tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77799731256664719352011-12-31T11:41:40.408+02:00As I journey with our team on the road to Calvary, it is here that I will keep the accounts and recollections of our adventures in the Kingdom of Heaven via Maadi, Egypt.KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.comBlogger751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-61467989718934839592008-07-13T04:52:00.001+03:002008-07-13T04:52:40.772+03:00

With the chill of a clammy echoing well/catacomb, the murky darkness, rank and rancid prowls in on tempestuous trials; the year I've left here raised from within the snake holes the soul both the weakest and worst I never thought I possessed. Challenged what often times felt like beyond measure, an unceasingly fragile confidence and renewed boldness collided to spark flames to unlit portions of

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-24581814114655957302008-07-09T05:41:00.000+03:002008-07-13T04:47:41.178+03:00

9 July 5:00 A.M.Afflicted by the pungent of sunscreen-stained clothes and skin, the battle to sleep rages on - me wrestling a torturously fluffy pillow, unable to sleep despite residing in the undoubtedly most comfortable best I've run my fingers across in the past year. Reminiscent of Edmund Dantés escape from Château d'If when his servant enters to wake him one morning, the servant starts

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-47722828936834510892008-06-07T21:18:00.004+03:002008-06-07T22:01:33.895+03:00

Separation and departure remain as a norm when you live in a highly transient community. Coming to the end of another year (years are from August to May when you work with or are in school), a couple of thoughts resurface almost daily.Goodbyes, in this community, extend further than they should - in my opinion. As a youth staff, we began thinking about and speaking our parting words over six

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-14707383018378254442008-06-01T01:15:00.001+03:002008-06-01T01:18:07.300+03:00

We were asked to share what God was doing in us this year, with our high school group. Here is what I wrote (and read):I wouldn't be who I am without having been raised in the educational atmosphere, lavish environment, and persistent push toward excellence that I call home. For this I am ever grateful. However, there is only so much a student can learn from a teacherless classroom. Tired

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-32529265219364824532008-05-28T15:36:00.003+03:002008-05-28T16:13:21.889+03:00

I'm Gonna Walk (500 miles) - [to the music of I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) by The Proclaimers]When I wake up, yeah, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who walks to do his yoga. (10 min.)After Yoga, yeah, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who walks to go to church. (10 min.)If I eat lunch, yes, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who walks to get his lunch. (10 min.)And if I have a

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-72282269347454976062008-05-18T00:32:00.000+03:002008-05-18T00:33:17.700+03:00

As I strolled the streets, a ruckus, a fuss snared my ear drums. Cranking up a sense of expatriate awareness, as if I could possibly find this life in potential jeopardy, my spidey sense honed into a rioting crowd flailing about down the hill. Wings awkwardly flapping with intent to strike sense into the head of an agressor met no opposition from the bleached officer amid the fight club.

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-56046191214725546272008-05-14T23:38:00.003+03:002008-05-15T00:35:32.211+03:00

Against my better judgment, I will stay the drooping desires of my eyes for your reading enjoyment (hopefully).Some life lessons I've embarked on as of late:1. Good things come to those who wait. But when you've waited 10 months and you leave in one, good things suddenly become frustratingly urgent.2. Females are difficult to understand. Males are difficult to know. I explain it like this:

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-78715666264397709332008-05-12T23:04:00.001+03:002008-05-12T23:06:43.622+03:00

There was an anonymous complaint that I hadn’t written in a while. Please accept my sincerest apologies. The following is meant only to be humorous, not ethnocentric or culture bashing in any way.This weekend, our youth staff of 6 (-1 since Kev is taking some leisure in the good ole U.S. of A.) plus 3 generous, sacrificial volunteers spent our selves from Thursday at 4:00 p.m. until Saturday at

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-47197011412334558112008-04-22T21:22:00.002+02:002008-04-23T00:12:02.966+02:00

