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I moved to New Orleans three and a half years ago to help with Hurricane Katrina relief work. When I arrived, I found a broken city and many people who had broken lives and broken spirits. Since 2005, the city, the people and the Saints have been rebuilding, and I have made New Orleans home.
To New Orleanians, the Saints aren't just a team who came from behind after 42 years of losses. They are a symbol of hope after a terrible time of suffering and a uniting force in a economically and racially divided city. After the Saints clinched the Super Bowl title, people flocked down to the French Quarter to celebrate, including me. I took this photo on Canal Street at about 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010. But amazingly, as people celebrated last night, they did it with almost no destruction, very little drinking and most amazingly - no racial divisions. Instead, elation had captured us. I saw a middle-aged Hispanic man hug a young black man on Bourbon Street. I saw people of every color hugging and high-fiving. It was an awesome glimpse into the Kingdom of Heaven.
.... WHO DAT!
Kim
Hello, Boundless community!
I'm here in good old Athens, Ohio. I'm a freshmen studying Journalism and Photojournalism at Ohio University. OU is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. Consequently, my dorm is situated right in between two massive hills that I must walk up to get anywhere! The countryside around is gorgeous -- plenty of greenery, lots of places to hike, camp, and fish.
The town itself is very old. Lots of buildings from the 1800's, brick roads that have no sense in their layout, and, of course, plenty of hills. The people here are in general, laid back and friendly. It is very much a "college town".
I have, through God's grace, and many prayers, found my place here. I love my classes. I have managed to make a great group of friends, young men and women who love the Lord with all of their hearts. I have found mentors in a young Christian couple with whom I make, serve, and eat dinner with at the local homeless shelter, The Timothy House on Saturdays. While I learn how to cook and prepare meals, we chat about relationships, school, faith, and everything else you can imagine. On Sundays, they take me to church nearby. After church I eat brunch in the dining hall with my girl's Bible study.
I got the idea to pray for all of these things from reading articles on Boundless!!!
I normally read Boundless at the desk or in the chair pictured here. But thanks the the miracle of wireless internet, I often sneak peeks whenever and wherever I can -- the library, the coffee shop, and sitting outside on the college green on nice days.
Thank you so much for all of your wonderful articles! They are a great resource to young college women like me who are searching for ways to pursue careers, friendships, marriage, and life in general that glorify God and further His Kingdom.
God bless!
Emily
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Barnesville is a small town about an hour south of Atlanta. Barnesville is far enough from Atlanta to enjoy fresh air, low crime rates, and traffic-less driving. But close enough to catch a ball game, a play, or visit the aquarium in a day’s time. Barnesville also has the unique title of being the buggy capital of the world!
I am a member of Rock Springs Church and in my completely unbiased opinion, Rock Springs is the BEST church in the whole United States. God is doing powerful things at Rock Springs. Rock Springs is located in Milner GA where the population is under 1000. However, we have probably close to 4000 people at church every Sunday. It’s simply amazing.
Boundless is now part of my morning routine. I love to drink my coffee and search through some of the older boundless articles. I especially enjoy reading the articles that focus on women or dating. One of my favorite articles is Finding a Husband by Candice Watters, its one of the older articles, but I suggest that all the ladies read it. Thanks for all your hard work team boundless!
Leigh
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I've heard it said that when Jesus said to take the gospel to the "farthest ends of the earth", the northern most parts of New Zealand are what encompass that description. But, whichever description best fits Northland, I very much love to appreciate God’s creation in all its grandeur over here!
I stumbled across Boundless.org and read my first article just this year. I was so convicted, impressed and encouraged that I’ve been following the blog, the site and now the podcasts ever since. The wisdom, insights and plain old accountability your site offers are absolutely priceless and have been a constant help to me at defining moments in my walk with God.
Keep it up, you guys rock!
Stephen
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Hi Boundless!
First, I want to thank you for the great work! I've been reading the webzine for 5 years now, and this summer I discovered the podcast. I've gone back to the beginning and listened to each one (I'm almost done!). You guys are a great help to my faith.
I'm here, in Philadelphia, as a medical student. When I'm not studying, I enjoy bioethics, good friends (and looking for mentors), exercise, and exploring the city. The picture is with my brother in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (with the infamous Rocky steps).
Anna
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Dear Boundless,
I am writing to you from sleepy Bulawayo, a town of about a million inhabitants, known for its wide streets and friendly people.
I started reading Boundless regularly at the suggestion of a great friend and fellow single (a guy who was mentored by Boundless and has just gotten married!). I can't get the podcast, because of dial-up speed (or lack thereof), but I subscribe to the Boundless and Boundless Line feeds, so I stay up to date.
Thank you to all the writers and commenters; God has used you to bless my spiritual life beyond measure, and if I am a person of influence, I have in turn been influenced by you. :)
Thank you for the online fellowship.
