My expectations for His (created in Hinges image, our greatest joys will come from becoming His image here), 
• My will, for His (that others would see His glory rather than ours, His plan to rescue those who might choose Him)...taking us back again to the top to continue the process.

Embedded in my heart is the understanding that if each of us embarked on such daily assignment, our world would be transformed, redeemed and purified in such way that corruption's angst would be severely reduced, a new joy returning to the souls of men.
 
I have learned that my personal expectations of events only lead to disappointment and anxiety; fruitless, wimpy, worthless in the process of living.  I have also learned complaint as empty and evil, consuming our own hearts and others with toxic voracity, leading to execution of our souls, and that living a life of continual thankfulness to our Creator as antivenin to toxic injection.

It seems the simplest task of living, the discovery of our tendency toward waywardness, self-absorbed personal satisfaction in abundance and desire to live in fruitful, progression of increased notoriety (being liked by others) can all be integral in discovery of positional purpose.  We chose to either become god ourselves, or relinquish command to the real God of the universe revealing His distinct character, nature, holiness rather than the counterfeit version of God on our terms.  Not that there aren't plenty 'claiming' to be those who have sacrificed such personal desires to Him, without continual pursuit, living no differently that those who have not relinquished and therefore presenting empty life and living, but for the few, the real followers, a Christ-like humility arises from their lives, combined with Christ-like power, Christ-like obedience (to His Father) and Christ-like wisdom in every situation.

How could we possibly know what it looks like if we don't actually read about Him, understand the cost, move forward in relationship?  God informs us that even a ounce of evil sufficiently overshadows the megatons of any good we perform with our lives.  It is because of His requirement of absolute perfection in life and living performed and accomplished by only one human every in the megabillions who have attempted successful living on this planet. 

Every living being, even my dog, whose life is consumed on receiving praise and pleasure from her master, is corrupted by her desire, disobeying the rules of the one she lives to please (by sleeping on the couch or bed in the other room when she knows she isn't supposed to).  And yet, while my desire is for her obedience, my real desire is that she be willing to just be the nice dog in the family, loving all, including my sweet grandson with her gentleness and joy, appreciate the care of we her owners, being all that God created her be, a wonderful pet.  The difference between pets and us?  We are created more in the image of God, requiring more in execution and understanding of our Creator, with power to either foist our god-likeness, or relinquish it, and discover more glorious, powerful, amazing grace unfold, rescuing others from the counterfeit of faith, from faith in ourselves, to real faith in the only one who can change eternal destiny (starting here and now) to one of everlasting bliss.

Indeed, as I ponder our trip to the Balkans, and the overwhelming, apparent inequities between what they have and us, though the differences seem immense, they are merely distinct revelations of the same; the need for Christ and His righteousness overtaking the calamity and evils surrounding us all, in every place demigods exist.  And frankly, those without Godly relationship are everywhere.  He has given us clues to who will win, and with deep sincerity I am praying God sees this struggling life as one of His real team members, not because of the things I have done, but because of the life given for me, by Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice to fulfill that which I cannot. Corruption consumes with counterfeit payoff, Righteousness reveals genuine, Godly glory that only comes from one.

Working With Students

Every year, for the past three, usually on Thursday, I find myself shocked that I need no nebulizer or additional respiratory aid due to confrontation of my asthma, many cigarette smoking individuals and the smoke filled air of Livno.  We will return to the states with clothes reeking of smoke and some trinkets to remember our Bosnian venture.  Purchased thus far?  Bosnian and Croatian coffee, some cherry juice that Carrie and I have shared enjoyment drinking and a bottle of spray starch, and refill size as souvenirs of time spent here.  Indeed, strange assortment of stuff, but then again, I am a bit strange, and Carrie agrees, but is used to it.

