Last Summer, due to some significant life changes, I sat down and re-prioritized my life. As part of this process, I wrote down all of my goals. Some were business-related. Many were personal.

A couple of weeks after this, I had a religious experience. I spent the better part of a night talking with God. It wasn’t as if He were standing in front of me, but I most certainly felt bathed in His presence. I’ve been a Christian since I was a kid, but I’d never been very faithful. This night changed me. After this I started faithfully going to church for the first time in many, many years. At each service, the message resonated with me - I felt as if He were talking to me through the pastor.

This night changed me…

I knew from that point that my goals were important, and I became driven to make them happen. For example, I was at the threshold of being significantly overweight. I had decided that I would lose enough weight that I’d have visible abs (sub 10% body fat). I’m not there yet, but I have lost 80 pounds as of a couple of weeks ago, and the goal is within grasp.

I’ve always wanted to learn to play acoustic guitar, and that was high on my list. Shortly after my “night,” I mentioned my guitar goal to an acquaintance as I was talking about the rest of my goals, and he said he had a guitar that he’d give me. It’s a like-new Martin. I’ve been practicing nightly ever since.

I felt drawn to Nepal…

Finally, as I was writing down my goals, I felt drawn to Nepal. High on my list of life goals is “trip to Nepal.” My parents asked me. “why Nepal?” I didn’t have an answer - I just said that it was something I felt I had to do. Several weeks ago in church, they listed the upcoming mission trips that were being planned. In the Summer of 2009, there is a scheduled trip to Nepal. I know that I have to go.

I’m not sure how I’m going to be able to swing it financially, but I am certain that I’ll find a way. I don’t know why I’m supposed to go on this trip, but I know with all of my heart that I’m meant to go, so I feel just as certain that the means will become apparent.

Update: I’ve have received enough donations and funds through other means to pay for my trip and a place for my son on the trip as well. Thanks to everyone for the blessings!