Hitting the Road Again

Dad and little man during
a perfect Oregon Fall Day

After 5 weeks on the West Coast our time here has come to an end.  We feel led to make another step and head east...well south and then east.  We have decided to return to North Carolina and explore the a relationship He introduced to us right after we left the region this past March.  David, his wife Monika and family found us via the internet and were moved by our blog.  Once we connected it was obvious our families shared a common hope and heart for using the land to do outreach.  David owns 36 beautiful acres at the base of the Blueridge Mountains an hour south of Asheville.  We are excited to see if the land is the home for the vision we have.We leave with just enough money to get us there, and have a hope to trade our Suburban for an RV.  It would be much more comfortable and can provide a temp home while we wait to build a home on the property.  If this property and family are a good fit we hope to build a Cobb home using only Raw materials from the land.  See the link http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/buildings-dirt-and-straw/3739?image=8

This is Analyse's Illinois Fun Facts and Iowa Title Page 

We will head south to take I40 across the country this time.  This will enable Staci and the girls to continue where they left off with their Cross-Country Home School Curriculum.  We will add California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and North Carolina to their Trip Books.  The kids were very excited to hear we were headed back to Asheville.  It will mean they get to see their friends Ariah, Ryn, River, Tovah, Ezra, Eden, Esa May!  It was a sad moment when the girls realized they would have to say good-bye to all their friends here...Auvi, Ezra, Susie, Audrey, Owen, Shiloh, Nora, Lucy and Julian.

The girls help press apple cider at a annual event that started
at our home 5 years ago!

Our time in Oregon was wonderful. We came to reconnect with those apart of the birth of the vision and we did jut that.  Our step this direction was taken with doubt and much unknown.  We were confident to start fresh and pursue this huge hope but after 5 years of talks with those here in Oregon we were unsure about their desire to take the next steps with us.  The hearts of all we connected with are devoted to helping others and wonderful blessings to those around them.  However, the current state of the vision, birthed by the dreams of those we came to see, is not something ready for them to move towards...yet. :)  We hope as we continue towards its launch many of these wonderful friends come join us.

Cecily is talking in
 2 word sentences!

Cyrus and Arlo with kids in Crow, Or

We would like to say good-bye and thank you to many who opened their homes and shared their lives and resources with us.  Whit and Holly Hemphill were the best example of fellowship and brotherhood we have ever experienced.  Thank you for everything...we will miss you.  The Tucci's were wonderful and we hope to see them at our place when that time comes!  Chelsea, Chris, Cyrus and Arlo and their zipline were a blast! Devin and Heidi King thanks for your friendship, gifts and I really enjoyed working with you!  Thank you Rice's for providing us a sanctuary upon our arrival here.  Others who we don't want to forget are the Holub's, Shaffer's, Brandow's, and Leach's.  We hope to see and partner with all of you soon.

       

Is Our Time In Eugene Coming to an End?

My morning prayer view...thats Mt. Love (11,000 ft) in far center.
We climbed it when Analyse was 1 and Niah was 3 months
with Kate Miller/Mader, Uncle Jimmy, Uncous and Uncous Kyle

We now only have 2 days left at the Sanctuary.  A fact that saddens us.   We have been refreshed and repaired during our time here.  Since our departure from Cleveland many false accusations and lies have been used to defined us and the journey we feel called by our Father to take. Our time here has been a place of peace and He has provided us rest.  In fact, I would say for the first time in months we were given the opportunity to sit and wait on Him.  We haven't received much clarity about the direction we are meant to go but, our ears have been opened to more about being apart of His new covenant and this Good News has continued to redefine our relationship with Him. It has been an amazing time of unity as well.  We have spent much needed time with people we have missed so much, and who share a common desire to live a life set apart from this world.  This has been very encouraging.  

The prayer that has echoed from our little Sanctuary into the volcanic range in the distance has been this.

Father please settle us down in the place you have prepared, for us to take in the widow and orphan, feed them your food, teach them your Truth, meet their every need. Unite us with others who passionately want to do the same in attempted obedience to His perfect will.  Over and over we have asked this of our Father in heaven and truly believe He will direct us their in His timing.  Until then we wake up and do the task He has set before us.  It has been a time of abundance and provision.

