a change of plans

The past two months have flown by, yet within them seem to hold years of memories and experiences. My team is spending our last week together in Agadir, Morocco working for a learning center before we fly back to the states. The plan was to leave early Monday morning, travel all day and make it to Denver before nightfall. Well, as many of you know, I'm not one who always keeps just according to schedule, and have been presented with a new opportunity...

I'm not leaving Morocco just yet. 

Most of my time in Morocco has been spent working with a couple who own their own trekking company. It has been so incredible working with them, getting to see their heart, their determination, and their purpose for being here. While Christian organizations and evangelism are completely illegal in this country, businesses and tourism are not. So through this business the couple is not only able to stay and live in this very secured, closed country - but are taking groups into the deepest parts of the country to build relationships with some of the least reached people groups in the entire world. While making a video for them a theme arose, "By Any Means Necessary." We off-roaded through rocks and canyons and river streams, trekked through the mud and rain up steep winding paths. We camped under rock cliffs and drank hot chocolate with fresh cow's milk. Ok, so it wasn't all hard work  :)

But more than the physical labor and rough terrain, this theme cut to the heart of their company and why they do what they do. They willingly give up luxuries and comforts to meet the people no one else can get to. They want to love, and share Christ's love, by any means necessary. From trekking through the mountains to expeditions in the Sahara desert, they're willing to go and do whatever it takes. I love being around people who are passionate about life.

So here I am, 6 days before I'm scheduled to leave the country, and I've been given an opportunity. I've been invited to help lead and film a 7 day expedition through the Sahara Desert. There will be 14 of us in all, driving Land Rovers, meeting Nomadic tribes, camping and worshipping in the desert. I have no idea what to expect, but I know God has opened this up as a once in a lifetime opportunity, and an adventure like I have never experienced.

My biggest prayer for this trip is to encounter God like I never have before. 7 days, as far away from reality as I can get. No projects, no facebook, no producing, no cell phones, no distractions. As much as I've taken in the last 7 weeks, I know I haven't taken the time needed to   s  l  o  w     d  o  w  n   and process it. I've met incredible people, worked with dozens of ministries, traveled by planes, trains, buses, taxis and even motorbikes around the world. And I think if I jet home after all of this, I'll miss something. Something big. Something God wants me to take away from all of this. Something he's doing in me. 

SO. I'll be out of communication for yet another week. But please, please, if ever a week to pray for me, this is it. I'll be back from the Sahara Friday, April 10th and should be on a plane home shortly after. This will be my first time traveling solo internationally, but after all I've been through thus far, I think I can handle it  :)

"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading. It is a life of faith, not intellect and reason, but a life of knowing who makes us 'go'.  

- Oswald Chambers