a smart and witty title

The Squeeze Inn

2011-12-27T12:28:00.001-08:00

Lived up to the hype.

Too tired to think of a caption.

2011-11-27T20:33:00.000-08:00

Gut. Ted.

2011-11-26T22:47:00.000-08:00

At this time I would like to thank the Australians...

2011-11-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

For making great work boots.

Garage love.

2011-11-22T19:18:00.000-08:00

Bathroom gutted. Floors stained. Good day 1.

2011-11-22T16:29:00.000-08:00

And the bathroom I will be gutting and redoing before we can move in.

2011-11-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

New Wilson Residence!

2011-11-18T11:35:00.000-08:00

Birthday gift from Kirstie.

2011-09-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

Amongst other cool things, the ability to cool beverages with firearm shaped ice cubes. FREEZE! (Get it?)

Dear Friends (A Message from Howie)

2011-09-28T15:35:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends, FALL 2011

Our groups are always overwhelmed by the sights as they cross the border into Mexico on their way to our camp. They see Spanish signs, hillsides and canyons full of shanties, chaotic traffic, street vendors and beggars, soldiers with semi-automatic rifles and security guards everywhere, and walled homes with barbed wire and broken glass crowned barriers to ward off intruders and thieves. Their first discussions around the evening camp fires usually compare and contrast life here with life back home. Then a pattern of discovery follows throughout the week. By the second evening campfire, groups are asking themselves, "Why are things this way?" On the third evening they are asking how things can be changed. By the last evening they are excited about going home and seeing how they can change their own lives and their communities based on what they have learned here.

Sometimes the discussions go beyond the obvious accidentals, trying to understand why life is so difficult here when all that divides us is an arbitrary line in the sand. Some background in cultural history, politics, and economics helps to see the big picture. But, as each group lives and works along side of their host families, they begin to realize that most of these families are refugees in their own country. They have traveled great distances from other parts of Mexico and further south in search of a better life. They have left towns and villages with roots going back many centuries. They work long days and weeks just to feed themselves with little or no leisure time for developing normal social connections.

So, the initial impact of our cultural immersion can blind us to the actual circumstances of each family we serve. Seeing them in their own Hispanic culture obscures the fact that they may be totally disconnected within that culture. A Mexican lady once said to a group that until we came from nowhere to share her life with her that she had forgotten how much it had meant to her to be connected within her community. Because of our group's loving embrace she was resolved to get back into a church and to do more to reach beyond herself. In her own way she was helping us to examine our own lives. Now that's evangelical, when goodness works to the benefit of all. We don't just build houses, we build hope!

Once again this is a quiet time of the year in the field for Amor when group participants are back in school or settling into post vacation patterns at work. We use the time to retool and refresh our mission hearts with our annual retreat and time off. We hosted the Amor Lin Chase 5K Fun Run and a day at the ball park with a hot dog tail gate party at a San Diego Padres game. We are planning our Amor Three Day trips for individuals in Baha and San Carlos, Arizona, for November. Be sure to follow us on facebook to catch our Amor Store promos. We would love it if you could link us in your social media outlets. Project Hope is gearing up to distribute blankets and bibles for the winter months. And our new project, "La Cocina", is being offered to groups who would like to have their meals in camp served in the authentic style of the local families. You can learn more about this new program by calling Mission Services at 619 662 1200 x 6. Thank you again for your support. Peace, Howie.

And then he dressed like...

2011-09-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

So, does your boss ever try to dress like Pancho Villa?

2011-09-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

Carl Vinson

2011-09-12T15:09:00.001-07:00

On Saturday I was honored to tour the aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson. Absolutely incredible.

ANDREW SURFS! then falls

2011-09-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Sweet 'stache man.

2011-08-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Bad pic.

2011-08-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

Great concert.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

hotter

2011-08-09T13:51:00.001-07:00

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Hot!

2011-08-08T13:05:00.001-07:00

In ol' Mexico today.

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post surf pose. good morning.

2011-08-03T07:50:00.001-07:00

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Heaven. part 2

2011-07-24T15:34:00.001-07:00

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Vacation.

2011-07-24T14:55:00.001-07:00

Jealous?

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first stop

2011-07-22T18:07:00.001-07:00

Burgerville

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it is a pirate store.

2011-07-22T17:40:00.001-07:00

This exists.

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small slice of heaven

2011-07-10T18:03:00.001-07:00

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Andy...

2011-06-26T15:56:00.001-07:00

...pondering his commitment to social media at Shakespeare's.

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Good morning.

2011-06-25T06:03:00.001-07:00

Amor Camp. Rosarito, BC.

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Also seen about town:

2011-06-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

Other awesomness- tattoo with matching t-shirt.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

as seen in Centralia.

2011-06-10T12:48:00.001-07:00

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M's!

2011-05-21T19:28:00.001-07:00

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On Amor Ministries...

2011-05-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

"When we cross that border, we drop what divides us and pick up what unites us."

