Withdrawals Anyone?
Hey guys! Just a brief update for anyone hitting “refresh” more than you’d like to admit…those like me who are trying to adjust to life without a new World Tour city and another set of stunning images every few days. And you know what? Having PPS (post-Passion syndrome) withdrawals is not a bad thing, rather a normal process that follows something as momentous, demanding and energizing as the journey we have experienced together. Downshifting, for sure, is not easy…and brings with it a massive mix of emotions.
For one, there’s an undeniable joy in making it to the finish, an accomplishment we still can’t fully absorb and comprehend. And there’s a corresponding sadness in not having the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges “Mount World Tour” posed every single day for the past year. And of course, we miss the cities…and the beautiful people of the world…and watching God land in life-altering ways night after night. Are we glad to be home? OH YEAH! But reentry is tricky and weird. I mean, how do you get back to the thought of sitting down to watch the latest “Office” episode when for weeks you haven’t watched much TV at all (when you did it was CNN International, again) and not really missed it? But we are thrilled to be home and reconnected with family and the Passion House team again. And the same Spirit of God that led us every step of the way is actually inside us in this moment!
And speaking of home, by God’s grace Shelley made it back from Sydney and is doing better under the care of some brilliant doctors here in Atlanta. Surviving the flights was a small miracle in itself, and one for which we are so grateful. Thank you for all your kind words and prayers. We felt them all the way. She’s got a little ways to go before being back to normal speed, but things are definitely moving in the right direction.
Enjoy the pics from Manila – Sydney and in a few days we’ll be back with a mosaic from Kyiv – London. See you soon! Louie
October 31st, 2008 at 4:36 PM
[...] Louie’s latest post—adjusting to life after the tour. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)On the [...]
October 31st, 2008 at 6:12 PM
glad to hear made it home ok, especially you shelly. i get withdrawal symptoms after our church camps and that’s just one week, so i can just imagine what this must like for you guys. thanks again for all your hard work and dedication. enjoy settling in, the office, cnn and whatever else you’re watching.
hope to see you here again in the not-too-distant future.
October 31st, 2008 at 6:20 PM
Withdrawals!!!Withdrawals!!! As of now I have to wait till 2010 for a Passion event. Last passion even I was at was Passion Regionals ATL. Those are withdrawals to talk about… Am I really gonna have to celebrate new years day, and not be at a passion event? Am I really gonna have to live hoping to see a random regional event pop up near Florida? (sigh)… Passion withdrawals are horrible…haha… Glad your wife is doing good Louie. I saw those sweet Passion World Tour shirts, put them on the web site!
October 31st, 2008 at 6:25 PM
I’m having passion withdrawls myself!! What an amazing gift knowing that all over the world God is stirring something in this generation! It was refreshing.
I had an awesome night praising God in VANCOUVER BC! Its an awesome thought knowing that all over the world college students are united for the cause of Christ.
I’m praying for your new church and Shelly’s back! and all that God is going to do through the passion team. Hopefully one day I can make the journey to Atlanta and visit you guys.
October 31st, 2008 at 7:08 PM
definitely withdrawing….!!!!
I´m greatful that Shelley arrived safe home. Hope she gets well soon!! I´m praying.
October 31st, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Yes! Ready to do it all over again?
October 31st, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Wow … thanks for sharing those photos! I’m sure it’s really tough getting back to regular life again. But I have no doubt God will continue to blow wind in your sails. Hopefully being home will be a great chance to be refreshed and renewed for the next adventure. :)
Can’t wait for the next mosaic of photos!
October 31st, 2008 at 10:08 PM
I guess it’s safe to say that the whole world which has been blessed to experiance a world tour stop is in withdrawal mood.. :)..glad shelley is feeling much better,beautiful pictures,looking forward to the “awakening book”,excited to see what God has in store in the near future & wouldn’t mind if passion came back to malaysian soil again…all in all,God bless everyone of you for everything that you have done to lift His name up.
Much love & prayers:
Melissa francis (Ipoh, Malaysia)
October 31st, 2008 at 10:24 PM
“reentry is tricky and weird.” I agree. Even coming back after a week’s mission trip or even coming back from a weekend of Passion, re-entry is awkward. that’s the part i hate most about trips ending…coming back into a “normal” life when you have just learned an even better definition of “normal” that no one else gets, except those that were with you.
