We arrived late at night, so my first morning to awake in-country was unusual. I had not seen the terrain, or any sights by the light of day. The sun rose early... 5:15 or so. I awoke to the sounds of donkeys braying, and roosters crowing. I literally felt as if I was on a farm.

I walked to the window and was overwhelmed at the sight. From my second story window, I could see that we were surrounded by mountains. We were nestled in a valley, and the village had sprung to life at this very early hour. The dirt street was laden with donkeys carrying huge capacities of mint, straw, and many other goods. The men who were tending them rode sidesaddle, and were clad in old clothing which looked as if it had been discarded years before.

These same streets were lined with buses, trucks, cars, and mopeds. Men were everywhere, women were unseen. Shop keepers were hosing down the dusty road and walks so that patrons would not stir up a haze as they came in. Storefronts were tiny and dirty. Signs in Arabic cried out to my deaf ears. The only one I could figure out was "Coca-Cola."

The beauty and sorrow overwhelmed me simultaneously. This land was not my land. I did not recognize anything about it. I felt very far away from home.

We assembled as a team at our missionaries home. The first thing on our agenda was to drive then hike up into the mountain above our host city to have a special service for BJ.

The Lord had provided safe passage for his remains. They had been divided into small containers provided by Deanna's mother, and parceled out to our different backpacks in the hope that if they were discovered in one place they would be safe in another. God blinded the the eyes of the guards to these small packages which held such valuable cargo.

We drove as far as we could up a mountain dirt road. No guard rails, just a sheer drop as we ascended. When we got as far as we could drive, all 19 of us plus our missionary hosts, and another 6 summer missionaries from another team started the trek up to the chosen final resting place.

It was beautiful! Pine trees above, and a view of several mountain villages below, with our host city in the distance. Minarets from the area mosques were in clear sight from this panoramic view. Shade from the pines and a gentle breeze eased the heat of the day.

We gathered in this small natural amphitheater, and entered into a time of worship. After offering praises to our King, one by one, all 27 of us spoke a few words, read scripture which was meaningful to us personally, and then each layed a large river boulder into a small pile. (this can be seen on the Awe Star website if you go to trip updates, then view the NA2006 trip pictures)

I went first. I spoke about Beej's Christ centered desperation to see the lost come to Christ, his call to North Africa, and related Scripture. Then I layed the first stone, and poured out his remains onto it. The breeze kicked up, but left his ash alone. Each person then added to this, and completed this mountain rest.

Here, where the Lord is working and moving in and among these villages, we believe the Lord ordained for his remains to be.

Yes, we shed many tears. We heard many wonderful affirmations from this body of Christ. BJ would have been embarrassed, but we his family were very thankful for the selfless participation of each team member.

This is how we began our journey in North Africa.

On our final day in country, our host took us back to the site, along with BJ's best friend from his last trip to Peru, DJ. The site was thought secure, and figured to go undisturbed, but that was not the case.

In this land, riches are thought to be found in the mountains. If one suddenly becomes successful in life, all believe he has found wealth in the mountains. One such searching soul was looking for the same under this pile of stone.

I trust he found the wealth my son had in life. I trust he is on a path that leads to Christ. Truly, what was buried beneath the stones in this Carn was a treasure, but it is stored in heaven.

Graciously, though a wind and uncommon rain storm had besieged the land the night before, his ash still rested on the bottom stone. As the family watched, and through my blurry eyes, I rebuilt the pile, much more secure, and with the tender care I wish I could once again embrace him with.

A sentry stands above this land. Keeping watch over the work of the Lord. Promising Truth that is being sought through bondage.

dad