I want to thank my friends who have supported me in this season of my life. Thank you for your encouragement and your prayers and your friendship. You know who you are...and you are awesome!
I just wanted to write down a few prayer requests as our teams at Heart for Africa are headed across the big ocean once again. I covet your prayers, and so does our team. How great it is that we serve a God who is there to meet us right where we are....and a God who listens to us...and a God who cares, what an awesome God.
-Our two teams; one headed to Swaziland, and one headed to Kenya
-Our Medical Mission for the Kinangop and Naivasha Communities
-That eyes will be opened to all that is Africa
-That we would seek out the Lord while in His great land.
-That I would allow him to removehe all anxiousness and worry from my spirit. That I would "get out of the way" and let Him work.
-That I would be confident in Him.
-Safety and Travel Mercies.
-Swaziland
-Kenya
-That we would draw near to God, even before it gets to be to much to bear.
I love you guys,
JP
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Tat tat tat it up!
That's right, no need in fixing your computer monitor, 'ole JP got a tattoo. Last Saturday, October the 20th Ashley, Eric, and I made the trek up to Hendersonville, NC to Empire Tattoos to get the body art done. (Shout out to Jeremy-I'm coming back for another soon!) I have wanted a tattoo for years! And finally, the day came. Dad always said, "Not while I'm paying the bills." I respected Dad's wishes and waited until I was financially on my own to get the art work. And...I love it. I can see where people say that it is an "addiction". Once you get one, you just keep on coming back for more!
FAQ's:
Did it hurt: You know, it really wasn't that bad. The tattoo guy, Jeremy, would put the needle to the skin for about 3 seconds, and then wipe, 3 seconds, and wipe...so the pain was never that bad. I winced a few times, but that was it!.
Why Africa? Well, I wanted something that has meaning in my life. Any future tattoo that I get I want to also either be from a significant event or something that has eternal significance in my life. Africa definitely qualified. Going changed my prospective on life, I always want to help and support Africa in some way. Conveniently, it is my job right now, but even when this season passes I would like to be involved in this beautiful continent somehow.
Right now, I have two countries outlined: Kenya and Swaziland. I've served in Kenya during the summer (going back this week) and will be going to Swaziland this week. I wanted the tattoo to be a lifelong project. Whenever I enter another country (not just the airport) I can throw another outline on my back.
I put it on my back so that I could cover it up when needed, but show it off when I wanted to! It's a constant reminder of the situations in Africa...a reminder that I/We can do something about it.
So, there it is. I'm a fan. I'm thinking of the next tattoo right now. Right now I'm thinking "MotherLand" tattooed on my side waistline. If you have any good ideas, send them my way.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Kevin "Bubba" Easler
Hey cuz',
I keep typing and erasing, typing and erasing...I'm still in shock about what happened this weekend. But, I think what I am trying to do is just tell you I love you and tell you how proud I am of you.
Cuz, you brought so much life to everyone around you. You were always smiling, always laughing... I can't help but smile when I think about you.
My mind is flooded with so many great memories that we had together. Remember when you fell out of the tree at Memaw's house and hit your back on the root and couldn't breathe? Ok, that wasn't great, but it was kind of funny! How about the many times Scott, you and me would crawl underneath Memaw's pool deck? The pig-pickin' at your graduation. The Lake and Beach trips. The countless hours of Nintendo. I'm even remembering crazy things...like the time (we were probably 5 or 6) you gave me a thank you card and spelled my name with a "G" instead of a "J". And, oh yeah...Harry and the Henderson's. Wasn't that your favorite movie of all time? Great times.
But, of all the memories...I keep thinking of this one where we are at Sweetwater. It's a Wednesday night service, and you are jumping up and down (all 280 lbs) singing praise to the Lord. I can't help to think how much jumping and singing you are doing right now in the presence of All-mighty God. You beat us all to it...you're "living the dream".
Cuz, you would've been so proud of your family. The theme of the weekend was Georgia. Red and white were everywhere. Also, you would have been proud of Scott. What a great man of God. He was strong, when he didn't have to be. I'm so glad he's my cousin. And, your Mom and Dad l
oved you cuz'...they loved you a whole lot, but you knew that. They are so proud of you. We're going to stick together as a family, cuz, no doubt about it.
