josh in nicaragua

kids in nicaragua

pictures from Nicaragua

lesson from Nicaragua

The mid-day heat draws me to the shade. Man, I'm not sure I can sweat much more. The water was just pouring off my face. I tried to wipe it off with my shirt, but it was already soaked. I chugged water from my "smart water" bottle, trying to replenish my thirsty body.

So, here I was, hanging out in El Limonal, a community in northwest Nicaragua. It was a humid and balmy day, the sun painting a golden burn on my arms and legs. Gaton, a friend of mine, Gaton, and I were playing football (soccer for Americans) with 5 kids from the community. We weren't playing on a crisp green grass field or on a nice gym floor. This game of "keep-away" was being played on a dirt road with trash lining both sides. Every kick and slide stirred up a gust of dirt, sometimes blinding your opponents.

It was absolutely, hilariously fun!

The five Nicaraguan kids were definitely cleaning our clocks and taking us to school with every kick. They knew angles and strategy. Clearly, it was not their first time playing together.

So, back to the dirt. The slick nature of the dirt caused problems for me. The shoes I had on didn't have much traction and well, I kept falling. To be precise, I fell five times that day. It was extremely humbling, but I provided laughter for all the spectators watching from the side of the road.

It was after the game, as I was massaging my sore muscles, that I began to think about the game of football. Did I come all the way to Nicaragua to play football? Was this game of football so important that I flew all the way from Phoenix to Nicaragua to kick a worn-out ball around? The answer is yes.

This is not because football is important or that they needed an extra player on their team. And it's not because football is a spiritual activity. The importance of this game can only be seen from a wider perspective. This pick-up game of football was symbolic of an critical concept in life know as "showing up".

The world is more interconnected than ever and the average American would say that they care about the world. However, how are we communicating this concern. We watch CNN and give money when there is a global crisis, but mostly because we'll get a tax break by doing so.

However, what does it really mean to care about something? Imagine a little boy on his 9th birthday. He is so excited to have his friends and family come together on this special day. But on this birthday, instead of coming to the party, his dad simply sends his son a check for $100. Now sure, this might be practical. Instead of buying some random sweater at a department store, the dad is giving the son the option of getting want he really wants. Sounds pretty good. I'm sure we all have some friends or family members that buy terrible gifts.

But the problem is that the father has missed the whole point. The birthday is not just about the gift, money or some hideous sweater. It is about being there for the actual birthday. It is about valuing his son by spending time with him in the midst of his busy schedule.

And this principle applies back to the football game in Nicaragua. We as Americans, Christians and just plain people can try to care for people from a distance . . . . but that doesn't work very well. Love and concern is best shown up close and personal.

So, no, playing football with a bunch of kids in the streets of Nicaragua isn't spiritual, revolutionary, inventive or honorable. But it meant the world to these kids and that's all that matters. Someone actually showed up to connect with them.

I implore you, show up for someone. It may not be kids in Nicaragua, but it could be simply someone in your neighborhood or church. But I guarantee, it will make all the difference in the world.

Josh
Phoenix, Arizona

return to the mountain

I have a deep passion for hiking. I love the feel of my feet running along the mountain trail. Whether it's early in the morning or the beauty of dust, I enjoy the prospect of putting my body to the test in the rugged desert landscape. And fortunately, I live only 9 minutes from Squaw Peak, a mountain reserve in the middle of the Phoenix valley.

My favorite trail is called the "circumference trail". It is a 4.5 mile hike around the main mountain. The topography of the trail can be described as rolling hills, providing for great opportunities for trail-running.

This trail-running is not for the faint at heart. Risk is avoidable which this delightful activity. With cacti, loose gravel and abundant protruding rocks, there is potential danger with each step. This risk can be minimized by quality equipment, prudent judgment, solid depth perception and an overall good sense of one's surroundings.

I've been hiking this circumference trail for about 18 months, generally going around 3 or 4 times a week. Up until March 2, I had never fallen during my trail-running ventures.

