Looking Back - Looking Forward

I always enjoy this time of year. A good time to reflect, both personally & professionally.

I’m one of those old sports guy’s, who always finished the season and analyzed the year’s performance & set goals for the following year.

I still do that, its in my nature.

First are my priorities; Faith, Family, Friends, the Forgotten & finally, Fun. Although if you were to look at an average week, you would probably see that I don’t usually hit the mark at living those out, in that order. But that is my life work!

Ana and I continue to grow & learn, in this amazing journey of marriage. With Naomi celebrating her 2nd birthday last week, we are hoping to try for #2 soon. (we were counseled by our doctor to wait a couple of years)

I’m still learning how to be a friend. Honestly, I spent so much of my life being interested in myself first, so to be interested in others, and learn to love others has not come naturally or easily. But, thanks to some incredibly gracious & patient people coming around me, there are some deep friendships forming. Its also fun reconnecting with some old friends & acquaintances, and eating some humble pie!

This year has certainly reshaped our perspective on life, and I look forward to sharing some thoughts on our plans for 2010. Personally & professionally.

Report:

Two weeks ago, Juan Martinez (fellow EOC staff) & I drove 10 hours south to Mulege, Baja Sur, to view first hand the aftermath of Hurricane Jimena, as well as meet with & encourage local leaders & pastors. The devastation was severe, although hardly reported since it is not a big tourist area like Cabo. As a result, a team of our EOC staff made the trip this past week to connect with, mobilize & coordinate a team of local volunteers in assisting the communities & families in the recovery effort. Juan & Rhonda were able to meet with the Presidente of the Mulege municiple area (the second largest in Mexico, after Ensenada), on Thursday, furthering our relationship building in that area. As they returned late last night, I learned that they we are the only group (at this time) sending people. They are receiving adequate donations from afar, but not people with helping hands & feet. We hope to return with other groups of volunteers from Mexico and possibly the US & Canada.

This past week, two great friends from Ensenada (Danny Mesa & David Garcia), accompanied me to the Bakersfield area for a core group meeting (our personal board), and to help me bring back a donated truck, trailer & large freezer for the EOC. We had a great time & were joined by Steven Wagner Davis, from Roseville.

Keep us in your thoughts & prayers, this coming month.

A Team visiting from Petaluma, California.

Ana continues cooking classes (Sat 8-1, for a year)

Scott finalizes EOC budget for fiscal 2010

Scott hosts a leadership breakfast in Ensenada

Scott visits Virginia Beach for a youth conference

We visit family & home church in Fresno, Ca

We spend a week with family in Palm Springs

Team EOC shapes 2010 planning

We consider how to assist Mulege, Baja Sur in long term hurricane recovery

It continues to be a privilege to serve & love so many. Thank you for your supporting friendships in our lives, which without we wouldn’t be in this position.

Let’s keep trusting in Him, together!

(photos of hurricane damage in Mulege)