Ciudad Perdida- Final Post (Kind of)

It’s been like 2 months and to be perfectly honest, I don’t want to write about Ciudad Perdida anymore. So I am going to give you my summary in a nutshell and move on! It was the most amazing hike I have ever taken. It beat the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Rockies of Colorado. You have it all, amazing plant life that makes you feel as if you in the movie “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” gorgeous mountain springs and waterfalls (which we swam in every one), opportunities to pick mangos, avocados, bananas, and coca leaves (yup- the same stuff that makes the white stuff) directly from the source along the route. In addition to that, you have an opportunity to see and meet several members of the indigenous Kogi tribe that live in this mountain range. They are a fascinating people with a rich history in this area. The Lost City itself was cool and I encourage you to Google it sometime if you interested. There is so much about this “find” that it would take me 2 posts to explain it all. As I sit here and think back about the trip, it was the journey that made it a blast. I went with some great people whom I had the opportunity to get to know more. We got some decent exercise hiking 4-8K up and down the sharp peaks of Colombia, but then spent the rest of the day eating amazing food, laughing, playing games, and talking about everything you can imagine. So for all those that read my blog- thanks! Colombia is a beautiful country and I hope a fraction of it is captured in some of the pictures I will post.

Miss you all!

E

Adventures to Ciudad Perdida- Part 2

I told you I was going to post another blog entry sooner than later…

So the quick responses I got from the millions of people that read my blog (???) were that I needed more details and of course pictures. In response to that… I am a whooping 29 years old now! Next February I will be turning the dreaded…we’ll you can count and I don’t want to say it. But one thing I have noticed is that my eye sight has gotten worse, someone found a grey hair on me the other day (still don’t believe them), and that my memory is about as sharp as the spoon I used to stir my coffee this morning. And so recalling a 6 day adventure in full detail seems a bit daunting to me but I am going to try!

Where did I leave off…another example of how sharp my mind is (I had to read my own blog to remember- yikes)! So after I woke up from my diabetic coma in the beautiful Caribbean city of Santa Marta, Colombia, I ventured out to find some “fried goodness” for breakfast! Knowing I was about to risk being kidnapped in the Colombian jungle, I wanted to make sure I took in a few amazing empanadas and papas relleno (stuffed potato) before this happened! We all know that food in captivity is not all that great!

An old SUV type truck/van pulls up in front of our hostel around 8 am. The excitement in the air is high as we meet our guide and his wife. With the help of a few others, we get our gear packed among the amazing amount of food they packed for us. Hope you didn’t think we were going to carry that…we got a mule to do that (hello- its Colombia)! Just before we’re about to pack in like sardines, I run to my new friend selling the fried goodness and purchase my 4th papas relleno of the morning which turns out to be a horrible decision. We pack into this 4 wheeled beast and I wonder, for almost 1.5 hrs, why I decided to eat about 3000 calories of pure fat before such a ride!

The truck stops along this road to get gas (someone with a bucket of fuel siphons it into your tank) and some of us run to a great fruit stand. Not sure why I was interested but I went and purchased 2 amazing sugar mangos (sorry everyone…they don’t sell them in the US). Maybe I felt bad about eating so horribly earlier that I wanted to balance it out with a fruit, but this also turned out to be a bad idea. As we take off again, within 2 minutes we take a hard right onto a road that does not look like a road but more like a gnarly mountain bike trail! This road traverses up, around, and over 3-4 mountains! You know when you’re driving and you run over those “rumble tracks” on the highway…it’s like that except multiply is by a 1000! Let me also remind you there are possibly 10 people in a 6 passenger vehicle. Needless to say my sugar mango was not that enjoyable. I’ll bet I may have got about 40% of it in my mouth, 20% on my friends, and the rest on my favorite Vanderbilt shirt (go Dores).

