Countdown to India

I leave for India in 10 days. The country has captured my heart. The church there is full of Acts-type stories. In our previous 2 trips, Janelle and I have both formed some very meaningful relationships.

But, there's the tough part... no Janelle this time around. For the first time in our marriage I will be traveling overseas solo. She will be staying home with a two-month old. Oh, and there's another thing. I'm leaving my daughter.

Double-whammy.

Changes things when you head into a country halfway around the world that is not always friendly to the gospel and you are leaving behind the two most precious earthly possessions you've been entrusted.

At the same time, I cannot wait to see what God has in store as I get to share 6 days at a camp with over 250 18-25 year olds from all along the Northeast, east, and southern coast of India.

India Journal Entry; Saturday, 10/7

5:45 am India
7:15 pm 10/6 Indiana

LAST JOURNAL ENTRY
Waiting for the 6:20 am train to Calcutta at the Adra station

Today we begin our journey home. We will land in Chicago 48 hours from now.

I believe this week has been a big one in our lives. First, a look back at yesterday. I spoke three times; 8:00 am (hold the rope); 11:00 am (How Peter kept the Fire Hot); and 6:00 pm (You have no Idea what Jesus wants to do).
Yesterday was also goodbye. Most of the youth left right as teh session ended. The Northeasst crew loaded their buses for their 30 hour ride home. Others took the night train to Calcutta. Those from the Southeast boarded their train for their 36 hour ride. There were some very tough goodbyes to be said.
For most anyboey, when camp comes to an end it can be said. You do want to say goodbye. Yet, in this case as we say goodbye, I recognize that many go back to a dark place where they are very alone. 1.8% Christian conservatively; 5% liberally. Either way, to be a Christ follower is to stand alone. Where will they go from here? What will God do in the life of:

• Pinkie - The young Hindu girl from the Northeast who was Jesus in a vision on the last night, and she gave Christ the key to the door of her heart.
• Ravi - The horse jockey in training from Hindi Fellowship. He's the only Christ-Follower in his family, the rest Hindu, and he's "holding the rope" for them.
• Joash - The ADD guitar player training to be a flight attendant. Sooo much potential
• Pinkie and Priyanka - The two gals from the Missions girls sschoool. Priyanca put her trust in Christ for the first time. Pinkie is in training to be a school teacher (English) and wants to use her abilities for the Lord.
• Anshuman - He's 6 months from graduating from Bible College and heading for a year to Bihar, a state in India that is very dark, needy, and hostile to the Gospel.

So much potential.
So much more I wish I could do.
So blessed to see true repentance and abandonment of all for the cause.

As we go; I somehow know there will be a return. When? It may be a little longer this time around. Where? I'm not sure. Northeast? Calcutta? Raghunathpur? Youth-o-Ramah? Janelle and I? A team of Youth?

Why did we come?
I think it was a "for such a time as this" moment. It seemed like we were the right individuals at the right time for the right event.
Also, as I started this journey, I recognized that this was my last week of my 20s. That week has now become days. As I enter my 30s, I'm thinkking this week has been a reminder that this life is not mine. It's the reality of the keys. Will I give him access to every part of me? In this past week, I feel I have been able to live and minister as one. Not a split life. I feel as though I shared from a pure heart and mind. I fell in love with people halfway around the world.

May my 30s be marked by a life of complete and utter abandonment of all things for the sake of Christ.... Philippians 3:7-10

India Journal; Friday 10/6

10:00 pm India
11:30 am Indiana

A loooong day. We got to bed late last night, and then got up early.

- The electricity just went out. I can't see what I'm writing.

10:30 pm
It's back up.
For the morning Session I did "Hold the Rope." Who are the friends and family members God is calling you to "hold the ropes" so they can get to Jesus. Looking at the story of the Paralytic in Mark, when the four friends lowered the him through the roof to get to Jesus.

I really believe God used this message. We had 1/4" rope that we cut into 4" pieces (about 600). The youth could take a rope for each individual they would be faithful to show Christ, tell about Christ, and pray for. It was cool to see people lifting their ropes up and praying for the individuals as we closed the service.

I'm exhausted. I'l journal more tomorow on the triain. I've got to wake up in 5 1/2 hours.

