It's time we gave up a little piece of who we are, so that others can become who they are supposed to be

So it’s 6 am as I begin this post on a Saturday morning. I have just woken up after having a very strange dream. Although strange, it was a dream that I think I needed to get down on paper as it was one of importance.

Now to start, the dream started off a little strange. As I was going to bed, I watched a TV show about the big cheese roll races in England. You know the ones; where men and woman hurl themselves down a steep cliff chasing after a wheel of cheese.

Well, in my dream I was in the Winter Olympic games and one of the sports was to run down a snow covered hill with a shovel in your hand (from what I recall, it was modeled after avalanche rescue people or something). Well, turns out I won gold! And in the dream I became extremely emotional and I ran around with such joy that I eventually fell to my knees and was weeping, praying and thanking God. I remember clearly thinking “I can now use what you have given me Father to show people who you were as Jesus.” As I was kneeling down, looking up and praying, I remember a large globe circling above my head.

Suddenly, the surroundings of the dream changed. I ended up in a basement with a microphone speaking to a group of people who were upstairs in the house; I think in reference to my Olympic win.

My speech went something like this. “I believe that we are all here for a reason. God has called us to care for one another” (a word throughout this speech that kept resonating was the word ‘sacrifice’). God has called us to sacrifice. Now I’m not saying that people aren’t currently making sacrifices in their lives; whether it be donating to certain organizations/foundations or volunteering from time to time. However I think we are being called to take that next step. To give up something that affects our lives every day; to give up something from our everyday lives. It’s time we gave up a little piece of who we are, so that others can become who they are supposed to be.”

The last line was what prompted me to wake up on a Saturday morning and put this on paper.

Recently I have struggled to find my next step with God. As many of you know, due to unforeseen circumstances, I won’t be traveling to Africa in September as originally planned. This was disappointing news to say the least. I am staying positive but am still trying to figure out what to do now. What are your plans for me God? Perhaps the line at the end of my dream speech was God’s way of telling me what I can do for now and what God has always called us to do. To give up a little piece of who we are, so that other’s can become who they are supposed to be.

I’m still thinking on this dream, the speech, and the last line. So, if you have any thoughts or input, I would love to hear them!

The Above photo is a picture of my 91 year old Grandfather Frank Johns and my Cousin Ethan: This is Faith, Hope, and Love

"It's like having a broken heart; seperated in two places"

Hello everyone,
Sorry for the slight gap between posts. I am trying to stay on top of things. Since my last post, I had a great trip to Kelowna to see two of my favourite people in the universe; Dallas and Annie Davidson. I had a great time with my best friend Dallas as we talked, fished, played darts, drank Bud Light Lime, golfed, beat each other at UFC for XBOX, and played with his new puppy named Bryan.
It was a great break and a great time with friends. I have missed both Dallas and Annie a lot since they left for Kelowna, however I cherish the moments and great talks we have together. They are such amazing hosts and Annie is such a great cook! Thank you so much friends.
On another note, my dad seems to be doing fairly well these days. He seems his usual self and as always, seems to have figured out a system for his current situation. I think he looks like he has put on a few lbs. however the scale says otherwise. He and my mom are actually taking a few days and going to Jasper! My dad loves the mountains and was and is a huge hiker. I hope they both have time to rest and escape for a few days. Even though there is a ways to go and questions to be answered, we are so glad God has helped him get this far. Thank you for your continued prayers.
I am back at work and stuck in the office until September. I have been back for a week and a half but it feels like I have been here for a month. I think back to the episode of the Simpsons where Bart is watching the clock in class and the hands start ticking backwards. Although all of the kids out there will hate me for saying this; I can’t wait until September! I need to get back to giving presentations.
On another note, I have been looking in to the possibility of going back to school myself. I am looking at the idea of going back to do a two year teaching degree; perhaps in Kelowna?? I still have a lot of researching to do especially surrounding the validity of my applied under grad degree from Mount Royal College. Over the past year I have been trying to be patient with God and with Africa. If I felt right about the situation, had blessings from Hands at Work and felt led by God, I had been thinking of going back to Africa Summer 2010 for an approx. 2 years. Although I have been saving fairly diligently, I don’t know if I will have enough money by next year to head over there. I am also struggling with what I will be going over there with. What do I truly have to offer? Will an open heart and mind be enough over two years to allow me to be more of a blessing then a burden?
As many of you know, working with children is a passion of mine and I believe a God given gift. However, as it comes to teaching kids, I really don’t know enough about the techniques, the planning, and curricular development surrounding teaching. I am wondering if going back to school will provide me with tools I can use in Africa. I would love to support community teachers as they teach their amazing students. So once again, I am stuck in between. Do I pursue a life of committing to this cause that has transformed my life now and trust I have the tools already? Or do I look long term and go back to school to acquire more “tools?” If I do go back to school it may mean being away from Africa for two or three more years. This idea just tears at my heart and soul as I feel half of me is still there. I had a great talk with a friend yesterday who returned from Africa in January and she was discussing how she has been feeling since her return. She said “It’s like having a broken heart; separated in two places.” I think that is so beautiful and frames my story over the past few years so completely. I don’t usually ask for prayers, however I could use some help with direction and which path to take.
P.S. There is an album of photo's from my Sask. trip just beside this post.
Oh, also, I’m on the Twitter. www.twitter.com/danielwjohns
God Bless

