Wanderers who find themselves by wandering into the light (www.guardianangel.in).

BY PHILL FELTHAM

We all have different reasons why we believe what we believe. Some people accept Buddhism while others don’t want to think that their actions or words are being controlled by some supernatural supreme being. Through my experience, I came to know who I was through Jesus Christ. My tale starts while living overseas.

LIVING IN TAIWAN
My story begins in Taiwan. In 2005, I was in the process of accepting God into my life. I had just moved to Taiwan ready for new adventures. Nothing was going to stop me. My other goal in my life was to improve my walk with God. I even achieved Rick Warren’s Purpose-Driven Life—but I wasn’t ready.

RETURNING HOME
Two years in Taiwan and traveling proved inspirational, successful and most of all, educational. I had learned many new things that gave me that world perspective that I had longed for, but in doing so, I had compromised many of my beliefs. When I returned to Canada, I was very uncertain about a lot of issues in my life. I was uncertain about my long-distance relationship, I was uncertain about the direction of my career, and I was uncertain about the very man I had become.

A TWO-YEAR RELATIONSHIP ENDS
Two months in Canada past and I did the hardest thing I could ever do, I gave up a two-year relationship with someone I loved very dear to start fresh. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but other than my career path, it had become the first decision I was certain about. At this point because I felt I had caused her so much pain, I wasn’t sure if God would let me back. The only thing I knew in my heart was that I wanted to make a change. That is when God put my long-time friend, Matt Andrade, back into my life.

The ironic thing was that Matt had recently moved back from Calgary. He, too, had recently found God, and his passion really fueled my motivation. Matt really pushed me to come to church. He wanted me to see what he had found while he was away from home. I’ll admit, I wasn’t so receptive at first—fear was a familiar friend.

FINDING HIM THROUGH FELLOWSHIP
Matt introduced me to tons of wonderful people and I kept at a distance because I wasn’t sure how I’d be received–pride and self-condemnation are two of my greatest sins. But this time, I did it anyway. The devils in my head would spit it out lies, but this time it fell on deaf ears.

God has helped me move mountains before and this time would be no different. I braved it out and thanks to the wonderful support I have with my new friends, I’m gaining the confidence and the acceptance that God does care about my life. One moment that really touched me involved my friend, Jackie. Usually, if you invite friends to parties, maybe three or four out of ten might show—and that’s if you’re planning well in advance. Well, Jackie was leaving to go to Africa for one month, and after a church service one night, people were invited to her place for a goodbye party. Twelve people showed up-twelve people! I was so amazed on closely knit everyone was—I smiled all night because of it. I saw God’s work first hand.

A NEW LIFE BEGINS
At my Baptism, I realized one of the main reasons why God had sent me over to Taiwan to begin with — he wanted to show me a culture where togetherness is still a huge fabric in that culture. Myself, so clouded by individualism, didn’t realize that at the time.

There is a difference when you see him present and when you don’t. When you don’t feel his presence, there’s an empty feeling in your stomach. You feel the need to search for a miracle, but when you have God in your life, the miracle is already there. I owe God for everything he’s done—the patience he’s shown and the wonderful people he’s put in my life to overcome some of my greatest fears. I feel I can do no wrong walking with the Lord. The harder things in life have become so much easier. I know I’ll slip and I’ll fall, but the Lord will be there to break it. I’ll cry, I’ll laugh and I’ll be angry. I may even cuss once in awhile, but the one thing I know now, is that I’m not alone–I’m with the Lord–and that’s the greatest feeling of all. iT!

Phill Feltham is the co-owner of The Weekly Wanderer. You can read Phill twice a month is his column: Phill With Wonder.Similar Posts:

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BY “COACH” MATTHEW ANDRADE, A.E.C., S.F.A, A.E.D., N.L.S.

Shout for help, have someone call 911. If no one is there to call 911 do it after you have stabilized the victim.

If possible, before you try to stop severe bleeding, wash your hands to avoid infection and put on synthetic gloves.

Article sponsored by www.itriumph.ca

THINK RED (Rest, Elevation, Direct Pressure) to remember the steps explained below. Move quickly through Rest, Elevation, and Direct Pressure to encourage clotting.

REST:
• Have the injured person lie down.

ELEVATION:
• If possible, elevate the site of bleeding.
• If possible, position the person’s head slightly lower than the trunk or elevate the legs. This position reduces the risk of fainting by increasing blood flow to the brain.

