Well good morning world, and hello Austin.
I arrived here safe and sound Tuesday afternoon and its been great. I met all manner of weather on my trip down; snow, sleet, fog, rain, sun, wind...some beyond the ambit of what I would have expected my southern course to provide.
I spent the night in Lubbock on Monday with Jim and Radene Fuller. Their house is a perfect half way point between The Springs and Austin. I believe the term "southern hospitality" was birthed at their house. There can't be many other people as generous as them. I got a hearty night sleep and was on my way again bright and early the next morning.
"So what is your course of action now that you have arrived in your new city?" you might ask. Let me take you on a journey to explain the answer.
Yesterday, I searched for a place to live. Today, I am searching for a place to live. Tomorrow, however, I will be (yes indeed)...searching for a place to live.
I have been so blessed to have Tony and Carrie Black open their home to me for a brief time while I search for other living quarters. They have been awesome to get to know and have provided me much sound wisdom about Austin.
There is so much to take in and so much to accomplish. I am pleased that my waiting period is over and that I am now able to dig my feet in and get my hands dirty. What will the next years hold? My hope: whole-hearted abandon for a city who's time is yet to come.
"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation that you believe to be the will of God." ~ Jim Elliot
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
I'm Back
It is from the same Starbucks, on the same street, at the same time of day, sitting in the same chair with the same beverage that I write you my next update!
This trip has already been wonderful. It was super dumb trying to get here though as the Austin Airport ran out of de-icing fluid. Why in the WOLRD would AUSTIN of all places run out of fluid that takes ice off of planes and runways. Something just doesn't add up.
So Spero and I arrived to our hotel sometime around 7 PM...12 hours after we had left our houses. We went out and grabbed dinner at an amazing sports bar called "Tully's" and then proceeded back to the hotel to grab some sleep.
This morning found me starting my day at Mozart's Coffee shop; a modest little place sitting right on the river.
I then decided to take my incredibly indecent pair of flip flops for a nice long walk...around 10 miles. I trekked across the city (literally) and my ventures landed me back here. Starbucks is a safe haven for people everywhere. Its like a CIA safe house or PETA for neglected critters. (Insert sarcastic political comments here)
So after 5 blisters and several cuts, I have decided that Austin is beginning to feel like home. Although I have to laugh at how many strange looks I'm getting today for wearing a t-shirt, shorts and flip flops in 50 degree weather. I have seen no more than 2 people today without a long-sleeved shirt or coat and everyone is complaining about how cold it is. The ornery part of me wants to stand up and start asking, "Is it hot in here? Can you turn up the AC?"
I feel like I'm beginning to understand the layout of the city and getting a better feel for the people also. I can't wait to move down here in a little over 2 weeks! We have our interest meeting tomorrow night on the 17th floor of the Hyatt Regency which overlooks the city lake. Its going to be a beautiful view. It seems I have left my camera cable at home, but I will upload pictures as soon as I can.
I love you all! Be blessed.
L
This trip has already been wonderful. It was super dumb trying to get here though as the Austin Airport ran out of de-icing fluid. Why in the WOLRD would AUSTIN of all places run out of fluid that takes ice off of planes and runways. Something just doesn't add up.
So Spero and I arrived to our hotel sometime around 7 PM...12 hours after we had left our houses. We went out and grabbed dinner at an amazing sports bar called "Tully's" and then proceeded back to the hotel to grab some sleep.
This morning found me starting my day at Mozart's Coffee shop; a modest little place sitting right on the river.
I then decided to take my incredibly indecent pair of flip flops for a nice long walk...around 10 miles. I trekked across the city (literally) and my ventures landed me back here. Starbucks is a safe haven for people everywhere. Its like a CIA safe house or PETA for neglected critters. (Insert sarcastic political comments here)
So after 5 blisters and several cuts, I have decided that Austin is beginning to feel like home. Although I have to laugh at how many strange looks I'm getting today for wearing a t-shirt, shorts and flip flops in 50 degree weather. I have seen no more than 2 people today without a long-sleeved shirt or coat and everyone is complaining about how cold it is. The ornery part of me wants to stand up and start asking, "Is it hot in here? Can you turn up the AC?"
I feel like I'm beginning to understand the layout of the city and getting a better feel for the people also. I can't wait to move down here in a little over 2 weeks! We have our interest meeting tomorrow night on the 17th floor of the Hyatt Regency which overlooks the city lake. Its going to be a beautiful view. It seems I have left my camera cable at home, but I will upload pictures as soon as I can.
I love you all! Be blessed.
L
Friday, February 5, 2010
Crunch Time...
Well, this Sunday is the Superbowl. Yet another season coming to a close!
As I think about football, I realize that I, in a way, have run my life like a football team; always striving toward the big goal without looking beyond what lies there.
