PotPorridge

I'm in a weird mood. PotPorridge (in the title above) is my chosen word to describe what this post is about: Potpourri.

Chinese Boys. We've enjoyed having Alex and Ricky Martin with us. We've taught them to play Uno, and though playing card games is not my favorite thing to do, it has been fun. Tuesday night I went to Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin to watch the first game of a doubleheader between the Joplin Slashers and Team Tulsa. Joplin won the first game 10-3. The boys don't understand baseball, and were a bit bored.

Here is a photo taken by Phil O'Hare (another host). Alex is in the orange shirt, and Ricky Martin is in the middle. Their friend Allen is on the right (Allen is staying with the O'Hare family).

I will be going to preach tomorrow at Haileyville, Oklahoma, and will take the boys with me. Rose will stay here, and probably spend a bit of time at the Benson's, as Emily and the boys go back to Brownsville on Monday.

Alex and Ricky Martin went to College Hts. Christian Church last Sunday (probably over 1800 in attendance, and tomorrow they will accompany me to a small church (60) in a small town in Oklahoma. That will be a contrast, and will help them to see that not all churches are the same.

They will be with us through Wednesday night. Not sure how it will work out, but on Thursday they will go to MSSU for their daily activity. All the host families will meet at Ewert Park for a potluck, after which all the Chinese kids will go to Trish Udell's home (Trish is an ESL teacher at MSSU) to camp out, until 3 AM when they leave for the Kansas City airport.

Scooter Update. I took the scooter for its first ride yesterday. It was fun! The first place I drove it was to a motorcycle/ATV mechanic. There was a short in the wiring harness that was causing the horn problems. I had not been able to fix the problem. I left it there, walked to the Joplin Public Library to hang out, then went back to pick it up. All is fine now, and in a little bit I'll go get it inspected. The scooter has a broken tail light lens (tab was broken off when the scooter arrived). I contacted the dealer, and they will send me new lenses. I'm hoping that the paperwork arrives in today's mail (the dealer confirmed that it is "in the certified mail"). If so, I can get the license plate on Monday. Look for photos later!

May God shine on you and yours!

DGF

Scooter Update

Scooter arrived in the rain on Monday afternoon. Huge crate. Had some difficulties, getting them all straightened out.


I've learned some about scooters. This is what I have done to it:

• fixed seat latch problem
• changed oil
• changed fuel filter
• changed gear oil
• hooked up a "float charger" system to keep battery charged up if parked for several days without running it.

I didn't put any gasoline in the tank until this afternoon. I kicked on the kick start 5 or 6 times (just to build compression), then held the rear brake cable and hit the electric start button. It started right up!

Tomorrow I'll finish the setup. Hopefully everything will go well. If it is ready in time, I may drive it to Barney's Lube on 32nd St. to get the Missouri State Inspection.

Report written at the request of Charissa. Look for photos later!

DGF

Update on QQ Messenger and our Chinese Boys

Ricky Martin and Alex helped me with my QQ password. I am back on with no problem. Being able to type in Chinese is a problem. The page titled Learning Chinese Using QQ has some nice utilities, including one by which a person can type something in English and have it translated to Chinese.

This is how the sentence, "Hello, my name is David." is rendered in Chinese:



Ricky Martin and Alex are from Southern China, about a 3 hour trip to Hong Kong. They are from the city of Guangzhou (Canton), but attend a boarding school about two hours drive from Guangzhou near a village called Wenquan.

See below a map of Southern China (Hint--the maps appear to be very small on the blog. If you would like to see a larger image, just click on each map):
















See below a map of the area near Guangzhou (both Guangzhou and Wenquan are highlighted):














Tomorrow morning I will finish translating for the Weekend Intervention Program, then preach in Spanish at Christ's Church of Oronogo. We'll have lunch with the Chinese boys and some former English teachers in China, then watch the final match of the World Cup of Soccer from Germany. The game begins at 12:30 PM (actually before we will get back from church). Because of the DVR, we can easily have lunch, then begin to watch the game (already in progress). Technology is cool! I think I will be cheering for Italy (is that just because the U.S. tied with Italy?).

Hope you have a blessed weekend.

DGF

I'm Learning a New Instant Messenger

The Chinese boys staying with us have been fun. I wanted to facilitate their communication with their family/friends back in China. We have a desktop computer near the room where they are staying, so I created a user profile named "Alex or Ricky Martin", and made the browser default to Chinese script.


When I asked them about e-mail, they replied, "We don't use e-mail. We use QQ!" And thus began my education about instant messenging in China. QQ is the primary (maybe the only) instant messenging system used in mainland China. I googled "QQ Chinese" and found a good place to start. I thought that I would just download it, and away they would go. Maybe I chose the wrong download mirror, but it took a loooooonnnnnggggg time to download. They were happy though. Since I have administrative rights on that computer, and I had granted them limited rights, I downloaded/installed it on my profile, thinking that it would appear under their profile. I was wrong. Maybe the download had an option to "install for this user only, or for all profiles", but I didn't see it, since the site was in Chinese anyway!


Once it finished downloading the boys went to work, and I went back upstairs, and soon to bed. I'm not sure how long the boys were messaging. This morning, Ricky Martin gave me my own QQ number, with password and everything. My QQ name is David. He also told me that both he and Alex were already in my buddy list. I messed around with QQ a little at the office. It was a much faster download. It was all in Chinese, so I don't know what I'm doing. When I got home, I got on the computer at home, and tried to change the password (that's wise). The text about the boxes I was clicking on were all in Chinese--in short, I don't know what I did, but I can't login as myself anymore, either with the old password or the new one that I thought I was setting. I'll have to let the boys help me out.

I am translating for Weekend Intervention Program at Ozark Center, so I'll be busy all weekend. Rose will pick the boys up in a little bit at MSSU, then take them to an American Chinese restaurant (she has a coupon), then to Precious Moments. Tomorrow, Steve & Charissa (Rose too) will take them to Branson. They'll have lunch at Lambert's in Ozark, MO, then on to Branson Landing, and finally to Celebration City. They'll stay there for the fireworks, so even though I will be translating all day long, I'll get home quite a bit before they do. They should be pretty well tired out!

On Sunday, I'll translate early, then leave in a hurry to preach at the Spanish service at Christ's Church of Oronogo. Tonio, their minister (one of my students) is accompanying the College Hts. Christian Church short-term mission trip to Saltillo, Mexico, where he is from. I was going to preach for him one other time (Easter Sunday 2005), but I missed a connecting flight from Chicago.