This past week the girls dove head long back into school.  Staci is still working on review and finishing up their road trip packets but beginning their new curriculum (Shurley) as well.  Lukah too has begun in the learning.  He is learning a letter a week.  Learning all its sounds, words that start with those sounds and how to write it.  As he reached the summit of Spensor's yesterday, on his first solo attempt, he squatted down in the dirt and took a stick...Up the mountain, down the mountain and across..."A"! Staci was filled with joy as we all got  great laugh.  They are all very excited to have had some consistency and we are hopeful our next move will provide even more stability for their learning.  

I have been blessed to serve Betty Williamson.  Our former landlord and wonderful friend who was widowed right before we left Eugene was in need of her house painted. During our visit he amazing, loving son was atop a latter and I offered some help.  I have spent a few hours a day getting it prepped to paint it for the umpteenth time in her 70 years there!  It has been a blessing to love her this way. 

Left, Adaniah's 1st Spensor's Butte Solo Summit. 3 years old
Right, our most recent climb...3 years later

    

The Horse and Wagon Made It!

From Colorado to Oregon

Newest Cousin Libby!

Wyoming is home to hundreds of
 Dinosaurs fossils 

We left Denver and headed north to Wyoming in hopes of seeing Jonna our long time friend from the Philippines.  She was there when Analyse was born. We cut through a back road and drove over a beautiful mountain pass but, unfortunately she was called to a birth and couldn't meet us.  We hope to see her soon.  Driving through Wyoming is like driving through the wild west.  Mesa's and mountains, rolling dessert hills and steep red rock canons.  It entertained our kids and even provided a lighting storm to drop their jaws! We made our traditional stop at Little America before heading to Utah.

As we crossed the Utah border our little ones dove into school work and it seemed like minutes till we arrived in Ogden to stay with Uncous Jay and Auntcous Jes. Little did we know they lived in one of the coolest stops ever!  A tight canon road running beside a mountain creek was the back drop of their little cabin home.  We had to squeeze in but it felt far from cramped.  We spent the next day on the reservoir paddling and floating.  A memory our kids will not forget anytime soon.

No words to say!!

Next we traveled northwest to Boise where we got to hang out with the Millers, Katie Mader and One Eyed Nick!  The kids got to back yard camp and had a blast with Otto the pound pup. Staci got to catch up with her long time friend and I was blessed to repaint their kitchen.  It was nice to just serve in joy!
We left a couple days later for the land Niah and Lukah were born in...Oregon.  It was amazing to see the response of our kids as we crossed the state line.  Pure joy and peace was in their faces!  We arrived in Eugene and decided to crash at our good friends the King's.  Its wonderful to sit and talk with others trying to take steps towards a life focused on serving others full time.

The Sanctuary...Stonewood.

And today we made the last leg of our journey.  The Sanctuary...or Stonewood.  A home for those seeking His will offered by the Rice family of Pleasant Hill, Oregon. This home has been a place of love for the Rosen's, Svenson's, King's, Reinech's and Shaffer's.  We have dedicated this week to focus on direction.  We would love your help in this! All we desire is to move when the time is right.  Not jump into the next opportunity just to avoid staying in this place of unknown.  Love you all and invite you all to ask questions about our desire to serve women in crisis.          

Home-school Road Trip!

Ohio to Colorado

Packed in but fully equipped with all they need!

Our first lesson for the school year was a lesson of faith and it wasn't just for the kids.  We left Cleveland with $112 in our account and a full tank of gas.  We talked in a parking lot before we left with the family in joyful tears.  It was still a mystery at this point weather we would head west or south but trusted we would get a nudge if we just started moving. Within minutes we were headed west and the step was almost instantly encouraged by phone calls, texts and gifts of money from friends all over the world!  We knew then this trip would be lead by these angels.

In Illinois we stopped to put our foot in the Mississippi and
ended up in Laclaire...can anyone say...American Pickers! 

Once settled in we began the school year.  We dove into our home-school box and created a curriculum in minutes for the next few weeks.  We gave the girls their binders equipped with the tools to learn about each state we traveled through.  We felt we would kick off the new year with review of writing their letters and numbers and introduce some simple geography and history.  Each state page they entered the date and time we crossed the state line as well as noted the state motto. Then we would stop at the first visitor center to ask question or gather materials to complete each cover page.  As we traveled through the state we would point our geological formations, crops and fun facts.  It has been extremely fun and the girls are doing so well.

Arches Museum in Nebraska!

