Tractor beam of potential

Here it is the beginning of September 2010 (post 1 year of travel) as I sit in my new den that I've been envisioning for the last several years while simultaneously sparked with SO MUCH emotion on the inside I want to burst.  Little baby Boyd is coming sooner than I can even sit here and try to realize - my wife is 15 weeks pregnant today.  It's the hardest feeling I've ever had to try and describe to people.  The feeling and concept of fatherhood just before you embark on that journey.  Now I understand why so many fathers fumbled through their words as well when in the same spot for the first time.  Incredibly awesome and possibly what we've subconsciously prepared for so many years without even knowing it.

Traveling South America this last year was the best dream besides my wife and family that has ever become real.  It has assured my efforts and confidence in the pursuit of dreams, exploring them, and following your heart's passion.  I thank God Almighty several times daily for His guidance and protection down south and the courage he instills in me throughout.  Gracias Jesus.

Adjusting back to being home and the realities of life - to everything back to normal up to the last painting on the wall will be hung this Saturday, to the realization that I need to come out of retirement...  I joke that I've been living retired life the last year and loving it, but am becoming quite antsy for new challenges now that we're home despite the many projects I line up for myself each day.  It's just not comparable to living abroad and the constant education of new perspectives each day.  It's time to strap on the sword and go for it again.  Need to provide and plan.  Allocate well.  Plan some more and push pause on life with my wife (and soon to come little one), again here in 6 years for another year.  2016... that's one of my goals and hope.

So... as I sit here in my den pondering possibilities:

I am in the middle of an interview process in which they selected 20 candidates.  I believe I was the 1st interview.  The competition must be pretty steep.  I am confident in whatever happens.  I had a plan A that turned into plan B as I found this rare opportunity.  So now if this new plan A falls through I'm thankful for my plan B.  The funny thing is though, I do have a C and D as well if need be.  Thoughts of those though tend to cause the familiar slight panic or quick rush of stress felt (pre 1 year of travel health brought).  For as the plans get marked off the list or don't work out - I just find myself further from where my passions and desire are and have to search new routes.  I will live in pursuit if I must.

I've been tryin' to follow this son of a... - PASSION that is - for so many years.  Man it's TOUGH to stay on that trail.  So many obstacles, discouragements, and pit-falls.  Perseverance will prevail.

Reminds me of how tough it is to follow God daily.  It seems I'm back and forth so much and contradicting myself that it's hard to see through all the imperfections/sins and realize I'm not Jesus, can't be, and am again reassured I don't have to be.  Thank you Jesus for your forgiveness.  Please keep leading me.

... had to get that out...  so much within...

I do believe the more you follow the Holy Spirit the more your passions become reality.  For coming on 3 years as I've begun my journey with God I've seen and become more aware of the connections in Spirit led life.

November 2007, I started reading the bible for the first time in my life.  No really - actually reading the bible.  I had picked it up numerous times growing up while following along at church, or read a verse here and there at home, but I had never actually read it for understanding.  I always said I read it cause I wanted to believe I knew everything and was also maybe scared of what I may find out so would just pretend.  I had also heard several of the stories as many times as you and just wanted to speed up the conversation at the time.  I had no patience.

So now about 3 years ago I started in John with my morning coffee and read 1-3 chapters each time (which is only 3 columns on a page many times).  I just wanted to see first hand what the heck was going on and what this bible stuff is all about.  As I finished the New Testament for the first time I couldn't believe how looking back through the time it took me to read it I was being led into some of the dreams I grew up with and now before me were becoming reality.  Life began to seem more simpler and somewhat easier to go about.  I grew an awareness of a deeper understanding.  It felt wonderful to understand a bit of understanding. 

This blog will be about sharing my experiences traveling and volunteering down south.  How that time has altered my perspective a bit and venting on how I will try to hold onto these unveilings and new discoveries.  Also, within a short period of time, ways that I might slip right back into the cultural norms and systems I've known growing up here in the U.S.

"Whirlwind" is what a few have said to me about the last year and a half of my life - resigning from a good position and company to traveling and living free for 1 year, to returning home and my wife being 15 weeks pregnant.  I currently have no job, no insurance, the economy is what we all know it is, and I'm happy and worry free with opportunities.  He always provides!

I want everyone to be able to experience a year away from the demands of work.  To travel or do as they please for 1 year.  I want to sell that dream!  I've been in sales my whole professional career - it's time to sell the right product that will benefit everyone and that product is "the dream" everyone always jokes about, "just livin' the dream man."  It's time to actually live those words.  Push pause on life before you're 65 and retired.  Take a year when you're young and stronger, healthier, more courageous and adventurous.  It's the best thing my wife or I have ever done.  I will do my best to influence as many of you as possible to do the same thing!

I will show you how it's not that hard - keep readin' this blog as I will be painting the picture of how we made it happen.  Three years ago I had no job and several thousand in debt.  Now I have a year straight of traveling the world under my belt and have come home to financial comfort as I begin my new road of success for the next 6 years - which will hopefully bring my family and I to our next "pause on life" in the 7th year.

So, until next time as I sit here in my den...

AA - onward and upward.