Dreams Unlocked

In less than 2 weeks I leave for India. I haven't been back to India in 10 years, since I lived there in 2000 and 2001. The main purpose of the trip is to visit an orphanage and school that Felicia and I have been financially supporting. I will also be visiting the hospital I was born in: the world famous Christian Medical College in Vellore. After that I go even further back in my roots by visiting my home state of Kerala. Kerala has a high Christian population with legend saying that the apostle Thomas evangelized it in the first century. I don't believe that I am going, despite picking up my visa form the Indian Consulate today and booking my tickets and everything. Our trip to Disneyland over Adam's spring break seems more real. It will feel real enough once I'm over there. I will be traveling with a friend of mine, who is investigating various mission opportunities all over the world and has added India to his itinerary. I am hoping to have my eyes opened and heart...

Last night, I saw one of the best movies I have ever seen. If a film can be a conduit of grace, this one is it. As It Is In Heaven is a Swedish film made in 2004. I had never heard of it, until Eugene Peterson recommended it to a group of pastors in Colorado this past fall. I came home from that retreat and I added it to my queue from my local videostore that has a mail delivery program like netflix. It finally arrived this past week, and man, I wish I had discovered this film earlier. It is absolutely stunning. It is along the lines of Babette's Feast or Chocolat, but more powerful. I am not going to reveal much about it - I knew nothing about it when I ordered it - only Eugene's endorsement. Even watching the trailer, it is hard to know what it is about. But, I learned so much about the power of community, grace and love. I would love to show this to my elders board - but it has some nudity in it, so that might turn some folks off. You will enjoy this movie - Felicia and I r...