After what seemed like a year on that road, we come to a remote town! So weird that all of a sudden, in the middle of nowhere, you has paved roads, houses, and little stores! This quaint little town is where we will begin our trek to Cuidad Perdida, but not before we absolutely stuff ourselves with sub sandwiches and Coke! They know how to take care of Gringos! After eating enough food to make my Ironman Triathlon preparation seem sheepish, packing and repacking gear, lathering up in mosquito repellant, and double checking the Oreos are easily accessible, we officially begin the hike. I am feeling a bit like Indiana Jones and Clark Griswold!

I know the title says “Adventures of Ciudad Perdida” and I have not written about the actual hike yet…but let me remind you: THIS IS MY BLOG! Plus I am writing this in only my underwear, sweating profusely, in my non air-conditioned room, feeling the heat of which Weather.com said it “feels like 114 degrees” today! How about them apples?

Miss everyone! And a special shout out to my Uncle Dan who is seriously considering sending me frozen cheeseburgers via this new shippable box his company invented that keeps things frozen for a few weeks! He’s a genius engineer and I am a hungry boy! Gotta love family!

Adventure to Cuidad Perdida- Part I

For those who sent me emails because I have not posted a blog in almost a month and you may have thought I had been kidnapped by the FARC during my trek in the Colombian jungle, I appreciate the concern and am glad you care. For those who have not checked up on me, we’ll just see if you get informed I completed the coconut rice post for my blog…

Colombians love holidays and I love days off from work! The week before Easter is called “Semana Santa” which means “Holy Week” which means vacation (as well as the remembrance of the most glorious moment in Christianity)! Before I could really think about what to do, I got an email from some friends in Barranquilla who were interested in doing this awesome hike we had read about during orientation. After considering my other option of spending a week with my little piggy friends here in Santa Ana, I happily agreed to go!

Because the school I work at is a bit different (not always in a good way), I got a chance to leave the Dirt, Dogs, and Donkeys of my pueblo a bit early (okay almost a week early) to hop on a sweet air conditioned bus heading for Barranquilla. I have to admit I was looking uber “Gringo” with my full pack back but I made it there safely without anyone trying to steal the Oreo’s I stashed away for my trip!

In Barranquilla I got the opportunity to hang out with my friends who all teach at Shakira’s (my future wife) amazing school Piez Descalzos! During our orientation they described this school as a “very wealthy institution for poor children.” I think a few other countries need to adopt that idea! Another cool thing at their school was the fact they were celebrating “Dia de Dulces” which means Day of Sweets! Having worked in the realm of childhood obesity I would normally be appalled by such a celebration. But seeing like 5% of kids are overweight (compared to 60+% in the good old US), what’s wrong with a little azucar (sugar). Add in the fact that my new best friend is called Arequipe (Yum!) and they were selling him for all of 500 pesos (25 cents), it was a great day!

After I awoke from my diabetic coma the next morning it was time for us to pack up and begin this adventure. The next 24 hrs would include a trip to beautiful Santa Marta (3 hr bus ride), a meeting with our guide Jose and his wife, a nice dinner complete with hilarious stories from friends I haven’t seen since orientation, the purchase of additional Oreos (of course!), a pleasant stroll along the ocean, and a sketchy nights stay in a local Hostel. As we all settled down for the night, I had a nice feeling that this trip was going to be a lot of fun and that I was also going to smell really bad when it was done.

While I fall more in love with this country every day I am here, know that I miss everyone so much! There is not that goes by where I do not think about many of you and all the great memories we have made. Thanks for all your support and prayers! There has been a lot going on in terms of ministry and adventure so I hope to finish up the second half of this blog soon and dive into some of this stuff! Don’t worry though, I know where my only reader’s (I love you Mom!)heart lies and thus I will finish the Coconut Rice entry real soon!

I'll leave you with a cool verse to think about doing your day- Love you all!

"But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we may might recieve the full rights of sons (adopted by God). Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir." Galatians 4:4-7

A Hearts Cry

It was over 2 months ago when I boarded a plane for Colombia. As the plane headed down the Houston, Texas runway and the wheels lifted off the ground, there was a deep feeling I had just left a huge part of me there that I would never have again.

