I know that for me, up until last month, I've been wearing the same dress shoes since my kids were in diapers.
My daughter just turned 30.
Dude.
Click on the image for a larger view
Monday, November 16, 2009
Shoes
Ladies, please tell me this is not true.
I know that for me, up until last month, I've been wearing the same dress shoes since my kids were in diapers.
My daughter just turned 30.
Dude.
Click on the image for a larger view
I know that for me, up until last month, I've been wearing the same dress shoes since my kids were in diapers.
My daughter just turned 30.
Dude.
Click on the image for a larger view
Thursday, November 5, 2009
That Old Familiar Pain
Blue Eyes and I went to see a movie (finally) over the weekend that came highly recommended. The movie was called Bright Star.
The movie was about the unrequited love of a young couple.
He was the famous poet John Keats and her name was Fanny Brawne.
Blue Eyes loved it. I typically enjoy English period pieces but this one was more than I could handle. It was much too slow and it had too many dead scenes where nothing happened. I almost fell asleep at one point. Naturally it had a lot of old English poetry. I came away thinking that I really don't have an appreciation for poetry. I just don't get it. That was Friday night.
I was thinking about this all weekend and I came to question my dislike of poetry. If lyrics to a song is considered poetry (is it?), then I really do have an appreciation for this art. A well constructed set of lyrics can be just as powerful as a poem. I would argue even more powerful. Maybe I'm just getting old but they just don't write 'em like they use to. My favorite songwriters are old school: Jackson Browne, Paul Simon, Don Henley, James Taylor and Bruce Springsteen's early work (I don't care much for his new stuff).
Dan Folgelberg wrote a visual masterpiece back in 1981 called
Same Old Lang Syne.
Lyrically, in my opinion, it's his best song.
The song is about a serendipitous meeting of old lovers in a grocery store on Christmas Eve.
It's written in such a way that you feel like you're right there.
The song contains four verses and a chorus.
The first two verses describe their initial meeting inside the store and their joy at seeing each other again. The third verse touches on their current situations: she's married and he's on the road as a successful musician. The last verse is their goodbye but it's the final few lines of the song that have always stuck with me:
Just for a moment i was back at school
And felt that old familiar pain
And as i turned to make my way back home
The snow turned into rain --
I've always wondered what that old familiar pain was.
Was it their breakup?
The emotional roller coaster in their relationship?
Was it the cancerous jealously and uncertainty?
Was it their never ending and ongoing arguments?
They say that our minds tend to remember the goods things that have happened in our lifetime. I know that's the case with me. Whether it be childhood memories, past relationships or events, I tend to recall them with rose-coloured glasses. I wonder why that is.
Having said that, every once in a while an "old familiar pain" rears it's ugly head.
Last week I had a dream where one of my old pains replayed itself in slow motion (like dreams usually do). I woke up emotionally drained and depressed. It was a pain I thought I had buried long ago. Why is it that physical wounds heal so much quicker and cleaner than the other kind?
Towards the end of the movie there's a scene where Fanny is dealt a terrible pain.
It's a very powerful scene where the pain is so intense it drives her to her knees as she emotionally breaks down.
And maybe there's the answer to my question.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Beatles Jam
The date was February 9th, 1964. I was 7 years old and we we all huddled around my aunt's TV watching the Ed Sullivan show. I think it was the first time I saw and heard The Beatles. It was the beginning of becoming a lifetime fan.
I recently acquired the newly-remastered Beatles Box Set which includes every Beatles album. Listening to the albums through headphones is close to a religious experience. Amazing music.
I remember sitting in a barbershop when I was little and hearing this song come on the radio. Check out the harmonies between Lennon and McCartney. Good stuff.
Enjoy.
I recently acquired the newly-remastered Beatles Box Set which includes every Beatles album. Listening to the albums through headphones is close to a religious experience. Amazing music.
I remember sitting in a barbershop when I was little and hearing this song come on the radio. Check out the harmonies between Lennon and McCartney. Good stuff.
Enjoy.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
More Pictures
Doctor Bob took these pictures.
He's got a great eye. I like his version of sisters better than mine.
Great lighting.
Click on the images to get a larger view. Especially the old man.
Great detail in his face.
He's got a great eye. I like his version of sisters better than mine.
Great lighting.
Click on the images to get a larger view. Especially the old man.
Great detail in his face.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Final, Final Mexico Post
No Really.
I created this blog a few years ago to keep Friends of Armonia up to date on the things happening in the ministry. I'm working with Armonia to have students update the site themselves.
I installed a translator on the right that should allow two way communication easier.
I'm still looking for a Zapotec translator ;-)
Final Mexico Post
I'm playing a bit of catch up here. Some of these pictures and video are from a few days ago when we didn't have connectivity or I was just too pooped to post.
Since there are so many pictures and video, this page may take a while to come up.
Be patient.
This is the student residence I wrote about at the end of this post.
The students themselves helped in the actual construction process.
