My Journey Pt 2 - Portugal

I was in Lisbon from 2011-2012 and the things that I remember most aren't really about the country, but moreso who I had the pleasure to work with.  The group of guys and my boss were great.... second best detachment i've ever experienced ... first was in Cameroon (sorry you guys I forgot to mention that in my last posting)

The Embassy community was also very very supportive of our Detachment, so thank you all for that. 

The Figueroa's, The Velazquez's, The Bruces etc ! 

  Portugal is a very beautiful country from what I experienced... imagine cobblestone streets, old buildings and the freshest air.  I want to say that it was also the richest country in the world at some point, but I'm not too sure.  

 I do believe I drank the most in this country... Fun facts for you guys... There is a burger stand (like a typical portable vendor) usually posted under one of the many overpasses in Lisbon, and this stand isn't very attractive nor did we ever go there when we were sober (not that I remember) however, after a night in Bairro alto or Docas, that was our only stop on the way home... and when you're under the influence its the best dagggummm thing.

I'm going to continue this posting with pictures and captions

Check this out first !!!!

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/sep/28/george-wright-hijacker-caught-portugal

This was "some" of the Marines I got to work with (hope you guys don't mind me posting this)

                                      

This is Docas  during the day... bars and clubs on one side and the harbor on the other.  We went here very very often

This is Docas at night time.... 

 This is Bairro alto area during the day

This is Birro alto during the night.  The streets are usually full... I remember once I had a bit to drink and I had went to the bathroom and I had a moment.  Nirvana came on over the speakers in the bar and I just remember thinking how cool it was to be across the Atlantic in a completely different environment and hearing Nirvana.

Meet Sheff !!!!  aka Latron (of course with that name you know which one he is) haha...The one in the back is "as dumb as a sack of hammers"  his name is  - well it doesnt matter because he got on everyone's nerves.

sharing a drink with the "FNG" in Docas

here is Sheff again...

We all went to a medieval fest in Obidos

she may look sweet, but I think she may be a spy  haha

Just kidding

I took some neat photos.... Katie Larrington Photography hasn't got sheeeet on me  !

Then we taught some kids defensive tactics

(Simmons behind me)

These kids had a blast

and then we played basketball, had lunch and got in the pool ! 

We had a groovy time with these kids

I visited a few places

My buddy, Timmy... we went to Spain together and experienced Jameson and Ginger ale  or coke or something... I cannot remember much from Spain.

also...... Timmy and I got certified to scuba dive

this was from our confined space training... im the one in the left corner as you're looking at it...

Timmy is ... ummm

My scuba diving experience took off after this... i've been scuba diving in Portugal, Malaysia, Indonesia, and San Andres in Colombia South America.  One goal of mine is to become a Dive Instructor.  John Palmer and I are going to open a Dive Shop... he just don't know it yet.

Ill make a seperate blog for the diving photos

Left for vacation and spent some time with the Sanderson family !!!!

Such great great people...

Meet Kathy and Mary

Love you guys

grilled a lot ...

chilled a lot

Jermaine is to the far left, sheff to my right as youre looking and simmons to the far right as youre looking....

Also worked with Glyn and Rico...  just dont have any photos of us.

besides this one of course

ANDDDDDDDD...... I do believe this photo is still hanging up in the Irish Pub in Docas

With each of these postings... I do have so much I could write or share, I just don't have that much time or room.

Next will be Malaysia "truly Asia".... 

Have a groovy New Year

My Journey Pt 1 - Cameroon

I know this is going to be long, but please take the time to read everything.  

I don't really know how to start this post because my mind is running at 100 mph with thoughts I want to share.... but I will do my best.  

There are opportunities that we are faced with daily, but sometimes we don't see that... There are opportunities for us when we see someone in need of help... whether it be food, money, a good conversation, or just a thoughtful Idea.  I've truly grown over the past four years and I'm so thankful for that.  I'm more humble because of the things i've seen.  I've gotten a chance to take a step back and realize just how good I have it.  I know there are certain things missing in my life... things I dream about, but I know God has a plan and I never question that.  My time on this program is coming to an end and just I wanted to share a few things with you.

It started in early months of 2010 when I got my first assignment to a country most of us have never heard of.  Cameroon was a blessing to me mostly because of the people.  They're humble considering what they have and how they live...  the people I met there literally changed my life.  I spent a lot of my time with Krista or an oprhanage called "Green Eyes In Africa".  Krista is from Finland and she babysat for a diplomatic family that I worked with.  I learned a lot from her... Her love for Christ and how devoted she is to sharing the gospel really shook me.  I also learned a lot about the Finnish culture from her.  Thanks Krista !  We still chat today.  Green Eyes was ran by Ryan Hansen...such a caring man...  He went to Cameroon thinking he would stay a few months or so, but ended up turning that into something like six years.  He has gotten dealthy sick more than once, but he still focused on his mission to better those kid's life.  You're a blessing, Ryan.  Also I cannot forget the Eley's and Phi !.. they took care of all the Marines... you guys are a gift to everyone ! 

Life is more than just your goals or your happiness..what do you do to help others?  there are people who have it SO much worse than us...

This was a typical night with the Eleys (Dale and Ursula).... good convos, good music, and "sometimes" alcohol.  They also opened their home up to Pin and I when we went to China  for vacation.

This is Pin and I with the Eleys a couple of years later in Beijing China... Good friendship last forever

This is Phi... He owns a restaurant in Yaounde that the Marines went to very often.  He usually hooked us up with free drinks and his dishes are amazing.  He is holding up flat stanly from one of my cousins.  You will also see him in the video posted below.

Giving some pool time to the kids from Green Eyes

Dinner out with everyone from Green Eyes. This was a great night

Krista and I being silly.  This was on one of our main roads in Yaounde.

Ursula and Krista... This was someones birthday party I believe.

Krista did a lot for these kids as well. 

Dale and I were "dancing the night away"

This was a fundraiser Adrian and I did for the kids at Green Eyes.  

Yep... I can say i've rode a horse on the beach

     She is great company.  She just finished her two year mission bringing people closer to God.  Good Job, Krista .. we are all proud of you

Straight cheeeeeeeeesin

This is the Green Eyed man behind Green Eyes....and this is Joel to the left, he was the oldest kid in the orphanage. He now lives in the US with his adopted family.  Also friends of mine.

Check out these videos...

and here are some random photos throughout Yaounde, Cameroon 

How many people do YOU see ?

Do you know what this is ?  I'll give you a hint... its the worlds favorite sweet stuff

Next I will be talking about Portugal and the neat things ive gotten to  experience