I have lived a blessed life! Having been adopted from Bogota, Colombia is certainly one of the most amazing gifts I have received. My selfless parents have given me as much as the world as they could. My father worked long and hard hours so our family could be comfortable. My mom only took jobs that would grant her the flexibility to always be there for us when we needed her. They were and are the most important people in my life.

After high school I attended a Christian University in Nashville. I made friends that I will have all my life. I had experiences both trying and glorious that have impacted who I am this moment. I graduated with an education that enabled me to work in health care. I worked for some amazing people and one of the most prominent hospitals in the US. I was given opportunity to be creative, inventive, and original. I was always compensated well above what I needed.

My life was simple but fun! I worked hard but made sure I always had time to play. I loved escaping to Colorado to ski! I competed in a bunch of triathlons throughout Tennessee and all around the country. My triathlon bike cost more than my truck! I love to cook and learning a new recipe is one of my favorite things to do. I spent several months trying to distinguish why a wine from one region in France is so much better than one from another. I went on Caribbean cruises where my goal was to always gain at least 5 lbs. My beloved dog Ellie and I enjoyed eating Blue Bell ice cream after early morning training runs. There was always something amazing about watching every Rocky movie in succession on a lazy Saturday. As I sat along the rocky coast of Maine and watched the tide come in, I would always consider how blessed I was.

Today, over a billion people live (and die) in desperate poverty which is less than a dollar a day. Close to two billion others live on less than two dollars a day. 30,000 children will breathe their last breath due to either starvation or a preventable disease today. We are not inconvenienced by this extreme poverty because those stricken by it are not only poor, they are powerless. Literally millions of them are quietly dying in relative obscurity and we can comfortably ignore them in our affluence, pretending like they don’t even exist. Meanwhile, they do exist, and God measures the integrity of our faith by our concern for the poor.

I walk to my school every day and see families living in houses that barely have walls. I have lunch with kids whom this could be their only complete meal that day. People wash, cook, and bathe with water that is delivered to the end of each street because the idea of plumbing and running water is impossible here. I see homeless in Cartagena whom are so ravished by the weather they are too tired to beg. I have walked through neighborhoods where they plead to more affluent people to take their children because they can’t provide for them.

Please don’t listen to me but what is written in God’s Word. In Luke 6:20-22 we read “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God. Blessed are you for who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” In verses 24-25 Jesus warns “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who will laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.” In Mark 10:21-22 an eager affluent young man approaches Jesus and asks how He may “inherit eternal life.” After he explains to Jesus that he has been keeping the commandments since he was a little boy, Jesus looked at him and “loved him” and said “One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me.” The story continues “At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.” In 1 John 3:17-18 it reads “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” Back in Luke 12:32-34 Jesus words are piercing as He commands “Do you not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The Word of God is clear about how much He cherishes the poor, oppressed, and orphaned. The Word of God is clear about how much He despises though who neglect them. I have come to see that I am the “Rich Young Man.” When the Bible speaks of the “Rich” I know that I fall into this category. In America, I was certainly not the most affluent, but in the perspective of this World, believe me when I say that I am exactly who Jesus is warning. Salvation is never a matter of external reformation, but is always a matter of internal transformation. James says in Chapter 2:15-17 says that if we see someone in need, hope for them a better future, and do nothing, that this is an example of a faith that is “dead.” If we have Him in our hearts- everything changes.

While the words of Jesus are tough- they are necessary. The reality is that hundreds of children will die by the time you finish this blog. 30, 000 will breathe their last by the time the sun sets. When I left the US, I left behind a diseased view of materialism. I have repented to God about my disobedience and as a result His spirit is changing me. I know my life will never look the same as it was last year. It can’t be. The words of Jesus have radical implications for our lives. Read Matthew 25:31-46 and ask what side you are on. Plead with Him to change your heart, the perspective, and the priorities. Draw close to Him, believe in His promises, and then listen to His voice. It will never be a matter of guilt, but responsibility. Give Him your heart and see where this takes you. The lives of millions depend on us. Please believe it. Join me in prayer, petition, and action.