I guess something had to give.

I was on a flat stretch in the middle of the trail when all the sudden, my white and yellow nike shoes can caught on a rock. I can remember the scene as if everything happened in slow motion. My arms came out swinging, trying to catch my body in the fall. I tucked my neck back to hopefully avoid direct impact with the ground. My hands let loose my ipod as they prepare to meet soil.

But all of this activity couldn't prevent the reality that I was falling. All of my hiking experience amounted to nothing as my body was humbled under the hot Arizona sun.

My injuries looked much worse than they really were. The palms of my hands and knees were the worst. Blood streamed from both areas. Trailing down my leg, red blood began to soak into my socks. I was forced to use my t-shirt to stop the bleeding on my hands. I was certainly a sight for sore eyes, but there wasn't a soul to be found on the trail that day.

I gathered my belongings, which had scattered everywhere after the fall, pulled myself together and proceeded to continue the hike. I could walk, so there wasn't really any point in calling for help. A helicopter ride out of the park was a cool $750.

As I hiked in pain, I realized that I could either cry or laugh. I decided to laugh. Although the fall hurt, I knew it could have been much worse. Thank you God, for looking out for me.

I finished the hike strong, the complete 4.5 miles, receiving many strange looks from other hikers. Perhaps they thought that we were filming a horror movie at the top of the mountain, ha ha! Nope, just a fallen hiker.

And you know what, I've gotta be honest. After this fall, I was a little apprehensive about getting back on the mountain. I mean, was this really worth it? The fall was painful and humbling. Maybe I should just join the mobs at 24 Fitness and run on the machines in a sterile gym. You generally don't see people leave the gym all bloody.

I realized that was an important life lesson submerged in this decision. Should I be discouraged from doing something I love and feel is important because of one bad experience? Hmmmm, it's tempting, but the answer is a clear NO!

Yes, of course, there were lessons to learn from my fall experience, but my no means should I shy away from future hiking adventures. Otherwise, my fear would win the battle. I love hiking, and yes, there are risks and dangers, but I will not give up on my passion.

And this applies to many areas of life. If you get fired from a job, it doesn't mean you shouldn't work anymore, but you need to get back in the saddle and try it again. Of course, readjust your approach and learn new methods, but don't give up hope. Or it could be relationships or friends. Just because one friend disappoints you doesn't mean that you have to cancel your cell phone plan and become a monk in Nepal.

And believe me, this lesson is for me.

So, this past Sunday, I went hiking before church and it was beautiful. I hike my favorite trail and it was glorious. God created a wonderful day for me to enjoy. As I ran, I came across the spot where I fell. I just smiled and kept on running. I didn't want to give the trail anymore glory. Glory belongs to our God.

So hey, anyone for a hike? J

Josh
Phoenix

joshua and the joshua tree

After my trip to Nicaragua and Miami, I was in need of a weekend of peace and quiet with Jesus. Recently my life had been filled with drama, uncertainty, random construction projects and a number of other issues that can't be discussed on myspace . . . ha ha, I love keeping people hanging!

So, I decided to take a little road-trip to the Joshua Tree National Park in southern California. There is something about being in the car that soothes the soul.

You might be asking, why the Joshua Tree National Park? I'll reply by saying, why not? Ha ha! I was curious about this intriguing park that has my name in it's title.

So, I hopped in my black Saturn Ion and began cruising down the 10. My friend Rochelle, who currently lives in San Diego, said that she would drive over there and hang out with me! Fun staff. It's always fun to have an adventure with friends.

I had no idea would I would find. This park could be a bust or change my life. But either way, I was ready!

And folks, let me say, it was amazing. No, seriously, it was breath-taking! If you are ever in the southern cal area, you should really make the effort to go and check it out. The nature scenery is something to behold and appreciate.

So, bring your journal, ipod and some snacks and meet at the Joshua tree. I've posted a few pictures above for your visual enjoyment. Check them out!

josh