The Journey, Mexico Part 1

Though looking back on that decision doesn't bumb me out too much, it did run through my mind for some time. Figuring out one's purpose in life can be painful and very frustrating, but it can also be an adventure. After my year in Tennessee, I returned to boring old Ohio to finish school. That would take four and a half years to do, which brings me to my next journey. During those years at WSU, I had many new experiences that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
The most interesting stretch of time occurred between summer of 2002 and fall 2003. In 2002, after returning from Tennessee, some revitalizing was necessary. I started attending Apex church and getting involved with some of the functions. In the spring of '02 I took part in a missions trip to Mexico. The trip began with a flight to San Diego where we loaded onto an old travel bus that was now primarily used for Mexican farmers to travel back and forth. We drove most of the day until we reached northern Baja, Mexico. During the drive I saw some of the most fantastic scenery that I will probably ever see. Huge boulder mountains located all over the southwestern corner of Arizona appear to have been stacked by giants ('by the very gods'). Winding along the highway, between these massive mountains one could certainly feel the hostility of the terrain. I definately wouldn't want to be stranded out there, especially at night.
The next part of the trip, we came out of those Titan-built mountains and the desert spread out in every direction. South of Yuma, the area of Mexican border where we crossed, was a mixture of enormous sand dunes and flat desert brushland. I remember the gate where we walked over by foot; people filing back and forth from Mexico and US. The US had really just started beefing up enforcement along the Mexican border about this time. We crossed into the little border town peppered with dentist offices and street venders. Apparently there's no malpractice or some other requirement for dentists in Mexico, and most of the items selling on the street were without a doubt black market. We crossed through a handful of streets and came to a small school bus where we loaded up and spent another hour on the dirt roads headed to Morelos.
Already I was excited to experience Mexico and learning more about the people in Morelos. I wanted to know what God was teaching me this week, and what experiences I would take back to Ohio with me.

The Journey

During my year away at college in Tennessee, I decided to study the martial art Tae Kwon Do. Keep in mind this was 2001. Less than a year out of high school, this was my second college already. However, my time spent there (only one academic year) was revolutionary. Only until I had become a husband, did I learn more about myself in a single year. I digress...
I started a journey with my study of Taekwondo in a little martial arts school in Greenville, Tennessee. I remember all the faces, though the names have indeed faded away. I made a promise that year, too; one that would be reminiscent of Luke Skywalker to Yoda when he promises to return and finish the training in order to become a Jedi. I promised my Korean instructor that I would earn my black belt. An opportunity had presented itself. The memory of a pivotal decision I made that year will be etched in my mind forever.
"the journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step."
This is the lesson that corresponds with my memory and with my decision. My instructor offered me the opportunity to travel to Korea and study in the birthplace of Taekwondo...
"No." Even though I didn't say it immediately, it came soon enough. This decision will probably haunt me the rest of my life, because I will always ask myself, "what if I..."
At this crossroad in my life, I did not truly understand the weight of my decision. Though my regrets are very few, I believe this one is a thorn in my side.  If only I had taken the first step.

My first Blog

It's late so I'm going to make short. I've decided to start this site in hopes of perhaps passing along a little wisdom, a little humor, and some stories of life. It may also provide for some much needed venting. We'll see how it goes.