A Chinese young man who is a believer and attends College Heights church (student at MSSU), Ellen Wohlenhaus and Anna Flory (who have taught English in China) will come over for lunch. The boys will want to watch the the final of the Fifa World Cup between Italy and France. About the same time, the Cubs are playing on TV as well, but I can't think of too many good reasons to watch that!

Another mundane matter: my scooter is now at the UPS Freight Terminal 78 miles from my house. It will be delivered to our driveway on Monday between 1-3 PM.

May you all have a blessed weekend!

DGF

Our Chinese House Guests

Chinese Students of English

Last night, close to midnight, a van full of Chinese students pulled into our driveway. We agreed to keep 2 Chinese students, participating in the special Summer International English Program at Missouri Southern State University.


As far as I can tell, all of the Chinese students are from Southern China, down close to Hong Kong. The two boys that are staying with us speak a little English already, but from talking to some of the other hosts, not all of them do. We will have Anna Flory and Ellen Wohlenhaus (who have both spent extended periods of time teaching English in China), as well as a Chinese student who attends College Hts. Christian Church over for Sunday lunch.

The older of the two boys (pictured above and to the right) is Wang Zhen Hua (English name is Ricky Martin). He is 15 years old. The younger (pictured above and to the left), is Chen Xiao Kang (English name is Alex), a 12 year old. They will be with us most of the rest of July, and will have activities all day long (Monday-Friday) at MSSU.

I took these photos with my cell phone. I'll post better pictures of the boys later.

Hope you have a nice day!

DGF

4th of July, Grandkids, Sick Daughter-in-Law, Scooter Shipped

4th of July. Greg, Emily & boys traveled to Joplin last night. He preached Sunday morning, caught a flight to Tulsa Sunday afternoon, and then arrived in Joplin late last night. He took today (Monday) as his day off. Tomorrow (4th of July) he would be off. He will be back in Tulsa, headed by to Brownsville on Wednesday morning. That's a fast trip! Emily and the boys will be here for about two weeks.

Sickness. Nathan was sick on the flight up from Texas. We went over to her parents' home tonight, as did all of their friends. About 4:30 this afternoon, Emily got sick to her stomach, and was pretty much miserable. Nathan felt much better today, and had a fun time playing with his cousin. We will have an extended family cookout tomorrow. Greg and fam were planning on being with us for lunch, but have other commitments later in the day. My Mom and sister and her family, as well as Steve and Charissa will be over.


The Scooter is On its Way! I just checked with UPS Freight, and the scooter is on its way from Fontana, CA. According to the map of deliveries from Fontana, CA, it should take 3 days. The holiday messes everything up. It should arrive at a UPS Freight station in Springfield, MO (70 miles from here) on July 10 (a week from today). I will have delivery to my house with lift gate service, so I don't know if it will be that same Monday, or maybe one day later. Here is the evidence:

Status	Service Center	Date
Pickup:	FONTANA, CA	07/03
Current:	FONTANA, CA	07/03
ESTIMATED Delivery:	SPRINGFIELD, MO	07/10

Have a happy 4th of July, and be safe!


DGF

Random Thoughts about Patriotism: Where Do You Pledge Allegiance?

I'm proud (I certainly hope with a positive kind of pride) to have lived overseas, and to have raised my children with a focus that goes beyond the borders of our country. Tuesday is the 4th of July, and so it is to be expected to hear patriotic sermons in our churches on days like this.

This morning at church, right before the message, we had special music. It was written by Michael W. Smith:

Michael W. Smith - There She Stands Lyrics

When the night
Seems to say
All hope is lost
Gone
away
But i know
I'm not alone
By the
light
She stands

There she waves
Faithful
friend
Shimmering stars
Westward wind
Show the
way
Carry me
To the place
She stands

Just when you think it might be over
Just when you think
the fight is gone
Someone will risk his life to raise
her
There she stands

There she flies
Clear
blue skies
Reminds us with red
Of those that died
Washed in white
By the brave
In their strength
She stands

When evil calls itself a martyr
When all your hopes come crashing down
Someone will pull
her from the rubble
There she stands

We've
seen her flying torn and tattered
We've seen her stand
the test of time
And through it all the fools have
fallen
There she stands

By the dawn's
Early light
And through the fight
She stands

Being a rather critical sort, I wondered where the gospel appears in the song. I also wondered how such patriotic songs come across to non-US citizens. Within our fellowship, we have some international students. I'm reminded of a chorus that we sang when I was a kid: "This world is not my home. I'm just a-passing through." The Apostle Paul spoke of a citizenship that trumps our Fatherland:

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Eph 2:19-20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

I love my country, and I can get moist eyes when contemplating the flag. I suppose it is even appropriate to have patriotic sermons on the Sunday before the 4th of July. I just wondered how it might strike foreigners among our fellowship.

Our preacher today was Kevin Klein, longtime staff member at College Hts. church . He began with some facts about Lady Liberty, who stands in front of Ellis Island in New York. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol for many of the world's tired and poor, who have found refuge within our shores. Last week, Rose and I celebrated our anniversary by going to Branson. We attended Yakov Smirnoff's show for the very first time (I've wanted to see him for years). Yakov and his parents came to the U.S. in the 1970's. He became a U.S. citizen in 1986. After the terrorist attacks on 9-11-2001, Yakov painted a huge mural that was on display at Ground Zero. Yakov, who understands what it means to be a foreigner living in America, is very thankful to be an American. He has made the phrase, "What a country!" to be one of his trademarks. In Russia he was an art teacher, and since becoming a U.S. citizen, many of his paintings have reflected on the Statue of Liberty (see below).

Kevin Klein did a fine job in highlighting Lady Liberty, but moved on to the more important point, of highlighting what he called Lady Church! You see, in the Pauline text above, readers moved from being foreigners (aliens and strangers), to being "fellow citizens". As he remarks in Philippians 3:20, "our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we a wait a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Therefore, when given the chance, I pledge allegiance to the flag. We are called to be good citizens of the fatherland (I'm thinking in Spanish as I use that word--the word I wanted to use is patria). I must understand, that my higher allegiance is not to a fatherland or to a flag that represents it, but to a King! I must also understand that being a citizen of one (of the U.S.A.) does not make me a citizen of the King's kingdom.

