Young Life Shenanigans

Just a quick word here and a few pics:

So the whole reason for me being here in Nazareth, making this crazy/radical decision to live life in the Middle East for a bit, is to be a volunteer Young Life Leader. And the main purpose of this vocation (VO-, not VA-) is the opportunity to build relationships with high school students and share about who Jesus is.

(pics from club) 

For me, learning about Him, and not just the facts, but realizing Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh...and then He backed up that claim...and then because He backed it up, the other stuff He said is true...which means my life could be changed by choosing to pursue Him first and foremost.....this all happened.
I'm not the same person I was before committing my life to following Him. And I get to share this truth with high school kids (and others) every day. It's not always with words, and I am a believer that actions speak louder than words.

It's been a blast getting to put on our meeting once every 2 weeks that in YL we call "club" for the students here. Club elements include skits, songs, games, randomness. All this has a purpose, hopefully allowing the kids to laugh, feel at ease and know that they are with people who care about them, so they can let down their defensive guard of uncertainty. At the end of club we finish with a short message discussing a story about who Jesus is. You have to experience it to really understand...and hearing form Laurie and Hunter, it's was very tough to introduce this type of thing into the Arab culture here in Nazareth. However, the kids are really starting to get it. (I shared one story about Sari in my last post, and 100% lives are changing.)

 

(more from club - games and friends)

Thank you all for the support - financially, in prayer, sending well wishes and good vibes, and simply enough for the impact you've on me so far (:
I do my best to make an impact on others here, but one thing I knew as I made this decision was how it would change me and the trajectory of my life...now, in 5 years, 10 years, and further on.

One Love - looking forward to my trip home for the holidays!!! I'll be in the states from Dec 17th-Jan 20th.

Foreign Family

Hello hello to you all from my apartment bedroom in downtown Nazareth (:

...to get right into things...
So for the past month+ I've been living on my own in a place just off the main street in Naz. My first official 'loner' apartment (no parents, no roommates) and it just turned out to be in Israel...something I never could have anticipated but honestly at this point, I've given up attempting to control what's ahead haha. Anyways, it was offered by a family who is related to a teacher at the school where we do YoungLife. I'm the top floor of a 3 story little complex that has all members from a family living in the other apartments. Actually, 3 brothers from 1 family married 3 sisters from another! I laugh thinking about the families by wedding #3, like "okayyy we're doing this again. we know you, we've had all conversations....twice. Just go get married." hahaha.
The family name is Qupty and the opportunity to live with them has been an amazingly lucky, but total "God-Thing" find. There's more to it, but really quickly I'll just say, I had basically decided upon another apartment, much more secluded and alone. The morning after mentally deciding to move to this other apartment, I woke up simply not feeling at peace and all these questions arising about the decision. I told Hunter and Laurie and oddly enough, they kinda shared my anxiety. We checked one more place (where I live now) and it has made all the difference. - A little lesson in trusting your heart and making sure to be at peace about big decisions.

(Qupty family kids)

 

This is a pic of myself and some kids of the families from the little complex I'm living with. Most are around 20-25yrs old, and all are incredibly friendly, welcoming, and caring...so much so that I have felt truly adopted as a Qupty. This was the God part of the move. I had wanted to have some friends my own age here in Nazareth (most of the time was spent with high schoolers and adults older than me) so this group right here could not have been any better. Everyday I get to hang with them, play card games, video games with the guys (another special blessing, I had no guy friends my age here yet and really was praying for some), I work on my Arabic with them, and then this pic was from a trip to Jerusalem we all went on. Furthermore, all the mom's in their natural mom way offer me more food than I can say yes to, make coffee/tea for me whenever I'm over, and simply take care of me. This family and these people are some I didn't see coming into my life, and yet here in a foreign land I've found family that I'll never forget (:

 

Young Life side of Nazareth...

