Escape to Southern California

Three weeks ago I was cruising down Hollywood, when I noticed a BMW advertisement. Most adds wouldn't catch me eye. However, this one did. It read “Joy is Youthful”. Suggesting that perhaps your best year are the ones that are lived prior to careers and kids. Where you can truly enjoy yourself because responsibility is limited and fascination is at large.

For many college and uni students, spring break couldn't come soon enough. Its smack dab, right in the middle of the semester; sandwiched between papers, midterms and stress. Many choose home as their getaway. While others resort to a hot spot.

Originally, I had the intention of traveling down the eastern seaboard of the United States. For the previous four months, myself and about ten other youth major students were planning a youth ministry oriented trip. The trip was designed to give better perspective on the art of youth ministry. The thought of acquiring this kind of practical knowledge, while making time for at least one NHL game, was exciting to think about. However, as spring break rapidly approached, I realized I was financially incapable of going. Anyone who is, or has ever been a student can surely relate. I had only half of the required amount needed to go on the trip. I was simply broke.

Many close friends were headed home, back to Moncton. I wasn't so keen. With $225.00 in pocket, the destinations were limited. I began searching the internet for tickets. There was no way I could find a return ticket from Canada to USA with that kind of change. That was the least of my worries though. I just needed an escape somewheres. I was overcome with the stress of school and that re-occurring question of God's will. One day before March break began, I bought a one way ticket from Boston – LA. At that point, I had no idea how I was getting to Boston. More importantly, I didn't know how I would return back to Sussex, where I am studying. Call my stupid.. or heaps faithful. Regardless, I just yearned for a getaway. I knew that if God wanted me back at College, He would provide that way home.

I hitched a drive to Boston with three other New Yorkers from school. The weather was hideous, as we drove through the middle of the night, in the middle of a snow storm. Though it's said that the night is always darkest before the dawn. I knew I would be arriving in sunny Los Angeles, only 15 hours later. I had no money, apart from the $25 I would inevitably give for baggage. The first 'blessing' came compliments of former US President Andrew Jackson. One of the blokes I was traveling with offered to lend me $80. This with golden, as I virtually had no money for the week.

My buddy Marco picked me up at the LAX airport that Saturday morning. I was stoked to split my time hanging out with him and Mark for the week. Two of my best mates. The first stop was hitting up 'In and Out Burger'. My favorite fast food restaurant! We proceeded to hit up Manhattan Beach for a little stroll. Ignoring the fact that there was a tsunami warning in the area. We then did star bucks for a couple hours and caught up. Marco drove me to Mark Moore's that night, as I planned to spend the first four nights in Orange County with him. It was so sweet to see Mark, as I hadn't seen the dude in like six months. The house he was flatting at was so sweet! Only one block from Newport Beach. The setup was epic.

Mark was leaving for San Diego on that Monday. As much as I wanted to go with him, I was in no condition to be spending money. My plane ticket home was still up in the air (no pun). Before leaving though, Mark hooked me up with a job doing some cleaning for a lady he met at A karaoke night. I got acquainted with Dr. Police on Monday night. She was a lovely lady who was in desperate need of someone to clean out her garage. At $15 an hour I was keen and grateful for the opportunity. That night, I also hung out with Brenton and Sarah. Two friends whom I got close with in NZ. I also went to Huntington Beach that day and watched them kite surf. That night we did a Chinese buffet. Yum Yum! Another highlight was watching indecisive Brenton attempt to find towels that would complement his blinds. This took upwards of 45 minutes, but I wasn't complaining. After all.. I was in California. That night Brenton helped me google map some directions to Dr. Police's house.