Life throws out some crazy hands from time to time. We may never know why your time was up on October 7, 2007. We are grieving. But, I can't help but to think that for the first time in your life...you are LIVING. With that perfect body in the land without sin, standing next to our Lord and Savior. I'm envious.
Kevin, I love you so much and you will always and forever be in my memory. I call the lot next to yours on Golden Street.
JP
Kevin "Bubba" Easler
February 8, 1986-October 7, 2007
I keep typing and erasing, typing and erasing...I'm still in shock about what happened this weekend. But, I think what I am trying to do is just tell you I love you and tell you how proud I am of you.
Cuz, you brought so much life to everyone around you. You were always smiling, always laughing... I can't help but smile when I think about you.
My mind is flooded with so many great memories that we had together. Remember when you fell out of the tree at Memaw's house and hit your back on the root and couldn't breathe? Ok, that wasn't great, but it was kind of funny! How about the many times Scott, you and me would crawl underneath Memaw's pool deck? The pig-pickin' at your graduation. The Lake and Beach trips. The countless hours of Nintendo. I'm even remembering crazy things...like the time (we were probably 5 or 6) you gave me a thank you card and spelled my name with a "G" instead of a "J". And, oh yeah...Harry and the Henderson's. Wasn't that your favorite movie of all time? Great times.
But, of all the memories...I keep thinking of this one where we are at Sweetwater. It's a Wednesday night service, and you are jumping up and down (all 280 lbs) singing praise to the Lord. I can't help to think how much jumping and singing you are doing right now in the presence of All-mighty God. You beat us all to it...you're "living the dream".
Cuz, you would've been so proud of your family. The theme of the weekend was Georgia. Red and white were everywhere. Also, you would have been proud of Scott. What a great man of God. He was strong, when he didn't have to be. I'm so glad he's my cousin. And, your Mom and Dad l
oved you cuz'...they loved you a whole lot, but you knew that. They are so proud of you. We're going to stick together as a family, cuz, no doubt about it.Life throws out some crazy hands from time to time. We may never know why your time was up on October 7, 2007. We are grieving. But, I can't help but to think that for the first time in your life...you are LIVING. With that perfect body in the land without sin, standing next to our Lord and Savior. I'm envious.
Kevin, I love you so much and you will always and forever be in my memory. I call the lot next to yours on Golden Street.
JP
Kevin "Bubba" Easler
February 8, 1986-October 7, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Two Weeks in the Big City!
What a couple of weeks! I have to start off by saying that I'm not in Kansas anymore...I'm in the ATL! Well, actually I'm in Cumming (North Atlanta), better known as Suburbia, USA. But it is good. It is definitely going to take some more getting used to, but I'm going to continue to do what I do!
Living Arrangements: I moved into the basement of Uncle Chuck and Aunt Rob's House when I moved to GA. It has worked out great so far. Some of you may know Aunt Rob as my running and Amazing Race buddy. They are a great family, and one that I am glad and proud to be a part of. I look at Uncle C and Aunt Rob and their love for one another is amazing. I strive to have that kind of love with my future wife. Living with a family is definitely different after living in an apartment and/or dorm for the last 4 years of my life. But it is fun to. My cousins Emily (15) and Zach (10) are great and needless to say, I'm quickly becoming an expert at Guitar Hero! (Shout out to Cait, other cousin, whose at NGU!)
Job: In the previous post I entitled my job "Dream Job" because it is exactly what I want to do during this season of my life. And after two weeks...I can honestly say that it is going great. I am learning a lot right now, and am carefully placed up under the wing of Ian and Janine. I get to work from home and the office is a very cool energetic atmosphere. I have a little desk, but from time to time, I take the MacBook out to the porch and sit outside and do my work. You really can't beat it! I think reality will set in when I'm in Africa for 20 days in November working 16+ hours a day! But that's what I'm working/waiting for! The staff has been really supportive of me as I am learning and Ian and Janine seem to give me a little more responsibility each day. When all is said in done, I think I am going to really like what I am doing.
