This morning did not start well - I was tossing the cookies in a San Diego Airport bathroom. It never got much better - I was chunking on the plane and nearly pooped my pants twice. However, after some salad and a sandwich, I am feeling much better.
Maurie and I are back from Mexico and we are still nailing down our exact thoughts on the week past. I will write some now, but save the bulk for later, when I have put some separation in and perhaps added some insights.
Here are some facts on the trip: Something like 85 of us went to Baja when 40 would have been too many. I went to build a house and spent very little time on the site and the home never was finished. Baja Missions is an organization with too much money and not enough to do. Everywhere we went we drove. Everywhere we stayed was the best in town. Everytime we did anything, we needed pictures of the moment and "gold stars" to praise those involved.
Perhaps that is why I am so sick.
I will write tomorrow. I am happy to be home and looking forward to worship with the church tomorrow.
23 July 2005
12 July 2005
Update
As promised, I am updated you as to my progress with the violin. I have completed two lessons with Rachel and have my third scheduled for Thursday. To date I can play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star in four variations. Some sound better than others, but I believe I am making headway.
Maurie and I leave for Mexico on Saturday. We will be gone for a week of work in Baja. I look forward to the journey and will write after I return.
Maurie and I leave for Mexico on Saturday. We will be gone for a week of work in Baja. I look forward to the journey and will write after I return.
08 July 2005
More Than
Isn't this a cute kid? I have no idea who she is, where the picture was taken or any of the necessary details that come with showing someone a photo. It is just a picture.
But to a precious few the girl represented on your screen is a daughter, a sister, a new best friend. Either way, she is more than just a kid with a Crayon.
Adam writes that God has placed me exactly where I ought be. What are the chances of that happening? Should I start playing the Ohio lotto - am I that lucky? And if I am where I should be, are you where you should be?
Adam also writes that I am more than a firefighter and this is the crucial point I better not miss out on. True, I am where I am and it could be right where God wants me. But, if I were somewhere else, God would need me there too. The will of God for my life is not like the double bulls in a game of darts. Nope, the will of God in my life is much more like a canvas with lots of paint and lots of space.
Allow God to use you today as you teach, while you drive, and amongst your free time. Be God's hands while you paint the masterpiece of a lifetime.
But to a precious few the girl represented on your screen is a daughter, a sister, a new best friend. Either way, she is more than just a kid with a Crayon.
Adam writes that God has placed me exactly where I ought be. What are the chances of that happening? Should I start playing the Ohio lotto - am I that lucky? And if I am where I should be, are you where you should be?
Adam also writes that I am more than a firefighter and this is the crucial point I better not miss out on. True, I am where I am and it could be right where God wants me. But, if I were somewhere else, God would need me there too. The will of God for my life is not like the double bulls in a game of darts. Nope, the will of God in my life is much more like a canvas with lots of paint and lots of space.
Allow God to use you today as you teach, while you drive, and amongst your free time. Be God's hands while you paint the masterpiece of a lifetime.
05 July 2005
Adjustment
Yesterday's tour was a lesson in dying. First run out the door I found myself doing CPR for 10 minutes while the Medics pushed drugs and checked the monitor. There was no dignity, it was not clean and simple. Instead it was awkward and a bit scary. I felt inadequate, and at times - useless. Death was not gracious - perhaps she never is.
You must understand, as I thought I did, that I will face death many times over in my 25 year career. However, I was not sure how it would be that first time. Now I know. It was one thing to see the dead, quite another to "work" the dead.
The remainder of the shift was no better. Multiple gunshot victims, dumpster fires, and domestic violence calls rounded out the day. I think I'm tough, I think I can handle it - but yesterday sucked and I'm not sure I'm ready for another day like it - just yet.
The older guys at my house say there is an adjustment period. You must get used to death before you feel normal after a day like yesterday. Do I want to get used to it? Do I have to get used to it? What else about me might change because of this job?
You must understand, as I thought I did, that I will face death many times over in my 25 year career. However, I was not sure how it would be that first time. Now I know. It was one thing to see the dead, quite another to "work" the dead.
The remainder of the shift was no better. Multiple gunshot victims, dumpster fires, and domestic violence calls rounded out the day. I think I'm tough, I think I can handle it - but yesterday sucked and I'm not sure I'm ready for another day like it - just yet.
The older guys at my house say there is an adjustment period. You must get used to death before you feel normal after a day like yesterday. Do I want to get used to it? Do I have to get used to it? What else about me might change because of this job?
02 July 2005
Camp Nurse
The only issue with being a camp nurse for a week in upstate New York is that people assume - incorrectly in this case - that you are actually a nurse.
My week at Shiloh was very rewarding and I am happy to report that I never had to use my pseudo-nursing skills.
True, I do have a bit of a cold and my cabin was the toilet for the entire camp for a bit - but overall a great time.
I return to work on Monday after having not been for quite a while. It will also be the 4th which promises some interesting runs.
For now, just trying to catch up on some sleep and enjoy being home with my wife and my cat.
My week at Shiloh was very rewarding and I am happy to report that I never had to use my pseudo-nursing skills.
True, I do have a bit of a cold and my cabin was the toilet for the entire camp for a bit - but overall a great time.
I return to work on Monday after having not been for quite a while. It will also be the 4th which promises some interesting runs.
For now, just trying to catch up on some sleep and enjoy being home with my wife and my cat.
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