Green Christmas

We finally made our destination. It feels so good to be staying in a home and to be far away from buses. I haven't ridden in a bus or a taxi for almost a week and it feels almost heavenly. Since we got to town we have been helping a mission in the city of Santa Cruz who is feeding 4500 homeless people for Christmas. We are the delivery boys I guess you could say, hauling ovens and an entire cow, in parts of course. Last night we went to the streets and began to hand out meals to the homeless and we literally saw people crawl out of the sewers to come have a meal. Once again I am humbled, I have learnt that I need a lot of this whole humbling thing in order for God to use me. When I look at what we have done for work in the past week, month I can´t list too many things and it frustrates me sometimes cause I am a real doer, I like to see physical accomplishment. But all three of us can quickly agree that their has been a dynamic work in progress and it has been in our hearts, in our character, the way we treat one another, our attitude towards the frustrations of cultures and the list carries on. I am beginning to grasp the concept that God will always be stretching our character and causing us to grow for as long as we all live. It is marvelous really to think that the God of all the earth takes delight in us and is not content to leave us where we are. Christmas is a heartbreaking time for us and we cannot help but think of home. When you really love people I think you really can actually hurt to not be with them. The missing home changes from memories to a pain in ones heart that makes you want to do anything to take your mind off of home. I love my family, I love them more than words can describe and I cannot help but image them at home today surrounded by all the beautiful snow. Bolivia is a different world at Christmas, there are lights everywhere and loud music to celebrate. Traditionally here the Christmas starts tonight and goes all night with loud music, lots of food and lots of family and friends. We will spend our Christmas eve at the home for homeless boys. It is where we are spending our next month. Hanging our with boys ages 10-19 who have literally come to the home straight from the streets. Tonight we will celebrate the Lords birth with them. It is truly a time to celebrate as we can see the redemptive power of Jesus in the lives of these youth. So as we are missing home in our hearts we will celebrate with our Latin brothers and sisters a green Christmas here in Bolivia! Daniel

Seeing Snow

It was late last night that we three passed through the Andes Mountain range. It was a long and cold bus ride, something that we did not anticipate. But as the sun arose over the great peaks I saw my first snow of the season. It was illuminated brilliantly by the sun and reminded me of home and the deep snow that has engulfed our farm over this past month. Since leaving Quito we have been blessed abundantly in our travels. We had the oppourtunity to meet four other travellers that spoke english and who were wandering down the same path as us for a brief time. They were incredible people and encouraged our spirits greatly. There is something about good conversation that can just transform a 35 hour bus trip into a highlight. Along with these amazing new friends we have also been able to see much of the unique country side that is solely Peru. From Ecuador to Peru the landscape has changed in drastic ways. Ecuador was a magnificent view of mountains and thick vegetation. But it was almost as if a line had been drawn between the two countries. Peru´s coast was an absolute desert. A place filled with massive dunes and rock. And then along the road small communities of people who have carved an existense out of the barren wasteland. In Lima we stayed with our friends in a nice little hostal close to the ocean. There we had an oppourtunity to surf and hang out with some of the locals. From Lima we ventured out to a small oasis town in the middle of the desert called Huacachina. It was there that we got to try some sand boarding on the dunes of Peru and also cruise around in dune buggies. We are slowly learning that no matter what the sign advertises it is rarely that which you expect. Prices and times are constantly adjusted to whatever the sign is not saying. So with only one more long bus ride ahead of us we are all sitting and waiting here in La Paz with anticipation. Please pray for patience as many things on this journey have seemed to get lost in translation with the locals. Also pray for our time in Santa Cruz with Ken Switzer, that we can be a huge blessing and encouragement to his ministry. Lehmann

Quito

It´s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Shops filled with gifts and shoppers, Santa is visiting in every mall. There is shiny wrapping paper and Christmas candy in each window. The palm trees are being lit with many different lights, and the weather has dropped as low as 20 degrees C. We found ourselves playing in a Nativity scene, on a shore line park of Panama City. While we were in Panama we saw the Canal, many ships, and beautiful views of the large downtown of Panama´s tall skyline. It is very beautiful there. We found that, like Costa Rica, Panama is very Americanised. Even their currency is American dollars. Our short stay in Panama held us back from a deep look into the Christian lives being lived. The people of Panama, were incredibly loving, and warm to others, but it is an openness that is not searching. Perhaps the 'in your face' message of the fires of Hell we saw while we were there, is not the Grace and Truth Christ intends for these people. To relate to this culture is with warmth and love. The most foreign part to these people, is good examples of father figures, who display commitment and responsibility to their children, who will also be those supporters in the future. Now we are in Quito, Ecuador, searching for direction in our travels. We are awaiting God to teach us about this country, to show us his sorrows and victories. We are living in a hostel, that is very cheep and has been a very in depth look at a specific need God has in this City. We feel we are called to spend some time praying for victory in a spiritual battle, and to ask for Cleansing. If you can help us pray for this break through, change will begin. We expect God has us called here to be his, and that we would share his love with people here that he loves. Today our experience of the city was very rich, we went to a hill top that looks out over the city of 2 million people as we suspect. An incredible view of the city´s rolling hills, spotted with large catholic churches everywhere. We even got to check out Huge Cathedral Tomorrow we expect to seek deeper into the life of Quito, and maybe find more to do. In the next few days we will be continuing further south by bus to Peru, and down to Bolivia, where we are excited to meet with Ken Switzer. Thank you for praying for us. Kenton

