From one adventure to another...

I am home again. The outcome from the trip was overall good:

Physically: I should be disease and parasite free by early next week. Total weight loss from leaving home to returning home was 25 pounds (For those of you who gave me money for extra food, Thank you SO MUCH!).

Emotionally: It has been a time of ups and downs, but overall good. I had a little post-experience blues, but after some sleep, food, prayer, and a little time, I'm feeling better. Still a bit drained from the experience.

Spiritually: DEFINATELY a time of growth. The begining of the trip I had a tough time. Although I prayed about it, I didn't truly surrender it all to God and trust in His Goodness. As time went on, and things got worse, I learned more and more how to surrender to God and turn to Him for strength to make it through the hard times, instead of whining to Him to take them away when they come. Still learning how to hear His voice. Still growing.

Financially: Overall blow to my bank account: FATAL! So this week I'm praying about direction where God wants me next. If I don't hear anything soon, I'll be looking for a job soon. I hope to go to alaska in September to make some money, and to have another brief adventure. But everything is in God's hands as I wait on His direction.

Overall: I am doing good. This week is my recouperation week. I hope I will be rested and ready to go next week, but I'm not going to push myself too soon. I feel better now, but i'm still a little weak, and tired. But overall I am doing well, and getting better.

I plan on keeping my blog up to date as things happen. I can not thank you enough for the support you all gave me these last months. I couldn't have gone in the first place without your financial support....and I don't know how much more weight I would have lost without the extra bits and pieces along the way for food. I know I couldn't have made it even through the first month emotionally or spiritually without your prayers. And my heart would have been crushed without your love that you have had for me through all this. Many people on my team did not have support in any form from back home, and went home to rough situations...it helped me to see how fortunate I really am.

Who knows what my next adventure will be? I know some of you in Kona are praying that I return there to staff a school...The answer is the same: you'll have to pray extra hard. Those of you here at home, and up in Bellingham who are praying that I return to you, Of course I love you...and of course, i'm torn in deciding...which is why God told me not to decide. I will do whatever God tells me, this does not affect my love for you. Whatever my adventure, and wherever I am (whether a cubical in tacoma, or a jungle in Naviti) I will always love you and do my best to keep you updated on my life. I am more greatful than you may ever know for all you have done for me...so thank you for being a part of my life and my adventures.

Joel