-Gayla Congdon

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coolest easter gift.

2011-04-24T11:43:00.001-07:00

Signing my nephew's cast.

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HEY JEFFERSON STATERS

2011-04-22T15:38:00.001-07:00

Would that be Thomas Jefferson or Jefferson Davis? They both kind of make sense.

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The Great Northwest Road Trip

2011-04-22T10:23:00.001-07:00

6:24am. 3 hours in. Sunrise at Tejon Pass.

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After nearly a decade, another first.

2011-04-21T09:23:00.001-07:00

Some guy juggling fire at the Amor camp.

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That's some good singing.

2011-04-16T09:25:00.001-07:00

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A BOY AND HIS PUPPY

2011-04-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

G-MAN pumping the iron.

2011-04-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Luis and Luis

2011-03-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

Sent from my Motorola phone.

To you,

2011-03-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

Your family, your friends. God bless and Happy St. Patrick's Day.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Awkward towing. Puro Mexicano.

2011-03-08T12:27:00.000-08:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Today...

2011-02-21T19:06:00.001-08:00

Today I:

1. Went to the store.
2.
3.

(This list is exhaustive.)

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Stoked.

2011-02-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

The family for whom we are building this weekend lives here.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Coming home.

2011-02-14T18:41:00.000-08:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Yesterday I woke up....

2011-02-10T08:20:00.001-08:00

…here. This morning I woke up here.

What a difference a day makes.

Save the date

2011-02-08T14:46:00.001-08:00

<<5K.jpg>> Seriously. A fun run.

A day off.

2011-01-31T15:57:00.000-08:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Hey Kirstie!

2011-01-27T19:03:00.000-08:00

They all say hi.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Hot damn.

2011-01-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

Andy has a mullet.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Rocky Boy...

2011-01-21T23:00:00.000-08:00

Learning how to pee on a fence.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

First aid.

2011-01-21T11:45:00.001-08:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Winner!

2011-01-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

For Christmas, Kirstie gave me the gift of light.

2011-01-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

Which I will now use in a cold trailer in Mexico. Thanks!

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Enjoying this right now with the Illingworths and Wiggins.

2010-12-31T16:58:00.000-08:00

Happy new year!

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Hey clever acrostic guy...

2010-12-31T07:40:00.000-08:00

Nothing says classy like espousing your political beliefs while vandalizing some property.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Sorry Tundra...

2010-12-21T09:52:00.000-08:00

That someone ran a red light and hurt you. Oh, and they left a piece of their car wedged in the damage. Souvenir?

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Seriously, this place is amazing.

2010-12-18T22:23:00.000-08:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

A Mecca, of sorts.

2010-12-18T22:13:00.000-08:00

Years ago I shared season tickets to the Seahawks with some friends/coworkers. They were bad (the Seahawks, not the friends). This was when they were playing in Husky Stadium and one could show up on game day and purchase a ticket for $15.

Bad team aside, it afforded me one of my favorite memories. Ever. I took my dad to his first game. Against the Raiders. In a storm only the skys over Seattle could produce. And our team won. Either because we were soaked to the bone and freezing or cmpletely hoarse from screaming, neither of us could speak after the game. It was truly a perfect day with Dad.

A few Sundays ago I saw the team again. In their new home. With two of my best friends. Nose bleed seats. Feeling the night before. And it was truly a perfect day. I may have teared up a little upon the approach to the stadium.

PS - The Seahawks are now 6-0 when I have been at the game.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Sabado Gigante

2010-12-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday Kirstie and I finally received our new sofa. It's gray. We love it. This meant saying goodbye to Ol' Blue. End of an Era. It would not have been fair to sell Ol' Blue, so I put on the street outside of my office. Gone within an hour.

Saturday night I went to a concert featuring The Black Keys and Temper Trap and a few other bands who do not matter. A few thoughts:

Against Me was noteworthy only because they are completely not worth noting.
The Black Keys are amazing and will rock your face off.
I dare you to see Temper Trap and not leave inspired to some sort of greatness.

See photos here.

Blue Couch.

2010-12-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

Your lore will be shared for generations. Goodbye.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Best bosses ever?

2010-12-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

Gotta go with yes.

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They're evil and all...

2010-12-10T16:24:00.000-08:00

But I'm still glad they found each other.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Pre Game!

2010-12-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

With Mike and Andy.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Dear IKEA,

2010-12-02T14:02:00.000-08:00

Thank you for making the purchase of the crap you sell so easy. However, upon discovering that the crap is also broken crap, must it be so difficult to bring it back?

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Javier

2010-11-19T15:34:00.000-08:00

Cried when we showed up this morning to begin construction of his home. His dream is to share his home with people in need.
jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

P.S.

2010-11-19T15:04:00.000-08:00

He and his wife currently live here. Until Tuesday.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Slab Day

2010-11-19T14:43:00.000-08:00

In the bag.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Living next door to one one of the worksites in Valle Bonito.

