Keep Cool This Summer in Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina is known for its sizzling hot summers. Residents and visitors are often looking for ways to beat the heat. Visiting a nearby water park, taking the kids to one of the area's splash pads, or tubing down the Saluda River are fun ways to keep cool. These options are all inexpensive and family friendly.

The Palmetto Falls Water Park is located at 3381 Marion Avenue on the Fort Jackson Army Base, outside Columbia. The water park is primarily for use by military families, but is open to the public Tuesday-Friday, except for season pass holders. The water park is open only to military families on Saturday and Sunday. Palmetto Falls has a 10,000 square foot family pool, a 600 square foot splashdown pool, a kiddie pool, and a Lazy River. The park has three regular water slides and smaller slides for the little kids. The young ones will love the water jet splash area. A snack bar onsite sells refreshments. Civilians should enter Fort Jackson at the Forest Park Drive Gate. Drivers must produce a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance to enter the gate. Palmetto Falls Water Park is open from 11am-7pm. Non-military admission is $9.50 per person, with children age 2 and under admitted free.

Saluda Splash is an interactive water playground located at Saluda Shoals Park. Saluda Splash has misting circles, spray jets, and water cannons shaped like dragons. Large overhead buckets dump water on the splash park. When the kids need a break, they can go to the adjacent playground with its kid size climbing wall. Saluda Shoals Park also has picnic areas, walking and bike trails, and canoe and kayak rentals. Fishing is popular in the Saluda River. There are more than enough activities to provide an entire day of fun. Saluda Shoals Park is located at 5605 Bush Road. The park is open from 7am-8:30pm during the summer months. Saluda Splash is open from 9am-8pm from May-Labor Day. Admission to the park is $4 per car for residents and $5 per car for non-residents. Saluda Splash requires a separate admission of $3 per person.

The City of Columbia operates the Drew Splash Pad at Drew Park. The Splash Pad is designed for children age 14 and under, and admission is free. The splash pad operates Monday-Saturday from noon-8pm. The Drew Wellness Center at the park has an indoor swimming pool that is open year round. The park is located at 2100 Oak Street.

A tubing trip down the Saluda River is a great way to cool off. The water temperature is quite cold, as the water is pulled from the bottom of Lake Murray and released from the dam. Palmetto Outdoors, a Columbia outfitter, rents tubes and provides shuttle transportation. Tubers should park their vehicles near the amphitheater at the West Columbia Riverwalk. Pay for the tube at the outfitter's booth, and then take their shuttle bus to the launch site near Riverbanks Zoo. Tubers will drift down the river for two miles, through some mild Class I and Class II rapids. The take out point is just past the Gervais Street Bridge at the amphitheater landing. A standard tube rents for $15. Deluxe tubes with mesh bottoms are $20. Personal flotation devices are included. Hours are Sunday-Friday from noon-7pm and Saturday from 10am-7pm. Shuttles run hourly on the weekends.

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Birdwatching in Cuba Is Truly Beyond Compare

For birders, the opportunity to see tropical species in their natural habitat, and more familiar birds in their wintering grounds, can be a once in a life-time experience. To add to their life lists, passionate birders travel to exotic locations around the world in the hopes of catching a glimpse of species that very few people have the chance to lay eyes on.

With recent reductions in the travel sanctions between the United States and Cuba, many birdwatchers currently have an opportunity that they have only been able to dream about for the last 50 years. Birdwatching in Cuba is an experience unlike any other, offering the chance to see 21 endemic species, 19 near-endemics (found only in a small number of Caribbean islands) and other tropical species in an area of the world that very few living Americans have ever seen in person.

What Birdwatchers Can Expect

If you are an avid naturalist you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience while birding in Cuba. An expert Cuban guide will take you off the beaten path to see "life list" species like the threatened Bee Hummingbird, the vulnerable Fernandina's Flicker, and listen for the endangered Cuban Solitaire. You'll have an opportunity to see Cuban Parrots, Great Lizard Cuckoos, Cuban Pygmy Owls, and the country's national bird the Cuban Trogon, along with over 200 other species!

