Technology is Amazing

31 07 2008

I am amazed by modern technology. 

This morning I have communicated with five different friends who live literally on the other side of the world. I have been able to actually talk and hear their voices with two of them.  And I was able to see actually see one of them through a webcam. Another I was able to communicate over a form of instant messenger.  Two more I communicated with via email, including one sending me pictures taken that day of some of the Olympic venues in Beijing (see picture above). I have done all this before 10am and totally free. Isn’t that incredible?

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been able to establish some amazing friendships with people who live on the other side of the world. These people over a two week span have invested a lot into me and I have invested a lot into them. In the past, it would be very difficult to do that because of the inability to communicate when separated. To guard your heart, it would be easier to simply not intimately connect with others so that saying bye would not be so difficult. However, with modern technology keeping in contact with people is incredibly easy. I am so excited that those relationships can continue to grow and improve.

I have been connecting with people using SKYPE. Skype is not a new program, but you can talk with anybody with a Internet connection throughout the world for free. You can hear each others voices like a telephone call and you can also see them while you talk using webcams. You can also use Skype’s instant messenger program to simply talk through messages. The best part about Skype is that is 100% totally free. Thanks Josh Nipps for introducing me to Skype a couple years ago.

On another note, while I was in China I kept seeing these amazing, tiny portable hard drives. These hard drives are about the size of a video iPod and has up to 160G of space. On our shopping day before we came back to America, I found a 160G portable hard drive for only $70. I was pumped. Just thought I would share my discovery.

_________________________

This is how I need your help:

1. If you have Skype, can you please get me your Skype ID so we can talk? 

2. Have you recently stumbled on any new technology that you want to share about?  I would love to hear about your recent discoveries.


Comments : 6 Comments »

Categories : Friends, Life, People, Technology, Travel

The Stache

30 07 2008

If you have been a consistent reader of my blog, you know that I do not take myself too seriously. I always enjoy laughing at myself when I get the chance.

Well, while I was in China I really grew out some really good “man-fur” with my full beard. When I got back to Texas and the temperature was above 100 degrees, I knew the beard had to go.  As I was shaving today, I believe that I got inspired today by Jason Giambi, Tom Selleck, and Mario.

Check out this hilarious picture…


Comments : 15 Comments »

Categories : Funny, Life, People, Random, Sports, Travel

Quote

29 07 2008

I realized something while reading my previous post. I seemed I may have come across somewhat complaining about my lack of comfort in China. I wanted to make sure you all know that I absolutely loved every second I was in China. Even though some of my normal comforts were taken away, I would go back and would have stayed longer if possible.

A simple truth that I understand is best explained through this quote…

“MY COMFORT IS NOT GOD’S PRIORITY.”


Comments : 7 Comments »

Categories : Faith, Life, Ministry, Spirituality, Travel

Back In America

29 07 2008

The long journey is finally over. We made it back to Texas late last night. 

It is good to be back in America, but I am missing China pretty bad. Our trip was amazing. Thank you so much for supporting us and praying for us. Lives were changed and we were used in some pretty amazing ways. 

Jet-lag is currently kicking my butt today. It was extremely difficult to sleep last night. Still feeling like I was on China time, I kept waking up during the night. That being said, I am pretty wiped but wanted to make sure you knew we were back in the states.

Here is a list of things I was excited to get back to…

  • My bed
  • Gaby and Kate
  • Napkins
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Forks
  • Air conditioners
  • Hot showers
  • Sit-down toilets
  • iPhone
  • Unblocked Internet
  • All my incredible students in SOC/SM

I have a lot of incredible stories to share later regarding our China trip. Let me recover from jet lag a bit.


Comments : 7 Comments »

Categories : Faith, Life, Ministry, People, Spirituality, Travel

It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye

27 07 2008

To quote the amazing early 90s R&B group Boys 2 Men, “It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.”

I am sitting in the Seoul, Korea airport right now. We left Weihai this morning and have made the first of three flights before we land at DFW airport.

