Sitting on the porch last night, I was watching two girls race on bikes and one boy popping wheelies on his "training wheels" bike. It inspired me to write a poem, I'll leave the interpretation to you. Feel free to share comments about it!
neverland
the dog's head peaks up for a momentary glimpse
then disappearing back into the tall grass
children race back and forth across the parking lot
on their bicycles
a young boy practicing "popping wheelies"
a fascination that will undoubtably continue past training wheels
to his future pasola or motorcycle
it is dusk and again there is no power
the horizon is marked by the silhouette of palm trees
pine trees and mountains - a pink sky dotted with
lazy grey clouds compose the backdrop
there are white horses in a neighboring field
they whinny, perhaps in conversation with
each other
llego la luz!
our fair town has power again
and so the people celebrate with a laugh and shout
several return inside from their porchesto their business -
others continue their conversation
talking excitedly over the click-clack
of dominoes
the precious few with inverters continue as though nothing happened
the faint rhythm of merengue
pulses in the distance
dusk grows deeper
the boy falls again - running home, though he will not cry
in town there are many boys dressed as men
who also refuse to cry but do not return
home
--11 July 05, Jarabacoa
Saturday, March 28, 2026
*sigh*
I remember the day I walked out of Old Main on Corncobia's (Concordia's) campus. Having turned in my last assignment of my undergraduate college career, a great weight had been lifted off my shoulders! The air was crisp that December day, the buildings and trees were blanketed by a gentle layer of fog. I stood for a moment in the courtyard, gazed upon the "Ole & Lena" statue as my lungs filled themselves of that clean, crisp air. "I'm done." I thought to myself as a smile creeped slowly upon my face. Four and one-half years work resulting in this very moment.
It was a good moment.
A great feeling.
But I'm ready for more. Starting on August 8th, 2005, I will be joining Joshua Redding for a "Distance Learning Adventure" courtesy of Liberty University. We will be pursuing a M.A. in Professional Counseling.
And the world would never be the same.
It was a good moment.
A great feeling.
But I'm ready for more. Starting on August 8th, 2005, I will be joining Joshua Redding for a "Distance Learning Adventure" courtesy of Liberty University. We will be pursuing a M.A. in Professional Counseling.
And the world would never be the same.
I'm famous! (Well, relatively speaking)...
I've found my fame on the Presurfer. For those of you scratching your head, and something to the effect of:
"Huh?"
coming out of your mouth, no worries. Presurfer is a blog that collects interesting links, news bits, etc for the interested viewer. A recent post reminded me of a favorite site, Too Much Coffee Man, an internet based comic that is social, political, sarcastic and somewhat dark. (My type of humor)
Anyhoo I passed the link on to Señor Presurfer who liked and put it on his site. It may not be much to you, but means a lot to a fan. Here is the post:
----
Too Much Coffee Man (can there ever be too much coffee?) is a comic by cartoonist Shannon Wheeler. Presurfer reader Peter pointed me to the Coffee Man site after my post about INeedCoffee.
According to the author, Too Much Coffee Man started as a joke in 1992. Beginning as a weekly cartoon in the Austin American-Statesman, he now has been seen in such diverse locations as TV Guide, MTV, and an animated Converse shoe commercial. Too Much Coffee Man is about a manic-depressive,obsessive-compulsive, coffee-cup-headed anti-hero. It's not all about coffee, he likes to move into social and political areas as well.
Check out Too Much Coffee Man and take delight in his wisdom: If you can't be happy naturally, be unnaturally happy. Oh, and you don't have to be a coffee addict to enjoy Wheeler's comic.
(Thanks Peter)
----
Article can be found at: http://presurfer.meepzorp.com/archive/2005_07_01_archive.html#112280639751862410
"Huh?"
coming out of your mouth, no worries. Presurfer is a blog that collects interesting links, news bits, etc for the interested viewer. A recent post reminded me of a favorite site, Too Much Coffee Man, an internet based comic that is social, political, sarcastic and somewhat dark. (My type of humor)
Anyhoo I passed the link on to Señor Presurfer who liked and put it on his site. It may not be much to you, but means a lot to a fan. Here is the post:
Too Much Coffee Man (can there ever be too much coffee?) is a comic by cartoonist Shannon Wheeler. Presurfer reader Peter pointed me to the Coffee Man site after my post about INeedCoffee.According to the author, Too Much Coffee Man started as a joke in 1992. Beginning as a weekly cartoon in the Austin American-Statesman, he now has been seen in such diverse locations as TV Guide, MTV, and an animated Converse shoe commercial. Too Much Coffee Man is about a manic-depressive,obsessive-compulsive, coffee-cup-headed anti-hero. It's not all about coffee, he likes to move into social and political areas as well.
Check out Too Much Coffee Man and take delight in his wisdom: If you can't be happy naturally, be unnaturally happy. Oh, and you don't have to be a coffee addict to enjoy Wheeler's comic.
(Thanks Peter)
Article can be found at: http://presurfer.meepzorp.com/archive/2005_07_01_archive.html#112280639751862410
Hymns are so beautiful
A quote from Charles Wesley, heard on a broadcast by Ravi Zacharias:
O Thou who camest from above, the pure celestial fire to impart, kindle the flame of sacred love on the mean altar of my heart; and there let it for Thy glory burn with un-extinguishable blaze, and trembling to its source, return in humble prayer and fervent praise. Jesus confirmed my heart’s desire to work and speak for Thee, still let me guard the holy fire, and still stir up Thy gifts in me. Ready for all Thy perfect will, my acts of faith and love repeat, til death Thy endless mercy seal and make my sacrifice complete.Isaac Watts, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross:
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
William Cowper, There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood:
There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
oddities...
Things I have seen and experienced lately that remind me of the many differences to be found in DR living:
- Majarete - Corn flavored ice cream. Yes, you read that correctly Corn flavored ice cream! I guess it has been around for awhile, but Friday was my first (and possibly last) experience with this culinary wonder. Surprisingly, the taste wasn't revolting but nothing I will want in my mouth again. Picture biting into a fresh piece of sweet corn, melted butter, except it is freezing cold and has the texture of ice cream.
- Homeless, or night-shift security? The other day, I was taking an early morning walk. I came across a construction site with a Bobcat skid-steer loader. (I think I spelled that properly). To my surprise, a loud noise came from the cab once I was near. A man was wrapped up in a blanket, sleeping in the seat! If you have ever seen this equipment before, the cab is very small, and the seat is rigid, not very comfortable for sitting, let alone an entire night's sleep! Though I have noticed that construction workers here tend to spend a significant amount of time in the houses/building they are working on.
- I'll try to get a picture of it, but I swear that the other day a dog was walking beside me who was a cross between a chiuaua and a black lab!
Driving
If you thought driving in the DR was bad, check this out.
http://media.putfile.com/survive-saigon-short-movie
http://media.putfile.com/survive-saigon-short-movie
expanse
So in America when the sun goes down and I sit on the old broken-down river
pier watching the long, long skies over New Jersey and sense all that raw
land that rolls in one unbelievable huge bulge over to the West Coast, and all
that road going, all the people dreaming in the immensity of it...
--Jack Kerouac, On The Road, courtesy of: Wikiquote
Flying over North Dakota was a surreal experience. Once again seeing all that farm land, the unending jigsaw puzzle of square fields and road made me feel overwhelmed.
Today I was standing in a corn field with my dad, brother and several others. The wind blew across the Plains in a quiet rage, never ceasing. I stood amoung the rows for a moment of reflection, listening to the rustling leaves of the corn plants rubbing against each other in the wind. The stalks were so tall that my head could not be seen if I walked in far enough. For a brief moment I thought about "Children of the Corn" but then reminded myself about reality.
more to come later...
culture shock
About two weeks ago, I returned to the Dominican Republic from a vacation in the U.S.A. A funny aside - never thought I'd be taking vacations from the Caribbean to the USA, always thought it was the other way around...
At any rate, the culture shock, conflicting worlds, collided several days ago. Julie and I went to supper at a Dominican couple's house. It was a lovely supper, aside from their child throwing up because of the pasta sauce, but that's another story.
My estimation is that less than 50 words were spoken in English the entire night. Now I'm by no means fluent in Spanish, but I do OK conversationally in most situations. However that night, I threw in the towel and became a casual - albeit frustrated observer. It was the straw that broke Pete's back. *sigh* The last time I truly felt this way was 2 weeks after getting married, and the time before that was August of 2003. There are many "things" that factor into this:
In other news, trip the states was great. Had some amazing food, and wonderful quality time with family. I'm so blessed to be a part of the family that God put me in.
At any rate, the culture shock, conflicting worlds, collided several days ago. Julie and I went to supper at a Dominican couple's house. It was a lovely supper, aside from their child throwing up because of the pasta sauce, but that's another story.
My estimation is that less than 50 words were spoken in English the entire night. Now I'm by no means fluent in Spanish, but I do OK conversationally in most situations. However that night, I threw in the towel and became a casual - albeit frustrated observer. It was the straw that broke Pete's back. *sigh* The last time I truly felt this way was 2 weeks after getting married, and the time before that was August of 2003. There are many "things" that factor into this:
- seperation from family
- no matter where you go, you are different than everyone else
- having even a simple conversation is laborious and draining of your mental/emotional energy
- island life is nice, but for a guy who grew up in the Plains it can make one feel claustrophobic and trapped at times.
- little things become so frustrating - going to the store to buy a green pepper and you can't remember the name (aji, in case you were wondering), using sign language and saying "pimento verde" when I know that pimiento refers to the pepper in the shaker, it's just that I don't know another word...
In other news, trip the states was great. Had some amazing food, and wonderful quality time with family. I'm so blessed to be a part of the family that God put me in.
God's Grace, God's Love: Abundant, Overflowing, Invisible?
You may be confused by the title, and in theory, the concept of God's grace and love being invisible seems a bit far fetched. After all, God is, was, and will be now and forever. The Bible speaks many times of the depths of his love, and though I know it is there, my humanity cannot fathom a love that runs so deep to care about the dregs of humanity (myself included!)
I was reading Ephesians 3:14-21 the other day, and it is a refreshing promise. Yet how many times do I in my own life wallow in self-pity and misery to ignore his love!
Picture a bright, sunny day, sitting on the beach. Standing there, you look at your companion who is shivering and whimpering. You ask them why they are crying and shivering. They reply, "the wind is freezing, and the clouds are covering the sun! Look how foggy it is!" It doesn't make much sense, as the sun is out, blazing, and there is no wind. Yet how many times in our own lives to we convince ourselves that we are freezing, when the sun is so hot our feet burn in the sun! I know in my own life, I tend to do this. Yet God's love is so powerful that to be fully exposed to it would overwhelm us.
I was reading Ephesians 3:14-21 the other day, and it is a refreshing promise. Yet how many times do I in my own life wallow in self-pity and misery to ignore his love!
