Gap

In case you were wondering what Roxy's teeth look like...
Taken by Jenn Clark
Doesn't she look old here? Well, today she is 15 months!

Paul Log

June 2: school, Thai lunch with Trish, all-you-can-eat sushi dinner with Clark/Sinclair families, evening at Closson's house with friends, turn 28

June 3: school, fly to St. Louis

June 4: Cardinals vs. Cubs with Trish (free tickets), meet-up with JM and Jim

June 5: dinner with Don and Jessi

June 6: zoo


June 7: accompany Trish to Lasik surgery, watch Poiseden with Jason

June 8: breakfast with Mark Lanker, lunch with Kim, back to Seattle

Spent lots of time with Trish's family the rest of the time. The Long family was there from Springfield so it was great for everybody seeing Michael and Roxy together.

June

I did not get the job. I am a little disappointed. I am not used to rejection so maybe a little humbling is in order.

Trish is going to St. Louis tomorrow for her cousin's wedding and getting a touch-up on her Lasik surgery. They didn't get it right the first time, but they're (her eyes) are still under warranty. She is taking Roxy and then I am going to fly there Saturday night after class. I am taking Old Testament Genre all day today thru Saturday. We're flying back together on Thursday.

Ghost

I had a load of clean laundry on the floor. In the mix Roxy found what she must have thought was a magic sheet. She put the crib sheet over her head and proceeded to walk fifteen feet straight toward the door. Bonk, her head discovered the sheet wasn't magic after all.

This is the very same sheet Roxy barfed on last night (I washed it first). She threw-up four times Friday night. In case you want a play-by-play, once in a friend's (Jocie) pac-n-play, once in the foyer (thanks for cleaning it up Sam and Tucker), and then twice at home on the bathroom counter. She has been acting okay since except for a lack of appetite. Then last night (Monday) she threw-up at 3 am. As you can tell from the above story she is acting okay though.

In other Roxy news, she is signing more. She does flower, thank you, please, water, bath, and ball. She is also combining sometimes, "more please." I think "uh-oh" is the only word she has added to her vocab (my first word). She babbles a lot though like she is saying multiple sentences and expects a response. It is too cute, especially when she sticks her little tongue in and out while she is "talking." I haven't really been around too many babies so all this is very interesting to me. It feels like she is developing so fast and does the smartest baby things. Like she points to her nose when asked and signs milk when I say it in Korean.

Videos

Check out this video clip for hopefully a good chuckle.

And this viedo clip to be amazed.

Job posting

I applied for a job today. Click on "job" to see the posting. Sounds exciting to me and seems to fit well with my life right now. I was taking a break from school writing and browsed through part-time, non-profit jobs on craigslist. Kind of random, but I came across this posting. So I'll let you know what happens.

Monday Tradition

I have a new tradition. Roxy still goes to day care on Mondays and we are both enjoying this time apart. I found an awesome place to run after I drop Roxy off. After the half-marathon in Nov I have hardly exercised at all and put on about seven pounds. Of course, I am not worried about putting on weight, in fact, I welcome it, but I don't like what it is a symptom of. Anyway, I've started running regularly again and found a beach to make the experience a lot more enjoyable. Let me describe...

Three miles from our home is Picnic Point, my starting point. There are few access points to the shoreline in this area so there are few other people around. It is 60 degrees and the sky is clear. I run on the hard packed sand enmeshed with river rock that absorbs my pounding. On one side I see the Puget Sound. From here it looks like a bay. The water and one-foot waves are comparable to a lake. In the background is a snow capped mountain range. I see a crane at the waters edge and seagulls swooping in the shallow water. On the other side, large rocks ramp up to a railroad track, and beyond that a few million-dollar homes and a reserve lush with tall firs and inhabited by chirping birds. To keep it interesting, I high step over the occasional driftwood and rocks scattered on the shore. I pass by a series of ancient posts in the water that must have held up a dock decades ago. Around a bend a train zooms by and I come to a no trespassing sign protecting a grounded barge that looks as old as the posts I passed and a home that is accessible only by crossing the tracks. I run on the nuetral tracks to skirt by the private property and get a closer look at the mysterious old 150 foot ship. It has vegetation on the top and looks like a monstrous plant pot. I want to press on, but I've been running 25 minutes already. Just to the next bend. I turn around then get to a point where the tide has come up to the railroad rocks. I had to scale the rocks to run on the tracks. Inevitably, a train comes and whistles at me from behind. I rush to the side and in 15 seconds watch the engine fly by up close and personal. Another hundred yards and back to the beach I finish off a beautiful Pacific Northwest run.