Grace and Blessings.
Shona
Ps. Zimbabwe is doing excellently lately, even though we still have problems... Thanks for the prayers.
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As a long-time Boundless reader and podcast listener (from day 1!), I am HERE in Arroyo Grande, California. Right by the beautiful Pacific Ocean, it's not a bad day to go to the beach and listen to Boundless ... especially when Candice is on the show!!
Thanks for all you do to provide us good resources for godly living!!
Ciao for now,
Janice
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Hey Boundless!
That photo is of the Volcán Arenal, a very active volcano in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. I'm spending the fall semester studying Spanish here, for my junior year in college, and I've been able to visit many of the landmarks for weekend field trips. When I'm not on one of those, I live with a Costa Rican family in Costa Rica's capital, San José.
I had a hard time choosing pictures to send, because I've taken an easy thousand since arriving in August. Costa Rica touches both the Caribbean and the Pacific, so it's got some great beaches. However, it isn't an island, contrary to popular belief--it's the country just north of Panama and known as "the pearl of Central America."
While I haven't been able to listen to the podcasts since coming to Costa Rica, I keep up with the blog and occasionally post a comment. I've been really blessed by the different perspectives on being single and Christian; plus I enjoy the other, tangentially-related-to-singleness-if-at-all posts. :) Keep up with the great insights!
Sarah (RS)
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I began reading Boundless more than six years ago when I was a 20 year old who had never been on a date. I appreciated so much that I had found a place that published interesting and thought provoking articles and reinforced my own beliefs about singleness, marriage, and family.
Now, I have been married for two years and we have two little boys! I met my husband on a short-term missions trip to Ireland. He is a missionary kid who never left the field where his parent brought him. He has a full-time secular job, and we work together in many support roles in his parent's church plant.
The picture is of two of the lads preparing for the worship service in one of the rooms we rent in our local Gaelic Athletic Association building.
I still visit Boundless and the Line nearly every day. Keep up the good work. God is good, life is sweet, and marriage heavenly.
Thank you Boundless!
Holly
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Hi Boundless!
I live and work here in southwestern Idaho. The Sawtooth mountain range seen in the picture is famous for its great camping, hiking, and hunting areas. It's so beautiful, even breathtaking at times.
Thanks so much for all the work your staff puts into leading and encouraging people all over the world, in Christ. Your articles and discussions are edifying and given me a more Biblical understanding of several key life issues.
Marie
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Hi everyone!
I'm writing from the lovely southern tip of Africa! We stand in awe at God's work in this relatively small (South Africa is 5 times the size of Japan and three times the size of Texas) and young country (republic).
In a nutshell,I am proudly South African and claim my privileged "share" in hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup (soccer), Madiba, democracy, diversity, sport (rugby and cricket), culture (11 official languages), inventions such as breakwater dolosse, automatic pool cleaners, first oil-from-coal refinery and flight control technology. Well known for nature as diverse as it is beautiful ("God's window" through to the Karoo), the largest green canyon in the world (Blyderivier Canyon), as well as being home to the world's smallest succulent plants (less than 10 mm) and the largest (the baobab). Moreover, we host the biggest man-made hole on earth (Kimberley) as well as the deepest vertical man-made hole (Jagersfontein), the longest wine route in the world, the world’s first heart transplant (1967 by South African Dr. Chris Barnard), the big five and lastly (I’m running short on breath here…) the world's largest diamond (Cullinan diamond, uncut more than 3000 carats, now a "mere" 500 carats nestled in the British crown jewels!
But even that resume has another aspect, we have a crime rate among the highest in the world, AIDS (and countless orphans due to this disease), swine flu, a third of our population has "illegal immigrant" status and some of the worst drivers in the world (public transport is not as well developed as some other countries…). I tell you, the words "concrete jungle" take on a whole new meaning!
And then at last, the best part is most definitely God moving in our country. Something that far surpasses any of the above-mentioned honours and problems is the revival we are experiencing. People are turning to God in ways and numbers unimaginable, with the most celebrated (and, of course criticized) being the "Mighty Mens Conference". Last year we stood in awe as over 70,000 men gathered around the word of God. But this year, an estimated 200,000 men gathered. Can you imagine the impact of that many fathers, husbands and sons seeking God? That is just publicly, the complete extent of the movement has to be felt to be understood and all glory to God (for this is no human triumph)!
