Saturday, 10/18/03 11:17 pm
Chilling out in the Dining Hall

As Americans, we are beasts of comfort and desire…yet despite the lack of sleep and comfort, the group has functioned like a freshly oiled machine. Of course, this isn’t surprising, our true navigator and planner of the grip is the One and Only Almighty God. I just like to pause on moments like these and enunciate His very real power and presence:

• Inadequate sleep prior to an extended journey, yet tranquility persists
• Disgruntled flight attendants and dysfunctional electronics, yet self-control
• Long bus rides, the language barrier, cold showers, manual labor beyond what most are used to, intense interactions with kids, yet love and patience

A lady gave her testimony today, regarding her marriage issues, her son’s disease and her misunderstanding of faith – all of which cleared up after coming into a right relationship with God. And here’s the kicker – who knows if all that didn’t happen just to strengthen the faith and understanding in a group of Californians today? God is awesome. He has brought the fire into our hearts to take a trip to a foreign place in order to understand more about who He is and consequently, His will for our lives. This trip isn’t about what we can offer; it’s about God kicking us out of our comfort zone so He can teach us what He can’t when we’re wearing blinders and ear-plugs back in our false sense of identity.

I’m stoked. I’m alive and well, His Spirit is within me, as I rise and live again. God, I love this level of awareness and life in you. I’m concerned that when this trip is over, I’ll return to my previous inadequate level in my false sense of reality. Help me avoid the normalization gutter that so many lives roll down. Peace out – Chris