Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Back At It

I seem to take longer breaks from this blog than the time I spend writing in it. But I’m back at it again. Figured I’d give a brief update on what’s been happening…

… The conflicted situation I’ve mentioned in the junco posting is improving. Hearts seem to be softening somewhat and a great bit of attention is being paid to the whole thing in order to work through it. God is good and is at work.

… I had the privilege to travel to the French Riviera this summer with family to met new family members (by marriage). It was a great experience. There was a definite language barrier and many new things to experience, but it was all good. I try and compare my trip to my friends here who are spending four months in Nairobi. I would like to think that what I did might be similar, but I know they are experiencing much more culture shock than I did. It is strange how you can be in a completely foreign place, and after about a week, everything around you starts to seem normal. I wish all the bread, cheese and pastries really could be normal for my life. More on the France trip later.

… My county was the focus of national attention recently: we were chasing the most recent fugitive to be named to the America’s Most Wanted List. Ralph “Bucky” Phillips had been on the run since April 2006 and after several months, he became somewhat of a cult hero. One local restaurant created the “Bucky Burger” and some folk painted “Run Bucky Run” on the back windows of their cars. A variety of his friends and family members were harboring him and helping him. And then he shot a state trooper who later died. And then the reward money went from $25,000 to $250,000. What was once a kind of joke all of a sudden became very serious. It was a bizarre situation to have happening around you. Glad it’s over.

… This summer I had the pleasure of working as an usher in the Amphitheater at Chautauqua Institution. I got paid to listen to music – how cool is that? My favorite concerts were Peter, Paul & Mary, and Lyle Lovett. Also heard numerous symphonies, saw several ballets, and listened to opera highlights. Of course, I spent all the money I made on the gas to drive back and forth five nights a week, but who is counting? I met some great people who I believe will be my friends for a good long time. Isn’t that what life is all about?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much.