Sometimes, God just puts a word on your heart that is tough but demands to be shared. In my flesh, I would rather share how to make Coconut Rice or how I saw the most amazing tarantula the other night (that will come!) But I know this needed to be my next blog entry. I hope you are encouraged and whatever your religious position, you come to see how this experience is shaping my perspective of life as I know it. I love and miss you all so much! Thanks for your support! I feel it! Pictures are courtesy from a few amazing ministries I adore here, Uganda, and India.

Infamous Public Schools in Colombia

Me and technology have not gotten along very well in Colombia. About 4 weeks ago my beloved Ipod to which I listened to many podcasts as well as American music (!) passed away. While this little 4 GB box of heaven got me through countless hours of training this past year, I belief its death was premature! So therefore I will be writing a letter to either Steve (CEO of Apple) or Steve Wozniak (Co-Founder of Apple)...that's right I googled the head haunchos!

Than a week later I went swimming with my cell phone! There will be no letters sent on this one because I am simply an idiot!

To top it off, I was working on a new blog update when I leaned on my computer. PS: Never lean on anything that costs a lot. When the "Black Screen of Death" appeared...I knew I was about to pay alot. Somehow in my insane muscular strength and body mass, I broke the hard drive. Apparently, they just don't make them like they used to (I used to have a 1970's Commodore desktop that weighed 240 lbs!). But thanks to a failing economy and good friends, I paid about $120 bucks for a new drive, Windows 7 (Team Bill Gates...take that Apple...like you need it), and labor (you da man Ivan!). Which leads me all to say that i'm still alive and kicking and ready to share some of the experiences I have been having here in Colombia via this blog!

So how about I finally talk about my teaching placement here in Santa Ana!

When I was asked to switch from my University teaching placement in beautiful Cartagena to dirt, dust, and donkees of Santa Ana, I was given the opportunity to chose which of the 2 teaching placements I would prefer here on the Island. In Santa Ana I knew there were 2 schools (a private and public) to choose from. The only differences I was given, in that moment, were that the public school co-teachers tend to be less engaged and therefore you have more autonomy. So being a glutton for a good challenge, I excitedly choose the Santa Ana Public School!

I am an english teacher in a community where learning this language translates into money. If you know english- you can get a job. In fact, this beautiful island has attracted potentional real estate giants as Donald Trump. In the past year, there has been as all-inclusive resort that opened near Playa Blanca with plans for several more within the next 5 years. You ask any kid "why learn english" and they will draw you dollar signs! Tourism around Playa Blanca is what their parents often do and is a career many will fall into as well (not very many options). The difference is that if these children learn english, instead of spending 10 hrs days in the hot sun trying to sell food, beverages, necklaces, or massages, they could work in an air conditioned resort or restaurant. According to some reports they can make upwards to 30% more in such positions- that's some serious "plata!" The tough reality though, is that if they done learn english, they could be displaced by more competetive individuals who would tend to know this highly valued language (English speaking tourists).

I have come to learn the hype around public schooling in Colombia is true (can't tell you how many presentations we had in Bogota about the problems in education here).

While the kids in both schools (private and public) present teachers with the same problems each day, I have come to learn that the institutions themselves are to blame. The culture of learning in the private school here (Barbocoas) is impressive. The teachers, who live here during the week, are prepared and eager to teach. There seems to be appropriate accountability from executive leadership to all faculty and staff. While every institution has its problems, I feel they work very diligently to keep the kids first!

At the public school (Santa Ana Public School), while I believe there are good intentions, the culture of learning is flawed. In Colombia they have one of the most powerful teacher unions every assembled. For many this means serious job security. The reality is that there is almost nothing you could do to be fired from your position. So it's obvious how this can matriculate down to the education of these beautiful children. What hurts the most, is that these kids here in Santa Ana don't have any other resource to learn from. What they get here will often be all they get!

But this is the reason WorldTeach and Volunteers Colombia has us here- so bring it on!