Kevin cited Dr. James Kennedy's book, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?, highlighting how it has been the positive influence of the church that has positively impacted civilization. The following major components of life are better because of the positive leavening influence of the church:

• Value of human life
• Education
• Healthcare
• Science
• Representative Government
• Fair Trade
• Art, Music and Literature

Jim Garlow has a similar idea in his book How God Saved Civilization: The Epic Story of God Leading His People the Church. If you take the influence of the church out of the world, this place would be a sorry place in deed.

So on Tuesday, I will be thankful for those who paid the price for the freedom we enjoy. I will pray for our soldiers that are in harm's way. But I will give greater thanks to God, who has taken me from being a stranger and an alien, and has made me a citizen of the Patria Celestial!

Kimbish Called from Thailand!

This morning we were awakened by a phone call from Kim! Yippee! The Myanmar team in now in place in Thailand, joining a group of from NMS-Intl that has been there. They are staying at a Youth Hostel in Northern Thailand. They have pretty much been incomunicado. The internet did not work for them in Myanmar. She wrote the weekly updates posted to the Myanmar/Thailand updates, but just sent the update via the e-mail of the national missionary they were working with. They were not able to read the comments left on their update site. Even though they are in a village, there is internet access there. They may be able to read the updates left on their site.

Each team member was supposed to be allowed 30 minutes. We went over that just a little. But it was good to hear her voice. Pray for her, that God will use them for His glory during their time in Thailand.

DGF

Glad the Week is Over!

Basketball Camp. Whoa! This week wasn't all that fun! For most of the week, I worked at OCC's Sr. High Girls Basketball Camp. Compared to the Jr. High camps that I had worked a couple weeks before, this was a cakewalk. In reality, however, I probably enjoyed the Jr. High weeks more, though. Why? Because during the Sr. High camp, I co-coached a team. It was easier for me to take a back seat role, and assist than try to split responsibilities in a true co-coaching situation. From Sunday night until Thursday afternoon, however, it was nothing more than basketball camp.

Scooter Bait and Switch. I've had some moments of angst this week as the who scooter thing begins to unravel. The world of the Chinese scoots is an interesting world. I had done quite a bit of research on the Chinese scooters, and had decided that the Tank brand of scooters was an excellent value for the money. You can spend a lot more money on Chinese built scooters, and you can also spend a lot less money. Basically, my decision to get a Tank was a compromise. I would spend in the medium range to get a scooter with a lot of happy riders. Tank scooters have an active online users group, with people knowledgeable about maintenance, and willing to help the novices (like myself). Stan Jessup has a lot of helpful suggestions. He wrote a piece titled Should I Buy a Tank?, which I read, and decided to "go for it." John Ebberts and Commuter Steve were also helpful in the decision. In the end, based on the Ebberts document, I decided to purchase through the same company that he had used. I thought it would be better, especially since that company is located less than 200 miles from where I live, instead of "half way across the country" (as had been the case for Ebberts).

The vehicle that I purchased (or that I thought that I had purchased), was the same vehicle that Ebberts purchased. Stan Jessup has lots of help on that particular scooter. What I didn't realize is that the company through which I purchased is phasing out Tanks in favor of a very similar line of Chinese scooters, branded with the name Roketa. About the time I'm waiting for the scooter to ship, I start seeing complaints about my dealer doing a bait-and-switch, and "I ordered a Tank and they sent me a Roketa." Users around the country (on the forums) are saying all manner of negative things about my dealer. I'm doing a slow burn, because I have invested hours in studying up on the Tank model. Another forum I have looked into belongs to a guy in Kansas City that goes by the moniker ScootDawg. On his forum I found another customer from my same dealer that thought she ordered a Tank, and got a Roketa. As it turns out, in reality, it is for all likely purposes, very similar. And in terms of quality, it may actually be a bit better. ScootDawg has a bricks and mortar dealer in the KC area who used to see Tank, and now is selling Roketa, because he is happier with the service. The normal warranty on the Tank model I was going to get was 6 months on parts. When I purchased, I was given an additional six months warranty. I thought the dealer was giving me better service, when in reality, the Roketa model I will receive comes with a standard 12 month warranty.

So, I feel better about the situation. People who thought they were getting the Tank model I ordered have received two similar models of the Roketa, one which may be a little of a downgrade, and another that may be an upgrade. I have a tracking number. My scooter was supposed to ship last night (as it turns out, it will come from California, not from Kansas). I contacted the dealer this morning to see if they could confirm that the scooter had shipped. My contact was through an online support mechanism, kind of like an Instant Messenger transcript. At the end of the "conversation", I can e-mail myself a copy of the entire conversation, so I have a written record of what they have told me. I was on "hold" (just waiting for the response) for a long time, and when Henry came back, I was told that they filled up two trucks with scooters yesterday, but most of them were smaller 50cc scooters, and that my scooter (one of the larger ones) would be picked up on Monday.

Realizing that with this mixup, I want an upgrade rather than a downgrade I asked about the specific Roketa model name I would receive. I mentioned that I had read about some who had received a Bali (what I consider to be a downgrade), while others had received a Catalina (the upgrade). I now have a promise that I will receive the Catalina.

I'm still skeptical, so I asked him how he could do it, since, hypothetically, there are scooters waiting in a warehouse to be picked up on Monday, and one of them has a shipping label to my house. It might be a Bali model, which I don't want. He told me that early Monday, they'll check and make certain that if my address is on a Bali model, the shipping label will be taken off and put on a Catalina.

You can see what the Catalina model looks like here to the left. I'll contact the company on Monday and try to confirm what will happen. The setup for the Catalina model is quite a bit easier, as it comes more assembled than the Tank's. If you are interested, here is a PDF file that describes what is done to finish the assembly of a Catalina. Quite a bit easier than the Tank Touring Deluxe!

Honey-Do-Jobs. There have been a number of honey-do jobs this week, but Rose has done most of them. While I was in BB camp, she was steaming old wallpaper off of our main bathroom walls. I helped just a little bit last weekend. I may have won some brownie points for being helpful early on. She did the lion's share of the work. That room was painted with a multi-step process. A coat of Kilz paint (lavender) was put on the walls first, then a green paint with a glaze was added, with a bag technique. It looks pretty nice. Today we went to Home Depot and got some stuff. I changed the light fixture in the bathroom, and one downstairs. I wasn't in a very good mood, so I need to repent. I skipped the wedding of one of my colleagues (I really don't enjoy weddings). Most of the colleagues were there, and kept calling me from Rose's cell phone to tell me that they were at a wedding.