We left Ohio late and had to make our first stop a hotel in Illinois. Thanks to coaching perks we ended up in a king suit with a back door I could  grill hamburgers out of while the kids hit the pool.
Next we took a short trip to Iowa to stay with our Aunt Darr. This is the 5th time the Dashers 6! have trekked across the country and each time we were less in number but always welcomed by Brain, Aunt Darr and their dogs! On this trip Buddy and Sammy entertained our little man and our girls learned how to knit. Thanks Aunt Darr...they are still knitting away as we travel.
2 days later we decided to do a long day...13 hours..  We left at 5am and made a great stop in Nebraska at Archway Museum to learn about the 4 pioneer trails to the west, Oregon, Morman, California and the Pony Express. It was rad!  Just before dinner we arrived in Denver at Staci's good friend, Heather's home.  They have known each other since Niah's age and we have also stayed with them each time we made this trek.  Their 3 year old Miah was thrilled to see her new friends and it wasn't long before our kids disappeared into her little world. Doolie, their pit bull, was again our little man's friend and I enjoyed good music and food with Brian, the man of the house.
The next day we hopped over to Auntcous ZZ and Uncous James' house to meet their new baby Libby. It was such a great time and hope to see them again soon.


We look forward to Utah, Idaho and especially Oregon, but you will have to wait to hear those stories.  Thanks to those who read these!  We love you and hope to hear back from you soon.

   

Staci Finishes!!

Well she did it.  She crossed the finish line.
In January of 2006 Staci, pregnant, and I traveled to the Philippines to start her in a 2 year Midwifery College and intensive birthing apprenticeship.  Little did we know what was in store.  We can look back and can see poor choices but, we also see good timing and provision. One thing is clear, Staci never believed she wouldn't see this day.  This past Wednesday, Staci took the National Association of Registered Midwives board exam.  This test certifies her as a professional and proficient midwife and is the final step of this process.  It is finished.  No more late nights studding between nursings...no more paperwork to file...no more papers to write after a full day of raising 4 children!  It is a globally recognized certification and is only given to those who have completed the 2 years of education and an intensive apprenticeship under a experienced midwife. This unconventional timeline enabled Staci to see over 100 births and deliver more babies than the average.  She has been blessed by this process despite the length and looks forward to the results to this test.
  

Surrounded by family but feeling all alone

One more week before Staci's big test.  She has been so diligent in her studies and we hope she can find some peace this next week to focus her attention on the test and not our lives.  Our time in Cleveland has been full of love but an extreme challenge for us.  My parents landlord doesn't want us here and now makes us park our car down the road when we stay there.  The small 2 bedroom condo of Staci's mom is full of love but not space.  Imagine the 6 of us all crashing in one bedroom every night.  Our transmission is about to call it quits and our brakes are needing to be replaced. We are completely humbled and at the mercy of the next financial demand life throws at us.  We are homeless, unemployed, alone and this time not feeling much love. 

As Lukah calls her "My Best Grandma"..not great but best! She will be 90 this feb.

We still lack soild direction for the outreach and long to know whats next.  We see the vision in our distance but, can't seem to find joy in the day to day.    We believe in the hope and have plans in place but they lack momentum.  With every day, here in this wasteland, our desire to stay committed to the vision, gets more and more difficult.  As Staci and I talk at night we struggle to find rest don't feel united to serve anymore.  We feel lost, alone, abandoned and full of doubt even though we are around people who care deeply for us.  Our hope is this season ends now and find a way to get this ball rolling.

In 8 days we will be freed from whats kept us here in Cleveland but, lack any solid plans to move towards...well, we have no idea where to go next.  I have been working for my father when work is available, and that has kept us busy but really want to avoid the trap of stability outside of this outreach.

Cousin Jay and his new wife Jes.  We love you and had a blast...she spins fire by the way!

Yes we have completed all the paper work for "Chrysalis", our non-profit that will oversee the vision's infrastructure and development.  This has been a blessed process...the only solid thing we have at this point. The vast paper work and all the needed language to secure it were gifted to us by a wonderful man who helps people start non-profits.  We now have to raise the $1000 for the federal filing fee but believe this come once we are offical. Once the federal paperwork is complete we will be able to begin securing resources needed for the start-up.  However, we feel challenged every hour whether or not to walk away from this vision and settle into a life with more financial security.  

We hope there is a stirring in your heart to walk with us towards this huge vision.  We can't do it without passionate people united in its purpose.  Thanks for you friendship, support and love.           

