Back From D.C. - IJM & Other Highlights

"Who do I work for? I work for those who are suffering!" - Gary Haugen, President & CEO, International Justice Mission

This past week I was in Washington, D.C. attending International Justice Mission's (IJM) pre-field orientation week. I have long respected and been fond of IJM, but after this week, I can honestly say "astounding" is an understatement to describe who Amber and I are working for. Hear these words here first, IJM is redefining what Christian work looks like and is setting the standard for future generations. Wrought with professionalism and excellence, IJM is equipped with a powerhouse of well-qualified and experienced staff from all realms of life; be it government, investigators and law enforcement personnel, lawyers, trauma and aftercare specialist, corporate world, or pastoral - IJM is qualified and taking action. This, though, should not be a surprise at all in light of their line of work.

In posts to come, I look forward to sharing more about the foundational values of IJM which motivates their corporate governing structure.

Some Highlights from D.C.

- Becoming adept in IJM and what they do makes us all the more humbled and honored to be a part of what they're doing.

- Getting to ride the Metro. I always enjoyed riding the Metro trains in Chicago. I didn't know D.C. had the same set-up. When I flew in and had to buy a rail card, I was pumped for the adventure!

- Meeting the IJM staff, Fellows, and Interns.

- Spending time with John Ginn. It was great to see and talk with an old friend in person, instead of normally on the phone.

- Meeting Dr. Douglas Elmendorf. Do you know who this is? Perhaps not. Dr. Elmendorf is an American economist and the director of the CBO (Congressional Budget Office). He is overseeing right now with a group of others the priorities in helping our economy recover.

Things I'll be Looking Forward To While In D.C.

This coming Sunday I will be flying to Washington D.C. for the entirety of the upcoming week. While there, I will be attending training week at International Justice Mission's Headquarters. Although I am greatly looking forward to being with IJM's staff and other field workers I will be working alongside of, there are at the same time, some things I will be missing about home. Thus, below are some things I am looking forward to and others I am not:

I am looking forward to:

- Spending a week with world class talent and a world class organization taking action against injustice

- Hopefully stopping by the National Archives and the Lincoln Memorial (I can remember being there when I was younger and have always wanted to return!)

- Receiving complimentary Coca-Cola while flying (Coke is my favorite pop; all the more is it when it's free and served to you!)

- Visiting with the one, the only - John Ginn! (John is one of my closest and most long-term buds. He recently transferred to American Law School, which so happens to be in D.C.)

- Just being in D.C. What an electric place to be! (I've always been a good rhymer)

I am not looking forward to:
- Being away from my dear Am for a week. Except for being in the Philippines while Amber planned our wedding, this will be the longest we've been a part both before and since we've been married.
- Being away from Isaiah! I won't see my little big guy for a whole week! He's already walking. He'll have his license by the time I return!

 
- I'll miss being away from the youth group I oversee at Bethel

- And, I'll miss working on the farm here in Fremont. This job is a blast, but there's no doubt, there will be plenty of work to do upon my return.