Well, after thinking, praying, weighing the options, Sarah and i decided that i should go to Pakistan to assist in setting up shelters for homeless earthquake victims.

The quake left 3 million homeless. Pakistan’s national army has been heading up the reconstruction, but their resources have quickly become tapped out. They continue to call for international assistance. FrontRelief, the organization i will go through, has had contacts in Pakistan for many years, and has a good working relationship with the government. FrontRelief has about 1,500 shelters that could be set up immediately if they had the personnel to distribute them. Rather than further taxing the efforts of those already coordinating so much, they are offering to bring in people to assist.

It is a very exciting decision. The hardest part is definitely thinking of spending that much time apart, especially since we are still feeling very “newly-wed” still. My work situation should provide enough flexibility to let me take the time off, and we are trusting that the money will be provided somehow.

The plan is currently to leave on the 28th of Nov, do one day of orientation, 2 days of travel to Pakistan (20 hours of flying, plus some time zone shifts), 14 days of in-country work setting up shelters where mountain-dwelling families can spend the winter, and then returning for one day of debrief. This time line is one of the earliest teams going. We want to leave as soon as possible to start to get things set up before the weather worsens (and so i can be back for some of Advent, my favorite liturgical season). If i can assemble my own team, we might be able to leave a day or two earlier.

So, first of all, i am looking for a team. Culturally speaking, women can’t really do this kind of work in Pakistan. I want to bring three other guys with me, men i know and trust with whom i can face the mountains, the cold, and the hard work. Guys, if you are reading this, you need to consider coming with me. The need is urgent. This is what we are made for.

Financial contributions are also appreciated. This isn’t a funded position, and we are covering the costs out of pocket. Please consider giving to this unique relief effort.

More news to come soon!!

+brooke

This past weekend, my beautiful wife and I organized what is becoming an annual fall camping trip near this little-slice-of-Bavaria town called Leavenworth .

We had a great fire going, thanks to my brother chopping up lots of wood with my new Gerber hatchet. Sarah’s parents were even able to join us. We told jokes, had some Russian Quaalude and beers, roasted hot dogs, made s’mores, and generally had a good time.

The next day, after a tasty and assorted breakfast, we broke camp and headed into town for the Oktoberfestivities. This mostly involved taking advantage of the free samples at the cheese and chocolate shops, a lunch of beer and brats, and generally celebrating all things Autumnal.

We rounded out the day with a hike in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The trail was beautiful, running alongside a great twisty and tumbly creek. We were able to cross the creek dry thanks to an awesome Lincoln-Log-type bridge.

All in all, it was a fantastic weekend enjoying Fall colors and traditions. We made it back with a box of apples that Sarah will sauce (her recipe is gonzo-good!) and campfire-smelling clothes to keep us in the Oktoberfest spirit.