DIRECT PRESSURE:
1. While wearing gloves, pick off any obvious dirt or debris from the surface of wound.
2. Don’t remove any large or deeply embedded objects.
3. Don’t probe the wound or attempt to clean it at this point.
4. Don’t reposition displaced organs. If the wound is abdominal and organs have been displaced, don’t try to push them back into place.
5. Your principal concern is to stop the bleeding.
6. Apply pressure directly on the wound. Use a sterile bandage (a bandage is a dressing–clean absorbent material–and compress), clean cloth or even a piece of clothing and adhesive tape. If nothing else is available, use your hand. Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops.
7. Hold continuous pressure for at least 20 minutes without looking to see if the bleeding has stopped.
8. Don’t remove the gauze or bandage. If the bleeding continues and seeps through the gauze or other material you are holding on the wound, don’t remove it. Instead, add more absorbent material on top of it.
9. Squeeze a main artery if necessary. If the bleeding doesn’t stop with direct pressure, apply pressure to the artery delivering blood to the area of the wound. Pressure points of the arm are on the inside of the arm just above the elbow and just below the armpit. Pressure points of the leg are just behind the knee and in the groin. Squeeze the main artery in these areas against the bone.
10. Immobilize the injured body part once the bleeding has stopped. Leave the bandages in place and get the injured person to the emergency room as soon as possible. iT!

DISCLAIMER: To the best of our knowledge these instructions are in keeping with today’s standards. These instructions are to serve as reminders only and are not a substitute for taking a Standard First Aid Course. We are not liable for the accuracy or the use of this information.

FIRST AID: HELPING YOU SAVE LIVES
Visit iTriumph’s webpage to enrol in a Swimming Lesson or Standard First Aid Course.Similar Posts:

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While your voluntourism intentions may be noble, other opportunists looking to use volunteers for their selfish means are not. Check out the credentials of any voluntourism program and gauge the depth of its commitment to its chosen cause.
Source: msnbcSimilar Posts:

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One benefit to having an overseas wedding is that you don’t have to go very far for your honeymoon; You can have your marriage ceremony in one place and travel to a nearby resort for the honeymoon. Or, maybe you’ll want to have the marriage ceremony and the honeymoon at the same resort or hotel? Whatever your preference, destinations like the Caribbean are ideal because there are many small islands close together. Another popular option is the Dominican Republic. On the average, the honeymoon counts for 14 percent of your wedding costs, so by combining the two, you’re adding more value to one of the most important moments of your life.
Source: Destinationweddings.comSimilar Posts:

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There’s no doubt that regular exercise is good for more than getting six-pack abs or slender thighs, it’s also good for the brain.  Exercising increases blood flow throughout the body, including to the brain, and makes you more alert. When you’re traveling and possibly suffering from jet-lag or too many late nights, doing some light exercise can re-energize you and even lead to a better night’s sleep so your body can get back ‘in-synch’ so you can enjoy your travels all the more.
- Linda O’Byrne, ISSASimilar Posts:

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BY PHILL FELTHAM

It’s easy to sit in front of a computer screen and write an e-mail or chat with a friend on Facebook, but when it comes to answering a question like, “Why do you want to start a business combining fitness and travel?” the answer becomes a little bit more difficult.

One reason could be that I’ve been a fitness enthusiast for the past ten years. I used to weigh in at a staggering 260 pounds, but now, after losing almost one hundred pounds of it, I feel like I can fly. Losing weight changed my life in the sense that my confidence skyrocketed and I started to live life in a way I never could have dreamed before.

The same thing can be said for my love for travel. Until someone embarks on foreign waters, you have what I like to call a “local perspective,” meaning that you can’t really relate to anyone else’s way of life until you live in theirs. When I started traveling, a seasoned traveler said to me, “You don’t know your home until you live in someone else’s backyard.” And that’s true. Travel changed my life the way fitness did. While not everyone may be able to relate to your experiences, you certainly can share what you’ve learned.

John Chow, a marketing genius who makes money by telling people how to make money, once said that the best way to start a business is by selling a piece of yourself. That means put yourself in the business. First, it’s easier to sell something you love, and second, everyone has their own unique personality. When you sell that, you’re giving the world a unique product or service that’s not yet available.

Often, interests overlap. When I moved to Taiwan, I lost 25 pounds and I set a personal goal for myself to work out in every country I travel to. Of course, not everyone will have those types of goals. You could have different fitness goals or maybe a completely different perspective for being active.

You might be someone who enjoys an active vacation or you may be someone who wants to embark on a sporty adventure that requires a lot of physical exertion. What I want is to give you a source for information, workouts, meal planners and itineraries, and eventually provide a service that will help you achieve your active goals while you’re traveling or living overseas.

I’ve given you a glimpse of the reasons why I have chosen to combine fitness and travel into The Weekly Wanderer. Why not explore the Active Wandering section yourself? Not only will you learn about me, but you’ll also learn more about you. Enjoy your travels, or what we say in The Weekly Wanderer, “Enjoy your wandering.” iT!