2010-11-19T14:28:00.000-08:00

This was a first.

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First night campfire.

2010-11-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

Expectations high for the coming week in Amor Town.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Breakfast

2010-11-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Another angle.

2010-11-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

FAIL.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

This just happened!

2010-11-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

San Diego Zoo bus just ran into hotel lobby right in front of me.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

30th Dinner pre guest arrival

2010-10-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Amor 30th Anniversary dinner in Los Gatos, CA

2010-10-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Doin work...

2010-10-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

First Pres. Newhall

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New school.

2010-10-08T17:20:00.000-07:00

No more lugging five books with me to Mexico. Thanks Paul and Pam!

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

When asked why...

2010-10-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

...because people live in places like this. And we should care.

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Could have...

2010-10-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

...punched Blair in the face this morning for speaking (not singing, mind you) the phrase "California girls are undeniable." It's a bad song. It's now stuck in my head.

Upon 31

2010-09-30T18:23:00.001-07:00

I believe in God. But the black and white world I once thought he created I no longer believe in. The black and white world allowed me to judge. Everything. The gray (or better yet, vibrantly colorful) world I know he created allows me to listen. To dialogue. The gray world allows me to love.

My bride.

2010-09-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

jonathan wilson • amor ministries • mobile

Pint of Alaska Amber vs. Big Gulp (not mine).

2010-09-12T19:24:00.001-07:00

Oh the things we imbibe!

jonathan wilson • baja field manager • amor ministries • 619.662.1200x147 • 619.247.4141 • amor.org

A Rob Randolph Fan!

2010-09-12T19:16:00.001-07:00

jonathan wilson • baja field manager • amor ministries • 619.662.1200x147 • 619.247.4141 • amor.org

I am not a Virginia fan...

2010-09-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

I am a Rob Randolph fan!

jonathan wilson • baja field manager • amor ministries • 619.662.1200x147 • 619.247.4141 • amor.org

WOW!? (best political speech ever?)

2010-09-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to AFLAV for showing me this jewel.

The signature drink from Kirstie's 30th party.

2010-09-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

We called it the Calvin Coolidge.

jonathan wilson • baja field manager • amor ministries • 619.662.1200x147 • 619.247.4141 • amor.org

Magazine cover that landed on my desk.

2010-09-03T12:16:00.001-07:00

The future really is that bright...

jonathan wilson • baja field manager • amor ministries • 619.662.1200x147 • 619.247.4141 • amor.org

Currently

2010-08-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

Which is an 8 degree drop from Tecate.

jonathan wilson • baja field manager • amor ministries • 619.662.1200x147 • 619.247.4141 • amor.org

Tecate is HOT

2010-08-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

And a thunder cloud is forming in front of me.

jonathan wilson • baja field manager • amor ministries • 619.662.1200x147 • 619.247.4141 • amor.org

Mission Accomplished!

2010-08-16T15:26:00.001-07:00

New pair of Oliver work boots.

Sunset over the Blue Mountains

2010-08-02T03:15:00.001-07:00

Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Kitto attending.

Warning:

2010-07-30T22:10:00.001-07:00

When together entertainment ensues.

jonathan wilson • baja field manager • amor ministries • 619.662.1200x147 • 619.247.4141 • amor.org

Tony and Marta with a crazy delicious torta.

2010-07-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

Milanesa

jonathan wilson • baja field manager • amor ministries • 619.662.1200x147 • 619.247.4141 • amor.org

2010-07-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

jonathan wilson

Hacked

2010-07-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

My blogger account was hacked today. If you are one of the 4 people who actually read my blog, I would never ask for all your personal info - especially in all caps! Rest assured I am working on it. Thanks.

Ugh!

New Toy

2010-07-21T11:48:00.001-07:00

Isn't it cute?

jonathan wilson • baja field manager • amor ministries • 619.662.1200x147 • 619.247.4141 • amor.org

Half a Buzz

2010-07-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

Lightyear, that is.

jonathan wilson
baja field manager
amor ministries
619.662.1200x147
619.247.4141
amor.org

Australia to do list:

2010-07-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

1) Spend time with beautiful wife
2) See amazing friends
3) Buy new pair of Oliver boots

jonathan wilson
baja field manager
amor ministries
619.662.1200x147
619.247.4141
amor.org

With Kirstie and Sarah!

2010-07-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Mmmm... Hodad's!

jonathan wilson
baja field manager
amor ministries
619.662.1200x147
619.247.4141
amor.org

OB!

2010-07-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

jonathan wilson
baja field manager
amor ministries
619.662.1200x147
619.247.4141
amor.org

By Firelight

2010-07-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

A group from New Jersey praying for one of our Pastors in Tijuana. I love it when people come together.

jonathan wilson
baja field manager
amor ministries
619.662.1200x147
619.247.4141
amor.org

Another fine evening in camp.

2010-07-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks.

jonathan wilson
baja field manager
amor ministries
619.662.1200x147
619.247.4141
amor.org