Of course, when you go birdwatching in Cuba, where you go can be as exciting as what you see while you are there. A comprehensive tour include visits to several UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, including Sierra del Rosario and it's fascinating Las Terrazas eco-community, and the Zapata Swamp. You'll also visit memorable sites like Soroa's Orchid Garden and Soroa Waterfall, La Guira National Park, and board Russian army jeeps to travel into the Las Escambray Mountains near Trinidad.

There are so many natural parks, nature reserves, and other locations in Cuba that lend themselves perfectly to birdwatching, and when you consider that the island has migrated hundreds of miles over the past 100 million years, it becomes easy to understand just how many unique species can be found on its soil.

A Truly Rare Opportunity

There are many reasons why the opportunity to go birdwatching in Cuba is so rare. Not only has travel from the US to Cuba been extremely limited in the past half century, but many current tours still do not travel far beyond Havana or the island's tourist resorts. In fact, there are many destinations in Cuba that are only available to sustainable tourism companies, which strive to help preserve the landscape as well as the habitats of the island wildlife. Cuba is incredibly biodiverse, and as the Greater Antilles island that has been the least spoiled by man, it certainly has the most to offer!

Where to Turn

If you are looking to go birdwatching in Cuba, choosing the right tour is important. You will certainly want to find a sustainable tour that can take you beyond Havana City and into reserves and environments in Trinidad, Las Terrazas, and Peninsula de Zapata as well. Taking the time to find a tour that is navigated by a well educated guide and that has received praise from others who have taken it will certainly prove to be worthwhile.

With the right tour and guide, you will have the opportunity to see birds and spectacular landscapes that have rarely been glimpsed by non-Cubans. Cuba is truly a nature lover's paradise, and if you qualify for professional travel, a birdwatching tour on the island is an experience you will not soon forget.

Great Places to Visit on Italian Walking Holidays

The varied landscape of Italy makes for excellent walking holidays. Whether you are open to the challenge of hill climbing or want to have a gentle jaunt along the flat, there's a part of this stunning European country to suit you. You should schedule visits to the magnificent attractions outlined in this article as part of your hiking itinerary.

Lake Garda

If you're planning to spend your walking holidays in the northern part of Italy then a visit to this huge lake is a must. You'll be taken aback by the scale of the Gruppo Del Baldo mountains, which overlook the glistening waters. You might also be surprised by the abundance of wildlife to be seen in this picturesque area. There's a range of bird species including the Italian Sparrow and Great Weed Warbler that are definitely worth watching.

Ustica

The route around this small island is well trodden by European tourists on walking holidays. Some are so fascinated by the surroundings that they opt to stay a few days in local rented accommodation. You are encouraged to join the crowds on a tour along the cliffs and through the marine reserve, which was established way back in 1986.

Old Catania

It is easy to imagine the scenes that may have played out in Sicilian Italy as you walk through this fascinating old town. If you have a few hours to spare then it's worth visiting the Fountain of 10 Rivers and Cathedral, which is adorned with Corinthian columns, marble fascades and stone balustrades. The local guides will be happy to show you around and retell stories that have been passed down through the Catanian generations. And when you've learned enough for one day it may be tempting to stop off at one of the charming local cafés.

Valley Of The Temples

It would be a shame not to take a stroll through this historic valley as part of your walking holidays in Italy. The ancient Greek ruins along this path are equally as great an attraction as those to be seen on the Greek islands themselves. If you hike through this area during the spring then you'll be struck by the sweet smell of wildflowers. You might even be lucky enough to spot baby animals frolicking in their favoured environment.

Forest Of Giants

If you venture into this forest during Italian walking holidays then you can be sure of a great surprise. For here you may see gloriously coloured eagles and trees bigger than you might have imagined possible. Whatever time of year you choose to explore local routes, such as the Sentiero Cupone, you can be sure of having a delightful experience. Although you might return with slightly aching legs, the feeling of satisfaction will be immense.

