Hey. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog here and there. I know the stuff is pretty lame and boring most of the time because, I mean really, what does a nineteen year old kid really have to say about the world and religion?

Haha. I appreciate your support as I share my story here on this little piece of the blogosphere. :) And I am excited to report a very exciting twist in the story.

Oliver and I are packing up and heading over to Europe. Germany to be exact, to be a part of AFCOE-Europe. I am not quite sure about all that I am going to be doing, but I know I will be financially provided for and that there is a certain sense of security heading that way.

I'm a bit nervous because I have never gone across the pond. Also, mum and dad won't be a phone call away to help me fix my problems so the adult life will be wholly learned.

There's much to be excited about and much to be nervous about. Some thousands of years ago, Israelites stayed up late and packed hurriedly to make a quick exodus from the land of their bondage to a promised land.

I don't pretend to think God is leading me to Germany as a promised land, but tonight as I finish packing and prepare for this voyage, it strikes me that as I leave the States there will be much cleansing as I am cut off from many 'Americanisms' and experience the very different, very secular, very foreign Germany.

Most of all though, Oliver and I are excited to do mentoring with AFOCE-Europe and engage in all the lessons that will yield. Oliver invites you to continue reading this blog as it will trace my adventures, my stories written as I live under grace over in the Vaterland. :)

This past Sunday I finished my travels with the Songs of Ascent tour.

We did a little less than 40 Psalm 103 concerts, plus the various vespers and chapel services at academies. We did something in Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. There was a lot of driving and a lot of amazing experiences. Check out Eric and Monique's blog for their summary report.

Here, though, on my blog I want to thank Matt and Josie Minikus for inviting me to be a part of their tour way back in May. At that point, it was not going to be an official Songs of Ascent tour, just Matt Minikus and Friends. (Joke) They took a chance on me and offered me an opportunity to exercise spiritual gifts, learn under them and invited me into intimate friendship with them. Both Matt and Josie have significantly impressed the way I perceive Christianity and Adventism, how I think of relationships, and how to mentor. I thank them so much for giving me the privilege to ride around in the back seat of their Lexus, walled in by the front seat, luggage and equipment and the door. I endearingly called it my cubicle.

Moreover, I want to thank Eric and Monique as well. I simply loved getting to know them better and developing a friendship with them. I appreciated their music already before I knew them and it was awesome to get to spend time with them. Since I struggle with being tense and overtly melancholy, it was great to have a couple of mellow Australians on the team. We had plenty of adventures, we had plenty of laughs, Eric and I got into Vine together, and I had sweet time guessing when Monique wanted steamed vegetables or Vegennaise. You two have also impressed how I see relationships and showed me a boldness in the way you have committed to your calling that has left me inspired and wanting to give more of myself to Christ.

Lastly, I want to thank the countless people along our journey who showered us with blessings via their generosity, hospitality, and affection. To those who gave us lunches and dinners, who gave me a couch to sleep in, who took us out somewhere, who made us scrambled tofu, and who arranged for me to meet Clifford Goldstein, thank you so much. I am indebted to you. May you all be rewarded in a double portion of what you gave us.

This tour exceeded all my expectations and they were pretty high to begin with. My life really is changed and I can already tell how I am embarking on a markedly different course because of it. I thank God for allowing me to be a part of it. If you took the chance to read this obituary, I encourage you to find mentorship and to do a project that challenges you and is geared to helping others.

You won't regret it.