face time

Have you seen Dentyne's current ad campaign?

I think it's sheer creative genius. Mostly because it deeply resonates with people. And while it doesn't make me want to blow bubbles with Dentyne gum, it does make me want to put down my laptop and enjoy some face time.

Living in Africa for over a decade, the internet has been my life source for connections. Most of my friendships have never been sustained with phone calls, coffee dates, lunches, or visits. Instead, they've been cultivated with emails, instant messages, blogging, and video chats.

Lately I've heard a lot of dialogue about whether or not community can be found online. This much I know is true: It can. I'm grateful for the rich, genuine friendships that I've fostered over the internet.

But while I appreciate the value of "technologically advanced" friendships, I also recognize the significance of what I've missed in actual face time. A text message communicates far less than a long, tight hug. A phone call pales in comparison with the unspoken expressions of a glance or a touch. An online chat is merely a shadow of a chai-in-hand conversation on a coffee shop couch.

I'll always be grateful for whatever form of connection and affection I'm blessed to have. But whenever possible, please can I have some face time?

'Cause, seriously... What I wouldn't give for a hug like this today---

doing life together

Calling all readers: I really need everyone's input on something significant that's been brewing in my heart. So if you've been lurking reading without commenting, this is your time to come out of hiding speak up. And of course, if you usually comment, do as you normally do. And just in case it's not 100% clear, first-time visitors are also required requested to comment.

Okay, now that we're all on the same page...

I'd like to host a blogger mission trip to Africa.

(In case you're unaware: My husband and I are missionaries in South Africa; we've been here for ten years; we run a ministry; we host mission teams.)

My vision for a blogger mission trip stems from the desire so many of us have to meet our new friends from all over the country world and at the same time do something eternally significant. So why can't we combine those two by teaming up, traveling to Africa, and sharing the love of Christ together?

I can think of no better way I'd want to experience doing life together with any of you.

There is tons more I could say about the whats, whens, wheres, hows, and whys that are running around in my heart, but first let's tackle the whos. I need to get a sense of how many people would even want to do something like this...

So this is where you come in. (Yes, you!)

What I want to know from you is:

• How interested are you in a blogger mission trip to Africa?
• Any specific time of year that's best
• An ideal length of time for the trip
• Where you live
• If you can't go, would you like to help send?

Spread the word. This is gonna be big...  I can already feel it.