Picture a bright, sunny day, sitting on the beach. Standing there, you look at your companion who is shivering and whimpering. You ask them why they are crying and shivering. They reply, "the wind is freezing, and the clouds are covering the sun! Look how foggy it is!" It doesn't make much sense, as the sun is out, blazing, and there is no wind. Yet how many times in our own lives to we convince ourselves that we are freezing, when the sun is so hot our feet burn in the sun! I know in my own life, I tend to do this. Yet God's love is so powerful that to be fully exposed to it would overwhelm us.
14For this reason I (A)bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16that He would grant you, according to (B)the riches of His glory, to be (C)strengthened with power through His Spirit in (D)the inner man, 17so that (E)Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being (F)rooted and (G)grounded in love, 18may be able to comprehend with (H)all the saints what is (I)the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know (J)the love of Christ which (K)surpasses knowledge, that you may be (L)filled up to all the (M)fullness of God. 20(N)Now to Him who is (O)able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, (P)according to the power that works within us, 21(Q)to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.Ephesians 3:14-21 (NASB)
actually heard something profound on TV... (and another thought)
The other day I was watching "Dinner and a Movie" and the host made a comment that I felt was interesting, and had a lot of truth to it. He said, "Do you ever think that people watch TV to experience emotions they don't feel in their own lives?" How true this is! People living in fantasy, wanting to experience joy, sadness, or laughter but can't find those moments within their own lives. Praise God that he fills us in abundance with his love.
I saw a website the other day where a woman was selling her house, and herself with it as a bride! Again, how desperate are people to experience love, they will go to such great lengths to experience it. Yet the love of God is not an option for them. I find it interesting how there is such hard heartedness and resistance to God's love, it reminds me of Paul talking in Romans.
I saw a website the other day where a woman was selling her house, and herself with it as a bride! Again, how desperate are people to experience love, they will go to such great lengths to experience it. Yet the love of God is not an option for them. I find it interesting how there is such hard heartedness and resistance to God's love, it reminds me of Paul talking in Romans.
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST - My wife is sick
Greetings all,
Living in a third world country lends itself to exposure of bad food, parasites, etc. I am married to a native dominican, and she got parasites from some food we recently ate. (Interestingly I didn't get any, though we ate the same food).
She has been really sick for one week now. The doctors finally discovered what it was (parasites, amoebas - specifically). If she isn't better in a few days they are going to hospitalize her. I can't say enough how concerned I am for her well-being at this point in time.
There is no "right time" for an illness to occur, but within the last weeks of a semester only compounds the stress that I am experiencing.
Please pray specifically for:
1. Julie's recovery, that God heals her and provides comfort along the way.
2. That I may be patient, and God's love pours out through me into her life
3. That God gives Julie a renewed strength each day
4. That God lets me focus on schoolwork when needed, but to recognize my priority is my wife
I know we all come from unique experiences that bring different stress and joy. I thank you for your prayers and know that God will be glorified in all our trials! Praise be to Jesus, now and forever, Amen.
In Him,
Peter Schott
Living in a third world country lends itself to exposure of bad food, parasites, etc. I am married to a native dominican, and she got parasites from some food we recently ate. (Interestingly I didn't get any, though we ate the same food).
She has been really sick for one week now. The doctors finally discovered what it was (parasites, amoebas - specifically). If she isn't better in a few days they are going to hospitalize her. I can't say enough how concerned I am for her well-being at this point in time.
There is no "right time" for an illness to occur, but within the last weeks of a semester only compounds the stress that I am experiencing.
Please pray specifically for:
1. Julie's recovery, that God heals her and provides comfort along the way.
2. That I may be patient, and God's love pours out through me into her life
3. That God gives Julie a renewed strength each day
4. That God lets me focus on schoolwork when needed, but to recognize my priority is my wife
I know we all come from unique experiences that bring different stress and joy. I thank you for your prayers and know that God will be glorified in all our trials! Praise be to Jesus, now and forever, Amen.
In Him,
Peter Schott
the cost of bread
So last night was the maiden voyage for our new breadmaker. It was part of a group item purchase from Colby & Rachelle Ernest, friends of ours who are leaving soon. When I lived in Kulm, my family had a breadmaker. I loved putting that thing on timer, and waking up in the morning to a fresh loaf, some butter and honey! Eager as I was to embark, I set it up in the living room (our kitchen plugs aren't on the inverter...a bad thing if the power goes out). I plugged the breadmaker into a uninteruptable power supply, filled it with the ingredients for raisen bread, set the timer, and went to bed. During the night, the aroma of dough began to fill our apartment, and I even had a dream that two loaves were made (one white bread, and another was a lemon cake with frosting). These sweet dreams of hot bread shared with the neighbors, butter melting over a freshly cut slice were interrupted by...
THWACK!
THWACK!
*sigh* yes I had forgotten how loud the "knead" cycle is on those things. we couldn't shut our bedroom door because it would get too hot in there. So, from 3:30 a.m. (did I mention that I went to bed at 11:30?) to 4:00 a.m. I listened to:
THWACK!
THWACK!
Until falling blissfully asleep..until 5:00 A.M.
a long, shrill electronic noise pierced the air. It didn't stop. Julie and I both woke up, the UPS had tripped its breaker (it's a bad one, did it before with just a computer plugged in...don't ask me why I used it for the maiden voyage of the bread maker). Unfortunately, the power had cut on the UPS so we needed to reset the breadmaker. Fortunately it had made it through all the knead cycles (remember the THWACK!) and had risen...just needed to bake. There was a cycle that did 14 min of kneading, 20 rising, and 25 baking...perfect I thought. So I started it, waited 15 minutes for the knead to finish, then put the bread holder back in the machine, and went to bed for another blissful sleep (accompanied by some really weird dreams ranging from being kidnapped, to being at a leadership convention) ... until 5:55 a.m. yes folks, I brought my wristwatch in the bedroom which thankfully was still programed in housefather mode, and a "last minute" alarm of 5:55 to wake me up before getting the kids up at 6:00. Even more unfortunately I wasn't in the house and someone else was waking the kids up, therefore I had no business being up at 6:00, especially with how the night had gone. Shut it off, listened to Julie complain (rightfully so) and back to blissful sleep until...6:30 when the breadmaker beeped cheerfully to let me know it was done and warming. I didn't need to know this at that time. Fell back asleep blissfully until...7:00 a.m. until julie's alarm went off. THANK GOD I GOT OUT OF BED. otherwise it would have been a late morning.
I was in zombie bliss all day today.
next time, the bread maker is going in the spare bedroom..so the THWACK! minds its own darn biz.
until next time...
THWACK!
THWACK!
*sigh* yes I had forgotten how loud the "knead" cycle is on those things. we couldn't shut our bedroom door because it would get too hot in there. So, from 3:30 a.m. (did I mention that I went to bed at 11:30?) to 4:00 a.m. I listened to:
THWACK!
THWACK!
Until falling blissfully asleep..until 5:00 A.M.
a long, shrill electronic noise pierced the air. It didn't stop. Julie and I both woke up, the UPS had tripped its breaker (it's a bad one, did it before with just a computer plugged in...don't ask me why I used it for the maiden voyage of the bread maker). Unfortunately, the power had cut on the UPS so we needed to reset the breadmaker. Fortunately it had made it through all the knead cycles (remember the THWACK!) and had risen...just needed to bake. There was a cycle that did 14 min of kneading, 20 rising, and 25 baking...perfect I thought. So I started it, waited 15 minutes for the knead to finish, then put the bread holder back in the machine, and went to bed for another blissful sleep (accompanied by some really weird dreams ranging from being kidnapped, to being at a leadership convention) ... until 5:55 a.m. yes folks, I brought my wristwatch in the bedroom which thankfully was still programed in housefather mode, and a "last minute" alarm of 5:55 to wake me up before getting the kids up at 6:00. Even more unfortunately I wasn't in the house and someone else was waking the kids up, therefore I had no business being up at 6:00, especially with how the night had gone. Shut it off, listened to Julie complain (rightfully so) and back to blissful sleep until...6:30 when the breadmaker beeped cheerfully to let me know it was done and warming. I didn't need to know this at that time. Fell back asleep blissfully until...7:00 a.m. until julie's alarm went off. THANK GOD I GOT OUT OF BED. otherwise it would have been a late morning.
I was in zombie bliss all day today.
next time, the bread maker is going in the spare bedroom..so the THWACK! minds its own darn biz.
until next time...
current projects and musings
poems and ideas I want to develop:
"love of a lifetime" - memoirs of an awkward teen
captures the memories of the high school dance, the awkwardness of that moment when the slow song comes on and people start forming alliances for the dance, for the song, not wanting to be the first one out but certainly not the last or the excuses made to avoid the song but to capture the tension the is reflective of the undercurrent of self-doubt and challenge that is adolescence.
"opener" - saw a concert in Minneapolis, and the opener (Davis, I believe) just thinking what that must be like to walk onto stage, playing for a crowd of strangers, hardly anyone knows your name, they don't know your lyrics, and it's your job to "warm up" the crowd? should be interesting, did some free writing about it today to capture ideas.
"love of a lifetime" - memoirs of an awkward teen
captures the memories of the high school dance, the awkwardness of that moment when the slow song comes on and people start forming alliances for the dance, for the song, not wanting to be the first one out but certainly not the last or the excuses made to avoid the song but to capture the tension the is reflective of the undercurrent of self-doubt and challenge that is adolescence.
"opener" - saw a concert in Minneapolis, and the opener (Davis, I believe) just thinking what that must be like to walk onto stage, playing for a crowd of strangers, hardly anyone knows your name, they don't know your lyrics, and it's your job to "warm up" the crowd? should be interesting, did some free writing about it today to capture ideas.
Thanksgiving
Things I am thankful for:
- The fact that God loves me and is interested in a relationship with me.
- My wife - her sense of humor and adventure that we have recently joined together in life
- My family - my dad's wisdom, my mom's encouragement, the love and humor of my two crazy brothers
- Nina - the street dog who through providence found a place in my life and heart
- Freedom
- Rivers of Life - a wonderful group of Christian brothers and sisters in Fargo-Moorhead
- Good books - currently in the midst of graduate studies but am reading a book about the life of Claude Monet
- Knowledge of the fact that God will do a good work through me "I am the vine, you are the branches; If a man remains in me, and I am him he will bear much fruit. Apart from me he can do nothing" - John 15:5
time for a healthy breakfast!
Today for breakfast, I ate:
1 piece cold pizza (three cheese with pepperoni)
1 TollHouse cookie bar
considering making some coffee...
1 piece cold pizza (three cheese with pepperoni)
1 TollHouse cookie bar
considering making some coffee...