Everyday here, exciting or seemingly extraordinary events occur that an inner dialogue sways me to believe I could expand that instance into a well scripted and dramatic or comedic narrative. However, despite Egypt's 3rd world country status, it remains a place busy enough to keep me from the desire to write. Not only that but, it seems that the times I do have to write, the proper pen and

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-69226122622798497372008-04-17T22:31:00.009+02:002008-04-17T23:46:30.592+02:00

It has been a few days since we last spoke, so please allow me a insufficiently quick description of a few of the activities I’ve lately participated.Cake deliveryLast Friday marked the 23 years my friend and brother-from-another-mother, Kevin P. had been on this earth. Because of the generosity of the community here as well as his general genial persona, he received to whole birthday cakes.

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-21861036604702080412008-04-07T22:51:00.002+02:002008-04-08T22:28:28.992+02:00

Some of you may be wondering what it is we youth interns do with our time each day. You deserve to know how your money serves the Kingdom. Allow me to recapitulate today’s events as a paradigm:7:30 am – Alarm7:31 – Flap arm in the general direction of snooze button7:40 – Repeat7:50 – Wake up7:55 – Cereal (Breakfast #1)8:00 – Yoga9:00 – Waffles and yogurt (Breakfast #2)Somewhere in the next two

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-26038584220088024102008-04-02T00:34:00.002+02:002008-04-02T00:43:15.639+02:00

If you have not yet been to -mccromania.blogspot.com- you are wrong.Go there now for remission of your sin.

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-36572635814212083492008-03-31T00:23:00.000+02:002008-04-02T00:33:36.884+02:00

Beautiful EscapePurity melted by passionate intent.A story of contrast,A tale of paradox,Ripping and rhyming,Chiming and chipping.Where do we go from here?--Tin RoofBeaten into positionAssigned in submissionTo a permanent place.Unchanging.Rusted by stormsBeyond a capacity for change.But how noble they areTo protectThe fragile piecesBroken within,Awaiting restoration.Occasionally appreciated,More

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-10795349666819140842008-03-26T22:00:00.000+02:002008-03-31T17:24:20.792+02:00

The moment: Romanian youth to the left who had refused to take back his chair, clicking around the computer. Romanian adult on to the right sharing a random story about Microsoft Vista. Right hand index tapping through the slides of a song to the tune. Western words and worship instantaneously transform into international community upon the projection of lyrics on the wall. From half of the room

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-31128185578418568182008-03-26T09:05:00.001+02:002008-03-31T18:03:07.134+02:00

Faint alarm of a watch chirps a humble wake up. A chilly breeze wanders the room warmed by the aimless heater. Attention. Out the window, a stream of snow not warm enough to be rain danced horizontally with rain not cold enough to be snow. The morning matured as did the snowfall. Precipitation pauses premeditated plans.Instead of hands wreaking from raunchy trash, at the end of the day now

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-10558308169455581702008-03-25T23:30:00.000+02:002008-03-31T17:19:55.909+02:00

3/25Yesterday, we met an angel named Betty. We didn’t know she was an angel until today when she and her Canadian husband, Hardy (sp?). They bussed us around Medgidia to pockets of poor where the kids we played and prayed with slipped out through holes in these pockets. But at least the city was fortunate enough to have pants to wear. Regretfully, I cannot say the same for some of the children

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-61825847035176124142008-03-24T23:30:00.001+02:002008-03-31T17:18:23.501+02:00

Is 58:6-7 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked to clothe them and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”Daddy, I want the Spirit of compassion,

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-91522888539530172762008-03-20T21:14:00.002+02:002008-03-20T22:22:03.829+02:00

Do you hear that? Shh, listen... [inaudible whisper] Can you hear it? Listen again... [shivering murmur] "C...c..com.m.me." and "Bbbbring your fffriendssss..." Do you know what that is? It is the voice of Romania luring us into its frigid, frozen heart - Brasov.In a few hours, we (the youth staff) will squash 14 youth into an uncomfortable economy-class seat, check all our 30 pieces of

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-65555650935617619472008-03-11T23:23:00.000+02:002008-03-11T23:24:13.302+02:00

