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Hi everyone. This is my first post on my first blog about some of my travels.

For those reading this that don't know me, here's a 30-second history: My name is Diego, I was born and raised in Belen, New Mexico with an awesome family. Nothing out of the ordinary happened until I hit 17 where I learned about and accepted Jesus Christ as my Creator and Savior. I kinda slipped by through college, not really passionate about my studies and since graduation I've held over 15 mostly un-related jobs.

As the Lord has matured me in my Christian walk, I discovered a passion for traveling and experiencing different cultures. I've been blessed to meet so many cool people and eat so much tasty food (I love food!). So that seems to be the season I'm in now.

I won't go into detail about my past trips, but I can give you a quick montage of my first few adventures.

It all began in a hospital on the dawn of July 26th 1982... Okay, that's a little too far back. In the summer of 2008, I expected to work as an assistant language teacher in Japan after being hired through JET program. Things didn't work out, but soon after, I found an opportunity to volunteer as an English teacher in Korea for the summer with the YMCA. With a mere two weeks notice and visa headaches, I was off to my very first far away place.

Korea was hot and humid... in other words, the perfect place for me. I, along with a group of other native english speakers, taught throughout the northern half of the country. Great sites were seen, tasty food was eaten, and many friendships were forged.

Teaching kids was something entirely new to me, and even though it was a little challenging at times, it definitely made for some good memories. The YMCA was founded on Christian principles, but unfortunately our teaching resources never even hinted of Christianity... as you can tell by the picture of me showing a class of Koreans what a burrito is.

That was the first taste I had of a global adventure that left me hungry for more. It left me so inspired, I made a music video of my trip: http://vimeo.com/1869664

So I returned home and worked another semester at the university (I do A/V work for interactive classrooms). The springtime was spent with my brother in California, and then my dad took us on a trip, and then I spent some time with my cousins. I thought I'd try picking up some guitar through a ministry at my home church, Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque, but as often the case, it seems what Diego picks up must come down. It was fun though.

In the summer of '09 I discovered an opportunity to serve in Okinawa Japan on a short term mission trip. It was also through Calvary, and the bible college they have out there was running their first Summer of Service.

Here's where I met a fantastic fellowship of faithful followers of the Father. It was even hotter and more humid than Korea! The Lord revealed new and exiting things to me though our activities which ranged from friendship evangelism with local Japanese college students, to singing worship songs in one of the busiest intersections in Okinawa.

Witnessing the Lord's powerful work through his people was inspiring. The growth I had experienced from this trip was like a fertilizer to my spirit, and ever since I've felt a stronger desire to get to know my Creator.

Ironically, this is where I had hoped to teach english a year prior with the JET program. Even though I was disappointed that it didn't work out, God already knew I would make it to Okinawa in an unexpected way. If He was so powerful to fulfill this desire I had, what other adventures would He take me on?

Alright, so maybe that was a little more than a 30 second history. But now that you're somewhat caught up, enjoy the rest of this blog.