Everything is going really well! Actually, we started wYLdlife last month and had a couple clubs so far. wYLdlife is the branch of YoungLife that is for middle schoolers (here we do 7th and 8th grade). The idea was actually initiated from a YL kid, Luis. He volunteers at camps over the summer with the church and said to Hunter that he was upset there is no follow up. The younger kids get a great week over summer but then nobody continues to build relationships with them and share a Jesus focused life. We said there is a thing called wYLdlife but us older YL leaders would need help to run it. This then led to another cool step. We shared this idea with some H.S. students (11th & 12th) and with our guidance, there are 6-8 high schoolers who are leaders at the wYLdlife clubs. It's been an opportunity to help them with their leadership abilities, committing life to Jesus and then we all know how cool it was as a younger student to have older students want to be friends with you...they're now impacting others lives!

 

 

One of the high school leaders that emerged was this cool guy - Sari. Sari's been coming to YL since Hunter and Laurie moved here 2 yrs ago, so he's been around the clubs and meetings a lot. I met him on my first visit here but then also got to be at Windy Gap YL camp with him for a week during an America trip they had in July 2013. Now, in the year (plus) I've known Sari, it's been a treat from life to watch him grow. As a person and in his faith. He's insanely smart (fyi he's a chess master), so he's always had lots of questions about Jesus and truth which often are the really big questions that theologians still discuss. Also, he has not always had very high self-confidence. We've been doing life together over the last 5 months, encouraging each other however we can and now at club, this dude is full of energy in front of everyone, dancing with my goofy self, and bringing new ideas to help make YL Nazareth better. Seeing people become their best selves through pursuing Christ, as I feel like I have and am...I mean, what else is better?! Don't think I have experienced anything that beats it yet. And the other week Sari humbled me. After a club we were driving him home and discussing the future, and what jobs he sees himself doing. Then I mentioned I never thought I would be involved in ministry like how I am today...he replied with "But Zack, this is the best work you could ever do." I couldn't think of any response but to give thanks. Pretty sweet.

 

Well until next time,

 

I appreciate you keeping up to date with me, and am here to share more details/stories. A huge, I Love You! to my family and friends...I miss you all.

 

Oh and we've begun a guys time/bible study with some fellas and that's been just another great time to share life together and push each other towards a full life. (John 10:10)...and yes, Sari attends.

 

Zack (:

 

 

 



Blessed (:

Shoo Akbar!? (What's up in Arabic - getting better slowly).

Hello friends and family and a Happy Friday to you all. Mannn, October has been a pretty solid month for me so far and I hope the same for you. Apologies for not posting in a while, but I've had some cool and exciting things going on in the last couple weeks.

Last week I was asked to share at the 11th and 12th grade Chapel period at the school where we are connected with Young Life. Once a week the kids have a 45min period where they sing some worship songs and a message is shared. The group varies from students with Muslim and Christian backgrounds. I basically did a YL Talk sharing about me and what I thought about life when I was their age. Then told the story from Mark 8 when Jesus asks Peter and His Disciples "Who Do You Say I Am?". We get information from all over incessantly and maybe what we say isn't necessarily our own thought out opinion but simply a regurgitation or repeating of other's words. But we are ALL asked this question by Jesus and it's an important one, so it deserves some time and thought. Really thankful for the opportunity and it was my first time speaking with a translator!

sharing at chapel

 

I've spent a lot of time at the Nazareth Village volunteering as first century villager. Lots of time in the kitchen preparing the meals for tourists and then serving as a waiter or even baking all the bread given with the meal. It's been pretty sweet to see believers from all over the world (Brazil, South Africa, Ghana, England, Russia, China etc)...come to the village and make their experience as enjoyable as possible. Furthermore, in just a month and a half of being there, I was asked to learn the tour guide script! I've given a couple tours so far and it is my favorite thing to do. There was a lot to learn but it's all such great knowledge and given me more of an understanding of parables/lessons Jesus spoke of and how life was like then. Then getting to share this knowledge with other people!

plow - each side is a yoke and the middle is the sight

Example: A simple mention but in Luke 9:62 Jesus says "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." This is a picture of a plow He was talking about. When working it would be hooked with 2 donkeys on the outside yokes who pulled it and then has a 'sight' like a gun in the middle. When working it's vital that a farmer stays focused on the sight and not be distracted or otherwise his plow line will be crooked/jagged/not as useful as it ought to be. Oddly, this simple thing really connected with me. I like the analogy and have experienced a change in life since putting my full focus on following Jesus (the sight). and through trusting Him, I've experienced blessings put in the path of my plowline (:

I'm giving the "talk" tomorrow at Young Life Club after our Clasico themed YL (Barcelona vs. Real Madrid game). something you could pray for...me, any nerves, and mostly that the words said are of God and connect with the students!