Opposites do Attract!

This past Thu-Sat I had my first class this summer, all of which are "intensive" format, Spirituality of Leadership in Org I. It's hard to summarize a course, but I will say I feel it was impacting as well as enjoyable (if you're okay with entering the pain of leadership). Our professor, Ron Carucci, started us off with an interesting definition for leadership, "the ability to disappoint people at a rate they can absorb."

As for the title of this entry, we took the DiSC Classic, a behavioral personality profile test that has been around 41 years. I have an Objective Thinker Pattern. Anyway, Trish took the test at home and without seeing my answers didn't choose a single one the same as me out of 56 possibilities. Needless to say, we were opposites in every category. Her pattern is called Inspirational.

So what does all this mean? I don't know, do you?

I like this story...

Roxy says mama a lot now, and it sounds a lot cuter than dada for some reason. This morning after her daily breakfast of a whole banana and three strawberries, I got her out of her high-chair and she starts pointing and walking towards the bedroom and passionately repeating "mama." After reaching the side of the bed where yesterday morning she found mama sleeping, I told her mama was at work. Apparently she didn't believe me because she kept saying "mama" and looking up at the bed. So I put her up on the bed to quell her disbelief. She still didn't believe me so she lifted up the covers and finally realized mama wasn't there.

Our Mother's Day

We ate lunch with the families of Trish's Mars Hill spouse's group. Also my friends. Eleven adults, four infants (mothers ate free). Then we went to the park on Greenlake for a beautiful, sunny time.

Sam and Carol and Jocelyn: Hooligans

See Roxy at Sam and Carol and Jocelyn: Hooligans.

Moody

Caught on tape: Roxy demonstrates her moodiness. From happy to whiney in no time... Here is the video clip.

Dreaming

Lately my thoughts have been saturated with plans for the near and distant future. I have come across or formulated some ideas that have excited me.

I think I will start with us first coming to Seattle for me to go to MHGS. I felt drawn to the school, it felt so right. I loved and love the vision and emphasis. The school has met my expectations. I applied to the Master of Arts in Christian Studies program, but by the time I registered for classes, I switched over to the Master of Divinity program track because I was attracted to the Global Engagement concentration. I still desire to do foreign missions and this seemed to fit. The MACS is 48-hours and the MDiv is 90-hours.

Now I am considering if that extra 42-hours will best prepare me for my calling. Or, if I could spend that time and money on another degree that would better prepare me for my calling and open up opportunities overseas. I believe missionary work has to be more and more innovative in our postmodern, globalized world. I want to be effective. I want to make a real, significant difference for people’s life, especially the poor and marginalized, not only for eternity, but for the here and now. I want to create communities that foster faith, hope, and love where there is little to be found.

I want to make sure my education is not an excuse for inactivity. However, I do not think it is, but is a means of better preparing me to be an effective change agent. So I have been looking at other options, namely in the Seattle area, and have three on the top of my list:

1) A MBA in Sustainable Business from Bainbridge Graduate Institute, http://www.bgiedu.org/. This is what I am most excited about. Sustainable business as I understand it focuses on social, ecological, and economical wellness as opposed to just profits. I could write about this for a while, but I will write what I believe this degree would prepare and facilitate for me, a hope, a dream. A factory or business in China that trades internationally and would provide its workers with excellent working conditions and treatment, vacation time, and fair wages (this is the opposite of most factories in China). I believe this would open up many evangelistic and humanitarian opportunities. Profits would be used to go back in to the communities where the businesses are located. Part of the dream would be for such a place to serve as a model for others. Also, if and when North Korea opens up, I would love to do such an endeavor there, a place where such a community undertaking would be much needed.
2) A Master of Arts in Organization Design and Renewal from Seattle U., www.seattleu.edu. This is a one-of-a-kind degree program. It is geared more for people to become consultants. It has classes on social responsibility, but that is not the emphasis. I could still do the above, or I thought I could be a “Corporate Social Responsibility Consultant” and help other companies accomplish the above. A problem I see is not being able to let the beneficiaries know it is for the sake of the gospel these things are being done.
3) A MBA in with a concentration in International Business from Argosy U., http://www.argosyu.edu/. This could perhaps open up the same opportunities as BGI. The attraction here is that I could complete it in one year versus two for Seattle U. and BGI, and still have enough Montgomery G.I. Bill to pay for it. Also, it is located one block from MHGS, allowing me to stay close to that community.

There are still so many factors involved in deciding: timing, money, working, family priorities, MHGS is revamping there MACS next year towards something more suited for my desires, etc. I am not one to make rash decisions so my plan right now is to give these thoughts the test of time.

I have come across two businesses that I believe are doing great work around what I am writing about. Pura Vida Coffee, http://www.puravidacoffee.com/, and Ten Thousand Villages, http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/. Both have volunteer opportunities here in Seattle, and I am thinking about doing an internship with Pura Vida if I go this route. Also, I highly recommend buying coffee and international goods from these two companies.

I am still thinking, researching, and praying about how to best serve the North Korean situation. I am willing to help the refugees in China “on the ground” full-time, but I am thinking I could better serve their cause in other ways: advocacy, working to change policies, or perhaps through business. Since they are underground in China, as white people, we might bring unwanted attention to them.

Please dream with and on behalf of me. Please share your counsel or feedback and if you know me well enough, please share with me what you think my gifts, talents, or calling may be. I believe a community can help its members realize their gifts.

Deep Breath

I stayed up till 4 a.m. finishing my last paper for my second semester. Deep breath. Trish gave me a gift certificate to celebrate finishing my first semester, but I just got around to using it today. So I celebrated finishing both. Deep breath. I hope to get some more relaxation this summer, but the twelve books sitting on my desk say "no way."

Roxy Log

• Stood up unassisted first time April 26th - now officially a walker
• Sign language performed with accuracy to date (also understands verbally): more (Roxy's definitions include feed me and give me something else to eat I don't want this), milk, diaper, and done
• Commands audibly recognized: kiss (gives opened-mouth), hug (prefers hugging stuffed animals over us), peek-a-boo (elicits slapping her own face), and unfortunately she does not understand "no" YET
• Words spoken (in which she knows what she is saying): dada (debatable), what's that, cat, dog, duck, sock, and she combines many syllables which sound like sentences but are just baby talk

Boating Break

Classes are over for the semester, and one more paper to turn in. I start back May 18th, but I have a lot of pre-course assignments so no real break. Last night we had a Spring Banquet with the school, and we had a co-worker of Trish watch Roxy. They invited us out on their boat the next day, today. And so it was a lovely, relaxing time for us on Lake Washington with not a cloud in the sky and Mt. Ranier towering in the background. We road to a park, docked, and ate (restaurant) burgers for lunch. We haven't done much outdoor stuff since we've been here so it was a refreshing time.

Discovered

Roxy found her belly-button!

See, there it is!

In other noteworthy news, Roxy can now do sign language! We tried teaching her for a while, but weren't too consistent. She finally does "more" but for her it means give me food or drink. I think she may know diaper change. We'll confirm later. Anyway, this should cut down on her and our frustration. Hopefully too she has caught on to the concept and we can teach her more and then show her off to the world as the smartest baby in the world! Oh wait, we have to learn sign language first...