Atlanta: For years I've heard people say, "You know, Augusta's traffic is getting to be just like Atlanta". Or, "Woodruff Road is turning into Atlanta". Over-exaggeration of the century. I learned this quickly. You can really waste a lifetime sitting in Atlanta traffic. For Example, I went to Greenville this weekend to visit friends, and figured that if I left by 3pm on Friday I would be fine. Wrong. The 30 minute trip to the Interstate took an Hour. You really have to plan your drives. But, it's a great town. I know where the Wal-Mart is and I know how to ride the MARTA...is there anything else?!?!
Friends: I have to admit, I miss G-vegas. And I miss the friendships. It'll probably take some time creating and establishing friendships, but I figured that, and am ready for it. I guess I have two options to meet people: the bar or church. I've chosen to go with church. I have been to a couple of Singles get-to-gethers at North Point and have actually just joined a small-group. A group where you "do life together" I'm excited, we will see how it goes. It is kind of weird being dumped into the "Singles" pile of people anywhere from 21-50s. It's fun watching the old guys trying to be smooth and pick up ladies.
That is all I have from the ATL for now...Hawks tickets just went on sale so I'm out of here!
Living Arrangements: I moved into the basement of Uncle Chuck and Aunt Rob's House when I moved to GA. It has worked out great so far. Some of you may know Aunt Rob as my running and Amazing Race buddy. They are a great family, and one that I am glad and proud to be a part of. I look at Uncle C and Aunt Rob and their love for one another is amazing. I strive to have that kind of love with my future wife. Living with a family is definitely different after living in an apartment and/or dorm for the last 4 years of my life. But it is fun to. My cousins Emily (15) and Zach (10) are great and needless to say, I'm quickly becoming an expert at Guitar Hero! (Shout out to Cait, other cousin, whose at NGU!)
Job: In the previous post I entitled my job "Dream Job" because it is exactly what I want to do during this season of my life. And after two weeks...I can honestly say that it is going great. I am learning a lot right now, and am carefully placed up under the wing of Ian and Janine. I get to work from home and the office is a very cool energetic atmosphere. I have a little desk, but from time to time, I take the MacBook out to the porch and sit outside and do my work. You really can't beat it! I think reality will set in when I'm in Africa for 20 days in November working 16+ hours a day! But that's what I'm working/waiting for! The staff has been really supportive of me as I am learning and Ian and Janine seem to give me a little more responsibility each day. When all is said in done, I think I am going to really like what I am doing.
Atlanta: For years I've heard people say, "You know, Augusta's traffic is getting to be just like Atlanta". Or, "Woodruff Road is turning into Atlanta". Over-exaggeration of the century. I learned this quickly. You can really waste a lifetime sitting in Atlanta traffic. For Example, I went to Greenville this weekend to visit friends, and figured that if I left by 3pm on Friday I would be fine. Wrong. The 30 minute trip to the Interstate took an Hour. You really have to plan your drives. But, it's a great town. I know where the Wal-Mart is and I know how to ride the MARTA...is there anything else?!?!
Friends: I have to admit, I miss G-vegas. And I miss the friendships. It'll probably take some time creating and establishing friendships, but I figured that, and am ready for it. I guess I have two options to meet people: the bar or church. I've chosen to go with church. I have been to a couple of Singles get-to-gethers at North Point and have actually just joined a small-group. A group where you "do life together" I'm excited, we will see how it goes. It is kind of weird being dumped into the "Singles" pile of people anywhere from 21-50s. It's fun watching the old guys trying to be smooth and pick up ladies.
That is all I have from the ATL for now...Hawks tickets just went on sale so I'm out of here!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Goodbye...Sweet Greenville, SC
I told Dad on the way to Atlanta that it was funny how are conversations have begun to change. We no longer talk about mowing the grass and doing homework, but instead we talk about Mutual Funds and buying homes. Wow! Have I grown up that fast?!
So, Saturday September 15th was my move to Cumming, GA. I have to admit, I am pumped about the new and fresh opportunities, about my job, and about all the things to come, but I have to say...I'm really going to miss Greenville.
I really didn't fall in love with it until my Junior year at North Greenville Univ. Then, during the summer, I actually stayed in G-ville with Room aka Adam Blanton in a house on Wade Hampton. I worked part-time at The Cliffs Communities, hung out with my friends, started dating Ashley Austin, and discovered all that was Greenville. It was an amazing summer, no doubt about it!