India Journal Entry; Thursday, 10/5

11:45 pm India
1:15 am Indiana

A loooooon day. Biz finished his time with us this morning. They honored us and gave us a gift. He and I got a bath robe; and Janelle got a prayer shawl. I had my session with the guys after that. I kind of came up with a new message while doing it.
We looked at Peter's denial of Christ. While talking, I was thinking of II Corinthians 7:10... "Godly sorrow leads to repentance; worldly sorrow leads to death." This was the difference between Judas and Peter's response to their betrayal of Christ.

After the session (word had it that Janelle was awesome in hers) it was picture time. We got about 50-60 pictures taken with people.

Biz took off at 3:30, so tonight I took over on the main sessions. I did "The Keys." It really seemed to connect. We talked about three types of keys we could be giving over to Jesus tonight:

1. The key to our heart (salvation) 5 responded, including Pinkie, the Hindi girl from the Northeast.
2. The key to the closet (repentance)
3. The Master key (total surrender) Many responded for the last one. I tried to have the students respond by laying flat on their face, with the keys before them as a symbol of giving God the keys to their life, but there was confusion in the translation. Yet, I'm convinced they connected with the heart of the message, which is much more important than an alter call.

We just got back from a campfire. There was dancing sharing, and a lot of humor. A definite cultural experience.

Huge speaking day tomorrow. Last day, and I'm up 3x, and they are 3 messages I've never done before. God, grant me wisdom and strength!

India Journal Entry; Wednesday, 10/4

8:30 am India
10:00 pm Indiana 10/3

I'm in the morning session praise and worship hearing testimonies:

Shanbhunath, from the Hindi fellowship in Calcutta; the church where God is doing the miraculous. This guy was a devout Hindu. He spent substantial amounts of money on building alters and idols to Hindu Gods.
He was very sick and couldn't eat; in need of a pacemaker. Went to the Hindi Fellowship prayer meeting, where the pastor prayed over him. He was healed instantly. Within weeks, he had accepted Christ, been baptized, and threw out his idols!


Another gal shared from the Northeast (I don't know her name). She has a Hindu background as well. God healed her as well. When she left the Hindu faith to become a Christian and be baptized, her father disowned her. He told her that if she ever returned home, he would kill her.
It was a beautiful moment, though when she had her husband stand in the crowd. This man is a strong believer. God has her back!



4:00 pm India
5:30 am Indiana

After lunch, Biz and I spent some time with Joshua and Apurba. Joshua is a pastor and evangelist in the Northeast. Apurba is the Youth secretary. They are planting churches all over the area. They have just finished research and preperation to take the message into two areas that are extremely closed and even hostile to the Gospel. They are also doing work in Bangeladesh and have had various evangelistic efforts there. The guys are the real deal. The Lord is truly adding to their number daily. Joshua made two statements that really jumped out at me:

1. "We say that Nappanee Missionary Church is with us. Nappanee Missionary Church can rejoice because the Lord is adding to their number daily as well."
2. I asked them if they were facing any opposition or persecution. His response, "No real persecution. Just some believer have been kicked out of their homes and cut off from their families." NO REAL PERSECUTION??? How's that for perspective.

6:00 pm India
7:30 am Indiana

THINGS I MISS RIGHT NOW:

• Barnabas
• NFL (I'm pathetic) and Fantasy Football
• Skim Milk
• Air Conditioning
• The comfort of my home
• Small Groups (we were just getting started).
• A Full Night's sleep.

THINGS I DON'T MISS:

• My office.
• E-mails and Voice mails.
• Over-processed food.
• TV (I'm addicted... cold turkey is feeling good)
• Spending Money (ouside paying $3 for 100 copies and 3 cokes, I've not paid for anything)
• Being comfortable in my faith.
• Being concerned with who I must impress.
• Feeling insignificant in my cause.