We never did eat falafel... (and other news)
Several weekends ago, a group of us embarked to Santo Domingo in the hopes of seeing Juan Luis Guerra in concert. He is a famous Dominican musician, is a christian, one a latin grammy, and is Julie's favorite singer (other than her dad, of course). Unfortunately for us the concert had been sold out for weeks (we discovered *after* arriving in Santo Domingo.) Our group began to make other plans that included a craft fair hosted by the Peace Corp in Zona Colonial, supper at "El Rey de Falafel" (The Falafel King) and some quality hang out time in the Zona Colonial at night. The day started with a lovely meal at Dragon House, a restaurant with a full Chinese and Japanese menu. I had miso soup, followed by "Cerdo Agridulce" (Sweet/Sour Pork), accompanied with a couple sushi rolls. mmm.... We went to the crafts fair, where I ran into a friend of mine from Concordia, and his girlfriend. Imagine that, three Cobbers reuniting in the Zona Colonial, DR by chance. We left there and wandered around some ruins of a castle, taking pictures, chatting, enjoying dusk, etc. After that we went to Acropolis (a mall) to check out the movies, in hopes of seeing one before getting falafel. Fortunately (in hindsight) there were no good movies, so we opted for a dessert at Fridays, then headed to Zona Colonial for falafel. En route, we happened upon a scalper. Jason encouraged us to check it out. 1,000 RD per ticket for ones that cost 600 RD in the shops! Darn scalpers, but fortunately for us the concert was about to start, he was desperate, etc...so we got the tickets for 500RD each. Perfect timing, we walked into the concert moments before Juan Luis sang! It was a beautiful concert, his band played different solos, there were AWESOME fireworks, and it rained...I love rain at an outdoor concert.
So, needless to say, we didn't get falafel. Not that anyone minded, I think.
Other news -
things to ask me about/write later:
50 houses
holidays (Julie and I's first christmas, family fireworks, etc)
how blessed we are
Rovian's christmas party
new neighbors
vonage
easel
julie painting
if you are curious about any of these things, e-mail (peteyjulie@gmail.com) or call 701-526-3331.
So, needless to say, we didn't get falafel. Not that anyone minded, I think.
Other news -
things to ask me about/write later:
50 houses
holidays (Julie and I's first christmas, family fireworks, etc)
how blessed we are
Rovian's christmas party
new neighbors
vonage
easel
julie painting
if you are curious about any of these things, e-mail (peteyjulie@gmail.com) or call 701-526-3331.
Luke 5, New Year's Res (yes I'm actually doing one)
So I was reading in Luke today, and got convicted. Funny thing about that darn Bible, it tends to do that to me from time to time (namely any time I open its cover.) The Pharasees were asking Jesus why he was eating with the sinners and tax collecters. Jesus eloquently responded: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Gosh how many times do I expect the kids I work with to be perfect, or not misbehave so much! Look past the kids and move on to my friends or my wife...the bar gets higher. (Shame on me.)
On to the New Year's Resolution...(my official one) is to read the bible through in one year! I'm using the online one at crosswalk.com to get the references, then read it in my bible. I find it better to read the word on paper rather than a computer screen.
My other res is to do an average of 25 pushups and situps each day.
Here's an unofficial toast (with a non-alcoholic sparkly grapejuice, of course) to New Year's Resolutions, and the God that will make it possible for us to fulfill them.
To him be the glory, now and forever. make this year a meaningful one, and when I say that it is my hope that the meaning be found in a deeper, more intimate relationship with your creator. speaking of which, a random closing thought. The other day I was walking to work and decided to pray for everyone I came across on that walk. It wasn't *too* bad right away (read:the first five mins) but started to become overwhelming. Even early in the A.m. in a small mountain town, there are a lot of people to pray for! Houses filled with people that I've never met, scraggly concho drivers, etc. I got to thinking (dangerous habit, by the way) that God knows each of these people in a way that is more intimate than I will ever know my wife. Amazing! Praise God for his power...hey I'm glad he's the one in charge, not me...though I do try to usurp his authority from time to time (read:too many times in a day to count.)
good night all, happy new year.
feel free to post comments sharing any new year's res or how you spent your new years eve and day!
Gosh how many times do I expect the kids I work with to be perfect, or not misbehave so much! Look past the kids and move on to my friends or my wife...the bar gets higher. (Shame on me.)
On to the New Year's Resolution...(my official one) is to read the bible through in one year! I'm using the online one at crosswalk.com to get the references, then read it in my bible. I find it better to read the word on paper rather than a computer screen.
My other res is to do an average of 25 pushups and situps each day.
Here's an unofficial toast (with a non-alcoholic sparkly grapejuice, of course) to New Year's Resolutions, and the God that will make it possible for us to fulfill them.
To him be the glory, now and forever. make this year a meaningful one, and when I say that it is my hope that the meaning be found in a deeper, more intimate relationship with your creator. speaking of which, a random closing thought. The other day I was walking to work and decided to pray for everyone I came across on that walk. It wasn't *too* bad right away (read:the first five mins) but started to become overwhelming. Even early in the A.m. in a small mountain town, there are a lot of people to pray for! Houses filled with people that I've never met, scraggly concho drivers, etc. I got to thinking (dangerous habit, by the way) that God knows each of these people in a way that is more intimate than I will ever know my wife. Amazing! Praise God for his power...hey I'm glad he's the one in charge, not me...though I do try to usurp his authority from time to time (read:too many times in a day to count.)
good night all, happy new year.
feel free to post comments sharing any new year's res or how you spent your new years eve and day!
You have got to be kidding me...
For those of you who thought something like this would never happen...
Woman Weds Dolphin
Tel Aviv, Israel
December 30, 2005 - 6:34AM
Woman Weds Dolphin
Woman weds dolphin
British tourist Sharon Tendler has finally made her dream match - by "marrying" a dolphin she has been visiting for 15 years in the Israeli resort of Eilat, the mass-circulation Yediot Ahronot daily reported today.
Ms Tendler, 41, has been visiting the city on the Gulf of Aqaba two or three times a year to spend time with her 35-year-old underwater sweetheart.
"The peace and tranquility under water, and his love, would calm me down," the Israeli daily quoted her as saying.
Last week, Ms Tendler finally plucked up the courage to ask the dolphin's trainer for the mammal's fin in marriage.
The wedding took place on Wednesday, with the bride - wearing a white dress and watched by amazed spectators - walking down the dock to where the groom was waiting in the water.
She kissed him, to the cheers of the spectators and then, after the ceremony was sealed with some mackerels, was tossed into the water so she could swim away with her new husband.
"I'm the happiest girl on earth," the bride was quoted as saying.
"I made a dream come true. And I am not a pervert."
- DPA
Luke 6 - bravery in action
In Luke 6:8 Jesus sees a man in the synagogue on the Sabbath with a withered hand. The Pharisees were watching him to see if he might heal the man, breaking the law so they might accuse him. Jesus, in boldness, called the man forward (also helps that he knew what they were thinking!) He then responded to the Pharisees by asking in verse 9: "I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or destroy it?" He then restored the man's hand.
What would we do in a similar situation? Not saying we are going to heal a withered hand, though I believe God has given us the power to ask him to provide physical healing for others. Situations like this are becoming more commonplace, where the "letter of the law" is diverting from Christian beliefs. I hear the debate all the time with prayer in school, children getting in trouble for telling their classmates about Jesus, and on and on...will we have the courage to stand boldly? Yesterday I watched the story of Daniel with the children for Sunday school. Daniel had the courage to pray publicly despite it being against the law. God protected him for his faithfulness. After all, I think Daniel knew he had nothing to lose! If he did die, he would be in heaven with his father. Look at Paul, he specifically requested to be seen by Caesar, even though he had the chance to be released. What lead to his eventual imprisonment and death became an opportunity to witness to many, including high government officials in Rome.
Would we have the same courage and faith?
What would we do in a similar situation? Not saying we are going to heal a withered hand, though I believe God has given us the power to ask him to provide physical healing for others. Situations like this are becoming more commonplace, where the "letter of the law" is diverting from Christian beliefs. I hear the debate all the time with prayer in school, children getting in trouble for telling their classmates about Jesus, and on and on...will we have the courage to stand boldly? Yesterday I watched the story of Daniel with the children for Sunday school. Daniel had the courage to pray publicly despite it being against the law. God protected him for his faithfulness. After all, I think Daniel knew he had nothing to lose! If he did die, he would be in heaven with his father. Look at Paul, he specifically requested to be seen by Caesar, even though he had the chance to be released. What lead to his eventual imprisonment and death became an opportunity to witness to many, including high government officials in Rome.
Would we have the same courage and faith?
God is good. (I really need not say more, but I'll explain why)
Here's a recent conversation I had with a friend that sums up how God has been working lately and the glimpses I have had of it.
(09:29:37) Peter: hey shannon
(09:29:41) Peter: you can't possibly be on right now
(09:29:46) Peter: but if so hello :)
(09:29:59) Shantasmagoria Wittow: you can't!
(09:30:03) Shantasmagoria Wittow: hello :)
(09:30:09) Shantasmagoria Wittow: how are you?
(09:30:10) Peter: goodness
(09:30:16) Peter: what time is it there?
(09:30:24) Peter: must be like 5:30 am
(09:30:29) Shantasmagoria Wittow: 4:32?
(09:30:30) Peter: i'm doing well and yourself?
(09:30:40) Peter: it's 9:30 am here
(09:30:42) Shantasmagoria Wittow: good
(09:30:46) Peter: God is so good
(09:30:54) Shantasmagoria Wittow: :D
(09:31:00) Shantasmagoria Wittow: do you have a story?
(09:31:01) Peter: there are so many things to say
(09:31:03) Peter: oh yes
(09:31:13) Shantasmagoria Wittow: well, please tell
(09:31:16) Peter: do you ever read my blog? I may have put some of it on there
(09:31:19) Peter: I will tell though
(09:31:29) Peter: it started last july
(09:31:46) Shantasmagoria Wittow: okay :)
(09:31:47) Peter: i was thinking of vacation, not wanting to talk about myself and what I'm doing the whole time I was at home
(09:32:05) Shantasmagoria Wittow: oh yes!!!
(09:32:10) Peter: so I asked God what I could do and he gave me the idea to make a dvd showcasing various missions here
(09:32:22) Peter: so a couple friends of mine and I put it together
(09:32:28) Shantasmagoria Wittow: :)
(09:32:46) Peter: had the song "his eye is on the sparrow" as the theme as we let each of these groups tell their story and needs
(09:33:05) Peter: anyways, I was determined to show it to anyone that would sit down for 10 mins and watch it, then see what God did
(09:33:18) Peter: well the first day home, I showed it to Pauline...good Pauline :)
(09:33:38) Shantasmagoria Wittow: she's great
(09:33:39) Peter: she is affiliated with a new non-profit group called "rivers of life"
(09:33:51) Shantasmagoria Wittow: and a connection was born
(09:33:59) Peter: my goal in this video was to connect people/churches to missions in need
(09:34:14) Peter: to build relationshipsand offer a way for people/churches to give to reliable sources
(09:34:26) Peter: or if they were thinking of doing a missions trip it would spur that on
(09:34:30) Peter: etc
(09:34:38) Peter: well this rivers of life group has the same heart and goal
(09:34:46) Peter: and they are doing that with people in madagascar
(09:34:57) Peter: anyways they were having a board meeting the next day
(09:35:09) Peter: Pauline said they would be interested in seeing this and offered to arrange it
(09:35:11) Shantasmagoria Wittow: and...