Cheers and love you all - Zack

just a cool pic from the village - replica 1st century synagogue

The 24th Abroad

Just wanted to give a quick word of thanks!

I get to begin the 25th year of life while living in Nazareth, Israel...another thing I never predicted but still pretty cool. And I wanted to say thank you to everyone, family and friends who have shown me love and provided a smile in my short existence.

I realized today that while a birthday is a special day for the specific person who is celebrated, it is not nearly the same without others to celebrate with. This year and last year, I have been in a new place (NC, then Israel) without those around me who know me very well or have been in my life for a long time. However, in a time that could possibly have been lonely and not as exciting, I am continually blessed. New friends have entered my life who are willing to surprise me with a cake or well wishes and I ask how did I get so lucky...all while having a full smile on my face.

I worked at the Nazareth Village for the first part of the day

and they surprised me with a cake at lunch. (an oil lamp in my hand)

I thank God for everything I have and all the people I have gotten to know. And my only wish for myself is to be a man after His own heart and live a life that follows suit.
My wish for you is to be the best version of yourself each day. Only compare who you are to who you were yesterday...and then think of others first - It's really worth it (:

Cheers to you all, go do a random act of kindness.

Zack

Another New Normal

Whattup y'all,

For the 3rd time in about 3 months I have another new normal. First, it was living in a house with 7 peers and a family from the States. Then everybody left and went home to the US and I was in Nazareth by myself, house sitting and adventuring on my own in a foreign town. Now, the Lambeth Family has returned from America and so begins the hopefully longer term normal of leading Young Life with a focus on high school kids...building relationships and sharing who Jesus is and how he's affected my life and can affect theirs.

The school year has begun. I can hear the cries and whines of kids all over the world haha. There is a classic YL leader tradition (at least from my awesome friends at NC State) of bringing some donuts to the high school kids on the first day. Alas, there are no Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme's in Naz, so I got what snacks I could and went by myself to the school, completing my best version of this tradition. As I say this I realize how intimidating and odd this truly sounds...an American guy, going to a school of all Arab kids, by himself, with some snacks just hoping to meet/make some new friends and say hello to the few he already has. I thank Jesus for whatever confidence, guidance and protection He's given me to even make this an acceptable action haha. It was great though, I visited the school twice during the first week, made my face known to some the student body (as they all definitely wondered who the heck is this guy??) and met some of the faculty. Thanks to the Lambeth family and those all over the Young Life world who have laid the groundwork of open communication with schools letting them know the purpose of YL so that leaders like me can go do this sort of thing.

