Vacation

These last few days have been very interesting. I'm not complaining...that's for sure, but I have had mixed feelings about this time here in Kauai. I realized that this is the first vacation that I've had in eight years. Yeah, I've travelled all over the world leading mission trips and I've had an occasional weekend jaunt here and there, but is it really a vacation when while sitting at Wrigley Field all you can think about is how I should be getting caught up on my History of Christianity reading or while I'm driving to San Francisco to see the Giants play, I'm memorizing Hebrew words? I hardly think so. The past few days have been wonderful. I have been reading like crazy. I am devouring books. If the pages were made of cookies, then I'd be the Cookie Monster. I didn't think that I'd want to read this much, but it has been great to read mindless novels. But something else has been nagging at me...Goz calls it "Phantom Homework", but I feel like I should be doing something. I feel this invisible weight on my shoulders. Can I really have no agenda for the day? Is it O.K. for me to wake up and go surfing, then drink a margarita and hot tub, then go horseback riding, then have another margarita and then fall asleep in front of the television? I know that there is nothing to do, but I almost feel guilty being here. As you are reading this you are thinking, "No way, Nate, you deserve this vacation." Or maybe, "Everyone needs a break every now and then." I know you're thinking that, because those are the things that I keep thinking, but then I think, "Did Paul take vacations? Did Jesus tell the disciples, 'Hey, guys, I'm heading off with Mary (sliding reference to the recent Da Vinci Code upheavel), and we're going to the Med for a little vaca. Please don't try and contact me. Petey, you and JonJon take care of all the healings and demoniacs. Oh, and Barthalomew, make sure the boys don't fight about who's better. You know how those boys are always bickering. If anything really bad happens, like Lazarus dying, don't worry, I'll be back in a week and I'll take care of it then. If you really need anything go to Martha, she'll definitely fix you up something to eat and give you a place to stay.'" I'm pretty sure that Jesus didn't do anything like that, but then I realized that just because I'm on vacation doesn't mean I can't be doing ministry. If my life is truly to be a living offering, then I need to be doing ministry here. Whether it is to my mom, dad, sister, or brother-in-law or to the random guy I meet while surfing, I can do ministry. I can be a witness here. On this beautiful island. In between sunning and surfing, I can be a light for Christ. Then I think to myself, "Should I really move to Czech, there are plenty of lost people right here on the beach, maybe I'll just stay here..."

Paradise

Right now I'm in paradise. I am currently sitting in the lobby of our hotel (the only spot to get wireless internet) on the beautiful island of Kauai! I am still in awe with the scenic views and unending possibilities for adventure. I had originally planned on just sitting on the beach, reading, and relaxing after four long years of Seminary, but the lucious green landscape has beckoned to me and I feel like I'd be cheating on the island if I didn't go and try to do more here.

The past to days have been a challenge for my out of shape and study-logged body. On monday, after twenty minutes of surfing (my first time in which I got up multiple times, but only for a split second each time) I felt I couldn't go any more. But with my brother-in-law going strong and a very pretty surfer girl still catching waves I found myself compelled to continue well past my bodies limits. Then today we went on a two-hour horseback ride in which there will multiple times I just wanted to turn Hank (my horse) loose to harken back to the days when I dreamed of being Billy the Kid or Doc Holliday. Then, much to my dismay and tepid pleasure, I found out we were going water skiing on an island river. But after one run of slolem skiing and one run of wakeboarding (in which I experienced a serious face plant and a wicked crash) my body was ready to give up. I am definitly out of shape!! But it was nothing that a margarita, Corona and a belly full of Ahi couldn't fix.

First Post

The idea of having a blog is exciting to me. While I love to write, I haven't written anything other than theological and biblical papers over the last four years of my life. As I read other blogs (especially Sarah's) I'm intimdated by the articulate and crafty writting, knowing that my blog will pale in comparison. Yet, I am compelled to write. I am compelled to share what is going on in my life. While I'm in Arizona, I'm sure my blog will be filled with familiar stories, but what will be exciting is when I go to the Czech. My hope is that by having an outlet to share thoughts, feelings, stories, and adventures I will continue to connect with those of you that I consider family and friends. Happy reading and I look forward to reading your comments.

nate