(09:35:13) Peter: I happily said yes
(09:35:20) Peter: went out there, showed the video
(09:35:26) Peter: they got excited, asked what I wanted from them
(09:35:36) Peter: told them I would like them to be a conduit for resources to the DR
(09:35:42) Peter: they said they would pray about it
(09:35:50) Shantasmagoria Wittow: you flew?
(09:36:08) Shantasmagoria Wittow: oh wow!
(09:36:08) Peter: they prayed for me, received visions that I was going to have a new perspective on the DR when I returned here, that God was going to pour out blessing on the DR
(09:36:23) Peter: 2 hr later they called me and told me the answer was yes
(09:36:25) Shantasmagoria Wittow: I heard a little bit, this is more, and more fantastic
(09:36:30) Peter: and this is where it gets exciting
(09:36:39) Peter: they wanted me to be their "field officer" down here
(09:36:45) Peter: eyes/ears open for opportunities
(09:37:07) Peter: have me as a joint signer on a checking account to disburse any funds that come in
(09:37:29) Peter: and they want to send a few people down here on an exploratory trip sometime (possibly this month by now)
(09:37:34) Peter: I was home in october btw
(09:37:41) Peter: there's funny thing about that too
(09:37:48) Peter: I was planning on coming 10 days later than I did
(09:38:05) Peter: but my drivers license was going to expire and I was going to lose my CDL certifications for bus driving, etc
(09:38:17) Peter: and I wanted to keep them, so I needed to come back by a certain time and take this test
(09:38:26) Peter: so I came home a week early, lining all this other stuff up
(09:38:34) Peter: it "just happened to work out"
(09:38:35) Peter: ;)
(09:38:38) Peter: anywhoo..
(09:38:49) Peter: I came back here, and have been sharing with them when I see needs
(09:38:59) Shantasmagoria Wittow: wow
(09:39:03) Peter: I'm on two committees with our church here, benevolence and missions
(09:39:15) Peter: benevolence distributes money/resources to people in need
(09:39:22) Peter: and missions helps with missionaries on the island
(09:39:29) Shantasmagoria Wittow: this is so awesome Peter
(09:39:30) Peter: a man came to the benevolence committee
(09:39:46) Peter: who wanted concrete for a floor on his house
(09:39:50) Peter: he was building a house
(09:39:59) Peter: renting an aprt at the same time for his family
(09:40:06) Peter: couldn't afford the rent anymore
(09:40:13) Peter: so they moved into this house early
(09:40:28) Peter: no concrete floor, just dirt covered with carpet
(09:40:33) Peter: we went out to examine the site
(09:41:23) Peter: the house, it's a wreck...building the walls with scrapwood(basically bark), the ground isn't level
(09:41:42) Peter: and on the way out, we saw 14 other houses that hadn't finished their construction
(09:41:49) Peter: half finished houses, lined up in rows
(09:41:59) Peter: I asked the man what was going on with those houses
(09:42:15) Peter: said the property was donated by the gov't, and that the people needed to build the house on their own
(09:42:32) Peter: while I was out there I kept getting the thought, "build 50 houses"
(09:42:39) Peter: "in one year"
(09:42:43) Peter: thinking this is crazy
(09:43:01) Peter: kept praying about it, received confirmation through prayer and other people committing to help with the project
(09:43:20) Peter: talked with habitat for humanity today, someone from habitat is going to come here to meet with me and look at the sites, etc
(09:43:26) Peter: to possibly partner with us
(09:43:33) Peter: like I said earlier, God is good!
(09:44:09) Peter: so how do you like them apples
(09:46:09) Shantasmagoria Wittow: I LOVE THEM APPLES!
(09:48:23) Peter: please pray for Habitat, for Jose Abreu (the man who is coming here to see the project)
(09:48:31) Peter: check out http://www.theschottfamily.org/missions
(09:48:36) Peter: and pray for Vicente
(09:48:59) Peter: pray for the 14 owners of the houses and others that are homeless or living in substandard housing
(09:29:37) Peter: hey shannon
(09:29:41) Peter: you can't possibly be on right now
(09:29:46) Peter: but if so hello :)
(09:29:59) Shantasmagoria Wittow: you can't!
(09:30:03) Shantasmagoria Wittow: hello :)
(09:30:09) Shantasmagoria Wittow: how are you?
(09:30:10) Peter: goodness
(09:30:16) Peter: what time is it there?
(09:30:24) Peter: must be like 5:30 am
(09:30:29) Shantasmagoria Wittow: 4:32?
(09:30:30) Peter: i'm doing well and yourself?
(09:30:40) Peter: it's 9:30 am here
(09:30:42) Shantasmagoria Wittow: good
(09:30:46) Peter: God is so good
(09:30:54) Shantasmagoria Wittow: :D
(09:31:00) Shantasmagoria Wittow: do you have a story?
(09:31:01) Peter: there are so many things to say
(09:31:03) Peter: oh yes
(09:31:13) Shantasmagoria Wittow: well, please tell
(09:31:16) Peter: do you ever read my blog? I may have put some of it on there
(09:31:19) Peter: I will tell though
(09:31:29) Peter: it started last july
(09:31:46) Shantasmagoria Wittow: okay :)
(09:31:47) Peter: i was thinking of vacation, not wanting to talk about myself and what I'm doing the whole time I was at home
(09:32:05) Shantasmagoria Wittow: oh yes!!!
(09:32:10) Peter: so I asked God what I could do and he gave me the idea to make a dvd showcasing various missions here
(09:32:22) Peter: so a couple friends of mine and I put it together
(09:32:28) Shantasmagoria Wittow: :)
(09:32:46) Peter: had the song "his eye is on the sparrow" as the theme as we let each of these groups tell their story and needs
(09:33:05) Peter: anyways, I was determined to show it to anyone that would sit down for 10 mins and watch it, then see what God did
(09:33:18) Peter: well the first day home, I showed it to Pauline...good Pauline :)
(09:33:38) Shantasmagoria Wittow: she's great
(09:33:39) Peter: she is affiliated with a new non-profit group called "rivers of life"
(09:33:51) Shantasmagoria Wittow: and a connection was born
(09:33:59) Peter: my goal in this video was to connect people/churches to missions in need
(09:34:14) Peter: to build relationshipsand offer a way for people/churches to give to reliable sources
(09:34:26) Peter: or if they were thinking of doing a missions trip it would spur that on
(09:34:30) Peter: etc
(09:34:38) Peter: well this rivers of life group has the same heart and goal
(09:34:46) Peter: and they are doing that with people in madagascar
(09:34:57) Peter: anyways they were having a board meeting the next day
(09:35:09) Peter: Pauline said they would be interested in seeing this and offered to arrange it
(09:35:11) Shantasmagoria Wittow: and...
(09:35:13) Peter: I happily said yes
(09:35:20) Peter: went out there, showed the video
(09:35:26) Peter: they got excited, asked what I wanted from them
(09:35:36) Peter: told them I would like them to be a conduit for resources to the DR
(09:35:42) Peter: they said they would pray about it
(09:35:50) Shantasmagoria Wittow: you flew?
(09:36:08) Shantasmagoria Wittow: oh wow!
(09:36:08) Peter: they prayed for me, received visions that I was going to have a new perspective on the DR when I returned here, that God was going to pour out blessing on the DR
(09:36:23) Peter: 2 hr later they called me and told me the answer was yes
(09:36:25) Shantasmagoria Wittow: I heard a little bit, this is more, and more fantastic
(09:36:30) Peter: and this is where it gets exciting
(09:36:39) Peter: they wanted me to be their "field officer" down here
(09:36:45) Peter: eyes/ears open for opportunities
(09:37:07) Peter: have me as a joint signer on a checking account to disburse any funds that come in
(09:37:29) Peter: and they want to send a few people down here on an exploratory trip sometime (possibly this month by now)
(09:37:34) Peter: I was home in october btw
(09:37:41) Peter: there's funny thing about that too
(09:37:48) Peter: I was planning on coming 10 days later than I did
(09:38:05) Peter: but my drivers license was going to expire and I was going to lose my CDL certifications for bus driving, etc
(09:38:17) Peter: and I wanted to keep them, so I needed to come back by a certain time and take this test
(09:38:26) Peter: so I came home a week early, lining all this other stuff up
(09:38:34) Peter: it "just happened to work out"
(09:38:35) Peter: ;)
(09:38:38) Peter: anywhoo..
(09:38:49) Peter: I came back here, and have been sharing with them when I see needs
(09:38:59) Shantasmagoria Wittow: wow
(09:39:03) Peter: I'm on two committees with our church here, benevolence and missions
(09:39:15) Peter: benevolence distributes money/resources to people in need
(09:39:22) Peter: and missions helps with missionaries on the island
(09:39:29) Shantasmagoria Wittow: this is so awesome Peter
(09:39:30) Peter: a man came to the benevolence committee
(09:39:46) Peter: who wanted concrete for a floor on his house
(09:39:50) Peter: he was building a house
(09:39:59) Peter: renting an aprt at the same time for his family
(09:40:06) Peter: couldn't afford the rent anymore
(09:40:13) Peter: so they moved into this house early
(09:40:28) Peter: no concrete floor, just dirt covered with carpet
(09:40:33) Peter: we went out to examine the site
(09:41:23) Peter: the house, it's a wreck...building the walls with scrapwood(basically bark), the ground isn't level
(09:41:42) Peter: and on the way out, we saw 14 other houses that hadn't finished their construction
(09:41:49) Peter: half finished houses, lined up in rows
(09:41:59) Peter: I asked the man what was going on with those houses
(09:42:15) Peter: said the property was donated by the gov't, and that the people needed to build the house on their own
(09:42:32) Peter: while I was out there I kept getting the thought, "build 50 houses"
(09:42:39) Peter: "in one year"
(09:42:43) Peter: thinking this is crazy
(09:43:01) Peter: kept praying about it, received confirmation through prayer and other people committing to help with the project
(09:43:20) Peter: talked with habitat for humanity today, someone from habitat is going to come here to meet with me and look at the sites, etc
(09:43:26) Peter: to possibly partner with us
(09:43:33) Peter: like I said earlier, God is good!
(09:44:09) Peter: so how do you like them apples
(09:46:09) Shantasmagoria Wittow: I LOVE THEM APPLES!
(09:48:23) Peter: please pray for Habitat, for Jose Abreu (the man who is coming here to see the project)
(09:48:31) Peter: check out http://www.theschottfamily.org/missions
(09:48:36) Peter: and pray for Vicente
(09:48:59) Peter: pray for the 14 owners of the houses and others that are homeless or living in substandard housing
Change of Address Update
Greetings One and All!
