Scum of the Earth

Tonight a group of us from MTI went to a church in Denver called, Scum of the Earth. It was an incredible experience. I've never attended a more friendly or accepting church in all my life. The Church is based in the verses from 1 Corinthians 4:11-13 which say:

11To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

The worship was simply yet haunting. I don't know if the songs are in the mainstream, except one that has been covered by David Crowder Band, "Thank you for hearing me." The message was really simple - the story of Saul of Tarsis on the Damascus Road before he was the apostle Paul. The pastor spoke about how everyone has a commission that comes with conversion. "Nothing is frivolous in God's economy," was the quote that stuck me most. He said to take advantage of your past. It really made me think about parts of my past that I might want to discount or forget about and how what may have been intended for bad, can be used for good.

Amy was telling me about her reading in Genesis from the other week and here it is: Genesis 50:20

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (this is from the story of Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers, who eventually became the right hand man of Pharoh.)

After the church service we went as a group to a Greek diner called Pete's. It really reminded me of the scene La Vie Boheme from the musical/movie Rent. Just a bunch of young, outcasts of the world hanging out together - only in this case they were talking about God. Cool.

Everyone was so welcoming, it was really an incredible time to be with the body of Christ. I'm a missionary supported by the prayers of the members of Scum of the Earth. Really, it's reframing my thoughts about how the Christian body can powerfully impact the lives of those in need.

Hostage

Today during our training we were all part of an intense simulation. We were taken hostage in a foreign country where we don’t speak the language. We were divided into two groups of about 15 each and moved into an “attic.” It was dark, cramped, and certainly started getting warm inside. We were only held for about 1.5 hours there, but several situations were given to us to solve. We needed to organize ourselves, decide if we would allow another group of 5 to join us (with unknown allegiances), decide who would be allowed to go on a rescue plane, and determine who would be executed when they came to kill some of us.

The encouraged us to really engage in the activity and to not remind ourselves that we were just in a simulation. I had to remind myself several times, but it was really a powerful experience. It was amazing being trapped with people who believe the same as I do. Although we felt helpless, we did not feel hopeless. It was also very interesting to go through this experience directly following two days of training on conflict.

My personal style of conflict is called “fox.” This style prefers to negotiate, collaborate and reach consensus. In times of stress, or when I’m in a position of authority, I tend to exhibit behaviors of the “shark” conflict group. This style is much more direct and aggressive about bringing up the conflict and resolving it quickly (but might step on folks in the process). The academic learning is really great, but the experiential practical use during the simulation was really educational.

When the first two hostages were taken out to be shot and I was appointed leader, I was surprised at the emotions I was feeling. I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility and I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to protect those entrusted to me. Then the gunshots went off and Hugo and Andrew were gone. My shoulders just started shaking with the impact. Yes, it’s a simulation – but they gave their lives to protect those of us remaining. Then the guards came back and needed two more volunteers. Suddenly, I was lying on the ground dead. I actually felt a sense of peace at that point – but really it was a selfish peace. For me it was over, but the others were left behind. I’m still processing through the feelings and intensity of the situation, but I’m glad for the experience.

NOTE: I’m not expecting to have to experience any kind of hostage situation, but I’m glad to have the opportunity to be prepared and to think about a few things first. Apparently the movie, Gorillas in their Midst, is supposed to be an interesting documentary on hostage situations. I think I’ll try to watch it.

be still and know...

It's Sunday morning here in Colorado Springs and I'm in awe of the Colorado sky. When I wake up and look out the window in my room, I see mountain foothills. The sky is a vibrant blue and snow litters the ground. It's not like a January morning in Michigan - in Michigan the sky would be grey or white. It's incredible - it's like joy is always surging around inside you because the nature is so beautiful.

I'm not sure what this entry must mean with regards to Russia. I'm certainly not going to be seeing a beautiful sky on a daily basis in Tyumen (it's an industrial city of about 600,000). I think I'm just going to have to store away memories of this place such that I can recall them in times of need. And thankfully, I'll be spending a couple of months each year out in the country with the summer camp program.