Perspectives Course Close-Out. I also had to send the closing report of for the Perspectives Course. In the past couple days, I have been in conversations with a member of the Perspectives Task Force from Springfield. All of the Joplin Perspectives finances were run through an account with a campus ministry in Springfield, and that account needs to lie dormant. Sometime within the next two weeks, Chris De Welt and I will meet with people from the Campus Ministry in Springfield to begin planning for the Perspectives Course that will be held during the Spring Semester 2007.

They're Coming Tomorrow! Emily's sister Val had a baby a few weeks back. Greg will preach Sunday morning, then the family will fly to Tulsa. They'll get into Joplin late Sunday night. Emily and the boys will stay a couple weeks. Greg will be taking his normal day off on Monday this week, instead of his normal Friday. Tuesday is a holiday, and he will fly back home on Wednesday, in time for church that evening. I have to be on campus early Monday morning, but after greeting the new boss, will make an exit. Rose will be taking a Breakfast Casserole over to Emily's parents' home. We'll have an extended family cookout at our place on Tuesday, and Greg and Emily will be here for that.

Greeting the New Boss! Yes, I have a new boss. Mark Scott is still my immediate boss, but as of today, Matt Proctor is the president of Ozark Christian College. A voice mail memo went out last week. A pretty good number of us will line up in the hallway towards the president's office before 8:00 AM, to greet him on his first day at work as president of the college. We'll have a prayer meeting of sorts for him, then I'll run over to Benson's for awhile. I saw on the college website that as part of the convocation exercises on August 21, there will be a special inauguration of Matt Proctor as president.

Whew! That's quite a bit! May the LORD bless you and keep you, and make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you, and give you His peace!

DGF

Scooter Will Ship on Friday Evening

Well, my Tank Touring DE 150cc motor scooter will be shipped to me on Friday evening. I know that it will be arriving via UPS Freight, with tracking via Overnite.com. I have the tracking number already, but was told that I would not be able to track it on the website until Friday evening, after it had been picked up by the shipper.

It's not a huge distance from the "dealer" to me, but it will probably take 3 business days to get to me. That means I expect to be riding the scooter late next week. It is 85% assembled. I'll need to uncrate it, mount the front wheel, hook up speedometer cable, prep and install the battery, install the trunk. An online user forum recommends changing the oil in the machine at the time of setup. A student of mine (who happens to be older than I [am old, understood]), who has been riding, rebuilding and restoring motorcycles for years, will help me set this vehicle up.

I have a motorcyle permit, which means that I took a written test at the DMV, and will be able to ride during daytime hours with no passenger. I purchased a helmet, and UPS tells me that it should be delivered on Friday, so life is good.

Did I mention that insurance on the scooter is $75 for the entire year? Did I mention I expect to get 70mpg? Life is good.

May our Lord smile on you today!

DGF

Myanmar, Texas, and Oklahoma and a Definition

My kids are all over this summer! Over the weekend, our oldest was in Oklahoma, attending a Beth Moore Conference. Our son was in Brownsville, Texas, where he lives, and ministers. Kim has been in Myanmar for the past four weeks. In a few days (before Sunday), she will be leaving Myanmar and going to Thailand, where she will spend four weeks before returning to the U.S. You can read about her experiences here.

Greg is doing a great job in ministry in Brownsville. He is multi-talented (I'm not sure where he got his artistic creativity), and is working hard to build a Spanish church. I'm proud of you, Greg!

I am currently working in my third basketball camp at Ozark Christian College. This week is High School Girls week. Since there were no camps last year, attendance has fallen off. I worked pretty hard (6:30 AM-11:00 PM) during the Jr. High weeks. This week is a breeze! I've got a pretty good team, and may actually have the girl who will be MVP on my team.

Definition

midlife crisis n

1965 : a period of emotional turmoil in middle age characterized esp. by a strong desire for change

n northern, noun

esp especially

Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary. Includes index. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, Inc.

Why do I give thise definition? Well, my oldest child wondered if my purchase of a motor scooter was a midlife crisis thing. I will admit to looking forward to looking forward to riding, but in reality, it is a matter of economics. With escalating costs of gasoline, a scooter will save me commuting costs. I've been quoted insurance rates of $75/year, which is very reasonable. Listing my youngest child as a part-time driver on my Hyundai will save her lots of money. It is a win-win situation, and will let Kim save up money before she will actually need to purchase another car.

By the way, this evening I called the dealer for the motor scooter and found that it will be shipped to me Friday afternoon/evening. I already have a tracking number, but it won't be trackable online until the shipper picks it up on Friday. It will arrive via UPS Freight (I didn't even know that UPS handled shipments like that). With the holiday, I imagine that it will be delivered on Wednesday or Thursday (July 5-6)!

God is in control. I pray that He will bless each one of your comings and your goings.

DGF

My Anniversary Gift!

Today is my 31st anniversary. Rose and I got married June 21, 1975. One year later, we were raising funds to go to the mission field, where we spent the next 18 years of our lives. All three kids were born in Chile. We have spent the last 12 years in Joplin, Missouri, but celebrated #30 a year ago in Chile. We'll spend a night in Branson on Friday, kind of celebrating 31 years.

She went to Name Brand Clothing last night with Charissa, and got some excellent buys. I will get my anniversary present in a couple weeks.

I just ordered a Chinese Motor Scooter! For the last several weeks, I have been doing research, thinking about it. Traditional motorcycle shops don't have much good to say about the Chinese vehicles. The one I ordered is a Tank Urban Touring Deluxe, and comes with pretty good reviews. I actually ordered from a dealer in Wichita, KS. The vehicles will arrive in Wichita in about 10 days, after which time, it will be shipped to Joplin. A student of mine has been building/rebuilding/restoring motorcycles for the last 25 years or so, and has volunteered to help me get it ready.

Here is a picture of what it will look like:


One of the things that I did in researching this particular brand was read a rather extensive blog called The Motorscooter Diary. In reading Commuter Steve's blog, I also came across a guy named John Ebberts, who mentioned taking pictures of the step-by-step process of uncrating and assembling his scooter. At first I considered buying the model Commuter Steve purchased, but for the difference in price, Rose thought the larger scooter looked like it was worth the difference. I e-mailed John Ebberts, who had posted on the other blog that a Microsoft Word document detailing the process was about 5MB. I asked him to send it to me. Instead, he pointed me to a spot on the web where it was posted: Assembling and uncrating a Tank Touring 150 Deluxe. Ebberts (who lives in Florida) purchased his from the same dealer in Wichita. So that you can judge the size of the vehicle compared with an automobile, I'll post a Here is a photo of one that is listed on eBay:

I'll need to get a helmet, but I've got some time to get that done while waiting for shipment. I already have a Motorcycle Permit, which will allow me to drive/ride during daytime hours, no passengers allowed. I'll take my road skills test sometime later, to upgrade the license.

