The Carpe Diem Story

I think learning how to finish well is a life long lesson that will be tested and perfected with every transition.  I was lucky to get some great advice about finishing well with a month to go before I left Vienna.  It is the acronym RAFT . Reconcile- r econcile yourself with people, things or situations at the place you’re leaving or where you are going to.   If there is a conversation that needs to take place before departure-do it.   If there is a necessary but tedious task that has to occur at the next destinations-get over it, it will have to take place no matter what. Affirm - Encourage and affirm the people that have made a difference in your life.   Spend some quality time with them and tell them what you really think about them in words or in letters.   Leave a positive impression on the people who have made a positive impacted in your life. Farwell - Actually say good-bye.   Don’t wimp out of it because it is uncomfortable an...

April has flown by and that happened because there were plenty of activities during this past month. In the middle of the month I had the pleasure of celebrating the union of two of my good friends here in Vienna. The bride was originally from Germany, the groom was from the USA, they met in Vienna but they were married in Hungary; crazy international wedding. I loved being able to see the differences between European weddings and North American but this wedding did have a bit of American flare. At the end of April I flew over to Scotland to explore the place of my ancestors.   Scotland was my number one country I wanted to visit and I figured since I was in Europe I should make time to go.   I loved going and it was the first trip of many to Scotland.   I stayed in Edinburgh for 2 nights, Oban, a small seashore town for 2 and then one night on the Isle of Colonsay-an Island with an average population of 96. On the Isle of Colonsay Kiloran Beach As o...

This past month I had the chance to go back to Kosovo for a second trip.   I enjoy revisiting places because I love discovering the changes that happened since the last visit.   In Pristina, Kosovo lots of changes had transpired since my trip a year ago. When Surge International travels to Pristina, Kosovo we work in partnership with Calvary Chapel Pristina.   This new year, CC Pristina received the blessing of a new, larger and better building.   By moving to this new building, CC Pristina has a new community to reach in the city centre.   Our job during this week of outreach was to be the ice breaker and help get the Church plugged into the community. We ran a daily English Club for the neighbourhood kids followed by playing soccer.   Through this week of outreach I was reminded of my love of working with Kids.   In Vienna I am no longer working with Kids as much, so I got my “kid fix” in Kosovo.   Furthermore it was really encouragin...

This is a story that shows how God can use whatever he wants to spread HIS gospel... This last weekend I had the chance to go to Bratislava for a Bachelorette Party. We were spending one night there as a bridal party and were expecting to have a great time.   This story commences with us rushing to meet our 10pm reservations at a roof top bar in the city centre of Bratislava. One from the bridal party made the reservation the day before on-line. But once we got to the bar we found out that the reservation actually wasn't made and there was no more tables left on the roof that evening.   So the six of us went walking around Old Town Bratislava looking for a place to eat dinner and have some fun cocktails.   We tried a number of places but got the same response at all attempts: "Kitchen Closed"- not the words empty stomachs want to hear.   Eventually we walked past a Scottish Pub and went in asking if they were still serving food. We found out we had 20 ...

Where did the month of February go, it simply slipped through my fingers. I guess the next three months are going to be even faster. The month of February can be summarized in four words: Soccer, SBUX, Snow and Selfishness Soccer: Getting reconnect with my team in Neulengbach was easier than expected. All the girls were excited to see me back and gave me big hugs. The warm reception was very encouraging because I didn't know how the team felt overall about my quick departure in September. While I have been away we got a new Slovakian who understands and speaks English. Last week a few of us went to take a fitness test and I got to ride with this Slovakian. After going over the basic questions (job, family) we actually started talking about Church. She shared that she goes to a Catholic Church every Sunday and she really enjoys going. I started talking about how I go to Church every Sunday as well and how much I enjoy going. Then somehow the conversation developed to me sha...

Guten Tag Everyone, I have landed safely in Vienna, Austria and it is very exciting to be back.   But here is a review of what happened during the month of January.   After Christmas and the Holiday Season, my family (Mom, Dad and my brother) were able to go on a refreshing two week vacation to Hawaii.   Hawaii is our family’s favorite getaway; we were very happy to escape to sunshine and warm weather. Our first week was spent on a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands.   This was our first time ever cruising as a family; the trip was full of a lot of first for us.   First time enjoying the on-board entertainment, watching lava fall into the ocean and enjoying poolside cocktails while cruising along the ocean are some examples. The cruise also provided us with the opportunity to see the difference and similarities between the Hawaiian Islands. Visiting the place of refuge on the Big Island Wailua Falls in Kauai   After the crui...