The next morning would come bright and early. I had no idea what the day would bring, besides the work I was set to do. By 8am I was peddling hard, searching for the doctors house. Little did I know, the time it took to find her house, would be an adventure in it self. As I started biking there, I ran into a homeless dude. Scored him one of my granola bars, and was on my way. Ran into another homeless bloke. Scored him one of my bars as well. I had packed some fruit, as well as a Gatorade for lunch; so I wasn't to worried about not having enough to eat. At a red light, I reached into my lunch bag to realize my Gatorade bottle has squished the banana. Furthermore, I had lost my tangerine, which must have full out of the bag. So, I was down to a Gatorade for the whole day. Working in the intense heat... tough break, Lorne. I had been biking for nearly 90 minutes when I finally swallowed my pride and asked for directions. Google map either let me down, or I was a horrible navigator. I stopped a lady who was walking her dog, and began explaining my situation; hoping she knew how to get to my destination. While we were conversing, her cute little dog got defensive and bit into my leg. As I went down in pain, she realized what had happened. Rather then seeing if I was alright, she turned around and started scolding her dog... repeatedly asking him if he had bitten me. Even though it was clearly obvious I had been, with blood cascading down my left leg.I assured her I wouldn't sue, then continued on me way. About fifteen minutes later, I found the doctors house. Finally! By the end of the day, five and half hours work translated into $100. Plus a partial drive home in Dr. Police's groovy convertible.

Marco picked me up Wednesday morning from the OC, and I spent the rest of the week with him in Hollywood. Or at least slept in Hollywood. Until I flew out the following Saturday, we traveled greater LA. The sites and sounds included various beaches and I even got a glimpse of people setting up for the Oscars in downtown Hollywood. We also lurked Disneyland in Anaheim for half a day. Malibu, Venice Beach and Santa Monica were some other beauty stops we made.

About three days before I would have been scheduled to fly home, some student funding came in from the Canadian government. It was that Thursday morning that I bought a ticket home. I knew God's provision would materialize. God to the rescue... again.

I throughly enjoyed my final few days with Marco, as I had no financial worries about how I would get back.

The last day I was in LA, the two of us took a little cruise through Beverly Hills. This part of LA notorious for rich folk. Filled with mansions consisting 200 ft palm trees in the front yard, 2-3 vehicles in the driveway, and 3-4 imported burritos catering to the owners lawn cares. The gold digger wives, with bleach blond Cleopatra haircuts and black tights, stroll the neighborhoods. The little bit of eye candy or excitement the burritos might get, as they do their monotonous work. Or catch the 45 year old mommas, with 2 pounds of caked on makeup; driving past in SUV's their husbands probably paid for in cash. The houses were classy on the outside. The inside likely told a different story.

I was reminded of a bumper stickers I saw a couple years ago, “your real treasure is in heaven”.

Marco looked over at me as we were observing the million dollar homes and said, “I will feel trapped living here”. I wouldn't blame the guy. That lifestyle could do anything but turn my crank.

“Do you think this traveling thing is a phase... something we will grow out off?”, I asked Marco. With out much hesitation, he said, “No, it will always be me. A part of who I am”. He uttered words I might never forget. Only because in that moment, I knew I wasn't alone. Maybe I don't have an unhealthy yearning to travel, I contemplated. Maybe its part of my internal makeup. Part of my identity. Maybe God can really use me through this passion I have. Maybe God is shaping me through all these experiences.

My excuse? Itchy feet...

Its interesting how people respond to open doors or challenges, that arise during times in their lives. I'm referring to the happenings that providentially occur. Crossing paths with people, experiencing new things, traveling abroad - all for reason and purpose.

Timing is everything.

My buddy, Andrew, says it best - "there is no such thing is coincidence with God".

Opportunities, challenges, and open doors, are continually colliding with peoples lives. Unexpectedly, at random points they happen. Perhaps you can relate? These spontaneous occurrences I'm getting at, are the over seas missions, telling someone you love them, jumping off a plane, or whatever the case may be. Basically, something crazy or unusual that can (will) forever put a stamp on your life. Or at least get the ball rolling. Something monumental. Something epic. Something adventurous.

Sometimes accepting these challenges can be risky. Sometimes they encompass life altering implications. For better or for worse.

It's neat to see how these people react to their personal challenges. Because they certainly are challenges. Challenges of faith. Where people either act on them, or waste them.

I'd like to think I responded alright. God was my compass.

In November of 2007, I was living/working in a suburb just north of Toronto, called Markham. My buddy Mark, had discovered a job, working at a golf course. Another mate, named Andrew Moore, also tagged along. The 3 of us roomed together for nearly 3 months. I made so many great memories during this season of my life.Unfortunately, this golf course job was only seasonal work. So, the three of us had under 2-3 months to save up for an epic roadtrip. Similar to the one Mark and I journeyed on, six months earlier.