One of the day's I stopped by the school was Thursday the 4th. After my visit, I went to the Church of the Annunciation (traditional site where Gabriel said "Whattup Mary, I got some crazy news direct from God" changing her life) and at the church I had some quiet time with Jesus. Still makes me smile that I get to do stuff like that. Got lunch, then a haircut - honestly Arab guys care so much for their hair and it felt like I was a movie star with the time and consideration taken for my cut. Just as you ladies have your salon, the barbershop is something special for us guys. Anywaysss lol, what happened next has become a highlight for my time here in Nazareth. I decided to walk home rather than catch a bus so I could stop by the Nazareth Village tourist site I visited when I came with JMU YL last summer. It's this great spot of a remade 1st century village and has people act as villagers from the time period. Shepherds, carpenters, women, kids, sheep, donkey's...the whole package. You get to see a live version of how Jesus would've lived (or as close to it as you can get). We had had an awesome tour guide and I wanted to see if he was there to say hello. Also, a neighbor friend works there.
Upon arrival, the tour guide was walking right by and I shouted "Daniel! Whattup man." From the look on his face he was confused, surprised, and probably a little worried as a stranger approached him like a friend. I reminded him of my great experience when I visited. He gave appreciation and a smile to my kind words. Then, I asked about my neighbor Samir and he showed me to the back lunch room where everyone who worked there was on break. In my energetic and happy mood, I said hello to everyone and they all were very polite in welcoming me. Samir then brought up that the busy season was approaching and asked if I had some free time to help as a volunteer this fall. I said sure, I would just have to check my schedule. He proceeded with "No, like right now." After laughing at what I thought was a funny joke, I realized he was being serious. In my head I'm thinking "wait what? I don't have the right clothes. Do I have anything to do today? I don't even know what to do." All these doubts were responded to with a classic Arab "No problem, we have what you need." Why Not? I figured, lets take a step into the unknown once again. I dropped my belongings, donned some first century garb and headed out as shepherd boy #3 haha. It really was a fun day and another surprise from life.
 - For me this all can be summed up by Bilbo Baggins - "It's a dangerous business Frodo, going out your door. You step into the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to."
That willingness to take the step is sometimes all that is required for a grand adventure.
So, since the 4th, I have arrived most days as a volunteer to the Nazareth Village and do whatever they ask of me. Sometimes it is the slow, passive job of the watchtower farmer...where I wait for a tour group to come by and then stand looking out over the land. My big moment is when the guide says "And here we have one of our shepherds, Hello Abraham!" and I get to wave at the group and pose stoically guarding my farmland while visitors take pictures (: Other jobs include taking the donkey or sheep for walks around the village so visitors can see me pass by, and then the last few days I've helped prepare a traditional first century meal for those who pay to have lunch. (I help set the places, cook the food, serve the food, and clean up). It has been nice to have something to do for the majority of the day. I'm glad to help Samir and the village wherever they need it, knowing that I am above no job (no matter how difficult or lowly it may seem) but it has also provided some time for observation and thought...3 hours in that watchtower can get kinda boring.

Here's something that struck me as relevant on a larger scale. As the tour groups meander through the site, it cracks me up to watch the touristy action of people (from every country and culture) who run ahead of the group to get the first picture/best picture of the next thing. Or when I'm serving food and overhear conversation from tourists about the conflict going on in this part of the world, discussing the problems, why they are there, or the solutions they think are so simple. And sometimes the tone or attitude of the conversation is very sure of itself. Listen, I myself am still a foreigner and unaware of much, however I would say I have experienced and continue to be involved in a bit more of what it means to be a local citizen. I've realized that when you go visit a place or different culture as a tourist, that's just what you are. That is what you're knowledge suffices up to. Tourist level. There is no condemnation in the term, it just is true. Yes, you do have a bit more experience than those who have not been, however this is still limited. As a person not directly involved in a situation (whatever it may be) knowledge is only limited to facts. There is no emotional awareness, or deeper connection to those who live in on a daily basis.
Here's an example that may help: Last week on the 13th anniversary of 9/11, as an American citizen I was very aware of the date. If someone from another country tried to talk to me about it explaining what happened, why it did, how they feel about it or what should've been done etc...I would have asked them to please not make judgments on something they truly didn't understand. At least from an American's point of view. We who experienced the somber, terrifying, tragic, unimaginable (however you wish to describe it) event. It happened to our home. Our American family. Please don't tell me you know because you visited America once or you've read the articles online that you understand this event in our history.
Maybe it's just natural, because it is quite similarly how people discuss the conflicts in this part of the world.  What I've come to discern is that simply knowledge/factual awareness of a situation, or making a quick "I saw it/I've been there" visit doesn't justify as full understanding. It takes a willingness to go and commit time and give thought to the lives of others. To hear their stories and share in their emotions. By all means discuss thoughts, ideas, etc...but don't believe that an unexperienced opinion is the final and correct word.
And in my mind, only positive can come from such action. Commitment to understanding other people, being willing to invest in their lives, share ideas...I mean that's human unity right there!

