Right… It’s Eric.  Hello team!  Some people call me Erich, and frankly, I cannot remember how that came about.  My parents almost named me Jacob, which would have proved amusing, considering we live on the outskirts of the Amish capitol of the world, and “Jacob Weaver” screams Amish. 

So, I grew up on an orchard, which made for both an unconventional and (in hindsight) very beneficial upbringing.  Working with your family in a business setting is at times strained but with a family such as mine it is more blessing than anything. 

Family is one of the things that has become extremely important to me. I am often amazed at the unity and support God has blessed us with despite all of our rubbish. And that is what gets me so excited about living and ministering with you guys as my family this summer.  We will have our conflicts and our differences. But it is not the absence of these that defines healthy family; it is that body’s response to them.  (For those of you coming from especially tough family backgrounds, my prayer is that we can be an example of what unity truly means in Christ and restore hope to the word family for you.)

As you can see, sometimes I go on serious tangents.  That’s something about me!  Alright, let’s get back on track here.  Who am I…

Well, I am 21, so between Jeremy and I, It seems like you guys have some young leaders!  But hey, its just a testament to the fact that we are really just your peers, doing our best to serve you so you can serve others… Trust me, we will be learning as much or more from all of you as you do from us.  (Yet another tangent)

What makes me tick…  Of late I find myself craving green vegetables… I love to read, to the point of unhealthy obsession at times. I love black tea or strong coffee…I love to write, it helps me put some order to the nonsense in my head… Apparently I overuse periods in triplets . . .  I love snowboarding, snow, and the like.  I’m with you Jeremy, music brings the world to life, and worship through song is AWESOME!! Ahh I CANNOT express how great it will be to worship my heart out with all of you! 

So briefly, I will close with why I am here. I was in New Zealand last summer with AIM, and what a tough and amazing experience it was. I left knowing that was life lived as it was meant to be.  Thus when God gave me this opportunity, it was a no-brainer.  But this time, as a leader, all of you are my ministry just as much as the beautiful people of Africa.  I know that it is by his grace that I am saved and furthermore, able to further his kingdom.  Thus, this is my passion; to encourage and challenge others in their gifts, their weaknesses, and ultimately recognizing the intensely beautiful and powerful individuals they are when made perfect in Christ.  That is what I am most thrilled and humbled by… simply witnessing and, in whatever way I can, helping each of you to see who Christ is within you. 

Seriously, sorry about the length.  My life is a run-on sentence.

My number is 6102074608 and my email is 77erich@gmail.com if you have any questions.  I have not been to Africa so Nikki and Jeremy will be able to answer specific questions much better than I.  But I would love to talk or pray with any of you if you so desire!

One Love

Eric