[deep commercial announcer voice] Find your seats ladies and gentlemen. Tonight is the highly anticipated yet bittersweet series finale of Gilligan's Isle: Sands of Egypt. Butter that popcorn; top off your soda because this will be one magnoon (crazy) moment. It just got interesting!I had fallen asleep at 9:30 the night before, leaving me overly rested. I raced my alarm to 8 a.m. and rose

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-52426085352229058842008-03-09T23:29:00.003+02:002008-03-10T00:45:21.673+02:00

Like a shy banana*, he peeled slowly the corner of the sleeping bag timidly from its nestled place, tempting a single ray of light to pierce my snuggled hibernation. Slow yet sure, yet quite slow, it let loose a nasty warning snarl keeping away other antagonizing creatures, only to uncover the dismantling warmth of the fresh air. The furry beast simply sat for quite some time hoping the

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-32488659313363269302008-03-07T23:16:00.000+02:002008-03-10T00:47:12.913+02:00

We set sail late that afternoon to drift into the majestic setting sun, refracting light off the dust canvassing the painted sky. It was supposed to be a 5-hour tour to the Hot Spring Hotel. Slowly but certainly, my desire to control the time faded as well it should on retreats and vacations.Upon our check-in, we checked out the room briefly but wasted little time in bee-lining for the

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-2126588323624670062008-03-05T08:24:00.000+02:002008-03-05T08:25:01.036+02:00

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,A tale of a fearful rideThat started from a smoggy Port (Said)To rest in the sandy tide.The mate was a mighty intern man,The skipper brave and sure.Youth staff team set sail that dayFor a white desert tour, a white desert tour.The drive there started getting rough,The youth staff getting cross,If not for the humor of the tour guidesTheir salvation would

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-25497919852165216622008-02-23T13:10:00.002+02:002008-02-23T14:26:49.646+02:00

My whole life I've been known as the chill guy who functioned as a wall to anger, frustration, and stress. Much of last semester I would question why all the expats seemed so aggresive all the time, as if compassion was canceled from one's vocabulary.Even as I write now, anticipating what I am about to say, my blood pressure boils and my chest is pressed in like a vice grip. It is not that I

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-29009091923110008882008-02-22T23:19:00.003+02:002008-02-23T00:40:10.822+02:00

This evening, a friend asked if I was enjoying my internship. For anyone else wondering, I thought I might answer to the general reading public. "I wouldn't trade it for the world. Its difficult, but the pay is good." That's a joke, hopefully you laughed because there is a good chance if you are reading this, you probably contributed to my monthly income. There aren't that many hits on this

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-61792383999324902862008-02-11T00:49:00.000+02:002008-02-11T23:20:04.282+02:00

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the quietest of nights. It was the loudest of nights. It was the safest night I’ve spent in Egypt. It was the most dangerous night I’ve spent in Egypt.For those of you who haven’t read up on your African sporting events lately, this past Thursday Egypt cemented their spot in the final football (soccer) match of the African Cup of Nations

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-78741297423986617552008-02-08T22:49:00.000+02:002008-02-09T00:13:39.759+02:00

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." - Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me.

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-14033377400390753182008-02-06T22:26:00.000+02:002008-02-06T23:19:51.503+02:00

I almost died today. Twice. This is no hyperbole. We expats have a semi-serious joke that your life is threatened at least once a day. This time the semi stayed home and the serious took on a whole momentum. I know how much my weary and pregnant mother loves to read these stories so for the sake of the baby, I'll skip the gory details and give the PG version.In short, when our ride to the

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-62367955967075573702008-01-24T22:09:00.000+02:002008-02-03T11:41:04.018+02:00

A children's movie, entitled Flushed Away, was recently released to DVD. Yesterday, I walked into my bathroom to find the theme sticker of said movie posted above the toilet. Can you do anything but double over?That in itself should be enough to end this entry, but alas, there is more. After the tee-hee during my pee-pee, I was caught so off guard by my next thought, I nearly peppered the floor

