Arriving in Europe has been like waking in a fairy tale dream. The castles on the hills and the quaint little cafes on the street corners with well dressed students sipping their espressos and talking about philosophy. Having a stove that when you turn a knob it heats up instantly and you are ready to begin cooking. All of these creature comforts that but a year ago we took for granted, have become part of this surreal experience that is so enticing. Since coming to Germany we have been amazed with the efficiency and detail with which things here are done. But it has not just been a mechanical way of life but it has a great culture and history that fills the place with a certain brilliance. We have trekked to Cologne where we saw the wonderful Cologne Cathedral a wonder of architecture and God's majesty. The massive building is stained with the black smoke from the bombs of WWII and has a certain aura to it that captures ones imagination. On the inside the giant pipe organs haunting voice echoes throughout the hallowed place making it a magical atmosphere that tingles the senses. All of this has been just the beginning of our journey here. The struggle though has changed to an inward battle as opposed to meeting it face on in the day to day poverty that we have become accustomed to seeing. Beggars no longer seem in dire need, and we have become the ones looking shabby and forlorn instead of like the rich white people. That in itself has been a unique change, we are no longer celebrity status, but instead normal people living out their lives. So with that understanding we must begin to press into the word even more and realize just because Europe seems more like home, we cannot become comfortable and stagnant. With poverty slapping you in the face turning to God and asking why and what can I do and just seeking was a mandatory start to each day. But with practical room service some days here in Germany the need of a God who is bigger and guiding your every step almost seems quizzical at times. But its then that we truly need to press in the most. God has plans for our every day and that doesn't change depending on the continent we stand on. Lehmann

Holding Hands

Anyone who has been to Africa would probably know things are so different here it can make your head spin. The other day Jordan came walking home with our video store friend and had his hand held the whole way back. The joke has been that, if one of us is missing someone or feeling lonely, you just need to go for a walk with someone to remind yourself of those good times feeling loved. Now, I can't speak on behalf of ALL western men but, something about having a very prolonged soft grip with another guy's hand seems to throw off the rotation of the planets and life becomes different. When we began to first experience this holding hands phenomenon, initially it was just purely awkward. I began wondering how close this was to crossing over from being "different" and moving into "just wrong" or perhaps unnatural, as I liked to think. Each time it would happen my mind began thinking about the things that need to be done in Africa. The starving kids need food, the governments need accountability, the environment needs more respect, and men need to stop holding each others hands. I wonder if there are a lot of people who have thought about Africa and formed opinions, as I have, about what is wrong, or what needs to be done. But recently I was awkwardly holding hands with a man and had a thought. Maybe we have been treating these countries in Africa so much like charity that we have left them feeling less then us, and we feel like more than them. It's hard sometimes to get past the cultural differences and meet people where they are at. Where is the equality and the friendship? I feel challenged to offer more to these people. To stand with them, or even just to encourage them to love their own country, and to love themselves. When things get tough in life it's all about what you do in response. When hope is lost, your not left with much. In life we all want a HAND TO HOLD, someone who will stand and care for us, someone who will build hope in us. Its hard to miss that when you walk down the street here. The relationships I have here mean a lot to me and have challenged me heaps. Here is a few of our friends. The people we have met here are Awesome! Kenton (1) Our very funny friend, Moses. (2) Henry, who is looking for a wife. (3) Some of the youth, (between 13-45 years old). (4) Grace, our wonderful host.

Uganda's Greatest Memory!