October 31st, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Can’t wait to be in college and be able to come to a Passion event!!! =D I’m only fifteen and live in Atlanta but I can’t wait to be in college and be able to attend a Passion event. I have been following almost all of the Passion events so far. Keep it going guys!!!!
November 1st, 2008 at 12:14 AM
YES! YES! YES! How did you know I’ve been coming back to the blog every day and looking for something new even though I know the tour is over? :)
I LOVE all the photos…..they depict so vividly each stop on the journey. Thanks for posting more of them!
I’m also checking the regular website every day too so I can sign up ASAP for Passion ‘10!! If I could I’d pack my bags now and just sit and wait for it! :)
Glad that Shelley made it home okay…..
November 1st, 2008 at 1:15 AM
hahahha Louie I love your honesty as you share with us all the situations you and your team are going through….just like when you told in the passion podcast that you were somewhat disappointed for the absence of people in mexico city….. I truly understand how you guys feel after so many adventures and now being at home missing people from different nationalities, stages, lights, music, but just like you said it is normal to feel like that …. We will wait eagerly for the next Passion World Tour… I’m sure a lot of teenagers are now shining God’s light all around the world… God Bless U
November 1st, 2008 at 1:21 AM
Still continuing to pray for you and Shelley as you shape the vision of Passion Church. I pray for you two and the team as preparations are being made for Passion 2010. I’ll tell ya one thing, there will be at least a few students coming from Vancouver, BC. Ah, seriously can’t wait! I really feel the Lord has been speaking to my heart since Passion Vancouver and I am so excited to see what He has in store.
And I was watching some of the 7|22 stuff online, and I got this vision of something like that coming to our city of Vancouver. Greater things have yet to come! AMEN!
Many prayers and blessings,
Mike Vickers
Vancouver, Canada
P.S. Thanks for posting, the withdrawl has been tough to deal with, I look forward to the next wall post but ALSO the PODCAST!!!!!!! =)
November 1st, 2008 at 1:44 AM
Thanks for posting! I’ve been checking daily! Please keep us updated on what’s going on with the Passion team. It is inspiration to my soul :)
November 1st, 2008 at 2:15 AM
Hi Louie,
I’m glad to hear that Shelley’s back is doing better!! Amen! I know you both must be so happy to be back home. I pray she continues to get much needed rest and recuperation in the comforts of home.
I’m glad, too, to know you all are making the transition back into “normal life”. That’s what I was praying for! The Lord had really laid it on my heart to pray for you all specifically in that way! Isn’t He amazing?! God is so faithful!! May He continue to encourage your hearts and energize your spirits with His endless supply of love and grace! He is sooo good! Please keep us posted on what all God is doing in and through Passion! I am so loving this journey!! :)
Lisa
November 1st, 2008 at 4:38 AM
Thanks for the photos…they’re beautiful! Enjoy your well-deserved rest…glad Shelley’s back is getting better too!
‘Til the next blog…love you guys :-)
November 1st, 2008 at 5:26 AM
I’ve got passion podcast withdrawal more than anything right now ;)
November 1st, 2008 at 8:20 AM
PPS……of course we have withdrawals and all in good faith I might add.!!!
At least this great technology allows us all to stay in touch. Praise God for helping you Shelley and may you find new strength from day to day.
Be blessed everybody,till we “meet” again ;>)
November 1st, 2008 at 12:05 PM
so glad to hear shelley is getting better. it’s so crazy to think there will be no more world tour stops…for a long while, at least.
the photos are beautiful, i can’t wait to see the photo album thing you guys are putting together. that’s going to be great, definitely getting one of those :)
praying for you guys all the time.
brittany
November 1st, 2008 at 7:09 PM
As I was out under the stars last night I was reminded how small we are and yet all over this small world there are people loving and being joyful in our God. That excites and encourages me! One day there will not be an ocean or night that separates our BIG family. I cannot wait to meet Christ face to face and spend forever with Him. I understand coming down from a high and getting back into the grove. Welcome home…. and happy resting… 8-)
November 1st, 2008 at 9:41 PM
Hi Louie! Thanks for the update on Shelley’s condition, I’m glad everything is going the right direction!
