Mike Cope used this today and I wanted to post it as well.

“Somewhere along the way the movement of Jesus Christ became civilized as Christianity. We created a religion using the name of Jesus Christ and convinced ourselves that God’s optimal desire for our lives was to insulate us in a spiritual bubble where we risk nothing, sacrifice nothing, lose nothing, worry about nothing. Yet Jesus’ death wasn’t to free us from dying, but to free us from the fear of death. Jesus came to liberate us so that we could die up front and then live. Jesus Christ wants to take us to places where only dead men and women can go.” - Erwin Mcmanus

Things here at Disney are continuing to go very well. I'm doing some administrative work today and waiting for our group from Algeria to arrive. Even with all the trips I've made to the parks, there's still magic to be found -- it's awesome.

International incident

Ok, maybe incident is a bit strong, but yesterday was quite amusing. I spent the day with our Italian group at Animal Kingdom. We had a class with Disney's Y.E.S. (Youth Education Series) program and then stayed in the park for several hours after it. On our way out (due to storms that closed the good rides), we passed by one of many, many Brasilian groups. Like Brasilians do, they were singing and chanting songs and enjoying themselves. My Italian group of 12 decided to sing "We Are the Champions" (in Italian, of course) because of their World Cup victory last summer. This was done to rouse the Brasilians and it did so perfectly. It prompted them to respond with chants of "Penta campion" -- five time champions, their reference to the number of times they've won the World Cup. (Brasil has more World Cup titles than any other country.)

That was fun to watch, but it escalated (someone threw a pitch fork...Anchorman reference) when that Brasilian group arrived behind us at the bus stop. Not only that, but there were two other Brasilian group in front of us. My group of 12 decided again to sing their victory songs and national anthem, which brought about a wave of Portuguese echoing through all around us. I was greatly amused because of the fun the Italians were having with it and the fact that I could've sung along with the Brasilians. No one was injured, though we received a handful of solitary fingers in our direction. There were some conversations between my kids and the Brasilians, mostly about soccer and the Copa America that finished up yesterday. Teenagers interacting and vocalizing for the sake of their countries -- quite amusing.

Things have been quite busy since I've arrived in Orlando. There are four groups with us this week, with a total of 52 kids, ranging in age from 8-18. They are from Taiwan, the Dominican Republic, France, and Mexico. They've been great so far; we started our classes yesterday morning and will teach every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Today, as we will on most Tuesdays and Thursdays, we participated in one of Disney's Youth Education Series classes, which take groups on special tours and programs through the parks. We spent this morning with Y.E.S. at Animal Kingdom and finished the day at the park. The Y.E.S. program is so good; the interactive and experiential learning that they do is awesome. Combined with our teaching English, the kids get such a great experience and knowledge of a variety of subjects. I learned a great deal from the tour this morning and can't wait to do it again in two weeks.

I've been really encouraged the past couple of weeks witnessing God's answers to prayers. From the safety of my travels to the energy to keep going to the joy of what I'm doing, the "little" prayers I keep sending his way keep returning from him with such refreshment and fulfillment. And my thankfulness overflows. Thank you to those who keep lifting me up; I definitely sense God's hand upon me through your offerings. His faithfulness keeps marching on.

L.A. to Orlando

Well, my fun is now over...I've got to go to work. I'm in LAX waiting for my Southwest flight to board. I'm flying to Orlando today and starting work at Disney once I arrive (I think). Maybe I'll get to start tomorrow. I've had such a wondeful time in Los Angeles the past several days. As keeping with my summer's theme, it's been jam-packed. Chad and I got to hang out with Kathlee and Rhonda, who are sisters of Glenna, the wife of our former roommate Will. They've been living in the L.A. area for several years and we had a blast with them. When we arrived, we toured Hollywood and Highland, had a picnic in a park, and took in a concert (the L.A. Philharmonic) at the Hollywood Bowl. Will and Glenna arrived on Thursday afternoon and met us at Dodger stadium for the Braves game (which they won 8-6). Friday was spent in Malibu. Chad and I made it to the beach Thursday and Friday mornings near the place we were staying as well. Yesterday was my friend Brack's wedding, which was awesome. It was small and at a Catholic church. The officiant is a Deacon and he was a trip; whatever staleness is paired with the Catholic faith was completely thrown out the window with his endearing seemingly-absentmindedness. He was precious. The wedding and reception were great. We capped off the night by looking at pictures from the trip. Alright, my flight is boarding, so I've got to run. Pics to come...

Whew. I'm tired. Though I've caught up on a lot of my sleep, I still feel worn out from the last month of traveling. Surprisingly, I had the thought of a welcomed settledness this coming fall in Tuscaloosa -- quite strange. But what a great summer so far. So many miles, so many faces, so many memories already.

The most recent trip (Dominican Republic with Luke and Norm) was really special. My brother is planning on moving there sometime next year to work with an intensive training program for guys and girls interested in mission work. It's a program that's still somewhat in the dream and planning stages, but something that's got a wealth of potential. Before moving to the DR, he plans to go to language school in Guatemala to learn Spanish. Getting to be in the DR with Luke, seeing where he's planning to be, meeting those with whom he'll be working -- outstanding. There are so many great hearts listening to God's stirrings in that place and it seems the floodgates are about to open.

As for me, I'm still listening. There are so many possibilities for someone who certified, able, and willing to teach English overseas. This trip gave me a glance at what that might look like. Most every ministry, especially in places like the DR, could easily incorporate that type of education, especially when the education is so absent. I'm guessing (and hoping) I'll be faced with several options, overseas and in the U.S., when my master's program is over.

On the immediate horizon is a trip to L.A. for my friend Brack's wedding. From there I'll fly to Orlando to start work at Disney. Crazy to think that in less than a week I'll be at Disney World hanging out with international students and helping them learn and improve their English. Crazy.