Sweet Home to the Wild West

Some of you are already aware, but those of you who are not, I recently made a great 1,300 mile trek across the greater part of the United States as I moved from Madison, Alabama to Colorado Springs, Colorado.  This might come as a surprise to some, but let me assure you, this was all part of the plan of getting to Norway.  


You see, as my time drew to a close of living and raising support in Sweet Home Alabama, I was preparing to move back to the great Rocky Mountains in order to spend time focusing on fundraising in the state where I was first introduced to Young Life, first introduced to a real relationship with Jesus, and to spend time with my family. Also, my family said they were willing to house and feed me for a nominal fee: $Free.99. I mean, who can pass up that kind of bargain!? Not to mention, I felt that this was really what the Lord was calling me to do and the timing was just perfect, as the family I had spent an incredible year with was moving to New Jersey, and obviously would no longer be able to house me (Though, they did offer to let me move with them! What an remarkably kind and humbling offer!) 


So, at the end of August/beginning of September, I said my weepy-eyed farewells, had a going-away type function full of all things Norwegian (you can see some pictures of the awesome event below, and even more [plus some fun moving pics!] if you click here), then packed up a big ol' Penske truck and headed across six states over three days.

Teaching these folks about YL Norge!

These fine friends got to dive for salmiakk buried in flour.
Nothing like some true-blue YL fun!

Do you know where Stavanger is?

Fun friends. . . And a photo-bombing pastor.

Can I fit all the Thew kids in my suitcase?

I have been in the great state of ColoRADo for about a month now and am finally getting settled again and charging into full-on fundraising mode.  Now, I know that they warned us that transitioning is hard (and goodness I've experienced my fair share of that recently), but this past year has been one for the books.  And the adventure's not even half-over!  But thankfully, I'm doing my best to take full advantage of my unknown allotted time here and diving head first into community, my family and learning more and more about Norway (thanks Sons of Norway!).  


So, if you are reading this and you  or someone you know might be interested in hearing about Young Life, Norway, or Young Life IN Norway, and what can be done to help me get to Stavanger to begin working with teenagers, please don't hesitate to contact me or forward on my information.  Because, as much as I love the Centennial State and my beloved family, I'm so ready to get to Norway and I would love it if people would join me in this mission and adventure to share Jesus with Norwegian teenagers!


Now, please enjoy this phenomenal, minute-long film I made about my trip from Sweet Home Alabama to the Wild West.  





Until next time,
Keep on loving. Keep on living.