Hike of a Lifetime

This last weekend was a great adventure. Five other guys and myself hiked 11 miles (22 miles round trip) along the Napali Coast in search of the Kauai legend of the Kulalau valley. We hiked in constant anticipation to discover if the valley's rumors were true of finding- exotic fruit trees, caves, waterfalls, and especially the supposed vagabond clan of free-spirited, unclothed hippies.

The trail is known to be one of the best hikes in the world. After walking through four rivers and toeing miles along the edge of a cliff I would have to agree. The mountinous landforms at the end of the hike were as if sugar cones were stacked together and covered in moss. Add a waterfall and a secluded white-sandy beach and you have one of the most exquisite landscapes on the planet. The trail itself offers tropical foliage, fresh guavas, exotic flowers, mountain goats, and plenty of red mud. God was so gracious to us to not allow it to rain- especially considering we were hiking in one of the wettest places on earth. We were so tired and hurting by the end. Our bodies could barely handle the workout, but luckily the way back was a lot easier after eating most of our cans of chili and drinking most of our water. We went to celebrate George's up-and-coming marriage and we had great fun together. After the eleven miles back the next day we were so glad to have tackled this two-day challenge. I was very blessed.

I really wanted to hike this hike since coming to Hawaii and I was so fortunate to have a spot on the trip. I thank God for experiences like this that allow me to see God's wonderful creation and have an opportunity to grow closer to my brothers. It was truly a wonderful time. We only saw one naked hippie while we were there. We were too tired to search for many of fruit trees and the tides were a bit high to sleep in the caves. all in all...Good times.

Classes about Jesus

I really like school right now. My only responsibility is school and so my life is very focused at the moment, which I really like. I love the way this campus is established. They allow the students to practice what they preach by serving and doing a lot of practical ministry. I really like my classes and the effect that the Bible is having on my heart. I am recognizing that my need for God is constant and daily. I absolutely cannot live godly without the grace of God each day (a humbling point to admit). I am learning to spend time with God each morning and I am growing to love God even that much more.

God is so amazing in how He reveals Himself in His inspired Word. The Word of God really is "powerful and effective". It challenges, corrects, reveals, and trains every man or woman how to live in this life and God's true character is revealed all the while. There is no God like the God of the Holy Scriptures. There is only one God and He has given us written revelation of Himself. I encourage anybody reading this to learn or continue to learn of this incredible God that loves us and offers salvation through Jesus Christ. I will never get tired of reinforcing my mind and heart the truth of God revealed through His written word.

Other then this, I threw a spear three times at some wild boars last night and sadly misses three times. I was about fifteen feet away and unfortunately I cannot throw a spear that well. I set up a trap today that will hopefully catch one for a killing. They have been a huge nuisance to the church and the camp. I am praying for pork chops.

Week One is Paradise

I was greeted on the plane by a sweet stewardess named Shannon and I think I made her blush when she saw my painting of her. She really was a great stewardess and I was glad to leave her with my painting. Keep up the great work Shannon!!! As you could tell I had a lot of time on the plane, but it was so great to have time to prepare my mind and heart for Kauai.

The first week in Kauai::: I LOVE KAUAI!!! The lush green pasture outside my safari tent is filled with goats and a few renegade boars that I intend to knife one of these nights. The sporadic, five-minute downpours with constant tropical warmth is a pleasant change. The camp-life-- no electricity, no Internet, and cold showers make life a bit rustic. I love how the other students are so fun and energetic and full of life. I love eating communal meals. I love the sweet times with God at night as I look up at the stars or in the morning as the sun rises over the ocean. All these little details make for a great time so far.

Classes started today and I am so excited to study the Word of God. I am taking Discipleship 101, Genesis, Romans, Luke, Acts, Homeletics (I get to preach), and Church History. I hope to keep up with the work load, but it should be ok. I am also on the construction crew on the property and today I had the glorious duty of troubleshooting/ cleaning the composting toilet. Let me just say that there was no composting going on in there, but I loved getting a little dirty for the sake of Jesus. Thats what its all about, right?