From the Nazareth Village and school visits

There's my big story for the last couple weeks.
I got to attend my 3rd wedding celebration as Samir invited me to one he was hosting for a friend. Also, my main prayer has been that all the things I've learned through this last 2 months here can be put into practice daily as a Young Life leader...and just a person in general.
Lessons from people in the Bible
- For knowledge and wisdom like King Solomon. Knowledge is a great tool, but alone it's not enough. Knowing when and how to use such knowledge and having the prudence with it (thinking before acting/speaking) is the next level of living. FYI, this guy had more wealth and was able to fill any desire over any person to walk the face of this planet...ever. And still he realized it's not enough.
< 2 Chronicle, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes >
- For commitment and devotion like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego . Who even though they were threatened with death if they did not worship man-made idols, these friends remained faithful in prayer and trust to God and he protected and blessed them.
< Daniel >
- All the Believers who have experienced weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, difficulties. There's no escaping these things...for anybody. But to make it through such things with strength, hope, and faith intact is the how the Gospel has made it's way around the world.
< the whole Bible haha but a good verse - 2 Corinthians 11, 12:9-10 >

Thanks for reading. I share these stories simply to update those interested in keeping up with my life and do my best to offer encouragement and love to you. As well as life experience that give me peace and joy every day.
I came upon another quote that I liked that can help explain: "Not everyone believes what you believe." "My beliefs do not require them to." - Morpheus

Blessings, Zack

Learning Things

First, a thank you to you all. Those who have supported me financially, through prayers, in conversation etc. In no way do I ever want to let my awareness of you all become a habit, because then I will think I made it here by my own accord...which could not be further from the truth. So THANK YOU my dear family, friends, and acquaintances (: I am grateful.

It has been a little less activity filled couple weeks. I did enjoy some time with friends at the beach, hanging with Young Life dudes, playing soccer at the local court with all my new buddies (kids 9-13yrs old who seem to swarm whenever I show up...really starting to grow fond of those boys) and a reunion dinner for all the counselors that worked the Youth Camps I described in my last post.

With less activity I've had a lot of time on my own, reading often (finished a couple great books I recommend - "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis, "The Shack" by WM. Paul Young, and "The Alchemist" by Paulo Cuelo, along with a lot of good time in scripture...been going through the book of Matthew). Also continue to study some Arabic and practice when I'm out and about in Nazareth, and just restful time for me as the breath before things really pick up. School starts Monday and looking forward to YL Nazareth taking over lots of my time. I've been learning a lot though recently. One thing is that anything can change cuz I used to LOATHE reading...and yet now find it to be one of my favorite things.
With this post, I figured I'd share some of what has made an impact on me or made me go "Huh, that's interesting". Most of it is the deeper life stuff that I'm working to attach or make improvements upon my own character.
For me, just as much with the little things, in the grander scheme of my experience of life, I've found and decided that God is number 1 along with my pursuit of Jesus.

Gift vs. Entitlement:
Are we really entitled to anything? I'm at least entitled to my time right? For example, I've had many moments, and I'm sure you have too, where I am exhausted and simply want MY time. Time to myself to do whatever I like with it. And every so often, something interrupts that. Like family/friends asking for a favor, or an errand/chore I ought to take care of. It feels annoying and frustrating...like MY time is being stolen from me. And yet, who am I to have entitlement to anything? Is it my birthright? I was brought into this world, given this body, and grown in this way not by my own action. I've been blessed with what I have.
Funny story - Years ago, I argued with my mom about this. I said "I put in all the work! I took the time to study, or workout! or put energy into this idea!...It's MINE." To which my Mama (the wisest person I know) calmly said, "Zack, who gave you a brain that knowledge and learning could be added to?  Who gave you this body capable of playing sports? Who inspired the idea that you put energy behind?" and of course I said..."oh...right, God." hahaha. That simple notion takes a lot of the quick reaction frustration away in life. When I've put less emphasis on what I feel entitled to, or what I expect others to do for me...it opens my heart and mind up to serve and love. To welcome an unexpected interruption, because I'm not entitled to not be interrupted.
My favorite has been this - The gift of witnessing creation, most commonly the sunrise or sunset. No matter who you are, when you see those amazing colors across the sky, you try to hit the pause button just for a sec. It is a worship filled moment. One of the most beautiful things I see during the day, and I didn't have to do a thing to make it. It puts me directly in the present moment and it connects our "known" world (the clouds, sky) to that which is the mystery outside our world (the sun and space beyond the Earth's borders). When I become consumed with myself, with work, or the thought that I must create something to find joy...looking at the sunrise/sunset reminds me of the opposite. There is beauty outside of our independence that we simply get to witness as God's creation...not entitled to it...but it's almost as if He says, "Just sit and enjoy my gift to you." asking nothing in return.

