getting this started...

The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the road has gone, and I must follow it if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet, until it joins the larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say?
~ Bilbo Baggins in the Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings begins with Bilbo Baggins leaving the home at the Shire for an unknown destination. He did not know what was ahead on the road but he headed off with eager feet. He knew the road was far ahead, yet he was off to follow it as best he could.

Bilbo’s song resonates with me. I feel a bit like Bilbo not knowing what is ahead. This blog is my attempt to share my path on the road with all of you. It is good for our paths on the road to meet.

Okay, I am gonna need to make this up as I go! I'm old skool. But, here is my best attempt to share all I am experiencing and learning as I begin this new season and journey. As I soon begin 18-months of travel and life overseas, I hope to regularly share reflections, random & fun stories, pictures, updates, and questions. I am realizing that it is often more about asking the right questions than having all the answers.

Here is the nutshell summary of the next 18-months:

February-April 2006 – Personal Around the World Trip
My dream frequent flyer mile trip! The stops include: Buenos Aires, Argentina w/ the Forcattos; Rome, Italy; Prague, Czech Republic; Johannesburg, South Africa w/ the Biedebachs; Cape Town, South Africa; Mumbai, Goa, & Calcutta, India w/ Jon Derby; Bangkok & Phuket Thailand w/ Jon. It will be good and sweet to be with friends serving in these places.

June-November 2006 – WMF Internship (Part I) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Word Made Flesh (WMF) serves among the poorest of poor around the world. The Brazil missionaries live and minister in favela slum neighborhoods in Rio. They minister among those who suffer from drugs, poverty, and violence, especially children living on the streets.

January-April 2007 – WMF Internship (Part II) in Cape Town, South Africa
I will take what I learn in Brazil and explore new ministry opportunities for myself and Word Made Flesh in South Africa. Specific areas of exploration will involve partnering with ministries sharing God’s love, peace, and hope to those impacted by AIDS/HIV, racism, and poverty. There are many children who live on the streets in Cape Town.

Let the blogging begin... this will be fun!!