So while there are 6 of us "gringo's" here in Santa Ana, only 2 of us teach at the public school. The other teacher is an awesome girl named Kim Handel. She is from California and has the perfect balance of humor, reality, and sarcasm for such a placement as ours! Most mornings we make the 10 minute walk to our school together often laughing at the impending insanity that is our world!

I am teaching multiple classes in 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th grade! I average about 23-25 hrs each week in the classroom. Most of my classes have anywhere from 20-30 kids in each classroom. Hopefully, you can get a perspective of what the classrooms look like in the pictures I will post. If this is your first time reading my blog: Its hot here! By hot, I mean I take 3-4 showers a day. So these classrooms are somewhat open and are all equipped with 1-2 ceiling fans that occasionally work. Needless to say, I am soaked by the time I am done! Its awesome!

The kids are the reason I am here! So while there have been many instances I wanted to toss them in the ceiling fan- they are beautifully tolerated and loved. Its a tough job teaching english here but Kim and I are learning new strategies and methods to get the information across. Let me not sugar coat things and say that a day doesn't go by where I did not ask a student to leave or hand out a zero for cheating, but its getting better. They are learning that while the "gringo" means business, he really cares for them! I thought it best to fight these battles early on so we can make some real progress down the road. Respect is everything here.

All my teacher friends are probably wondering how much time I spend lesson planning each week with so many grades...well a lot less than I anticipated because they are all almost at the same level (which happens to be a 6th grade or less ability). If Donald Trump rolled in tomorrow, these kids are screwed. But if Kim and I can make some real progress this year helping change the learning environment of our school, encourage and educate our Colombia co-teachers, and if WorldTeach commits to this project for 5 years, I can see real change coming to this community!

Classes are an adventure but I have to say I have really been enjoying it! I have seen a little progress just in the fact that I don't have to use my ghetto spanish to teach the whole class anymore! This week was full or ups and downs but I saw a lot out of them the past few days! My 11th graders were awesome while my 4th graders were on crack. I also had some tough conversations with the principle about some of my concerns regarding the disorganization of the school. I am hopeful He can make a few changes that will greatly impact the learning environment here.

Its South America and we have all quickly learned to adapt and overcome. This is a different world and sometimes I feel I barely display that in this blog. Yet, I pray this experience gives you a different outlook on life and a blessed perspective of life where you are this moment. I am sure i'll talk more about teaching and these kids- its a huge part of my life here. So until the next time, hug your children and get involved in their education! Maybe someday they can use what they have learned to come and attempt to make an impact where kids simply are not as fortunate.

Talk soon- have a blessed day!

Yo No Se Manana

I dont know about tomorrow.

The title of the blog is actually a really cool song here in South America. Its by a guy named Luis Enrique who from a few web searches seems to be "the man." To put it in a way that everyone at home could relate, I think he is the Latin American version of Sting. He certainly went through some narly haricuts (the Kid and Play hightop to the spanish Fabio mess) and some weird outfits (gotta love the sweater vest with no shirt underneath), but after just watching his music video for this song, the man is a pimp (Mom- not in the way where someone takes money from hookers for providing care and protection- but its actually an endearing term)!

While I may not understand all the words to this song, and i'll kind of ignore the line where I think he says something like "from the cafe to the couch," I certainly have been digging the killer salsa beat and rhythm of this kind of music. Do I love it so much to get out of my bed at 11pm and show my Santa Ana neighbors my true Colombian rhythm and footwork...not so much. Yet, I appreciate their consideration to serenade us "gringos" with the all the hit records of South America at times where I believe that even my donkey friends are sleeping!

I don't know about tomorrow! So every day here I have tried to make it memorable. In the mornings when I head off to school I know that I wont have to do anything personally to make it an adventure. Something is bound to happen that will give me an awesome story to share with my fellow American teachers at lunch. I know I have said this before, but more details to come.
For all my teacher friends, I think i'm heading to the Bronx to teach after i'm done here. Woah.