We got Kim's Grand Am sold. She will be living at home. She will share my little Hyundai with me (once she masters the 5-speed). On days with nice weather (really most days of the year), I can scoot. My first class is at 7:00 AM, but I like to come in quite a bit earlier than that.

As the gas prices continue to rise, I'll be driving something more economical.

Blessings,

DGF

Kim in SE Asia

I would like all of my faithful blog readers to take time to drop a note (letter or card) to Kim. She is currently in Myanmar (formerly called Burma), but will be going to Thailand within about two weeks. Not knowing exactly how long the mail takes to get to Asia, I will share her address in Thailand with you. She may be feeling down for lack of snail mail. If you would drop her a note now, when she arrives in Thailand, she may be overjoyed to find mail from people that love her. Here is the address:

Kim Fish (NMSI Intern)
c/o Ahtapa Sinlee
PO Box 3
Maetang 50150
Chiang Mai, THAILAND

In case you are not aware of it, she writes weekly updates for her team that are posted here.

Thanks. Hope you are well.

DGF

Nathan's 4th Birthday; The Grand Am is Gone; Jr. High Girls BB Camp

Nathan's 4th Birthday


Our oldest grandson, Nathan Gregory Fish (Benson, for those who want a segundo apellido as well) turned 4 years old today. He had a birthday party with friends from the church at Brownsville on Saturday. He is a bright young man, and is quite loquacious (when he wants to be). I'd like to share a photo of him:

Eli (his younger brother) is getting bigger and bigger all the time (he turned 2 years old in March). Since I was sharing a picture of Nathan, I wanted you all to see Eli as well. Notice that the young guy has great taste when it comes to fashions. I think he is a fan of the Cubs!



The Grand Am is Gone.

Kim's car has been on the market for several months now. It sold today. Before we had left for the funeral in Illinois, I had gone to get the title out of the safety deposit box. I got a call from Van and Tammy Benson about a buyer (it has been sitting on their car lot since May 21). Though I was in basketball camp (an 18/7 job this week), I got someone to cover my spot for about the first 5 minutes of an afternoon game (Thanks, Sharon!), and ran the title over to the lot. I had to get back quickly. The people were coming back at 3:00 to bring a check. Rose went to pick up the check and deposit it in our bank account, then I ran downtown before the evening meal at the camp, to post-date a check to lift the lien (after the check clears). Thanks be to God!

Jr. High Girls Basketball Camp at OCC.

I used to work at OCC's basketball camps frequently. Since I started my doctoral program at Nebraska, I haven't done too much. I will do 3 camps, however, this summer (Jr. High camps for both boys and girls, and Sr. High camp for the girls). Camp started last night (Sunday). I got home about midnight, to turn around and be back on campus before 7 AM. I have 8 girls on my team, one from South Dakota. She's a pretty good ball handler. In three games so far today, we are 1-2. We have two more games yet tonight, but they are inside. Our first game was inside, then the next 2 were outside. Camp will end Wednesday afternoon, the girls will vacate the dorms, and the Jr. High boys will check in that evening.

I usually count this as faculty service, but found out that I will be getting paid at half the rate other coaches receive. It still counts as faculty service. If I were to go to a camp, and receive an offering for the college, after paying expenses, a portion of the amount would be mine. That's how this will be treated. God is good!

Well, my girls play again in 12 minutes. Blessings to you all!

DGF

The Quiet Testimony of a Christian Man of Integrity

We were saddened to receive the tragic news of the death of Harley Mitchell last Tuesday. Three of us (Rose, my Mom, and I) just returned from Joliet, IL, where we attended his funeral. The word amazing, which is generally overused, is not sufficient to describe what we saw.

We left Joplin on Wednesday afternoon after Rose got off work. We stayed just east of St. Louis that night, continuing on to Joliet. Joliet has a couple major racetracks, and Saturday was a race day, so it was virtually impossible to find a motel room in Joliet. We got a Hotwire room in Naperville, just about 30 miles to the north. When we arrived in the area, we went by the home, where we saw Lola and Sharon Mitchell (Jack's wife) who had just arrived from Chile. Jack & Sharon serve as World Team missionaries in Chile (we enjoyed a meal in their home last summer). Visitation was scheduled at the funeral home from 4:00-8:00 PM. Being from Joplin, where visitation at a funeral home lasts an average of 2 hours, I thought 4 hours for the visitation was too long. Was I ever wrong! People started arriving about 3:40. The last people to visit left at 10:45 PM! It lasted 7 hours and 5 minutes! About 10:00 PM, the funeral home director locked the front door, or more people would have come by. Harley was very well known in the community, and much loved. Many people arrived early the next day for the funeral, saying that they had not been able to get in the day before because of the crowds.

I spoke at the funeral, as did Jack Mitchell. The actual funeral sermon was given by Jeff Robinson, minister at Lincolnway Christian Church. I will include my comments below:

Harley was a man who loved Scripture. I have spent many nights in his home, both on E. Washington St. in Joliet, and in the current home in Elwood. Every morning, usually around the breakfast table, Scripture was read. That pattern goes back as far as I can remember. One of the tests of the faithfulness of a man is to look at his children. Harley's boys are a living testimony to the living faith that he and Lola exhibited. Jim, Jerry and Jack have lived lives of faith, and have brought up their children (Harley's grandchildren) in the training and instruction of the Lord.

For that very reason, out of the enormous amount of texts that could be read at this moment, it was extremely difficult for me to decide which text to read. Harley loved so many of them. I have chosen, however, to read two texts from the gospel of John, and it is my prayer that the reading of these texts would resonate in the hearts and minds of all of us, as we grieve our loss of our dearly beloved brother, Harley.