I don't want to say that "I'm leaving Greenville behind" because I love it there. I would not mind even raising a family there one day. But with this blog I wanted to tell you about some of my favorite things in G-Vegas...maybe you'll get the bug...
Downtown Greenville-Best downtown I've ever experienced (and I've seen New York's and LA's). Great place to hang, eat, workout, study. It's all down there. From Cleveland Park where you can run and ride to the new High Cotton where you have to take your lady for an evening meal and try the mash potatoes.
Paris Mountain- A great view of Greenville and a great place to road bike.
Spill the Beans- Best Ice-Cream you'll ever eat in Historic West End G-ville.
North Greenville University- I had to throw the alma-mater up there. I mean, I did spend 4 years of my life at this place! Great Private college...I'm glad I went...but now I'm glad I'm out!
Gusto Cycles- A Great Bike Shop located on Wade Hampton. Great guys and you can ride all over Greenville using the shop as a starting point.
The Beacon- Well, this is Spartanburg, but only about 40 minutes from Greenville. Perhaps the best restaurant in the world. If you're looking for grease and more food than you can imaging eating, you better hit up The Beacon!
Barley's- The Best (and cheapest) Pizza you can get in Greenville. Open late, always a great atmosphere, and right in the middle of downtown.
Catalyst Church- This is a remote of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, pastored by Andy Stanley. A great place to go on Sunday Morning.
So these are just a couple of things that are unique to Greenville that I loved while I was there. Soon, I know, I'll have a similar (maybe longer) list of things from the ATL. Check out the links if you want, I have a meeting with Ludacris and Bow-Wow about ownership of the Atlanta Hawks!
So, Saturday September 15th was my move to Cumming, GA. I have to admit, I am pumped about the new and fresh opportunities, about my job, and about all the things to come, but I have to say...I'm really going to miss Greenville.
I really didn't fall in love with it until my Junior year at North Greenville Univ. Then, during the summer, I actually stayed in G-ville with Room aka Adam Blanton in a house on Wade Hampton. I worked part-time at The Cliffs Communities, hung out with my friends, started dating Ashley Austin, and discovered all that was Greenville. It was an amazing summer, no doubt about it!
I don't want to say that "I'm leaving Greenville behind" because I love it there. I would not mind even raising a family there one day. But with this blog I wanted to tell you about some of my favorite things in G-Vegas...maybe you'll get the bug...
Downtown Greenville-Best downtown I've ever experienced (and I've seen New York's and LA's). Great place to hang, eat, workout, study. It's all down there. From Cleveland Park where you can run and ride to the new High Cotton where you have to take your lady for an evening meal and try the mash potatoes.
Paris Mountain- A great view of Greenville and a great place to road bike.
Spill the Beans- Best Ice-Cream you'll ever eat in Historic West End G-ville.
North Greenville University- I had to throw the alma-mater up there. I mean, I did spend 4 years of my life at this place! Great Private college...I'm glad I went...but now I'm glad I'm out!
Gusto Cycles- A Great Bike Shop located on Wade Hampton. Great guys and you can ride all over Greenville using the shop as a starting point.
The Beacon- Well, this is Spartanburg, but only about 40 minutes from Greenville. Perhaps the best restaurant in the world. If you're looking for grease and more food than you can imaging eating, you better hit up The Beacon!
Barley's- The Best (and cheapest) Pizza you can get in Greenville. Open late, always a great atmosphere, and right in the middle of downtown.
Catalyst Church- This is a remote of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, pastored by Andy Stanley. A great place to go on Sunday Morning.
So these are just a couple of things that are unique to Greenville that I loved while I was there. Soon, I know, I'll have a similar (maybe longer) list of things from the ATL. Check out the links if you want, I have a meeting with Ludacris and Bow-Wow about ownership of the Atlanta Hawks!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Dream Job...
So I think I've finally gotten the hang of this blog thing...now the problem is: "Is anybody reading it?" Haha.
