Those things we dread the most...

Yesterday I flew from JFK back to Honduras. I had been in New York for two weeks taking part in cross cultural training along with an incredible group of young people who are part of The Young Adult Service Corps. YASC is a missionary program offering one year placements all over the world. Yesterday was June 28th. An important date to me. On June 28th of 2006 I had a one way plane ticket to Honduras. I was all ready to go when 3days before we discovered that my Dad had cancer and I was unable to leave. Now eight years later to the day I was flying to Honduras again. In Deuteronomy 8 God explains why the people of Israel were led through the wilderness for 40 years. "you will remember all the way the Lord thy God led you through the wilderness these 40 years, to humble you, to prove you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or no. He humbled thee and suffered you to hunger so that you would learn that man does not live by bread alone." The last 8 years have been incredibly humbling, that's for sure. I moved to Honduras the end of May. Bishop Allen requested that I seek support from 815 in New York. The training date was set just weeks after I finally got to Honduras, and to be honest, I really didn't want to turn right around and go to NEW YORK CITY! I dreaded it. I really didn't understand what it was all about and I prefer God's green jungle to man's concrete jungle. Finally I just resigned myself to doing it and decided to open myself to whatever God had planned for me to experience there. What a huge gift basket of blessings He had in store for me! A land of milk and honey. It was held at a beautiful turn of the century monastery overlooking the Hudson River filled with craftsman furnishings, beautiful artwork, and icons. The monks were welcoming, and loving. Their way of life held such resonance for me. Their services were filled with beautifully chanted psalms and prayers and extended periods of silence. Being with them in their beautiful chapel was so healing for me. Thank you brother Robert. The food was awesome! The training staff was knowledgeable, interesting, and so much fun to be around. And the "YACSTERS" were awesome. I learned alot not only about different cultures, but about myself and I made some new friends and I had fun! I experienced some healing from the last eight years. So the next time you are dreading having to do something, take a step back and watch for how God will bless you. He will never leave us, but holds us in his right hand. My love to the staff the monks and my Yacsters!

The family of faith

Galations 6:10  "So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith."

Thank You Father for the family back home and for the family members I am meeting here  .I'm off to New York tomorrow morning early for two weeks training. Please keep brother Bob in your prayers.