Crazy Adventures in the Life of a Redhead

Returning home from meeting the locals and passing out gifts With some of our spiritual and physical gift recipients Highest point of the Philippine Highway System Speaking to a group of 100 youth With my students and the staff, we traveled as a group to Loo, Bugias, also known as the “salad bowl of the Philippines.” This area produces vegetables for most of the Philippines, traveling as far as the Visayas (one region of the Philippines, in which there are many islands). We traveled for the purpose of passing out Christmas gifts to children, as we spread the good news of Jesus Christ, the meaning of Christmas, and we conducted a free medical clinic and multiple fellowships with the youth, adults and children. Our itinerary was packed with blessings: we were blessed with good weather, safe travels, unity of spirit between the local people and church and the members of my group, and the ability to share material as well as spiritual encouragement with the church a...

For the fourth time in five years, I celebrated Thanksgiving abroad (2008—France, 2009—Philippines, 2011—Senegal, 2012—Philippines). Although I love spending Thanksgiving with my family and have missed being able to share in the fellowship with my loved ones, I revel in the ability to share such a wonderful tradition with my friends and family abroad. Since Thanksgiving is purely North American (the Canadians also celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday), very few people outside of the United States and Canada have heard of the event. It is a pleasure to share a special American historical event with other people and to be thankful together for the blessings of today. Thanksgiving is something one can share with anyone who chooses to be grateful. I am especially thankful to God for his protection and guidance. This year I have traveled to numerous countries and have encountered many people, who have blessed me and have become a part of my memories of these 16 months away from ...