Updating

I think I am going to stop with monthly updates on Roxy and just post as things happen or come to me. With that, as of today the most steps Roxy has taken is 17. She has about 13 teeth which is a lot for her age. She adorably babbles a lot and her latest phenomenon is pointing usually accompanied by "wuzat" which sounds like "what's that." Her eating habits are changing for the worst. She has been picky. Oh what a frustrating thing - trying to feed a hungry baby that gives a tight-lipped whine and turn of the head to something you try to feed her that she has enjoyed many times before. She is very passionate and I like that about her - except when she is passionate about doing things she shouldn't. Anyway, here are some good pictures from the past month.

Stroll in the park. Roxy and I both need to get our more. We enjoyed our outing.

She got herself in this predicament. So you don't think I am cruel, she was laughing when I starting taking the picture.

We do take good care of her, I promise.

Fire!

I almost burned the apartment down. I had a candle on my desk and was printing something. The paper flew off the printer onto the candle which caught fire and inflamed a folder on my desk. I was in the bedroom when our loud, trusty fire alarm went off. I ran to the scene and carried the flaming folder to the sink. After ventilating the alarm went off and we surveyed the damage: burnt head phones, charred spots on desk, melted printer cable, some paper, travel wallet melted, and lots of ash to vacuum. Pretty fortunate! My computer inches away is unscathed.

Where have we been?

The main reason that I haven’t posted in a while, besides being generally busy, is that we do not have internet at home anymore. We cancelled it in conjunction with our landline - saving money and cutting down on the distraction. I have internet access at school and Trish has it at work. Plus, there are wifi connections here and there. Right now I am at the library working on a research paper.

In regards to my last post, Roxy has recovered well and is back to being as active as ever. This week we started Roxy in daycare, http://www.eldc.org/, for one day a week to give her some interaction with more kids and structured “development” and give me some time to get school work done so that I don’t have to stay up so late and can have more time to spend with Trish when she is home instead of doing catching up on what I couldn’t get done during the day watching Roxy. Wow, that was an impressively long, grammatically correct sentence. Or is it not correct? I figured out that I was spending at least forty hours a week giving Roxy undivided attention or taking care of her in some way (laundry, making baby food, etc.). Although fulfilling, it still means I am “working” a full-time job and going to graduate school full-time (I actually take 2 more credit hours than full-time). Needless to say I have some stress in my life. Stress can be good and bad and so it is with me.

Poor Baby

Thursday night Roxy threw-up (Meredith, how is your bag smelling?). Friday it didn't stop so I took her to the clinic. She has an ear infection that was probably brought on by a cold. In combination or as a byproduct, she has a fever, diarrhea, soar throat, coughing, cold sores, runny nose, was still throwing-up, and popped a blood vessel in her eye. To top that off she has a couple of teeth coming in. We took her to the clinic yesterday and they prescribed suppositories. She hasn't thrown up since and seems to be doing better today. It was so sad this weekend holding our pathetically weak baby. She has been cuddly though for the first time. We like that but it sure isn't not worth it.

Cake Face

Here are the pictures I promised. Why do we ever stop doing this? Given everyone's fascination with watching the "baby's first cake eating extravaganza," I think (whether you'll admit it or not) that we all wish we could smear our birthday cakes all over us and people not think we're crazy or immature. I'll be the first to confess.
Thanks and a shout out to Meredith for the pictures.

Happy Video

I finally got around to figuring out how to get video on my blog. So if you want to see a 26 second clip of our genius baby click here:Video.

Partytime

For Roxy's First Birthday Party we had people over to our apartment clubhouse to celebrate. We had 23 adults and five babies join us. It was a lot of work to put on but was well worth it. I cooked all the food in an hour and half but only a third of the food was eaten. I couldn't believe how much was left over! Today was actually Trish's birthday so I got a Cold Stone Creamery cookie dough ice cream cake for her. It was a hit!
So Roxy's cake eating extravaganza didn't go over quite as expected. She didn't know what to do and then started crying when Trish put her hand into the cake. After a few minutes she caught on though and had it everywhere. Sorry the webcam did not work out for those who tried to tune in. A friend took pictures so I'll post some once I get them.
Trish's parents are in town and watched Roxy for us after her party while I had a surprise party for Trish at a local pub. She was surprised and very appreciative. What a day!