John 14:1-6--“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.”  ⁵ Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (English Standard Version)

John 11:21-27-- Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. ²² But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” ²³ Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” ²⁴ Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” ²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, ²⁶ and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” ²⁷ She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” (English Standard Version)

My family moved to Joliet in 1959. At the time, Harley and Lola were in the newly-married category of life. My memory of Lola goes back further in history than my memory of Harley. I can remember her smiling face as a teacher of children at our church, and I benefited from that. As a child, I saw Harley doing deacon things at the church, but really didn't have a relationship with him at the time. My first memory of him came when I was a bit older, say about 13-14 years old. Maybe it was from fear that the three boys would terrorize a teen-aged female babysitter, but for whatever reason, I ended up being a baby sitter of the boys. I wasn't really that much older than their boys, and yet they deposited confidence in me as a reliable person, in whose care to place their 3 rambunctious boys. I remember going to the old Riverview Amusement Park with the family. I don't know why I was invited to go along with the family—I just remember that I was included. But that was part of what made Harley special. If I were forced to come up with a list of adjectives to describe him, generous would certainly be near the top of my list.

Now as a preacher, I am not averse to stealing someone else's sermon. If I do, I generally give the author credit for it, especially if the author is present. That is what I intend to do right now. My good friend, Dave Schultz, has a relationship to the Mitchell family that is similar to my own. He is a journalist in Huntington, IN. I enjoy going to his newpaper's online site to read his columns. His pieces are generally very good. His column from the Thursday edition, was a very, very, very good piece. I want to read it to you now. It was titled: Shirttail Relation, and a Good Man:

The news hits home sometimes, and it hurts those of us who report it as much as it hurts anyone else.

This time it's a fatal traffic accident. It's not here (it's not even in Indiana), and it's not an immediate family member, but that doesn't ease the pain one whit.

To tell you the facts, dispassionately: Harley Mitchell, 67, Elwood, Ill., was pronounced dead at the scene of an accident near his home Tuesday afternoon. He died when his minivan pulled into the path of a large truck carrying epoxy resin.

I read the account of the accident on the Joliet Herald-News online edition yesterday. Nuts and bolts stuff, good reporting. Right there, in black and white, illuminated by the background glow of a computer monitor, was news that affected me.

The brief account doesn't begin to tell you what kind of a man this was. Humor me a second.

Who was he? He was my brother-in-law's father. I have one sibling, Linda, and Harley's son Jerry married her. Harley was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a businessman, and a terrific guy.

My father died in 1982 when my daughter was 4. My kids' other grandfather died in 1987 when the kids were 9, 4, and 2. As one of my sons put it Tuesday night, Harley was the only grandfather he'd ever really known. High praise for a man who would otherwise merely be a shirttail relation.

I marvel, sometimes, about why and how people make connections. I see family members sometimes who can't stand each other and I see others who just lose track of each other. Then there are others who become close for reasons that can only be ascribed to ways beyond human understanding.

My own family is rather dinky. My mom was an only child; she had two kids; each of those two kids have three kids. (My daughter is adamant that the progression stops there. She is not ever going to have four kids, she says.) We can push together a couple of tables at a restaurant for a family reunion.

So when we went “home” to Illinois for Thanksgiving, we were invited to hang out with the Mitchells. Harley was the paterfamilias for those gatherings, bringing a supply of those gold-colored dollar coins for prizes for the competitions - darts, ping-pong, dominoes, video games, whatever.

We needed to get to Chicago to see a basketball game one evening; he insisted on driving. It wasn't his son that was playing, nor was it his grandson. His son's nephew by marriage was the one that was playing. No matter. Off we went. He even bought supper.

No wonder that young man says that Harley was the only grandfather he ever knew. There was a connection made for me and my family, and all this by a man who is my children's uncle's father, my sister's father-in-law.

It's going to be hard saying goodbye. It's been easy knowing him.
Source: Schultz, Dave. Huntington (IN) Herald-Press, June 8, 2006.

I graduated from high school, and went off to college. My own family moved away from Joliet, but there was always a sense that Joliet was home for me. After college, I went to the mission field, where I spent nearly twenty years. As I would come back to Joliet, our landing place in the area was 1511 E. Washington St. Harley and Lola served faithfully as our forwarding agents for about 13 years of our missionary service. My oldest daughter still has fond memories of staying in the Mitchell home when she was just a toddler. My recollection is that the Mitchell's gave up the forwarding agent detail in 1992, and we returned from the mission field just two years later. Any trip that I have had through Joliet, has taken me out to the current home in Elwood. I've even taken some of my college professor colleagues to spend a night there!

How would I describe Harley Mitchell to you? I've already mentioned his generosity. Let me describe him as a man who loved Jesus, and who loved his family. His life was marked by dedication and devotion. He was a kind Christian man, husband, father and grandfather. During all the years that I have known him, he has been an example of what a Christ follower is to be. I have been spiritually enriched by knowing him.

Harley R. Mitchell is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lola M. (nee Berg); three sons, Jim (Kim) of Joliet, Jerry (Linda) of New Lenox and Jack (Sharon) Mitchell of Santiago, Chile; ten granchildren, Kelly (Mike) Hasselbring, Kristen, Keith, Kevin, Dawn, Army, Greg, Brittany, Daniel and Timothy Mitchell; also numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Rosa (Ashbaugh) Mitchell; two sisters, Mildred Evans and Marjorie Troutman; one brother, Alfred Mitchell, Jr.

We, who knew him, grieve at his death. But his passing is our loss, not his! He is in a much better place now. I've already mentioned to you the devotional Bible reading around the Mitchell breakfast table. I want to share with you all information that Jack e-mailed from Chile just before he headed to the airport to come home:

I'm so thankful that my Dad had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He was a beautiful person, kind, giving, loving. Yesterday, the same day of his accident, my Mom and he were having their daily time of Bible reading and prayer together early in the morning. Afterward, they sang a hymn together, "Jesus is tenderly calling me home, calling today, calling today . . ." And that is just what the Lord did.

Harley loved to listen to bands and orchestras. Today, he's in the presence of his LORD! I can only imagine the glory that he is seeing today. But I imagine a tremendous choir singing praises to God. I imagine an incredible band and orchestra, with bold brass instruments and mellow woodwinds. I imagine the best string section ever heard, as all the voices and instruments combine in praise and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. Jack alluded to words from a popular worship song composed by Matt Redman. I imagine this heavenly host singing/playing this tune. Let me share the lyrics, especially appropriate for all of us gathered today:

Blessed Be Your Name, by Matt Redman

Album: Where Angels Fear to Tread

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Harley's death is our loss, but his gain.

I pray that God will bring His sweet comfort to the Mitchell family. Please remember to pray for them.

Here are some important links:
Dave Schultz's column in the Huntington Herald-Press
Article from the Joliet Herald News
Article (slightly different--same author) in the Chicago Sun-Times

Blessings upon you all!