Why I love South Africa (By Ian Macdonald)
I love her for the perfection of her days
The crisp Karoo morning
The Joburg winter noon
The late summer Cape Town sunset
The star-filled Free State night
I love her for her people
For our warm smiles
For our resilience
For our I-am-because-we-are
I love her because she delights my senses
Highveld thunderbolts
Jacarandas in bloom
Sunday braais
African sun
Icy sea
I love her raw power, her intensity, her strength
I love her because of how she makes me feel
Sometimes angry, sometimes joyous
Sometimes fearful, sometimes love-filled
Sometimes frustrated, sometimes hopeful
Always alive
I love her because she intrigues me
And challenges me
The Chinese have a curse: "May you live in interesting times"
I see it as a blessing
I love her because she helps me keep things in perspective
By reminding me how privileged I am
Every day
I love her for being a microcosm of the world
A world in one country
For what we can teach the world
About compromise
And sharing
And forgiveness
And tolerance
And hope
I love her because she's imperfect
And full of opportunity
And potential unfulfilled
I love her because she has come so far
And has so much further to go
And whether we ever get there
Will all depend on us
I love her because she's been so good to me
And she inspires me to return the favour
I love her because she's my country
No matter what
I love her because she's my home
And where my soul is at rest
Warmest South African regards!
Marika
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Hello, Boundless!
We're the Jim Curlins, from Ozark, Arkansas.
My wife,Carol, and I met in the first grade, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She has the most amazing blue eyes, that I fell in love with, immediately, and told her at the age of seven I was going to marry her someday. We began to dating in our junior year of high school, and married two years later. We've been married, now, for almost 33 years, and have four grown children: Hannah, 27; James, 25, and married to Rachel Longtin, 23; Sarah, 21; and Jonathan, 18.
I graduated from the University of TN College of Dentistry, in 1984, and Carol homeschooled all four children. Our family loves music, and the creative arts, acting, directing, choreographing, and costuming various popular, family-oriented musicals.
Jonathan is an All-State 1st Tenor. Hannah is our creative genius, designing and constructing varous costumes, and choreographing area musical productions. Sarah is on a vocal scholarship to become an Elementary Music Teacher. James has pursued music at a professional level, and is busy, now, as a Youth & Music Pastor, in Waco, TX, and playing most weekends from Houston, to Dallas, with the James Curlin Band-- a Contemporary Praise & Worship Band. James was the Grand Champion winner of the GMA's 'Seminar in the Rockies' Christian Music Competition, in 1999, when he was 15. He is a featured performer on the 2002 'Let's Roll' Album -- a tribute to Flight 93 -- and has performed with Joy Williams, Mark Schultz, Tate, Selah, Anointed, and Jody McBrayer, of Avalon fame.
I am still practicing dentistry, five days a week, and am preaching at a small SBC Church, most Sunday mornings, for the last 18 months. My wife works in my office, three days a week, and Hannah runs my front office, after graduating from John Brown University, with a degree in Graphic Design. Jonathan will begin College, on an Academic Scholarship, in two weeks, and Sarah will be a Senior, this year, continuing as a First Soprano in her College's select Chamber Choir, and is scheduled to do her practice teaching in the Fall of 2010.
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I am in Lagos, Nigeria and I love reading Boundless all the time. It is really amazing and I also share articles with my friends and family.
Here is a picture of me and my friends in class. I am in my final year at the university and I also blog at harry-rami.blogspot.com
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Hi!
Just have to say how much I enjoy reading anything and everything from Boundless! I discovered Boundless at the New Attitude Conference 2008 and I've been hooked ever since.
I live in northeast Ohio where I grew up. I am one of 9 kids ... born to an Amish farmer and his lovely wife. I was raised in Amish and Mennonite churches until I was 10 years old. Then we became what my siblings I like to call "normal". :)
After high school I moved to Maryland (near Washington D.C.) for about 5 years to be a nanny and later took a job in an office. I have since moved back to Ohio and I am currently enjoying my job as a bookkeeper for a really great company.
I enjoy reading, daydreaming, organizing stuff (anything!!), and I love the outdoors and traveling (but only in warm weather).
Thank you Boundless for all your hard work and dedication!!!
Blessings,
Laura
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Hey Boundless,
It's been two years now I've been hooked on Boundless. A friend of mine introduced me to the site and I've been faithful to it and the podcast ever since.
I'm Kerry and this is me at my home office in Trinidad and Tobago in the southern Caribbean.
I run a national student news magazine called The Student Press and naturally I work with a lot of young people. Your articles have been a source of great inspiration to me especially as it pertains to giving advice to youth.
Lisa is my favourite of course. She is so brutally honest and sweet.
Oh, I must tell you guys thank you for messing with all my beliefs and pre-conceived notions of relationships. (Hope you get the sarcasm a la Lisa here lol.)
Keep up the great work.
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Hey Boundless denizens
This is Jools and I on honeymoon in Wales on the Gower peninsula. The weather that day was typical British- rainy, but things got better and we surfed, went for walks and rudimentary bird watching.
We've been married for just under 2 weeks* (yay!). We had a worshipful wedding and we embark on married life with confidence only in God to shape us into his likeness.
