Visit Me Here:

http://mattruple.theworldrace.org/

The Transition

So, as many of you know, I am going to be leaving for a year long mission trip starting in June of 2009. We have to keep a blog during our journey and instead of writing the same thing twice, I will be posting a link to the updated blog. Currently I am at training camp for the trip and here is the first link:

http://mattruple.theworldrace.org/?filename=training-camp

Here We Go

Wow. It has been a long time since I posted anything. I'm trying to think why...is it because I am too busy being back in the hustle and bustle of America? I don't really think so. I think it has more to do with the fact that something crazy doesn't happen everyday here and there are a lot more distractions here that I entertain before I think about writing on the blog.

Anyway, things are going well and moving right along. I spent the month of February working. Not you typical job, but that's why I liked it. I traveled along the eastern United States with a buddy and we inspected cash registers and Walmart and Sam's Club stores. Basically we just made sure the cleaning person was doing there job and we reported whatever we found with pictures and a write up. The work wasn't bad and the perks of the job were great. Would you pass up a road trip with a buddy, travel the coast, and head south to enjoy warm weather and the beach?? I didn't think so. We met up with friends and family along the way and did everything from four-wheeling, to shooting, to go-kart racing, to bocce ball, and a lot of frisbee on the beach.

On our travels we stopped by Savannah to see the city. My buddy Aaron was super excited to go to some restaurant named, The Lady and Sons. He said we had to go because it was Paula Deen's restaurant...so I asked who Paula Deen was. Apparently most people know who she is, but not me. Anyway, after some persuading we went to check it out and somehow got in. The food was great....a little expensive...but good. I guess I can check this one off my list of things to do before I die....eat at The Lady and Sons.

Now I'm back in Ohio and trying to get everything ready for the next year of my life. Here is the plan: This weekend I am goin backpacking with some friends. After getting back from that I'm heading to Cincinnati to spend a day there on my way to Georgia for training for The World Race. Immediatly after that ends I am going to be meeting up with a friend in Georgia or Tenessee and we'll be heading out West on a cross-country motorcycle trip. I've always wanted to do this, and I still need to make it out to California to see friends before I leave on the missions trip....so this will work out great. A week or so after I get back from that journey it will be off for a year long mission trip with Adventure In Missions (The World Race). It's all starting to come together and I am super excited about everything. Alright, that's it for the quick update. Till next time...

The World Race

I put together a short video that gives an overview for the upcoming mission trip I will be going on.  Take a look...

The World Race from Matt Ruple on Vimeo.

To find out more about The World Race, read my blog posts, or donate to me and this ministry, click: mattruple.theworldrace.org

Dependence

Proverbs 30: 7-9

"Two things I ask of you, LORD;
       do not refuse me before I die:
  Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
       give me neither poverty nor riches,
       but give me only my daily bread.
  Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
       and say, 'Who is the LORD?'
  Or I may become poor and steal,
       and so dishonor the name of my God."

Hmmm....can I honestly pray that?  Can I say that I want only enough to sustain me? Only enough so I 'm constantly relying on God?  That's not what I hear in America.  It doesn't seem like we need God...or at least we don't act like we do.  Is it any wonder why?  We're conditioned to become independent, save for the future, become stable...and these things aren't bad, but let's not forget what part God plays in everything.  When these things cause us to disown or dishonor God, we've got a problem.

On another note, I put together some pictures of my time from Haiti....it may be a little long, but you can always watch it in segments.  Hope you enjoy.

My Time In Haiti from Matt Ruple on Vimeo.