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so we have returned from Mexico, alive and well, with a new outlook on life.

i learned so much from these people. the missionaries who guided us, the missionary family who took us in, the people of General Cepeda, the people of the ranchos... everyone taught me something. it will take some time to process everything i gained and left behind, but i'll do my best to put it in words for now.

we were asked to reflect on 3 questions the night before we left the FMC Misson. what affected us the most, what are we leaving behind and what are we taking with us. this will be a 3 parter...and i'll start with what i'm leaving behind:

i left what i thought about missionaries in General Cepeda. when i used to think of missionaries, i thought of overzealous white people going into foriegn lands and doing anything they can to "save souls". how wrong could i be. well, i'm sure there are some exceptions out there, but from what i saw, mission means a whole lot more now. every missionary i encountered seemed like a living saint, but they would never tell you that. these are some of the most humble people on fire for Chirst that i've ever seen. these are people who are dedicating thier lives to loving God's people in places most would never go. they aren't screaming REPENT on the streetcorners, they arent verbally abusing people with scripture, they arent telling others how wrong they are...they simply love God, have felt His love and want to show it to other poeple. they are laughing with children in the streets, they are dedicating years of their lives to serve the poor, they are giving from their poverty without a second glance...and they do it all with a joyful heart. these people are holy and striving to be better everyday. they are making a mad dash for heaven and they are taking as many people as they can with them. they have sold what they have and given to the poor...then the kept giving. they are giving the very fiber of who they are as people. they give, love and pray until it hurts.

please pray for all missionaries, but especially the Family Misisons Company. they are doing wonderful things in General Cepeda and the surrounding Ranchos. and they have opened my eyes to the call of the Gospel. please lift up Joseph, John Paul, Niel, Chris and the Brown family, all who are serving in Mexico. they are an inspiration to me.

two more parts to follow and plenty of pictures. thank you all for your prayer and support. they have made the difference. God bless.

Posted by adam at 10:12 PM Comments

here is an awesome picture Carlos took of me and his son, Luca...two of my favorite people....

Carlos and Luca of course. not me and Luca.

someone told me it looks like a GAP advertisement. i just think its awesome.


God bless the Weavers.

Posted by adam at 8:42 PM Comments

we are leaving for General Cepeda, Mexico. Click here for a map.

please pray for us, those who are traveling with us, the missionaries and others we are meeting up with from Covecrest and those we will meet along the way. we are in for the trip of a life time and will be praying for you all while we are away.

many stories and reflections to follow! God bless.

Posted by adam at 10:07 PM Comments

yesterday i had the opportunity to be a part of the latest Life Teen Life Support video shoot. Life Teen puts out some awesome video content in the Life Support shipments that go out to parishes all around the world. yesterday was a day long shoot for a short narrative story that will be in the next shipment. i was there to be an extra set of hands on set and get a great first person view of what its like to produce content like this. it was tons of fun and very educational. i had no idea how much goes into production for quality film. also, we got to play around on a "cyc", one of those all-white room like back drop with no corner to give the appearance of empty space. Here's a couple pictures i got.needless to say, it was a wonderful day and experience out of the offices with the Life Studios crew.

today i was really able to get into the Christmas spirit. Carlos, my prayer partner, and Erika, his wife, have become my family away from family. they invited me to spend the day at their house for a day of home-cooked breakfast and Christmas cookies, tree decorating and some solid hanging out. their baby boy, Luca, is a joy to be around. they are truly amazing examples of faith and hospitality to me.

to my family - you're not be replaced! haha i miss you all very much and can't wait to get back to our Christmastime traditions!

we will be leaving for Mexico in two days. i am getting nervous and excited for the trip. this will be a different kind of Advent...

God bless you all. i love you all and hope you are having a blessed season of preparation for the coming of our Lord!

ps - i recommend checking out Matt Maher's new Silent Night.

Posted by adam at 12:35 AM Comments

i had a wonderful chance to see many family friends over this past weekend. praise God for vegetarian thanksgivings!

to all those i recently saw i say thank you. it was so good to see your faces and hear your voices. i have missed you all. however, the greatest thing might have been the sense of support i felt being home. it was inspiring hearing how happy you were for me and to know that you were checking up on me occasionally. it truly makes life in az much easier knowing the wonderful people that care about me back at home are rooting for me.

i will say, though, its amazing how easy it is to fall back into old habits and ways in comfortable places. no sooner did i drop my duffel bag in my bedroom did i also drop my prayer book and desire to get to Mass the next morning. yes, the time off for decompression was nice and very relaxing, and nothing is more important when at home than spending quality time with my family and friends. but, why can't i do both? this will clearly be the challenge for me once i leave this place. i know this won't be for some time, but these habits that are challenging me in new ways, helping me grow in new places and teaching me so much must stick.

i ask for your prayers that i may continue to be stretched and that my longing for holiness never ceases.

no matter my personal struggles, i love you all and it was wonderful to see you! God bless you all. know that i am praying for you.

Posted by adam at 10:34 PM Comments