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-10892063077646091672008-01-22T22:18:00.000+02:002008-01-24T23:32:49.828+02:00

For all you skeptics out there, this video is proof just how hard we work at our jobs in youth ministry.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnA8ynX_jxU(If you cannot click this link, you may need to copy and paste this into your address bar.)Watch the video before you continue reading this entry. This past weekend, MCC Youth Staff held our annual dodgeball tournament. For those of you who don't know

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-56671400144332112522008-01-11T23:11:00.000+02:002008-01-11T23:59:21.648+02:00

One of my favorite social faux pas of a post-holiday season still stands as the consistency of regular questioning. Take this season, as example. Even before I left the States I managed to exchange a courteous dialogue with most of our youth group consisting of questions at least very similar to the following:Person 1: Hey, how are you?Person 2: Good. good.P1: Yeah? How was your break?P2: Good

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-54184753429933887952008-01-09T04:42:00.000+02:002008-01-09T05:26:17.808+02:00

About 25 minutes ago I found myself sitting up in bed talking on the phone. The voice of the other end pieces together enough English for me to understand that he is delivering my lost luggage to me. Allow me to set the scene.When I arrived in Cairo International Airport on the evening of January 6th, I expected to jump through customs, grab my bags and be on my way with a matter of 20 minutes

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-62620498127647615992007-12-08T15:04:00.000+02:002007-12-08T15:27:58.234+02:00

One of the first comments of the morning spilled out the mouth of young Iasonas Katsaros."Your eyes have a white circle around them. That's weird," he informed me.This tanning is not unusual to the rest of the world. When a person goes to the beach and wears their sunglasses all day, the result yielded is the infamous reverse raccoon. I, however, was not at a beach. There was sand all around

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-8732781692990279502007-12-02T20:15:00.000+02:002007-12-02T21:29:26.709+02:00

Though it is cooling off a bit here, I find myself stripping my shirt from a toasted torso when running in the wadi today. Also, there is officially less than 2 weeks before a quick leap across the Atlantic puddle. It'll be a good skip home, or so I hope.I had a Dr. Pepper today for the first time in over a year. It gave me a head ache.The longer I spend with the Katsaros' the more it feels

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-60357380136862170022007-11-29T00:22:00.000+02:002007-11-29T00:45:56.981+02:00

The following is a rapid recollection of thoughts from the regretfully unrecorded conversation of the night with Kevin, more as a reminder than a full report:This life sucks. Get over it. We live in a fallen world. We were not designed to live this way. Not alone, community, care for the land. There is no formula. "This is the most morbid picture of life I could have given." "But perhaps

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-29230758707346108792007-11-25T11:06:00.000+02:002007-11-25T11:58:22.047+02:00

Yesterday, and days leading up to it, boredom pluck a new cord. In most circumstances, this deadening nothingness is satisfied with a void filling video game. However, two circumstantial differences crashed the party this week, the first of which has been feeding on maturation. The snarling beast of lonesome fantasy games barks all the louder as its snapping jaw enjoys a muting muzzle. Though

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-9399055508448336592007-11-24T23:12:00.000+02:002007-11-25T00:01:12.373+02:00

As promised, to everyone's surprise, the story continues.We rejoin our hero after his quiet traverse across the wilderness and following the assent of the concrete castle. The games recommences as the youth tap a slightly deflated and dilapidated futbol soars across the musty cavern of a hallway.It is in this adventure the youth find their joy not necessarily in the game's ends but more so in

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-67448987685200397812007-11-24T21:53:00.000+02:002007-11-24T23:11:51.986+02:00

As most anyone who reads this should know, gluttonous amounts of food gorged many stomachs this holiday weekend. Slammed to the ears with scents and stuffings enticing a fluid drool dribbling from our mouths, I actually paid a very tiny man to go into my belly and stomp on the inhaled grub as to make room for more than any human should ever eat in a span of so many hours. And I can take you to

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-50040262029589646162007-11-21T22:14:00.001+02:002007-11-22T07:56:07.524+02:00