Thanks for all the Godly counsel and the encouragement to muster my courage and do the right thing.
Helkias
*Editor's note: This WAY was originally received on July 30th, 2009. Sorry for the delay, Helkias. =(
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Hi Boundless!
I'm writing you guys from the lovely island that my family has called home for 5 generations now. It may seem small to most people (just under 100 square miles), but I feel so blessed to live on one of (in my opinion) God's most beautiful creations. Now it's not perfect, I think the last single christian guy might have been spotted here around 1979, most people on the street would probably describe themselves as secular liberals, and we do have to take a 45 minute boat ride to get to "America"(or "Off-Island", as it's officially called here). But hey, it's my earthly abode, not Paradise.
My whole family loves reading "Boundless"! I don't really like reading off of a screen, so I print out articles and we pass them around. And the Podcast is terrific! The round table segment's my fave.
Thanks so much for all the work you guys are doing for the Kingdom. Your service impacts my life every day, so keep up the good work!
Abby
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Hi Boundless!
This is a photo of my dorm room here at Loma Linda University in Southern California.
I'm currently a student here in Occupational Therapy. I miss my family and friends back in Fresno, CA but I am so grateful and excited about being here :D
I often listen to Boundless podcasts here on my laptop on the weekends, and I am a daily reader of the Boundless Line.
Thank you for what you do! Boundless has been a wonderful resources for me (and my boyfriend) and I love telling people about you whenever I get the chance.
Victoria
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Hey!
First off, Boundless is awesome and so full of great resources and great people.
I am in Calgary, Alberta Canada nursing and loving it. I am on a journey of faith in following the call of God on my life to help in bringing new life into the world. Yes, you might have guessed it -- helping deliver babies. What an awesome opportunity and complete blessing!
I am excited to be starting my masters in nursing to become a midwife, a dream that was planted a while ago. God however loves to stretch us and mould us and teach us patience and dependence before he always gives us the desires of our hearts. I am excited for the journey and where it will lead, but I have a faithful and trusted shepherd.
Thanks for all that this web ministry does to bring people with similar beliefs and love for Christ together.
Beverly
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Greetings from Mexico!
This is a picture of me exploring some local ruins. I have been living in a small village in Southern Mexico for about a year now. The people can speak and understand some Spanish but when they are scared, confused, angry, or even just really happy they always switch to the Z. Language. I am working as part of a team to make Jesus Christ accessible to this people group in their heart language. Please pray for God's work here!
I starting reading and listening to Boundless right after I moved here. I have listened to all the old podcast and I look forward to downloading the newest podcasts each time I go into the city. Thanks so much for all you guys do! God Bless you and the Boundless Ministry!
Ashley
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We are using our camera phones with mp3 players to listen to the Boundless podcasts. I loaded a bunch of podcasts on his phone to get him hooked on it as much as I am. :)
Here we are using my camera phone to capture the views at Sunrise, Mt. Rainier in the gorgeous state of Washington, USA. It's sunrise (5:50 am) and we just watched that bright red orb lift up over the Cascade mountains into a small patch of cloud, before it ascends into the sky for a hot day. SPECTACULAR views, for which we drove up 6,400 ft and hiked uphill for a half hour in the dark to watch the stars disappear and the morning appear.
It's supposed to get up to 100 degrees (F) in Seattle today but we'll be sleeping in our nice cool rooms cause we stayed up all night. A bit of a trek, but worth it.
Leah & Ryan
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Hi Boundless,
I live in Millersburg, Ohio. It's a conservative area, home of the largest Mennonite and Amish Community in the United States. I love living in the country and enjoy breathtaking views that tourists travel from far and wide to see.
I have owned and run a small country decor gift shop for nine years and on my slow days or down times I love to read Boundless and find the articles informative an relevant to my life and struggles I deal with. I thank God for the work you do, and have recommended your website to many of my single friends.
Keep up the good work!
A 30-something Single Lady
Hello From Huntsville, Alabama. :-)
I'm at Bridge Street Town Centre with my sister watching the Gondolas go by. Always feels amazing to get to be out and experience a BEAUTIFUL day :-)
I love Boundless! I've only been reading for a year but its already Bookmarked in My BlackBerry and I check in everyday. I love the podcasts and articles ... ESPECIALLY the Q&As, Singles and Faith Articles. I couldn't pass up the chance to say hello and meet some of my fellow Christians :-)
Great meeting you all. Stay blessed.
Natasha
Hello!!!! This is Caroline from Pune, India. I am 25, single, and recently started reading Boundless. It has been a real blessing:)
I work as the secretary to the Dean of a Design College. I got to a local church called Kerusso Bible church. Its an evangelical, Bible believing church and I've been attending for a little over 3 years.
