Child-Like Faith

July 10, 2008July 10, 2008Brian Aaby 3 Comments

So, this blog is not only going to be about the adventures of Brian, or the adventures of Youthmark… it is also about the family. While I was on my baseball trip and Elisabeth was playing the role of “SuperMom” (which she plays even when I am home) she sent me a very cute email. Here is part of her emial to me:

Okay, here’s the note Halle wrote to me yesterday (I’ll type everything exactly as she wrote it):

“Dear Mom, Thank you for signing us in for swiming lessons. I’m really exited about learning to swim. i’m also exited to learn how to duck my head underwater. i think that swiming lessons is really fun. I love you. Love, Halle (in fancy letters) xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo (and on and on)”

Then, later in the afternoon (after lessons), she asked if she could be alone in her room for a while… I noticed Halle had her Bible and a little journal. She gave me this twenty minutes later:

“Dear Heavenly Father I pray you would help me in swiming lessons to duck my head under
water without holding my nose. Thank you for the beutiful earth you made. I pray that you help me to grow in knowing and loving you in Jesus name i pray. Amen.”
Wendsday praer. HGA

The Lord answers these prayers. Yesterday I took Halle and Audrey to their 4th swim lesson. Halle went under water 3 times without any freak outs! It was awesome. Below is a pic of my girls at their lesson.

May we all thank the Lord for the lessons He is teaching us and may we all pray to grow in knowing and loving Him!

Grace,

Brian

Ready to take the plunge!

So, what are you doing?

July 9, 2008July 9, 2008Brian Aaby 3 Comments

Where to begin? As I sit down to begin my “career” at Youthmark I am struck with this question, and to be honest, it’s the question I have been asked the most the last couple weeks, “what is the first thing you will be working on?”

I want Youthmark to provide quality products, events, experiences, resources, coaching and more for the greater youth and family ministry causes. To that end I will be putting together mission trips, conferences, camps and written resources. Over the last few years I have written a series of books (Bible Studies) which will make their debut and be published sometime in the next few months (we hope). Because this is out of my hands (or off of my computer so-to-speak) and in the hands of more professional people doing the final edit/formatting/publishing, then I am free to begin some of my other projects.

So, to answer the “what will I be working on” question… I am developing what I think could be a HUGE program for Youthmark. It will be one part mission trip, but will include resources and the like to enhance the mission of the Youth ministries in the northwest. Please be in prayer as I write these resources, develop a business strategy and market the plan.

Over the next month or so I will be receiving feedback from move: mission prep workbook, and reformatting this to be included in the overall mission strategy.

I am hoping to head down to LA in the next few weeks for some key meetings and will also be working on a writing project with Elisabeth. We greatly appreciate your prayers.

Speaking of prayers… Sometime in the next month we will have a gathering of sorts (I’m hoping a BBQ) for those who want to be part of the Youthmark Prayer Fellowship (just came up with that for lack of a better title). We want to gather from time to time to bring our prayer support team up to speed and just enjoy hanging out together. I’ll let you know when this is, Andy and Terri Heider will host the first one. We’d love to have you there!

Okay, back to the other writing!

Grace,
Brian

Contest #2

July 8, 2008July 10, 2008Brian Aaby 7 Comments

Name This Celebrity

*If you are this celebrity, or if you know this celebrity (specifically, married to him) or are related to me, you may not answer this question. Winner gets a free Starbucks card. I’ll post hints until someone gets it. We’ll start just with the pic, then check back, hints will be posted below.

Hint #1: Uses his vocal chords a lot.

Hint #2: Is not a mormon, but people might think he is.

Hint #3: Though on a baseball trip, he “calls” Basketball and Football his favorites.

Hint #4: It is not David Locke (but Wes is on the right path).

Hint #5: He’s a professional, but doesn’t “call” professionals.

Hint #6: Lives near a lake where he could float, but it isn’t Dead.

Hint #7: His voice can be heard, but he can’t be seen.

Hint #8: He is a white man (as you can see) and he cannot be called the “color” guy.

**CONGRATS**

Jan B. is our winner. How funny, there is a Jan A. and Jan B. who frequent the blog. Shoot me an email Jan B. and I’ll get you your prize.