     

We Did It Again

Hello Everyone Well we've done it. We've fallen off our rocker! Yes its true we sold everything we own again(well except what fits in the Suburban), joined a cult and live in a hut on a farm. Sorry to bust that bubble but only 3 of those statements are true. Yes we have moved on a farm and we have fallen of the doctrine rocker. We do live in a Yurt (and its so rad!) but,  we will never become a part of the Twelve Tribes...however they are amazing people who love one another! We were given the upstairs of their beautiful log Cabin until we can build a bed for the yurt. We are WWOOFing...look it up (www.wwoof.org) so we daily partake in the farm life here in exchange for organic meals, farm education and 2 rooms and a bath. However we don't feel like volunteers- we have been wonderfully adopted by the community here. (www.gladheartfarm.org) Shane's days are spent helping on projects around the farm. He works hard everyday. He is pruning a 17 tree apple orchard found neglected for years and just finished putting up a new electric fence for the steer and billy goat. The kids join the other little ones in home schooling activities as well as help prepare meals. Analyse has been asked to help with the chickens and Lukah is in love with the goats. Niah is everyone's favorite and Cecily gets held by all. Staci is almost finished with her schooling and has been busy with births. In fact she just took on her first client and Mom was there to help with the delivery! We have already begun to feel a pull to move on and are planning for whats ahead of us. We encourage you to join us...just sell it all and show up!

Cecily Helen Marie Dasher

Hello Everyone! Can't wait to share this with you. First off Cecily Helen Marie is 2 months old already.

She was born on September 27th in our home. Once again Staci and I did it on our own but this time with an audience of 4. The midwife assistant, Analyse, Niah and even Lukah. He was so into it! She has begun to coo and smile, but like her brother HATES the car!

Next...I am no longer the coach at Montreat College. Too be clear and quick it was too difficult for my spirit to find peace there. Our last official day was Dec 31st and we are excited about what's next.

That said...What's next? Well as most of you know, a little over four years ago we were given a vision. Well it's a massive hope that we can hardly imagine being apart of. Mostly because we know nothing about how its foundation works... Agriculture and Livestock. This has led us again to take a step of faith and roll the dice. We will selling everything we own again and trust this vision is the future for us. (Family if you want something let us know asap) We have given our 30 day notice so January 1st is our Go Date! We are praying to meet a man or family desiring to help us. We believe this project already has a farm desiring us to come help manifest the vision. This is just the first step but we know it's one we can't push aside any longer. We need to faithfully walk towards this vision and believe this is the time. We ask you to join us in this hope...no really come...be apart. This can not happen without a like minded community deeply invested into it.  We hope you are feeling the call.

  Most importantly Staci is so close to finishing her national midwifery certification. She has been diligently pressing forward with this hope for SEVEN years. All in the midst of 4 children, 2 different countries, 4 different states and 5 different midwife instructors. We don't believe is good to be away from the Asheville area so we can protect the journey and finish the work we started in her so long ago.

Lastly we will be in Cleveland this mid December and hope to see many of you then! Be blessed in your years end.

The Dashers 6!

Day 11 and 12. Travel Days I'd Like to Forget

Day 11 was to be our last in Mongolia and it was one I'd like to forget. Once again an American breakfast...that would be my third in 4 meals. Normally this would excite me however, I really didn't have an appetite. We returned to pack-up one last time and loaded the two 9 passenger mini-van taxis. Lets say it was tight. We were all wanting to get back to our families but a 6 hour ride in these conditions was not ideal. However, this tour was not about comfort was it. It was about tearing down the symbolic Ashera poles on the high places. And the Mongolian drivers was not all about getting us there quickly. The 2 vans looked similar but preformed very different. My van would race off leaving the other in the dust. We then would stop and wait for the other to catch up. However, every time it did, it would stop and everyone would exit for a potty break!?! Meaning ever 20 minutes there was a 10 minute break. This on top of the 3 stops we made in order for the driver to sell something he had brought with him. Add lunch and the traffic once we hit UB and this 5-6 hour trip turned into 8. Lets just say the faces of all when exiting told the story. I wish I was alive enough to take one. Our home was a hotel but I was to concerned with a new pain in my left knee and leg to notice. Once we all got settled we were set to have our last meal, however, I wasn't feeling that great and the pain in my leg prevented me from joining them. Robby and I had to be out at 5am so we hit the hay early. On day 11 I woke to a very stiff and tender leg. I was concerned but just thought I had positioned it oddly in the taxi and it was just sore. Mark and I both had the thought it could be Staph but I didn't have any redness or other symptoms. I decided I would brave it and head to Seoul. It was a very uneventful trip lasting about 4 hours total. We looked into getting home on an earlier flight but it was a no go. We chose a hostel and jumped on a bus. On the way I decided to take a look at the leg under my pants. Something was not right. It was bright red, very swollen and there was a red line streaking up the inside of my leg. Looks like I was right about that river and I didn't clean my scabbed leg well enough. The result...STAPH! Once at the hostel I was online seeking answers and I didn't like what I found. I Skyped Staci and hoped she had a non-medical cure. Her suggestion, get to the hospital. Just then the Hostel owner walked in the room...like an angle from heaven. She took my hand and the next 30 minutes was unbelievable. I was treated by a retired former top doctor in Seoul who in a matter of 15 minutes had cleaned and dressed my soccer scabs and given me a shot of penicillin...all for $35. And did I mention the 3 days of anti-biotics fr another $10! We were tired and I was told to rest. We hung at another great hostel with some french guys and passed out early.