Classroom lessons went well in Glamoč, the chemistry teacher asking if I might leave some of the materials there with her, and I left it all, 5 of the digital thermometers and 5 sets of glass beakers  I purchased and left here last year for use.  I may need plan to bring more next year when I return.  Carrie got to work as one of my teacher's assistants, helping me set up, along with some of the team. As Carrie stated in yesterday's blog, there is much overshadowing the people and town of Glamoč.  

Physics Activity in Glamoč

One thing that seems never change is the kids.  It seems to me that wherever I go here or anywhere in the U.S. kids are kids.  These students may speak a different language, but they act and do just as young people at home.  If you didn't walk outside the doors of the building, or look too closely at the condition of it, or the fact that I was teaching the lesson through a translator, the process would look identical here to home.  It might be best served with a silent movie of both, demonstrating the similar workings of my Bosnian and American students.  While I teach in the classrooms, Brad Garner works with teachers discussing ADHD in students (at the teacher's request).

Chemistry Lab with teacher looking on.

Afterwards we return to town for a brief respite and then off to a meeting with the Head of Eduction for the Organization and Security and Co-operation in Europe Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina...(whew, say that in one breath) for lunch (at 4pm).  Bosnians eat two meals a day, breakfast and lunch (between 4 and 5) with snacks and coffee in between, and they are mostly slender...and tall.  It was a good day doing something I have come to love, working in the classroom with students.

Hope Against Hope

I think Carrie said it best, concerning the medical field in Glamoč (pronounced Glă-m ah ch)...

The weather set the tone for the day...rainy, cold, windy. I went to a small village that was used as a staging area during the war. Now it is used by the military to dispose of ordinance. It is considered the end of the road; the place for the poorest of the poor. About 3000 people live there and are served by an ill equipped clinic. The building is worn, tired and falling down. You could get hurt by walking in. I had the opportunity to talk to a nurse who was not afraid to "tell it like it is" as if I could not tell by just looking around. They are short on even the basics to provide medical care. Their 'ambulance' (pictured below) runs intermittently. People in the village bring the sick and injured to the clinic on sleds when it does not run. I asked her how they deal with all of this? She said that they use humor and work together as a team. Good advice for all of us.

Even though they have many physical needs, what they really need is hope. A hope and a future that only God can provide.

Glamoč (pronounced Glă-m ah ch) Ambulance.  Doesn't always start.

Entrance to the Glamoč clinic. Wait, the snow plow is in much better condition than the ambulance???  Also notice the condition of the entry awning cover.

 As for the school?  290 students attend this K-9 school from all around the town.  Glamač has a population of 3,000 meaning less than 13% (when you include the high school) are of school age. The fact that only 18 first grade students now attend, each year dramatically decreasing,  speaks again to the aging population.  The teachers here seem like teachers everywhere, except that they seem to see their job and success of their student's successful entry into college as crucial hope for each.  That they teach in such conditions and are succeeding in that task is quite a story!  Against the odds, most attend college.  Few return.  Their principal is proud of their accomplishments and the school.  He showed us the always locked computer room and the library.  Having enough books for each student to read one required text a month is yet another size-able accomplishment!  In so many ways, hope against hope is somehow finding its way here.

The K-9 school.

 For Carrie and I, the story and the people are quite complex here in Glamoč.  Where do we start?  Should we even start and continue?  We return tomorrow, me teaching two science lessons in two classrooms, one chemistry and one physics.  Brad teaching about motivating students.  While our instruction has expected outcomes designed for success, thinking and engaging students, the question remains,  Is it what our Father wishes to continue to honor Him as His children?  If so, how and with what?  There remain many questions for Carrie and I, but we know who has the answer, and will listen to Him long after our week and return home.  For both of us, our eyes have been opened wider in appreciation for where we are and where we live, and we are thankful for the chance to see with our eyes those whose hope against hope humble us, but whose eternal destiny stands in the balance, the one who provides the greatest eternal hope of all, God.