A Look At The Native Birds And Plants Of New Zealand

Without question, the thing that draws the most tourists to New Zealand for a holiday is its unique and varied natural environment: while there are cosmopolitan cities, world class art galleries and endless opportunities for adrenaline based tourist activities, the true draw card is that it is like no other place on earth.

New Zealand has one of the highest levels of endemism in the world: that is many of the plants and birds found in New Zealand are not found anywhere else, due to its long period of geographical isolation and subsequent unique evolutionary path. The absence of predators meant that flightless birds abounded. The arrival of people, and their mammalian companions decimated many of the native species.

However, as early as 1887 a National Park was formed in New Zealand with some 13 following, in the 1890's the Government established mustelid free sanctuaries for the protection of bird species and so a long tradition of conservation was established which continues to this day.

In particular, New Zealand has a greater diversity of seabirds on its shores and islands than any other country in the world. There are some 86 species of seabird that breed in New Zealand and a further 9 who breed elsewhere but visit New Zealand in their migratory cycle. Good places to see seabirds include the Otago Peninsula and Kaikoura, where you can see Albatross, Shearwater, Petrels, Prions and Shags. Many of those staying in holiday park accommodation in Kaikoura are there specifically to see bird life and of course, whale watching.

Another worthy mention is New Zealand's national bird, the Kiwi. This flightless bird generally lives in native forests, but because it is a nocturnal creature, only very few people have spotted it outside its natural habitat in the wild. The Kiwi grows to about the size of a chicken and has a long pointed bill to feed on grubs and other insects.

The flora of New Zealand is also an attraction in its own right. 80% of the trees, ferns and flowering plants in New Zealand are endemic. Some 15% of New Zealand is covered in native plants, from towering kauri forests to spinifex covered sand dunes. In fact the silver fern (cyathea dealbata) is often used as a symbol for New Zealand, notably on the jerseys of its sporting teams. The koru symbol is derived from the young fern frond, and is found on the national carrier Air New Zealand and is a motif in indigenous Maori art and ta moko (tattoos). These unique ecosystems are an integral part of what makes New Zealand such a unique and special destination for holiday makers.

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Acadia National Park

Maine's Acadia National Park is more than 35,000 acres of pristine land located close to Bar Harbor. It has the distinction of being the first National Park East of the Mississippi. Acadia celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016.

Acadia is home to Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast at 1,530 feet and one of the first points in the United States to see the sunrise. Other attractions in Acadia include the nation's only fjord, and other well-known spots including Thunder Hole, Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs.

This area was originally inhabited by the Wabanaki indians, an Algonquian-speaking nation. The Wabanaki people trace their Maine roots back more than ten thousand years. During their history, Mount Desert Island was well known for plentiful hunting and fishing.

With more than 47,000 acres (73 square miles) of pristine land, Acadia National Park offers some of the best of Maine's attractions. Some of these attractions include the rocky coastline, gently rolling mountains, thriving forests, ponds, marshlands, and fields. Acacia National Park includes areas on Mount Desert Island, Isle au Haut and the Schoodic Peninsula.

Acadia is host to a diversity of wildlife, hosting everything from mollusks and mammals to raptors and reptiles. If you are watchful, you can count on crossing paths with a variety of wildlife intheir natural habitats.

Some 40 different species of wildlife can be found here, including both red and gray squirrels, chipmunks, white-tailed deer, moose, beaver, porcupine, muskrat, fox, coyote, bobcat, and even black bear. Beaver had been trapped to extinction on the island, then, in 1920, George B. Door released two pairs at the brook between Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake. These beavers have repopulated the area.

In the fall of 1947, wildfires consumed more than 10,000 acres of the park and cleared the eastern half of the island of its coniferous trees. The fires burned for days before being brought under control. Despite the short-term devastation, these fires actually enhanced the Park long-term. The regrowth was mostly allowed to occur naturally and this allowed the growth of deciduous trees such as aspen, birch, alder, and maple which helped to support the repopulation of beavers in the area.

