Since graduation a lot has happend. I went to Egypt, Costa Rica, Have had a wedding with two more to come, gone home to California, and God gave me the vision to start and orphan ministry. With all of that going on I have managed to find some alone time and think about all that has happened. The Mission to Egypt was great as they usually are but this one was different. In being my second time leading an overseas mission I have become used to and accustomed to all of the customs of short term missions. They are necessary and helpful. They create a servent mindset and teach obedience along with providing the framework needed to focus 12 people to accomplish one mission. One thing I found this time though was my desire for more. I wanted to live life there, with the people not just in our provided housing. I wanted to go out and just have coffee with friends and walk through the city after our outreaches. In a sense I wanted to be myself. Not to say I wasn't me durring the trip but I wanted to really be me. At times I felt like I was a movie star being escorted around Egypt by the police and other times like I was unwanted. I desired to break off and just go with two or three people wherever we were called to go but I knew better. God had called me to lead a team and to provide the environment that cultivates a love for missions and the world. Which I will have to say is not my own framework, its New Life's and theMill's. This structure has been developed over the years by the staff and it is great. Without the teaching of the Mill I may have never experienced the life changing events I have had on missions. With all that being said, I am finding that I have entered a new season in life where my job is changing, my relationships are changing, and what missions will look like is changing. I am greatful for all that God has done over the last 5 years while I have lived in Colorado Springs and am ready for what is next. I am anxious in some areas but that is just the way life is and we must learn to pursue God and give up our worries on a daily basis.
The orphan ministry has been excited and challenging. I am ready to get to work on it all but there is so much to do and it all cost money....lol. I have taken care of a couple of the Items and am working on the remaining ones. God has provided a few great people who have come along side and help with a lot of the work. Aaron Norris is the man and has give a lot of his time and effort to all of this and made it possible. Also all the people who have given me words of encouragement you are one of the reasons I am still going! I have come to points where I dont see how this will work but your word and the Holy Spirit has kept me going. One thing the Academy has taught me is you never give up. There is no way I will give up. I will do what God has called me to do. I will not leave it to someone else. The main focus of the ministry right now will be to reach out to already functioning orphanages that Church's are working with and providing support for them. Some day it may expand but for now that is the focus. There is a lot of need out there and I wont try to compartmentalize what each orphanage will need. We will be open to whatever it is God wants to use us for in each orphanage.
Now Costa Rica, let me just say beautiful. I am living on the beach and have surfed almost every day. I have road dirt bikes, Quads, gone zip lining, and touched crocodiles. My favorite part though was last night. I just sat out looking at the Ocean thinking and talking with God. The things I realized was the beauty of this world is not on the beaches of Costa Rica or in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado but in our daily lives. That we see Gods glory and beauty in the people around us and our jobs. I dont want to live hear on the beach to stare at the physical beauty of Gods creation when there is a spiritual beauty in our everyday lives that is far more glorifying than an ocean view. So I am ready to come home....lol.
I feel like I have been blessed to go all around the world to all these great places and I think I see one of the many things God wants to show me in that. The beauty of the world cannot compair to the worship that our lives our. Giving our lives to God and living the boring times to their fullist is what is beautiful. I love the world and what God has made and want to continue to travel and see it all but it has made me appreciate what I have at home and has helped me see what God sees as beautiful.
Next im off to Del Rio Texas on July 25th for Pilot Training! Something I have dreamed of for a long time. It is bitter sweet to go but more sweet than bitter. My time in Colorado has been the most rewarding of my life and I have experienced my most memorable moments along with my most painful. I have a feeling I may never forget them but that is ok cause they make up who I am. God has made me who I am through all of you in Colorado. I look forward to coming back and see you all over the years. Never be a stranger!
Love you all
Mike