It was a rainy morning, the thunder bellowed in the sky as we set out for the tournament. It was to be a day unlike any other here in Uganda. A day of blood sweat and muddy clothes! We approached the field to cries of muzoongoo muzoongoo, football!! The draft for players went out and three powerhouse teams were formed on that hallowed field. The first was Keno's which took the name "Barcelona" the second was Dan's who blazoned the crest of "Liverpool" and last but not least Jordan's team who were titled with "Manchester United" possibly the greatest football team to ever play the game! The first game was a battle between Liverpool and United. The rain was still soft and the condition of the field was slimy but playable. The teams took their positions and the fight began. It was back and forth, slide tackles, fancy footwork and finally a goal by United! The crowd went wild with cheers of Man U, Man U! Liverpool left that game heads hanging low. Next the mighty Barcelona charged the field against the leading United team. The rains became heavy and the thunder roared as Barcelona took up the champions cry and annihilated the United firm. It was a hard loss, but the game was fair. So with that loss United left the turf to be replaced by Liverpool. This game was invigorating. Liverpool had a fire in their eyes and wanted victory at all costs. Barcelona scored first, and the crowd cheered! But within a matter of minutes Liverpool's strong offence retaliated scoring their own brilliant goal!! The crowd was split, half chanting for Barcelona and half for Liverpool, fights broke out, tears flowed from children's eyes! The air grew thick! As the time ran down Liverpool with an amazing feat of footwork blazed a trail to the net and scored to win the game! The crowd went wild with excitement! The last game of the day was for all the glory. Manchester United pinned up against Liverpool! The rains were hard and the field had turned into a terrain of rivers and mud. The officials tried to call the game on account of bad conditions but the players would not hear of it. They took the field as if warriors of ancient Greece, not backing down, no fear in there eyes, only the thirst for victory engulfing there very soul! The whistle blew and the teams collided! It was back and forth neither team could gain an inch. The crowd's cheers were lost in the heavy rain and pressure of the game. Just as it was looking to be a draw match, Manchester United put it all out on the field pushing towards victory, and in one grand assault they took the win 1-0!! The fans rushed the team raising them to the air and shouting victory chants as the rains poured down. It was a spectacular event one for the history books of football! The tournament ended with photos of the teams. We all were covered in mud and tears, some of joy some of sorrow! But as we walked off that field, we all knew in our hearts that something special had taken place that day. A time of playing in the rain, fighting for victory and enjoying the crowds and chants of the stadium. A memory to be cherished. Lehmann

Moments in time

Well Africa is filled with those moments in time where you gotta stop and shake your head to make sure it is real. I went for a walk the other day through the dirt streets of our small village. I passed many small vendors along the way, each one selling their 2 or 3 items of either banana's and pineapple's or old refurbished shoes or maybe they were deep frying something. All the while I am being yelled at from all directions, "Mzungu!" Some little kids look up at me with a smile of pure excitement, like a child seeing a monkey in the zoo for the first time and giggling at how funny it looks...that's how I usually feel and seeing as how they always want to pet my arm hair I kinda feel exactly like a monkey in a zoo. Its a lot better than the other kids who scream and run for shelter behind anything with black skin, so long as the white monster stays away. I tried overcoming this reaction one day by using candy but that just seemed to make it worse not to mention I felt like one of those strangers parents warn their kids about in Canada when they say "never take candy from a stranger kids". So I was walking down this road and it wasn't long until I could hear the laughter of children playing. I came around the corner of a mud brick home to find about 50 kids or so playing some football or (soccer) in an open lot in front of a mud house with a step. Most of the children huddled on the step watching while a few of the kids played a "heated game" consisting of a small plastic soccer ball and 2 small bricks propped up to make a small net. The game stopped abruptly when I showed up and I felt like King Kong in New york, they all just kinda lost interest in their "heated" game and starred up at me, some of the smaller children ran for cover and then slowly they walked up and held out a hand. I pointed to their ball and it wasn't long and I was on a team and running around in mudded feet kicking around this plastic ball with my new friends. The crowd on the step got a little bit bigger and many of the parents were now watching from a bit of a distance. I eventually managed so tear away from the kids and said I'd come back. Some of the parents came over to me and said "thank you for playing with our children, please come back and bring your friends...thank you so much" and I did get my friends, my two mzungu buddies and the next day we went back. This time we prayed that God might provide someone to translate for us, well as the game got going I sat on the step with the fans and amidst my arms getting pet from the kids huddled around me I met an older girl who had great English. I soon asked if she would translate so that we could share a story and she was more than willing. It wasn't long and we had the 50-60 kids all singing songs about Jesus and listening to a story about Jesus calming the storm. As we walked away the second day I really had to do another retake and I couldn't believe the moment in time that I was in. One of those moments where you can tell the whole world how much you love your God because He is more than faithful. Daniel

Uganda Pictures

*** EDITED TO ADD***

Sorry, I am Keli and I accidentally put Rwanda as the title of the blog post. When Dan sent me the pictures I mistakenly put the wrong place. Sorry for confusing anyone ...