The days were winding down. I had blown nearly all my savings. It became obvious that taking a big trip did not seem realistic. At least by looking at my bank statements. I needed some kind of blessing (preferable the money type) to fund my trip. Mark and Andrew had managed to do fairly good financially. Andrew even bought this old car, from a Russian mechanic.

Sometime in early November, Mark was 'surfing' the net. He had always been an avid Hillsong United fan (Christian band that originates from Australia.) One day, something sparked him to further research Australia. He soon discovered that a working holiday visa was attainable for those who live under the commonwealth. One thing led to another, and within days, he bought a plane ticket. He asked me to join him, but I just could not afford to go. After spending a few days praying about the trip, hoping I could get enough money, Mark lent me the funds to buy a plane ticket.

Andrew would go on a journey of his own - a cross continent trip through the United States and Canada. This trip would include a couple of Switchfoot concerts, and a visit to Mount Rush-more. Unfortunately, Andrew's originally planned route never materialized. US customs would had other plans for this Jewish-looking character. Andrew was denied entry at the boarder and forced to modify his travel plans. Instead he took a 3 week road trip through western Canada.

Knowing Mark and I wouldn't be home for Christmas, we flew back to the east coast to say our good byes. Ten days later, we were on Aussie soil..

My overseas experience wouldn't begin until I took a hideous sixteen hour bus ride down to NYC. I arrived New York City a day before my departed flight out of JFK.

My flight scheduling was modified the day of my departure, so I had to spend a couple extra days in NYC. I didn't know what to do. Certainly spending money on accommodation wasn't an option, as it would go against my morals. Paying for room and board would be especially brutal in NYC, where I would likely have to give up an arm or leg for a bed. There was just no way I was laying down 500 bones, for a little shut eye. I had to improvise. I started lurking the airport. There was an arcade room, sheltered and darkened from all the other hole-in-the-wall stores/fast food outlets. I tied my 3 bags to my leg, and set a battery alarm clock next to my head. This cement bench would be my bedside for the next couple nights.

My three nights at the airport weren't entirely hideous. The first night, I met a middle aged women from New Orleans. She was in between flights, after returning from vacation in Europe. She gave me her whole life story, then showed me all the pictures from her trip.

The next day I met a couple dudes from South Africa. These boys had gone through quite the journey, and had quite the story to go with it. Over the last year or more, they had worked in wheat fields across western Canada, and northern parts of the United States. One of the guys had lost his father during this time, but didn't have the appropriate funds to fly home to South Africa for the funeral. I can't even imagine how it was for him to go home. Both the dudes were sweet and I enjoyed hearing their travel stories. They even bought me MacDonalds, which was sweet cause I had just run out of American currency.

While lurking the airport on my last day before the rescheduled flight, I also made friends with a German dude. If my memory serves me correctly this dude was doing some traveling alone. There was a language barrier, but we still got on pretty good. We even traded some coins.

Times were tense. Nervousness of the flight and uncertainness of our trip started to settle in. Luckily God was handy to implement some humor into my life. As I went to the desk to pick up my new plane ticket, I began conversing with the dude behind the counter. Generally I am keen to pick up the whereabouts of a persons accent. However, his accent was unique, so I questioned him about it. He told me his father was from originally from Iceland. Then he told me his mother was from Cuba. As a kid, his mates called him an Ice cube.

My day of departure finally arrived that last week in November. I flew out of NYC, with a three hour layover in Abu Dhabi. My short time spent at the Abu Dhabi International terminal was one to remember. For the first time in my life, I was of the minority. Everyone around me looked like they came off the broadway set of Aladdin. My only souvenir from the airport was a newspaper I grabbed before jumping on my flight to Sydney. Twenty-seven hours after leaving NYC, I finally landed in Sydney. This was my first over seas experience. Anticipation and anxiousness consumed my emotions. All Mark and I were planning, was to catch Hillsong. The both of us had no long term plans, really. In fact, we didn't even have a place to stay. We had no job lined up. We were both packing about $1000 bucks each.