In 1915, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. commissioned more than 50 miles of trails through the area. These trails were originally intended as a diversion for guests and dignitaries to provide carriage and horseback access to the island's remote beauty. With his visitors in mind, he spared no expense. These trails include 17 arched granite bridges and two gate lodges that were constructed to achieve his vision.

After waiting through nearly 20 years of construction to realize his dream for these trails, in 1930, he commissioned Beatrix Farrand for the planting and landscape plans for the carriage paths. Their remarkable foresight is still evident today. The beautiful, well-maintained trails and details such as the hand-cut granite coping stones, which were designed to protect travelers from steep roadside embankments, still stand. These trails provide visitors with options for an easy, peaceful exploration of the area by foot, bicycle and horseback.

Nearby towns of Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor each offer a touch life in Main. Here you will find everything from fine restaurants, to shopping boutiques and lodging.

For those looking to camp, there is no backcountry camping in Acadia, although primitive camping is available at Duck Harbor Campground, on Isle au Haut. Firewood should not be brought into the area as it may contain non-native insects that could pose a serious threat to the park's resources. Firewood is available at local campgrounds.

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Wine Trail of Malaga

Malaga is known throughout the world for its stunning beaches, sunny days and birthplace of Picasso. It is also known for bull fighting. Also, Malaga is synonymous with Flamenco dances. However, it is often one of the most underrated wine growing regions in Spain. Rich wines to complement your meal found in Malaga are among some of the best wines that the world can offer.

So this time around when you visit Malaga, be sure to follow a rich wine trail in Malaga. Malaga has been producing wine for centuries. Wines were produced by both, the Moors and the Phoenicians. Though liquor is forbidden in Arabic culture, they produced some of the best wines in Malaga and even enjoyed the fruit of their labour. In fact along with the fascinating Moorish architecture, wine is a legacy left by the Moors.

Generally wines found in Malaga are made from Muscat grape. However, there are some wines made from Pedro Ximenez grapes. These wines have a rich taste with an earthy flavour. Not limiting yourself to the wines found in hotels in Malaga, or bar for that matter, you can visit wineries in Malaga. You might be truly rewarded if you take a trip to Antigua Casa de Guardia, one of the best wineries in Malaga. It is an award-winning winery, surrounded by fig trees and is located high up in the mountains. The winery was founded in 1840 and had the patronage of Isabel II, the Queen of Spain. The Moscatel Isabel II wine was named after her, in honour of her visit to the winery. The Antigua Casa de Guardia is one of the oldest Bodega in Malaga and the wine here is stored in oak casks. There are also some other fine wine tasting locations in Sierra Nevada, if you thirst for more wine.

If you seek more knowledge about the production and wine culture in Malaga then head to Mijas Wine Museum. It is located in San Sebastián. There are many courses offering an introduction to wines in Malaga. Wine tasting sessions are held regularly.

There is also a Malaga Wine Museum in Ojen, which is close to Marbella, a small fishing village. Roughly more that 20,000 tourists visit the museum every year. Even in the surrounding areas you will find some of the best wines in tapas and hotels to be had in Malaga. So wish you luck on your wine trail in Malaga.

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Philadelphia - Discover The Land Of Arts

Philadelphia is a town full of art lover's. It is bursting with beauty on the inside and out. The region boasts one of the country's top five art museums, the world's greatest collection of Impressionist works, and an internationally acclaimed public arts initiative. So book your airline tickets to explore, experience and ponder at a pace that's all your own.

Take a flight to Philadelphia like British Airways to explore an Exhibitions Program established at the Philadelphia International Airport - a visual arts initiative to humanize the Airport environment, provide visibility for Philadelphia's exclusive cultural life, and to make the experience a memorable one for the traveling public.

The Exhibitions Program is in charge for organizing rotating exhibitions that are located throughout the Airport. The exhibits change throughout the year to offer a variety of educational and cultural programs. This forum for presenting visual art clearly shows the Airport's commitment in supporting arts and culture. The Exhibitions Program provides millions of visitors from around the world access to a wide variety of art forms by artists and arts institutions from the Philadelphia area.

