OnE Week in OnE Year.

So here's the STORY. Next Saturday is my birthday (MAY 15th); and this year after being inspired by a good friend, I want to do something different.

So here's the GOAL - over the next week - I will be aiming to raise $1,460 for the Kids of Hope program in Burkina Faso. This will allow the purchase of 36 1/2 bags of rice at $40 each (see above pic) - which in turn will feed the boys for ONE ENTIRE YEAR!

So here's the SUMMARY: ONE WEEK IN ONE YEAR Yup - That's right - I am completely confident that in one week's time, partnered with some incredible people - like YOU - we can make this happen!

Scope Out the New Site!

The past couple months have brought many changes; and one of those is a new home site (CLICK HERE) that has been redesigned from the ground up. It's maintained and updated on a daily basis which means pertinent content to frequent visitors like you and me. Check it out when you get a chance. Feedback is welcome.

(side note: for many of you that I have not yet been able to see in person, I am still with the same organization. We just recently went through a name change from Calvary International to Go To Nations [G.T.N. for short] Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions)

From the moment I wake up....

Yes - this is Washington - and this morning the sunrise was stunning and amazingly colorful. Though not every morning is this beautiful, there are some that just stand out so distinctly that you can't help but just stop and stare for a while, appreciating God's handiwork.

It's officially March 1st; and if you haven't already been able to get out and enjoy the mild winter here in Washington, I would encourage you to do so before the rains begin.

Enjoying the sights in Washington - Lake 22 - more than just an alpine lake hike.

On a recent hike up to Lake 22 here in Washington State, I decided to take the video camera along with and get some up close shots of the mountains across the valley that I have always wanted to shoot. It's amazing what you can see on a clear, blue sky sunny day here!

The road ahead....

I thought this pic was fitting as 2010 will bring a fresh direction in my life and many of those around me.

With a fresh direction - missions still burns deep in my heart.

In Redding, CA for the week.

While in Burkina Faso, I was able to get to know the Harrison family. They are currently in Redding, CA and had asked me a while back to come and speak at a class that they are teaching here at a local university about missions. The first day here was beautiful, so we went up for a little hike over looking a local lake.

A Very Merry Christmas.

Since I left for Burkina Faso in 2005, I have spent each Christmas with the Hayslip family (Joel, Heidi, Jakob, and Silas) and Kate Royal; and although each year was still special in its own way, I hold this Christmas closest to my heart. For the first time since 2004, I am able to spend the holidays with my sister and parents. A very special Christmas indeed.

African Foosball Table.

Yes indeed - hand made right here in Ouagadougou - this is a foosball table that gets more use each day than anything I have ever seen! It takes a lickin and keeps on tickin. The boys really do love playing this game; and they are good at it too. I don't think I have ever won a game against them.

All moved out....

I don't know if I have ever posted any pics of the inside of my house on this blog; but in case you were wondering, "where does he live?" or "what does a typical place look like in Ouagadougou?" - Here it is. As of this week - I am all moved out and will be staying with a fellow missionary here in town until my departure. In the mean time, I will be listening to "I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Katharine McPhee (currently free on iTunes) because for the first time in FOUR YEARS I WILL be home for the Christmas!!!!! See YOU soon.