I had one of the most dynamic and diverse days in my life on January 26, 2008. Early that morning, I conducted a graveside service outside of Amsterdam for one of my friends from England who lived his final five years in the Netherlands. At the end of the funeral, I had the honor of praying with five individuals who accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Later, I attended a fantastic TravBuddy Meetup in Amsterdam where I became fast friends with over 30 TravBuddies from six countries.

Several of us left our hearts in the Golden Gate city and took home great memories. 41+ TravBuddies and friends gathered on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at Jade Bar for the first San Frncisco Meetup. The night before, I met up with Catalina, Chris and Oliver and went sightseeing Saturday afternoon with Catalina.

Hi-dee-hey! Me, Jake and Elwood (the Blues Brothers) broke out of the slammer and went back to that same old place, Sweet Home Chicago! 15 TravBuddies and friends plus 2 new recruits gathered on Saturday, December 22 at People Lounge in Wicker Park for the first Chicago TravBuddy Meetup.

I lost my mind & couldn't be happier! Plan was 6 days-17 countries; ended up 15 countries. Auto trek began in Pula, Croatia Sat. Sept 22, just after Ireland TravBuddy Get-Together. 1st day: Croatia, Italy, Slovenia (overnight in Ljubljana) 2nd: Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland (overnight in Krakow) 3rd: Ukraine, Romania (overnight in Transylvania) 4th: Bulgaria, Macedonia (overnight in Skopje) 5th: Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia (overnight in Split) 6th: Back to Pula

11-day trip to Brazil. Highlights: 1. Rio de Janeiro (Christ the Redeemer/Corcovado, Spectacular Beaches, Morro Dona Marta, Botanical Garden, Sugarloaf) 2. Manaus (Opera House, Amazon Boatride, Ariau Hotel, Jungle Trekking, Night Alligator Spotting, Piranha Fishing, Pink Dolphins Tour, Native Village, Indian Ritual Dancing) 3. Salvador/Costa do Sauípe (Pelourinho, Baroque Churches, Lacerda, Mercado Modelo, Santo Antonio Fort & Lighthouse, Costa do Sauípe Resort, Breathtaking Beaches)

Led 14 Americans on church-building trip to BaXiang, a poor, ethnic area in the hills of Southeast China. We worked side-by-side with local Christians. We also saw friends and the completed church in Pantian we helped build in January 2005. Finally, we played tourists in Hong Kong and Beijing. Highlights: 1. Hong Kong (Victoria Harbour, Victoria Peak, Kowloon Park) 2. Guangdong (Pantian Church, BaXiang Church) 3. Beijing (Great Wall at Mutianyu, Summer Palace, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City)

9-day vacation to Belize. Highlights: 1. Ambergris Caye (San Pedro, Snorkling Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley, Chicken Drop) 2. Placencia (Robert's Grove/Beach, Monkey River) 3. Jungle (Maruba Spa, Baboon Sanctuary, Horseback Riding, Lamanai, Mud Massage)

9-day vacation to Colombia, a hidden gem of the Caribbean. Highlights: 1. Bogotá (Donación Botero, Cerro de Monserrate) 2. Zipaquirá (Catedral de Sal) 3. Cartagena (Castillo de San Felipe, Ciudad Amurallada, Chiva) 4. Rosario Islands (Ocean Resort)

7-day vacation to the Emerald Isle. Highlights: 1. Killarney (Lake Hotel, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Traditional Irish Music, Dingle Peninsula) 2. Dublin (Pubs, G.P.O., Dublin Castle, Áras an Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Farewell Party)

7-day vacation to Crete, Greece. Highlights: 1. Athens (Plaka nightlife, Acropolis) 2. Crete (Cruise, Knosos Palace, Orthodox Monastery, Elounda, Resort Hotel, Olous, Spinalonga/Plaka, Agios Nikolaos Harbor, Ierapetra, Gournia ruins, Mochlos, Siteia)