It's a Good Journey

Stuck in El Salvador

I got back last Wednesday from a trip all by myself to the capital of El Salvador. I would have gotten back on Sunday but I missed my bus. When I took the next bus out at 5 in the morning on Monday only to get be told at the border that I had to return to the immigration office in San Salvador because of passport issues. My friends at the hotel got used to seeing me come back every day and I got used to hearing them say, "You haven't left yet??" It was quite the adventure and I got more than enough practice with my Spanish talking to all the officials and taxi drivers along the way. All in all it was an awesome trip and such a blessing to see my friends, meet new ones, and get and inside view of what Global Evangelism was up to.

I captured the classic Jerry photo smile.

"Are you taking a picture of me right in the middle of my preachin!" I sure am Mr. Wasmer. What are you gonna do about it.

When it rains here, it pours.

Bumpiest bus ride of my life. After that ride I really felt like I had been to the mission field.

Small instruments can still be big blessings.

Wow, this restaurant was awesome. The family of Jerry's translator took us here one night after the meetings. I think they must have the best pupusas in El Salvador.

That's right Samuel, eat your food.

Ahhh. Ok, this ratty old seat doesn't need me anymore. I think I'll go look for another seat I can break in.

Thoughts Along the Way

Then there are those moments in life that simply lift us. Something outside of ourselves that re-ignites the hopes we've always known are there but at times have been afraid to hold on to. The beauty of a story well told that touches the heart in places that haven't been reached for years. The beauty of love, overcoming the brokenness of heart, and the common bond we all have in searching. If we keep searching, keep looking, one way or another we're bound to find it.

Thoughts from the heart of someone looking for the bounty in life.

Missing Home

Every morning when I start classes I write the current date on the board. When I wrote July 4, 2006 last week, strong feelings of missing my homeland started to come over me. I asked the class if they new what today was in the United States. They didn't know. I told then it was the day we celebrate our independence and we have fireworks and all kinds of cool things. I asked them when there independence day was and they said it's in September. In the afternoon, I took a walk outside and as I walked past the open window of the school I saw the date "July 4, 2006" staring me down again. It seemed like such a big day! And nothing was going to be happening that night where I was at. Nothing at all. Just a few normal gunshot bangs that go off now and then for whatever reason (don't worry I'm safe). I started to realize how much being away from the States has helped develope my patriatism and appreciation for my country. I didn't know what to do, but I felt like I had to do something. So, I ended up writing a little song entitled "4th of July" sang to my mimic voice of Louis Armstrong. As I listened to the recording of the song that night before I went to bed I had to chuckle. Jonathan...the crazy things you do. I didn't get to see fireworks that night, but I had a good time recalling the warm memories of other 4ths of July I've had with family and friends. I hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July!

If you'd like to hear the tune click here:
http://www.jonathanmeharry.com/mp3/newstuff/4th%20of%20July.mp3

Inspiration

I've always had this tendency to want to rush ahead in life and do everything I dream of doing to the max. I push myself and when I see something that is at the pinnacle of what I see as excellence I want it. I just found out about a guy named Jeremy Cowart by reading an interview he had with Chris Rice (http://www.chrisrice.com/interviews.php?id=57). Jeremy is a photographer (www.jeremycowart.com). His images are so amazing and they make me want to go shoot pictures all day with a premium SLR digital camera just to get the right shot. He has a background in design and like he says, any designer that looks at his work can tell. I'm glad there are people out there like Jeremy that can inspire us. For me, it just makes my soul yearn even more for that thing that I really want, that place I really want to be. But, as I have learned over the years, whenever you arrive at that place you dreamed about before, you find that there are always bigger things to dream about and brighter starts to shoot for, starts that you couldn't see before. The burning flame of a personal passion like mine only grows stronger as it is enveloped in lofty inspiration. I get anxious as I think about becoming friends with the people I admire and look up to. My mind starts spinning with ideas of how to reach my goals and what to do next. So much to do and the whole process wonderful and exciting! Then I remind myself, one day at a time Jonathan, one day at a time.

Mayan Ruins

Last Sunday I went with the family to see some of the Mayan ruins in Honduras. It was incredible! I was amazed at the fact that I was actually looking at magnificent structures that still remain from around 700 B.C.