Earlier this week, I bellowed into the ancient cell phone bestowed upon me only to be the recipient of a humble invitation to a middle school birthday party. If you do not know this about me yet, middle schoolers exist as my favorite age group exceeded by no other. Period. With this new knowledge, you might anticipate my ready answer. What you do not know is my schedule. Indeed, as the phone

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-42381708562743420852007-11-18T21:14:00.000+02:002007-11-18T21:17:41.425+02:00

Its as if a still photo has paused this moment. Plate dirtied with spaghetti residue, a few minced tomatoes, and a fork leaning over the protective curve of the plate. Tubaware silently waiting to find its use abroad the weary polka dot pot housing the remnants of its once steaming and seemingly prepared noodles. Now little less than lukewarm and top propped open by the wooden spoon and

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-13148563515962788862007-11-14T14:29:00.001+02:002007-11-14T14:36:16.142+02:00

Thanks to a growing friend who has become one of my closest companions, we have decided to become landscapers. It encompasses some of life's greatest needs: the desire to see results from what you have been working toward; creativity and ingenuity; in the States, everyone wants their yard to be pretty; and also, a certain starting and stopping point during your work day. This is a job where you

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-28136789964290990962007-11-13T22:55:00.000+02:002007-11-14T00:28:20.636+02:00

Riverside. This term lingers in my ringing ears from the good old days of Santa Fe Indian high school football. It meant we had reached the end of the field after a scrimmage series and coach wanted us to keep playing. Riverside. Turn it around and keep punching on.If you follow the erratic and patchy writings of this web log, then you may or may not have read the entry former this. It

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-44856355450339003572007-11-05T23:04:00.000+02:002007-11-05T23:23:24.559+02:00

I've only a few minutes to write in order to meet my self-appointed bed time, so I will make an effort to be brief. Rest defeated by a scourging mind is not rest at all. Harassed by the perceived need to accomplish even the minutest of tasks (which most of mine are), I scarcely find the usual joy in even just studying the Scriptures. Rest is minimal from the dogged, nagging tease of the full

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-75863724378728590682007-11-04T10:37:00.000+02:002007-11-04T12:28:05.500+02:00

There comes a time in every youthful warrior's life when he must learn what it is to test his skills, refine the taught talents imposed by tireless tribulation. That day is today. And yesterday; and tomorrow. For within the city limits and suburbs of Cairo I've embarked up a new incline seeking the plane of responsible peace.This day, I awoke later than usual to a reminder of my lone

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-15192539702183596382007-10-23T22:19:00.000+02:002007-10-23T22:34:21.489+02:00

The voices bouncing in my skull began dialogue today regarding the main title of these collective accounts. There was a motion to alter the title to read "The Pilgrimage of a Temporary Egyptian." The argument disclosed this reason, for we are entering into a new land that no one in my body has ever traversed before. There are unveilings of the newest creatures and beauties we never knew

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-2864727356311244262007-10-23T20:50:00.000+02:002007-10-23T22:36:00.226+02:00

inimical - unfavorable, opposed, adverseAs rare as unwrapping a new pyramid from the sands of Egypt is the frequency of exposing a true pleasure unattached to a coupling vice or irritation. It is the humor of a paradoxical God.I have not had any overwhelming dispositions or inimical argumentation that have sweet-talked this conversation out of its dank cave; it is merely a law I've observed from

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-70373241322315242242007-10-22T23:07:00.000+02:002007-10-22T23:08:55.689+02:00

Ever since I made a proclamation of integrity and erased all the illegally downloaded music from my computer years ago, I have not received the amount of country music that I wish kissed my ears.But today, yes today, while in Cairo, Egypt listening to the DJ spout off some quips in Greek my inattentive audio assessors arched when this good ol’ country boy recognized a memorable melody that perked

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-40114651948831594912007-10-20T11:21:00.000+02:002007-11-14T22:56:44.997+02:00