Mike Lageschulte was on the trip with us. He and his wife, Becky, were really sweet. I got to know them a bit and they said they were going to check out the blog. Mike is the play-by-play guy for the University of Utah football and basketball programs. He does the Play-by-play for the radio. He is friends with David Locke, who was on KJR here in Seattle for years.

Bye, Bye, Boston

July 8, 2008Brian Aaby 1 Comment

My view looking left

So… My first place for ballparks is now a great debate. Safeco was number 1 going into the trip, Wrigley was number two… I’ll post an official list in a day or two, but I can tell you after sitting in the seats we had last night, factored with the humidity, heat and everything else, I can’t say “Fenway is the clear cut #1 anymore.”

The seating at Fenway was made for my kids. Enough said at this point.

Great game last night though! Boston pulls out a 1-0 Pitching duel.

We are at Logan Airport as I type, getting ready for a flight home. Can’t wait to see Elisabeth, Halle, Audrey and Will. Elisabeth is such a great Mommy, but I am sure she is looking forward to a little down time with just Will. And I can’t wait to have an extended Daddy/Daughters Date (taking them to Lake Kachess later today).

I’m looking forward to start posting some of my other thoughts about this trip, my transition, Youthmark, my family and anything else I can think of. I’m even thinking of some cool contests I can run on here from time-to-time!

I posted a couple pics of last night below. Pray for a safe flight for the Aaby-boys!

Grace,

 Brian

Back side of Fenway

my view looking right

Bean Town!

July 7, 2008July 7, 2008Brian Aaby 1 Comment

We made it to Boston! As soon as we arrived we were able to take a tour of Fenway Park. For those of you who don’t know, I took my dad on a baseball trip to Chicago last year. We were able to see US Cellular Field (WhiteSox), Wrigley Field (Cubs) and Miller Park (Milwaukee Brewers). I liked all three parks, but Wrigley was the one we both looked forward to the most. It did NOT disappoint at all. Heading into this trip, I was certainly excited about all 4 parks and Cooperstown, but was most looking forward to Fenway, here in Boston.

Even after last years trip to the Midwest, Safeco Field in Seattle remained my #1 park I had ever been to. Well, Fenway has now moved into first place. The stadium, atmosphere and everything else combined (even w/o taking in a game yet) makes it the best I’ve been to.

Here are a couple pics.

One of my first views

Not my seat tonight!

After our introduction we were able to head over to the “Green Monster” and sit in the seats there as well. These seats were added in 2003, and retail at $160 per game (and you have to enter a lottery to even get to one game here).

On top of the Monster

view from the Monster

After touring and on our way out I got a part time job and then David and I were interviewed by the NBC affiliate. Okay, the first isn’t true, but the second is! We might be on TV tonight in Boston, if I find it online tonight I’ll let you know!

My P/T job

David on NBC

And then when we got to the hotel we got on ichat with Mom. Here is a pic in Boston showing Seattle showing Boston! Cool with technology, huh?

Dylan made my blog!

Off to the Best Stadium I’ve ever been to!

Grace,
Brian

Anytown, USA

July 7, 2008July 7, 2008Brian Aaby 2 Comments

As I sit in our hotel room in Albany, NY, I miss the blast from the past of yesterday. Yesterday, it seems, we traveled back to 1948, Anytown, USA. It was actually Cooperstown, NY. What a great scene. The place celebrating America’s Pastime looked more like a place I’d take a Rural Mission trip than the place hosting the Hall of Fame of Baseball.

One of the streets in Cooperstown

After an almost 5 hour bus trip we enjoyed scenes like the one above. It was truly gorgeous. We grabbed lunch at Doubleday Diner first, then entered the Hall of Fame.

The Hall was great. For my Dad it was reliving so many years of history. For me and David it was reliving some of ours as well, but a lot of learning about the history as well. It was a great experience and I can’t wait to bring my own family here someday. The beauty of the town itself is worth it.

$The M\'s \$

We sort of separated at the Hall for quite some time. After I had had enough for one visit I went walking through the town and encountered some great scenes and a good break from the crowds (the whole trip we’ve been surrounded by each other and thousands of fans at each game, and in each city); this was a great little break.