Day 10...Our Last Push

Day 10 marked the last of our outreach event and for me it couldn't came any sooner. We started the day with a huge American breakfast made by a French woman and April, one of our host while in Erdenet. As soon as the last pancake was down we were off to the stadium to do a youth clinic. Unlike the other, these kids really had an idea of how to play the game. Really great skill and we could tell they had had proper coaching. With over 60 years of Sports Outreach experience the leadership pulled off another great event despite our fatigue. Just as the last kid was off the field, the last of our feet were in busses for an hour journey out to a river. A few days earlier 3 of the guys decided to take a plug and wash away their past and be born into a new life. We were excited to help them make that happen in the middle of nowhere Mongolia! We spent about an hour there in love and then we had to scoot back for one last event...a training session for the team we had played the day before. I had other plans though. About 7 years ago I had befriend Jonathan in Eugene Oregon. He had left for Mongolia at the same time Staci and I were in the Philippines. We had watched his life grow via newsletter but our friendship remained unique and deep. It just happens that as I write this I am in the same town he has spent the last 5 years. I had to find him and encourage him over dinner. Jonathan picked me up and after a quick tour of the city we headed out to his new home. OH MY GOSH! Unbelievable! He had adopted 200 acres of endangered forest and the government allowed him to build on it as long as he guarded it. Being so far from the city this was going to be a costly build. However, he was blessed to meet a his neighbor and before long they had sparked a friendship and a common hope drew them together. This wonderful man and his wife asked them to move on to their property and share in there water, electricity, road and view. I had brought some gifts from the States and made them Breakfast for dinner. Argentine their 20 month daughter was keen on me reading her French...its the language here mother Mareille speaks to her. We talked struggles, hopes and family then called it a night. I returned to an apartment of men with beers in their hand ready to watch the England/France game at midnight. I was our last horar and we got through it with tired eyes but many laughs.

Day 9. New Town...Last Game

Day 9. We were awoken by the classic train whistle signaling we had arrived at the final stop...Erdenet. We unload the train then loaded the vans and found our way to our new home; an apartment just perfect for the 13 of us. We picked our beds then left for a wonderful breakfast made by Elisabeth, Ian wife, at their home. After stuffing ourselves we left to 2 separate churches. I'm amazed that no matter what country I'm in "Church" somehow seems to be done the same. It's really starting to concern me. Too much tradition and religion. After we went back to rest but most of us caught up on Euro 2012 by watching re-runs and highlights. This decision turned out to cost me...and a few others, for we had a full 90 minute game to play in a little under 3 hours. The 3 hours flew by and before I knew it we were warming up. It was a nice Field Turf surface with all its rubber and the environment was perfect for a match. There were about 100 in attendance and the team we were playing looked set to play. In their new kits and had just finished a week's pre-season there was a vibe in the air. The local paper had written an article about their new Nigerian striker and their hopes to defeat the team from Holland. The game took awhile to find a rhythm and our keeper, Aaron, had to come up with a couple big saves. We survived the half tied at zero. After 10 of clinics on top of games on top of ministry our tanks were empty. We knew our strength was not going to be enough. We had to put out hope in mini miracles for each of us. And only 5 minutes into the 2nd half Bing was not feeling blessed. He was struck from behind and had to leave the venue to get stitches for a deep cut on his head. This meant the old man of the tour would be called on...me. Now we had 2 36 year olds on the pitch and I don't think many thought we had a chance playing this team on a huge international pitch. However, 10 minutes later, Arjan the "other" old man headed in a cross from midfielder Jonah. THe celebration was awesome. This was really his first game and really deserved the goal. 5 minutes later left defender Eric and I had a 4 pass combination down the left side that resulted in a well placed shot to make it 2-0. This was the miracle we needed. I was already exhausted and I wasn't alone. The rest of the game we fended of their numerous attacks. Aaron was amazing in goal and even ensured they missed their penalty. Our souls cheered as we heard the final whistle and were even more excited to know our bodies wouldn't have to brave another game.