Saying goodbye yesterday to all our new friends – Chinese and American – was extremely difficult. In fact, it was much more difficult that I imagined. There were a lot of tears and emotions. It is amazing how hearts can connect so deeply in such a short amount of time. I kept reminding all of our emotional students (including myself) that intimately connecting and investing in those Chinese students’ lives was well worth the tears and negative emotions that results after making that choice and having to say goodbye. Loving and investing in people is always worth it!

I sat back for over an hour and watched the American students and Chinese students interact as different groups were having to leave at different times. What I saw was unbelievable. The life I saw in the Chinese students’ eyes was so different from day one. The smiles, hugs, and tears were incredibly genuine. It was a powerful moment. Lives were changed. I am so humbled to be able to be a part of something that is literally changing the world.

Last night we enjoyed a night out on the town. We got to shop in a lot of Chinese stores and look for souvenirs for loved ones at home. We ended up eating somewhere familiar at the mall for dinner – McDonalds. A very special “THANK YOU” to Carol and Sherry, who are two amazing Chinese college students from my small group, that made sure we did not get lost, bargained for us, and simply took care of us. I love these girls so much (SEE PICTURE). We got back on campus and enjoyed birthday cake for Kirsten McMillan’s birthday. It was a great day.

We are scheduled to return to DFW airport on Monday, July 28 at 8:05pm on United Airlines Flight 6219 flying out of Los Angeles. Would love to see as many people as possible at the airport to welcome us home.

Here are some pictures from our last day (including some powerful goodbye pictures)…


Comments : 5 Comments »

Categories : Food, Friends, Life, Music, People, Travel

Who I am Missing Pretty Bad

26 07 2008

This is who I am missing really bad while I am in China:


Comments : 5 Comments »

Categories : Dogs, Family, Funny, Life, Random, Travel

Last Day in China

26 07 2008

Believe it or not, today our China journey comes to an end. We have another half day of Sunshine camp. By lunch today, camp will officially be over. Tonight we plan on going around to a touristy place to do some last minute shopping and souvenir-buying. I plan on finishing tonight with a big dinner all together somewhere to celebrate Kirsten McMillan’s birthday. 

Yesterday all of the groups went to the beach to have a sand castle building competition. Some of the groups were amazing.

Last night, we had a big, camp-wide talent show. SOC represented during the talent show as Mackenzie Tatum and Gabriel Devoto performed a hip hop dance/stomp routine, Gabriel also displayed his ninja-like numb-chuck skills, Heather Cromer and Elise Rascoe danced to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller“, and Kyle Byrum and Parey Draper did a skit that included acting, High School Musical, and traditional Chinese dancing. My highlight (as well as a lot of people’s I believe) was two separate performances: one Chinese girl recited PERFECTLY Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech. It was unbelievable. Also, one Chinese girl and one American girl got up on stage together and sang “Amazing Grace.” It was powerful.

All that is on the program agenda for camp is the “closing ceremonies.” I will make sure to take some good pictures to share with you tomorrow. I will get another chance to get on here tomorrow to share one last time when we are in the Korea airport. On our way here I found a great wi-fi spot that let me access my blog. I will give you one last final update complete with pictures and updates.

Make sure to check tomorrow for another update. Love you guys very much. We will be home shortly.

UPDATE: The Yankees still haven’t lost since I have been in China. Looks like I am going to have to take one for the team and stay here till they win the World Series. As a true fan, it would be my honor.


Comments : 2 Comments »

Categories : Friends, Life, Music, People, Sports, Travel

Another Funny Story

25 07 2008

There is an obvious language barrier that rears its ugly head from time to time here in China. I have been amazed at the high level of English that all the Chinese seem to have. However, there are times when confusion and misunderstanding happens. Sometimes it can be funny.

Here is an actual conversation I had at lunch one day when Heather and I were having lunch with our co-coaches for our small groups – Lily and Lydia:

LILY – How long have you been married?

HEATHER – A little over four years.

LYDIA – Wow!

LILY – Brian, what do you like about Heather so much?

BRIAN – That’s easy. The thing I like most about Heather is the fact that I know without a doubt that she loves God more than she could ever love me.

(LILY & LYDIA exchange shocked, confused looks at each other as I sort of freak out thinking I answered a question wrong.)

