So, instead of trying to describe what I saw, and choosing words wisely, I’ll just publish a few of the pictures.  I think this will best relay what it was really like. These pictures are all from the squatters community.

So.  I did it.  I left this wonderful country of ours….  and I loved it.  The freedom of electronics, (I didn’t take anything with me) the freedom from America.  I have SO much to write about, and even more work to catch up on.

We went to a squatter community.  I honestly thought I had seen poor.  As a matter of fact, a week and a half ago, I thought I had been poor.  I thought that my house meant I was the lowest of the low, and I spent the majority of my elementary days feeling sorry for myself.  I thought that I had it rough, because we had to go to a store and ask for a loaf of bread.  I thought I had it rough, because neighbors were buying us clothes.

I thought I had it rough.  Quite honestly, I am a humongous ass.  I was feeling sorry for myself.  Even when we got there, I felt like a jerk.  I was walking around, looking at people, feeling like I was relating to them.  I went there thinking, “I understand what they are going through, so this will be good for me”  I have never been more wrong.

These kids were so happy with what they had.  When I was their age, I was crying because I wasn’t wearing name brands.  I don’t know what else to say but, geez.  My eyes are wide open, and I have a feeling I may not have even seen the worst of it.  I really feel like there is something more that I haven’t seen.  Something more that I can do.  Something more that needs to be done.

My fiance writes a lot about injustice, and I don’t think I ever really got it.  I still don’t think I fully do.  I think I need to pray a little more before writing more.  But there is more to come.

And some time soon, I am going to attempt to show my sense of humor.  I really really am.  I am a funny person, I promise.

More to come and hopefully it may have more final thoughts than just blabbering.  and maybe more of a story.

So.  I have never left the country.  Mainly because I just have never made anywhere near enough money to even pay my rent, let alone, buy a plane ticket and a passport and just leave.

I sit and think about the gifts that God has bestowed upon me.  I mean, I have an amazingly wonderful beautiful fiance.  I have a decent enough job.  And now, I get to do something I have always wanted to.  Travel out of the country, with my best friend (See link above), and her father. Even better yet!  I get to go do work for God!  It’s amazing, but I am still nervous.  I have never flown over water, and I’m not a great swimmer.   I know that doesn’t really matter, but the scenario’s are endless.  But I digress.

I have never been on a trip like this before, so I don’t know what to expect.  I am praying that God will guide me, and move in me. 

I am not taking any form of electronic communication down there.  Just a journal, my Bible, and my copy of “Jesus For President” I will be spending a lot of time in some much needed prayer, Journaling, and The Word.  I hope to follow up with what is moved in me.  And I know there will be movement.

Please keep me in your prayers.  I really am a little nervous.

I might write one more time before I leave….. So.. be looking

Adios.

Ok.  So I told Andrea last night that I was going to start writing ‘Rules of Engagement’.  Basically, along the path of our engagement, I imagine I am going to learn some very important things.  Instead of waiting a year or two from now until another one of our friends gets engaged, I figured, I’ll just post them as I learn.  So, I’ll start with the first one.

Rules Of Engagement #1

It doesn’t matter if it is the release date (like in my case), or five years from now.  Never, ever, under any circumstances, ask to go get an iPhone, if you have already promised to register that day.

Registration is number 1 until it is finished.  Go in.  Get it done, and have fun doing it.  It CAN actually be fun.  I’ve had a blast the two days we registered.  Just make sure you get to hold the gun thing.  Then it’s like laser tag.  Except, if you want something, you shoot it.

Anyway. That turned into more of a rant than it was supposed to.  So this begins my Rules of Engagement Series.  I look forward to your comments, or any rules you can forwarn me about.