Don't forget to book your cheap international flight on the First Friday of the month when Old City transforms into a advanced street festival as some 50 galleries stay open late and unveil new exhibits, you'll see that Philly's artistic temptation is also a blast.

The city's major art museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art maintains the art exhibits from the Centennial Exposition. The museum hosts over 225,000 pieces of artwork including work by Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Marcel Duchamp. Not far away, the Rodin Museum is the largest collection of Auguste Rodin work outside of France.

To attend one of the largest outdoor arts festivals in the Delaware Valley book cheap flights to Philadelphia. British Airways and China Airlines are two of the major key players providing cheap airline tickets. The festival- the Manayunk Arts Festival which attracts thousands of people to its historic Main Street for a two-day festival of arts, crafts, music, food and more. The region's largest outdoor, juried arts festival features more than 275 artists from across the country. In addition to the exhibit areas, Manayunk's award winning restaurants will be serving up delicious dishes and specials while various vendors will supply plenty of traditional festival foods.

You don't have to go overseas to taste all the world cultures that make Philadelphia such a diverse and interesting city. Just head over to Penn's Landing, for its PECO Multicultural Series, a succession of outdoor festivals that celebrate cultural traditions from across the globe.

So check out the schedule, call some friends and book some cheap tickets to Philadelphia to experience some of the many cultures that thrive in the vibrant communities of the city.

The Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada

On a recommendation from a friend a couple of years ago, I visited The Bay of Fundy. He told me that you could actually leave your footprints on the ocean floor. Intrigued with the thought, I packed my car and drove to New Brunswick from Connecticut in about twelve hours. Well I have to tell you, it is one of the Marine wonders of the world. The Bay of Fundy actually experiences the world's highest tides. They rise and fall an amazing forty eight feet (that's over twelve meters in many places). What I found to be even more amazing was that it happens twice a day, every day. I was told that these tides come about by something known as the funnel effect. During the retreat of the ice age, the Bay of Fundy formed as a massive natural funnel. Like a funnel, the bay is very wide at the mouth and narrows as it moves up inland. This causes the gravitational pull of the moon to truly exaggerate the normal tidal effect as the water gains more momentum rushing into the narrow end of the funnel.

As this continues to happen every day, the natural landscape of the area is constantly changing. The reversing of the flow of rivers sends tidal bores (these are waves that travel up a river or narrow inlet that go against the direction of the current) for miles inland. Think about a building over four stories in height being totally submerged in water, and in a matter of hours, the water is gone. Now remember that this phenomenon happens twice a day!

There is a scenic road that parallels the bay from St. Stephen to Aulac New Brunswick that takes about four hours to traverse. While you are there you must take a tour of what is known as Hopewell Rocks. What you will find here are massive formations that are called "flowerpot rocks". Then in a matter of just around six hours the "pots' become islands being explored by people in kayaks. There are many extensive trails that wind all throughout Fundy National Park. I found a place called St.Martins where there are amazing vistas. You can take some great photos there.

I was quite surprised to find so many things to do there beyond exploring the tidal phenomenon. Quaint little towns and an actual jet boat ride that charges the reversing falls. Not for the faint of heart. Also the tides attract a lot of different sea life, and I was able to do some of the best whale watching I've ever seen.

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Spending A Relaxing Holiday In Seattle

The beautiful city of Seattle is nestled between Lake Washington and Puget Sound. It is often called the Emerald City because of its lush greenery and landscape. It is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty, tourist attractions and a vibrant nightlife. There are several flights to Seattle from all over the United States, which will enable you to reach the city.

Some of the best museums in the U.S. are located in this city. There are special museums to enjoy Chinese and Japanese art. The museums that are extremely popular in the city include Burke Museum, the city's Art Museum and the Asian Art Museum.

Perhaps, the most striking aspect of the city is its greenery. Taking one of the many cheap flights to Seattle will allow you see lush green grass and colorful flowers amidst a concrete jungle, giving the city a unique charm and appearance. Many of the city's parks are used by residents for jogging and walking. Some of the best parks in the city are Golden Gardens Park, Green Lake and Discovery Park.