Our flights arrived 15 minutes apart. When I saw Marko I embraced him with a massive hug. Apart from God, all we could count on was each other. I remember minutes after flying in, we just kind a looked at each other; not knowing where to go from there. We made friends with two Swedish girls who were on a similar journey. They were both Christian chicks, as well as Hillsong fans. We then met a guy from Holland. They five of us lurked the city streets, with no particular destination. We were just itchy for some adventure.

We found out that there were free busy around the city that take you to Hillsong church. We hopped on one, and made our way to Church.

We arrived at Hillsong with anxious anticipation. The worship was unreal and something that I think would really fly on the east coast of Canada. The dude delivering the message even called Mark on stage and used him for the message. Then the music began. Far out, the holy spirit was moving like mad. I met some church members after the service. One women who was about 60 years old asked me to join her in the church cafe. She prayed over me and assured me that God had some groovy plans in-store for my life.

Mark and I then got introduced to some Hillsong College students. There were two German blokes, Ricardo and another dude who's named had slipped my mind. There was also an english guy named Ian Halfpenny. The three of them were flatting at an apartment in downtown Sydney. Before heading to a post worship hang out sesh at a local pub, they invited us to crash with them until we figured things out.

We stayed with the three internationals for a couple days, letting our bodies adjust to the time zones and jet leg. We then took a train to the Central Coast (2 hours north of Sydney). Mark had intentions of playing semi-pro hockey with a team on the central coast. So, he lugged around his hockey gear around till we got settled.

We took the train to the city of Gosford. There, we took a bus to Erina Fair - One of the largest shopping centers in the Southern Hemi. We walked into the local hockey rink, hoping we could put Mark's gear in storage, and ask for directions to God knows where.

At the rink, we met a dude named Micah Rae. After some small talk, we made the connection with him that he came from similar beliefs. We told him of our previous few days in Sydney, and checking out Hillsong. He then went on to ask us if we were "christian guys".

He then went back to his booth to call his parents. One thing led to an other, and we were off to his house for supper. We arrived at the Rae's house, welcomed by Momma Merelyn Rae. We also got introduced to Micah's brother Sam. Brother-in-law, Eric was also hanging out.

During my months on the coast, I also got involved in Pastor Rae's Baptist Church. It was a smaller congregation, but had a great Small group program. I also joined a cell group. Periodically, I would head to Sydney with mates, to catch Hillsong services.

To make a long story short, we spent the following three months at their house. Tony and Mereyln even threw me a 21st birthday in December. They also helped Mark and I find work, driving us around and running off resume's.

The month of December consisted of mostly bumming around the beach, attempting to surf, and just hanging out. After a few weeks of that, I knew I should probably start being a little more productive. Mark found a job at a restaurant in a little beach town, called Terrigal. I did what I do best, and piggy packed him, landing the same job. There were great perks to working in over seas hospitality, and we benefited from all of them. Every night we worked closing shifts, we took home all the left overs. The owners also paid us $15 an hour (cash in hand). Soon enough, Mark and I made enough to money to buy a car off E bay.

During A week in January, I was working a day shift at the restaurant. It was super busy, as there was a surf camp put on by Hillsong. I served a table with a bunch of Hillsong students. Over small talk, I made connection with them that I was also a christian. Next thing I know, one of the girls offered me to position to travel with some members of Hillsong Church. This group worked in-conjunction with an national organization, called the Halogen Foundation. They travelled through out Oceania and parts of Asia to promote the ideology of leadership. I went on tour with this organization for ten days, making stops in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. Rather than flying back to Sydney at the end of the tour, I stayed in Melbourne. I heard interesting things in regards to the lifestyle there, so I stayed for a couple extra weeks, before flying back to the Central Coast.

Upon returning back to the coast I learnt that my job at the restaurant was not as secure as I presumed it was. Some employees were let go, while new ones were hired on. I was one of the unlucky ones. I urgently began job hunting once again. Considering my flight home was not completely paid off, time was scarce.

