F3 New Orleans

Tag: THIRD

  • F3 Trip: Israel, May 2018

    I BELIEVE yet I’ve never BEEN. I’ve never walked where Jesus walked and I’ve never seen the land that Jesus saw.

    That’s gotta change.

    Have you been? Don’t we have to go at least once? If you’ve been once…why not twice? If you’re like me you’re a Christian and have been for decades. Yet I’ve never set foot on the same soil that Jesus walked on when he was here on earth. I don’t know about you but that is an itch I have to scratch. Have to. Call it the pilgrimage of a lifetime – because that is exactly what it is.

    Turns out there’s a F3 brother in Hickory, Walk-On (David Wachter), who leads trips to Israel on a regular basis. He’s nearly completed his seminary education and has a thing for taking groups to Israel. A former college quarterback, Walk-On is on his self-described “third vocation” after spending much of his twenties, thirties and forties as an engineer and then financial planner. He’s long had a call to seminary and is fulfilling that call now at 46 while maintaining his financial planning business.

    Like a lot of people who do this regularly he’s “got a guy” on the ground in Israel, his name is Boaz (naturally), to help coordinate that side of the pond and then grab him and his groups when they get off the plane in Tel Aviv. So what had happen wuz…I was talking with my father, Abraham (this is all a bit too cliché perhaps?) and mentioned not for the first time that I really want to go to Israel and he put me in touch with Walk-On. This was all pre-ordained (yep, I’m a Presbyterian) because Walk-On is leaving in May to take a group and wants to do another trip in May 2018. His trip this May is a run of the mill, on the path, touristy trip but Walk-On really loves the other kind of trip. The other kind of trip is a bit, shall we say, harder. Walk-On likes leading an “intense trip” for 30 people OFF the beaten path. We will still stay in hotels every night so, no, this is not a camping trip or a no shower mission trip but what this sounds like to me is a PERFECT F3 trip. Don’t just go look at the mountain, climb it. Don’t just go look at the desert, hike across it just like Jesus and his disciples did. The trip will of course include all of the Israel “must sees” like Masada, Qumran, Jericho, Galilee and the Golan Heights, Tel Dan, Jerusalem, Mt. Arbel, Mt. Tabor, Mt. Carmel, Garden of Gethsemane and the Garden Tomb but with a different, off the beaten path, approach. Check out a sample itinerary here: http://www.insightsintravel.com/utica-israel-trip-2017.html and a video promoting that trip here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0zk-6kOSpU.

    So, how does all of this work? Walk-On’s wife, Noelle, has a travel agency in Hickory (http://www.insightsintravel.com/) and she does all of the nitty-gritty planning and coordinating work with flights, hotels, meals, etc. We will fly out of Charlotte together (centrally located for most of F3, “New Jerusalem” as Dredd calls it for some reason). The ideal trip size is 20-30. Walk-On likes to travel Israel with a group about the size of Jesus’ group (naturally right?). If we have more than 30 that are ready to HC then we’ll coordinate a second trip.

    Who: F3 men and their wives (from anywhere, this is not region-specific, put the F on your chest and come on). My approach is that I really want to walk where Jesus walked and see what Jesus saw and I want all of that for my wife also. We are capping the trip at the first 30 total people to HC and then will form a waiting list in the event something comes up (30 total people, not 30 couples). If we have enough for two trips then we’ll plan a second one around the same time. We can take singles as well but if there is not another single to bunk up with then there is a “single supplement” to be paid on top of the trip price (more on that below).

    When: The dates are not 100% set in stone but we’re looking at May 18-30, 2018. If we have a heavy contingent of people that need the trip to be later in the school year we can shift into early/mid-June if that makes sense. Plenty of time to commit to this, set your calendar, get family/sitter set up for the children, plan and save money…about that…

    Cost: Israel is not cheap but that’s mainly because of flights. For some reason flying to Israel is a good bit more expensive than flying to other locations of similar distance (someone reading this may know why that is but I don’t). The price is all-inclusive and includes mandatory travel insurance (seriously, everything is included except any gifts you buy and any incidental beverages you put in your mouth) and will likely come to ~$4,200 per person. Steep yes but not much more than “canned trips” and a WHOLE lot more bang for the buck. Plus the price tag is broken up into payments with an initial deposit, second payment and then a final payment (like this http://www.insightsintravel.com/pricing-and-terms4.htm). If you’re going to do this once in your life then the price is the price. I don’t say that about many things but I do about this.

    How do you HC? Send me an email (pjasonreynolds@gmail.com) and I am going to keep a list. You can HC below of course but make sure to send me an email as well so that my list stays solid. If you can’t HC just yet but you are pretty interested then email me and I will put you on a “maybe” list and ask you before I give away your spot. Our first payment, likely a $400 per person down payment, will be due in September or October, so you have time but first come first serve on reserving your spots on the list.

    So, who wants to go to Israel and take your wife and have a trip of a lifetime? I do and in May 2018 I’m gonna do it. Come with me. We’ll do burpees in the Holy Land. Email me now to reserve your spot: pjasonreynolds@gmail.com.