Phill Feltham is the publisher of The Weekly Wanderer and Senior Editor of Maximum Fitness magazine. He’s travelled to eight countries and lived overseas for two years.

What kind of active wandering do you do? Post your answers below.
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BY ANTONIA McGUIRE

Whether your next trip is for business or leisure, fitting in workout time in between an already jammed-packed travel itinerary can be tricky, especially when you get hit with a wave of traveler’s exhaustion. But maintaining an active lifestyle will not only keep your explorer’s mind sharp, but also keep you in tip-top shape to travel for many, many more trips to come.

Here are 7 tips on how to stay fit while on the road.

1. Book accommodation with a fitness centre.
Most hotels offer free access to its fitness centre. Some even include spa services such as a steam room, whirlpool, sauna and relaxation room. You can also look for a recreational centre like the YMCA and pay a drop in fee.

2. Create a travel kit.
You’ll need a swimsuit, running shoes, some active wear and, ahem, deodorant. If you’re on the road for awhile, you may wish to bring portable equipment such as a yoga mat and exercise band.

3. Take the plunge.
Many well-kept hotels and inns have a pool–perfect for lapses. Try to keep your heart rate up by doing 14 to 16 lapses in less than 20 minutes. If the breast stroke or front crawl isn’t your forte, put on a floatation belt to aqua-jog instead or try an aqua-fitness class.

4. Run Forest, run!
Running is the most basic form of exercise–no-frills.

5. Set your priorities.
You can adapt your regime to wherever you are. If a full-workout isn’t possible, go for a jog around the block or a short gym session. Start with a light stretch and then, an intense interval cardio session on the treadmill or bicycle. With the remaining time, do 15 bench crunches and 15 push ups, followed by 10 lunges and 10 squats.

6. You are where you eat.
While it is easier to grab street food, the truth is it is you’ll save money and time if you brown bag it.

7. Exercise with caution.
Certain situations may cut off access or limit mobility altogether. If exercising outdoors is risky due to high temperatures or security reasons, be innovative. Jog up the stairs or do land exercises like push ups, chin ups, crunches, Pilates or yoga. Do what you can. iT!

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BY KARLI VEZINA

Korean men don’t usually pursue foreign girls. For the most part they follow the typical role of wanting to be dominant one, the chaser who will pay for dinner, call you often and even hold your purse (in public!). I know a lot of women may be thinking that Seoul is where their beau is waiting, but with that traditional romance come the traditional setbacks.

Marriage is often a big pressure in Korean families, as well as having kids as soon as traditionally possible and making a good home for your man.

My friend Leslie, who hails from L.A., started dating her Teak-Yon (a form of martial arts) instructor (after much instigation on her part) and was asked for her hand in marriage a month into their courtship.

She says, ¡§its common for a Korean?man to talk about marriage so fast, especially?when they are in their late 20’s, early ’30’s.¨ She suggested they slow down and after two years of dating and then living together, they had a beautiful Korean wedding last April and she now goes by Mrs. Lim.

For the most part, Korean men find foreign women as abrasive, disrespectful and lacking in moral values. Judging by what they see on the few American TV channels, the OC, MTV and the countless movies for instance, it isn¡¦t a stretch to see where they get these ideas. North Americans are thought to be ignorant, inconsiderate and easy in the sack.

This doesn’t make for a good wife and mother, which is what most Korean men are looking for in the social jungle.

Like many expat ladies, I find Korean men too dainty for my taste. Their build is usually petit, with hips the width of one of my thighs. Not that it¡¦s all about that, but it could get awkward in the bedroom. They dress in the latest style with hair done like runway models. The women are just as fashionable, making them look like the pages of Vogue walking down the street.

Both male and female Koreans are emotionally charged and wear their heart on their proverbial sleeves. This attribute is endearing but taxing at the same time. It¡¦s common to see a couple arguing on a subway platform, with one or both parties weeping dramatically under the stairwell.

Personally, I¡¦m not one for theatrics, and feel like a manly Sasquatch when next to most Korean men. Seeing as I’ve never been propositioned by one, I¡¦d say they felt the same way about me. IT!Similar Posts:

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BY PHILL FELTHAM

TWW’s publisher Phill Feltham did a little camping with some friends in Port Burwell. He took a few photos for The Weekly Wanderer. Take a look at some of TWW’s new stars!

What is this for? A TWW “romance on the road” article. Wait a sec? Matt and Megan aren’t a couple!

TWW special guest star… CHRIS DAUGHTRY! Just kidding, Steve.

A pic to “show” that Phill really knows his stuff. Does it show?

If you have Facebook, you can view the full photo album by clicking here!Similar Posts:

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