Upon returning to the coast, I considered what I might do next. I met up with Mark, who I hadn't seen in over a month. He was looking to head home soon and take advantage of the companion pass he had with an airline company. He left in mid-March. God was about to cross his path with a wifey in L.A. After meeting a girl at a magic show on the streets of L.A, a three day layover was quickly changed to a 50 day vacation.

Back in Aussie, I was needing a place to stay. Just before I went on tour I knew I should find some other temporary accommodation An employee from the restaurant I worked at, offered me room and board. The circumstances surrounding this housing situation were rather unique, in-comparison to my stay with the Rae family. Glenn Skelton was a 34 year old homosexual. He smoked the occasional oregano, and loved a good glass of wine. To make matters even more difficult, I was homophobic at the time. However, they say beggars can not be choosers, so I swallowed my pride and moved into his flat. I still remember emailing my parents and letting them know of my latest happenings. Understandably enough, they were confused with me choice of accommodation. Especially my father, a baptist pastor. Though Glenn and I became good mates and I was given the opportunity to share my faith with him while we lived together. To this day, we still talk often and love the guy very much.

During my time working at the restaurant, I made friends with a Thai girl who worked at a neighboring Thai take-out. Her name is Laksamee Phasin. She was sensitive to my situation and offered me accommodation at her flat. She also employed me at the restaurant. The location was convenient to everything. I was only a skip away from work. Terrigal beach was forty feet across the road. Once again, I was truly blessed.

I can not write a blog about my adventures in Australia, with out talking about one more person. Her name is Pip. Supposedly related to Fijian princess... But that wasn't her only claim to fame. I had never met a girl so beautiful in the inside as she was on the outside. I remember hanging out with her in Terrigal. We would get lunch together and then go sit on the Terrigal rocks. I think she was as much as a dreamer as I was. I throughly enjoyed her company and our friendship. I'm excited for the megga plans God has for her life.

So in more than a nut shell, this is the tale of a vagabond canuck, keen for more than your typical 8 - 5 'sit on your ace' office job. I'd do it all over again..

My bread and butter

If you asked anyone who knows me, they would tell you that traveling is an important part of my life. The thought of it tempts me to wanna jump on a plane and forget about my second semester of school.

On second thought, that might be a little bit ridiculous. I mean, the last four years of my life were basically 'gap years', as they would call it down under. Unsure of which direction my life was headed, at 18 years old, I began to devote my life to travel. It all happened, unplanned and unexpected, but I quickly realized how much I loved it. I guess you could say, I started with small trips. Aside from conventional family vacations, I often went on little camping adventures to Prince Edward Island or Fundy National Park with friends.

A little disclaimer..

Now, it wasn't till the summer of 2005 that I experienced my first full on, travel adventure. At the time, I was still trucking away, trying to finish my high school diploma (more so Grade 10 science). My life as I knew it, started to crumble. It was July, and I had just got fired from a local grocery store that employed me for 5 years. My relationship with my parents wasn't a healthy one. Furthermore, I had just broken up with a beauty girl, who I had seen for 6 months. More importantly though, my spiritual walk with God, was non-existent. I guess you could have called me a lukewarm Christian.

This season of my life was frustrating, to say the least. I was yearning for an escape. Something unlike anything I was used to. It was a change of scenery would surely do me some good.

My cousin, Jonathan Boone, had lived with my family I, for four months that summer (April - July). He had been operating his own asphalt paving company. It was that July that he was gearing up for a journey, back to his home in Montreal.

His last night in town, Johnny and I jumped in his truck and went out for our usual midnight run to MacDonald's. The one thing you gotta know about Booner, is that he generally drove about 15 km an hour down the road. He didn't give a rat's ace about the traffic behind him. These long drives made for some good conversation.

That night, as we were slowly cruising down the road, I asked him if he would consider letting me join him for the drive back to Montreal. When he realized just how serious I was, he pondered the thought. Upon returning to my house, he jumped on the teli with his girlfriend, Gillian, to discuss the possibility of me joining him. She gave the 'ok'.

I nervously gathered a few essentials and loaded them in the truck. An hour later, we were on our way to Quebec.

I still recall my parents calling Johnny's cell, as we drove across the boarder, into Quebec the next morning.