A Good Day...Mostly

I know I love Livno.  My third trip here, Livno is becoming a staple of my life effort and calling, using all I am to come alongside many here, my friends and the teachers.  For Carrie, this first introduction is important for me and she as we together examine the direction toward the future, as a couple.  Will I continue?  Will she become a valued part of the medical aspect here?  How will our presence help bring positive change and especially hope to the teachers and medical professionals?

Carrie joins me in faith, but also initially with a small component of caution (likened to going anywhere she had not been before, locally or internationally), and I understand.  We are a long way from home, in a country whose language we do not speak, and a scant 20 years ago this country found itself at the end of a war for independence from Communism.  She researched Bosnia and the medical care here and in many ways her research has been confirmed.  In other ways she likens Livno to her home town of Rogers City, Michigan (something I thought would be the case) and feels quite at ease.  The crime rate low, the people about their business, her visits to the clinic and hospital all feeling like she was back in the 60's.  Her visit with a local pediatrician helped Carrie understand things better. There is a lot to overcome beaten down by the corruption that surrounds them, the nurses attitudes are in need of bolstering.  In some areas, especially due to socialized medicine, quality medical care is not available to everyone, yet there is one doctor, a pediatrician Carrie met, with who is dedicated to providing the best care she can within the system.  In short, the pediatrician is knowledgeable, but has limited resources to provide the kind of care she could offer.

My seminars have been well recieved.  I am thankful to offer them in hopes that teachers might develop student's thinking/ problem solving development.  My visit to observe two chemistry classes were insightful and my translator, a young college age student told me his teaching at a different school near by was better, especially one science teacher he had who helped him catch up and learn the material.  None of the upper grade teachers come to our seminars and I am not sure if any would.

This afternoon, the waftings of teriyaki chicken and fried rice filled the home of our friends as Carrie and I finalized the preparations for tonight's dinner with the team (we cooked the rice, made the macaroni salad and started marinating the chicken last night).  It was a sweet time around the table with adults and kids in fellowship.  Carrie's time with another nurse on the team here was enjoyable to watch as they interacted with all the medical 'talk'.  I had opportunity to hold their four month old daughter, loving every second of the ten minutes I had carrying her around.  What a joy for me!

Tomorrow, I will get to visit two classrooms of a teachers coming regularly to the seminars.  They have invited me to come, and I believe pour themselves into their students.  I am excited to see their classes and the difference developed and encouraged in some great teachers.  We will also be going to Glamoč (pronounced Glă-m ah ch) where I will teaching another seminar in a new place.   A day filled with adventure and new things lie in wait. 

My partner, Brad, is not feeling well.  I will be praying for his recovery and good sleep.  I'd appreciate others, reading my blog, do the same.  He did not come to our dinner tonight and had a session with teachers this evening.  He is off tomorrow and I hope gets some much needed time to rest.  It was a good day, mostly, Brads illness a concern to my heart, but God will work His care for my friend.

Thankful Thoughts

Once again, early Monday morning awakened by hunger and probable low blood sugars, I find myself blogging after consuming another snack bar (did that last night).  Dinner time at home, my body clock seems still stuck in San Diego.  Managing my blood sugars, especially my low events has been remedied by eating 5-7 times daily for the past several months.  My weight has been slowly dropping and my A1C tests demonstrate that I am doing exactly as I should, feeling consistently 'good'.  

Sunday here is mostly a day of transition to time zone, coffee and breakfast with Brad (and Carrie).  This event was followed by her and I walking some of the town, showing her a bit of the running spring and downtown Livno before meeting with the directors of the conference (and medical events for Carrie) for more coffee.  Ensuing the coffee, they took us to a Risturan Baccus, more life together as we enjoyed  a hardy lunch with dessert included.  Returning to our room, we both took naps at different times then to the afternoon team meeting to get everyone on the same page with plans for the week along with learning of each team member's job here is in Livno, and the heart of the goals for the efforts of World Hope and Global Partners.  I am amazed that we get to join these wonderful Americans here, working tirelessly with diligence, care and love for the people of Bosnia.  Chipping away scales of strife bringing hope and innovation to the people of Bosnia.