India Journal Entry; Tuesday, 10/3

10:40 pm India
12:10 pm Indiana

THE SCHEDULE:

• 6:30 am - Up to get ready
• 7:30 am - Breakfast (supposed to be at 7:00)
• 8:00 am - Morning Praise and Worship (Led by Indians; Sonideep shared devotional)
• 9:00 am - Morning Bible Study (Biz... "God Uses Ordinary People" - Gideon)
• 10:00 am - Tea Time
• 11:00 am - Character Study (Janelle with Gals, Me with Guys)
• 1:00 pm - Lunch
• 2:00 pm - We Nap while Youth are in Open Forum on marriage
• 3:30 pm - Talent Show (churches perform one song)
• 4:30 pm - Coffee Break
• 6:00 pm - Evening Service (Biz.. "The Substitute")
• 8:35 pm - Supper
• 9:10 pm - Power goes out
• 9:15 pm - Hang out w/ various Youth
• 10:00 pm - To the bungalow
• 10:15 pm - Shower
• 10:45 pm - Here I am

SIGNIFICANT SNAPSHOTS FROM TODAY

• Meeting with the guys in the cafeteria. It was packed full of men.
• Hearing the young men 13-35 taking time to talk about what the "nets" are in their lives that they may need to leave in order to follow Jesus.
• Hearing same young men taking time to pray to together.
• Spending time with Pronoy. What a hero of the faith? 77 years old. Married 56 years. Widowed in 1995. Comes from a long line of ministers. Grandfather was a Hindu ;priest who came to know Christ. Now there are many ministers of the Gospel in his family.
• The response at tonight's service. As Biz gave the invitation, there was an immediate response by a young gal named Prianca. I remember her from family camp. She is a gorgeous young lady. After she came forward; the floodgates were open. There were at least 50 who came forward to receive Christ.
• Spending time with the leadership of the Hindi Fellowship. Hindi is not a religion (that's Hindu); Hindi is one of the many languages in India. These people are on fire. God is doing the miraculous. Healings. People leaving the Hindu religion and throwing their Idols out... many being baptized. Their pastor, Logan, has the gift of healing. He's is one of the most humble men I have EVER met.
• I sense this is a significant moment for the church in India.
• Is there more for Janelle and I here? Will there be a return trip? Could we bring an IMPACT team here? I remember I left with an "unfinished " feeling in my spirit last January. It is already there again.

India Journal Entry; Monday, 10/2

10::02 pm India
11:35 am Indiana

It's officially underway. We woke up at 6:45 am; ate breakfast at 7:45 am; then went back to our room and slept until 12:45 pm. We are jacked up on our sleep cycle, because this would've been like sleeping from 7-10 pm back home.
I woke up from that nap pretty freaked out, nervous that we weren't going to turn the corner on this jet lag. We had no energy; neither did Biz.
The youth arrived all throughout the afternoon and evening. There were over 300 there! And still another 80 to show possibly. BLOWN AWAY!
We started our session at 6:00 pm. Many were very tired. WE talked to one group from the Northeast who drove 30 hours on a bus... 50-60 on a bus (that sits 30); unable to sleep the entire time. They were exhausted. Why would someone do that?
When you are in a country that is 1.8% Christian, you will do anything for significant fellowship & discipleship.
Anyway, I did the second half of "Stepping In to God's Story" walking through the "bowtie" and using members of the audience to represent Adam and Eve, Abraham, Aaron and Sons, Jesus, Disciples. The thrust of the message is understanding God's unfolding story and the opportunity we have to be a part of it.
It goes from everybody in communion with God down to one, Jesus... but Jesus took 12, and from those 12 the Church formed. We are a part of this now.
When getting to this part, I asked everyone to stand to understand this is where we have entered the story. The goal is to see every knee bow and tongue confess.

As they stood, I had a "moment".

At the close, I invited those who would say "I'm willing" to step into the story and play a role, I knelt at the side of the stage. My moment was a "Who am I?" moment. Who am I to be here sharing with these youth. How did I get here?
I remember thinking, when I was kid, that being a Christian was boring, dull, and uninteresting. How many of my peers have had the opportunities I've had? What other life allows you the experiences I've had; witnessing the miraculous, traveling around the world and meeting some of the most fascinating people; being able to make worthwhile investments with great payback; being a part of something so much bigger than myself.
That is the second part of my "moment." Looking out at 300+ individual who live in a persecuted nation, halfway around the world. THE POTENTIAL!!

This is so much bigger than us. I'm so grateful to God for the opportunity.