Panama City

We are here in Panama city. Our back up plan of leaving will be flying further South on friday, but we are also searching options of transportation possibly water. Today we went to the Panama Canel and watched a huge ship pass from the Pacific on it´s way to the Atlantic. We are very excited to see the plan unfold, as we continue our journey to Bolivia. We would ask that you would pray for our hearts and minds to be open to hear God as we plan, also that we would have unified thinking. We are very greatful for the many blessings from the People in Costa Rica and pray blessings over them. The Guys, in Panama City.

Words cannot do Justice

This morning I woke up once again needed to look around the room for a while before realizing where I was. It's still hard to believe I am in Central America, a completely different world from my home. Words cannot describe nor pictures contain the experiences that I already hold in my heart after only such a short time. The small town of Poas on the side of a Volcano now holds not only memories but experiences, the kind that sit deep inside your soul and begin eroding away at some of the deep misconceptions you have had about people, and the way you thought life ought to be. Tico people are simple yet so incredibly vibrant in color, affection, music and worship. From the first day I felt that I was at home in a foreign community with a foreign language. I really have to laugh looking back now only days later. We went to peoples homes who didn't speak a lick of English and our Spanish has been very limited to the point of what Tico's call Nada. Yet amazingly it was not so much the work we did at the farm or the singing in church that I think back on as the impact we left rather it was the times sharing meals in homes. Often after our meal of rice and beans was finished they would find a guitar take me to a relatives house where all the rest of the brothers, nephews, neices, grandparents ect. ect. were and they would kindly ask me to sing a song or two, or many. I was overwhelmed at these experiences my heart bouncing not with nervousness but a joy for singing love songs to my Lord with my spanish friends, some of whom likely were not Christians. Then the best part always came when they would sing some songs for us! I cherish those times of deep fellowship. It taught me that you don't always need words to truly connect with people, the smiles and the gestures exchanged between them and us spoke a lot more loudly that most words I have spoken. It has really been a blessing to have music and I am content that I don't need any kind of special talent in order to do so. Just two nights ago we sat in the small apartment of some newfound German friends and had a wonderful time of worship, to them it spoke much more loudly because in Germany worship in such a setting is an unheard of event. God has been faithful to open our eyes everyday to see glimpses of His heart in the people we meet. One day last week we took a drive to a place they call ''little hell'' it is a large drug traffic area with elementry schools all around. We met a man and wife who feed the children in this broken neighborhood out of their own income which comes from selling temales wrapped in Banana leaves on the street. My heart was broken I couldn't help but think about all the things that I have, usless toys, clothes I don't need, junk food I always buy and mounds of usless expensive things that to a North American seem like a staple. Their income was less that 400 dollars a month and from that they feed over 70 children a day! Wow. I want to let the Lord break my heart for the things that break His heart. I believe this was one of them. I have learned a lot about culture and I have seen a lot of glimpses to things that I want to learn. Mostly things of Character as that is what traveling usually seems to do. I can feel myself changing from the man I was a year ago or even a month ago. Today I turn 24 it is a sobering day for me because I feel very far from home, I often feel like I need to be acclomplishing things in my life and learning some kind of carreer and here I am playing with kids and lounging around in Costa Rica. But if I have learnt one thing in my 24 years, it has been that there is no better place in the whole world than to be in the will of God. He has so many good things in store for each person if we would only stop and listen. Obedience means sacrifice but it leads to a world of blessings that can never be found alone. I miss home today my mother always made the best cakes. If I could ask for one thing for my birthday it would be to have strength to walk in obedience every day of my life and that it would speak loudly so others might desire to do the same. Thanks again for your prayers we can literally feel a wall of protection in dark places. Daniel

Pura Vida!

