I’m just a guy

My backpack has come out of the garage. In mission trip language that means things are getting close. I’m at the point in preparation where I’m tidying things up before I go. Work stuff, family stuff, medical stuff, buying stuff, gathering stuff, and doing whatever I can to not think too much about where I will be a few days from today.

I’m not quite at the point where I have a checklist but I am starting to think that a checklist is a good idea.

Over the last few weeks I’ve noticed a certain pattern when people find out that I’m headed to Haiti to help with relief efforts. These are common phrases in the conversations.

• “That is so awesome.”
• “Are you some kind of expert?”
• “I watch stuff on TV and wish I could help.”
• “I’m so glad you are going.”
• “Man, it’s really awesome that you are going.”

There’s an inference that is it cool that I am going. Though body language would tell me that in the conversation my friends are often thinking, “I wonder if I should go.” Then there is an emphasis on “you.” This internal self-talk continues as I re-assure them that I’m not an expert, I’m not special, I’m not rich, I’m just a guy.

Anyone who has met me knows that I’m an ordinary guy. I’m not a doctor. I’m not specially trained in advanced rescue methods. I’m not physically fit. I’m not prone to do dangerous things. And I’m especially not the type of person who sees people needing help, pulls over the car, and does something right there.

Truth be told: I am a pretty boring friend to have. I tend to dream of nerdy ways to change the world I live in.

What’s extraordinary about my trip to Haiti is that someone asked me to go. It’s not extraordinary that I am going. I kind of think anyone asked to go, would go. That’s why I’ve been saying, “First me, then you.”

So I invite you to follow my story as i go. If you’ve read this blog for any length of time you already know I’m ordinary. If you haven’t yet met me face-to-face and are new to the blog, just trust everyone else… I’m just a guy.

3 Ways You Can Get Involved

1. Follow my story here on my blog and at YouthSpecialties.com
2. Follow the teams stories on Facebook and Twitter.
3. Join our prayer email list to get daily updates and specific things you can pray for. (see below)