Just that you are reading what I have now written should be testimony enough that my body is still in tact after today's 21.5 mile mountain bike ride. With an introduction like that, let me dispel the frightening thoughts pillaging my mother's now disquieted mind.We let from the front of the CAC (Cairo American College) with a gang of riders all twice my age. Geared with some of the top

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-91016014950964049262007-10-17T09:07:00.000+02:002007-10-17T09:22:56.645+02:00

Yesterday, I kind of made fun of the precipitation patterns here. I was put in my place when every couple of hours I woke up to the crescendo of mighty thunder clapping in my ears. Even lightning and power outages. Madness.I woke this morning to the bleating of the most persistent car alarm to ever exist, I'm sure set off by the roaring thunder. I honestly did not hear the threatening cries

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-11653191810001241332007-10-16T23:02:00.000+02:002007-10-16T23:12:09.574+02:00

Severely contrary to my natural tendencies, and my dad can testify to this like a street corner preacher, I have picked up the book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change" by Stephen R. Covey. Do not be fooled; this was not a book I chose to read. It came by divine intervention via the will of our boss and fearless leader, Travis Black. With all that

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-9170350225218394432007-10-16T18:55:00.000+02:002007-10-20T12:30:41.114+02:00

It rained! Precipitation fell from the sky. Rain was not the only thing falling because here in the dirty desert; the leaves clothe themselves in dust. Here, your car is actually dirtier after it rains, even if you haven't driven it anywhere.Nevertheless, for 3 minutes, it rained! And even thundered once. I heard a suspicious rumor about a bolt of lightning or two, but there is no way to

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-16814888041171242152007-10-16T12:44:00.000+02:002007-10-16T14:15:47.533+02:00

Mitch Albom writes a book entitled "Tuesdays with Morrie." I read this book years ago, sophomore year of university study. If you've not read it, it is important to note that I believe this book solves one of the major problems of our ever-changing world: genuine discipleship. I'll address the note of Christianity later. Even before I moved abroad, I've been hoping and praying for a mentor

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-42266421282646383812007-10-13T00:08:00.000+02:002007-10-15T23:25:30.286+02:00

It has now been a few days since we last met, dear friends, and for that I apologize. It seems that there are times when people seem to get tired in the evening when the sun goes down. Though this is not the case if you grew up Egyptian or have recently been a student at any university, living with a family solicits my recollection of submission.With the madness that silhouettes the radiant

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-14774764119274467262007-10-03T13:42:00.000+02:002007-10-03T16:21:12.710+02:00

Below are the daily thoughts that prevent my normality: Attacks at every moment are difficult to defend. Remember the fortification of the King. His word is His sword. Defensive when required, offensive by nature. The swing of this mighty blade annihilates the oppressors.Some days I have an influx and abundance of ideas. Others, I find these brilliant brigades immobilized and chronically

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-90593297167208368622007-09-29T23:27:00.000+02:002007-09-30T01:31:24.026+02:00

Friends and family, I'll begin by warning you this post will not be the warm and fuzzy or even vulnerably honest insights from the heart. This post contains material that may not be suitable for ears and eyes of youthfully pure hearts. Even as I sit to rattle off a recitation of the evening, my very very expensive dinner threatens a retraction. If you have a light stomach, now would be the

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-49832746165093356742007-09-22T23:06:00.000+02:002007-09-22T23:32:44.904+02:00

I wrote this while on youth retreat last night:"Constantly restless. Or so it seems, each time we sit to worship, the truth associated with faith dwindles. Tonight, our speaker woke up without a voice. We asked God to give him one. He did. I understood every word that dripped from his lips. But before he began, he had a moment when he waited for people who felt moved, to come and pray for

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-21976088742852671012007-09-18T19:41:00.000+02:002007-09-18T22:11:39.706+02:00

It started off like any other day. -- That introduction automatically snatches your hope for an adventureless activity. -- It started off like any other day. Waking around 8:00 am-ish, I meandered from my lazy bed to a door sitting fixed in its position daring me to pull it off the hinges. And as every morning, I reluctantly humored the stubborn blockade by playfully tugging at the loosened