I’ve very much enjoyed the trip, I enjoyed the one day break from games (though the town hosts “Doubleday Field” and I did catch a few innings of a couple youth and young adult games yesterday). Looking forward seeing Boston and Fenway Park. Certainly the stadium we all have looked forward to the most! Can’t wait!

Hope you’re enjoying the trip vicariously through us!

Grace,
Brian

Free Wi-fi

July 6, 2008July 6, 2008Brian Aaby 2 Comments

On the road to Cooperstown! The rest stop areas on the east coast are far different than ours out west. They are all equipped with restaurants (fast food) and coffee shops. They are also equipped with wi-fi! So, I thought I would take advantage of it with by putting in a quick post.

I have listened to all of one and part of another Mark Driscoll sermon. The first is called “Kingdom: God Reigns” and can be found on the page here!

The second is an older one (which I’m not done with yet, but it is 1 Cor. 12:12 –One Body). Great stuff.

So, if you’re looking for something to listen to, have at them!

Also, I have posted again at idahomission08.wordpress.com; so please pray for my friend Jared.

Grace,
Brian

Start Spreading the News

July 6, 2008July 6, 2008Brian Aaby 1 Comment

New York City!

Wow.

The one word which can describe the look, the feel, the atmosphere and the prices in New York City… wow.

We drove the couple hours from Philadelphia to NY yesterday morning, arriving at the Seaport area by about 11:15. Dad, David and I took in about an hour of sight seeing, grabbed a NY style hot dog (from a street vendor) and then grabbed a little more at a local corner restaurant. It was raining at this time, so the indoor feel was better than the outdoor.

The drive to the Bronx was next; interesting. Wasn’t nearly as ugly as others had told me it was. Wasn’t pretty either. One of the main reasons were came on this trip was to go to Yankee Stadium. As many of you know, it is the last season at this Yankee Stadium. The new Yankee Stadium makes her debut next April (it is right next door, I’ll post a pic below).

What a great game. Not too much rain and a very not pretty stadium, but lots of history! Glad we made it. Yankees almost blew the game but pulled out the 2-1; which made the 20%-of-the-crowd BoSox fans upset!

After the game the weather cleared up and we checked into our hotel and then hit Times Square. WOW. The three of us enjoyed Applebees in Times Square (prices were almost double what I pay in Seattle). My brother and I spent another couple hours walking around while Dad went back early.

Today we’re off to Cooperstown and the baseball Hall of Fame. Long drive, but a good rest, I hope. Then off to Boston tomorrow. Looking forward to Fenway the most!

Posted some more pics below!

Grace,
Brian

Ground Zero

Classic NY staples

The Brooklyn Bridge

sold out

$can\'t imagine New Year\'s eve here$

Yay Dave!

Yo Adrian?

July 5, 2008July 6, 2008Brian Aaby 2 Comments

In the city of Brotherly Love… never did see Rocky, but did see the Liberty Bell (on the 4th even). Pretty cool stuff. My Dad took in more of the Historical District Museum stuff while David and I walked around other parts of the city… we were able to see the burial place of Ben Franklin; and found another sacred place, Starbucks (you can see David checking his email below).

After checking into the Holiday Inn Express we took off for the game at Citizen’s Bank Park, home of the Phillies. Great park! I had the best ballpark fare I have ever had, a LARGE turkey leg; the biggest mess I’ve ever made of my hands and face with all the BBQ sauce as well. Good times.

The game was a great one, the Phillies win on a bottom of the 9th, two out single by a guy named (fittingly), Victorino! The game was about 2 hours and 40 minutes. We guess about 2:10 of it was played a in a steady rain… why doesn’t everybody go for the extra $100 Million and get a roof?

The highlight of my day (yes, beyond the Bell, beyond the game, beyond the 4th) was getting two great text message pics of my kids. Elisabeth sent a couple precious pictures to me during the game. I miss them much, can’t wait to get back home but will enjoy the rest of the tour (especially when she keeps sending me those little pick-me-ups!).

Some of the pics from yesterday, below…

Grace,
Brian