The city also has many fairs and festivals. The Sea Fair is usually held in the month of July or August. Here you can see hydroplane races, parade, rides and food stalls. Another fair that the city hosts is the Fremont Fair, which is worth visiting.

Children will enjoy the Fish Aquarium in the city, where they can see an array of aquatic life. They can even go underwater in a glass dome to catch a glimpse of the sharks and other marine life, swimming blissfully in the crystal clear water. You can also take a fishing expedition or go on a relaxing cruise.

No visit to the city is complete without checking out the Pike Place Market. This is a 100-year old market with fish stalls, fruits stalls, antique shops, and memento and souvenir shops. You will definitely find many things to buy and take home.

Those who can get cheap tickets to Seattle should grab them without delay, as it will allow them to visit the famous Space Needle. This is an architectural wonder which will ascend you 520 feet to the observation deck in a super fast lift in 41 seconds. There is also a revolving restaurant at the top. You can get a 360 degree view of the entire city from this restaurant. Close to this attraction is the Seattle Center, which is a fairground where you can buy art, discounted goods, enjoy a fountain display and allow your kids to enjoy some rides. This is also where you can see the Experience Music Project by Paul Allen.

Kids will love the Woodland Park Zoo. Kids can go on a duck ride, enjoy a thrilling ride on amphibious Second World War vehicles or take an underground tour to find out how the early settlers of the city lived here.

You can easily get cheap airfares on low cost airlines. if you book your ticket early enough on US Airways or British Airways, you can get discounted fares. It is best to compare different airline prices before doing your booking. This way you will get the best fares to spend a memorable holiday in this lush green city.

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A Mission Trip Changes You

You go on a mission trip with the proposed purpose of making a difference in someone else's life. You come back with the profound knowledge that it's your life that has been changed. My recent mission trip to Kenya proved this to me - again. In 1999, I went with a group to Honduras and that trip resulted just the same. Yes, we did some good, (building homes in Honduras and helping a church to grow in Kenya). But it is the personal changes that a mission trip creates that validates us going.

As I preparing for this trip, I honestly had mixed feelings. The total cost for 14 of us going on this trip was pretty high between airfare, lodging, vehicle rentals, food, and the donations to the church and orphanage while there. I was calculating this cost and thinking - could not that money be spent here in Hawkinsville? Was this a glorified vacation with a "mission" theme so that we could all rationalize the expense in our own minds? I was leaving behind a fellow that I had just met that had not eaten in two days - would not helping him be better than me taking this trip?

But by then, the plans were made, the money was paid, and the tickets were bought. So I went. And I can conclusively say - I am glad I did! I believe the change, the focus, in me has been permanently altered. A mission trip forces you to get out of your day to day life with your day to day perceptions. We see the same thing everyday. We talk the same politics everyday. We see the same needs everyday, and we become oblivious to them all.

Let me tell you of the trip:

Tea Village

We arrived in Kenya, got settled in, and then immediately went to Pastor Shaddrack's Tea Village Church. This particular Tea Village is owned by one of the tea company plantations. They provide housing (a block house with no running water) to the family for helping to harvest tea. There were several hundred houses in this village. This church is a new church and we were going to help "disciple" the 30-40 members so that the church could grow deeper in it's knowledge of Christian ideals. Personally, I was assigned to teach a two hour lesson on Prayer.

We also planned on teaching many Bible lessons to the children of the community. The children are the key to getting the adults to show up. On the first day, dozens of children arrived and probably 6 or 7 adults. We taught Bible stories to the children. We played with the children. And we taught our discipleship lessons to the older youth and adults that showed up. Then in the afternoon, we went to help with an orphanage that serviced 54 children. Most all of these children were orphaned due to the Aids epidemic that is in the land. BesAnn, a young 24 year old woman, cares daily for these children providing 3 meals and Bible lessons. She is a remarkable lady. Her only help is from a lady who helps cook and also some help from Pastor Shaddrack and his wife.