Today we're going to visit an Anglican Church. During SPLICE we're supposed to visit churches that might be different from our norm in preparation for heading to the field.

I just gotta say as a person who can have very high expectations for training and development, this is really some of the best.

a new church experience

Tonight the gang went to a Sunday evening worship service at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. The worship at this church is really incredible. I'm not used to the charasmatic experience -- and I don't think this church is completely on the charasmatic side, certainly arms are raised, emotions are full, and people jump around quite a bit. I've been to their Friday evening singles - young adult service and it's incredible (see the Mill).

They had a guest speaker while we were there named David Hogan. He's a faith healer. I've not experienced any kind of faith healing before in my life, nor had I heard anyone speak in tongues before. I don't typically think of myself as a sceptic or as a person with a closed mind to things. I think it was mostly his presentation and the words that he chose that put me off. With a linguistics degree, words are pretty important for me and he kept referring to himself and all that he had done instead of giving credit to God. It bugged me.

I am glad that I was able to have the experience and to open my thoughts to some new ideas. I'm not sure what I think still. I know that all of these things are valid and real gifts of the Spirit. I just balk when they are publicly displayed. Especially not the gift of tongues. In my understanding - it's required that there is someone there to interpret for the church. Otherwise - it's just edifying to the person speaking.

Perhaps a bit more study on this is required.

Garden of the Gods

Wow. Colorado has some of the most beautiful vistas and scenery. Today Helen, Pam, Amy, Elijah and I went to the Garden of the Gods just outside of Colorado Springs. It was really awesome to be outside in the sunshine, to hike around, and to appreciate the beauty of nature. Sometimes lately I've been thinking about how God didn't need to make things beautiful to look at, food doesn't have to taste good (although certainly I've got my picky moments: tomatoes, mushrooms, etc).

It's funny how we forget the things we love sometimes when the opportunities to experience them aren't nearby (I'm not talking people - but everyday things like walking outside, skiing, the feeling of soft fabric). I'd forgotten how much enjoyment I get from being outside for hours and climbing and hiking.

Enjoy some pictures. (I'll post them soon)

Language Learning, Coffee, and Running

It's been an interesting week thusfar. We're continuing with all of our language learning. Lots of phonetics drills and ideas for how to learn a foreign language before you're in country and once you arrive.

I think my favorite ideas have revolved around playing games to increase your vocabulary. The husband and wife team that are teaching us have been teaching language to missionaries since the YEAR BEFORE I WAS BORN! wow. Is that the coolest thing ever?

I'll admit that sometimes the lessons are a bit boring, but that's neither here nor there. That's about me focusing and paying attention.

There's a group of us that go out almost every evening to do our homework (or just hang out) at Starbucks (I'm still not drinking coffee - so don't anyone worry).

The food has been incredible, so starting to be smart about food consumption has become a critical issue. So I'm following Kevin's advice of only one (or less) high calorie beverage per day -- I'm eating salad for dessert (you can convince yourself that it's yummy -- especially when they have beets and cottage cheese). Don't think I'm totally depriving myself - dessert once a day is okay!

weddings and other missionary adventures

what a weekend! I flew out at 6:15am on Friday to hang out with James and his soon to be bride in Pennsylvania. The travel was uneventful until Philly, where I met Jana's grandfather Jay. We really had a great 2.5 hour long drive to the town of Liditz.

The wedding highlights include a hotel room above the bar with a band blaring until 2am, the bride playing bass as they led the worship portion of their wedding, seeing friends (especially Michelle and Eric), and a surprise side trip.

Ashley invited me back to Alexandria, VA where his wife, Heather's parents live. I finally got to see the home of the phenominal Linda Brown! No kidding, the room that I stayed in is featured on a postcard! How cool is that. It is connected to the conservatory. I felt very fancy. Ash and I had phenominal conversation on the way there that continued in the hot tub (nothing like some great relaxation).