Status Of Faith

Today was a dose of reality for the three of us. For today we left our home in Poas and returned to San Jose. This past week has been a time of challenge, refreshment and more than anything a time of becoming family. It started off being blessed by a fellow Canadian who owns a bed and breakfast here in Costa Rica. His name was Martin Borner and the place was Posada Mimosa. When we arrived the sun was just beginning to set below the mountains. The flowers seemed to be illuminated from an inner light and the air was moist and warm. As I looked around, the view almost brought me to the point of tears. It was a glimpse of Heaven reminding me that we are only passing through, the great treasures lie on the other side of life for those who choose them. The evening consisted of a wonderful meal, poolside, with fantastic company and conversation. It was a blessing like no other I have had. From there we journeyed to the magnificent city of Poas, where we spent the next week. To try and capture this experience in words could never do it justice. The people are so vibrant and filled with life. They embraced us as family and took us into there homes for meals and fellowship. We felt so welcomed into their community, that leaving has been quite a difficult ordeal. The youth of Poas were incredible, not for a moment did we feel like outsiders, despite the language barrier. Thinking back, I have what seems to be a lifetime of stories just from this past week. And although I do not have the time to wright them I ask you to think of truly incredible relationships in your life and cherish them. I have realized that we three are in a school of grand proportions this next year. Where we will have the opportunity to learn from so many individuals. The people here taught me the embrace of hospitality and fellowship. And that to give of self is more precious than any amount. So I ask that if your praying for us pray for unity and that we will be developed into men of Godly character. I desire to learn hospitality and to be someone who reaches out to those around me. Here are some pics of the people and scenery from this past weeks adventures. Much love and Pura Vida! Lehmann

Weekend at the Beach

Friday night we decided enjoy the company of our hosts by cooking a meal for the family. It may not have been the best meal, but we did enjoy their great German flavored company. They also told us a place we should visit this weekend, on the Pacific coast, called Jaco. So as they advised us we took the bus over to Jaco for the weekend to meet the culture of the coast. We spent the weekend there, hunting for the great low prices of Costa Rica. When we did see the beach we were simply awe struck by the incredible beauty of the coast, and the surfing waves that crashed up on shore. After returning to San Jose with our very sun burnt bodies, we had an evening of Latin dance with Rene's wife and her friends. We are determined to be incredible dancers very soon! Kenton. Note: to post comments click to the right of each posting's title. We enjoy hearing back from you.

The Dump

Friday, Jordan and I were able to spend the day with the German people at a recycling building, and exploring the San Jose Dump, while Dan was with the Children from the Boys and Girls club he wrote about. The city of San Jose has a bad habit of tossing everything in the garbage or streets, and to help the environment recycling places like this one have been built. Jordan and I wanted to lend a helping hand. (Right) Seriously the worst smell we've ever encountered.

Costa Rica's beautiful ninios

As you can see we mostly play. We arrived to Costa Rica only two days ago but we already feel very much at home. Except for the simple fact that we can't talk to anybody. We were picked up at the airport from a German missionary who has been very gracious in letting us stay in his home while we work with a different missionary. We took the bus for 150 colones , about (20 cents) down the street where I could see a large factory. the factory turned out to be a tortilla factory and on the other side of it was a coffee factory. We walked down a long dirt road along side railway tracks until we could see small tin shacks covering the riverbank. Water was flowing from every direction and I thought there must be a lot of little waterfalls around here all running toward the river until I found out later that it was in fact the sewage system. The church is a small Lutheran church nuzzled in the center of this community. it was once illegal squatters mostly Nicaraguan but has since become land they can rent legally and once they save enough money most add concrete exterior walls and floors. The church has a small room above where the children of the neighborhood come to play during the day. today we did a puppet show but since we know very little Spanish it was very interesting. The children really are incredible. They have the most beautiful innocent smiles but they come from terribly broken homes. My eyes were certainly opened today. As I looked around the neighborhood I could not help but re-evaluate my own needs of comfort. what I carry in my backpack is probably worth more than most of the homes around me. I am glad to say tomorrow I have the gift of waking up, walking 10 minutes to the bus stop paying my 150 colones and spending another day with the ninios. Take care and pray for the children of Costa Rica Daniel

Costa Rica's beautiful ninios

This is the street of the church where we are playing with kids. I say play and not work because that is what it is. most of the houses are tin and some cement but as you can see it compares to wall street.

