Hey guys, so I started my journey yesterday. James, Leigh, Glory, Justin, and Crystal all spent time with me starting Sunday morning at 7:00 A.M. They all took me to DFW and with their help, I successfully arrived at the airport and got through the morning and left on an 11:35 A.M. flight and flew to Los Angeles where I landed and stood 3 ft away from the guy who played the dad in Corrina, Corrina…..funny. I then met up with my squad mates at around 2 P.M. and flew out with them on the 7:30 P.M. flight to New Zealand…..One Word…..Neat. And by Neat, I mean Clean. All the houses here are very clean and neat. Every yard is mowed, no trash, houses are nicely painted, most yards have gardens. We made it. We are staying at a YWAM base here in Matamata and it is beautiful. Some are indoors in cabins and the rest of us are camping. It is 3:30 P.M. here on Tuesday January 05, 2010 which makes it (for my friends and family in Texas) 8:30 P.M. on Monday January 04, 2010 for you guys. I think I have it down, just add 5 hours and it is yesterday for you guys in relation to me. We were told today that our internet services for the time being is purchased in bandwidth (memory) as opposed to time. We were also told today to consider a screen fast which is basically a fast from connections back home. It makes the transition/freak out session easier on us. If we are talking to you guys everyday / looking at photos / Facebook…..we are more likely to have a harder time transitioning and more likely to consider returning home. I am going to submit to the fast and do it. So for the next 48 hours I am not going to be getting online and today is strictly writing this blog. I am prohibited due to lack of bandwidth, to get on Facebook or call home via Skype. I left LA and arrived here at the base fearful and with time and prayer have become more at peace. I am ready to do ministry and begin strictly spending time with my team. I think a crucial part of this race is community and once I begin to have that and am able to unpack my mind and heart, I believe I will really begin enjoying this. Like I said, I am better now than this morning. God has provided peace and excitement about this year. He is reminding me about the passion/desire I had in the beginning that motivated me to do this and is helping me understand this is where I want to be but the fact of the matter is that naturally I am going to be fearful in the beginning. Thank you so much once again everyone for everything you have done for me. You got me here. thank you. this is going to be an incredible/difficult/fun/intense journey. Please, i ask of you to pray that God is the focus. Pray that I cling to Him. Pray for my team. Pray that I FULLY surrender to the God I profess to serve. I love you guys and miss you already.