Both the tea village and the orphanage screamed poverty. The children had next to nothing. Some had shoes, others did not. Some had decent clothes, others had ragged garments. For the most part, they seemed happy (especially with all of us strange white people there, they kept wanting to see under our shirt sleeves to see if we were really this color everywhere!). We saw poverty, we saw situations that are unthinkable - yet they exist. It changes you. It makes you thankful, grateful, and humble at your life experience compared to theirs. It shows you what the courage, faith, and willingness of one 24 year old can do - it can change lives. Am I changing lives? Am I making a difference? A Mission trip FORCES you to ask yourself these questions.

We even witnessed a miracle We had bought 10 bags of 20 snicker's bars each. (that's 200 snickers bars for you mathematically challenged). We gave out 161 at the tea village. A diabetic team member ate one. That left, to our counting, 38 snickers bars that should be in our bag. There were 54 children at the orphanage + two children visiting from the nearby village. We knew we had nowhere near 56 snickers bars. But someone suggested that we count. So we poured them all out on the floor of the van. And, you guessed it. There were not 55 candy bars. There were not 57 candy bars. There were exactly 56 candy bars. You could not help but think about Jesus and the feeding of the 5,000. All I can say is that God provided and taught us that HE is sufficient and provides for His children!

Snickers

By the third day of visiting the church and the orphanage, interest in the community had grown. The children were showing off their Burger King crowns (we talked of sexual purity and explained that they were all princes and princesses of THE KING). We told other Bible stories. The children would go home and tell the others in their household. More children came daily. The adult participation grew. On day three, the day I was supposed to teach on Prayer, about 40-50 adults had arrived. The pastor was excited, but said, "for the most part, these are not people of my church, they are un-churched, please do a lesson on salvation instead of prayer!". I almost panicked. I had not prepared a lesson on salvation, I had prepared a lesson on Prayer. I was also thinking, "There are 3 full time preachers on this trip - Let them do it!". But deep down, I knew. I knew that THIS was why I came. I knew that GOD was in control and my job was to obey! (I did grab one preacher to go with me though). So, I began sharing in a small 16 x 20 room, about Christ. About how he changed my life. About how he loves me. About how he loves each one in that room. I shared about God sending his Son to take the penalty for my choice of disobedience. Of God sending His Son so that I could have fellowship with a Just and Holy God. I shared the story of Salvation! In this church, they don't "walk the saw dust trail" as revivals of years gone by. But many, many did raise their hand to indicate they understood and that they desired and asked Jesus to be Lord of their life. It was an awesome moment in my life that I will never forget.

By the time I finished (probably 20 minutes), another 40 or 50 had arrived. There were over 90 people in that small room. I asked the preacher that came with me, Robert Doughtery, (preacher at Antioch Baptist) to give his version of the salvation story. He did and assuredly more came to know Christ. Well, I thought it was over and I was through - but God had other plans. The pastor then asked us to "Tell them how to grow in Christ... ". So Robert and I each gave a 20 minute lesson on growing in Christ. Then the pastor said, "Question and Answer Time". And all of this was through an interpretor - what an experience!

The interesting thing was that the questions that they ask are the same questions that we ask. "Do you HAVE to go to church?" "How does one KNOW they are saved?" "Is it a sin to get mad at my favorite football team?" "What about all the different denominations and different religions?". We answered these and more the best that we could. Probably not 100% correct, but I believe that God honored the effort. Hopefully lives were changed, I know mine was. We TALK of missions. We send MONEY to missions. But it is so life changing to be an actual PART of missions.

At the Nairobi airport, as we prepared to come home, I met a young lady 22 years old. (the same age as my daughter). She was going home to Colorado after spending 4 months in Africa - all by herself. I talked with her for an hour and a half. She was a changed person. Her trip was not a christian mission trip, she was volunteering to teach English. But the trip had changed her as well. I asked her if she knew my Jesus, and she did. So while I did not get to share Christ with her, it was an accomplishment for me that I tried!