sorry no pic on this one

It's really me to blame mostly for our lack of pictures for today's blog. We have been using my camera, it has been new for me to remember that we need to have it with us. I feel that I'm letting you down Scott, I'll pick it up. I'll start off letting you know that I could have a picture of right now. Since our last blog, Thursday was filled with roofing all day, that night Robbie and our Team we went to Shaun Murray's house for a Bible study. They were going through the book 'Blue Like Jass' by Donald Miller. A few people were there like from Correct Craft (Air Nautique); the owner the Chief designer for the company, a guy from their marketing team, and a buddy who rides pro with Shaun. Everyone was super welcoming to the four of us. "Thanks for having us Shaun." Friday was roofing all day, Saturday was roofing in the morning untill we finished the job, which gave us time to pick up a few things for the trip, before we went to my first Florida high school football game, and it was huge! Nice field, Lots of fans, lights on the feild for a night time game. It was great. I decided to wear Robbie's Jersey from his school and sit on the wrong side of the fans, where I was told I would be beat up. We stirred up the fans when our team scored our only touch down in the 4th quarter after we had been scored on about 5 times. But I managed to escape without being hurt. It was fun. Sunday we were at the Church that Dan worked at the summer of 2005, and were prayed for in our journey. Florida has been very busy with work, and very little time to mentor or meet with people, but we try hard to speak with our actions and try our best while were here. Tuesday we leave for Costa Rica, so our time is short here. We feel Florida has helped us far more than we've helped them. I ask that you pray for our strength and energy, safety flying tuesday, and for my girlfriend Kalena as she is starting to settle into a new surounding in Guam, she is excited about God's work over there! Thanks.... Kenton.

Away!

Yesterday I walked out of my room for the last time in a year. It was a weird feeling knowing that for the next twelve months I will not have a bed or a definite place to stay every night. At the airport some of our friends and family came to say goodbye, I will miss there faces. And in the lonely times that I am sure to have throughout my travels I will look back on these faces along with the many others left behind. Our flights were quite eventful. We met the native police officer from Corner Gas in the airport he was pretty normal! Also on the flight from Toronto to Orlando I sat beside two people from Israel. They told me all about the lifestyle there and then told me that when we get there we should call them and they would help us get around in the country. (Guy in red sweater) God is so rad! Already He is hooking us up with contacts that we never expected. Being here in Florida is a nice transition stop. It feels more like a second home, than a first stop. Although it is kinda cold here, I think today it only got up to around 20 degrees. And the pool is a little chilly! Well I am off to bed, be blessed yall. Lehmann

Thanks to FGBC

The Team came together at FGBC this weekend at the Stubble Bowl tourney. We were able to take time on Friday to share with the collage, what we know about our World Faith Tour. I have been so excited about the support we have received from the collage. As we were prayed for I have gained so much more confidence. We have so many people to thank for support prayer, and words of wisdom we have received. I have a new found confidence and excitement because of this support thank you all so much. Last week all I could think about was how much I still have to do and how short it is until our dreaded leaving date, and how hard it is to be away from from friends, family, Kalena. Now I am far more willing to just go, and to focus on what God has in store for me this next year. It will be so exciting to live each moment in God's miraculous, as he brings us through the year with His Love and Commitment. I am excited about what the Lord has in store in many different countries in the warmer climates this next year. Maybe replace the snow with fresh oranges, pineapples, bananas... Right On Kenton

Trippin

Our trip is that of a dream. The sort of thing where you wake in the middle of the night not knowing which side of the conscious mind you are a part of. This is a journey that will take us past the point of return. To be honest we know that we are in over our heads, and that just adds to the enticing nature of the trip. We plan to swim out so far and so deep that if the hand of God does not reach out and show mercy, then surely we will be lost at sea. This is an adventure, an epic voyage into that which we know not. -Lehmann

Faith

Good morning, or afternoon, or evening. Whatever it is I hope its good. This is our first entry to the world of blog, isn't it exciting, intriguing, ravishing....OK so it's kinda cool. So this is the part where we tell you why we have a blog. We are three young men seeking to Follow God on a faith journey around the world. We are leaving from the Saskatoon Airport on November the 7th and will fly south to Orlando where we will stay one week before making our way south to Costa Rica. This is where the faith part comes in, we still don't know who, how or what we are doing there but we feel called and so we are going. From there we will go further south before heading west. Right now we covet prayers as time is running out and responsibilities are piling up. who would have ever thought going around the world took so much planning. Ah yes planning a word young men do not enjoy. But may the good Lord be gracious to us in our lack of administrative gifts. Well we Believe God has called us to this and so this is what we are doing. We have no idea when we will be where or how in the world we will pay for everything but we serve a very Big God who has always taken care of us and we are confident He always will. This is Daniel Wiebe singing off, (I hope this blog thing works) thanks to Matt for teaching me the wonderful world of blogging. -Dan