LILY – Did you just say that Heather loves guys more than she loves you?

BRIAN – No, no, no!!! I said that Heather loves “GOD” more than me, not “GUYS”!

____________________________

Ah, the language barrier strikes again.


Comments : 4 Comments »

Categories : Family, Friends, Funny, Life, People, Random, Travel

One More Full Day of Camp

25 07 2008

Today is a bittersweet day at Leadership Camp. Things are starting to wrap up as today is the last official full day of camp. As I currently am sitting in the lobby of a five-star hotel across the street from campus stealing their wi-fi, I am getting ready for parents day here at camp. The leadership has invited all the parents of the students going through the camp to come for the day to experience all that their kids have learned. Since China is a stinkin’ huge country, I am not sure how many parents will actually make it out here to Weihai.

Yesterday was another eventful day. I have some extremely powerful stories that I cannot wait to share with you when I get back to America. I will tell you that we had a crazy time called “Sunshine Craze” where the small groups went through a series of games and obstacles to earn points. Some of the stations included egg toss, mystery dinner, sticking candy to somebody’s face, foot-washing, downing a two liter in one minute, and much more. It was a blast. After dinner, all the small groups performed their dramas they have been working on all week. These dramas had some extremely serious topics, but turned out to be communicated quite comedically. (From all that I have heard, Kelyn Bain was incredible in his drama.)

Our work here is almost over. We are definitely on the downhill. In the words of my good friend Israel Lewis, FINISH STRONG!

Here are some pictures from yesterday including the meat stand that is currently saving my life…

By the way, the New York Yankees have not lost since I have been in China. They are currently starting a three game set in Boston, so I hope that continues. If they keep winning, I might have to take one for the team and stay in China till after the World Series – now that is a true fan!!!


Comments : 5 Comments »

Categories : Food, Friends, Life, People, Sports, Travel

Funny Story

24 07 2008

I know yesterday I shared about our bathroom situation and hopefully you got a little kick out of that. After talking to many American men and women who spend a considerable amount of their time in China, they enlightened me to something I find pretty funny.

If you go somewhere in China where they might actually have a more “American” sit-down style toilet (restaurants, hotels, etc), you will often find footprints all over the seat. Now that takes some skill and balance!


Comments : 7 Comments »

Categories : Friends, Funny, Life, People, Random, Travel

Cross-Cultural Party

24 07 2008

Yesterday was another rainy day in Weihai, which is something I do not mind at all. On this leadership camp, it has rained almost daily. Those that did not listen to the packing list and bring either a raincoat or umbrella are hating life right now. The rain always brings with it a nice, cool breeze and colder temperatures. I am a fan.

As the leadership team here are trying to “develop future leaders of integrity,” the number one thing they are teaching in this leadership curriculum is how to develop into a servant leader. Transforming into a servant leader is becoming a person who puts others before one’s self, who is one filled with integrity, and one who looks at his position of influence as a way to serve other people. Good principles that we can all learn to apply in our lives.

Last night (early this morning for you in the states) we got to participate in a cross-cultural party. Everybody dressed nicely and enjoyed a night full of karaoke, trying new foods, playing sports, and hanging out. It was so great to see all the Chinese students who’s lives are filled with stress, pressure, and responsibility to cut loose, smile really big joyful smiles, and have a lot of fun. I loved hearing them rock out on karaoke to their favorite Chinese pop songs too!

After eight days of camp and being immersed with each other, you can really start to see some tangible, visible changes already in the campers. There is life in their eyes. There is joy (not happiness, but joy) in their smiles. There is passion in their words. There is confidence in their actions.

Miracles are happening. I cannot wait to get home and share them with you. Check back later for more updates.

Here are some pictures from yesterday…


Comments : 1 Comment »

Categories : Food, Friends, Life, Music, People, Travel

China Bathroom Situation

23 07 2008

Like I stated yesterday, the China bathroom situation is a little stretching. Our students have become completely capable of all types of different styles of bathroom procedure. The procedure required in China is more of a stop, drop, and squat situation. There are no porcelain thrones like we are accustomed to in America. There is no sitting what-so-ever. 