In Montreal, I would house sit for Johnny and Gilly, as they vacationed for a month. Their cat, Koutr would become one of my best friends. I landed some work at a coffee shop (Java U) across from the old Montreal Forum, on Saint Catherines St. I quickly found out, that working in coffee shops were not exactly my bread and butter. Especially in Montreal, where I hardly knew a lick of french.

I went on to work at Dollarama Box factory. Of the 70-80 employees, I was one of the few white folk. Most of the dudes were imported from Africa. They were mostly starting new lives, or studying.

This job was only temporary, and frankly wasn't worth my time. On my feet all day, long hours, at $7 an hour.

On my days off, I would often walk down Saint Catherines Street, talking to poor people, checking out the shops. I had no curfew. No rules. No mom to cook my meals and fold my laundry. Aside from work, looking after the apartment and feeding the Koutr, my responsibilities were limited. I quickly gained a sense of independence.

After a month in Quebec, I returned home to patch things up. I ended up graduating from high school the following year.

So, as a naive 18 year old, this was my first travel experience. I was ignorant and unaware of what it was like to be on my own.

Now, I wouldn't necessarily recommend making a 3 a.m. spontaneous decision, as I did that night in July. Whatever floats your boat I guess..

Since then, I've been fortunate and blessed to travel overseas. Working sweet jobs, meeting awesome people and experiencing God's greatness.

Now, for anyone who has never traveled, I can imagine the fears that would encompass their anxiousness to wanna leave. In my case, it was always about turning fear off - turning faith on. Easier said, then done.

There is also the misconception that traveling is bloody expensive. Thats the biggest bunch of rubbish I ever heard of! Most places in the world are attainable without digging to deep into your bank account.Understandably enough, if you hit up a a 5 star resort in Tahiti you might be giving up an arm or a leg. This traveling that I'm referring to, isn't where you are staying in a luxury resort, 3 meals a days, getting hammered everyday you vacation. No, I'm referring to the travel scene where your dealing with a limited budget, you rarely pay for accommodation, and simply rely on God to take care of the rest (faith).

Do not let money hinder you from anything. Be smart with it though. Whether you have a little or a lot. Do not let it be an issue. The money you invest into your travel experience will be priceless, when it comes to the memories that you will created. Memories are worth so much more than finances. Its just money... believe me, you won't miss it..

Three years ago, a dude named Mark, who I was an acquaintance with from church, invited me to join him for road trip through the United States. The two of us planned to hit 34 of the 52 states. This 31 day trek would only cost me $1500. There were only two nights that we paid for accommodation. We rented a car (Chevy Cobault) for entire month. We also managed to pick up a few unofficial sponsors along the way. Now, before I go any further, I should tell you that these sponsorships weren't exactly ethical, but none the less, God blessed us. Another part of this trip that should be mentioned, is the friendship that was created as a result of me sleeping, eating and doing life with Mark everyday.We became best mates. This pod cast tells the story a little bit better.

It doesn't take long before traveling becomes almost an addiction. At least, it has in my life. To me, nothing beats the thought of proactively living out your faith, by means of travel. Whoever said the only people who could travel, had to have deep pockets and dollar bills coming out of their ears.

Mark takes a closer look into our trip in this podcast.

http://pmarko.podOmatic.com/player/web/2007-10-23T20_33_40-07_00

For those of you who haven't made a New Years resolution yet. Let me offer you an idea. Do something out of the ordinary this year. Plan to leave your island, town, city, province, state, country, whatever, and consider doing life overseas. Just for a few months. Like Mark said in his podcast, leave your comfort zone, test your faith, challenge yourself, try new things. See that you don't discover new passions, you never knew you had. See that God teaches you new things. See that He will line up your path up with friends. Life long friends. Watch God take care of your every day needs. Watch Him bless the pants off you.

I love those Switchfoot lyrics, "This is your life, are you who you wanna be". As you move into 2010, maybe this is the year where you finally take a chance in life. Maybe you don't have any concrete plans instore. Make something happen..