Day 8. A Loss, A Prison, A Train

Day 8 was to be a long one. It started with the chance we had all been praying for...a chance to play at the National Complex. It was not a scheduled match but this hope was important to the long term projects in UB. We arrived and hinted strongly to play on the brand new FIFA built futsal court. It was a move we would regret. Although the venue was amazing the tour had taken its toll on the old fellas and our youth had no futsal experience. We were crushed 5-1 against a team made up of 6 Futsal National Team members and members from the Ulaanbaatar DS team we had beaten on day 6. It was good to get a loss. It gave us a knock to the pride but motivated us to finish strong. Next we headed to a prison for troubled youth. A 25 foot wall was an anomaly in the midst of the new high income apartment construction. We met the governor at the gate and he took us into a small room where Arjan gave his riveting testimony to all 40 inmates. His story, a tale of the Karate champion of Holland and 2nd in all of Europe who threw it all away through bad choices of alcohol, drugs and women. The story ended with hope and a choice that gave him a new life. I thought it hit the boys deeply and was a perfect lead-in to the mini camp we were about to attempt. I say attempt because we had to perform 4 stations in less than 40 mintes, with 40 amped young men on a basketball court and small grass area we dubbed the wasteland. However, it was a huge success. Reggie had his station rolling in laughter and Jonah had his group diving around like fish despite sharp rocks littering the wasteland. One of the best events on tour and all in less than 90 minutes. The leaders then gave us a surprise concerning our journey north to Erdenet. We would not be traveling in a jam packed bus 7 hours...instead we would be taking the midnight train through the Mongolian countryside. It was a trip many stories will manifest from. I shared a cabin with the old men Aaron, Jonah and Mark. We talked chicken coups, fat ladies with too big an opinion and how our wives have changed our lives. We sipped on tea and nibbled on chocolate all while taking in camels, treeless hills and a sunset that will always remain in the memory of this tour.

Day 7: A bit of rain and a bit of good fortune.

Day 7 was a relaxed day that saw us going into the wilderness! We had a traditional meal set up for us by Ian in the literal, middle of no where. But before we got to go into the out to the outskirts of Mongolian civilization, we went to a big touristy venue. It was a giant metal statue of Ghengis Khan riding a horse! After the typical tourist adventure, we rode for an infinite hours over sketchy bridges and bumpy roads, playing the new hit game, ASSASSIN. I was the worst at the game, clearly. I got found out in the first round, but the person who I killed was the Big Flying Dutchman. We traveld to the farm on a cart pulled by horses! This was not the fastest mode of transport but there were rivers that we had to be cross. The family's farm was a pretty sweet set up! They grew most all of their own food raised livestock. The dinner they had prepared for us was a traditional Mongolian Horhog. This is when they take very hot rocks that have been in a fire for a long time, and put them inside a pressure cooker, along with lamb, onions, bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes. The meal was ama-za-zing. After we finished eating, a cold storm blew in. It started raining and having hurricane like wind! Our lovely hosts let us take shelter in one of their spare Gairs. We had one of the best 2 hours of the tour becoming close brothers sharing our lives over some good tea and coffee. Once the storm subsided we headed home. On the return cart ride Eric, a professional musician, entranced us on the guitar while we took in the rain soaked and steaming Mongolian landscape. We had to bust it back in the van to play some Pastors in a little 4 team round robin. We get to the field but, sadly we were a little over two hours late due to the monsoon that we experienced at the farm. However, they changed format to ensure a game with us and a game was set. We played the team from the New Hope Church. We started the game well by going 5 nil up in the first half, but then they got the support of the crowd, the high rise construction workers that were hanging over rafters in the surrounding buildings! The game took a turn after I scored the 6th goal. New Hope started scoring, and good goals at that! Our best efforts from our keeper couldn't keep them from knocking at the door! Finally, the game ended 6-5. "Shew" was the feeling that over came me. We then took time to congratulate the team and had some good talks with their team. All and all it was an awesome day full of Mongolian tradition and good bonding time with the local church! -Robby Gaddy