The faces of Africa have been beautiful and warming. We have felt like kings living here and have not had a lack of things to do. I am in awe of the faithfulness of God and the way that He has led our every step. Arriving to Africa was an intimidating mystery to us but since our feet have touched this red soil we have been nothing but blessed. Spending our days amongst the laughter of children and swimming in the green water of Rwanda has been nothing less than fulfilling. We've made friends of all ages and from all cultures. I already feel that tug on my heart that so many feel when they touch the soils of this great continent. I see and feel a love and joy for life that is not found in materials but only in faces around them. The Bishop of the parish in Gahini where we have worked said to us the other day, "Western people take such good care of the body that they forget to take care of their soul, here in Africa people take such good care of the soul that they forget about taking care of the body" It is very true in so many ways but I am not here to criticize my country, I am here to soak in the culture of Rwanda and let it change who I am today and who I will become tomorrow. I have never talked to a person who come home from Africa disappointed or unchanged and it so easy to understand why. It only takes few days here and my heart feels changed, challenged and renewed. Rwanda has been a joy to experience. A country of a bloody history now sitting in a great peace, a president who loves God

and revival on the doorstep. I am blessed to be here, to be challenged be these beautiful faces and to enjoy the laughter and joy of life that comes only from human relationship. Daniel

oh, and as usual I am trying to be culturally aware in my appearance and fit in as much as I can.

Big smiles

1^These guys with us all were doing so much at the conference here in Gahini Rawanda. Next to me (Kenton) is Micheal Morrelli who has preached to hundreds of thousands all around the world sharing the gospel. We got the chance to hang out with him lots and we were even able to get him out in the middle of the lake with the leaky row boat with us. Between Jordan and Daniel, is Bishop Alexis. His was the only name we knew coming here, and he fully took us in and got us helping out with the children. We have been able to see more of his vision for this area, and the impact that can be made here. To the far right is a man with style. He was involved with a choir from Tanzania, that had heaps of talent. 2^What a precious child. And that baby is pretty cute too. 3^When we get home ask to see these pictures... we have too many to put on here, but the amount of people that came to this conference was so huge! 4^ Each morning we had teams that would go out into a village, and teach Bible stories, sing songs, and play games with the children. There were 6 different teams and the numbers of kids per village varied from 150-800 kids. 5^After each day with the kids we would come back to Gahini and spend time around the centre. We could spend time with the people there and play in the park area, or in the lake.

Africa

Entering into Africa was a whole new world yet again. We flew into Uganda and the airport was a small strip of land that was being developed. We were picked up from the airport and treated like gold by the missionaries here. It was just a short stay in Uganda, and then we caught a bus to Rwanda for a conference in Gahini. As we arrived in Gahini we were expecting to be working with a small church and just a tiny youth conference. But as it turned out this conference was bringing people from around the world to help out. There are representatives from Saddleback church in California, from Washington DC, from Australia, from the UK, from all over Africa and we three from Canada! Many of the volunteers from the West have been working with the different kids ministries in the surrounding villages. My first day going and speaking with the kids was absolutely incredible. I got to share about Jesus Christ and how He loves and cares for us, and wants to be in relationship with us with over eight hundred kids! Then just today I was speaking in front of another three to four hundred kids in another village! It has just been such an incredible honour and privilege to be sharing Christs love and praying over these young children. God is doing so much here, it stops one in their tracks and you realize just what a great King we serve! During the days there are thousands of men and women showing up to hear speakers from around the world share with them about Jesus. We have had the privilege of getting to know one of the main speakers Michael Morrelli who has done evangelistic type events all over the world. This is the 22nd country he has been to, which was cool to hear because it is our 22nd country on this trip that we have been able to experience. He has been a huge encouragement to us and just inspired us to keep on sharing what God is doing around the world and in our lives everyday as He provides and leads us. The people here in Gahini have truly welcomed us as if we were ambassadors of Canada. They have given us a fantastic place to stay, three huge meals a day, drivers to take us around and just really gone all out to make us feel special. And for three guys backpacking around the world who just happened to luck out and be here at this time for this event it has been even more incredible! And a true testimony that God is leading our every step, day by day. We are so excited for what else God will do during this time in Africa. Its a country of amazing people and a wildness to it that keeps one intrigued and excited. We were told that there was an electricity in the air when one came to Africa and it is true, here your hair stands on end if you stick around! Lehmann