Our address has changed, and I wanted you to be aware of that:
Peter & Julie Schott
Unit 3039 - ECDR
3170 Airmans Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
Phone Numbers:
USA > 701-526-3331
DR > (H) 809-574-4349 (C) 809-492-8142
E-mail: psalm1382@yahoo.com
Our address has changed, and I wanted you to be aware of that:
Peter & Julie Schott
Unit 3039 - ECDR
3170 Airmans Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
Phone Numbers:
USA > 701-526-3331
DR > (H) 809-574-4349 (C) 809-492-8142
E-mail: psalm1382@yahoo.com
"Chance" Encounters of the God kind
What we think of as funny "coincidence" or "chance" encounters are nothing of the sort in God's eyes. Our perspective is so limited, yet at times we (well, at least I) float along resolved to have a general idea of what is the big picture. This past week I have had two "chance" encounters of the God kind. You can read about encounter number one at my Dream of 50 blog.
Encounter number two began mid-morning yesterday. I was enjoying a leisurely morning, goofing around on the computer, reading the Bible, etc when the doorbell rang. Not expecting anyone, I was inclined to ignore it. However I tossed that notion aside and went to the door. There were two young (late teens to early 20s) Dominican ladies saying something about them being Christians, and having a service tonight in a house nearby. From their description it sounded like a house that I knew, but I was still pretty tired which made my mind a bit more hazy. I half-listened to what they were saying, said yes at times, took their invitation and said good-bye. Julie and I decided it might be fun to go, so at 6:30 we called them to confirm the directions.
Turns out the house is right across the street, and is affiliated with a man that I have met on two past occasions. His name, I believe, is Ron and works with, again I believe, World Gospel Missions. I met him when coordinating an activity for the missions group who came in January. There is a missionary family from Curacao here that has a literacy mission. Their son, Rovian (age 14) took it upon himself to start a "kids club" with the children in his neighborhood. The goal of the club is to give them activities to do that are positive, and teach them the saving love of Jesus! It's a wonderful goal, and a wonderful club. Ron's mission has been helping them, and he was here on two trips the two times I "happened" to go to the kids club - once in Christmas and also in January when the ND Missions group ran the kids club.
So there we were at the house. The group is from a church called "Iglesia de Dios" (Church of God) in Santo Domingo, that is starting a Christian church in Jarabacoa. This is an exploratory trip for them to learn more about the community. At the meeting they played Spanish praise music, did some wonderful dance routines to a few songs, preached a message, then had games and supper. Julie and I ended up staying until 11 p.m., having been there over 4 hours!
I had been looking for a video to keep the kids busy tomorrow while staff hid the Easter eggs. It looks like God had something better in mind, that is to have this group perform for the kids! Please pray that this idea is approved, and it builds a bridge in the hearts of men that already exists in the eyes of God.
Encounter number two began mid-morning yesterday. I was enjoying a leisurely morning, goofing around on the computer, reading the Bible, etc when the doorbell rang. Not expecting anyone, I was inclined to ignore it. However I tossed that notion aside and went to the door. There were two young (late teens to early 20s) Dominican ladies saying something about them being Christians, and having a service tonight in a house nearby. From their description it sounded like a house that I knew, but I was still pretty tired which made my mind a bit more hazy. I half-listened to what they were saying, said yes at times, took their invitation and said good-bye. Julie and I decided it might be fun to go, so at 6:30 we called them to confirm the directions.
Turns out the house is right across the street, and is affiliated with a man that I have met on two past occasions. His name, I believe, is Ron and works with, again I believe, World Gospel Missions. I met him when coordinating an activity for the missions group who came in January. There is a missionary family from Curacao here that has a literacy mission. Their son, Rovian (age 14) took it upon himself to start a "kids club" with the children in his neighborhood. The goal of the club is to give them activities to do that are positive, and teach them the saving love of Jesus! It's a wonderful goal, and a wonderful club. Ron's mission has been helping them, and he was here on two trips the two times I "happened" to go to the kids club - once in Christmas and also in January when the ND Missions group ran the kids club.
So there we were at the house. The group is from a church called "Iglesia de Dios" (Church of God) in Santo Domingo, that is starting a Christian church in Jarabacoa. This is an exploratory trip for them to learn more about the community. At the meeting they played Spanish praise music, did some wonderful dance routines to a few songs, preached a message, then had games and supper. Julie and I ended up staying until 11 p.m., having been there over 4 hours!
I had been looking for a video to keep the kids busy tomorrow while staff hid the Easter eggs. It looks like God had something better in mind, that is to have this group perform for the kids! Please pray that this idea is approved, and it builds a bridge in the hearts of men that already exists in the eyes of God.
"Random" Connections
This past week has been an amazing array of connections and introductions. I want to post an overview of them all for you.
Holy Week - Having just finished talking with Jose Abreu (Habitat for Humanity officer at the national headquarters here) the week before about a possible trip to Santo Domingo to present our community to their office, I sat in front of a gentleman on the bus with a habitat hat on. Being the inquisitive one that I am, I asked him about the hat. Turns out him and his wife had just done a habitat trip here and are friends with Jose...Imagine that!
Denice Colson - She pioneered a type of therapy that we use at our school. There is little/no empirical data to support it (other than testimonials) so I wrote her asking if there was any research to support the therapy. She wrote back the same day and basically offered to:
1. Work with us/me on a research project to collect data, which could lead to published research!
2. Come down to our school and do a training. It turns out that her brother-in-law is Dominican. Imagine that!
Community Meeting in La Quebrada - Tonight we had our long-anticipated community meeting in La Quebrada, more of an introductory thing to get to know the community better. Two days ago, I got the idea to invite Martin and Noemi, two Columbians who live and work here. Their church is connected with my contact in the community, so I thought they might want to be involved. The meeting went splendidly! The community is excited to get to work and eager for the groups. They have a burden for a preschool, as there are approximately 35 young children (under age 5) who just run around all day (some of them without real families.) It was almost scary how quickly the pieces started falling into place: Noemi getting excited about the project, buildings available for the short-term to run the school, people in the community with education backgrounds and the desire to get teaching certificates. We will see what God does with it!
Rick Mackey - So about one month ago, my cousin Dan mentions that he knows this guy who will be a missionary in the DR and I should get in touch with him, here's his e-mail address, etc. I forget about it for a month, but finally write him back. Guess where he's going to be living? In Jarabacoa working as a pastor and will be here this fall...Imagine that!
The God we serve is a great and powerful God!!!
Holy Week - Having just finished talking with Jose Abreu (Habitat for Humanity officer at the national headquarters here) the week before about a possible trip to Santo Domingo to present our community to their office, I sat in front of a gentleman on the bus with a habitat hat on. Being the inquisitive one that I am, I asked him about the hat. Turns out him and his wife had just done a habitat trip here and are friends with Jose...Imagine that!
Denice Colson - She pioneered a type of therapy that we use at our school. There is little/no empirical data to support it (other than testimonials) so I wrote her asking if there was any research to support the therapy. She wrote back the same day and basically offered to:
1. Work with us/me on a research project to collect data, which could lead to published research!
2. Come down to our school and do a training. It turns out that her brother-in-law is Dominican. Imagine that!
Community Meeting in La Quebrada - Tonight we had our long-anticipated community meeting in La Quebrada, more of an introductory thing to get to know the community better. Two days ago, I got the idea to invite Martin and Noemi, two Columbians who live and work here. Their church is connected with my contact in the community, so I thought they might want to be involved. The meeting went splendidly! The community is excited to get to work and eager for the groups. They have a burden for a preschool, as there are approximately 35 young children (under age 5) who just run around all day (some of them without real families.) It was almost scary how quickly the pieces started falling into place: Noemi getting excited about the project, buildings available for the short-term to run the school, people in the community with education backgrounds and the desire to get teaching certificates. We will see what God does with it!
Rick Mackey - So about one month ago, my cousin Dan mentions that he knows this guy who will be a missionary in the DR and I should get in touch with him, here's his e-mail address, etc. I forget about it for a month, but finally write him back. Guess where he's going to be living? In Jarabacoa working as a pastor and will be here this fall...Imagine that!
The God we serve is a great and powerful God!!!
Immediacy...
I've been thinking a lot lately about the immediacy and "Get it now!" mentality of American culture. This is just a quick example that was frustrating to me...I was on the internet, looking for driving directions from san jose, CA to seattle, wa. I wanted a scenic route, etc but all the map services only had two options "quickest" or "shortest distance." What ever happened to a "Scenic Diversions" option or adding a few detours to the route?
homesickness...
...It's like a plague sometimes. I love life in Jarabacoa - the sun rises are amazing, the community we live in is like none other, life is so rich here yet a piece of my heart is yearning to be in North Dakota again. I long to spend a fall afternoon walking through sloughs hunting ducks. Or sledding at the dike in Fargo. I miss high school basketball, football games, Alive! practice, coffee with friends. Most of all, I miss my family. It hurts so much to be away for holidays or other celebrations like Micah's graduation (and both of Andrew's graduations...) Even more so just the day to day connectedness that I had with them. There are times I would give anything to snap my fingers and be 30 minutes into a three hour drive with one of my brothers, mom or dad. Perhaps to go golfing with dad and brothers on Fathers Day again.
It is a pain that never fully goes away. A scar that remains unclosed, and I desperatly cry out to God to heal it, but alas, he doesn't just take the pain away. There are times that I am thankful for that. Without this pain, without this longing, I would be severely lacking. I would take my family for granted. I would lose my dependence on God for my strength and peace. That would be a greater tragedy than the one I find myself amidst.
It is a pain that never fully goes away. A scar that remains unclosed, and I desperatly cry out to God to heal it, but alas, he doesn't just take the pain away. There are times that I am thankful for that. Without this pain, without this longing, I would be severely lacking. I would take my family for granted. I would lose my dependence on God for my strength and peace. That would be a greater tragedy than the one I find myself amidst.
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
asking for help...
why is it so difficult for me? How far will God stretch me before I simply break? I secretly hope he never stops, but at the same time it pains me to let go.
all things are possible...
So I'm teaching this Sunday school class on "The Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster, and we are currently going through a chapter on Solitude. During my prayer time last night, I asked God if he would wake me up this morning at 5:00 a.m. so I could spend some time in solitude with him and pray.
Well...this morning I woke to the noise of a dog barking outside. I was annoyed, wondering "Why is that stupid dog barking and not stopping?" I tried to ignore it but became more alert, and finally realized that I had asked God to wake me up at 5:00 a.m. I decided the prudent thing to do would be check the clock and see what time it was. Turned out it was 4:57 a.m., and God was giving me my wake up call! The dog kept barking until I got out of bed and was in the living room...it stopped and I didn't hear it the rest of the morning.
Thank you Lord for answering our silliest prayers in the most creative ways.