I tell you all this not to boast in any way. If any good was done on that trip, it was all God's doing. Hopefully, I did not get in the way too much. But I tell you this story to encourage you. GO on a mission trip when you get the opportunity. Our own Paul Williams in this community has lead many mission trips through the Methodist Church. Dennis Phillips of the Pulaski-Bleckley Baptist Association leads yearly trips. Speak to your pastor, there ARE opportunities.

You go thinking you might change the world. But it's YOUR world that gets changed. It's your perspectives that are altered. It's your attitude that is modified. It is your pre-conceived notions that get shattered. People around the world all want the same things; to be loved; to be accepted; to survive and even thrive. People attempt to fill those wants with everything imaginable, yet, only God can truly fulfill.

Hopefully all 14 of us will never be the same. Possibly it took traveling half way around the world, attempting to change their lives, that will result in us being willing to change lives back home. When asked, GO. If not asked, then ask your Pastor, and then GO.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1:7-9

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Soak Up the Sun: The Benefits of Solar, Portable USB Chargers

Solar USB chargers are electronic devices that provide energy for your mobile phone, laptop, mp3, and other electronics. Solar chargers can connect via a USB port on your laptop or by way of a plug-in AC adapter, but they can also charge by their presence in the sunlight. Since they are solar, the weather (the sun) can play a role in reenergizing your charger so as to provide the needed energy for your electronic devices. There are a few benefits that solar, portable USB chargers provide-benefits that make them an accessory that you cannot leave home without.

One benefit of solar, portable USB chargers is that they can be carried with you on the go (portability). Many individuals like to travel and cannot predict when the batteries in their devices will die or lose a large amount of power. In those situations, individuals need to have something outside of batteries (which they may not have, particularly in camping situations) by which they can still garner an energy supply. Solar, portable USB chargers provide another way to do that through a laptop or computer USB port. Laptops are also portable devices, making them a perfect source of energy for a USB charger when you are in itinerant circumstances.

Another benefit of solar, portable USB chargers is that they are USB chargers. USB chargers can be energized by way of your laptop's USB port, making them convenient to carry (as is your laptop) when you are out of town or on a mountain bike adventure. Now that summer is here, the last thing you want to do when out of town is to be forced to reside in a hotel or a relative's home while your device is charging. After all, the mountains are gorgeous; the Grand Canyon is as wonderful as ever with the sun shining down and the blue sky and clouds in their respective places. The view is gorgeous this time of year, and you do not want your charging needs to interfere with all the outdoor fun you can experience.

Next, the portable solar powered charger is beneficial because it can be charged via solar energy. As mentioned above, you do not want to force yourself to stay indoors this summer when the weather is so nice. With a solar powered device charger, you can head outdoors and take your energy source with you! It can sit in the sun for a time and regain some of its energy (around 50%) so that you can use it to charge your other devices that could lose energy and die at any moment. You want to plan for surprises, though you may not be able to plan for them all-such as a bear coming out of the woods to visit you and your family! Solar-powered devices are perfect for outdoor adventures and long, extended trips.

A portable solar USB charger also saves money. When you are at home and your battery dies, your Android solar charger will power your Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone in no time while also saving you money on your electricity bill. If you take your Samsung S II outside a few days a week and recharge it via solar power, you can save $20-$30 or more a month on your electricity bill. You will soon wish that all your appliances were solar powered!

Better still is a solar charger that not only comes with all the above benefits, but also has a solar power backup battery. In case your charger dies, there is always a rechargeable backup battery to empower your solar charger to continue charging your various electronic devices. Having twice the energy power will enable you to have twice the fun on your outdoor travels as you talk on your iPhone 4s, surf the Web on your laptop or the new iPad, connect your iPod Touch 4G to your new, fifteen-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, and connect with friends by way of Facebook or Google+ on the iOS 6 or Android OS platforms. When you combine solar energy, portability, and convenience with an external USB backup battery, you have a combination that is hard to beat.