Patience:
Man it is super tough to be patient. To wait. To "Be Still" (Psalm 46:10). The mindset I got used growing up was  "Go, Go Go. If it's not happening, make it happen." There is some truth to that I agree but also the idea was to have something to do for most of the day, and if you don't then it's unproductive. At the current stage of life for myself and my peers the topics surrounding patience are - "What am I gunna do for a job/career? When am I gunna meet that significant other? I gotta start making that money and saving...can't sit around. When will I start my family?" It is quite difficult to practice patience. To trust that as time passes and you have your heart and mind set in the right direction, good things will happen. One for me currently is I want to be fluent in Arabic so I can talk to the people here more easily. I get frustrated with myself sometimes when I'm around the language and have no idea what is going on...or wanting to express an idea but don't have the words. I have to remind myself to not expect so much at this current time. That just adds unnecessary stress and pressure.
However, while waiting, it is of course important to be focused. To take the necessary actions, so that as time passes those good things do occur. To be applying to jobs, working more on Who you want to be for your future significant other, to be smart with how your spending money, or your time.
Take control of what you have power over and be at peace with the rest.

Relationships:
If we were meant to be alone, there wouldn't be 7 billion people on Earth. I'm a person that thrives around others and I truly love sharing stories, energy, and life with family/friends/even acquaintances. First, I've thought a lot about power and control. With how common it has been this summer to hear/see stories of the evil in this world, I wondered what causes these wars, shootings, and conflict. I think a core reason is the desire for power and control. These two elements, when we feel like we have a grasp on them, provide security (false security). Security as a nation, security as a group/race, security as a person...over or amongst others. If it stopped simply at "I have power and control over myself" I think that would be ok. But it extends, to wanting these same things over others. Whether it's - Israel v. Palestine, Russia v. Ukraine, White v. Black, Islam v. Christianity...it all comes from a brokenness within relationships - Which biblically comes from judgment, pride, self-serving interests, etc.

I am free to admit, I unfortunately have my own agenda at times. Thankfully not in such severe circumstances, but for example, my last year and this upcoming year being involved with ministry has had the focus of introducing the Gospel to adolescents. To let others know Who Jesus was, What He has done for them, How they relate to that, and to Make their own choice about it (straight up Mission Statement of Young Life). Sometimes I overstep my bounds and want to Make their decision for them. To force a decision. However, that is not how God works, and that is not how love works. If decisions were forced, it wouldn't be love at all. I'm glad I have come to be made aware of this. And I do my best now to simply enjoy the relationship among friends for what it is. To share life, to share experiences and opinions. To laugh together, play sports, work hard or do whatever...together. Even when myself and another person clash a little bit and don't get along well, I can still respect them as a person in love. (That is HUGE...even with differences, respect maintains love). In the book "THE SHACK" by WM. Paul Young, there are so many amazing words regarding relationships. With God who designed them, and then between people. I really encourage you to read it!

So here is my new "Agenda" I will try to live by: (feel free to take some things you like and disregard
the stuff you don't)
All I want is for you to get to experience the overwhelming Joy & Peace I have discovered in my life. This peace comes from my relationship with the Holy Spirit in pursuit of getting to know Jesus and God more. The same way we like to share a good story or a fun time with loved ones, I want to share what I believe is the ultimate part of life. If I've found something this awesome, how could I not want to share it? That would be selfish, no? And what keeps me at peace is that I don't have to worry about your choice or force it. I will absolutely pray for you, for the best in your life, for blessings to come and hopefully that you join me in this bond as a follower of Jesus. No matter what you decide however, as that choice is between you and God, I'd love to continue to "do/share life".
- Happiness is best when shared." - from Into The Wild (Chris McCandless' story)


I got a bunch more notes in journals and scribbled in books but I'll leave it at that. As always, if you would wanna share life philosophy, or just chat, or even share a coke (thanks to technology via Skype/facetime this is possible) I'm always down.

Love to you all, Cheers

Zack

 

for real, read it.



Also, Here's a question that I have used with some new friends over here that I find an interesting conversation starter/topic. If you wish, let me know your thoughts (:
- If you were God, how would you make yourself known to your creation (us) without scaring the crap out of a limited human mind? aka, as a human we cannot begin to comprehend God.