Well...this morning I woke to the noise of a dog barking outside. I was annoyed, wondering "Why is that stupid dog barking and not stopping?" I tried to ignore it but became more alert, and finally realized that I had asked God to wake me up at 5:00 a.m. I decided the prudent thing to do would be check the clock and see what time it was. Turned out it was 4:57 a.m., and God was giving me my wake up call! The dog kept barking until I got out of bed and was in the living room...it stopped and I didn't hear it the rest of the morning.
Thank you Lord for answering our silliest prayers in the most creative ways.
It's a girl!
We had our "twenty week" appointment on Friday. For less than $10, I found out that pigtails, makeup, dresses, suitors (*gasp*), and having a "daddy's girl" were in my future.
I couldn't possibly be happier. :)
I couldn't possibly be happier. :)
angst...
Tis the gift to be simple,
'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.
Refrain:
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come round right
http://www2.gol.com/users/quakers/simple_gifts.htm
Last night I awoke to my wife screaming because of a cockroach. I overreacted and treated her poorly. This display left me wide awake and I began to think about my wretched life. My priorities have fallen completely backwards! They have been:
(1) Work and Projects
(2) Myself
(3) My family
(4) God
How did this happen? I was trying to serve God and others, but made my focus on the things, not the relationship. My "walking with the Spirit" became a task, items on a checklist. Same goes with the relationship with my wife...Lord help and forgive me.
As I lay in bed, I pictured Vicente who was cleaning the garbage cans at work the other day, scooping garbage out with his bare hands. Now granted it's not part of his job and there are gloves, the image and idea brought me to tears. This man has received a vision from God to have an orphanage, take care of children, etc. He has a group committed to funding the construction of his new house which will one day become the orphanage. Yet no one will come over to build. Why, I ask. In tears, I beg God to send someone to build. I would if I knew how, but my hands have not been gifted in this area.
Life has no easy answers, and the concept of considering it pure joy when I face trials still baffles me at times.
'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.
Refrain:
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come round right
http://www2.gol.com/users/quakers/simple_gifts.htm
Last night I awoke to my wife screaming because of a cockroach. I overreacted and treated her poorly. This display left me wide awake and I began to think about my wretched life. My priorities have fallen completely backwards! They have been:
(1) Work and Projects
(2) Myself
(3) My family
(4) God
How did this happen? I was trying to serve God and others, but made my focus on the things, not the relationship. My "walking with the Spirit" became a task, items on a checklist. Same goes with the relationship with my wife...Lord help and forgive me.
As I lay in bed, I pictured Vicente who was cleaning the garbage cans at work the other day, scooping garbage out with his bare hands. Now granted it's not part of his job and there are gloves, the image and idea brought me to tears. This man has received a vision from God to have an orphanage, take care of children, etc. He has a group committed to funding the construction of his new house which will one day become the orphanage. Yet no one will come over to build. Why, I ask. In tears, I beg God to send someone to build. I would if I knew how, but my hands have not been gifted in this area.
Life has no easy answers, and the concept of considering it pure joy when I face trials still baffles me at times.
angst...part II
Here is an e-mail I recently sent to a few friends, but it is fitting to share with all, as it relates to the struggle I am going through:
thank you for this. it is difficult to accept. I wish I could say I'm feeling better, but I'm not. hah...even as writing this, the song on the radio is "he will carry you." God's promises are everywhere.
sometimes I just want the obstacles out of the way so I don't need to grow or feel the hurt, but God anxiously waits to walk through the valleys with us, through the obstacles. they bring us closer to his presence, something of great comfort and fear.
I do wish we would communicate more...I would like to enter into a deeper fellowship of community with you and rivers, but that requires deliberate work. here in the DR I am surrounded by a community of believers - who live, worship, work, and struggle together. I grew up in a small town, but didn't even begin to understand what community is until I came here. I long for depth, investment, to be able to worship and weep with one another, tearing down all the walls we try to build and let the iron sharpen iron. What stops us as a body from doing so? Nothing can seperate us from God's love, yet at times the chasm seems as far as the east is from the wsst, so close yet seemingly unattainable. There is so much growth that God has for me in the coming months, I am eager and I resist.
I am deeply confused with where God is taking Vicente's project, and the relationship between Rivers and the Dominican Republic. There is so much that could be done! Yet I do not know clearly what is to be accomplished. "Be still and know that I am God" I hear...sometimes I just go and go and go, and not take time to stop and listen. busyness, stress, fear, and anxiety ensnare me, and I am tossed back and forth against these rocks like waves of the ocean against a rocky shore. my hands and body continue to be cut and bleed, and I continue to cling to those rocks of anxiety and busyness, yet the Rock that calms the storm waits.
Psalm 13:1-6
1 How long, O LORD? Will You forget R279 me forever? How long will R280 You hide Your face from me? 2 How long shall I take R281 counsel in my soul, Having sorrow R282 in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider R283 and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten R284 my eyes, or I will sleep R285 the sleep of death, 4 And my enemy will say, R286 "I have overcome him," And my R287 adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. 5 But I have trusted R288 in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice R289 in Your salvation. 6 I will sing R290 to the LORD, Because He has dealt R291 bountifully with me.
Psalm 6:1-7
1 O LORD, do R110 not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your wrath. 2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am pining R111 away; Heal R112 me, O LORD, for my R113 bones are dismayed. 3 And my soul R114 is greatly dismayed; But You, O LORD--how R115 long? 4 Return, O LORD, rescue R116 my soul; F51 Save me because of Your lovingkindness. 5 For there R117 is no mention F52 of You in death; In Sheol F53 who will give You thanks? 6 I am weary R118 with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my R119 tears. 7 My eye R120 has wasted away with grief; It has become old because of all my adversaries.
Psalm 35:17-28
17 Lord, how R1021 long will You look on? Rescue my soul from R1022 their ravages, My only R1023 life from the lions. 18 I will give R1024 You thanks in the great congregation; I will praise R1025 You among a mighty throng. 19 Do R1026 not let those who are wrongfully my R1027 enemies rejoice over me; Nor let those who R1028 hate me without cause wink R1029 F309 maliciously. 20 For they do not speak peace, But they devise deceitful R1030 words against those who are quiet in the land. 21 They opened R1031 their mouth wide against me; They said, "Aha, R1032 aha, our eyes have seen it!" 22 You R1033 have seen it, O LORD, do R1034 not keep silent; O Lord, do R1035 not be far from me. 23 Stir R1036 up Yourself, and awake to my right And to my cause, my God and my Lord. 24 Judge R1037 me, O LORD my God, according to Your righteousness, And do R1038 not let them rejoice over me. 25 Do not let them say in their heart, "Aha, R1039 our desire!" Do not let them say, "We have swallowed R1040 him up!" 26 Let those R1041 be ashamed and humiliated altogether who rejoice at my distress; Let those be clothed R1042 with shame and dishonor who magnify R1043 themselves over me. 27 Let them shout R1044 for joy and rejoice, who favor my R1045 vindication; And let R1046 them say continually, "The LORD be magnified, Who delights R1047 in the prosperity of His servant." 28 And my R1048 tongue shall declare Your righteousness And Your praise all day long.
these verses echo the cry of my heart. I am also mindful of Psalm 51:12 "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit"
that is all I have for now, may the God of mercy shower you with grace and love as you walk in the Spirit, now and forever, Amen.
little blessings
God's word has been such a blessing, first the Psalms I quoted earlier, then 1 Peter today. I read it from "The Message" and it was very encouraging.
I'll leave you with a brief quote from 1 Peter 4:12-19
I'll leave you with a brief quote from 1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
North Korea - Children of the Secret State
| This is a documentary I watched today about the conditions in North Korea. Take a moment and watch it...I dare you not to feel moved by it. | |
prayer requests
Please pray for:
- Continued safety for Julie's pregnancy. Things have been fine thus far, and the baby appears healthy. We hope that continues! Pray for peace, rest, good relationship with her mother, and less pain on her back and stomach.
- Blessings on the ND Prairie Partners. The trip has been fruitful, they have overcome challenges and are continuing to grow.
- Peter's health and sanity. I have a lot going on! Don't pity me, though - I brought it all on myself. I'm taking a challenging Seminary class, working full-time, being a husband, preparing to be a father and much more! Please pray for my relationships with the children. I will write more about this later, but it has been very challenging lately.
- Financial concerns - Please pray that God teaches us to use wisely the resources he has given us. This is a new perspective for me, I would previously pray for more support, etc. Now I want to be a better steward of what we have.
Feel free to e-mail or call us: peteyjulie@gmail.com or 701-526-3331
Happy BDay Lara Esther Schott!
She was born today. I'll get to the details later, but I wanted to post some photos.
Lara Esther Schott
Born around 5 am (C-Section)
8 lb
22 inches long
a healthy screamer, fortunately she is consolable.
also check out her first video, taken when she was about 10 min old:
http://www.theschottfamily.org/movies/babyvid.mpg
Lara Esther Schott
Born around 5 am (C-Section)
8 lb
22 inches long
a healthy screamer, fortunately she is consolable.
also check out her first video, taken when she was about 10 min old:
http://www.theschottfamily.org/movies/babyvid.mpg
Life with Lara...
Well, it's 6:11 a.m. Julie's in the rocker with Lara; Antonia (Julie's mom) is sleeping on the couch while we listen to "Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics" in an attempt to soothe Lara (and Julie, for that matter). On March 6th at 4:12 a.m., our world changed completely. Lara Esther Schott was born via Cesarean Section and became the best thing that has happened to both Julie and myself. For weeks and months we waited (oftentimes, at least for me, impatiently) trying to guess what she would look like, what kind of personality she would have, etc. I would have dreams about her, and she would look different in each one. Julie and I would look forward to each trip to the doctor's office, so we could hear her heart beating and know that each visit was a step towards this great unknown - parenting.
The sun is rising. The horizon is being painted with rising waves of color that fade into each other giving the illusion that the is no distinction between the colors. Trees, rooftops, and telephone poles make silhouette against the coming day. I did not see the sun rise on March 6th. *add more here*
As I walk through life, I realize more and more that this life is not my own. When my wife is sick or scared
The sun is rising. The horizon is being painted with rising waves of color that fade into each other giving the illusion that the is no distinction between the colors. Trees, rooftops, and telephone poles make silhouette against the coming day. I did not see the sun rise on March 6th. *add more here*
As I walk through life, I realize more and more that this life is not my own. When my wife is sick or scared
Total Surrender (My Utmost for His Highest, March 12)
Our Lord replies to this statement of Peter by saying that this surrender is "for My sake and the gospel’s" (10:29). It was not for the purpose of what the disciples themselves would get out of it. Beware of surrender that is motivated by personal benefits that may result. For example, "I’m going to give myself to God because I want to be delivered from sin, because I want to be made holy." Being delivered from sin and being made holy are the result of being right with God, but surrender resulting from this kind of thinking is certainly not the true nature of Christianity. Our motive for surrender should not be for any personal gain at all. We have become so self-centered that we go to God only for something from Him, and not for God Himself. It is like saying, "No, Lord, I don’t want you; I want myself. But I do want You to clean me and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I want to be on display in Your showcase so I can say, ’This is what God has done for me.’ " Gaining heaven, being delivered from sin, and being made useful to God are things that should never even be a consideration in real surrender. Genuine total surrender is a personal sovereign preference for Jesus Christ Himself.