For the longest time I had my mind set on specific goals as if they were my "superbowl of achievement" and every season leads to either success or failure. Yet each season also brings with it new sets of experience. Skills are developed, limits are pushed, excellence is expected and self is denied.
The end of this season has given me a chance to draft new talent (i.e. new goals and standards). This is a chance to dig into the ultimate playbook and find my purpose through this transition.
I glanced at my calendar today only to realize that I am 37 days away from my move. Time is flying by and anticipation is rising at exponential rates. Its amazing how one thing can be the cynosure of life for so long, that when it comes time to change focus, it almost feels like a letdown. However, its the unknown; the invaluable chance to see beyond the realm of ones own experience that leads to a heightening of spiritual awareness. I have experienced the presence of God more strongly in the past 5 months than I can ever remember and I am more than willing to let Him coach me no matter where it may lead...superbowl or not.
My challenge to you: Be mentally awake. Don't trade wisdom for a habitual state of mind. Listen to the calling of the LORD.
L
P.S. On the right side of this page I have a list of upcoming dates that you can be praying for. Our trips and meetings will be listed with details of what we need you to cover in prayer.
As I think about football, I realize that I, in a way, have run my life like a football team; always striving toward the big goal without looking beyond what lies there.
For the longest time I had my mind set on specific goals as if they were my "superbowl of achievement" and every season leads to either success or failure. Yet each season also brings with it new sets of experience. Skills are developed, limits are pushed, excellence is expected and self is denied.
The end of this season has given me a chance to draft new talent (i.e. new goals and standards). This is a chance to dig into the ultimate playbook and find my purpose through this transition.
I glanced at my calendar today only to realize that I am 37 days away from my move. Time is flying by and anticipation is rising at exponential rates. Its amazing how one thing can be the cynosure of life for so long, that when it comes time to change focus, it almost feels like a letdown. However, its the unknown; the invaluable chance to see beyond the realm of ones own experience that leads to a heightening of spiritual awareness. I have experienced the presence of God more strongly in the past 5 months than I can ever remember and I am more than willing to let Him coach me no matter where it may lead...superbowl or not.
My challenge to you: Be mentally awake. Don't trade wisdom for a habitual state of mind. Listen to the calling of the LORD.
L
P.S. On the right side of this page I have a list of upcoming dates that you can be praying for. Our trips and meetings will be listed with details of what we need you to cover in prayer.
Friday, January 22, 2010
My First Visit
I am currently sitting in a Starbucks on the corner of 6th and Congress in downtown Austin...what a perfect place to write my next update!!!
As most of you know, the team came down to Austin this week to have an interest meeting, get to know the city, and look for housing. The interest meeting was last night and was a huge success. We had 50 in attendance and the Lord showed up in a big way. I have spent most of today just getting to know the area. Ross and Aimee are off looking at houses. Spero, Brent and Greg are looking at housing and possible locations for the church and I have been walking around downtown for the past 2 hours.
I must admit, I am beginning to fall in love with this city. The diverse cultures combined with the feel of a metro area similar to Denver is a reassurance that this will feel like home. It amazes me to see college students, politicians, musicians and homeless all living amongst each other...and what amazes me even more is that they seem to co-exist without as much as a notice of each other. As I've been walking there hasn't been more than 3 people that have made eye contact with me and only one responded to a "hello".
My heart is breaking for this place and now I better understand what it will take to love these people. I believe it will be hard for me to go back to the Springs tomorrow as this already is beginning to feel like home but I am excited to walk through the process between now and March that will lead me here. More than anything, I am waiting in great expectancy to see God move in this place.
Thank you for your prayers. I love you all dearly.
L
As most of you know, the team came down to Austin this week to have an interest meeting, get to know the city, and look for housing. The interest meeting was last night and was a huge success. We had 50 in attendance and the Lord showed up in a big way. I have spent most of today just getting to know the area. Ross and Aimee are off looking at houses. Spero, Brent and Greg are looking at housing and possible locations for the church and I have been walking around downtown for the past 2 hours.
I must admit, I am beginning to fall in love with this city. The diverse cultures combined with the feel of a metro area similar to Denver is a reassurance that this will feel like home. It amazes me to see college students, politicians, musicians and homeless all living amongst each other...and what amazes me even more is that they seem to co-exist without as much as a notice of each other. As I've been walking there hasn't been more than 3 people that have made eye contact with me and only one responded to a "hello".
My heart is breaking for this place and now I better understand what it will take to love these people. I believe it will be hard for me to go back to the Springs tomorrow as this already is beginning to feel like home but I am excited to walk through the process between now and March that will lead me here. More than anything, I am waiting in great expectancy to see God move in this place.
Thank you for your prayers. I love you all dearly.
L
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