I wanted to fill you in on this past weekend: What a life-changing one that it was! I've been talking with the organization that I went to Africa with, Heart For Africa, for the last month. They were interested in interviewing me for an open position. Of course, if you've known me within the last 2 years you know that I have a love for Africa and want to do my part in helping that Amazing Continent.
I was definitely interested in the opportunity and put my best foot forward during the entire process. Could this be happening, could I really, maybe, possibly, be getting the job of my dreams this season?
Well the dream became a reality this past Friday. I got a phone call from the amazing Janine Maxwell, with the news that I was the newest member of this awesome organization. I will be the Partnership Co-ordinator and will help define and manage projects on the ground in Africa. Also, I will get to travel to Africa a few times a year. So to recap, because I'm on the floor right now as well! Orphans, widows, Africa, full-time job, the Lord's Will for this season in my life, being a small part of the solution for Africa...it can't get any better than this! Thank you, Lord.
Along with the other life changing events: I'm on the move. In two weeks I'll be moving to the A-T-L. Better known as Atlanta, GA. That's right, the city that I said I wanted to be my eventual home...that's where I'm going. I'm actually moving to Cumming and pumped about the new friends, new church North Point Community Church, and I guess the new start!
I'm not going to lie, I am a little anxious about the whole move and newness of everything. I love Greenville, SC and am very comfortable here...but, you gotta try something new every once in a while!
I'll miss everything here a lot though. No doubt about it. I have a funny feeling, though, that I'll be around...and that I may be back one day. Besides, Mark and I have to develop the first "Bagel Pitt" in downtown Greenville; then on to franchising!
I wanted to fill you in on this past weekend: What a life-changing one that it was! I've been talking with the organization that I went to Africa with, Heart For Africa, for the last month. They were interested in interviewing me for an open position. Of course, if you've known me within the last 2 years you know that I have a love for Africa and want to do my part in helping that Amazing Continent.
I was definitely interested in the opportunity and put my best foot forward during the entire process. Could this be happening, could I really, maybe, possibly, be getting the job of my dreams this season?
Well the dream became a reality this past Friday. I got a phone call from the amazing Janine Maxwell, with the news that I was the newest member of this awesome organization. I will be the Partnership Co-ordinator and will help define and manage projects on the ground in Africa. Also, I will get to travel to Africa a few times a year. So to recap, because I'm on the floor right now as well! Orphans, widows, Africa, full-time job, the Lord's Will for this season in my life, being a small part of the solution for Africa...it can't get any better than this! Thank you, Lord.
Along with the other life changing events: I'm on the move. In two weeks I'll be moving to the A-T-L. Better known as Atlanta, GA. That's right, the city that I said I wanted to be my eventual home...that's where I'm going. I'm actually moving to Cumming and pumped about the new friends, new church North Point Community Church, and I guess the new start!
I'm not going to lie, I am a little anxious about the whole move and newness of everything. I love Greenville, SC and am very comfortable here...but, you gotta try something new every once in a while!
I'll miss everything here a lot though. No doubt about it. I have a funny feeling, though, that I'll be around...and that I may be back one day. Besides, Mark and I have to develop the first "Bagel Pitt" in downtown Greenville; then on to franchising!
Monday, September 3, 2007
Cyclism Sunday...in Greenville!
As you probably know...I am a big cycling fan. I love to ride, watch, and talk about cycling. Now, I know that some of you are probably laughing or questioning my choice of sports, but that's ok! I had someone (Debbie B) tell me this weekend that she would rather watch grass grow than pay attention to the world of cycling!
This weekend was a big weekend for US Cycling. Greenville hosted the US Pro Cycling Championships for the 2nd straight year...and it was awesome. This was the first time that I was able to witness a pro event and I have to tell you, I got chills when the riders flew past at speeds of 35-40mph. The ride consisted of an awesome sight-seeing trip of Greenville County. The Pros did three laps around Cleveland Park, 4 laps up the ungodly Paris Mountain, and then 3 more laps around Cleveland Park for a finish at Broad and Main for a total of 131 miles.
Levi Leipheimer took the win and beat out our man George Hincapie by a little over a minute. The race was a great experience and from our vantage point we were able to see the pros pass 10x. Ashley was even able to get a VIP pass and party like a rock star with George, Levi, and David Zabriskie after the race was over!
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