Where does Jesus Christ figure in when we have a concern about our natural relationships? Most of us will desert Him with this excuse—"Yes, Lord, I heard you call me, but my family needs me and I have my own interests. I just can’t go any further" (see Luke 9:57-62 ). "Then," Jesus says, "you ’cannot be My disciple’ " (see Luke 14:26-33 ).
True surrender will always go beyond natural devotion. If we will only give up, God will surrender Himself to embrace all those around us and will meet their needs, which were created by our surrender. Beware of stopping anywhere short of total surrender to God. Most of us have only a vision of what this really means, but have never truly experienced it.
--
I read this selection from My Utmost for His Highest, and it put this simple truth of the Christian life into a completely new perspective. Please prayerfully consider how God might use this message to change your perspective too.
fatherhood
People often ask me what it's like to be a father. While it is hard to put exactly into words, I will do my best to highlight a few of the emotions, etc. that come with being "Dad". Even as I try to write this now, I find myself stopping. This sense of heaviness, joy, gratitude, and responsibility fills my chest.
I love my daughter more than anyone or anything (with the exception of God.) It is humbling to know that God has entrusted you with one of his children. There is joy in her smiles, my heart breaks when she cries, and I am filled with pride and admiration for my wife as she becomes a mother (a darn good one, at that!)
I don't know what my daughter's future holds. She is healthy and thriving, and for that we have been blessed. On the other hand, if she had been sick and feeble, we would have been blessed in that, too. As I watch her grow I am amazed by how quickly she changes. I understand now why parents are so thrilled by the little developments made by children. I've felt the fear of sleeping half-awake during Lara's first days in case she choked. I'm beginning to understand the awesome responsibility of motherhood.
Being a father increases my awareness and understanding of God's love. I would gladly lay my life down for Lara, and have a small glimpse at the pain God must have felt in watching Jesus suffer.
I want my daughter to grow up fearing and loving the Lord. Being around her challenges me to live out my faith authentically. At the same time, I must be prepared for the thought that she may, for a season, rebel against faith and truth. In those moments, I must love her the same as when she is good. My humanity rebels against unconditional love (both giving and receiving) but being a father puts that issue right in the forefront of my life.
I love my daughter more than anyone or anything (with the exception of God.) It is humbling to know that God has entrusted you with one of his children. There is joy in her smiles, my heart breaks when she cries, and I am filled with pride and admiration for my wife as she becomes a mother (a darn good one, at that!)
I don't know what my daughter's future holds. She is healthy and thriving, and for that we have been blessed. On the other hand, if she had been sick and feeble, we would have been blessed in that, too. As I watch her grow I am amazed by how quickly she changes. I understand now why parents are so thrilled by the little developments made by children. I've felt the fear of sleeping half-awake during Lara's first days in case she choked. I'm beginning to understand the awesome responsibility of motherhood.
Being a father increases my awareness and understanding of God's love. I would gladly lay my life down for Lara, and have a small glimpse at the pain God must have felt in watching Jesus suffer.
I want my daughter to grow up fearing and loving the Lord. Being around her challenges me to live out my faith authentically. At the same time, I must be prepared for the thought that she may, for a season, rebel against faith and truth. In those moments, I must love her the same as when she is good. My humanity rebels against unconditional love (both giving and receiving) but being a father puts that issue right in the forefront of my life.
Immigration Reform
*sigh* My wife has been waiting for over a year, and we are only in the middle of the visa process. She has been unable to see my hometown, missed my grandmother's funeral, and continues to miss out on family gatherings and the opportunity to see things and people that mean so much to me.
I ask that you take a moment and send a revised copy of this letter to your senators and representatives, on my behalf, and on behalf of all those American citizens who are stuck waiting for permission to bring their spouse home. Please send this letter on to those that you know so they can send a copy too. Let's bring this issue to the forefront of American politics!
To contact your senator, go to this page: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
--
Honorable Senator:
I am writing this letter to call to your attention the issue of immigration reform for American citizens who marry foreigners. This process is marred with inefficient procedures, a severe shortage of staff, and a large backlog of cases. It is my hopes that after reading this letter you will take the appropriate action, and raise this issue to the forefront on behalf of all the American citizens you serve.
Consider the example of Peter and Julie Schott (NVC Reference #: SDO2006705033):
Their paperwork arrived at the National Visa Center in August. They had to then wait six to eight weeks for the paperwork to arrive. Much of this information was redundant, and had already been given to the US government on previous paperwork. Several months after the NVC received the paperwork, Peter and Julie were notified that they required more information. The NVC would not tell them what this information was over the phone, fax, or e-mail! They were required to wait another six weeks to receive this information package!
Senator, the way American citizens and their foreign spouses are treated by this system is disgraceful. It disgusts me to think that American citizens should be required to wait several years before his/her spouse can travel to the USA. Recent attention has been given to countless Americans whose travel plans have been affected by the new passport requirements. However, Peter's wife recently missed his grandmother's funeral because she was unable to travel. Many of Peter's friends and family have yet to meet their newborn child, because his wife cannot travel to the USA.
Senator, I ask you to consider this for a moment. Imagine your wife was not able to leave her home state because she was waiting over a year for permission. Put yourself in those shoes and ask yourself if you would be outraged, and what you would do about it. Then I beg you to take those same actions on behalf of myself, the countless other American citizens who are wading through this hopeless and degrading system. Take this issue to the forefront, call for action in the following areas:
1. Improvement in the application process.
2. Decreased waiting times for completion.
3. Increased staffing levels to end the case backlog.
I appreciate your work as my state Senator. Your record reflects a commitment to the values of our state and a listening ear to its residents. Thank you for your attention to this letter.
Sincerely,
I ask that you take a moment and send a revised copy of this letter to your senators and representatives, on my behalf, and on behalf of all those American citizens who are stuck waiting for permission to bring their spouse home. Please send this letter on to those that you know so they can send a copy too. Let's bring this issue to the forefront of American politics!
To contact your senator, go to this page: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
--
Honorable Senator
I am writing this letter to call to your attention the issue of immigration reform for American citizens who marry foreigners. This process is marred with inefficient procedures, a severe shortage of staff, and a large backlog of cases. It is my hopes that after reading this letter you will take the appropriate action, and raise this issue to the forefront on behalf of all the American citizens you serve.
Consider the example of Peter and Julie Schott (NVC Reference #: SDO2006705033):
Their paperwork arrived at the National Visa Center in August. They had to then wait six to eight weeks for the paperwork to arrive. Much of this information was redundant, and had already been given to the US government on previous paperwork. Several months after the NVC received the paperwork, Peter and Julie were notified that they required more information. The NVC would not tell them what this information was over the phone, fax, or e-mail! They were required to wait another six weeks to receive this information package!
Senator, the way American citizens and their foreign spouses are treated by this system is disgraceful. It disgusts me to think that American citizens should be required to wait several years before his/her spouse can travel to the USA. Recent attention has been given to countless Americans whose travel plans have been affected by the new passport requirements. However, Peter's wife recently missed his grandmother's funeral because she was unable to travel. Many of Peter's friends and family have yet to meet their newborn child, because his wife cannot travel to the USA.
Senator, I ask you to consider this for a moment. Imagine your wife was not able to leave her home state because she was waiting over a year for permission. Put yourself in those shoes and ask yourself if you would be outraged, and what you would do about it. Then I beg you to take those same actions on behalf of myself, the countless other American citizens who are wading through this hopeless and degrading system. Take this issue to the forefront, call for action in the following areas:
1. Improvement in the application process.
2. Decreased waiting times for completion.
3. Increased staffing levels to end the case backlog.
I appreciate your work as my state Senator. Your record reflects a commitment to the values of our state and a listening ear to its residents. Thank you for your attention to this letter.
Sincerely,
kidneys, cold jelly, and paper work.
kidneys...
so my legs have been retaining liquid (edema, I believe it's called). I'm one of those "if it doesn't hurt I don't go to the Dr." kind of guys, but my brother who is a nurse talked me into it. One check up led to another...and another. First checkups said my blood pressure was high (130/88) and my kidneys were enlarged (found in a sonogram.) Also, my cholesterol is 222 and my triglyceride level is 270 (both high). Plus the fact that I'm about 40 lb. over my "ideal" weight...anyways the Doctor thought it was kidney stones (wasn't, as revealed by the sonogram), so she referred me to a kidney-ologist in Santiago.
Well you may or may not know...I *love* going to the Doctor's office. In my opinion, it's about as fun as cavities, paying taxes, and shopping for insurance. Nonetheless off we went for a fun-filled day at Union Medico in Santiago. We waited...and waited...and waited some more. All the while without eating, mind you, as I was going to get lab work done. The Doctor wanted further lab tests done (about 20 things in blood/urine).
Thankfully, this visit revealed several things: #1, my blood pressure is perfectly normal (120/80)
cold jelly...
after the lab work, we went to the sonografista's office. One thing I really, truly love (no sarcasm here...really) about this country is the price of medical care. A sonogram (ultrasound) is about 15 bucks. but, the jelly they put on your belly, is cold! I've been in many a time (7) for Julie to get ultrasounds of Lara, but never experienced it myself...so this week I had the honor of receiving two! Turns out, my kidneys are not enlarged as the jarabacoa doctor says...he's just comparing them to the average Dominican (who is, admittedly, much smaller than I).
paper work...
above all, I love bureaucracy, paper work, and waiting. I got my share of this preparing Lara's paper work. One would think having a child overseas would be easy. well, *having* the child is easy but making her an American is a bit more difficult. copy this, don't sign this (or this) yet., get the in extensa this, report all times out of country. prove you were in country, prove you are the father, prove you are the husband. et cetera, et cetera.
well, I dotted my i's and crossed my t's (twice) and, lo/behold, I did it right! (yay!) Lara'a paperwork was accepted, and we have an interview on September 28 to get her officially "American-made."
Keep that in prayer. In other news, Julie's paper work is trudging forward. We received some good news today, she only needs a police certificate from one place rather than three. other good news, she really isn't a criminal! her paperwork came back clean. :)
we'd love to hear from you. feel free to: comment! e-mail! call!
so my legs have been retaining liquid (edema, I believe it's called). I'm one of those "if it doesn't hurt I don't go to the Dr." kind of guys, but my brother who is a nurse talked me into it. One check up led to another...and another. First checkups said my blood pressure was high (130/88) and my kidneys were enlarged (found in a sonogram.) Also, my cholesterol is 222 and my triglyceride level is 270 (both high). Plus the fact that I'm about 40 lb. over my "ideal" weight...anyways the Doctor thought it was kidney stones (wasn't, as revealed by the sonogram), so she referred me to a kidney-ologist in Santiago.