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-19804754201304872312007-09-17T23:52:00.000+02:002007-09-18T00:26:14.970+02:00

We are now in our second week of memorizing Romans. I should have 5:1-10 written on my heart by Thursday. I write to engrave the words on my brain and I thought, "What better place than on a weekly log?" So, unless you want to read my pitiful attempts of reciting, you can stop reading here for today.Romans 5:1-as much as I can remember -- Therefore, since we are now justified by faith, we have

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-53178902131286621672007-09-16T23:22:00.000+02:002007-09-17T00:57:57.205+02:00

Its beginning to look a lot like Ramadan,/ Everywhere we go. / The fasting lasts til five,/ when they drink, feast, smoke, and jive,/ Til the long morrow.This week marks the beginning of a lunar month long "celebration" of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan. This is a time of fasting and devotion to the almighty Allah. Allow me to enlighten you on the daily process: It kicks off with a huge feast

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-35654960721802724042007-09-12T22:32:00.000+02:002007-09-13T08:07:17.744+02:00

With purpose and intention each step narrows the chasm between the Wolf and his target. His awareness of the environment surrounding him heightens as the final goal plays into line of sight. He readjusts his earpiece as to confirm the clarity of sound, for he will not miss his cue. He reminds himself that if this were a movie, he would have the perfect background music accentuating the moments

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-53029149619344390192007-09-09T14:50:00.000+02:002007-09-09T20:03:46.693+02:00

Just in time for Ramadan, our youth team schedules begin to find some consistency. We all have now been settled into a family for at least a week which finally allows me an anticipated eating schedule. As much fun as it was to live with a young ministerial bachelor, the cupboard was naked. With a family of my own, you can call me Hansel because my host mother's cooking is fatting me up. It

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-72633696769306111522007-09-03T11:17:00.000+03:002007-09-03T11:22:12.202+03:00

Over the last 4-5 years I have had several mentor characters stress the importance of defining, understanding, and articulating one’s testimony. It was the great weight with which they spoke about this testifying topic that led me to believe how influential such a story could be.Without fail, within every cloud of witnesses with which I have ever associated, some one, if not many, dispute this

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-50700025471327785632007-09-02T23:04:00.000+03:002007-09-02T23:55:50.409+03:00

Friday afternoon I moved in with my resident family. The Katsaros' once lived with 5: Papa George, Mama Despina, Yannis (12), Iasonas (8ish), and Little Markos (5ish). Now, as it has been depicted "their older brother is returning home from university." The longer I stay in this place the greater my fascination bubbles. I am an American living with a Greek family in Egypt, and this weekend I

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-74960667653059272502007-08-29T23:27:00.000+03:002007-08-30T00:46:30.296+03:00

And awe is stripped away (1. see below) from the excitement of existing and thriving in Egypt for a year, and I simply come, what will I have to say?The next print we struck was the picture of a footprint in the sandy Nile banks. Perhaps that image may be a bit misleading, as was the name of our retreat grounds: Nile Country Club. As my ignorant bliss twinkles into cultural appreciation, a

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-62722885654414579382007-08-25T23:38:00.000+03:002007-08-26T00:10:00.680+03:00

I had planned on writing some phenomenal, articulate composition of the mesmerizing and miraculous conversations of the day. But instead, claim Sabbath on this melodious midnight.I would like to thank all who support me in my adventures. As was noted in the letters some of you received, it is your hours in prayer that fuel this ministry. We drop to our knees on your account. Remember His

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-50386865135497720932007-08-25T00:20:00.000+03:002007-08-25T01:22:37.838+03:00

The exhaustion of today's events supplies me with a requirement to narrate some of the days events. We began today with church (remember Friday is the holy day here). Led by TJ Stafford and his band, we crept into the holy of holies, only because God invited us. Indescribable. Such an appropriate song to spell out the truth of the day. But in spite of the impossibility true explanation, my