Pune is in the state of Maharashtra. It is also known as the Oxford of the East, for its university and education. There are a lot of students who come from other parts of India and from various countries, for further education. The language of the locals is Marathi, secondary languages being Hindi and English.
I have been in this city for 18 years and love it. Hopin' that this email gave you a brief idea of the place I live in.
A big thank you to the team at Boundless. You all are doin a great job.:)
Caroline
Hi! I'm from Hager City, WI, which is mostly a small farming community. We live on the edge of a bluff and my neighbors have a takeoff area for hangliding.
The village that serves as our school district is Ellsworth, WI. Ellsworth is the Cheese Curd Capital of the Wisconsin and holds Cheese Curd Festival Days and Polka Fest Days (the latter of which folks from all over the states attend this 4 day event). The village was first settled in 1857 and later named after Civil War Colonel, Elmer E. Ellsworth.
A few miles from us is the Mississippi River. The second picture is taken from the Minnesota side in Red Wing. The city of Red Wing lays claim to the sharpest turn in the river ... of which Mark Twain and inexperienced barge pilots find quite difficult to maneuver.
In 1805, a United States Army officer landed on the banks of the Mississippi and held a conference with the old Indian Chief who was called Hupahuduta (meaning “a swan’s wing dyed in red”). From that the city was named. Red Wing is world renown for its Red Wing Shoes (whose front product is durable work boots), and Red Wing Pottery (who manufactures much sought after collectible stoneware).
I'm a single, (almost) twenty-four year old nurse who works in the Dementia/Alzheimer's unit at the local nursing home. I instantly absorb almost every article you publish ... especially those having to do with relationships. You have been such an encouragement to me.
Keep up the amazing work and God bless you guys!
Holli
Greetings fellow Boundless readers,
I'm here in sunny Southern California. But I'm originally from Jakarta, Indonesia.
I've been a Boundless reader since college (about 10 years ago) when most of the articles was about singleness, which was perfect for me. I'm so glad Boundless has expand its ministries to young couple as well. Especially young couple with kids since I became a dad 15 months ago.
I think many of you know what Los Angeles looks like, so here's a picture of my church in Jakarta and the national monument (Monas).
Thank you Boundless for continuously providing good & healthy food.
Joel
Dear Boundless,
I live in the small town of Empangeni, in the eastern part of our beautiful country. It is close to the heart of the Zulu Kingdom, and right on the doorstep of many game reserves and nature attractions.
I have been reading Boundless for a few years, and have enjoyed the wealth of godly advice it offers. Keep up the great work!
This pic is of my husband and I at the beach in Mozambique (only a few hours up the coast).
Regards,
Jacqui
Hey Boundless,
I am from beautiful Fayetteville, North Carolina and I have the pleasure of being a part of a wonderful church family where God is moving in each service.
I listen weekly to the podcasts as I am cleaning the sanctuary and often find myself laughing and commenting aloud with you on the podcasts. The blogs are always insightful and thought-provoking and help minister to me as a 20-something single preparing for marriage and life ahead.
I love passing on the wealth of wisdom from Boundless Crew, so thanks Ted and Lisa and the rest of the Boundless Crew at Focus. Keep up the amazing work for the Kingdom! Stop by next time you’re in NC and say hello!
Michael
Hello, Boundless!
I am here in Western Massachusetts, wishing I were back in St. Petersburg, Russia where this photo was taken. In the picture you can see the typical small kitchen with the table doubling as a countertop. I am helping a friend’s children make pirozhki.
I’ve been a missionary in St. Petersburg for the past five years, since I graduated from college. Visa restrictions have gotten worse in the past few years, so I am home for the summer getting a new visa. This time I am going to take some classes, which will allow me to be there year-round, yet reduce my daily availability for ministry to orphans and others in need. I also do a lot of teaching ESL. I suppose the university will become another field for ministry as I take classes. People always want to know why an American has stuck around so long, although I am as content as I can be, living where God has called me. The next step is temporary residency, if I can get through all the red-tape.
I have a blog chronicling my adventures in St. Petersburg. I enjoy keeping up with Boundless while I’m over there, although I wish there were more posts about Missions.
Elizabeth
Tere! (it's "hello" in estonian!)
I'm am from a small country, Estonia. I belive that many of you do not know where it is -- it's between Finland and Latvia and on our eastborder we have Russia. So now you may have a better picture. =)
It's a small county and I am living in Tartu (Tallinn is the capital and then the largest second city is Tartu). It's full with young people, cause it's the city of University. The people here are really nice and friendly. They say our hearts are like stones, but i do not believe it. It's just that we do keep things to ourselves and we do not have this overflowing temperament. BUT we do love each other and we really stick together.
