May 2, 2011. Early this morning news broke that US officials announced that Osama Bin Laden was killed late last night in Pakistan. The US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory for all US citizens abroad, anticipating the possibility of retaliatory violence by Bin Laden sympathizers. While none of our Real Life teams are in high-threat areas, we have been in contact with them to keep them aware of ongoing events and to be sure they are all safe.

One of my favorite things in the world is living with families who live in some of the toughest but simplest conditions. In Africa, I had the opportunity to stay with a pastor for a few nights in which there was no running water, electricity, or other "luxurious" assets we as Americans take for granted. I, along with two others, got to travel two hours in the African bush to hang out with the Masai tribe for a day. By far, one of my most unforgettable and life-changing moments I have had the privilege to partake in. So, needless to say, I was super excited for the...

  It is crazy to think that I have already been here in Jinotepe, Nicaragua for three and a half months. Where has the time gone??? Since being here, my incredible team has worked with a ministry that has reached so many hearts in this area of Nicaragua. Mateo 5:16 was created 10 years ago by Glenn and Lynne Schweitzer. They heard the voice of the Lord speak and walked in obedience-not realizing what the Holy Spirit would do in and through both of them throughout the upcoming years.  As Glenn and Lynne listened to and acted in the Spirit, they developed deep bonds with the...

            You have at least one mirror in your house right? I mean, you can probably recall someone holding a mirror up to you at a super young age, or maybe you can't remember it but you know it happened. You've always known what you look like, you can pick yourself out of a photo without even thinking, right? Of course you can, everyone knows what they look like…. right?            Wrong, this past week I stayed with a family in the barrios, well actually it was a few miles out of the barrios. No...

declarations every morning at 8. bringing breakfast to the preschoolers. rice and beans. lice. tang. markets. dirt stained feet. the heat. 2' regrowth. avocado trees. ungroomed eyebrows. gangs. people who yell 'gringos'. scorpions. brown hair. brown eyes. brown skin. everywhere. kids hanging on me every step I take. always singing. my brothers. rationing shampoo and conditioner. carbohydrates. orlando and his family. iced tea. blogging. favorite coffee shop. new music. granada. running around the compound. plantains. terry's. 9 girls one bed. tarantulas. new life....