ONE Year Old

Can anyone else not believe it? I want to give a quick update and I plan on posting some reflections when I have more time.
Roxy still prefers crawling so she hasn't made any progress since her three steps a couple of weeks ago. She is TOOTHY! Other parents we talk to can't believe how many teeth she has her 10th tooth just came through and second molar. Hopefully that is why she has been crabby. We've had some stressful days lately. She has a few more syllables in her vocab and has recently starting doing a "g" sound which is cute but also resembles a clearing of the throat. One of the cutest things she has been doing is coming up to us and laying her head on us. We love it! She is afraid (cries) of the vacuum cleaner but she faces her fear and follows it around. Strange! She still doesn't realize the danger of falling from things (like bed), or maybe she is just that fearless? She picks things off the ground with her mouth. Separation anxiety has set in. When she sees us when we're with other people she cries until we pick her up. It makes us feel special, but it makes things more difficult.
That is all I can remember right now. Oh, the picture is of Roxy's toy chest we got her for her birthday. It's actually a pine blanket-chest but it works perfect. Thanks for tuning in!

Day in the Park

A front passed by, as you can see from our balcony, and left some lovely weather for us. On Saturday we took advantage of this and took a family trip to the park. Not that exciting but some good pictures.

So Roxy does not like the swing!

She hasn't walked on her own again since the first time nine days ago.

This is classic Roxy as of late. Always reaching out and make a "ahhhooouuu" sound like she is amazed.

Kiva

Thanks to Josh Sandoz I ran across an awesome idea at Kiva. For those socially responsible types, check it out. I realize some may be sceptical, but there isn't much risk. Kiva is the first microlending Web site designed to provide individuals with the ability to connect with and make personal loans ($25-175) to small businesses in developing countries.

Microlending is a great strategy for helping the poor.

The ONE Campaign

Do you ever feel like you want to do more for the suffering poor, I do. Something simple, quick, and easy we can do is sign petitions for things we believe in. Elected officials seem to care what people want. At least they should. Anyway, here (The ONE Campaign) is a sign-on letter at the ONE site asking the leaders of the House and Senate Budget Committees to fund President's Bush's full budget request for International Affairs. If you've never heard of the ONE campaign, check out there site. They are doing good things.

A Million Voices for Darfur

Here is another one. If you do not know what is going on in Darfur Region of Sudan, please check it out at savedarfur.com. Also, please sign this petition, A Million Voices for Darfur.

Firsts

So we have some firsts to report: two induced, one contrived. Firstly, we couldn't wait for one year to give her cow's milk (that is when you are supposed to make the switch from formula). So two weeks early (oh, how rebellious) we decided to start introducing organic whole milk. She likes it.

We also have held off on giving her meat, UNTIL NOW! So our little vegetarian tried some chicken. She didn't like it. Also of note, the spoon was a gift from my grandparents that they used to feed my mom. How cool!

So now the big news. Roxy WALKED! For the whole story, when Nathan was here she took a step, but didn't land it. So I will leave it up to you if you think that counts. Also, Nathan was the first to hold only one of Roxy's hand as she walked. So tonight at the Dancause's home, where Roxy took her first crawl, she took her first step (and remained standing). Thanks Meredith for all of your motivation. Of course, we couldn't stop there. So after several more attempts (probably too many), she made it to three steps. Roxy walks.

Nanny ain't movin'

Click on this article: to read about my great-grandmother in the Orlando newspaper. I'm so proud of her.

Na Na

Na Na was in town! I have known Nathan Powell since birth. Our fathers were and are friends and so we grew up together. Through the years we have spent varied amounts of time together in different seasons of our lives. We can relate well with each other since we come from very similar upbringing. That is one of the joys of our friendship. I am so appreciative that Na Na made the effort to come see me, Trish for only the second time, and meet Roxy.

