http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org The Road Less Traveled - Aaron Bruner en-us Thu, 7 Aug 2008 15:30:34 GMT 30 http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-changing-of-seasons http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-changing-of-seasons After being home in Kennesaw, Georgia for 3 days, it is apparent that I will be staying here for a little while.  It's been an interesting process trying to adjust to life here compared to life on the Race.  I spent an hour and a half yesterday just driving around and parking in several locations to sit with the Lord.  I had no direction as far as where I was going so I was wandering rather aimlessly.  As I was journaling and reflecting, I likened the re-entry process to Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=final-banquet http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=final-banquet Well, last night we had our final banquet together.  There were lots of laughs, some tears, and great fellowship.  We are thankful that we were able to have our full squad that we started with (plus one Traday) be at our final debrief even if it was only for a matter of hours (Christie Albaugh had to fly home early because of family reasons, please pray for them).  We have been through a lot this year and we have been transformed in more than one way.  We have seen our Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-honest-truth http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-honest-truth I am anxious.  For the last couple weeks it has intensified.  I worry even though God tells me not to.  I think about how life was prior to the Race and how my life is now and it is shockingly different.  I think about my view of the world before and what it is now, I think about how I can "blend" this life with the prior and it stresses me out.  I am anxious and I need prayer.   Since I left for the Race, my perspective on MANY things has changed.  I have Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-story-of-bob-the-mime http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-story-of-bob-the-mime Bob is no ordinary mime.      His inability to speak does not hinder his ability to grow in the fruits of the Spirit.  Let's take his time in Diriamba for example....   Bob showed LOVE even after being punched and pushed around for several hours.     Be JOYful always.  Bob learned to celebrate with his friends' success.     Bob has learned that "blessed are the PEACEmakers".     Bob learned th Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=birthday-blowout http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=birthday-blowout Well, despite the fact that my Birthday Buddy Burrows wasn't there, my 24th bday was pretty awesome!     Me in the "23 Club" hours before I officially turned 24     Sad to see me leave the "23 Club"     Met up with my old friend Krystin Brinker and her friend April at a coffee shop in Managua     The table!!!!     Got some ink done     The finished product: Greek for "inheritance" (Colossi Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=beauty-in-a-trash-heap http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=beauty-in-a-trash-heap     Every time I've been into a dump site it has been both a trying and rewarding experience.  Trying simply because the conditions are horrendous and I can't understand how people can live in these places.  And rewarding, well, I'll get to that....   Seven of us set out yesterday for Managua on an ATL mission.  For those of you who aren't familiar with it, ATL stands for "ask the Lord" which basically means we haven't the slightest idea or clue what we're g Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=B5ACF08B7FF54BF9AA82A9B38CC8CE http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=B5ACF08B7FF54BF9AA82A9B38CC8CE This is actually a blog from my squadmate Heather Trimble.  It was just too good not to share with you.  It blesses my heart to know that our girls feel this way about us.  Enjoy! Untitled from heather trimble on Vimeo.  on a travel day, these six guys are out before any of us getting the [insert various method of transport here] packed.  often when weve had to walk long distances, theyve carried an extra full pack.  they walk us back to wherever were st Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=where-were-at http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=where-were-at We are now in our final ministry location of The World Race in a place called Jinotepe, Nicaragua.  We travel by truck to our work site everyday which is in Diriamba, about 15 minutes away.  La Quinta is a church property that sits in the middle of one of the barrios of Diriamba.  There is a church, a medical clinic, a children's home, and TONS of mango trees.  Every day we head over there to do construction, play with the kids, and visit the barrio.  We are currently Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-usual-suspects http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-usual-suspects   WANTED: Aaron "Che" Bruner - Che Bruner was found shooting people with a plastic water pistol and shouting loudly. Fortunately there were no casualties as the gun was loaded with sand, but reports show that there was a couple dining in a nearby restaurant who were very annoyed by the incident. Local detectives are still trying to figure out why the mastermind put sand in his water pistol.    