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-70976828522525399882007-08-23T23:45:00.000+03:002007-08-24T01:05:22.425+03:00

Another tour of Egypt today, totaling a whole two days. I acknowledge the miniscule perception that provides but allow me to enlighten you. Yesterday, the high temperature was a scorching 40 degrees celsius. That translates to 104 for all you fahrenheit Americans. When you traverse the desert plains of Egypt to look at camels and really old rocks, both your body and your mind start to

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-12450490623873310222007-08-21T16:05:00.000+03:002007-08-21T16:50:59.190+03:00

For the past six hours we have been in Travis' flat with Ray Stokes, stabbing our minds, preparing them to marinate in the juices of his (but mostly scriptural) teachings. Spiritual gifts.Six hours of discussion/ lecturing on spiritual gifts is more than any faithful Church of Christ member has ever heard in their entire life. The background of religion that I place myself in rarely if ever

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-74475336277826598232007-08-19T22:54:00.000+03:002007-08-20T00:26:35.353+03:00

Sounds like a children's book. Let me assure you, it is not, and pray that it never shall be. But this is a tale of one bold troop who faced evil eye to bloodshot eye, who not only escaped death but slapped the Reaper in the face. These fearless fighters though spiritually bloodied and demoralized stood to the test only few in history still live to tell of. Today we traversed the great

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-5325722591419096422007-08-19T22:17:00.000+03:002008-11-13T12:42:40.994+02:00

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-19334364368352340472007-08-18T01:26:00.000+03:002007-08-18T01:44:35.549+03:00

The following is an entry from another journal I hide from others. I hide it because it prevents me from worrying what others will think of each entry and I can write with as much freedom as my soul will allow. I have actually prettied this one up a bit, due to the incoherent nature of the punctuationless and misspelled paragraphs but I may have missed some here or there. Please forgive. Now,

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-39433183324164331382007-08-16T23:31:00.000+03:002007-08-21T16:58:32.520+03:00

Its been a few days now. This morning we took the Metro to another part of Cairo where Travis spoke with such authority on the Word that it dripped from his lips like sweet sticky honey that you just can't get off your fingers or out of your mouth. And to have thoughts of submission sticking to your fingers all day will manipulate one's attitude. I rolled in it. While we were there, we young

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-81417508989192245792007-08-14T22:32:00.000+03:002008-11-13T12:42:41.415+02:00

Day 1:Yesterday I arrived in Cairo. There is so much to write about but I just do not have the time to explain it all. I will make an effort at articulation.To begin, I found out a several days ago that the family I was suppose to be living with had to move. Eh, military; what can you do? So for now I am living with our senior youth minister, Travis. His flat is quaint and comfortable. It

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-33636957621959992292007-08-10T18:28:00.000+03:002007-08-10T19:17:57.599+03:00

In exactly two days from the time I am writing this, I will be preparing to load a plane to Washington D. C. Once in D. C., I will have less than 90 minutes to navigate the treacherous bowels of our capital's airport in order to jump on a short little plane to Frankfurt, Germany. Upon arriving in Frankfurt, I am hoping to still have the full 80 minutes I am scheduled in order to slide onto my

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-55983294824177054582007-07-15T07:50:00.000+03:002007-07-15T09:19:05.750+03:00

I am not feeling quite as articulate as I would like to be this evening so bear with me through this entry. Support letters went out this week, finally. That means, people will actually begin to read this. Perhaps I should post something of significance... we'll see where the Spirit leads.This week, a compassionate and sacrificing friend began teaching (helping me self teach) arabic. I have

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779973125666471935.post-81600030521645191422007-06-16T23:34:00.000+03:002007-06-16T23:45:03.699+03:00

After a long and frustrating struggle against the dark powers of this world, I have found a sponser church in Highland. I can finally send out funding and prayer request letters. Even with all the difficulties and paper work laying a heavy burden, God is more faithful than anyone could have anticipated. Even before the letters were sent, he has provided $1000! The anticipation and excitement

KJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367699853902089430noreply@blogger.com0