We haven't had an easy journey to where we are at this moment. We have our own language and country, but before that we were under Soviet Union and those times were really hard. I thank God that they are over and I pray that it will never come back again. People do not belive in God that much over here. I belive that it's becaouse of the hard history and that our (grand) grandparents could not see God in the middle of the hard times, so now-a-days young people are not that much into religion.
I can see that there is much work to do and I hope that there are some other young people from Estonia who are reading Boundless like I am cause it is GOOD and really useful in evey way! So I really want to thank you for the work you are doing!
Madli
I live in the Phoenix, Az area but recently bought a vacation home in Heber, AZ to beat the summer heat on weekends. Heber sits on top of the Mogollon Rim at an elevation of about 6600’ and is therefore much cooler than the Phoenix area. This area of Arizona also gets much more rain than the desert valley and supports huge Pine Forests.
The pictures are from my back deck. I often sit out there and watch and listen to the wildlife. I also sometimes bring my laptop and do work there as well as read Boundless. This is really a wonderful place to take in the beauty of God’s creation. It is so beautiful, peaceful, and quiet, I feel closer to God up here than almost anywhere else. I marvel at the various wildlife and think about how God perfectly designed each species for its environment and role within the ecosystem. 
I am an avid reader of Boundless and I think there’s a lot of wisdom to be gleaned from the blog and podcasts. I don’t fit into the demographic of a "young" Christian Single anymore, but most of the principles are age independent and applicable for any single, regardless of age.
Thanks again to the Boundless Team and keep up the good fight!
Jim H.
Hello Boundless.
I'm here in Junction City, KS with my husband of 9 years and our two daughters. We are a military family, so we have lived in several locations through the years, but Ft Riley (our current duty station) is as close to "home" as we can get.
Here are pictures of our street, our home, and our lovely garden that grows big tomatoes! I stay home with our girls and enjoy reading your articles about parenting and homeschooling. I love all your articles though!
Aadel
Molweni, Boundless (mole-WAY-nee; “Hello!” To more than two people in Xhosa)!
What’s a Chinese girl from Malaysia doing all the way in the beautiful land of South Africa? Serving God’s people! I took this year off after my undergraduate studies to obey God’s calling to serve in the mission field for 6 months. I am currently interning at a holistic development center in an impoverished township in Stellenbosch (about 1/2 hour from Cape Town). We minister to the community through our feeding project for kids, after-school education, youth Bible study, art, sport, performing arts, sponsorship programs, among many other activities! Besides helping with admin, I teach the adult computer literacy class which provides basic computer skills. It is a privilege to impact lives by helping these adults be better equipped in securing jobs for their future.
I’ve been here three months now and have experienced God in awesome ways! I’m amazed at how (without having to travel around the world) I’ve met so many cultures here in SA just because we share our love for the SAME GOD! Through this mission, I now have friends from America, England, Romania, Swaziland and of course, South Africa!
Personally I have grown so much as a person, even learned proper life skills like cooking and managing my finances! It’s my first time away from home for a long period of time, but Boundless has kept me company for many of my nights. I thoroughly enjoy the candid writings on relationships and career, all grounded in the Word of God. Your articles and biblical references have helped me reflect a lot on myself as I allow God to shape me to become more like Christ. I truly believe God has sent me here to also experience my own “holistic development”! Thank you, Boundless for being a part of it :D!
Blessings,
Sue Jern
Hey, Boundless!
I'm on Brier Island, in Nova Scotia, Canada. Brier Island was my childhood home, though I now live and study elsewhere in Nova Scotia, a few hours away. Brier Island is a small island, approximately 7.5 km (4.7 mi) long and 2.5 km (1.6 mi) wide, though the actual inhabited area (known, technically, as the "Village of Westport") is much, much, smaller. The population here is somewhere around 200 or 250 people. There is a single General Store that has been passed down for generations (see picture.) Here, locals and visitors alike can purchase anything from cheese spread to ammunition to frozen pizzas, and everything else in between. There is a small cafe adjacent to the store.
Brier Island was home to Captain Joshua Slocum, who was the first man to circumnavigate the globe alone. Captain Slocum, like myself, spent his boyhood on Brier Island and later moved away. His circumnavigation began in Boston, Mass, the same city where he built the fishing boat that served as his vessel in the circumnavigation, a ship called "Spray." Captain Slocum ended his voyage on Brier Island. However, the lure of the sea proved too alluring, and Mr. Slocum continued to sail about on his tiny, trusty ship. In 1902, Captain Slocum even met President Roosevelt - twice. During the first occassion, Slocum took Roosevelt's young son, Archie, for a short voyage aboard the Spray.
Unfortunately, in 1909, however, Slocum set sea for again, this time South America-bound. He became lost at sea and perished. A small memorial sits at the tip of Brier Island for Mr. Slocum. The memorial is simple, and yet beautiful, and overlooks the passage between Brier Island and Peter's Island, a tiny island that houses the lighthouse where Slocum's maternal-grandfather served as lighthouse keeper.