The old saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” So for you to better understand, I will stop talking, show you a picture, and let your imagination run wild!

All I can say is that my thigh muscles are getting strong!


Comments : 20 Comments »

Categories : Friends, Funny, Life, People, Random, Travel

Another Day In China

23 07 2008

It was amazing to see all the views and comments from yesterday. I am so glad that I was finally able to connect. I am sure that you are also glad that I finally connected as well. Thanks for being patient.

I wanted to take a minute to brag on the students I have brought on this China Leadership Camp. They have been champions. The connections that they have made with the Chinese students will last for a very long time. The impact from those relationships will change their lives forever. The language barrier wall has been torn down and communication is excellent. Their smiles and joy that our students are pouring into their culture is contagious. The cross-cultural experience is well worth the money that got every student here. I could not be more proud.

I received a vision from “DAD” yesterday for when we return home. For those of you who live in the Sulphur Springs area, it was revealed to me that we live in a culture and community that is often lukewarm. We are a bit to comfortable and content. I hope to be bringing back a chunk of leaders who are on-fire with the vision to completely change and revive our community of faith. Revival is needed.

On a different note: 

We introduced the Chinese people to dodgeball yesterday. It was insanely fun. I want to apologize to all the people that I drilled with my still-hanging-on-by-a-thread-former-fastball-throwing-arm. There is no middle switch though. It is either off or on. I get a little intense (check out the dodgeball picture for proof).

We also experienced “Fashion Show Night” where all of the students dressed up in crazy outfits. It was hilarious. We had everything from a full body suit to two foot high hair to many other insane outfits. What a great night!

Enjoy the pictures:


Comments : 2 Comments »

Categories : Friends, Life, People, Travel

Greetings From Weihai (Finally)

22 07 2008

What an incredible journey! 

As some of you have found out, I have been unable (for some unknown reason) to be able to get onto, manage, or simply view my blog while we have been in the People’s Republic of China. I am getting the hint that they do not want me blogging in China. However, with the awesomeness of modern technology, I found a backdoor to my blog. The good news is that I can now get to it and start making some posts. Better late than never.

I want to assure each and every one of you that everybody is doing great and the trip has been a huge success. We arrived to Weihai safely, breezed right through customs, and have been on the Shandong University – Weihai campus ever since. The campus is beautiful and right beside a gorgeous Pacific Ocean beach.

We have had a lot of our comfort zones stretched this trip. The first couple of days were tough while getting adjusted to the differences in culture, but everybody is a pro now. Here are a list of all the ways our comfort zones have been stretched:

 

  • Taking cold showers everyday.
  • Communal showers.
  • Food is VERY different from home (including octopus, chicken feet, fish tails, etc).
  • Eating with chopsticks.
  • No air conditioner.
  • Sleeping under mosquito nets.
  • A COMPLETELY different bathroom situation (picture coming soon).
  • For some, a major language barrier.

 

We have had a few get sick on the trip. Heather is one of the few who have gotten sick. Thank “Dad” for the fact that we have Dr. Bob and Nancy here with us taking care of everybody’s physical needs. 

I am very happy I found a way to communicate with you while in China. Again, I apologize for not being able to do this sooner. Hopefully, I will be able to communicate more consistently the rest of our trip. Check back often.

Here are some pictures including me eating octopus:


Comments : 11 Comments »

Categories : Friends, Life, People, Technology, Travel

Greetings From Korea

15 07 2008

We left Sulphur Springs, Texas at 3:00pm towards the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. After a 3+ hour flight to Los Angeles, California, we got on a massive airplane that was destined for Seoul, Korea. After almost 13 hours of flying, we landed in Korea. So far we currently have 25 and 1/2 hours of travel with a few more to go before we reach our destination.

Right now we are sitting in the Seoul airport waiting to get on one more flight to Weihai, China. Just wanted to make sure you knew that we made it safely to the Far East. Keep praying.

Here’s a picture of our China 2008 group:


Comments : 28 Comments »

Categories : Life, People, Travel

« Previous Entries