India Journal Entry; Sunday 10/1

6:00 pm India
4:30 am Indiana

On the train to Ragunathpur

We're officially with the people we are supposd to be with. Got in at 9:00 pm last night. At first, we couldn't find Pronoy (our contact) anywhere. He was there, it just said on the sign that our plane wasn't in yet.
It took a while to get a cab; then even longer to get to our Hotel. India is currently having their big Hindu festival where they worship the ten armed goddess Durga. The set up tons of shrines all over time. The come in and bow and pray to the idol, moving from shrine to shrine. After 5 days they go to the river (Ganges??) and dump the idol into the river. I'm not really sure why they do this, but it is a sad sight to see the amount of people seeking to find fulfillment in empty (or maybe more likely demonic) rituals.
I couldn't sleep. Jet lag and nerves. I had to preach at Hastings Chapel today. The English service. I didn't realize it was the English service until on the way. IT WAS HOT. I had to speak with my jacket on, and a flower necklace (much like a leigh) around my neck. Did an abbreviate version of "Stepping Into God's Story". Talked about the "false gospels" that we in the Church are in danger of falling into.
It was an honor to share, and if anything got me more excited to get to Youth-o-Rama.
Then we went back to the hotel and I was able to get some sleep.
At the train station, we had a random run-in with Satendyra (from the Northeast). Has has nearly 180 students coming. He will not be there. The leaders up there are the real deal. They are doing ministry into Nepal and some of the toughest areas toward the Gospel. Ar real blessing to connect with him.

Random tidbit... Biz was up on a pole taking pictures at the train station, when a police officer came up to him and was pretty upset. I guess with all the tension between India & Pakistan right now they are especially nervous.

We'll probable get into Adra around 10:00 pm, then a 20 minute ride to the Missions Girls School compound in Raghunathpur.

India Journal Entry; Saturday, 9/30

6:15 pm India
7:45 am Indiana

On the plane taking off from Bombay to Calcutta.

We laded in Bombay at 10:30 am; and transferred airports. I got my bags checked in customs. They were especially interested in the keys that I brought. Outside of that, it was pretty uneventful.
When we changed airports, the guy who put my bag under the bus tried to get a tip from me. Nobody else... just the three Americans. I gave them a buck, simply because my bags ere going to be under the bus, and I didn't want to risk it.
We had 7 hours between flights. The airport had a decent area in the basement that was a restaurant with a table/ chair area. We lounged down there for a few hours. I fell asleep watching movies.
I think I snored. Just as we were getting ready to go up to wait for our flight to be called, we noticed a guy that had tons of people around him. He was clearly an Indian celeb (guessing an athlete). Biz got is autograph and we took a couple of pics. We have no idea who the dude was... we'll ask some of the kids when we get to camp.

-- we found out he is Chacin Tandulkai... India's #1 Cricket player

How am I doing? Mixed emotions. Tired. Long travel. I'm preaching tomorrow morning... not sure what. I think we'll walk through the sifnificance of Jesus call to come follow Him. The youth side of it, the age of the disciples, the status, the dad... "May you be covered in the Dust of your Rabbi."
Who am I? Really, who am I to do this? Feeling very weird at this point. Part of me is counting down the time till I get home, caught up in something as insignificant as how well I'm going to sleep. Yet, I know there's a reason to us being here. I know there's something more God has for us. I know that this is a significant moment in the Missionary Church in India's history.

India Journal Entry; Friday, 9/29

9:50 pm London
2:20 am India
4:50 pm Indiana

Taking off for Mumbai (Bombay).

Fell asleep last night around 9:30 pm. Woke up at 5:30 am convinced I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep; next thing I knew I was looking at the clock on the TV that said 8:30 am. We really didnt' get rolling until 11:00 am. We needed the sleep.

Went to...

Buckingham Palace

St. Paul's Cathedral

Crossed the Millenium Bridge

Saw the Globe Theatre (remake of the Shakespeare theater)

Ate some Fish n' Chips at a Greek Restaurant.

Tower Of London


We ran into a lot of fun on out wa to the airport. It was crazy-busy on the subway, w/ 7 bags this can be a bit tricky. The line to get our airline tickets was hideous. The security check was painless.


My big takeway from today - What do I have in my life that is reminding me to look up?

While in St Paul's... you couldn't help but be drawn upward in your vision to the dome. The intricacy, beauty, and majesty of the building was awe-inspiring. Giglio talks about this in his book "I am not But I Know I am!" He talks about how the intent of this structure was to loft people heavenward, Godward. To remind them of the hugeness (word?) of God.
I was there.
It made me look up.
What am I doing? Who am I around? What reminders do I have that make me look up?
He is. I am not.

"I" is an ugly disease.