For those of you who have a a keen interest or curiosity to travel, I would love to talk turkey with you. We can look at potential destinations, help you with passports, visa, travel itinerary. Formalize the plans for your epic trip, waiting to happen.

A Year in Review: The Kiwi Way (2009)

This is my first go at online blogging. So bare with me.

I'm currently enjoying the final days of 2009. Hell of a year it was. God continued to to open my eyes and reveal his future plans for me. The journey started only one week into January 2009. My best mate, Mark, invites me to work with his youth ministry, at a Brethren church in Auckland, NZ. After much thought, I decided to fly out, only one week following Christmas.

I was welcomed at the Auckland international Airport with a huge hug from Marko, along with Pastor Peter Brookes and another mate to be, Jono King. I hadn't really considered or anticipated how things would go. Though I did expect New Zealand to be similar to my Aussie experience, a year prior.

Mark and I encountered law enforcement. The two of us were walking home, after he had lost his car keys at his girlfriends (Sarah) house. At one part we had to travel the highway. As we were walking, eating our licorice and sinking our ginger beer, minding our own business, a cop car pulled in behind us. This copper was quick to point out that we could easily be fined $250 a pop for walking down the motorway. We claimed ignorance and I guess sweet talked our way out of the fine. We explained to the cop that walking down the motorway in Canada, was a common occurrence and that the only thing people really had to worry about was getting 'eaten by a moose' or 'slapped by a beaver tail'. Seven months later we were broadcasted on New Zealand hit television show, "Motorway Patrol".

So, I accepted the role of youth intern, at Lincoln Road Bible Chapel. Being only a part time position though, I needed to find some other things to keep me occupied. Mark introduced me with the thought of applying for a student visa and to enroll in some study. In early February I began studying at Pathways Bible College. Half of my study required a practical component. With my position a Lincoln Road, things were starting to make sense. Finally, after three months of perseverance, x-rays, emails and phone calls, New Zealand Immigration granted me a student visa.

After a couple weeks of house sitting in January, for a couple from church, Mark and I were in need of some accommodation. We landed a one bedroom apartment attached do an older couples house. The location was prime - only a 10 minute walk from Church and 5 minutes from the grocery store. The price was right at $100 a week. There were pros and cons though.. Being a one bedroom place, I had to settle for the couch. Mark and I flipped a coin for the Queen size bed. No running water, would result in us doing our dishes in the shower. Our landlords were vacationing in Asia for the better part of 2 months, which gave us the freedom to use their kitchen and other resources. We had a pool behind us, where the youth from church would regularly swim in. There were also lemon trees in the backyard that I greatly benefited from. Rather then buying store bought juice, I made fresh lemon aid. I can't forget to tell you about our other room mate. Imported from Romania, Denisa was a mid 30's cop, who had been making NZ her home for 7 years. She was a bit moody, but none the less, a beauty.

In late January, we got some late Christmas presents. Mark's brother Jason, along with his girlfriend at the time, Christine flew in, after been refused entry at the US boarder. Also on their flight, was an american bloke and traveling nurse, named Brenton. Brenton had worked with Mark's fiancee in California. Sarah's best mate, Amanda, had also flew in, in early January. Aside from the fact she was a Red Wings fan, she was a pretty sweet chick.

Nearly three months into my Kiwi adventure, we would be forced to to find new accommodation. Our landlord's daughter needed a place to live, so we would inevitably get the boot. Late April would see us move to to Te Atatu Peninsula. We landed the bottom half of a house from a recently divorced women, named Rochelle. The rent was $25 more expensive, not to mention it was further from work. Though we did have running water, clementine trees, and I had my own bedroom! I would also sneak out for midnight runs, raiding the neighbors of their citrus trees (lemons, limes, grapefruit, mandarins, and clementines). The view of Auckland city was priceless, from the main road of our house. It was the perfect set-up. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there, aside from the final night we departed. Our land-lord refused to hand over our bond. This made things very difficult for Mark and I, as we were both tight for cash. Rochelle was some how convinced she had cut us 3 keys to the house. I don't know why she would even think that, as it was only Mark and I. There was no need to have more than 2 keys. After some choice words and a threat of calling the cops, she finally handed over the money that was owed.