WANTED: Danny "Gutterball" Gutman - Gutterball was last se Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=manistry-volcano-day http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=manistry-volcano-day Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=miguels-story http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=miguels-story After returning from Kuna Yala, Jeanette, Molly and I headed over to an orphanage in Panama City.  Team Beloved was already staying there but they welcomed us with open arms.  This orphanage was not your typical orphanage.  In fact, most of the kids weren't even orphans at all.  There were three mothers who actually lived there with their children, however, there were three more little boys who were indeed orphans.  No adult males were living at the orphanage i Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=kuna-yala http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=kuna-yala Last week Team Ignite along with my family set out for the area of Kuna Yala. It's an area of nearly 40 inhabited islands off of the northern coast of Panama. Although the ride was long and rough to get there (a bumpy back of the truck ride and a small wooden boat), we arrived safely. The Kunas are one of the larger indigenous groups in Panama and can be clearly distinguished all over the city by the clothes they wear. When we arrived on one of the islands, it was what we had desired for a l Sat, 7 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=family-visit http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=family-visit I LOVE MY FAMILY! I'm so thankful that they were actually able to come and visit me in Panama. They spent a week with Team Ignite and it was amazing. They were a tremendous blessing to us and brought us loads of goodies. Here are a few pics from our time together:The fam reunitedChick-fil-A, oh happy day!Homemade cookies and Rice Krispy TreatsThe StashA World Race favorite: Settlers of CatanOn a boat headed to Kuna YalaMy dad's new friendIt was a wonderful week getting to blend The World Rac Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=when-its-a-gift http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=when-its-a-gift When thinking about community, one of the first things to figure out is how you fit in.  I admit, over the course of this race, it has been very difficult for me.  Coming from a place where I knew who I was (or so I thought) to a place where I didn't know much of anything is a tough transition.  We got to know each other, learn each other's strengths and weaknesses, and love unconditionally through the whole process.  We find out what we're good at and we encourage each other Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=our-newlyformed-team-cinnabon http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=our-newlyformed-team-cinnabon Who is Team Cinnabon you ask? Why it's our totally awesome dynamic spectacular Panama set-up team! Ok, so maybe that's a bit over-the-top. Anyway, the name was derived from a specific chain that all happen to adore and partake of while in the Albrook Mall in Panama City. It was absolutely delicious!Christie, Jackie, Krystle, and I set out last Saturday for Panama in hopes of setting up various ministry contacts for our squad. We've had our bumps in the road but all-in-all we know that God i Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=my-dear-brother-mark-newland http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=my-dear-brother-mark-newland This is one of Christie Albaugh's blogs about our fellow racer Mark Newland who God is calling home to Canada out of his love for his family. We'll miss you Mark!Have you ever known someone that really just loves people? When they meet people, they don't judge them based on how they look, or dress, where they're from, what their hobbies are, or for any other non-relevant reasons; they just sincerely want to get to know people for who they are and to love them where they're at. I've alwa Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=awestruck-wonder http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=awestruck-wonder "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."Moulin RougeA long time ago, they used to bring this giant inflatable bubble to our elementary schools. Some of you may know exactly what I'm talking about. There was a small passage that you had to crawl through in order to reach the dome area. Once inside, the teacher would operate this projector that was situated in the center of the dome. Slides of magnificent star constellations would completely fill the canop Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-heart-of-a-world-racer http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-heart-of-a-world-racer                 World Race Final from Sean Smith on Vimeo.This video was made 24 hours after my buddy Sean arrived home in Washington state.  It expresses so much of what Racers feel as they end this crazy year.  Tue, 6 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=cinco-de-mayo http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=cinco-de-mayo Oh, the joy of claiming my Mexican roots!  Even though it only comes out when it seems convenient, I take pride in my heritage in the case of any fiesta.  Here are some pics from our celebration:My newly formed YWAM friends and I at a Mexican restaurant.  We let Danny tag along because he was sporting the Mexican headband and armband.  Poor guy, he tries so hard to be Mexican.  One day.Anabel and I enjoying a Mexican classic....Jamaica!!  