Bright and early this morning I left from Reagan international back to Colorado Springs where Mark, Pam, Helen, and Amy picked me up to head back to MTI. We decided to go see a movie before doing our homework and we got pulled over by the COPS! Jessica was driving and we were laughing so hard that the purple beast got pulled over. We couldn't find the registration at first, but we were thankful that Jessica was the one driving, 'cause she's got the Colorado license. Phew.

Another exciting adventure...

The last shall be first

Colorado Springs, CO, USA

I started my day today on 3 hours sleep at 6:30am. Headed to training for PILAT (Program in Language Acquisition Techniques) and SPLICE with Mission Training International.

I checked in online and barely made it to the gate on time... at Metro - I always seem to be at the "last gate." Well, today - it really was the VERY last gate - and I didn't take the tram!

So my flight went through to Houston and I was in a sleep stupor for most of it. And we were dropped off at the VERY last gate and my second flight was on the OTHER side of the airport.

Really I'm laughing about it - I had plenty of time and, yes, gasp everyone - they fed us on one of the flights!

So I pick up my rental car and head out to the retreat center. I'm the last person to arrive.

But when it came time for alphabetical introductions.... the last shall be first. Brake - right at the top of the list.


Highlights today include:

• I can see Pike's Peak and the location of the Garden of the Gods from our retreat center.
• My suitemates are a family with 3 little girls. When I arrived I could hear them singing under the door - Disney tunes.
• And 40 pages of homework!

on the move

I'm on the move again! Today I leave for Colorado and training with Mission Training International http://www.mti.org/ I'll be in two of their programs PILAT and SPLICE. I'm excited about the next step in this journey! I'm a bit nervous too. I think I'll really miss all of my friends and colleagues in Ann Arbor (not to mention the youth group gang!) And I'm looking forward to meeting the incredible people who are out there doing God's work.

I can't believe it's already here. Talking to people about this time of my life has been easy - but it's really here. Time has been flowing at a VERY fast pace of late and before I know it - I'll be in Russia.

Back to Life... Back to Reality!

It's 8:45am EST and I'm back in Ann Arbor for 4 days!

Only 4 days!

Let the errands begin. Gregor needs to visit the vet. His allergies get bad whenever I leave for a long time :( I've already scheduled an oil change - and I need to get some new pants I got for Christmas hemmed!

I ripped another pair of pants, so I have to go shopping (lose some weight already, huh?)

and I have no groceries! Off to the races.

I'm just praying that I get everything done that needs to be done prior to heading to MTI for a month. I'm going to stay relaxed about the whole thing though... calm and relaxed. I like being this way!

Check out the photo album from the Tahoe Trip

Cabin Fever

It's our final day in California and it's raining again! We were hoping to go out skiing again today (we're gluttons for punishment) but alas, winds up to 100 mph at the top of the moutain has closed a bunch of the ski lifts and we're staying home. I think it's almost noon and no one has had a shower yet. We're just moving slowly and playing it low key.

I finally wrote out Christmas cards today. So they're also happy new year cards, right?! I really enjoy days like today where no one is in a rush and we're all just relaxing.

I can't believe that a week from today I'll have been back to Michigan and left again for Colorado already! And I'll be 2 days away from James and Jana's wedding in Pennsylvania!

jbrake's journeys begin NOW!

Powder and Tempers

We woke up today to see at least 8 inches of fresh powder! Incredible. So we packed up and headed to Squaw Valley (home of the 1960 winter olympics). We hopped the gondola and headed up the mountain. We rode the first ski lift to the top and were nearly blown off the chair lift! Winds up to 50 mph! My face was covered in water from melting snow.

Back at the top lodge we purchased some new winter gear to survive the cold conditions (usually it's not that cold for skiing in Lake Tahoe). I ended up with goggles and a balaclava (covers your mouth/head). An additional expense - but VERY worth it.

The skiing was really incredible. I don't think I've ever seen so much snow (I didn't take pictures 'cause it was too cold). I know that I'm a bit out of shape, but I've never sucked wind like I did skiing today. I even saw spots (translation: I thought I was gonna pass out). Mostly I think the sucking wind is because of the altitude, but whoa - I'd be half way up the chair lift before I could breath again.

It was an awesome time. And the beauty of nature here can't help but make you think of creation and how awesome it is. More beautiful at every turn.

Then my seldom seen temper had a chance to flare up. I really don't get mad at other people... but I'm pretty hard on myself. We got back to the cottage and I discovered that I'd lost the brand new balaclava that I'd purchased. Ugh! I get so mad at myself for silly little things like this. Especially because it involves money. I really try to be a good steward of my money - and it was an excellent balaclava. If we go skiing again - I'm going to have to find another one!

It's one of those days when I need to practice lessons learned from my college buddy, Eliot. Laugh at yourself, silly and stupid things happen - really no big deal. No one was hurt, emotionally or physically -- and with these conditions -- someone could have easily been hurt.

I'm actually smiling now - blogging is quite cathartic actually.

Merry Christmas

The day started with a beautiful sunrise over Lake Tahoe. It was a nice follow-up to a night with almost no sleep. I've been a bit under the weather and my brother gave me an anti-histimine after dinner... and it kept me awake until almost 4am. I slept in 20 minute increments. Needless to say - I wanted to be grouchy this morning - but who could be grouchy on Christmas!

Such an awesome day. I like the significance of this day for so many reasons. First, of course - because we celebrate the birth of Jesus (and like I said yesterday - I know the timing is off - it's not that relevant). Second, it's really awesome to be with family. We're together for 7 days - and so far - we're going strong. It's tough when we're basically split it four different units and getting along could be really difficult. So far - it's really been wonderful.

Our Christmas exchange was really neat (this is, of course, the third reason why Christmas is so cool). Mom drew my name and got me a "life is good" long sleeve t-shirt and matching flannel pants. I love 'em (although - the pants could be worn by a small giant until I get them hemmed - the joys of a height challenged life).

We're getting ready for dinner (steaks and twice baked potatoes) and mom has made a special pumpkin bar dessert too (they smell amazing).

Off to finish doing laundry.

'twas the night before Christmas

...and all through the house not a creature was stirring... except Jeff - who is still wide awake. It's almost 11 o'clock here and EVERYONE is already in bed. I'm not tired enough to sleep yet (although my body thinks it's nearly 1 am. I don't sleep very well if I'm not feeling good.

On Wednesday this week (today is Saturday) I went to the doctor for my camp physical for Russia. He recommended I get two shots to be started for all my immunizations. So I got a flu shot in my right arm and a typhoid shot in my left (typhoid officially hurts more) - but flu decided to manifest symptoms. So I've got itchy ears, runny nose, and a quesy stomach.

Nothing that good attitude can't fix! So I'm powering through. My family is awesome.

Today I woke up to the smell of bacon - Will was cooking breakfast for the second day in a row. We went shopping for our "secret" santa gift - which is really tough I might add - when you all go shopping together. Prices in Tahoe are out of control. But who really cares about prices when it's Christmas?

The day was foggy and gray until the sun decided to put in an appearance this afternoon. No joke from like 50 to 70 degrees over the course of an hour or so! And I thought Michigan weather was shifty!

Looks like I'll spend a couple of hours awake here at the house alone. Kinda nice for some peaceful me time. I'm going to read a bit in my book, the Expert Expatriate - play some Fable (a video game) - write in my new journal - and read some Bible. It's been two days and I'm missing the connection.

Merry Christmas everyone. It's really the coolest holiday. Even if the birth of Christ was really sometime in the Spring... I don't know all the details.

Out of Breath

For more reasons than one today. The scenery is incredible out here – certainly some of the best there is. Breathless vistas.

And then there’s the altitude. I know that I’ve gained a few more pounds than I should have on my frame, but I’m out of breath walking up steps and I’ve got a headache to boot! More water! I’m sure by tomorrow I’ll be acclimated to the altitude.

Today we found a Christmas tree (we’ll decorate shortly with all of Todd’s crystal ornaments), we hauled wood up to the porch for our fire, and we rode a gondola up to 10,000 feet above Lake Tahoe (at Heavenly resort). We drew names for family Christmas and tried to get some shopping done, but it seems like the Brake family are just a bit too salt of the earth people for the resort shopping. We didn’t find anything.

The days highlight (besides being with family, of course) was Inspiration Point and the Eagle Falls. Gorgeous. I’ll post photos when I’ve got a moment.

Oh! And mom and dad made matching sweatshirts for the whole family – yeah, it’s cheesy, but it’ll be a cool memory.

Denied, Delayed, Departures, Destination

up at the crack of dawn - the brakes set off for Detroit metro. Seems like we were destined to practice patience today. Dad and I pulled into the economy parking lot behind another car and the gate wouldn't go up for us. So we pulled into the next lane and waited for the car in front of us to go through. Denied again. The gate wouldn't go up. So we pulled over another lane. Same story. Isn't the third time supposed to be the charm? So dad pulled the truck back up to see if it was some kind of sensor that the truck was too long? So trying the fourth lane - we finally got through and lo! The economy parking lot was closed. So we ended up parking on the surface lot.

Practicing patience properly pacing.

Boarding went fine and the whole family settled in for our first flight. We ended up delayed for a medical emergency on our plane. With a layover in Chicago and another in Las Vegas we were a bit worried about making our connecting flight to Reno/ Lake Tahoe. By God's grace, our connecting flight was only 3 gates over and delayed - so we made it just fine.

We're all nestled into our ski house overlooking Lake Tahoe, fire in the fireplace, rain outside (no snow at Lake Level) and relaxing like only family can do together.

Life is good, very good.

I can't remember the last time I felt so relaxed. Destination - relaxation.

Christmas, Vacation, and Health

let the vacation begin! thursday morning starts the grand adventure in lake tahoe with the family. i'm really excited to spend time with them and enjoy some outdoor recreation together.

so i was reading a friend's blog today (Kevin) and i stole a great idea from him. you see - i've gained a bunch of weight in the past year or so -- and cutting back on high calorie beverages sounds like a great idea. so for the rest of december one or less soda per day (yikes). and by january - i'm gonna go for none - we'll see if i can do it....

the photo here is me hauling Brad's Christmas tree. i didn't put up decorations myself this year - too much time away from home during the season! i gotta admit that this has been one heck of a busy and tiring season and the time to relax is gonna be VERY nice

Growing Gills

so you know the phrase, keeping your head above water? seems like if i'm going to make it to next wednesday - i might have to grow gills. because - well - keeping my head above water isn't an option anymore. i can't see the surface.

i'm still optimistic about getting everything taken care of at work and with youth group and with Christmas and with the house and all prior to leaving for the break - but my emotions are on the surface and i'm not treading water anymore.

Tom (youth pastor) called me tonight to see if i'd be interested in taking some youth kids out to shovel snow for the elderly on saturday and i nearly cried just in the asking... i'm not much of a crier - so i figure i really really need some sleep.

so with that - i'm going to bed an hour early. 'nite

ps - someone shoveled my driveway for me tonight. i'm so happy - i'm literally ready to cry. thanks whoever you are.

ps #2 - i'm excited about reading a book recommended by katie: "now, discover your strengths" sounds really cool. maybe i'll get a chance to read it over break?

My life rated by a computer

So Jen (my right hand at work without whom I would not survive a day at work) suggested I take this survey online. Here's the results:

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	7.5
Mind:	7.9
Body:	5.3
Spirit:	10
Friends/Family:	5.4
Love:	2.9
Finance:	9.1
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

keeping track of Jeff (the journey begins)

everyone! here's a way to keep track of where I am in the world. it's going to be a crazy ride. here's my current itinerary:

• December 22 - 29, 2005 (Family Vacation) Lake Tahoe!
• January 3 - February 3, 2006 (Training w/ MTI) outside Colorado Springs, CO
• February 9 - February 18, 2006 (World Outreach Missions Conference) Phuket, Thailand
• February 3 - February 5, 2006 (White Pine Stampede) Bellaire, MI
• April 1 - April 8, 2006 (Katrina's wedding) Nagril, Jamaica
• sometime at the end of April 2006 (moving to Russia!) Tyumen', Siberia