Both during and after school, I have become a regular at the panaderia (bread shop),which is actually out of this families home, (helped him move a new dresser into it the other day) across the street from the school. The first time I met them they said laughing "usted no entiende nada" which lovingly means "you don't understand anything." While they are correct, they love me because I bust out my 50 mil (25 cents) and routinely buy 1 pastry and 2 cookies from them like 2-3 times a day! Gotta support the local economy!

The midday is me, sweating that pastry and 2 cookies away, laying on my bed with a fan full blast aimed at my grill! Hoping no one busts in my door without knocking because I may or may not have many clothes on. This is when I get the opportunity to have some quality God and me time. I like to think that me being almost neked may enhance these moments. He certainly had Adam and Eve walk around without shame, so im sure He won't mind if reenact this during our time together (i mean its like 98 degrees here...everyday!).

During the early evenings I try and do some form of exercise. Funny story: so the other day i'm running down 1 of the 2 dirt roads I often frequent here. Its about 4:30 pm which still means its smoking hot but not as bad as earlier in the day. Its swear I am in Africa on these runs. There is nothing but fields of cattle, donkeys, and weird looking trees. But I have to admit its really relaxing minus when a truck comes and im covered in dust. So anyways, I turn this corner and there are like 4 huge cows. This is nothing new, but for some reason I forgot to walk past them and my running startles the little one. So they start running down the road infront of me. No problem but there are fences the line the road for miles! So for about 5 minutes I feel like I am in Pamplona, Spain running with the bulls (yet they are kind of infront of me). Funny gets hilarious when as 1 unit we turn the corner and we meet my other friends, the donkeys! There is a small family of 4 who also gets wigged out at the 3 tons of beef and the 150 lb gringo that is running at them. So they decide to join us and we become quite the site for another 1/4 mile until a legit (not an uber mutt) guard dog comes out of nowhere and thankfully changes the direction of my herd. If the farmer who owns all these animals happens to learn how to use that fancy box gringos always seem to carry around and reads this blog...I am sorry!

The evenings have been about culture! From learning new ways to perfect patacones to making empanadas, I just upped my stock just in time for dating season (starts tomorrow until Halloween...another blog in itself). I am also doing a language exchange with a really cool young man named Luis. I truly feel that God had his hand in us meeting each other as I believe there will many cool ministry opportunities that may come from this. And of course, I regularly play with my South American Sandlot crew. The other teachers I work with have been coming with me more regulary (to play of just hang out) and its been a pretty fun time. The crew is growing and I am considering finding a new spot- which means a serious clean up project!

The night is about chilling out with the great group I am here with, getting ready for another day of classes, and spending some times talking about all of you to Him! At the end of the day, I double check the walls for man eating mosquitos that have rocked me in my sleep a few nights last week, and then pull the covers over my already 99.8 degree body.

For those who made it this far in todays blog always lovingly ask yourself this: While life is always full of adventure, can you say it always has purpose? What makes my day so awesome is that I know I am doing the things God wants me to do here. I have never felt His presence in such an amazing way and that makes me both excited and terrified in what He will present next! And so why I have do not about tomorrow, I will walk with Him and make the most of all He gives me today!

Waves

Life here in Santa Ana has been going awesome! I am truly in love with this country and have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this community! Though the other night I could have traded my kidney for a good ol’ American Cheeseburger, every day I feel more at home here in Colombia!

Today was my first day teaching! I had an 11th grade class that began at 6:30 am and you can only imagine how excited they were to be up that early to learn English…some things are universal! This was followed by another 11th grade class, a two hour 9th grade class, and a 6th grade class from the underworld. Anyone remember the beast from Revelations 13? The one with 10 horns and 7 heads who wreaked havoc on all the earth’s inhabitants…that kid is in my class! Otherwise, it was a pretty cool day and I am excited to put some cool lesson plans together to help them learn English. It was very clear we have miles to go before they’ll be at any level of proficiency! More to come!

