5 April 2013: Preparations

With my Travel bag and Camera

Eaglecreek Travelbag w/ daypack

 







With my departure being tentatively being in 2 weeks, the amount of updates will increase. Lord will, when i'm over there, there will be some sort of update (written, photo, video) almost daily. I apologize for the lack of updates.

As you can tell from the previous paragraph, this whole Europe thing is happening! I'm waiting on the final greenlight to purchase my ticket to go. In the meantime, I have been prepping on my end. I've started to plan my packing and taking inventory of what i will be bringing with me for this year long expedition. Camera wise I will have 2 canon DLSRs (60D and t1i), a Nikon 1 J1, and a Go Pro HD Hero 2. My camera gear is what prevents me from packing everything into one checked bag.

There is not only the physical preparation, but the mental preparation as well. This thing is kind of big. I'm leaving my home, my culture, that I am so familiar and comfortable with. I leave behind not only the good things, but the bad as well. Both are which we grow accustom to. I leave my safe shelter to step out into MULTIPLE cultures, not just one. And i have to be prepared for that. I have to be prepared to learn as well. I not only represent myself and AGWM, but I also represent Huntington University/Digital Media Arts, the LA Film Studies Center, and most importantly Christ Jesus. I have to somehow integrate faith/spirituality, intellect, and art all into one form. These are no small tasks ahead of me. Its terrifying and equally thrilling. There will be many challenges along the way. There have been many already.

I have truly been blessed with this opportunity. With last year being a very difficult time in my life, there is finally some much needed excitement. God has finally deemed it necessary for my life to move forward. And to all of those who believed in me even when I stopped believing in myself, I thank you wholeheartedly. You all have been a blessing. I would have never have gotten this far.

I've been in frequent contact with the missionary this past week. I cannot keep track of all the things I will be doing! This is a good thing. There are just a lot of exciting things that will be happening! More details when things get moving.

Now i need to remain calm enough to get some work done. There are still things that need to get done before my departure. Please keep me in your prayers. And if any of you still wish to donate financially, you can donate online by clicking the link that says "Donate" above.

Check in next week for more updates.

Peace.