A few months ago, Northland Christian Church, Central Park (both from Topeka) and Westview Community Church asked our band from UCC to lead worship for their Junior High retreat in Colorado. So, monday morning, those pictured above, and I, headed for Westcliffe, Colorado. The trip was uneventful, but a good time, nonetheless. The week, thus far, has been a blast-- I've uploaded a few pictures to Facebook-- and will hopefully have a set up on Flickr pretty soon.
On Thursday I had a meeting with some folks from Sudan Sunrise in Kansas City. I arrived at their office a few minutes before the scheduled time and met the wonderful Janis Ricker. She's been lining Sam and me up with contacts so that we'll be able to get into Sudan. Anyways, shortly after Janis and I sat down and began talking, a short white man, followed by a regular sized Sudanese man came walking into the room-- and behind them came the tallest man I've ever seen. His name is Manute Bol... I had never heard of him, but apparently he's a known NBA player. Check him out here:
Sooo, it looks like we'll be staying in his village, Turalie, with Manute-- his uncle is apparently the chief of the village?
Following that adventure, I headed back to Manhattan and had dinner with the Nordts... wooonderful people. Unknowingly, they helped me fulfill a dream I've had for the last 8 years-- riding 4-wheelers on the Flint Hills. That's right. Look at this picture and imagine riding a 4wheeler at about 150mph all over the place:
I just got back from a wonderful party at UCC-- what a mix of emotions. I'm so blessed and thankful for the UCC family... for the relationships that have been built over the last five years... for the amazing/loving people who the Lord has put in my life.
I have so many thoughts going through my mind... and I'll post again later tonight after I've sorted some of them out. :)
I just returned to lovely Manhattan, Kansas. The last 3 days have been spent in Birmingham, Alabama, where my little sister graduated from Samford University. I'm still not sure how I feel about her graduating from college (I still dont even know how I feel about her going to college in the first place) -- she's too young... she's my little sister. Regardless, I'm super proud of her. She's an amazing person with an exciting future ahead.
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While in AL, I received an email from Gene (Lead Pastor of Lakeshores Church) ... lots to be said, but for now, know this: on August 24, Marble Falls, Texas is gnna be the place to be.
Also, more email from our connections in Sudan.... I can't say much, but its going to be quite the trip.
Thanks for your prayers and support!
Quite the day, quite the day. There are so many things I could tell you about, but I think I'll keep it simple and say the following 5 things:
1) I spent over 10 hours in the office today, and I didn't go in until 2:00
2) Went to Mountain Mud Coffee for the first time today (with Jessa)...
3) Went to my last 'Board of Elders' meeting tonight. bittersweet.
4) Filmed a number of things
5) Put up a draft/test video on Vimeo... you can watch it here... but if you want to really see it in HD, download it from the vimeo page:
Eye Grass from John Nunnally on Vimeo.
A few weeks ago (maybe a month), I was driving down Carnahan Road and witnessed a bona fide prairie fire. This is exactly the kind of thing you read about in Little House on the Prairie (or didn't). Here's a picture I took, while driving, from my phone... pretty intense.
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In other news, the Africa trip is approaching quickly. Still working on getting a travel visa for Sudan. Getting into Sudan isn't as easy, as, say, Canada.
List of (a few) things accomplished today:
-- Talked to Sarah about going traveling to Sudan and Rwanda. Everything seems good to go. And more on Rwanda later...
-- Looked at some proofs of 'the pamphlet' at Copy Kats today. I'll have 100 printed and folded by tomorrow afternoon. Amen
-- Went to Pathfinder and got fitted for a Dana Design Terraplane pack... thanks Don.
-- Went with Ben to DQ:
... and we certainly did make it happen. Best part was watching Ben try to get out of his seatbelt while holding 6 cones...
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last time I looked at the time, it was 12:20. I swear there's a time warp that happens around 11:30-12:30...
It's so strange to have actually announced my resignation from UCC. Part of me thought this day would certainly come-- and at the same time, part of me thought I could live in Manhattan forever. UCC has been such a wonderful place. Manhattan has been home for 8 years.
Spending some time out of the country is exactly what I need to do. I know He has opened this opportunity to provide a place to get away and reflect on life, gain a global perspective and to 'get my hands dirty' serving.
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On a completely different note, we'll be refilming the video on our main page here in the next few days... Sam and I didn't know what we were doing... we look angry... but go watch it anyways: http://www.WhatDoTheyNeed.net
Just put up a video on the welcome page to WhatDoTheyNeed.net
WhatDoTheyNeed.net from John Nunnally on Vimeo