And life isn't always happy go lucky - Alas, Manchester United have started a dreadful campaign this season and it sucks to watch. Oh well, cant always be on top...I look forward to a good Premier League Season and maybe will catch a REDSKINS game here in the middle of the night. HTTR!

Live It Up

Watched 2 epic movies recently and both have a similar idea in one of the last quotes of the movie.
Braveheart - "Every man dies, not every man really lives."
The Last Samurai - "Tell me how he died?" response "I will tell you how he lived."
+ It's that "finding life in every breath" theme and hopefully finding it to the full. I ask myself am I living in such a way? Do I use my time where I can answer yes?
(and I offer a chance by reading this for you to do the same). If you say yes, that's freakin awesome! If you wonder and question and think that the answer is more no, that's okay. No matter what you've been doing, why can't now be a step in the right direction towards that YES.

Another two weeks in Nazareth and I can say that my answer to the questions have been more Yes than No. The former week was spent hanging out around town mostly. Waking up each morning with the opportunity and freedom to spend an hour or two reading my bible, praying and wanting to learn more about Jesus and God's Word is a blessing. It makes me laugh how that has changed in my life because I used to never read period, let alone read the Bible, if I had the time to choose something else, and if I ever did it was only for 15-20min max to just make sure I did it. Woopty Doo, I read my bible, I'm a good person now right? (Not what it's about).
It's funny to be aware of the changes in my interests and what I pursue as my life has changed...and changed 100% for the better. In terms of some activity, I went to the local soccer court, walked on and played with some neighborhood Muslim kids and teens who now shout hello to me from their cars as they drive by while I stand at the bust stop. Pretty wild statement right there that I never thought I'd have the chance to say. Also, I spent some quality time with a few high school guys who will be going to the school where I volunteer for Young Life. Simply enough we would hang out and play some footy (soccer) or video games, but conversation always seems to meander towards deeper life stuff and sharing philosophies we all have developed so far. Love that.
Finished the "Divergent" series as well, gotta say I'm a bit more of a "Hunger Games" fan, but it was still a good series about a dystopian society, the choices we make, how we grow as individuals and in community while standing up for what we believe is right. Up next, Bob Goff's "Love Does" and I am really enjoying the way this guy goes about life and living in love. Thanks for sharing your experiences and how you've pursued the Lord Mr. Goff.
Another random thing I got to read was the last address by Jim Rayburn (the founder of Young Life) that he gave to the YL staff in 1970, 11 months before he passed away. What a cool dude! He definitely was a person who 'Really Lived', traveling all over the world meeting different people from different cultures. Then recognizing what he truly loved and that was spending time with high school kids and doing life with them having the hope/goal of sharing the Gospel. All this, while to my unknown knowledge, he experienced intense illness such as central nervous system deterioration and cancer. Even more respect and admiration for the guy who inadvertently changed my life with an organization he was called to start.

The latter week I spent in Petah Tikva, a town about 30min outside of Tel Aviv, as a volunteer leader for a camp known as The Potter's Wheel Camp. It is a Christian based camp that hosts different age groups from 4th grade to 9th grade. This week was 5th and 6th graders. It's been around for a long time, over 30 years from what I could gather, and it provides a week of fun for kids (games, cabins, pool, good food). 2 days before it started a friend asked if I wanted to come be a leader with her. There would be about 15 other leaders (ages 16-21) and everyone's first language was Arabic. Thankfully the leaders have grown up in school system that teaches English from an early age so most know it well enough and the kids coming to camp knew some also...so I wasn't totally out of it, but it was still a challenge. However, even despite all the elements that should have made me uncomfortable and put me out of place I chose to say yes, and I'm really glad I did - things seem to usually work out like that I've discovered, we just need the courage to go for it. The week was exhausting physically and mentally, and it took a lot of constant positive self talk. There was a quote I focused on continuously, probably said it to myself 50 times.
"If not me who, if not now when".
This I said over and over when I was not feeling up to something or when I was tired. Tired of the kids who were hard to relate to at first. Tired from a lack of sleep. When I was unsure why I was here as a random American trying to make an impression of Jesus on 5th and 6th graders. When annoyed at the countless pieces of trash that I picked up. And then among all the other things that I could have dismissed.
Self talk is really important to me because it keeps me focused on what I know I should do and what is expected of me, when I could easily just give up and say "I'm good, not gunna do that." It keeps me motivated and walking the path towards the ultimate goal when it would be so easy to wander off.
I cannot explain how, but on Monday as the kids arrived and I was saying hello to them while thinking "how is this ever gunna work? I guess I'll just kind of be in the background and help where I can" then to at the end of the week smiling while running around with these kids and having them jump on me saying "Zackee, I love you and will miss you"...I mean, what else is there better than witnessing such change? Only God knows, I'm just grateful to be apart of it all :)

