Jesse in Iowa

Greetings from Iowa. Josh, I feel you... people have been asking me for a post as well... Let's get right to business ->
Recruiting... I had high hopes of traveling, speaking and recruiting for future teams. One of my first meetings, however, was with our lawyer discussing this and how it affects our non profit status. He expressed some concerns which have changed my focus to more of a research mode. I have spent many hours looking over company policies and employment standards. I will say it like this... I have been working on building the nest before we lay the eggs. At first it seemed as though the wind was taken from the sails, but with a little time on the Verizon plan with the rest of the team we still have high hopes with the understanding that there is some work to be done. It is in God's hands but we could use a good lawyer and/or accountant right about now.
I have had the opportunity to speak a few times about Latreia. I had an exciting meeting with Iowa Wesleyan College to discuss how we might work together in the future. I presented my travels to my church where I really found out how intense it is to speak about Latreia. I have to admit that I was choked up many times during the talk. I saw people in the crowd that I have looked up growing up in my church... those that guided me on my first mission trip and those that help to support Latreia's mission work. I think at that point it all came full circle for me... an understanding of God's work, where we start out and where we end up... the crazy roads we take along the way. I felt my heart grow like the Grinch's during the hour that I was telling my congregation where I have been. It was amazing. I also spoke at a chapel service at Wartburg College. It was short and sweet... well... the sweet part was up to the listener, I suppose.
Back to the real world of working. I am a carpenter for Dietz Construction. I enjoy the work and I enjoy those that I work with. Latreia has had numerous folks opening their homes and we have talked about what a great ministry that is. I will tell you that Darin and Angie Dietz have opened their home to me for the second time (last summer before we left on Latreia) and without them knowing I am going to write a little about them. Without hesitation when they heard that I was coming back they said "come stay with us." They open their home and their fridge to me and I am thankful for that. My first week with them I found myself at a birthday party for Angie's dad and just last week I joined them again at a little fiesta for Darin's father's 40th anniversary with John Deere. All this even though I subject them to countless hours of stories from the west coast... they are great. Even Kylie, their 2-year-old with big blue eyes, wanders down the steps every evening to check and see how I am doing.
East coast for me? Absolutely. I am working on scheduling up and coming dates for when I can travel to meet up with the team. To be honest I am quite looking forward to being with the team again. I miss them more than I realized I would. I just talked with Laura and Kelly last night to discuss possible weeks so stay tuned. I do know that I am going to Maine... a place that I will be able to use some carpenter skills, too.
My next speaking engagement is February 27th at Wartburg College. I will be sharing a message at a contemporary service called "The Gate." If you are in the Waverly area (or if you don't mind traveling to the Waverly area), I invite you to come. I will be sharing the message but hope to have some time after the service to share specifically on Latreia. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: jesse@latreiaconnect.net.
I am off for now... this is way too long. I will leave you with a signature from a trusted friend of mine. I hope he does not mind:
"Keep your stick on the ice."