DGF

Tragic News

This evening I received a call from Leslie Anderson (graduate of OCC who is the children's minister at Lincolnway Christian Church in New Lenox, IL). She informed me that Harley Mitchell, who with his wife Lola served as forwarding agents for us for about 13 years when we were in Chile, was killed in a traffic accident this afternoon near his home in Elwood, IL.

Harley was the owner of Mitchell's Food Mart in Joliet. He was a dedicated Christian man, father and grandfather. I called the family home, and spoke with his sons, Jim and Jerry briefly. Their youngest son, Jack, has served as a missionary to Chile for over ten years. We visited Jack and his family in Chile last year when we were there. I called Chile to speak with Jack also. He and his wife, Sharon, will leave tomorrow night to return to the U.S.

Rose and I will plan to travel to the Chicago area for funeral services.

A couple of passages of Scripture come to mind. The pain and grief of the moment pale in comparison to our hope.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

The Holy Bible : English standard version.(Php 1:6).

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

The Holy Bible : English standard version. (Ro 8:18).

Our Lord Jesus began a work in Harley Mitchell's life many years ago. That work is completed. The family (we also) grieves his loss. Harley is now in glory. Through tears we will remember Harley, but in the light of eternity, our grief will be short-lived. Present sufferings and grief will fade in comparison to the glory that has been revealed already to Harley. As Jack said just a few minutes ago, "That is our consuelo!!"

May the Lord comfort the afflicted, and give them His peace!

DGF

Trip to Brownsville to See Grandsons

We left Sunday (May 21) shortly after noon and headed for Texas. Kim's group of five had just left Joplin for Florida, for New Mission Systems International's Pre-Field Orientation for their summer internships. We spent Sunday night with David and Jennie Smith in Allen, TX, then left about 6:00 AM to drive to Brownsville. We beat the Dallas morning rush hour traffic, but the trip to Brownsville is looooonnnnnngggggg no matter how you do it.

We arrived in Brownsville about 3:30 PM, and surprised Emily, who was expecting us later. Greg had flown that morning to Chicago for the Moody Pastor's Conference with John Phillips, Senior Minister of the church. The boys were really excited to see us. A woman from the church brought in supper, which was delicious. There were leftovers, so I had that meal several more times. Delicious!

Rose helped Emily unpack what had been moved, and organize and decorate. My main function, it seems, was as a Grandpa babysitter. A resaca (canal) runs right behind their place, and has a sidewalk that runs along it. I took the boys for a ride in their wagon the very first morning. We spoke to a neighbor who has an interesting garden set up. He is a Desert Storm veteran, and is retired. Something is not quite right in his head, but he seemed very friendly. Greg had met him a few times.

I approached the whole grandparenting thing with the idea that my diaper-changing days were a thing of the past. I put in my time during the parenting stage. Up until this trip, when the grandkids needed a change, I had always deferred the joy to my wife. On this trip, however, there were many times that Emily and Rose were gone, and I was by myself. Nathan takes care of himself, but Eli has not been potty trained. The first time I found a diaper with a bonus in it, I called Emily's cell phone to say, "Thanks a lot!" All in all, though, it was a very enjoyable time, though stressful for the family, as a time of moving always is. Greg arrived back from Chicago on Thursday night. We went home with the boys, and Greg and Emily went to a motel on South Padre Island. The next morning, we took the boys out there and swam at the pool before checkout time.

Rose with Boys Waiting for Their Dad at the Harlingen Airport

Friday night, I stayed with the boys at the new house, and Greg, Emily and Rose were at the old house getting ready for a Saturday garage sale. I got the boys their bath (they have a knack at getting dirty). Art Linkletter first said it; later Bill Cosby reprised it, but kids do say the darndest things. During the bath time, I heard Nathan say to me, "Silly, Grandpa. Grandpas don't wash boys!" When the others returned home, the boys were in bed, but we were short a bed, so I slept on the couch Friday night, and Rose spent part of the night on cushions on the floor, or in one of the boy's beds.

Emily and Rose conducted the garage sale Saturday morning. Greg helped them early on, then needed to meet someone at the church building at 9:00 AM. I stayed with the boys. When Greg got back home, we went to Mexico to pick up a sign someone had made for him. I bought some medication that my insurance company refuses to pay for at a pharmacy. We crossed back, met the girls for lunch at a good Chinese buffet. Rose and I went to check into a Best Western, where we would spend our last night there in Brownsville. The boys came over and swam at the pool there before the Saturday night service. I think everybody was tired, and slept very well.

I preached part of the sermon for the Spanish service with Greg. He did the introduction and the first main point. I did the next two main points, and then turned it back to him for the closing. It worked pretty well. The congregation they serve has lots of potential. I think we were able to help them quite a bit. There are still a few things at the old house, but they will get them all moved by Thursday. We had a good time, and got to spoil those kids just a little bit.

Family (minus me) at Subway for Sunday Lunch

Emily's sister is having a baby sometime within the next month. Her parents bought them airline tickets to come to Joplin at that time. They will fly out Sunday afternoon, after church services. Greg will get to come, but will return home on Wednesday, and count it as an extended day off, rather than as vacation. The family will be taking a week-long vacation in August, when we go to Arizona. So, we'll get to see the boys a couple more times this summer. Emily is expecting a baby in December. We will return to Brownsville after final exams (the baby may come earlier than that). We will attend Kristy Peebles' wedding in Dallas, then continue on. We exchanged our timeshare in Branson for a 2 BR condo in Brownsville. Then we'll be back home for Christmas.

Children are a blessing from the LORD. Grandchildren too!

Blessings to you and yours!

DGF

From ORG to INFO

My institution, Ozark Christian College, provides me with web space for the creation of a website. About a year ago, I contracted my own web space, assuming full responsibility for what I put on it. I also contracted my own domain, which, in a moment of temporary insanity had an extension that ended in .org. I mention that as temporary insanity, because in reality, I am NOT an organization. Such a domain name extension should be reserved for organizations, like churches or para-church organizations.

That insanity lasted a year. I have recently renewed that space, and changed the domain from a .org to a .info, which more aptly describes that stuff that one can find there. That particular site will not likely be updated until later this summer. It is located at http://davidfish.info.

By the way, if you want to know more about domain suffixes, click here.

Yesterday we left Brownsville, TX where we spent most of the past week with Emily (daughter-in-law) and Nathan and Eli (2 grandsons). Our son, Greg, was in Chicago for part of the week. I'll update with some pictures of the boys soon. Rose has returned to Joplin, flying from Dallas to Tulsa. I remain in the Dallas area to attend a Logos Libronix Bible Software launch event on Wednesday, before returning home.

