The Work Continues

Working in the Special project line at OCC.

OCC Update

Just a short update. I really wanted to have pictures here for you but the photographers and I haven't connected yet. So, keep coming back.

The second wave of "OCCers" got here safely Thanksgiving night. All told, between the Grace Bible Church and our group we have 47 people here. And, there are a bunch of people fro of OCC shirts and church shirts. It's kind m all over the country at our hotel. All kindsof cool to see them all.

We had devotions and then we worked from 1 - 7 PM yesterday. There were more people today and processing seemed to go faster today. The new system they are using is much more of a team concept which I think is good. After supper, about half the group went to Carabou Coffee and Ben & Jerry's and then we hung out at the hotel.

Today we begin at 10 AM and then we have reservations at Buca Di Beppo. I love this Italian eatery so I can't wait! After Buca's, there will be some time for a little shopping before getting back to the hotel. It sounds like rain and snow for Sunday so we may leave a bit earlier than expected. (I love cell phones because kids can contact their parents as opposed to a phone tree like we used to do.) Overall, it has been a great trip! The kids have been great.

Working the Warehouse

Here is a short video of our group working in the Operation Christmas Child warehouse on Wednesday. More videos and pics coming soon . . . I hope.

Sorting Boxes

Some of our team sorting boxes on the line at the OCC warehouse.

We Made It To Charlotte

For those of you who are following us while we are in Charlotte we wanted you to know that we have arrived safely, unloaded the luggage and are getting ready for bed. We work tomorrow at the Operation Christmas Child Warehouse from noon to 7 PM. Come back for more information!

OCC Warehouse or Bust

We leave this afternoon for Charlotte, NC, a 10 hour drive, with a bunch of teens and young adults to work in the Operation Christmas Child warehouse on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. I am really looking forward to this trip as usual. You can stay connected if you like all week here on my blog. Please pray for us as we travel to and work in the warehouse.

Spam In NYC

Got to see Spamalot while in the city. Just another Spam event in my
life.

My Wife To Be - A Celebrity

I just wanted you all to know that Jana - my wife to be (24.5 days of freedom left) is going to be an "Affinity Group" leader at National Youth Ministry Conference in Columbus, OH. The conference is February 27 - March 2, 2009 and is sponsored by Simply Youth Ministry and Group Publishing. Her bio is on the NYMC website. Check it out here! I am so proud of her. She will also be the Emcee for two week-long Group Workcamps this summer. She loves teaching (she was a former Physical Education teacher) and speaking and hopes to do a bunch more of these kinds of events.

They are Giving It Away

Gas is below $2.00 in Richfield! Nice!!!

An Open Letter from Nineveh

I am writing from Nineveh. I need your help! I know you are the one God has chosen to help me and long for your presence. I can't wait to see what God is going to do here. I have been alone for a long time and can't wait to share my life and my ministry with someone who loves God and love me. I think things will be different for both of us but if God is in this, we will make it - and i know you know that.

I am not the only one from this fair town who is looking forward to your arrival. I have been surrounded by so many great people who are so excited about you coming to be my help mate. The people that I minister to here will just love you.

Thank you for following God in your trek in life - a trek that led you to me. Thank you for being willing to go, even when you have to leave so many poeple and things you love. Thank you for being you. I love you!!

And the Winner Is . . .

Twenty-three people voted on which country had the most visits since the inception of my blog. Obviously, most of the people either knew me or read "A Bunch of Stuff" because most knew that I had been in Hungary. However, there were only two people who voted for the correct answer and only one who commented about voting for the correct answer. That one person didn't sign their name! So, I don't have any idea who I should give the prize. I guess I will keep the money and offer double for the next contest. . . and who knows when that will be. Thanks for voting. Now for the answer. I was just as surprised as anyone that the most visitors from a country other than the U.S. was. . . SPAIN! I don't know who lives in Spain or why they frequent the blog, but here is the analyitcs:

1. United States 12,080
2. Spain 252
3. Canada 197
4. United Kingdom 136
5. Hungary 64

Look for more contests soon!

Thought of You, Josh Griffin

You probably have heard/seen this before, Josh, but I thought you and your website, www.theforce.net. Thanks to Spencer for the find. Enjoy!


Star Wars - A Cappella Tribute to John Williams from Teşekkür ederiz on Vimeo.

Baloons & Descipleship

Aaron taught everyone how to make dogs out of ballons as part of his
talk about descipleship last night. Fun!

The Things You Won't Do When You Are Getting Married!

This is not a good pic of me at all - it doesn't matter how well I am dressed.

All 50 States, 90 Countries and a Way to Win!

Soon after I started this blog I began to follow how long it would take until I got at least on visitor from every state in the Union. After weeks of watching, I kind of lost interest. This morning I couldn't sleep and found out that sometime in April of this year I had had a visitor from every state AND the District of Columbia. If you don't count D.C., I had 50 states in December of 2007. Just thought you should know.

By the way, there have been visitors on my blog from 90 different countries since I started. Obviously, the U.S. had the most visitors but who do you think was second. I will put up a poll for you to vote and then tell you next week. The countries to vote on will be Canada, Hungary, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Go to the right and vote as soon as it appears. After you vote, leave a comment on this post. A winner will be selected from the correct answers and they will recieve a $10 iTunes gift card or, for those who live close to me, $10 Cruiser's Cafe gift card. Have fun.