Days 5 and 6, National Stadium Hope

Waking up to calls to the wife and kids has been amazing. I still think something is a miss. I mean how can I call my family, see their faces, hear them perfectly, all on a little "smart" phone...all for free. Come on?!?! Every morning we slip into a bit of Europe here at the "Oasis". Sybille, the owner and operator of this hostel has been given the gift of hospitality. This place is truly an oasis and all of us love her kindness and warmth. We sip tea and eat toast and jam, and all the americans wonder why we don't keep it this simple. On day 5 I was asked to give a word of encouragement to the team. I spoke about doing immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. I asked some tough questions and challenged the conventional norm. I hope it stir their souls for more than just the day. We then left to visit the Football Association. We did not have an appointment but trusted they would kindly welcome us after traveling from all over the world. The were so wonderful! We were given the royal treatment. We had a meeting with Oggie, the technical director and given a tour after. They recently put in a new indoor futsal court and the field is scheduled for renovation. During the tour many of the guys got suck into a pick-up game. It was impossible to resist little angles wanting to play the game we love so much. Smiles, laughter and wrestling dominated the kick-a-round. The girls won 3-2! As we were leaving Aaron had a little revelation. He, Jonah, Mark and I stood on the field of a National Stadium together before ten years ago in Sudan. We had to mark the moment with a photo. Our hope is after this spirit filled visit we get the invitation to return and play a game. After the MFA we traveled over to a Korean University and did a futsal clinic for a local men's team. After our 3 other clinics I'm convinced the Mongolian soccer community have never seen a "drill". This can cause some trouble but Jonah rocked an organized and well developed session that impressed me and them. We finished with a mini tournament then Reggie the teams comedian did a skit to help demonstrate our need for hope and how football can be used to do just that. It was amazingly funny and we left ready to eat. The night ended with a dinner at Papa's Cafe, a local food and coffe shop ran by a wonderful Korean Christian woman. At this point I need to talk about the food here. I have been blessed to travel to over 20 counties (by the way thats nothing compared to Aaron at 120!) and the food has always challenged me. Here, that is the last of my worries. EVERY meal has been spectacular! I mean over the top good. The hamburger at Papa's was almost as good as mine. Day 6 started with an another clinic. This time it was open to ages 17 and above. Once agin we drove into the shadows of buildings constructed during the reign of communism and, for the first tie, we ran into the typical 3rd world logistical pitfalls. Arriving 15 minutes early we were locked out of the field and told it was already booked. It took a while and our time was cut in half but, in the end, the clinic was a success. We went home to rest and prepare for the 2nd of our main games here. We had learned our game a 4pm was going to be a bit tougher than the first. The team, Ulaanbaatar DS, had heard of our success against the defending champs and were ensuring they had all their pro players their to give us a game. However, after our 3rd goal in 7 minutes they had lost their gusto and the game ended 6-3. They we young and a few youthful mistakes were their downfall. It was a day I was glad to have the wisdom of 30 years playing this game. Without it we would have been run into the ground. Once again after the game we headed to Papa's where we hosted to a dinner and..a game of Uno. Its amazing how a simple game can bond relationships without words being spoken. They picked it up fast and not a single game won was by a Football Plus player. The day ended in a similar fashion.

Day 4: Match day Vs FC Ulaanbaatar (Mongolian Champions)

Sain ba nau! Translated that's hello in Mongolian! Today I, Robby Gaddy, will be writing our blog entry. The day started as a lazy morning. Once fed and awake we meet in the guesthouse with some music led by our favorite Indonesian Guy, Regi. Arjan, then led us in the message for the day, and it was just spot on for they way some, if not most, of the guys were feeling. He asked us what our identity was; like where did we find our worth? Was it in our Football ability? Or how people view us? We were all refreshed to know things and opinions could never sustain us. MATCH DAY! After the team talk, we had a bit of free time until we left for the game against FC Ulaanbaatar. Because we still have not been able to secure a proper pitch to play on, we played on one that is about 90 x 45 yards. Due to the size of the field, we decided to play a 9 aside match against the reigning champions. We arrived about 20 minuets prior to kick off and had a fair amount of time to decide on which boots to use. Well because of the hardness of the playing surface, some went with boots, and some turf. After a good warm up led by Mark Schulte, we went over and had a bit of a pre-game talk with the host team. We were introduced to all of their players, and where they played (and also how good they were). The man person that talked to us was the manager and player who is also running for some political office. We then carried on with our own intros and Aaron Tredway spoke to the team about our purpose as players bringing hope through football. Mark Schulte was our captain for the game. He and the Captain of Ulaanbaatar, exchanged a scarf and the Football Plus pennant in traditional fashion. Then it was kick-off! The host team was a good side and moved the ball pretty well, after going down 2 nil in the first 15 minutes, we then changed up some of the Line-up and put the big Monster Dutchman at center back and moved mark forward. This then gave us more control of the midfield. Football plus edged it's way back into the lead right before half time with some brilliant strikes from Jonah, Bing, and Nanae. After an encouraging half-time speech from John, we go back out there for the second half. We sure didn't start that well but, long story short, we ended the game with a 6-5 victory. I feel that all of us were happy with the result, even if some of the team didn't think we handled ourselves well with the referee making some bad calls and a VERY soft penalty. The day was an overall success and the team played very well and showed good resilience to come back from being down twice. We got to share our hope with the top football team in the nation and we grew together in brotherhood. So all I have to say is bayarlalaa (Thank you) FC Ulaanbaatar for a good football game!

