in praha!

I made it to Prague today and quickly remembered why I wanted to come back! It feels a lot less busy and hectic then Rome....winter is probably not the peak tourism season (it is in the 30's). The food is also a lot less expensive! Tomorrow I will visit what is considered the largest castle in the world. It is near the center of the city. I'm sure I will be taking a lot of walks on the awesome Charles Bridge that connects the two primary parts of the city. The architecture, charm, and beauty really makes this an easy place to be and enjoy! This is a place you have to experience!

bye for now, rome...

I ended my final day here visiting the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. The last Sunday of the month is free, so I decided to take advantage of the deal. HA! So did everyone else in Rome. I waited 2-hours to get in, but it was still worth it! The older Irish couple standing in line with me asked if I had ever waited in a queue for two hurs. I was a little embarassed to admit probably a couple of times at Disneyland (but only with out-of-town guests!). The art in the museum and the Sistine Chapel is beyond words. Incredible! Too think that so many generations of people have admired the beauty all these centuries.

Gearing up for the next leg of the trip in Prague. I will be there four-days. I was last there in 1994 and always wanted to return! But, I say that about just every place I have been.

More soon...

a day to write home about in rome....

Today it stopped raining and the sun made an apprearance! A perfect day to stroll and linger through key places to experience in Rome! With my Lonely Planet book close by my side, I started at the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Tosed a coin in the fountain which means I will be back someday. I hope so...I am realizing that I have only scratched the surface of all the history, art, and beauty here. I then visited the Pantheon and a few larger piazzas, where people gather. After two weeks in Buenos Aires and several days here in Rome, I realize how much we are missing out at home! We need some public squares and gathering spaces to hang out and enjoy! Along the way I had some good espresso, pizza in an outdoor cafe, and watched part of an Italy-France rugby game in a tavern full of locals (I had no clue what I was watching, but Italy was winning!) . It was a good day to soak in the culture, history, art, and people. I took a ton of pics!

One more day here beofre I leave for Prague on Monday, where it is in the high 20's. (Yikes, and I was complaining about the cold here!)

Just had to share my good day with you all! Miss you all and wish you were here!

cold & wet in roma...

It was hot, humid and felt like 100.4 the day I left Buenos Aires. Today, my first full day in Rome is wet, rainy, and feels like COLD. But, I am loving it here! Every where you look there is significant history, ancient buildings, works of art, fountains, and statues. Sensory overload! Just trying not to panic as I figure out how to make time and space to soak it all in. Since the day turned wet, I spent the afternoon at Saint Peter's Basillica at the Vatican. WOW! TV and pictures don't do the massivness and beauty justice. Visited the tomb of Pope John Paul and other previous popes. I climbed the stairs up to the top of the Basillica dome. What a view (even on a cloudy day)! I enjoyed taking it all in and lingering there! I'll go back Sunday and visit the Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Sorry to say I haven't experienced all the good food yet....Eating on the run and saving up! Stay tuned. Took a ton of pictures, hopefully, I can get a few posted sometime soon.

More soon! Gotta catch my bus back, so I don't have to walk in the rain!

back to winter in rome and prague...

Sorry for not posting more updates! I am wrapping up a sweet two weeks here in Argentina with good friends. It is back to winter again in Rome and Prague after the hot, humid summer weather here. I will miss a lot about the Argentine people and culture. I will especially miss hanging with Walter and Adriana and playing with Cora. I am grateful!

The times hanging with the kids on the streets was important for me. Really good to be reminded in a fresh way the reality these kids face to survive, as I prepare and pray for my upcoming times in Brazil and South Africa. Please pray for the Forcatto´s friends who live and survive on the streets. Pray that they would continue to build relationships and trust. Pray that God would continue to shape and direct the Forcattos and the other church members who share the ministry with them. God is at work.

preach it, bono!

Many of you may have already read this. But, here is the link to Bono´s speech at the National Prayer Breakfast last week. Good words that apply not just to the US government, not just to the church, but also to followers of Jesus Christ! A lot to consider in this speech! "It´s not about charity, it´s about justice..."

Bono´s Prayer Breakfast Speech (http://www.data.org/archives/000774.php)

a few pics with the forcattos

here are a few pics from the time here so far...

week one in buenos aires

The trip has gotten off to a sweet and memorable start here in Buenos Aires with Walter, Adriana, and Cora Focatto. It has been so great to share life and experience the culture here. During our now fifteen years of friendship, Walter often speaks of the people and the culture he loves. So, it is so good to finally experience life here with the Forcatto family!

Our times have included walking the neighborhood and downtown areas, drinking Argentine mate (like tea)in the mornings and afternoons, late-night dinners, Argentine asado (bbq) with the neighbors upstairs, worshiping with their church family, and so much more. The time has also included a couple of visits with the kids on the streets with Walter. I am always amazed and inspired by Walter´s heart and love for these kids. It is so cool to see the beginning of these relationships. I know and trust God has some incredible ministry ahead here, as they continue to share God´s heart and love with the kids!

One more week here before I am off to Rome and Prague. I will try to post again soon, including some pics!

off to argentina...

Tomorrow morning (Super Bowl Sunday) I begin my around the world trip! Words can not express the gratitude in my heart for all the love, affirmation, and encouragement from family, friends, and the church. I am so incredibly blessed with a solid foundation of love and support! My heart has been so full these recent weeks. Thank you for sharing in all this with me! God is so good!

I recently compiled a list of prayer requests at this stage. I have included them below.

1) Pray that I will make every effort to abide and grow in closer relationship with Jesus, as I seek His best for my life and ministry. Pray that He will shape, direct, and clarify His perfect plan each step of the way!

2) Pray for safe and healthy travel on my around the world trip.

3) Pray that I can encourage and bless the friends I will be visiting who are serving around the world, including Walter, Adriana, & Cora Forcatto in Argentina; Brian, Anita, Ami, & Bradley Biedebach in South Africa; Jon Derby in India; and others.

4) Pray that God will continue to shape my heart by those I meet on these trips, including the children who live on the streets in Buenos Aires, the sick and suffering in Calcutta, those suffering from AIDS and poverty in South Africa, and others.

5) Pray that I can continue to grow, learn and practice all I am learning from the spiritual direction course I am currently taking.

6) Pray for my week pre-visit to Cape Town this March 15-22, as I make effort to connect with ministries and churches serving those in need there. Pray that I could make a couple solid ministry relationships in preparation for my time there in early-2007. Pray that I would share God’s heart and love for all those I meet.

7) Pray that God would prepare me for my five-months in Brazil, living in a favela slum community and spending time with children living on the streets. Pray that Holy Spirit would equip me to be an instrument of grace, compassion, and hospitality to all those I meet and spend time with.

journey retreat

I have been blessed with the opportunity to participate in a series of retreats called The Journey. These retreats have been an important time to make space for God alongside the same community of pastors and ministry leaders. The time includes abiding with God in solitude and with one another. This picture was taken last May at my first retreat. These friends and mentors are a valued part of this season ahead! We will complete the final retreat this coming May. I'm sure I will be sharing more about these retreats in the months ahead. I am grateful!

"Generation 11" - May 2005