VW Introduces New Product

Click on the link or copy and paste into your browser.

http://www.fastcompany.com/1632669/vws-first-ever-two-wheeler-fits-in-your-spare-tire-compartment?partner=homepage

This is a fun new product you must see.

Colombia -Last Words

The trip was really good with lots of memories but the lasting value will be three items.

First, the extreme poverty the Colombian people live in yet they have a wonderful spirit.

Second, the new friends that RJ and I made on the trip.  We met some of the finest couples we have ever had the pleasure to spend time with.  Caring, loving, giving Christians.

Third, Compassion International is the real deal.  You should consider sponsoring a child.  Please visit
www.compassion.org

Colombia - Part - 4

Beep Beep.  That is all we heard as you traveled around Cartagena.  It was funny.  All kinds of cars, trucks and buses going as fast as they can go in all kinds of directions with little concern for signs and lane markings.  Raynell figured out that who ever honked their horn first had the right away.  I think she was right!

The amazing thing was honking your horn was not considered rude.  Nobody got upset...unless you honk your horn several times.  Then, it maybe a problem :)

This was a fast trip but it was a trip neither of us will ever forget.

Stop by my office and let me show you my Mario figure.

Colombia Part - 3

Today, we were having a discussion with some friends about the kids in Colombia.  Raynell was telling our friends that the kids in Cartagena had such a sweet spirit.  That they were very loving and very well behaved. Just great kids.

I was rethinking our trip and the interaction we had with the kids.  I would agree with everything Raynell said and I would add a couple of more items to describe the kids.  I would add that they are very talented and very positive group.

I saw wonderful art work by these kids, all kinds of examples of painting, dance, photography, music and clothing design.  It was amazing.  Talk about upbeat.  They had numerous reasons to be down not the least of which was the intense humidity.  But instead or in spite of the many disadvantages they live with, these kids have a upbeat attitude.  They are very thankful for what they have and they are excited about the future.

Colombia Part-2

One of the things I love to do on these trips is shake hands with every kid I see.  I shake their hand, look into their eyes, smile and make them tell me their name and I tell them my name.  Then we both try to say each others names.  It is so much fun and can be sooo funny.  The kids love it and so do I.  Well, on this last trip, I was walking down a dirt street in a shanty town that had been built at the sewage lagoon.  I met a little girl (probably 8 years old).  We exchanged names as detailed above.   But what happened next was the fun part.  She followed me down the street.  She told EVERYBODY my name, adults, kid, the world.  It was so funny.  She laughed and we laughed together.  She was having a great time.

Kids are kids no matter what country, no matter how poor.  She made my day.  I don't think I will ever forget her.  Last night I discovered that I have a great picture of her.  I just wish I had a tape recording.

Colombia!

We just returned from Cartegena, Colombia.  We were part of a Compassion International mission trip.  To be honest, I don't remember being this tired in a long time.

It was a great trip, Raynell's first over sea's mission trip.  We loved on a bunch of kids, made new friends and served the Lord.  I am not sure it get's much better than that.  It was fun to watch Raynell react to some of the things we saw.  She has a soft heart and it is hard to see kids living in those kinds of conditions.  We both trust we spread some hope.

Kids are remarkable.  We were making a home visit.  The home was located with in a few dozen yards of the sewage pond really it was a lake for the entire area.  It was nasty.  The little girl we were visiting loved Raynell and she took a liking to me as well.  In fact, she gave me a gift.  It was a little Mario figure and she told me I looked like him.  We both are fat and wear red shirts! 

I was touched to the inner most core.  She had no material blessing to speak of.  None of us would consider living in the conditions where she was being raised yet, she gave me a gift.  Even as I write these words it brings tears back to my eyes.  I went to Colombia to serve, to encourage and to give out of my abundance.  She gave to me out of her scarceness.  What an example she was to me.  I hope I never forget.  All I had to give her was a smile, a hug and a kiss.  She humbled me.

Pros for Africa - I Am Proud To Be An Okie!

I was so thankful that I made the decision to sponsor Pros for Africa on a personal level and on a corporate level.  What a story.  It had to be told. The combined efforts of Pros For Africa, Reggie Whitton Foundation, Giant Experiences, Water 4, Channel 6 & 9, and the rest of the companies, non-profits and idividuals was wonderful.  Their is no way to give everyone the thanks they deserve. 

I have several "take aways" from this evening.

1. Raynell and I are going next time.
2. I don't care if I ever get one piece of business because we supported this venture.  We were suppose to sponsor this event.
3. I am so fortunate to walk arm in arm with Ray Sanders, CEO of Giant Experiences.  Thanks for letting me be on your team.
4. I am thankful for Brian Hill, CEO of Works24.  He is the real deal and should be an inpirations to every CEO.
5. Channel 6-Tulsa and Channel-9 OKC did a fantastic job promoting this show tonight.
6. A lot of caring people, made a big difference, in a bunch of lives.
7. Thanks to everyone of you.
8. I am Proud To Be An Okie!

Would you like to go with me next year?  Let me know.