Expectation

There are moments in life where we all question why, we all wonder, and we all strive in vain, wishing it could be some other way. Expectations in life can be a dangerous thing, as can dreams but without them what would life be but a mere day with a sun up and a sun gone down. I am not satisfied with a life without dreams with a life of no hope or no expectations of a faithful God. To hope and believe in a faithful God is a vulnerable thing but one without disappointment. To expect things from God...well we must, it is our act of faith to expect that God will pull through for us but we some how miss the point when our expectations fulfill our own gain. I feel stupid time and time again when I have to realize that the God of heaven who made the universe obviously knows better than I do. When things don't happen as I expect them to I can know that God is doing better things, but at the time my heart is only filled with these selfish questions, why can't it be my way? To let go for a guy like me...not easy. To trust...I fight it. To believe that God has something better in store...I must. True expectation of a faithful God is not about how He can fulfill my dreams but how I can fulfill His. About how my life becomes one with the desires of God, and before I know it I am walking in His footsteps. I guess that is what faith is really about isn't it? Coming in line with the Divine and perfect will of a perfect God? Well my faith has certainly been stretched these past weeks to open my eyes and see the movements of a faithful God. I have certainly had to let go these days and trust that the things God has in store for my life are far better than the things that I could wish for in my life. Tonight I get on a plane for Africa, by tomorrow at this time I will be standing in a war torn land of poverty and need. I expect God to do amazing things there and I know already that it is not how I could imagine it but only as He wants it. May this same faithful God lead my steps there as He has here. Daniel

Greece and Bulgaria

I don't enjoy putting up posts as much without photos to go with it. The last while our camera has been giving us difficulties. Now that we got it fixed, I'm excited to get lots of photos on now.

Basically after we were spending time with all the locals in Sulcuk (Effisis) we took a ferry to Samos island in Greece. We experienced the unbelievable beauty that was there. Then we went by ferry to Athens where we went to Acropolis to see the ruins on the mountain top. From Athens we went up the east coast by train to Katerini on a quest to experience a pure form of the Greek culture we were still trying so hard to find. Unfortunately we found it to be a mini Vegas on the beach that was packed with Eastern European tourists. From there we went to Sofia in Bulgaria, which was a cheaper place to stay and to see the churches and parks in the city. Now we have returned to Istanbul Turkey, where we will fly out of on Friday to Uganda.

To be honest I've felt a little let downs since we left for Greece. I had expectations of finding someone or something that would give us a new great experience. That I would somehow connect with the culture and have an experience that would be uniquely Greek, but yet I feel we hardly experienced the culture at all the way I hoped to. We have often prayed that we will meet someone either at the ferry, the hostel, or where ever. That a person would offer us a place to stay or to introduce us to his circle of friends. It is not just a way to save money but to experience what life is truly like for the people in each place. The three of us were hoping and praying that we would see the Greek culture this way. But it didn't happen. We saw it from 'the outside', like a tourist. These last weeks I've felt a lot like a tourist, we just need the flower shirts to go with the image. It's the times like this on our trip that I question how useful I really am, what purpose I have here? I still trust God has called us to tour the world, to go where we have gone, but I sometimes fail to see why. Perhaps there is a lesson in this that I must learn. Maybe our journey is not always gonna look the way I expect it to. That my will doesn't always line up with God's. That I need to trust He is using us the way He desires. I have seen some cool things these last two weeks: we saw maybe some of the most beautiful ocean water, and rocky islands while were in Greece. We saw the Greek Orthodox churches that stand on top of little mountain peaks and experienced the effect the religion has on the people's lives. We've also met heaps of travelers, people from all over. We have shared the gospel of Jesus with them and listened to all different questions they have. Many of them have their own views of God, life, and the world. A part of me thinks I have heard it all, but I know that I've only scratched the surface of what there is out there. I imagine that as we arrive in Africa on Saturday we may be entering into a whole new land of different worldviews. I expect that I will continue to be stretched while I'm there and I don't expect that Africa will be much like anything I've seen before. We have 6 weeks in Africa, after that we will be in Europe until November, and we are asking for the strength to finish strong. There is so much more to do and see. We covet your prayers.

Kenton

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I'm not sure who this kiss is for...

Time Travel

Thus far our time here in Turkey has been an adventurous one. Starting from getting caught up in a big scam in Istanbul, to experiencing the collide of muslim and christian in the Hagia Sophia museum. Then upon arriving here in Solcuk we have had the rad experience of going and checking out the ancient city of Ephesus, as well as just today we made our way to a beach on the Aegean Sea where Dan and Kenton found a cliff to huck ourselves off of. These experiences intermingled with meeting the people has made Turkey a wonderful place for the three of us.

