I rode into Toronto yesterday afternoon.  As I came down the Gardiner Expressway and saw the CN Tower for the first time..  the feeling was indescribable.  It felt like I was riding on clouds as I cruised through the city streets.. taking in the sounds.. the smells.. the people.  Toronto.  The final destination of a journey that took 27 days and almost 4000 miles.  It feels really good to be here.  It feels like home. =)

There’s a Scripture that’s sort of been the theme for this journey.  There’s a part when Paul shares an amazing promise of God.. that he is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. It’s been really incredible to see that come to life over the past few weeks.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  - Ephesians 3:16-21

photo by Sam Javanrouh

I got into Grand Rapids, Michigan last night.  I had my first experience with bad weather on the motorcycle. The rain was pretty soaking and the wind was very unnerving at times, but I was really lucky.  There were tornado warnings in Kalamazoo (just to the east of my route) and thunderstorms all around me.  Yet somehow I seemed to avoid anything too serious.  I arrived at my friend Sara’s place as the rain was still coming down, apparently looking, as she described later.. “like a wet, soaking orphan”. =)

But God has been faithful.. so faithful.  Not only did I arrive safely to my destination but God has been moving powerfully in other ways this week.  The fundraising goals which have for so long.. seemed so daunting.. were finally reached last night!  The last pledge came in just before midnight… and the full amounts of both funds were raised.  Thank you so much to everybody who contributed.  Your support really does mean the world to me!  Thanks also to those who encouraged me along the way… helping to quell my many doubts and to believe that it was really possible.  It wouldn’t have happened without you.

So I’m on my way to Mars Hill here in Grand Rapids.  I had planned to leave this afternoon and cross into Canada but there are severe weather alerts all through Michigan.  I’ll likely stay here for another day and leave early tomorrow morning.  The weather is looking really good for Monday.. so now Toronto is just over the horizon.  I can’t believe I’m almost home.  =)

As I jumped into this adventure to raise $1000 for The World Awaits, I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself into.  When I left Los Angeles three weeks ago, the concept of The World Awaits was still just an idea and a dream.  This journey has really shaped that dream into something real and tangible.  I have much more clarity about the goals and values of this non-profit, and also what our non-negotiables are:

• To continuously find avenues to love and serve others, both locally and overseas.
• To create opportunities for people to serve according to their strengths and passions.
• To always strive to empower and partner, rather than sending money or giving hand-outs.
• To be organic and flexible in order to grow and thrive in a constantly changing world.
• To always seek out what the world is awaiting.. and adapting to meet those needs.

This is the vision I hope to see flourish over the next several months.  The goal to raise $1000 by September 15th, 2008 is still very much attainable.  According to Fundable, there have been $520 in pledges so far.  To finish we need $480.  OR 48 pledges of $10.00… OR 24 pledges of $20… OR $12 pledges of $40.  I really do believe this possible.

If you also believe it’s possible and would like to help get it started, please make a pledge!  Your time and consideration is deeply appreciated.  Thank you!

Arrived in Fort Wayne, Indiana about an hour ago. I can’t believe I’ve made it this far. My bike is in pretty bad shape. It’s been making lots of weird noises, but surprisingly, it’s holding together.

There is only one week left and I still have $1850 to raise. I’m not sure how that’s going to happen. I’m going on faith at this point. I believe… but help me with my unbelief!

I’m hoping to update a lot on this site over the next few days. Please stay posted…

Peace !

There’s some fierce weather on it’s way due to the hurricane. I’m hoping to ride ahead of it and get as far north as I can .. maybe even to Kansas City. We’ll see how far the bike gets me today. I’ve already put 2000 miles on it since leaving Los Angeles and it’s starting to show in a few areas.

I’m really encouraged by some of the emails I got about the serveYOURCITY post… so keep them coming if you’re interested in setting up something similar in your city. All it takes is one person to lead and get things rolling.

A friend from the Philippines got in touch and wants to start a ’serveLA’ in her city in the Philippines. As she was imagining the ideas and possibilities… she shared this thought which I think was really interesting…

“..all I know is that most of the selfless people I know who are really involved in touching lives and loving the souls of people are the ones who are truly joyful and fulfilled”

So many conversations over the past few days have weaved along that same thread. I hope that these serveYOURCITY ideas and The World Awaits can help make that happen in people’s lives. Truly joyful and fulfilled… always a good thing to strive towards. =)

So the conference ended yesterday with an AWESOME message from a brother who was from Myanmar. He shared so many incredible stories about people who had great dreams to help others… and put them into action… even though they had next to nothing. Many people were moved to tears. He ended with a charge to all of us. To all of us who dream and have visions of doing something meaningful with our lives. He simply ended his message with these words.. which I think sum up the whole weekend…

“GO! Obey your vision..!!”