  • Turning Pain Into Purpose-The Final Wrap on the First Annual Operation Sweet Tooth Toy Drive

    When my wife and I had the idea to create Operation Sweet Tooth to honor our daughter’s memory, we had no idea of how our initiative would be welcomed.  We are just a simple, mourning family, wanting to honor our daughter’s memory and do some good for other children, and their families while trying to find some healing during the process.  As Pastor Rusty of Camino Church said, “We are turning our pain into a life of purpose.”  When we enlisted the help of our brothers from F3 (f3nation.com) and sisters of FiA (FiAnation.com), the response and support was overwhelming.  Friends, strangers, co-workers and family were eager to help support, honor our daughter and have a positive impact on children within our local communities.  Receiving all the texts, tweets, emails and pictures of all the trunks filled with toys and gifts was just absolutely incredible to see.  Moreover, receiving the numerous thank you letters, hugs and condolences for our loss was equally impactful.  We cannot express our gratitude enough for everyone’s generosity and support and we are truly humbled and blessed that you played a significant role in making a difference.

    During this time, we were invited to Christmas parties, asked to give speeches, guest workouts, helped deliver the donations to many of the institutions we supported and were honored for our strength and vision at a nearby Church.  This experience only fortified the belief that through our grief, we could muster up enough strength to help others in need.

    Together, with all your help, Operation Sweet Tooth was able to collect over 2500 presents, personal items, clothes and gift cards.  In addition, we raised over $3000 dollars in cash donations to be used for future initiatives and projects in the upcoming year and beyond. $205 was graciously donated in the memory of David Lacivita. The foundation has been set and we welcome the opportunity to continue to provide hope and lift the spirits of those children who need it most.

    The institutions we were able to help are listed below.  There may have been some we left out and if so, we do apologize.

    Levine’s Children Hospital

    Camino Church

    The Children’s Attention Home

    Boys and Girls Club

    Birthday Blessings

    Duke Hospital

    UNC Hospital

    Betty H Cameron Women and Children’s Hospital

    Toys for Tots

    McLeod Hospital

    Ada Jenkins Center

    Church of God Orphanage

    Thompson Children Home

    Sojouner Truth House

    Lydia’s Loft

    Alexander Youth Network

    Individual Families

    Nassau County Hospital

    New Hanover Regional Medical Center

    Although 2016 was the worst year imaginable for us personally, losing our precious daughter, we do recognize that Operation Sweet Tooth has provided us with a small amount of comfort and peace.  We are excited to continue with our efforts in 2017.  Please continue to follow our website www.operationsweettooth.org, and social media to learn more about upcoming initiatives beginning in the Spring and how you can help make a difference.

    *This write up is also available on the website under “Blog”.  Please visit and check it out as we have some of the pictures everyone shared with us during their respective toy drives.

     

  • Operation Sweet Tooth- Time to make an IMPACT

    So today marks the 6 month anniversary of Sweet Tooth’s passing.  Let alone a difficult day but a difficult past week with Halloween, All Saints Day, All Souls Day and a special Mass for those lost with St. Marks Church.  But, as difficult as this road has been and will continue to be until the last breath I breath, there is a reason to keep on fighting…to live in all that is great with Christina; Operation Sweet Tooth.

    To us, only a short 6 months has felt like an eternity without having our precious baby by our side.  The countless moments we miss can never be replaced.  All we can do at this point is honor her by helping kids, who need our help.  I am calling on you, the Pax of F3 Nation and FiA Nation to aid in that support.  The purpose of Operation Sweet Tooth is to provide smiles, comfort, and peace to those kids who need it most and to let them know…that strangers care.  This I is something that is bigger than me…bigger than you…this is real life.  As awful my family feels, there are children, and their parents, (if they have any) that may feel worse and more sorrowful than we are.  And together, we can make a difference.  The decisions we make today can have a ripple effect that can last a life time. It’s time to roll up our sleeves, empty our pocket books and humble ourselves for the betterment of those less fortunate.

    My family and I are eternally grateful for all the support we have seen already.  You know who you are.  All the plans, establishments in consideration and willingness to support her, has made this family truly humbled.

    Now, as the first “official event” it is time to make a huge impact on children.  What started out as a concept has transformed into an entity.  Operation Sweet Tooth is officially a 501C3, a non for profit business.  The mission is to provide children hope, peace and comfort though toys, money or companionship and to let them know a stranger cares.  That was what Christina was all about.  Currently, DDP of Isotope and his business partner is working on our official website.  We intend to fulfill our lives for the benefit of children who need our help.  But I will be honest, we are using this platform to help with our mourning, and healing, and to give us hope and reason to survive, live and maybe one day, not anytime soon, thrive.

    Entities to benefit from our efforts are Levine’s Children Hospital, homeless shelters, orphanages, special needs establishments and anything else that caters to children.  Truthfully, any organization that supports children has our support.  I have been asked by the Pax about Jeff Gordon’s Children Hospital…this is where Christina passed away…and many mistakes were made.  Although maybe their intentions are good, for the purpose of this first drive, my wish is that this organization is not honored.  You want to know? Ask me and you will have no problem with my decision!  Other than that, you have our support if it supports children in need.