In the early morn of our 244 day travelling we ventured first into the Blue Mosque. It was absolutely brilliant in all its magnitude. The outside was a fantastic architectural feat, while the inside could not help but take one outside of themself and think on a bigger scale. From there we crossed through a wonderful plaza with a gushing fountain and tourists from all around the world, to enter the gates of Hagia Sophia. From the outside Sophia looks to be a run down shadow of her former glory. But as one enters through the large steel doors and first lays eyes upon the breathtaking interior you realize what a true gem she is. The mix of muslim and Christian art intrigues and confounds, so opposed and yet inhabiting the same building for all to see. It was from there that we travelled the ten hour bus ride to Solcuk the town that now resides on the outskirts of ancient Ephesus. This place was another incredible experience for me. Walking through this city that was once the epicenter of the whole world, brought so much life to Pauls words in his letter to the Ephesians. We got the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of the lifestyle and culture of those times. From the worship of Artemis, to the openly public brothels, and the opulent wealth that was Ephesus. Then just today we made our way down to the beach on the Aegean sea. It was rather a normal beach except for the superb cliff jumping that was just around the bay. Dan and Kenton spent a bit of time exploring and finding what looked like and excellent place to jump. So after little hesitation Dan hucked himself from the five meter cliff, praying that it was deep enough!! As the afternoon continued on we found ourselves wanting to take the next step and to begin diving, so there Kenton took the lead and dove from the highest point possible! After that Kenton encouraged Dan and myself also to take the plunge. So one after another we spent the rest of the afternoon diving off of these cliffs into the clear blue waters below! We even met some other crazy locals that joined us and we became friends with. They invited us to hang out for the evening and so after getting back from the beach we chilled out with some of the local guys and even got to share the gospel with them and why we believe that its the truth, and applicable to all people. It was a cool night, the people here are incredibly friendly and were excited to hang out with them more as the week progresses. So those are just a few of our recent adventures here in Turkey. While you read this please pray for this country also. It is predominantly a Muslim nation with very little Christian involvement. Yet there is so much hope, as we have talked with the youth here, many of them believe in a god and say they are not muslim, but instead searching. Thus be in prayer for transformation and understanding, prayer truly does revolutionize nations! Lehmann

We find ourselves walking ancient streets once again. Istanbul Turkey is a city of fascinating history. Once known as Constantanople this city was taken over by Islamic rule hundreds of years ago and the result is a country devoted to the god of Islam. Here Islam is most definitely prominent as Mosque's fill the landscape in every direction possible. I am glad to be in Turkey though and I am expecting great things of this country. Though I see the face Islam everywhere I am confident that the workings of a faithful loving

father God is moving in this country. We still have no idea our purpose here or where we will go or how long we will stay but I know a God who knows all those details and in His good time we will also know. I remember a morning a long while back walking the streets of Eston in a thick fog early one morning and I was asking God to know my future, I wanted Him to just tell me what I would do and I heard the voice of God so clearly that morning tell me "look down the road, you can see less than a block but its all you need to see because as you walk you will see more, that's your future. You don't need to know what is farther down the road, I know what's beyond the fog and I will show you what you need to see. Just keep walking" It was a moment of revelation in my life and something I have to really obey these days. We all trust that God has been leading our journey from the beginning but sometimes sitting in these moments its a lot harder than telling the story after the fact. So as the Lord leads us we will continue on in hopes of meeting people and seeing the fascinating history of this land. Daniel

This could be you

Ya I know some may say the whole mullet thing is getting old primarily Kendall but you gotta understand I am in a culture of mullets and I am just trying to fit in, so go easy on me I really am innocent. Nice yamakuks huh?

this is the famous wailing wall of Jerusalem where thousands come daily to pray for the restoration of the temple.

we try to party like its 1999

There's some paint for you The mount of Olives

Flashbacks to the good days

Well just wanted to give some extra visual to the whole stories thing. Dream big cause there is no reason these pictures couldnt be of you! Life on the road gets tiresome but the blessing always weigh heavier. Looking back on 8 months of travel now it is incredible to see the hand of a faithful God in a broken world. Well I hope you enjoy and that you have a blessed day. Shalom and blessings to all. Dan