Peace to all!

DGF

¡Dos Muchachos Que Saben Pintar!

A couple of days ago, Greg and Emily (finally!) closed on the purchase of their first home! They are supposed to move some of the heavy stuff today. They got the keys yesterday, and started painting. A couple of little boys got to paint too--or got to have their picture taken anyway. They are cute, and I thought that just maybe you would want to see their photos:

Nathan with a paint roller

Eli with a paint roller

They are cute, don't you think?

We should be there with them on Monday afternoon!

Blessings,

DGF

Thanks, Chad Ragsdale!

I just have to share with you from an e-mail my colleague and fellow Cubs fan, Chad Ragsdale, sent to me. His e-mail was concise and to-the-point:

This sums it up pretty nicely doesn't it?

Rags

That which "sums it up" is the attached photo:



Thanks, Chad!

The Da Vinci Code Starts Today

Last month I wrote briefly about The Da Vinci Code, slated to start in theaters all over the U.S. today. Tom Hanks (star of the film) has stated that he thinks that the movie will help the church to do its job. Lots of churches are prepared to meet the challenge. My own church ordered (and sold out!) a book by Josh McDowell about the book. The service I attended was at the 11:00 hour (the 5th or 6th service of the weekend), and the announcement was made concerning the resource that had sold out earlier. They promised to have more available for purchase for this weekend.

This morning, I received an e-mail from Chuck Johnston, a missionary in Taiwan, pointing to some resources developed by Tim Hudson, a campus minister at the University of Georgia (Athens, GA). I met Tim back in the 80's, and he has done an excellent job over the years of providing resources to followers of Jesus. Through Chuck, I found Tim Hudson's website, which I would like to commend to you. On Tim's resources page (look at the bottom under the category Go Deep), he has 3 PowerPoint files about the Da Vinci Code:

• Decoding The Da Vinci Code: Are the Scriptures Reliable?
• Decoding The Da Vinci Code: The Sacred Feminine
• Decoding The Da Vinci Code: Was Jesus Married?

I looked through the first file, and it was done very well. I thought you (my faithful readers) might enjoy having a link to them.

There is another connection with Tim Hudson. Tim's brother, Phil Hudson, is the founder/director of New Mission Systems International, the organization under which our daughter, Kim, will be doing a missions internship beginning this next week. She will have Pre-Field Orientation in Florida, and then will be off to Myanmar and Thailand for the summer. Keep her in your prayers!

Well, do you suppose I will pay to see the movie? Tom Hanks is a tremendous actor. Ron Howard was my friend as Opie Taylor. Both of them will become filthy rich off of this movie. Christianity Today released a series of links to negative reviews by critics (Thank you, Terry Chaney!). Regardless of what the movie critics think, the film will make muchos millones before being forgotten. I have read the book, but I checked it out of the Joplin Public Library. I guess we'll have to wait and see whether I go see the movie.

The last final exam that I will give starts in less than 1 hour. Will I be finished grading today? Not sure about that one!

Blessings and peace to you!

DGF

Whoa, It's Finals Week, Kim's Trip to Asia, Our Trip to Texas, Bible Software, and Cubs Win (Finally)!!!

Finals Week. The semester is over! It is final exam week. It really did go by very quickly. I've still got a lot of grading to do, but I'll survive. My last final will be Friday morning. It would be nice to be finished grading by the weekend. Grades are due on May 30.

Kim's Trip to Asia. Kim will be going to Thailand/Myanmar. Her group leaves Sunday (May 21) about noon. They will be going to a Pre-Field Orientation camp near Orlando, Florida, before taking off for Asia. She got a typhoid shot the other day, and yesterday her malaria pills arrived. We're proud of her commitment to the LORD and to missions. This trip will fulfill her internship requirement. She has worked at Cracker Barrel since she was 16, and they will give her a leave of absence while she is gone.

Our Trip to Texas. As soon as she leaves for Florida-Asia, we will leave for South Texas. We've got a couple adorable grandsons down there. Rose has been talking nearly daily to Nathan (our soon-to-be-4-years-old grandson) and has been counting the days until we get there. Below is a picture of Emily and her boys, taken for Mother's Day:
They are cute, don't you think? Greg and Emily are trying to close on their very first purchase of a home. It could happen today!

We will leave Brownsville on Sunday afternoon and head for Allen, TX, where we will stay with Rose's sister, Jennie. Her sister, Patty (from Indiana) will be there as well. We'll have Sunday night and part of Monday there (Memorial Day). I will take Rose to Love Field, where she will get on a Southwest Air Lines flight to Tulsa. Charissa will pick her up. I will stay in TX, continuing to munch off of David and Jennie Smith until Thursday. On Wednesday night, May 31, I will attend a special launch event for Libronix Bible Software in Ft. Worth. I'll leave to come home on Thursday morning.

Bible Software. I really am excited about the new version of Libronix. It comes with some neat features. I have written about the syntactical database search capabilities before, and as I learn to do more, I will probably write about that. For people who are not proficient in the use of Biblical languages, however, I am most interested in the possibilities afforded by the Reverse-Interlinear Bibles (ESV for both OT and NT, and NRSV for NT). It will be cool. And finally . . .

Cubs Win!! It has been a horrible run. Carlos Zambrano won last night, pitching very well, evening his record at 2-2. The Cubbies have dug themselves a huge hole. I certainly want them to crawl out of it. They still made some stupid baserunning mistakes, but they won 4-0! For about the last two weeks, the only pleasure the Cubs had afforded me was that Greg Maddux pitched well his last time out, and helped himself with the bat, and also with a stolen base! I heard it live on the Cubs' Radio Broadcast on XM Radio. A guy (Miles Long?) posted this photo that he took himself at the ball game, showing Maddux calling himself safe at second. It's a classic.

Peace to all (especially ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκίας)!

DGF

Another Take on the Cinco de Mayo

Well, here we go. A person I love very much sent me this a few days ago. Since we just passed the Cinco de Mayo (May 5), I thought I might pass this one on. I take no credit for it:

Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.

This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico.

But as we know, the great ship never made it to New York.

The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.

The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss.

Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day. The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th, and is known, of course, as:

Sinko de Mayo!

WHAT!!!! You expected something educational?

And in a tone that is reminiscent of Paul Harvey, and now . . . you know . . . the rest of the story!

Peace to all,

DGF