Breaking the chains and keeping them off

Well, I returned from Saskatchewan Sunday night after a fantastic trip away with family. I drove to Sask. Wednesday morning with my Uncle Dave to the cabin in Fort Qu’Appelle. We had a seven or eight hour drive ahead of us (Although, with the BMW we made good time). We picked up my Auntie Sue in Regina after she flew in from Vancouver and headed to the cabin. My Auntie Bard (Dave’s wife) met us at the cabin and we had a great night catching up.
The following evening, the rest of the crew came up including my cousins Nathan, Mike, and Janette. Mike’s girlfriend Ashley and Janette’s boyfriend Jordan also came up. So, we had nine people and two dogs sharing a two room cabin. Somehow, we made it work and we had a great time.
We were all blessed with the weather as it was nice and sunny and the mosquitoes were kept to a minimum for the most part. My first task at the cabin was to fish. My dad will tell you, that our family is cursed when it comes to fishing. We can’t catch a damn thing. However, I may have made some progress breaking that curse over the weekend. I was able to catch six walleye during my time there and we cooked them up; man were they delicious. My cousin Nathan and I fished a lot and it was really good to see him and hang out with him.
It was a true blessing to be with family and live cabin life last week. Although I was looking forward to the break, I have really had a hard time getting excited for anything over the past few months. I don’t know if it’s a lack of energy, being stuck in the 9-5 working thing, or just some other person issues, but it has been difficult for me to get up and get motivated about activities or events. However, this trip seemed to break me out of that. I was able to relax, and just think about my next golf shot, or my next cast on the fishing boat, or frying up pancakes on the open fire. I also slept like a rock!
Now, I know that is exactly what vacation is supposed to do, but it was the first time in a very long time where my brain was able to shut off, my heart and soul were able to relax, and my anxieties were lifted. I felt, well, happy. So, to everyone who I spent time with at the cabin, thanks!
Unfortunately, even being back for a day I can feel those old feelings and anxieties creeping back in. Hopefully I can figure out some strategies to keep those things out.
During the trip, Nathan, my Uncle Dave, and I went golfing in a small town called Indian Head. The town was beautiful. Nice big trees hanging over the streets, old houses on big lots with beautiful flowers were everywhere. I think I am becoming a guy who could find himself living that small town life. However, I do realize the winter months would be a different story. I am becoming a person who could live in a slower paced life and a tight community setting. Anyone else out there feel that way? I can send you the link to Indian Head’s website if you are interested? HaHa. I will try and post some pics from the trip shortly.

On another note, dad seems to have more energy these days. He thinks he gained one pound this week!! So, that’s good. Unfortunately, he may have another complication concerning his health. As soon as we receive more details I will let you know. I think he has another doctor’s appointment in the coming days. Thanks for the continued prayers.