And yes, it is painted orange and blue and no Tim Tebow did not help paint it.
These are a few of the students.
Here's video taken during Sunday morning service. The students were holding up signs they had made to tell us the areas they're planning to study when they make it to the university.
Long time friends and fellow pilgrims: Alejandro, Alicia and Socorro (Jennifer too :-).
These Godly servants have been with Armonia for many years.
Alejandro was a member Mexican Federal Police force.
His arm was a little bigger than mine so i had to made an adjustment.
This is an example of three way translation: Zapotec -> Spanish -> English.
We had a lot of this Saturday when we ventured into the mountains of Oaxaca. The English is delivered with a British accent by our friend Alicia from the UK.
2 Brothers.
This picture goes with my previous one.
We were in the mountains of Oaxaca Saturday.
The room where Doug and Bob conduct eye exams needs to be pretty dark.
I turned and noticed the way the light was trying to sneak into the room.
It made me homesick for the Red, White and Blue.
These next few videos are from our trip to the mountains of Oaxaca on Saturday.
First the beautiful woman of Oaxaca. We were told their head coverings symbolize honor.
Doctor Karen giving an exam. More three way translation.
This man had just received his glasses. What a great face.
Mother and Child Reunion
Loading the glasses.
I'll stop here.
It was a great trip. I always return with an adjusted perspective on what is important.
To those of you who prayed for us and followed our trip via this blog, I thank you.
I leave you with a few shots of my fellow pilgrims who I had the honor and joy to serve with.
God Bless.
David. A true servant of God.
Doug. The man has a heart of gold.
Hannah is from Germany. This was her first time visiting Armonia.
Bev.
David.
Jim.
Dr. Bob
David and Hannah.
Since there are so many pictures and video, this page may take a while to come up.
Be patient.
This is the student residence I wrote about at the end of this post.
The students themselves helped in the actual construction process.
And yes, it is painted orange and blue and no Tim Tebow did not help paint it.
These are a few of the students.
Here's video taken during Sunday morning service. The students were holding up signs they had made to tell us the areas they're planning to study when they make it to the university.
Link: 
Long time friends and fellow pilgrims: Alejandro, Alicia and Socorro (Jennifer too :-).
These Godly servants have been with Armonia for many years.
Alejandro was a member Mexican Federal Police force.
His arm was a little bigger than mine so i had to made an adjustment.
This is an example of three way translation: Zapotec -> Spanish -> English.
We had a lot of this Saturday when we ventured into the mountains of Oaxaca. The English is delivered with a British accent by our friend Alicia from the UK.
Link:
2 Brothers.
This picture goes with my previous one.
We were in the mountains of Oaxaca Saturday.
The room where Doug and Bob conduct eye exams needs to be pretty dark.
I turned and noticed the way the light was trying to sneak into the room.
It made me homesick for the Red, White and Blue.
These next few videos are from our trip to the mountains of Oaxaca on Saturday.
First the beautiful woman of Oaxaca. We were told their head coverings symbolize honor.
Link:
Doctor Karen giving an exam. More three way translation.
Link:
This man had just received his glasses. What a great face.
Link:
Mother and Child Reunion
Link:
Loading the glasses.
Link:
I'll stop here.
It was a great trip. I always return with an adjusted perspective on what is important.
To those of you who prayed for us and followed our trip via this blog, I thank you.
I leave you with a few shots of my fellow pilgrims who I had the honor and joy to serve with.
God Bless.
David. A true servant of God.
Doug. The man has a heart of gold.
Hannah is from Germany. This was her first time visiting Armonia.
Bev.
David.
Jim.
Dr. Bob
David and Hannah.
Home Sweet Home
In my previous job I had the opportunity to travel around the world.
No matter how many times I went away, there was nothing like the feeling I got when I touched down on US soil.
We arrived from Mexico yesterday evening a little sick and totally exhausted.
I slept almost 13 hours last night. I'll post more thoughts and pictures later.
As sappy as this may sound, may God continue to bless this great country of ours.
May we as citizens realize those blessings, appreciate them and never take them for granted.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
One At aTime
I've got more time tomorrow so I'll post pictures and video then but I wanted to share some quick thoughts.
Two years ago at the tail end of a mission trip I lamented that I felt I wasn’t doing enough to make a difference. My good friend Bob, the eye doctor, related a story that helped me deal with that perspective. It is known as The Starfish Story.
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up a handful of starfish, and threw each one back into the surf, one at time. Then, smiling at the man, he said…” I made a difference for that one, and that one, and that one….”
I watch as my fellow pilgrims labor by serving this poor community with eye exams, medical exams, handing out eye glasses and medicine. I’m hopeful that while we’ve not ended poverty in this corner of the world, we have impacted the lives of a few. Children who were sick are now able to get better. Old women who had trouble seeing are now able to continue to sew because of their new glasses. Malnourished children have a better chance of survival because of the vitamins they’ve been given. More importantly, they’ve been exposed to the gospel of Christ.