    That said, I want to make sure this is a complete success and gets the notoriety it deserves…not for me…but for the cause.  Please let me know how many toys or items you have collected so I can send the prayer cards that should accompany them.  I have two thousand! Wondering if we can beat that?  I also want pictures for our future website, OperationSweetTooth.org.  We will have current events/fundraisers to who the impact we are having on our communities.

    For my brothers is Isotope/NoCo, if you cannot make the Christmas party, please let me know.  I will be encouraging the Pax to bring items at their local Friday workouts.  MQ’s, please touch base to make arrangements for pickups etc.

    I will let everyone know when the website is fully operational.  As well as FB, Instagram etc.  As of now, only @OpSweetTooth on Twitter is functional. Of course any questions you have you can send there or @F3_Olive, operationsweettooth@yahoo.com or operationsweettooth@gmail.com

    I want to personally thank each and every one of you for supporting OST.  I will be honest, I hate that I am doing this.  I should not have to be.   But I will do anything to honor her, HIM and ensure that I get the opportunity to see her again.  This is our calling, whether welcomed or not to have an impact on lives that far reach above and beyond ours….and I believe, rather I know…this is what we are supposed to do, under our circumstances…and I am humbled by your support!

    Lastly, this is a movement to bring awareness to to myocarditis.  The heart condition that killed my daughter that was undiagnosed…and unrecognized.  The medical community failed her.  I don’t want that happen to anyone again, even if it does not bring my baby back!

    myocarditisfoundation.org

    -Olive, Jager and Happy Meal

  • Operation Sweet Tooth Update October 9th 2016

    Update on Operation Sweet Tooth

     

    I know there have been a bunch of  Pax asking for instructions on the logistics of #OST.  Here is the update with future ones to follow.

    To begin with, Operation Sweet Tooth is officially a non-profit 501C3 corporation.

    2nd and more importantly, we are gearing up for the OST Toy drive to be administered through our respective holiday parties.  We have ordered 2000 prayer cards to be given with the toys and gifts, at your respective AO’s.  What we ask is that toys and gifts are to be delivered at least 1 week later allowing me to mail or overnight the appropriate number of prayer cards to correspond with the amount of gifts. If you want to take a look at what the cards look like, follow OpSweetTooth on Twitter.  The toys and gifts are important.  The message however, is imperative!

    3rd I know many of our Pax have asked me what the parameters are with the gifts, toys etc.  I encourage each AO to find an institution that can benefit from our F3 (and beyond) generosity.  Locally here in Charlotte/Huntersville, my personal plans are to contribute to Levine’s Children Hospital and Children’s Hope Alliance, the parent company of Barium Springs Orphanage in Troutman.  I know some Pax asked about Jeff Gordon’s Children Hospital.  Although I prefer not to donate their due to their negligence and lack of care and sympathy during and after the passing of my daughter, I understand the children who are sick did not play a hand in Christina’s order and should not be punished because of it.  I leave that entirely up to you but you will have our blessing and support regardless.

    4th Many of you ask what is actually acceptable.  For children’s hospitals, they are specifically clear on what will be accepted due to hygiene etc.  For an example, please click the link below.

    http://www.carolinashealthcare.org/documents/lch/donation-wish-list.pdf

    For a children’s home or orphanage such as Barium Springs, here is a list that this particular institution may need.  Please click link below:

    https://www.childrenshopealliance.org/needs-list/

    I ask each AO to take the responsibility to find an institution that you want to help to change lives and have a positive impact on the lives of children in distress and need.

    Lastly, I ask that each OST Q please contact me personally so that I can answer any questions but also to have the necessary contact information to send the prayer cards and whatever other support I can provide.  Other than twitter at F3_Olive, OpSweetTooth, we can be reached at OperationSweetTooth@yahoo.com or OperationSweetTooth@gmail.com.  The website is a work in progress as well as Instagram and Facebook.  All will be operational once the official website is.

    I want to close with saying that this was just a thought…to have our local Isotope brothers support children as a way to honor my daughter, my everything, my Sweet Tooth and 2.0.  Never did I think this would have the sustainability and traction that OST has garnered.  Selfless acts of support from brothers local and afar have given me hope that we can make a difference, even if that difference does not bring my baby back.  What will start out as a toy drive this upcoming December, will morph itself to bigger and better things to come in 2017.  Events we are looking at are potentially a 5/8K race, golf tournament (thanks for trying Big Papi), continued toy drives and community outreach days.

    The overwhelming support of F3 has been tremendous and I can honestly say, without you all, and FiA, my wife and I would not have the strength to want to pull this off, let alone get out of the fart sack.  We still struggle to this day.  But near and far, many of you have reached out and have had a positive impact on us…and we can only hope to repay the favor to hundreds, if not thousands of children who are not nearly as blessed as us…not to mention their parents , who I am sure have their own struggles.

    Your generosity, your support and commitment, is not only helping us heal, but potentially helping hundreds of children and their parents do so as well!

     

    Further announcements will be made available.  As for now…#SERVE

    Humbly Yours,

     

    -Olive, Jager and Happy Meal