The New Neighbors Are Now Here - Michael

It was nice and open when I arrived.  Then came the digging for a foundation. 

Next concrete, and then came the conex-style rooms.  After this they built the stairs and top deck complete with its wood railing.  The new neighbors are officially here. 

Compared to just about anyone on the compound, these are the nicest digs here.  They actually have restrooms and showers in their individual rooms instead of having to walk down a hallway to share one with who knows how many dozens of people.  The one good thing is the annoying light that blazed into my window all night is on the far side of the conexes - nice.  Another good thing, one of the new "neighbors" a strong Christian brother.  It is good to see him coming and going.

-Michael

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Beauty in the Midst of Ashes - Michael

I had noticed this little, scrubby plant growing outside the entrance to my billeting building.  It was very "weedy" looking.  Normally, if I were at home, I would have just pulled it up.  Here, you enjoy green even if it is scrubby and weedy looking.  A little while ago, it sprouted a flower. 

Today it has four. 

There in the midst of the cigarette butts of uncaring, thoughtless people, gravel, broken concrete and Afghan dust and dirt were these brilliant points of beauty.  It reminds me of reading through the prophets - every prophetic book, no matter how much despair over the moral condition of the people, there was the promise of the coming Messiah.  No wonder the early church did not look at the world and say, "Look what the world is coming to," but rather they would say, "Look what has come to the world."

-Michael

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Jigsaw Fun at Home and Abroad-Michael

I received a fairly small box a little while ago. It showed a bit of wear and tear for the journey, but it seemed to be OK. Upon opening the pakage this is what I found.

Yup, a jigsaw puzzle. Now this could be a fun way to help the time go by, but I noticed the pieces had some rather odd, extra markings on them. Closer examination showed this was indeed not just a jigsaw puzzle, but a jigsaw puzzle letter - ala Wallace and Gromit.

It took a while to put together which gave me some time to think - which can be dangerous. If it was fun for me, it should be fun for them. So, after loving all of the words of encouragement, I decided to return the favor.

 I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did even though this will be your second time to put it together. :) 

Love you

Michael/Dad

PS: apparently three pieces did not make the trip.  I found a few pieces loose in the packaging; the three must have slipped out somewhere.

 

Choosing Joy!

©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Half Way Today!

This was supposed to excite us - but I think it put us in a funk. ::snort::

The kids and I wore stickers in honor of the day.

We went to the 1100 service today. Worship was good, sermon was good, fellowship was good....We were pretty much in a funk. Just keeping it real.

We went to Mokuteki for lunch.

I spent the afternoon trying to Skype with Mike, working on ministry communications, typing up thoughts from last year's retreat, talking with Michael on Skype, Skyping with a fellow Regional Board member and am now waiting for an email so I can send it on and go to bed.

Meanwhile.....I'm thankful that I now have patio door curtains.

At least until I get the repairmen over. ::snort::

Michael's been gone 4 1/2 months....3 1/2 left....give or take a week or two....the weeks seem to be dragging just now. We've filled them with activity to keep from "sitting around and moping all summer," but I'm starting to wonder if we may need to fill them with a bit more REST. LOL 

Zander reminded us all today that it will "most likely snow before Dad comes home." Soon....soon...soon.  Praying that Michael continues to have opportunities to minister our Lord....that he is kept safe....and that the time goes quickly.

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Love the CREARANCE Sales

From 2010-07-10-aquarium

I found it interesting that the clearance signs were all 70-20% off. In America, I most often remember 20 - 70% off.... Take a closer look at this sign.....

In all fairness....no one has yet been able to decipher my hiragana. LOL

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Sign of the Day

From 2010-07-10-aquarium

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Torture in Japan

From 2010-07-10-aquarium

A special kind of torture...a huge, well-organized bookstore and not one book in it that I could read.

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...