And the pilgrims are doing it one at a time.
Two years ago at the tail end of a mission trip I lamented that I felt I wasn’t doing enough to make a difference. My good friend Bob, the eye doctor, related a story that helped me deal with that perspective. It is known as The Starfish Story.
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up a handful of starfish, and threw each one back into the surf, one at time. Then, smiling at the man, he said…” I made a difference for that one, and that one, and that one….”
I watch as my fellow pilgrims labor by serving this poor community with eye exams, medical exams, handing out eye glasses and medicine. I’m hopeful that while we’ve not ended poverty in this corner of the world, we have impacted the lives of a few. Children who were sick are now able to get better. Old women who had trouble seeing are now able to continue to sew because of their new glasses. Malnourished children have a better chance of survival because of the vitamins they’ve been given. More importantly, they’ve been exposed to the gospel of Christ.
And the pilgrims are doing it one at a time.
Day 2 Wrap Up
It’s late so I’ll have to keep this short.
Not many pictures tonight but I’ve got a short video.
Before you watch this video, allow me to set it up for you.
We had a very elderly woman that only spoke Zapotec. Her friend spoke Zapotec and Spanish. We then had Pilar, who is Armonia’s co-director, translating from Spanish to English. We had a 3 way translation session going so I wanted to make sure I got it on tape. She was a very sweet woman who was so overjoyed by the eye glass exam that she gave Bob a big hug. It really was an emotional moment. I had to turn away for a sec to get myself together.
But once we saw the tape, it didn’t translate (no pun intended) quite the same. It almost looks like she either became a vampire going in for a bite or wanted to give the good doctor a hickey. I don’t know. Like they say, I report, you decide.
On a different note, I only brought two pairs of pants for a 6 day trip. After packing my geek gear, that’s all I had room for. It’s the end of the second day and my pants are ready to stand up by themselves. I should be able to get one more day out of them before I move on the second pair. If you’re wondering, I did bring enough shirts, socks and skivvies. I’m just sayin’…
Not many pictures tonight but I’ve got a short video.
Before you watch this video, allow me to set it up for you.
We had a very elderly woman that only spoke Zapotec. Her friend spoke Zapotec and Spanish. We then had Pilar, who is Armonia’s co-director, translating from Spanish to English. We had a 3 way translation session going so I wanted to make sure I got it on tape. She was a very sweet woman who was so overjoyed by the eye glass exam that she gave Bob a big hug. It really was an emotional moment. I had to turn away for a sec to get myself together.
But once we saw the tape, it didn’t translate (no pun intended) quite the same. It almost looks like she either became a vampire going in for a bite or wanted to give the good doctor a hickey. I don’t know. Like they say, I report, you decide.
Link:
On a different note, I only brought two pairs of pants for a 6 day trip. After packing my geek gear, that’s all I had room for. It’s the end of the second day and my pants are ready to stand up by themselves. I should be able to get one more day out of them before I move on the second pair. If you’re wondering, I did bring enough shirts, socks and skivvies. I’m just sayin’…
Friday, September 4, 2009
Clinic Day 2
There's this great light coming through the door that illuminates these beautiful people. More tonight.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
3 Sisters
I Love This Shot.
I saw them standing in an open field and took the shot before they noticed me.
Click on it to see the bigger picture.
I saw them standing in an open field and took the shot before they noticed me.
Click on it to see the bigger picture.
Clinic - Day 1
I spent the day translating for Doug and Bob, the eye doctors. We saw about 120 people in the short time we had and handed out about 105 pair of eyeglasses. The look on their faces once they receive their glasses is truly priceless. The best part about translating is that you get to interact with the people. I get to ask questions about their lives in addition to asking them about their sight issues.
The trip to the village for the first clinic took a little longer than usual. There are major teacher strikes going on here and they are blocking some of the major highways. A half hour drive took us over an hour and a half.
We also held a medical clinic with our two doctors working alongside a Mexican doctor.
We also had a young lady giving out free haircuts.
Armonia’s primary ministry in Oaxaca is a little different than it’s ministry in Mexico City. In Oaxaca they have a boarding school ministry. The local villages that surround the city of Oaxaca are home to mostly indigenous people. The options for their young people as they grow up are extremely limited. They only have primary schools. Once a student leaves the primary school system they have no way to further their education. Most of them either succumb to the pressures of joining local drug gangs or they end up making their way (illegally) to the US, leaving their families behind.
Armonia has purchased a plot of land and have raised a impressive boarding school with the help of many groups/churches from the UK, US and Germany. They just finished it last week. This boarding home provides students that qualify (good grades, good behavior, etc.) a place where they can stay, study and have access to the secondary schools that Oaxaca offers. I’ll try to post more of their stories as the week goes on.
Please continue to pray for us as we serve our Mexican friends and especially pray for the students of Oaxaca.
God bless.
U
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