![\"\"](\"http:\/\/commotioninthepews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/IMAG0459-e1359549784153-473x600.jpg\" "\\"IMAG0459\\"")
<\/a>Just a casual photo with Larry the Bear.<\/p><\/div>\n
Yes, the running joke is that my mom befriended a bear on her trip to Alaska. He now visits her in Florida and I found him wandering around REI<\/a> yesterday while shopping for supplies for our upcoming mission trip.<\/p>\n Which reminds me – I’m going to Haiti<\/a> for a mission in the next few months. You can find out a lot about the organization by visiting healinghaiti.org<\/a>. We’ve been planning this for about 4 months and while I’m not yet taking the malaria medicine in preparation for the trip, I am getting ready in spiritual ways. This one looks to be more of a challenge than last year’s trip to Belize<\/a>. The main reason is that we’re taking a different focus on this trip. In Belize we were there to support a Christian broadcasters conference. This trip we’re there strictly in a servant role for whatever the organization needs. Working in wound clinics, visiting orphanages, working a water truck, and visiting hospice facilities.<\/p>\n I am still kind of blown away at being a born again Christian and the changes it has meant in my life. I’m still a terrible reprobate in some ways, shame sailors with my mouth on occasion and engage in silly squabbles. But there’s a part of me that’s never been more alive. A part of me that feels that love of Christ that is promised in the Bible.<\/p>\n And that’s the part of me that’s going to Haiti. (I’m bringing the sailor part along to haul all the supplies. He’s used to a 75 pound seabag on his back. Let him lug the stupid thing.) <\/p>\n I’ll write about it while I’m there and then post a series here. We have a member of the team who’s a professional photographer and they will be documenting the trip. I’ll provide photos and links to photos upon my return.<\/p>\n Not leaving yet, not even close. But it seems to loom large on the horizon. I’m excited. And a little nervous. I just hope to present myself in accordance with Christ’s wishes. And I plan on leaving the sailor at the mission house.<\/p>\n Is there a “sailor” part of you that conflicts with your identity as a Christian? Is that part of you integral to your salvation? Did the lessons learned in that life help with this one? And is there a mission trip in your future?<\/p>\n No matter what, say hi to Larry the bear when you see him with my mom. They’ll be sharing some Salmon out on her Lanai.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"