Day 3...2 Clinics...1st Game

The last 2 days have been jam packed. We have added 3 new players to the team, Mark Shulte, Jonah Long and Eric Carpenter, all who have played professionally. They have added a little excitement to the group as well as quality stories of past tours. We have visited 2 local churches, done 2 clinics, played some futsal with pastors, played in a game and ate some amazing food! We dove into outreach after visiting a few churches on Sunday. About a 100 people showed up at a school field in te midst of new high rise construction. What a sight. THe workers on the rafters above even paused to take a glimpse at the white internationals in their silly outfits. What a great 1st event. Music in the backdrop, all the members of the tour involved with small groups. It was a great day in the sun. While they were their I asked to share our hope for football in Mongolia at the largest church in Mongolia. Well, the 4th service to about 20 people. And with only 20 minutes notice. I hope it went well because I don't remember a word I said! :) Yesterday at clinic 2 we took over the training session of a top youth club in the area. I was given the charge of getting the session organized and turns out...I'm a fish out of water here. So new to the culture I wasn't ready for what was to be. The coach didn't show, the translator was on the phone most of the time and the kids...well let's say their idea of a training session was playing keep away and playing games. My hope was soon dashed and in the end they got what they wanted. A game between us and them. It was hard to get up for a game against 15 year olds but that soon changed after they scored a ripper on us! We then had to try and just barely pulled out the win! Later that day we had a warm-up match against a local church men's team. The church represented was helping with hosting the week and they had been waiting for this for months. We took a ride out of town to a little school in the middle of a "projects". The field looked awesome. Brand new Field Turf inside a new fence and small complex. It was a small field 80x45 but looked like fun...well that was until we walked onto it. NO RUBBER DIRT. Yeah Field Turf with no rubber. It was like an ice rink! We slid around like ice hockey players wearing slippers. However it was good to learn the surface because today we play the defending Mongolian Champions. I hope the next blog has a good result to report.

Mongolia Day 1

Day one started off at 2am. A quick look at flight info before Robby's Daddy and girlfriend gave us a lift to the Charlotte Airport. On the flight I had my first chance to share the trip, our hope and then the gospel. A single mom from Virginia opened up and shared quite a story. Ex in prison after a tough marriage and divorce and 2 teen girls who she couldn't get to sit down at the dinner table without texting the entire meal. Tears and laughter were flowing and in the end He used me to encourage her to join in her daughters new found youth group and begin the process of getting her degree in sociology, a journey she had tried before and lost momentum. On to Dulas where the real journey began. 14, longer than normal, hours to Bei Jing. With our team polo's on we were the talk of the mess area in the back and once again given another opportunity to share our hope...and with Chinese at that. Arrival turned out to be a bunch of uncommon twists which led to an a door opening that we had prayed for. We had been given visa's! We didn't hesitate and exchanged some money and caught the express train Downtown. Our hope was to find the real China and it didn't take long before we twisted down some back allies and found ourselves in the thick of it. We negotiated the cost of cherries and looked for a pair of futsal shoes for me in an underground flea market. We raced back to the airport after a couple hours and made it back for our Mongolia flight with 30 minutes to spare. We passed out in seconds, having four seats to ourselves to finally lay horizontal. In a daze we made it through customs and at the gate we saw Ian for the firsts time. He looked drained and tired so we were are perfect match. Half asleep already we got to the hostel to find our new home for the week. A yurt with mountains as a backdrop. 5 hours of cozy sleep and now I'm enjoying the sunrise with Proverbs 1, a cup of tea and some toast. Look forward to our 1st June day here in our hats and gloves!