She's the only real Mexican Tue, 6 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=a-day-at-the-beach http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=a-day-at-the-beach After a grueling 80-something hours of traveling, we made it to Costa Rica safely. It's nice to have a couple days to recuperate. And what better way to do that in Costa Rica than to spend it at the beach "attempting" to surf. It was an absolute blast aside from getting a head cold. God has been teaching me so much more about quieting down and being still before him. About love and letting it motivate my actions. What greater way for my Dad to give me a picture of his love than at the beac Thu, 1 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=our-ministry-in-africa http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=our-ministry-in-africa                 Ignite Africa Slideshow from Traci on Vimeo.Here's a taste of our ministry time in Africa, enjoy! Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=a-call-to-fast http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=a-call-to-fast This blog was posted from my teammate Jeanette Wheeler.  Please consider partaking: A couple of weeks ago I was fasting and the Lord clearly asked me to pray and fast again.                      "Pray and fast for the men of all ages and generations" Within those few brief moments God revealed to me a real burden, concern, respect and love for my brothers in Christ. The whole vi Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=well-of-life http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=well-of-life When our team was in Nsoko, Swaziland, one of the things that the Lord told me to do was pray over my teammates every night and to pray for the area that we were in. One night, I remember lamenting under an open sky for the people of Nsoko. It is a dry and weary place and there is an oppressive presence that hovers over the area. I cried out for the Lord to bring rain to this dry and weary land. That he would cover the land with rain for 7 days. 7 days of rain is what I asked for. I didn't Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-workers-are-few http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-workers-are-few Throughout our time in Africa, Team Ignite has had the opportunity to work with some great men and women who are wholeheartedly serving the Lord and living by faith.  I would like to share the vision that God has put in the hearts of these three men. Swaziland Pastor Gift Dlamini was recently ordained as the head pastor of the first G42 church plant in Africa.  This church is located in Nsoko, Swaziland and reaches an area that is in desperate need.  Gift is a righteous man.&nbs Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=army-of-orphans http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=army-of-orphans   "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."                                                                    Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=and-then-there-were-8 http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=and-then-there-were-8 This blog is dedicated to the newest addition to Team Ignite.  Meet Tracey Caufield (Traday as we like to call her).When we heard the news of baby Moses, our hearts were dismayed.  I couldn't help but think about the death that we've experienced on this team.  Our team in particular has witnessed too many young lives lost over the course of this race.  It has been very difficult.  But as the verses in Ecclesiastes note, there is a season for everything under the sun.&nbs Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=brotherly-covenant http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=brotherly-covenant Before reading this post, I encourage you to read the following: 1 Samuel 18:3-4, skim 1 Samuel 20, and 1 Samuel 23:16-18. God has laid out the importance of close-knit relationships.  In fact, we all know that our God is a relational God.  But how serious is He about it?  I mean, we see pictures of the intimate relationships that he had with men like Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc.  Then, in the New Testament, we see the holy marriage between Christ and his Church and how Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-will-of-god http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-will-of-god I am the will of God.  My life.  Every step that I take and move that I make.  This is what I've been learning.  I no longer have to ask the question, "what is the will of God for my life?"  That, my friends, can be a waste of time.  Instead of doing that, why don't we just BE?  BE the will of God in the unreached places.  BE the will of God in suburbia.  Just BE. Over the past couple of weeks, I have been all over South Africa and Swaziland.  S Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=flashback-to-the-philippines http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=flashback-to-the-philippines                 The Philippines at a Glance from Traci on Vimeo.This is a video that Traci recently posted.  It brings back great memories of our time in the Philippines.  Enjoy! Sat, 8 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=bring-me-to-life-lipdub http://aaronbruner.theworldrace.org/?filename=bring-me-to-life-lipdub                 Lip Dub:: Bring Me To Life from Traci on Vimeo.Ok, so since we are able to post videos for a brief time, Traci was able to upload the other lipdub that we did.  Fun times on the Great Wall and the streets of Hong Kong.  Check it out! Sat, 8 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT