Around-the-World Family Stories of Adventure & Grace

by Norton , John J.; Lee, Adam R.

• ISBN13: 9781948969888
• ISBN10: 1948969882
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2022-06-21
• Publisher: 1517 Publishing

Summary

Over the course of nine years, our family circumnavigated the globe four times. We led teams of college students on academic, missional adventures that involved learning about culture, literature, and the relentless love of God in beautiful communities all around the world.

The stories in this collection recount moments when we experienced the goodness of God on the shoulder of a friend. These are moments when we found ourselves needing to depend upon our team or on the community around us. These beautiful moments occurred when doubts and discomfort threatened to capsize our adventure, yet by an unexpected miracle of God, we were able to see differently, navigate obstacles, and take hold of a deeper sense of trust and understanding.

In these moments we did not possess the necessary materials, knowledge, or strength, yet because of the grace of God, expressed through the strength and goodness of friends, we found the tools to continue adventuring.

Author Biography

John J. Norton is co-founder and director of the Around-the-World (ATW) Semester program at Concordia University Irvine. The goal of the ATW Semester is to introduce students to global mission work, as well as to instruct them in thoughtful cultural engagement. John also serves the university as Professor of English and department chair. John and his wife Erica run a nonprofit organization called Bose Road Ministries that designs and leads high-impact educational experiences for churches and schools. With their three kids, Jack, Naomi, and Sheffield, John and Erica have led over 100 university students on international academic and missionary adventures all around the world.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface
Introduction
PART 1: ATW 2010
Argentina: “Party in a Slum”
Russia: “Picking Potatoes and Making Friends”
Jordan: “Learning to Read and Write, Again”
Egypt: “Surrounded by an Unexpected Kindness”
Kenya: “The Rescued Turned Rescuer”
India: “Over Budget and Overwhelmed”
Indonesia: “Dancing without Hesitation”
China: “Raw Fish Surprise”
China: “Miming toward Friendship”
PART 2: ATW 2012
India: “Invited into His Suffering”
Bolivia: “The Road of Life and Death”
PART 3: ATW 2014
Brazil: “Look at Me and Breathe”
Paraguay: “Four Feet Wide and Six Feet Deep”
Romania: “New Friends and New Vision”
Nepal: “Rescue in Mamling”
India: “Air Conditioning and Friendship”
Cambodia: “Returning to the Site of the Murder”
PART 4: ATW 2016
PART 5: ATW 2017

Tianjin, China: “Playing Catch with Zander”
Thailand: “Banjos and Buddhists”
Rwanda: “Dirty Sandals, Clean Hearts”
Greece: “Holding the Brick”
Germany: “Church for Sale: $1”
PART 6: ATW 2019
China: “Roads in Deserts, Streams in Thirsty Lands”
Mongolia: “We Saved the Eyeball for You, Professor”
Vietnam: “Fighting for Friendship”
Israel: “Still a Holy Land”
Uganda: “Plowing into Discomfort”
Hungary: “Dancing with Bence”
PART 7: FAMILY TRIPS
Costa Rica: “What are Your Dreams?”
Guatemala: “Hurry Up, Wait, and Listen”
Final Notes
Special Thanks