As for keeping ourselves entertained, we went to a Jet City Improv show on Friday night which was different than what I expected, but there were a few laughs. The main event was snowboarding on a beautiful, sunny day. It was a little icy, but the mountain not being crowded and the view made it worth it.
On Sunday, we went to the 270 foot Snoqualmie Falls and then to China Town in downtown Seattle. Good times, but now back to the books. I have lots of reading...

Artistic?

11 Month Update

In another month of life Roxy proves to be quite the handful. She is active as ever, but still not walking. She can stand just fine, but she chooses not to. We have to trick her into standing. She Two days ago she got her first molar. It looks so painful, just think about a molar pushing its way through your gums. Ouch! That's her ninth tooth and first one to come through in a couple months. In other firsts, she projectile vomited. Trish was the recipient of that fine present. Pretty gross, and they didn't manufacture the car seat very well for cleaning. We are still in awe of how she is developing. I predict she will be passionate, talkative, inquisitive, rowdy, pouty [she already throws tantrums (thrashing on the floor, quite funny right now)oh, and I wasn't trying to rhyme], and demanding. She's is going to be fun (I don't mean that sarcastically - in case you got that impression from my prediction).

No Rain

Seattle had twice as much rainfall as usual in January. I really didn't mind it, but today is the second day of lovely weather and I do prefer that. I took Roxy in the jogging stroller yesterday. It puts her in this zone: no movement, no sound. It's a nice change. Besides that, I've been staying more busy than I'd like with school and taking care of Roxy. I'm getting a lot out of it, but I wish I had more time to hang out with friends, communicate with my geographically distant friends and family, exercise, experience the NW, brush my teeth, etc.

Haiti

I received the following email from a missionary friend in Haiti. Ask me sometime to tell you about this amazing women.
"Well my friend fasten your seatbelts!
Today at hospital General a person was brought in who woke up! after laying in the morturary for 3 days pronounced dead! The family is so poor they were trying to borrow money for the internment so the body laid untouched on ice.
A man from this area 15 days ago died , also woke up in the funeral home.This man wrote and sang "The Risen Christ. sadly he was killed by the guard who thought he was a ghost or worse .The people were so outraged they burnt the funeral place down.
Hundreds of people flocked to the hospital today declaring this to be signs from God ,that He has not abandoned this country and He is Faithful!
I will tell you I am right with them, hands raised and declaring also that my God is a God of Miracles!
Our election is Feb.7 and here in the south the candidate is a Baptist pastor well known Chavanne Jeunne( not Joel Juenne seen on TBN) for his many years of service.
Today it does not matter if democracy comes because people are so excited and thankful that God is with us! God is not a stranger and He is in control of our lives!
I am so excited to be here in this country and as you know I aint!!!! gonna miss God.I truly wish you were here with me .Shalom Judy"

Lounging

Yes, Roxy is watching TV (Baby Einstein). As for me, not much lounging going on. I have half an intensive class this Friday and Saturday and only had eight days to read about 350 pages and write 12 for just this class. I'm loving the material though.

Right now I am baby sitting Jocie Lee (Friend). It is going to be a regular thing Weds 9:45 - 12:15 while her dad is at class. We like having a playmate for Roxy. Luckily, Jocie is a lot easier to handle.

Espresso

I think I need to make the intuitive decision not to drink coffee in the evening. Well, I'm up so I thought I'd post instead of lay in bed. Just a thought and then a couple of good pictures.

I am really looking forward to my classes this trimester: Marriage & Family (which Trish will be attending with me), Counseling Practicum II (anxious but excited about this one, I have to actually do peer reviewed counseling), Theological Mosaic II (the topics strike my interest more than last semester), Essential Community (basically engaging a diversity of people and forming authentic community), and Mission in Global Context (my heart's desire).



This black and white one was taken by our good friend Meredith Dancause.

My Mom

My mom visited me this past week. I tried to give her a taste of Seattle and I think she enjoyed my efforts. In the process, I became a lot more familiar with Seattle. This picture is at a park by my house for a sample of the beautiful outdoors.