As for withdrawals… absolutely, yeah, that’s tough.. I mean, I admit I’ve been checking the blog like the WT was still on and a new entry could pop up anytime… lol!
But it’s good to know that we’re in all of this together even now during PPS, even though I’m sure it must be much tougher for you guys. But I believe this is just an intermission, you know… as we keep living in the places where God placed us, being ourselves the change we want to see in the world, as you said (sort of) in the end of Leg 1, I guess.
But I guess what is really really cool is knowing that our lives will never be quite the same after what we’ve seen and experienced… I mean, the WT is over, but it’s not really over, it kind of continues in the lives of every student and person who attended and got to be part of this somehow.
An intermission… let’s see what the following acts will be like – all I know is this Playwright is considered to be really really good. :-)
Always praying for you, the Passion crew and the WT cities.
Rodrigo – Sao Paulo, Brazil
November 1st, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Thanks for that reminder Rodrigo. You are so right. I think we get all hyped up on going to Passion events (they are awesome times with each other and God) and forget that the real point is letting what we do in there fill the streets out there. I am currently listening again to prayer a remix and I’m looking forward to seeing what God is going to do through this new church I’m hearing about and the ripples from the WT!
November 2nd, 2008 at 6:01 AM
awesome stuff, louie! :) enjoy home
November 2nd, 2008 at 9:03 AM
Louie & Shelley & Pasison tEam
Thanks for the after post! Glad the whole team is safe and sound with families and that Shelley’s back is doing better!!! YEah it’s kinda weird not watching out for the next post or podcast from some city somewhere in the world.
I can’t agree with the TV thing because I am still oversesas and missing MY FOOTBALL and ICE HOCKEY! Apperantly you can only get baseball, soccer, occassionaly ice skaintg (SKate America was on yesterday), minmal tennis which is good, and Korean wrestling (ugghghg!!)
IN other words I do not watch alot of TV!!! I mostly catch up via ESPN and CNN news highlights but not the same!!!!
Seriously though, I have had a rough first month overseas (S. Korea) which is why PAssion Seoul was so vitally important to me and others that came with me!!
I’m learning to trust in God and lean hard into His arms of LOVE and GRACE during the tough emotional days !! I have been encouraged via reading all the posts and talking to family and friends back home who are praying for me!!
Love you guys!!
God Bless,
Angela
November 2nd, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Howdy for the land of Oz Louie, Shelley and Passion team!!!
I have been relistening to some of the Passion world tour podcasts and whenever I listen to the Sydney one I am right back there, and so, so grateful to our beautiful King Jesus for bringing you guys here and for allowing me to be a part of it all. Just to worship Him in such a joyful dancing congregation was something I will not forget in a while (or is that ever.)
Still lifting you both up before the throne of His grace – and knowing that He is with you Shelley and your brilliant doctors and you will be healed completely restored before too long.
I liked the comment about looking at the stars, yes, if we focus on the One who makes Passion and all things possible, remember that He is with us all the time, he never goes back home, but is our constant, beautiful companion, and that we will NEVER have withdrawls from HIM, well, that makes Passion being over for now, just another thing in our journey. (I know I am not as “in the thick of it” as you guys, but focusing on Jesus in any tramatic/painful/withdrawing?type situtation can only be a benefit to our hearts and souls. I know you both know that too!!
I am looking forward to the book and seeing what God has in store for you and Passion next. Long way to Australia and those plane trips aren’t that sweet, so I say again “thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to our land and leaving another deposit of what God has given you all in our blessed city of Sydney.”
My prayers and love go out to you both, brother and sister across the sea
Barbie
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Louie, Memories,
Like the corners of your mind
Misty water-colored memories
Of the way you were.