I am excited to see and hear of Carrie's ventures into the places of medicine.  She has already done much study of the country and what others, via the internet have to say about the healthcare system.  Her hope is to verify or understand what is true of her preparations and what is not, looking with eyes and wisdom, first hand, seeing current medical practices as she follows a pediatric doctor here.  I will continually attempt updates and information.

As for our footprints of faith?  We believe God wants us here to demonstrate His love for the people.  Gifted with practical/essential skills, able to encourage and desirous to come alongside, we feel our hope can come alongside theirs.  We feel their future bright as innovation and creativity might move this nation toward success in world markets, contributors to a global economy.  A big dream?  Yes, but nothing is too big for God and people who grow to love one another, develop integrity and trust helped by people of the same.  The team here sacrifices much to bring care to those in Bosnia, and it is exciting to see them called to such sacrifice, we having opportunity to join them for a week.  They tell us that this week brings a lot of credibility and hope to the work here, Carrie and I joyful to walk in obedience coming alongside others with encouragement and hope.  Thanks for praying and standing with us back in the states!

Miracles of Miracles!

Flying, always an adventure, is exercise in patience, trust blended with faith.  It is best embarked with attitude of reliance not on schedules or itinerary, rather providence or in my case, God's will.  With relative 'hope', I view tickets as potential possibility rather than accurate account of what will be.  As I press through life my expectations if loosely held make for less stressful travel.  In event that scheduled itinerary unveil as smooth transitions, supplanting delays, rebookings and overnight stays in airport gate hotel, I consider such blessed transport to desired destination.

When our first flight from home port was delayed due to stoppage in San Francisco, my mind not overtaken with panic, switches to problem solving.  How will we connect with those in Croatia with changed arrival should we miss our connections and have no working cell phone?  We are told, since all flights are stopped in and out of San Franisco, we will make our connection to Frankfurt, but once in the air to Frankfurt we will need creative alternative to contact our friends should we be delayed sufficient to miss our connecting flight from Frankfurt to Split, Croatia.

One of our friends in Croatia happens to have a Vonage phone with a local area code.  11:30 am in San Diego it is 8:30 pm in Trogir.  I call, they answer and we devise a plan to use their local number there from a phone in baggage services or ? to let them know of our arrival.  Plan 2?  If need be, we catch a cab to their place (I know how to get there from the airport) and they will pay for it with Croatian Kuna when we arrive.  If I were to turn on our mobile phones upon arrival, we would be charged a large sum for just one month of international service...so, no mobile while there.  With two very viable plans, calm ensues (the joys of successful problem solving and Kent is good at this). 

Arriving in San Francisco overhead pages beckon last call for boarding to Frankfurt, not knowing where to go, needing to move from national to our international terminal gate, we ask and are directed towards the beckoning gate.  With moments to spare, the last to board our 747 to Germany, we blast through the airplane door, find our seats sans overhead room for carry ons anywhere near.  Looking to nearby stewardess, disheveled and confused I'm sure, she and we search for niches.  Finally locating an overhead spot relatively close I lift and load our bags into the cavern, thank her for her efforts and as I head away she informs me we all need remember where they are stowed.   All passengers peering eyes pressed on us, we, the reason for their extended waiting. Crumbling into my seat, the pilot informs us that ground crew is replacing a valve, having some trouble, not to be concerned as there are several other valves as backup in the system.  He continues to say it will probably be another fifteen minutes and we will be informed when we are clear to leave.  The stress of delayed departure transfers from us to the service of our airship...thankfully. 