Here we are at the Freemont Troll under a bridge. That is a VW Bug under his left hand.

In our explorations, we found a fabulous beach park. I can't wait to go in the summer.

Steven's Pass

Today Trish and went snowboarding at Steven's Pass. As per my previous post (we're on 26 days), there was lots of snow at the resort 3000 feet up and an hour and a half drive away. The visibility was bad most of the day, but overall a fun experience. I am just glad we had the opportunity to go, but we probably won't go too much as it is a bit expensive.

Talking Rain

SEATTLE, Washington (AP) -- After 22 consecutive days of measurable rain, Seattle is closing in on a record so dismal even forecasters in this city famous for its gray skies are complaining.
With more wet weather predicted over the next several days, Seattle may soon break a record set in 1953. The city saw 33 consecutive days of measurable precipitation then -- the most since the National Weather Service office there started tracking rainfall in 1931.
Though Seattle is famous for its rain, the city's average annual rainfall from 1970 to 2000 was 37.07 inches, compared to 49.71 inches for New York City.

10 Month Update

Wow, Roxy is active. She has become quite the handful. When she is awake, she is constantly moving. On the plus side, I think she wears herself out and sleeps eleven hours a night and takes about three naps. I can't think of any big firsts this month. She only stands for a split second. I don't think she will be walking anytime soon. Have I ever mentioned she is loud... piercing.

Reflections on First Trimester

I've been wanting to post this for a while. The following are a few thoughts concerning my first trimester at MHGS:

• I had high expectations for my time here and they have been met.
• I thought my views, theological understanding, doctrinal beliefs, etc. had been pretty much deconstructed before I came to the school. Man, was I wrong! I had and have a lot more deconstruction to go. I echo Meister Eckhart; "I pray God to rid me of God." That is take away my blinders, destroy the box I've put You in, and continually transform Your image.
• God is mysterious and I love that. It makes me want to seek God and not reason out the mystery.
• How I hold (metaphorically) the Bible has changed so much that I dare not start to write how because it would take too much explanation for this post.
• My conviction of the importance of community has been strengthened. Relationships are what the world is all about.
• I feel like my vision has broadened much as I've realized that God can be seen in everything; all of creation and even in evil and suffering.
• I've realized that I want to live my life in solidarity with all of humanity as Christ lives in solidarity with us. He is part of our rejoicing and He is part of our suffering.
• I just realized that this post could take more time than I have and not do justice to what I sense stirring and changing in my heart. However, here are some buzz words that you can bring up in conversation with me sometime if you want to hear more: postmodernity, tradition, narrative, feminist theology, liberation theology, I-Thou, dialogue, story, encounter, contextualization, contradiction, mutual surrender, authenticity, presence, and incarnational. There is more, but I'll stop there.

Currt Dawg

We had the supreme privilege of having the one and only Curtis W. Sutton visit us the last few days. We met Currt Dawg when we arrived in Japan and he has become a great and true friend. He met us at the airport on the first and spent the last four nights with us.Together we visited Canada for the first time ever and spent Monday in Vancouver, BC. It is about two hour drive from here. Trish had to work the last three days so we ate lunch with her downtown and Curtis, Roxy, and I spent two afternoons downtown shopping, drinking coffee, walking around, and visited the Experience Music Project. Last night we met up with Steve and Meredith who we are quite fond of and had some good ole fashion fellowship.

St. Louis and Beyond

Trish's hometown is actually St. Charles, a suburb of St. Louis.

Anyway, besides the aforementioned funeral and all that goes along with that, we had an enjoyable holiday time.
All we did was eat and during the breaks: we visited friends (including the Weber family), traveled to Springfield with Jen (Trish's eldest sister) and stayed two nights with Sheila (Trish's middle sister) and her family and visited Silver Dollar City in Branson where the Christmas lights were amazing, watched Narnia and King Kong, visited the St Louis Art Museum which had an exhibit from the "Tombs of Ur", did some shopping, and spent New Year's at "First Night" in downtown.