Have you checked out NMC Student Ministries new Blogspot?

Right now, we're letting you get to know our Small Group Leaders a little bit. What were they like when they were in High School?

Check it out here. Add it to your bloglines. Put it on your favorites. Get more addicted to it than Youtube!

India Journal Entry; Thursday, 9/28

9:00 pm - London
4:00 pm - Indiana
2:30 am - India Sept. 29

the flight went great. We got in an 1 1/2 hours early, which was a bit of a bummer. Cut down on our sleep time (I'm on about 2 1/2 hours since Wednesday morning), and we couldn't get in our room. We did some sight seeing:

1.) Big Ben and parliament (brought back memories of Chevy Chase in Europaen Vacation)

2.) Wetmister Abbey

3.) LondonEye (Huge Ferris Wheel that overlooks all of London)

4.) Sleep break in our room.

5.) Piccadilly Circus... a lot like Times Square in New York.


My big takeaway from today....
Don't let the monuments built above your dead body overshadow the monument your life was to God.
It was odd. Westmister was awe-inspiring. A series of chapels meant to point us heavenward... they remind me of the awe-inspiring nature of God. Yet, as years have gone on, the Abbey has become a mausoleum... a memorial to the dead.
When I am dead, my they (those left behind) spend much more time on discovering, knowing, and Worshipping the Living God, and very little time memorializing the dead!

India Journal Entry; WEDNESDAY, 9/27

5:45 pm Chicago
6:45 pm Indiana
11:45 pm London
5:15 am Sept. 28 India

We are in the air. The past 24 hours have been extremely hectic. EXTREMELY. Didn't leave the church until 8:00 pm last night. Working on last minute stuff. It's interesting...

ADD Moment -- Just got the coolest little can of coke. It's like a shot glass-sized can.

Anyway, It's interesting. When we went to India last time (in January 2006) it was at a very inopportune time. I left eraly from 3DYC exhausted, wondering if I made a wise decision, yet knowing it was one God was "calling" me toward.
Here I sit again, leaving right in the thick of the most intense programmatic ministry time (New style Outreaches on Wednesday Nights, Chick Nite, etc.), short notice in preperation, way over our heads, basically thinking this makes no logistical sense, but makes every bit of sense in our spirits.
GOD IS UP TO SOMETHING.
Here's the one I can't kick. I'm going to be living my last week of my 20s involved in something so much bigger than me, so outside of my comfort zone, and halfway around the world to boot.

Is God wanting to show me, us, a new chapter?

He must increase, I must decrease!

India - Reader's Digest Version

Event: Youth-o-Ramah
Location: Raghunathpur, India
Dates: Left Chicago September 27; returned Oct. 8; actual event ran Oct. 2-6.
Who I went with: Janelle and Caleb Bislow.
Purpose: A gathering of 13-35 year olds of the Missionary Church in India.

Some Highlights:

• Two days spent in London seeing buildings older than when Columbus landed in the New World (my most favorite were Westmister Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral).
• Our entire travel time, in a car, flying, or on a train was over 35 hours one way.
• India is a beautiful place with beautiful people. At first sight, it looks and smells so different that you aren't sure. The more time you spend there, the more you see it.
• 400 youth show up, some traveling as long as 30 hours on a bus or train to get there. We were expecting 200-250.
• The youth sat in 7-8 hours of worship and teaching every day and ATE IT UP! I guess when you live in a country where there isn't a church on every corner (anywhere from 1.8-5% Christian) you take advantage of diving into the word when you're with other believers.
• I love working with Caleb Bislow. He's an evangelist. I'm a discipler. He's a preacher. I'm a teacher. We both have a passion for students. He's the real deal. Janelle and I loved our time together.
• Over 70 students chose to become Christ-followers for the first time.
• One gal, Pinkie, came from the Northeast. She belongs to a Hindu family, and she herself is a Hindu. Her friend brought her. During the week, I experienced a transformation in her which climaxed on Friday morning as she stood before the group in utter brokenness explaining that Jesus had come to her in a dream and told her that He was the answer. She couldn't believe she had waited so long to ask Christ to enter her life.
• Logan is the pastor of the Hastings Chapel Hindi Fellowship in Calcutta. God has given him a gift of Healing. We saw it in action. This guy isn't Benny Hinn. He's one of the most humble, kind-hearted, and normal men I've met. The members of his youth group remind me of my group back home.
• Ravi is training to be a jockey in Calcutta. It's a five year process, and horse racing is a big deal. This 16 year old came out of a Hindu background. He returns home committed to "hold the ropes" for his Hindu family, showing and telling them about Jesus Christ, and praying for them to see the light of Christ.
• God has strategically placed Joshua in the Northeast. He travels from village to village, tribe to tribe, sharing the Gospel. He and the others of the Missionary Church have planted over 40 churches and started many more home fellowships. They are now preparing to take the message in to two different bordering countries that are very closed to the Gospel.
• When asking Joshua and Apurba if they face much opposition, they responded, "no perseccution. Just individuals being kicked out their homes and shunned by their families." We have nooo idea as "American Christians".
• Pinkie (different fromt the one above) and Prianca (20 and 18 years old) live at the school where the event took place. Janelle and I fell in love with these gals. Prianca said that her time in Janelle's sessions and spending time together helped her see that she was valued and special to God and His plans. Before we left these gals, who didn't have much, gave us several gifts, including a picture of two cats that was hanging in their house. It will now hang in ours, even though I hate cats.
• Sonmoth is a 40 year old doctor. When he became a Christ follower and "took baptism", he got various tattoos. His mom tied him down and poured acid on his tattoos.
• Pronoy Sarkar, our host, was good friends with Mother Teresa. He once received a special award from the pope himself. This 70 year old has served God faithfully in India. You've heard of Billy Graham? Yoda? Gandalf? Blah.

An incredible time. I kept a journal throughout, and will be posting it in the days to come.
For those who were faithful in prayer, I can tell you that it was an incredible experience. God moved, and the fruit from this event could potentially be far reaching and significant for the Kingdom of God!

Things to do in Mumbai...

3:30 pm India time... 5:00 am Indiana time; 10:00 am London time.
Been here in the Mumbai (Bombay, India) airport for about 3 hours now.
We won't board our plane for another 2 hours.
So, I saw a little internet cafe, paid a buck (45 rupees) and hopped on the old www.

Our bags made it fine. Security in London was a breeze. I had to do a little customs stop because of some of the visuals I'm going to be using at the camp. No problems though. Great times in London. My internal clock is jacked up.
It's off to Culcutta from here. I'm up at Hastings Chapel tomorrow morning (Saturday Night for you guys), then we hop on the train in the afternoon to head to Raghunathpur.

Expecting great things; Attempting great things!

A Little London Update

Outside Westmister Abbey. That building was constructed 400 years before Columbus sailed the Ocean blue!!!

Littlest... car.... EVER!

These Red Phone booths are everywheret. They are sooo London.

On the "London Eye." That's Parlament to the left. Thames Rive below.

Tomorrow before we fly out to the real reason we're on this trip, a little TAWG in Green Park, then we hit Buckingham Palace, London Tower, St. Paul's Cathedral and Millenium Bridge.

I'm tired. It's 8:30 pm here, and I've had 2 1/2 hours sleep since yesterday morning. Goodnight!?!?!?

A Blogcation

I don't know if it's a word, but that's what I'm about to take, a Blogcation.

You may see a little entry from the land of fish n' chips, but once we hit the plane to India, there won't be any word.

Other things I'm going to enjoy taking a "cation" from:

• Cellcation - No phone calls... ahhhh!
• fantasycation - No fantasy sports.
• T-Bellcation - No class "D" beef tacos.
• Carcation - No driving.
• Officecation - No staff meetings, No logistics (seriously), No e-mails
• ChocolaDonnelycation - NO stupid political ads!!!!
• Americansissychristianitycation - It's great to see raw, real Christ followers, and remember what it's really about.
• Comfortcation - Time to get stretched, be challenged, and step out on the ledge and JUMP!

Your prayer for a mighty move in the Youth of India is greatly apprecciated.

Another Trip?

The beginning of the week was full of angst concerning the upcoming Kickoffs and other projects pressing in.
It ends with one of the bigger steps of faith I've taken. It looks like Janelle and I are heading back to India in early October to speak at a Youth Conference. Caleb Bizlow (college buddy and KBM itinerant) will be joining us on the trip as well. The three of us will share the speaking load. There's still some details to be fleshed out, but it is going to happen.

Excitement, nerves, and anticipation are the best way to sum up what's going on.