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:17 AM
Louie… i think we are all on the same boat. All of us are experiencing PPS !!!!!! it happened eversince coming back from passion HK… :P Which explains why I keep coming back to your blog for a new entry….i also went to download older passion podcast episodes…then went on checking out other Passion ppl from Facebook hoping that there will be some hint of the next thing that Passion is gonna do that we can participate. :)
i’ve just downloaded an old podcast entry – Great Endurance. It’s so hilarious in the beginning how you were saying everyone keeps asking for latest podcast, how different ppl from different age group & continents are smiling and listening to the podcast. I was in the first category that you mentioned…listening podcast thru my ipod while driving up to work. Yes..I was smiling! Every bit of the podcast made me laugh… esp when you shared about the issues you encountered with Facebook. I also like the part when you mentioned how you met up with people in Seoul Korea and to work things out for Passion Seoul. From the description of the people involved, I can imagine how honoured it was to be in the same room with those group of ppl.
Looking at the result of the crowd attended Passion Seoul…it certainly brought such joy to you and Passion Seoul team :) Network, Relationships & Grass Root… :)
It was also spiritual uplifting when you shared from Colossians 1 :9-13. from verse 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience .
This verse gave me the strength that I need at the moment. And yea, thankfully I have a great sister that continues to pray for me. Thanks Louie for the podcast!!! To all other blog readers who are not passion podcast listeners yet..pls do download em :) encouraging msgs..and it’s juz awesome to hear testimonies of what other bros and sis are doing for God. so encouraging.
Now for all PPS patients, we can now wait for ‘Amazing’ book to be published..Hooray!!
p/s: read letter to marissa blog entry. mind blowing! wow!
Love,
Celine – KL Malaysia
November 4th, 2008 at 7:18 AM
SAUDADES!!
November 4th, 2008 at 3:34 PM
okay…i must confess…i LOVE all of passion’s photos. soooo….what kind of camera and equipment are you guys using?
grace and peace,
ecc
November 5th, 2008 at 8:54 PM
looking forward to see the ripples of God’s work.
a few questions..
what are post-Passion plans? like… the church you are starting?
or if you’d rather not go into that, are there plans for others to lead Passion in your stead?
November 6th, 2008 at 5:49 AM
Hi Louie glad that you are home and things are getting better. Still praying for S. Don’t skip us in South Africa next year! We had such a blessing and looking forward to the Passion!
November 6th, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Bought the Hello love cd on Sunday and started praising and singing along ( even as I type now Jesus Messiah is playing). It has minimised the “withdrawal”. I am grateful to God for the Passion movement and as always, its for His glory! Weldone faithful servants, may you rest and be refreshed for your next assignment.
November 10th, 2008 at 4:39 AM
The Passion Movement has just started. WOW! (Hao Ging Ah!) I know it, I feel it, I see it, I experience it and I am IN it!! Jesus Reigns!
Blessings on the Passion team.
Sam
November 26th, 2008 at 11:46 PM
just to let you know,you have been more than a blessing to my wife and I both.I was raised independent fundamental baptist for years.As I got old I ventured away from baptist leading me to wiregrass church.WOW!I have learned more in the few months I’ve went there,than all my years of other churches combined.God is really using you to bring out HIS greatness.With all the talks about star down to the small parts in our body,i now know why He say if the people dont praise HIM the rocks.I would like to talk to you personaly about my future with GOD,and HIS will if can find time,even Thirty minutes,I believe you could help 334-805-7491 Daniel Smith.Thank you for giving to the LORD my life is changed,and its GREAT.
December 11th, 2008 at 2:15 AM
Louie!
I love the pics from Seoul…I found out you guys were there just before we got the call to go pick up our baby girl Molly :) Would have loved to worship God in her country, with her for the GREAT things HE has done for us in her adoption. We are in full time youth ministry in Tennessee and can not wait to take our kids to Passion! We are from Alaska and being closer to concerts is so good. I would love to know how to get ahold of you guys singing in Korean….any ideas???? I guess UTUBE maybe…but do you have that recorded anywhere??
Thanks, Jen
February 10th, 2009 at 2:49 AM
Хех. Ну тогда я тоже :)
June 29th, 2009 at 3:48 AM
Давно не заглядывал на ваш сайт. А тут и почитать и посмотреть есть чего. сча в рсс добавлю. Так удобнее ;) И всем советую.