In a place like Brier Island, cut off from the rural mainland by another island and two ferry rides (see map), community is important. A few weeks ago, for example, we held a potluck dinner/fundraiser for my great-grandmother who is ill with multiple types of cancer. The citizens of the island showed up en masse with casseroles, salads, spare change, and prayer. While being disconnected from the hustle and bustle of the mainland can sometimes be an inconvenience, it also gives God some wiggle-room to show us just how valuable family and friendship can be.
Hey Family!
This message comes to you from the San Francisco Bay Area, California! Despite typical stereotypes of my hometown, God is alive and moving in this place. I am currently a student at San Francisco State University finishing up my Bachelors degree. I have a small part time job at a local museum in Golden Gate Park and look forward to seeing what God will do with my ultimate career goal of being a counselor.
I really appreciate Boundless because they have made it their mission to get the word of God out to the body of Christ in ways that are so relevant to our lives. Going through the ups and downs of my walk with Christ, I have been able to rely on Boundless to explain the Word of God and help me see what God would have me do in certain struggles. Praise God for Boundless and for this Christian fellowship!
Dominique
Hello Boundless reader!
I'm here in LaSalle, Ontario, Canada right next to the city of Windsor. And it's also right across the river from Detroit, Michigan. My town is named after the explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle.
I regularly listen to the podcast and also follow the blog and webzine. I appreciate the content Boundless delivers and have been blessed by it in many ways!
This owl is also a resident of LaSalle. I captured this photo since I have reason to believe he or she may be an avid Boundless reader. I'm referring to the wisdom not the tired looking eyes :-)
God bless all of you (the team & also all of the people who benefit from what you do!)
Mark
Dear Boundless,
Greetings from the shores of the Mediterranean! I am a Franco-American reader working for a year in Marseille, France with two different Christian ministries. Some friends of mine in college introduced me to Boundless and I've been reading its articles and following the blog ever since. I've been very grateful over the past years for the good counsel and sound wisdom found here, and have often recommended articles to friends.
The first picture I've attached is taken looking over the city from the basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, and the second picture is taken from the sea, looking towards the old port of Marseille. There is a lot of Middle Eastern influence in this city, as seen in some of the architecture. Around a quarter of the population here is from an Arabic background. Cool historical note (forgive me, I'm a history geek): some scholars think Paul may have stopped in Marseille if he did take a fourth missionary journey all the way to Spain. There's a great Christian heritage in this city, though sadly neglected of late, and I'm thrilled to be able to work here this year. Blessings on your continued ministry!
Grace and Peace,
Kelly
I live in the beautiful Willamette Valley. I am an hour from the coast, the mountains, and the "big city" Portland. I am about two hours from the desert and great ski resorts, where someday I will get over my fear of all things fast and learn to downhill ski. I live near a terminus for the Oregon trail, such rich history including some wonderful men and women of God. It saddens me to know that Oregon is one of the least Christian states in the United States.
I listen to the Boundless podcast on my way to work each Monday, the encouragement helps me face each new week. I read the Webzine and blog as I take breaks from studying for my Master's in Library and Information Science. I have been so blessed by Boundless, when I have needed a singleness content-o-meter pick me up or simply another perspective on an issue I often find it through Boundless.
Thank you for this wonderful ministry,
Sarah
Dear Boundless,
This picture was taken about three months ago outside of the church my husband and I attend in Columbia, South Carolina. It showcases well the Palmetto, our state tree.
The picture is also meaningful because it was taken just a few moments before my husband and I got married. We've been married three months now and are happily anticipating the birth of our first child in February!
I've been listening to Boundless since just before I got engaged; funny enough, I was pondering e-mailing Boundless about the appropriate timing of getting engaged right around the time that my then-boyfriend proposed! Even though I'm not necessarily in the target audience anymore, I still benefit greatly from the articles and listen to the podcast while I'm at work.
Thanks for your ministry!
Chelsey
Hey y'all,
I live in Nashville, TN, where I am on staff at a great church. Music City lives up to its name and we have a lot of fun supporting all of our friends who are in the industry. It has also given us opportunity to love on the other musicians or friends who are playing with our friends.
After the discussion a few months back about the frustration girls were having about guys not being hospitable or planning activities, I really have to praise the guy friends here in Nashville. We have "Sunday Funday" where we have so far had a slip-n-slide, gone kayaking, had the Back Yard Olympics, and played kickball.
The Lord has really blessed this season of post-college years for all of us and we are having a blast in an incredibly fun city!
Thanks for all you do!
Julieann
I am a constant reader of the blog and web articles, they are so amazing to read! I currently am reading everything from Jarrell, Texas, which is about 20-30 mile north of Georgetown. This is one of the roads that I have traveled on in the central Texas region that I am in.