For this blog entry I want to share something I read the other day. Last Saturday I met the IMB Ministry team in the morning. I will be helping in these missions every weekend while I am here. I hope to share more on this very soon! I was suppose to meet them at 8:30 am but the motorcycle driver I took that morning must have just watched Fast and Furious because I was almost 30 minutes early! So I hung out on the beach (rough life) and read my daily devotion which at the time was in Ephesians. I was in chapter 4: 14 which says:

“Then we will no longer be infants tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunningness and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is Christ.”

As I read this I looked out at the waves and made some observations. Waves come in all different shapes and sizes. Waves are relentless, yet incredibly unpredictable. Sometimes when everything is normal, you’ll have a huge wave come in and surprise you. I noticed how strong they were. When they crash you can see the sand turn underneath it. Sometimes they pull rocks back in as the wave recedes while other times it pushes them up on shore.

In all these observations, it was not hard to see why Paul used this example. Even the person who wrote the motto “Life is a Beach” may have been on to something. In a spiritual sense, Satan’s attacks are relentless. He will present them in creative and different ways. When everything appears calm, the god of this world throws something at us that can be overwhelming. We have moments where it feels as if the ground is being swept out from under us. Another day we feel as if we’re being thrown against the rocks. Satan wants nothing more than for us to lose our bearings and in a moment, feel scared. Can you relate to this? What are the waves in your life?

As I observed the ocean that morning, there was something else I could see. I noticed that the waves of any significance were only near the shoreline. The deeper you went out, the calmer the water was. I reminisced when I did Ironman Florida. I had worked on a few strategies to get through these “breaker” waves. I kept the mantra to “just stay focused and relax” because when I did successfully get through them, the rest of the swim would be easy as I knew the conditions were better the farther out you were! How important is it for us to “get off the shore and into the deep water” as it relates to our faith? The reality is that this can be a daunting proposition because of two reasons: it’s scary and people don’t know how to swim.

I listened to a sermon the other day and the pastor referenced The Chronicles of Narnia where someone asked “is the Lion safe (God)…No! But He is just!” When we rest our lives in His hands it doesnt always mean "calmer waters" as we would imagine. Yet, as we venture out in Faith, the waves that once crashed around us, causing us to become disorganized and at times fearful, disappear. Instead He replaces them with purpose and direction. A storm out in sea is not uncommon, but remember what Jesus said to the disciples in such a similar situation in John 6:20 "It is I; dont be afraid." The sea is always unpredicable, but unless we get out of the surf and into deeper water, we may never come to know Christ in the manner we are told to.

Doubt can also creep in when one does not know how to swim. How many times have you ever felt convicted you needed to act on His behalf and thoughts of inadequacy overwhelmed you? There were moments, a few years ago, when I joined a swim team to learn how to swim. After a few practices- I remember wanting to crawl into somewhere and die! It was hard and I thought I would never learn. But I trusted in my coaches teaching and saw in her ability that she knew what she was doing! Sound familiar?

God has given you and me everything we need to swim and to freestyle our way into calmer waters. He has given this entire world His words, teachings, team (church), instructions, and the Example!

There were moments this past year that seemed overwhelming. Times where I lost my focus and felt scared! Yet, as I write this I am excited for what He is doing in this life. I know there is an amazing, overwhelming amount of me that needs to go to Him. But I pray that each day the Holy Spirit convicts me of this and I am able to give them up. All of us have gone through some serious “breakers” in our days and maybe you are in that moment today. So I want you to know that as it is in Christ, as we grow up into Him, we are granted the peace, joy, and strength to swim to that place. A place that is dangerous but we feel safe. A place that is unchartered but we aren’t lost. A place that is foreign but we feel at home.

For me, my best friend Kendall has been that encouragement and example for me. She showed me that in His hands, there is no room for fear. She reminded me that God doesn’t look for the qualified, He makes them.

In moments of crashing waves and dangerous currents, are you clinging to something or possibly someone that is not Him and should be? Can you even see the calmer waters in front of you? Prayerfully let go of what you are holding onto this moment. Trust in the Creator God. Allow Him to guide you through these breakers and out in the deep waters. Sometimes we only see the waves and forgot there is another world to be discovered behind them. Find that place and I guarantee you that is where He has always wanted you to be!