Departure nearly an hour and a half late, we are expecting to miss our flight arriving with only 30 minutes in the international gate in Frankfurt, requiring an uncharted dash to our gate for Split, Croatia.  Unbeknown to us, at the time, our friends in Trogir, following my Facebook updates are confident we will not make our scheduled flight to Split.  Having yet to travel through Frankfurt, in the gate at 10:51 we cross paths with two attendants holding a list of airline gates, together helping another weary traveler find her gate.  Time of the essence, I thrust my ticket before the helping partner, informing them of our 11:20 departure. Catching our urgency plague she escorts us to a counter informing us that we will probably miss our flight.  Jumping around the other attendant helping 7 others waiting in line, our travel angel punches the computer keyboard meticulously, with puzzled look, picks up the phone talking to someone and hangs up.  She then repeats the process, her countenance changing from concern to smile handing back my ticket, pointing down the hall she tells us to hurry as we may make it.  The departing gate knew we were in the airport, making our way there.  There then seemed a lack of confidence arising in her voice.  She seemed to know that it was a mile's walking, no running distance, including a tram ride to the other terminal, then through the German baggage check.  Yes, the Germans insist upon rechecking all baggage though we have not left the secure part of the terminal, and yes, both Carrie and I get stopped to open our bags as they look for things that appeared on their scans, including her travel blow drier.  

With me finishing first, we decide I should abandon her and run to the gate letting them know of our presence, at least half of us, hoping that would make them hold the plane.  As I come flying up to the gate, the attendant, looking up expectantly seems relieved at my arrival, two minutes, yes two minutes before our plane is scheduled for departure.  Asking with a slightly concerning look where my travel companion is, he printed our two tickets needing her arrive to present her passport.  “On her way held up at baggage check” my response.  His concern turned to calm seeming willing to wait.  My pounding heart and sweaty back (from my backpack pressed to me as I ran) finding more ease, especially as Carrie rounds the corner towards us at the gate.  

Handing him her passport he extends his hand toward the boarding doors escorting us to but not through the glass doors.  With every step my heart was still racing, yet my joy and satisfaction rose as we finish our race to the cockpit door.  Inside, near the front left of the plane, Dr. Brad Garner, my cohort from academia in teaching, greeted us as we moved beyond him to our seats. Throwing one bag in the overhead, the other under a seat, leaving no foot room, a kind gentleman behind us with an open seat next to him offered to place the other carry on there, leaving us foot space.  Once again we collapse into our seats desperately trying to open the air nozzle for some kind of moving respite for our water drenched clothes.  Miracle of miracles, we made it!  What many, including our friends in Trogir, would believe impossible, we would arrive as scheduled sans our checked luggage.

While I was packing, something told me to pack some clothes in my carry on.  Maybe it was the remembrance of a few years ago when on the final leg of my flight to Croatia, the stewardess dropped an entire glass of my neighbor's orange juice in my lap, maybe it was just the 'be prepared' I was taught as a Boy Scout rising up, or maybe it was the prompting of the Holy Spirit preparing me for the plights of the day, but either way, the preparation saved me.  Needing only a toothbrush and some deodorant, I would be ready to face Sunday, potentially not requiring either.

We arrive at the home of our friends in Croatia to astonishment of Cheri, having prepared a wonderful meal of spaghetti with meat sauce and salad.  Offered choice of beverage, I jump at the bitter lemon, my favorite here in the Balkans.  Sweet conversation ensues and we catch up a bit on the latest in lives.  Filled with food, laughter and love we climb into our 'taxi' to Livno, with Darrin, a member of the team and friend in Livno.  He will be our driver for the hour tranport to the home of other friends there.  Upon arrival, we have coffee and catch up a bit.  Then its to our room for much needed sleep.  The end of this day filled with blessing of friends, food and fellowship here after miraculous mergings and connections, our heads hit the pillow with bellows of thanksgiving for our timely and blessed arrival here in Livno.    It wasn't as planned, but we arrived on time as planned.  It wasn't easy.  Even our friends there did not expect to see us on time, considering back up plans for our foreseen delay.  Miracle of Miracles, we made it, by the grace of God.