God Bless and keep you guys, I am so grateful that y'all maintain the site, you have no idea how much insight you guys have and how it has helped me!
Nathanael
Hi,
I live near the beautiful Mourne Mountains and work near Lough Neagh. Just started reading Boundless in the past month or two, but have found it full of useful and biblical advice. I use Google Reader to keep up to date with interesting articles and I shared a link with a friend and we both now enjoy discussing the articles whether over ice-cream or the Internet.
Sharon
Greetings from about 36000 feet up somewhere above north western Australia! I'm up here on a flight to Singapore, reading Boundless blog posts. Of course there is no internet up here so I'm reading Boundless posts I downloaded before I left and won't be sending this until I arrive in Singapore. It is wonderful to be able to be encouraged and challenged by boundless even up here!
I come from Melbourne, Australia where I have been studying international studies and sociology at university. The reason I am on this flight is that I am studying abroad in Singapore for a semester. It has certainly been a journey of faith so far trusting God in the midst of an assortment of trip related dramas. I am really excited about this opportunity. I'm looking forward to experiencing Christian community and living out my faith in a culture different to my own.
God bless
From Joanna
 (a canoe trip in the Brazilian Pantanal)
Hello from the heart of South America!
I am a fairly new reader/subscriber to Boundless in comparison to some who have read it years and years. But I am a fan, nonetheless. It is one of the highlights of my daily ritual of "mail" reading. I appreciate this ministry and the thought-provoking articles. The authors and editors really care and write timely messages that "hit home."
I was surprised to see just how wide the circle of Boundless readers is around the world! It is encouraging to know we are really not alone in our 'aloneness' or singleness!
Thank you and may God richly bless!
Até logo! (Till later)
A grateful reader
Hello from Iraq!
This is a picture of downtown Baghdad near the International Zone (AKA the "Green Zone"). I serve as the photographer for the general here and we frequently fly over the city to get to the embassy and to visit with other troops around the country.
I enjoy reading your articles every day and listening to the Boundless show during flights. Thanks for the great advice!
Kim
Hi Boundless!
I'm here in our lovely dungeon basement office in rather unexciting Eastpointe MI (just over the 8 mile border from Detroit).
You can find me checking Boundless everyday here when the phone calls are at a lull.
I want to thank the Boundless team for their dedication, diligence and perseverance in their work. I can't tell you how many times a relational issue/question has been on my mind and I walk into work to find that your daily article is addressing that same issue/question. I think it attests to how you allow the Spirit to work through you.
I pray you guys can continue with your work unhindered.
Angela
I know you have already received some NYC pictures, but wanted to send mine along as well! This is down the street from where I live and every time I walk down it, I think it is so beautiful and the quintessential New York City picture! :)
I've kept up with Boundless for many years and am always amazed at how far it reaches! It is a constant source for me as I navigate this time in my life, and I hope you all realize what an inspiration you are. It is so refreshing to listen (and read) things so aligned with what I believe and to see/hear discussions of issues that are so relevant to us in this culture and this time. I often find myself listening to the Boundless podcast while out walking around the city, so I figured this picture would say it all!
Many thanks!
Lauren
Hola!
For nine months of the year, I live and work in northern Mexico as an ESL teacher (yeah, Ted!) among the Campos Menonitas. These people immigrated from Canada about 85 years ago, and before Canada, they lived in Russia. Hence the unusual combination of this architecture with cactus. Currently they have an estimated population of 40,000 in the state of Chihuahua alone.
I may be the only Boundless reader who lives in a gym. I have a small upstairs apartment furnished by the school -- notice the two upper windows that are spaced close together on the right side. I call it my tree house, since I look down on the school, a nearby church, and various neighbors. As an ESL and Bible teacher, I rotate in 9 different classrooms. My students have ranged in age from 7 to 69, but mostly I work with kids in grades three through ten.
I noticed that many of these "I'm Here" shout outs have come from individuals like me who are relatively alone in distant places. We are the ones who are often inactive on The Line due to Internet issues. But we want you to know that we are out here, and that we appreciate the nurture and understanding that we as single adults receive from your ministry. Many weeks, the best "church" I experience is via email. I usually download the podcasts at a local restaurant that offers high speed wireless, then listen to them at my kitchen table while I grade endless stacks of workbooks and tests.
I know I'm running late with this submission, but I had to wait until I was at "my other home" in North Carolina on summer break before I had a chance to hunt up suitable pictures and get this done. God bless all teachers approaching a new term!
Admittedly, it's hazardous to be reading Boundless while walking - one should pay attention to traffic.
BDB
I love to read Boundless every morning. This is a picture of a typical morning in Malawi. I've Been reading boundless for two years now and really love the articles and the blog.
God bless you :)
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