So I agree with Nancy...here is a post.

I got back from Haiti on Saturday night. I am still processing a lot of the trip and probably will be for a while. It was a different experience in a lot of ways from Johnny the guy who goes and does to Johnny the guy who if the trip bombs its his fault.  Grace is good though, and the trip went well. There were ten of us who went. For some it was their first time out of the country.

We did a lot more this Christmas than last year. Tuesday we drove about an hour away and did a clinic for a group of elderly. There were these two guys in their mid 20's who felt like God had called them to work with the elderly of this certain community. It was really great to see their passion. Isaac and I walked around the village a little bit while the rest of the team were seeing people at the clinic. It's always amazing to me the total poverty that people continue endure and how their joy is not based on what they have.

Wednesday and Thursday we were at New Life celebrating Christmas with the kids. As much as I could say to describe it too you, there are just some things that you have to experience to understand. It's a great experience to celebrate with people who are thankful for everything.

Friday we visited our friend Elizabeth who is working at El Shaddai in Dessources. We were able to spend some time with the kids there. There is a child that lives close by who is in the process of having heart surgery in the states. We got to visit her and see where she lives. She will be coming back to the states in January for more surgeries. When we were walking around there we saw a lot of starving children. That's not something you forget. Their bellies were swollen and their faces stained from tears cried in hunger.

I don't think many people can go to Haiti and not leave a piece of themselves their. I know it's a place that I love. I know it's a place I want to return to soon.

I hope you all had a great Christmas. I know mine was very memorable. People ask me why I don't spend holidays at home anymore with my family. Sometimes I have an answer and sometimes I don't. I just know there is more to life than what we call happiness.

Hey I am gone to Haiti for a week or so. Please be praying for the team while we are there. There are 10 of us going. I'll update when I get back with pictures and info.

I can't remember where I have heard this before....turn the compass of your heart north. I like it though. It's a bit cheesy, ok maybe a lot cheesy, but I think we all have times in our lives that we need to look north to the cold and wildneress that is there to find who we are.

I'm reading some books right now I would recommend. I'm not a huge Rob Bell fan, but his new book Jesus want's to save Christians is worth a read. Also, Jesus for President by Shane Claiborn is pretty good. They both talk about the kingdom we live in vs. the kingdom we should live in. They are very thought provoking for those who want to be apart of the kingdom of God.

I am leaving for Haiti in about a week to spend Christmas down there. There is a team of about ten of us going. I am pretty excited about this trip, maybe more than others. Not sure why, I just think this will be good.

I am getting back into photography again. It's kind of cool. I miss taking pictures. I miss writing too, but I can't seem to find the groove. I want to write a book.

I am toying with New Year's Resolutions. One is to not lie. Everyone lies. I wonder what total honesty looks like. The other is to meet one new person a week and hear their story (whatever such things may be.) Just some thoughts.

Hope all of you are doing well. I know I am not around much, but I do try to keep up with everyone on here. See you soon.

Johnny

PS. Did I tell you I am going to be an uncle in February?