TOMORROW!

Tomorrow is the day. For a long time I've been really excited about this trip, but my nerves started to set in last week. I really don't know what it is that I'm nervous about. Whether it's overcoming cultural barriers, or being in a boldly different environment then I'm accustomed to. This really is a giant leap that I'm making in this trip and it has just set in that this is really happening. In less than 24 hours I will be boarding a flight to San Francisco Airport to meet a group of people that I've never met before but that I will be calling my family for the entire summer. A few hours after meeting them, we'll each be spending a long 14 hour flight to Thailand where we'll be challenged and trained for what we're about to be experienced. After three days of that we'll all be in Manila, living with host families and working with at risk youth in Manila.

I don't know about you, but there are A LOT of first that are going on in this trip. I try to tell myself that I like change, but in reality, I can't stand change. This is going to be drastically different then anything I've ever experienced and it makes me very nervous. It's funny that I'm writing this and the only thing that comes to mind is this scene from the movie, "Garden State."

I attempted to look for the scene on YouTube but I couldn't find it. But, anyways, the scene had the two main characters chatting in a room, and Natalie Portman's character, Sam, encourages Zach Braff's character, Largeman, to do the most random action/noise ever in order to say that you were the first person ever, to do that exact movement, at the exact time, in that exact location. Sam goes on to do a random motion/noise/dance and says, that was the first time I've ever done that in this spot. I don't know if you guys are getting this, you might need to see it yourself to understand, but anyways, what I'm trying to say is that often, when we think of ourselves doing something new, we are nervous for it, but in the scene, Sam embraces new moments and enjoys it.

I think in the same way, this opportunity leaves me with the opportunity to tell a story about how God challenged me to break the mold, and do a crazy new thing. And instead of being nervous about it, I should be excited to tell that story and come out laughing and enjoying myself because of it.

So, with that, I just want to thank each of you for being a part of this journey with me. This blog really is a reflection of what God has been showing me and I'd hope that each of these blogs may have spoken something to you as well. Thank you for all of your love, support, and prayers.

While I won't be able to update the blog while I'm gone, feel free to check out the InterVarsity Global Urban Trek website at

http://www.urbana.org/trek/2009/manila-philippines

There should be updates and pictures posted while I am gone.

Please continue praying for this trip and for everyone else who is attending. That God would rock our worlds and shape us into the people he has intended us to be.

Thank you again and may the God of hope and peace and love bless each of you as you yearn deeper for his presence in your lives.