leaders from Potters Wheel Camp



There's the update for you, my friends and family and whoever may stumble upon this post. I hope it had some wisdom you can take away and again if you want to talk about A.N.Y.T.H.I.N.G. I'm always down. While there was a ceasefire in Gaza the past few days, it has ended and hatred and war continue to be constant not only here but in many areas of the world (Russia, Ukraine, Iraq, Central Africa, Syria)...hard to believe in hope and love with all this going on. Yet, we must because then evil wins. Something that's been on my mind often the last month has been, "If evil in this world never rests, how can I?" Whether it's mission work, that small act of kindness in your day at work or at home, or something in between...don't give up on the goodness in people. It's so much stronger than hate.

Cheers to Saturday! Love Zack

Shout out to The Cooley Family too! specifically to Emory :) got the return letter and support from you all and it puts a huge smile on my face.
If you would like to contribute to my time here in Nazareth you can use this link.
Support Zack



--------------------------------------------------

Okay, I was unsure whether to include this but figured, what the heck why not. It's apart of me after all and thanks to the fact this is a blog and not a paper for a professor, there's no grade and therefore no structure necessary. Here is some "word vomit" - hence the name of the post. It is just some completely raw thought processes I was having about some of the deeper, more unexplainable things in life I wonder about. I dunno if you ever go through those times, but I do from time to time and quite enjoy it.

What have I done to deserve the life I live? How is it that I have been given such a life, with amazing family and friends, a healthy body, a happy spirit, the memories created and the fact I've been safe and protected (somewhat - various broken bones or torn ligaments) throughout. And day after day I get to wake up and experience a life of my choosing. Yet when looking at myself also from a distant view or perspective, like another galaxy in space, or even just way up high in an airplane...I say who am I to matter? A tiny little thing amongst 7 billion currently...not much more special or specific than any other. At the core I am just like everyone else with a body, feelings, a mind, and many of whom I'll never come in contact with and we'll never even be aware of each other's existence. How is it we think we are so big and grand and our problems matter more than others...but only to ourselves. We consider ourselves of utmost importance....but are we really? On the timescale of creation, or evolution, whichever you may prefer, our existence is but a minor moment in the grand scheme of things. Here for a brief period and then gone from the face of the Earth like a gust of wind. Can this really be it? Is it all that matters that I will search and chase after "happiness" day after day for however long I am to be on this planet?
With how strong everything is that we feel, from the highest high and the lowest low, the range of emotion and the complexity of how our entire anatomy is wired so exactly to the infinitesimal level...is the fraction of the timescale we experience even worth considering. There has to be something greater...and that's where I've found there is and it can only be God. We are similar and part of humanity but how cool that we are all also so unique and different with different talents, goals, dreams. The way our mind's work is wired differently...If for a moment the distractions of life can be taken away...both good and bad and you just sit in silence and look at what is in this world...specifically what man did not create, how can you not wonder how this is all possible? From the inner workings of a leaf on a tree and everything encompassed in that 1 tree...the ability for it to go from death to life and life to death as the seasons carry on....personally I can only sit in amazement. And what then if there is something more...where do we find it or where do we look for it? In solitary moments when we take everything in. Our memories, looking back and how we have grown up from who we were to who we are now. The interactions with other people, from family members to friends who are like family to simple acquaintances...I believe it all has an impact. And it's necessary to recognize the impact, otherwise we burry our attention in jobs, busyness, a brief period over the weekend where we feel like we don't have to "think"...and in doing so we miss it, the life we've experienced.