The distance work to our new place was not exactly walkable. This would create a problem for my 5 a.m. Saturday shifts. Fortunately, God would come through in the clutch. A Korean family from church were not able to renew their immigration status, which in turn forced them to move back to Korea. Like that family from "The Sound of Music", they basically had to leave a lot of their belongings behind. So one Sunday at Church, just weeks before their departure, they handed me over their car. Its not everyday someone hands you over a free car. As great as it was to inherit a gift of this nature; it would have also been unethical of me to drive it. Especially considering I was not legal to drive back in Canada. Still, I wasn't about to squander God's blessing. So, I proceeded to drive the vehicle for the next 3 months. By God's grace, I only managed one flat tire. Towards the end of NZ chapter, I sold my car to a bloke from church for $750. This helped to pay off the remaining balance of my ticket to NZ.

It wouldn't be far to write this blog with out including a shout out to the friends I made 'down under' and old mates. Thanks.. Mark, Jono, Brenton, Christine, Sarah S, Amanda, Jason, Sarah L, Chris, Rachy, Andrew Cox, Peter Brookes,Grant, LIFE youth group, the boys from Pac n' save, Pathways faculty and students.

It was sometime in May the I had one of the greatest God changing experiencing of my life. Mark and I planned a exploration trip to the Kingdom of Tonga. This small Polynesian island was south of Fiji and Samoa. It was my first encounter in a third world nation. Though Mark and I only spent only 5 days/6 nights there, I felt this was only the beginning in terms of experiencing this kind of culture. The two of us checked into out beach resort on monday at noon time. I immediately hit up the nearby ocean. I lurked the beach of coral and shells as Mark would eventually go for a surf. After a long walk down the coast I was greeted by a small Tongan boy. He presented me with a straw in coconut, with the words 'Merry Christmas'. Everyday in Tonga was an adventure. It refreshed me of the western ways I was so accustom to. Some other highlights from Tonga include, snorkeling, the town market in Nuku'alofa, friends we met as the resort, and the locals. I'll be back...

Everything wasn't peaches and cream during my 7 month stint overseas. In April I got word that my sister had experienced a couple of mild seizers. This left me in tears, being to far way, and feeling helpless. Two months later, via skype, my parents gave me the news that dad had been diagnosed with cancer. Upon hearing the news, I wasn't really bothered or concerned. Over recent years, my dad had become the epitome of perseverance. He was a poster-boy for over coming crazy things. I just couldn't see God taking him. I had a strong feeling everything was going to be alright. This feeling didn't stop me from planning a departure home. The church was incredibly sensitive to my condition. They encouraged me through prayer, finances and visitations. My personal mentor (Peter Brookes) was especially essential to this time in my life. His calming presence, spiritual maturity and friendship were particularly helpful. I learnt so much from working at this church and I thank God for providentially placing me there for this season of my life. The church was also helpful in temporarily loaning me the finances to fly home.

In mid July I began Journey home. This included a brief homecoming in Australia. It had been over a year since I had seen my Aussie mates. I scheduled my flight so that I would have a long weekend in Australia, followed by a final series of flights home. A long weekend Australia would turn out to be nearly one month spent on the central coast. Some how I had read my itinerary incorrectly, and missed the flight. In the process loosing the value of my plane ticket. These were the circumstances: I was packing $100 emergency money in my wallet. I was unable to work, as I had previously used up my working visa. People at home were convinced I had purposely missed my flight to extend my travels. I could totally understand their theory, as I huge love for Australia and the incredible mates (Maher, BB, Tri, Wade, Pip, Glenn, the Rae's, the Bodamer's.....) residing there. Thank God, one of buddies from back in Canada lent me $700 to buy a new ticket home.

Finally got home in mid august. I had 3 weeks to come up with a plan for the fall. Working some dead end jobs and living at home, wasn't an option. I considered continuing some study. Briercrest bible college (Saskatchewan) and Bethany bible college (New Brunswick) were my options. I choose Bethany, as it was conveniently closer to home. I was also somewhat dating a girl at the time, so it made sense to stay in the province. Home sweet home.

In one day, 2010 will arrive. Hopefully it will be as sweet as this past year.