Well you may or may not know...I *love* going to the Doctor's office. In my opinion, it's about as fun as cavities, paying taxes, and shopping for insurance. Nonetheless off we went for a fun-filled day at Union Medico in Santiago. We waited...and waited...and waited some more. All the while without eating, mind you, as I was going to get lab work done. The Doctor wanted further lab tests done (about 20 things in blood/urine).
Thankfully, this visit revealed several things: #1, my blood pressure is perfectly normal (120/80)
cold jelly...
after the lab work, we went to the sonografista's office. One thing I really, truly love (no sarcasm here...really) about this country is the price of medical care. A sonogram (ultrasound) is about 15 bucks. but, the jelly they put on your belly, is cold! I've been in many a time (7) for Julie to get ultrasounds of Lara, but never experienced it myself...so this week I had the honor of receiving two! Turns out, my kidneys are not enlarged as the jarabacoa doctor says...he's just comparing them to the average Dominican (who is, admittedly, much smaller than I).
paper work...
above all, I love bureaucracy, paper work, and waiting. I got my share of this preparing Lara's paper work. One would think having a child overseas would be easy. well, *having* the child is easy but making her an American is a bit more difficult. copy this, don't sign this (or this) yet., get the in extensa this, report all times out of country. prove you were in country, prove you are the father, prove you are the husband. et cetera, et cetera.
well, I dotted my i's and crossed my t's (twice) and, lo/behold, I did it right! (yay!) Lara'a paperwork was accepted, and we have an interview on September 28 to get her officially "American-made."
Keep that in prayer. In other news, Julie's paper work is trudging forward. We received some good news today, she only needs a police certificate from one place rather than three. other good news, she really isn't a criminal! her paperwork came back clean. :)
we'd love to hear from you. feel free to: comment! e-mail! call!
Seeing the Dr. in the D.R.
Let's face it...I'm used to the medical system in the U.S.A. Admittedly, it's not the best in the world, but it is what I'm accustomed to. So, for better or worse, I wade through the Dominican health care system.
Several months ago, I noticed that my legs were swelling. I would notice it at the end the day when I took my socks off. There would be an indentation around my leg at the top of where my sock was. I thought this was odd, but because I wasn't in any physical pain, I ignored it. Eight weeks later, I went home to the USA for my grandmother's funeral. My brother Andrew noticed this one night and recommended I go to the doctor to get it checked out. Here is a summary of that journey:
Visit #1 -
I went to a trusted doctor in Jarabacoa. She recommended doing some blood/urine analysis. The following day I went and peed/bled/waited for results.
Visit #2 -
We reviewed the results. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were high. They also found trace elements of blood in my urine in the microscopic exam. Combined with the blood pressure reading of 130/88, she recommended an ultrasound on my kidneys.
Visit #3 -
Went to get the ultrasound that afternoon. Found out I wasn't supposed to eat beforehand. Told to come back tomorrow.
Visit #4 -
Went again for the ultrasound. Found I had large kidneys (enlarged, the doctor said).
Visit #5 -
Follow up visit with the original doctor. Referred to a kidney specialist in Santiago.
Visit #6 -
First visit with kidney doctor. More bloodwork, urine sample, another ultrasound. One of the more exciting aspects of this visit was the up coming 24 hour urine sample (more on that later).
**24 hours of pee**
Basically I had a gallon jug given to me by the lab in Santiago. I was to pee in this everytime I had to go for 24 hours. It was to remain cold, thus it stayed in our fridge in between. Two ways my life was changed by this experience: 1) I've never had urine in my own fridge, sitting next to the OJ, etc. 2) I've never had to plan daily events around my pee schedule.
Visit #7 -
Brought the sample back to Santiago - in a cooler on ice. Went over other test results with doctor. Kidneys are normal size, cholesterol/triglycerides elevated, low protein in blood.
**In the meantime**
Test results came back for the 24 urine sample. In the DR when you get lab work done you:
1. Get a referral for the tests
2. Pay in advance for the work
3. Have the tests done
4. Wait 24-48 hours for the results
5. Go to the lab yourself, pick up the results (in an envelope), bring them to the doctor
6. Doctor hand copies them into her hand-written file for you (despite having a laptop on her desk)
Visit #8 -
Doctor had recommended biopsy. I called the Mayo clinic in Rochester (#2 kidney place in the USA, have relatives that work there), Mayo told me the doctor needed to make the referral. Doctor didn't want to make the referral call without me in the office, and oh - I needed to bring some phone cards so the doctor could call. So we came down to Santiago again. Waited for several hours, went in and made the call. They barely spoke to the doctor and spent most time getting my info.
*In the meantime up to present time*
We are waiting for the Mayo doctors to look at the results. Odds are I'll need a biopsy and will be flying back to the USA soon. Keep us in your prayers! God has been good to us throughout this ordeal, in spite of my hatred of doctor visits.
Several months ago, I noticed that my legs were swelling. I would notice it at the end the day when I took my socks off. There would be an indentation around my leg at the top of where my sock was. I thought this was odd, but because I wasn't in any physical pain, I ignored it. Eight weeks later, I went home to the USA for my grandmother's funeral. My brother Andrew noticed this one night and recommended I go to the doctor to get it checked out. Here is a summary of that journey:
Visit #1 -
I went to a trusted doctor in Jarabacoa. She recommended doing some blood/urine analysis. The following day I went and peed/bled/waited for results.
Visit #2 -
We reviewed the results. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were high. They also found trace elements of blood in my urine in the microscopic exam. Combined with the blood pressure reading of 130/88, she recommended an ultrasound on my kidneys.
Visit #3 -
Went to get the ultrasound that afternoon. Found out I wasn't supposed to eat beforehand. Told to come back tomorrow.
Visit #4 -
Went again for the ultrasound. Found I had large kidneys (enlarged, the doctor said).
Visit #5 -
Follow up visit with the original doctor. Referred to a kidney specialist in Santiago.
Visit #6 -
First visit with kidney doctor. More bloodwork, urine sample, another ultrasound. One of the more exciting aspects of this visit was the up coming 24 hour urine sample (more on that later).
**24 hours of pee**
Basically I had a gallon jug given to me by the lab in Santiago. I was to pee in this everytime I had to go for 24 hours. It was to remain cold, thus it stayed in our fridge in between. Two ways my life was changed by this experience: 1) I've never had urine in my own fridge, sitting next to the OJ, etc. 2) I've never had to plan daily events around my pee schedule.
Visit #7 -
Brought the sample back to Santiago - in a cooler on ice. Went over other test results with doctor. Kidneys are normal size, cholesterol/triglycerides elevated, low protein in blood.
**In the meantime**
Test results came back for the 24 urine sample. In the DR when you get lab work done you:
1. Get a referral for the tests
2. Pay in advance for the work
3. Have the tests done
4. Wait 24-48 hours for the results
5. Go to the lab yourself, pick up the results (in an envelope), bring them to the doctor
6. Doctor hand copies them into her hand-written file for you (despite having a laptop on her desk)
Visit #8 -
Doctor had recommended biopsy. I called the Mayo clinic in Rochester (#2 kidney place in the USA, have relatives that work there), Mayo told me the doctor needed to make the referral. Doctor didn't want to make the referral call without me in the office, and oh - I needed to bring some phone cards so the doctor could call. So we came down to Santiago again. Waited for several hours, went in and made the call. They barely spoke to the doctor and spent most time getting my info.
*In the meantime up to present time*
We are waiting for the Mayo doctors to look at the results. Odds are I'll need a biopsy and will be flying back to the USA soon. Keep us in your prayers! God has been good to us throughout this ordeal, in spite of my hatred of doctor visits.
Update from Mayo
The Mayo clinic reviewed the results. They said some of the lab results are conflicting, and further evaluation is necessary. A kidney biopsy is likely, but they will not be sure until they evaluate me.
Thus, I requested an appointment for August 8th, and they are going to let me know if that works. If it does, I will fly into Minneapolis on August 6th and travel to Rochester on the 7th.
**Update** The earliest appointment at Mayo is on August 14th. This might affect my flight dates, but I will keep you posted.
I am excited and nervous at the same time. On one hand I'm anxious to see the Mayo clinic, spend time with family, and know what is going on. On the other hand, knowing what is going on is proving to be stressful. Please pray that I continue to rely on God for my strength.
Thus, I requested an appointment for August 8th, and they are going to let me know if that works. If it does, I will fly into Minneapolis on August 6th and travel to Rochester on the 7th.
**Update** The earliest appointment at Mayo is on August 14th. This might affect my flight dates, but I will keep you posted.
I am excited and nervous at the same time. On one hand I'm anxious to see the Mayo clinic, spend time with family, and know what is going on. On the other hand, knowing what is going on is proving to be stressful. Please pray that I continue to rely on God for my strength.
Travel Plans
For those of you interested, here are my travel plans:
11 August: Fly to Minneapolis
12 August: Possibly speak in Forest Lake
13 August: In Minneapolis, then travel to Rochester, MN
14-17 August: Rochester, MN then travel to Buffalo, MN
18 August: Travel to Kulm, BBQ for my HS class
to be continued...
11 August: Fly to Minneapolis
12 August: Possibly speak in Forest Lake
13 August: In Minneapolis, then travel to Rochester, MN
14-17 August: Rochester, MN then travel to Buffalo, MN
18 August: Travel to Kulm, BBQ for my HS class
to be continued...
Christianito and other thoughts
I had several thoughts this morning that I felt are worth writing down...
This morning I woke up in a sleepy haze - my cousin and I played WoW last night. In a previous life as teenagers, tweens and below we would play computer games for hours upon end. At times we would go all night conquering the monsters or saving the universe. WoW has been a refreshing journey back to those days, allowing for us to reconnect - to talk, to play, and be spontaneous. Anyways as I woke up this morning, I sat on the side of the bed to collect my thoughts and make sure I didn't fall over when I stood (I'm a little slow for the first hour or so normally). Sitting on the side of the bed, I noticed my protruding belly and thought to myself "I am fat in all areas of my life." My discipline for prayer, studying the word, exercise, and more are all but non-existent. As I read "My Utmost For His Highest" I was reminded of sanctification and our purpose.
In American culture, we are very goal oriented. Job performance, church growth, etc are all measured with various metrics. We seek to quantify everything, reducing our pursuit of relationships, identity, career, etc. into "To Do" lists. It's only natural that this would spill over into the "spiritual component" of our lives. I believe this very idea to be a fallacy - compartmentalizing our spirituality into another area which is either partially or fully separate from our work or home "life".
My Utmost said this today:
My challenge to you and me today is this: What are the pursuits, the passions of your life? Are you striving to be a good worker, husband, gamer, mother, etc but not striving to be righteous? If so any one of those pursuits has become an idol!
These two people are my little glimpses of Christ each day. They work with a humble spirit, cheerful heart, and dedication to their task. Unassuming, they would never call attention to the difficulty of their job. Maria and Tobias smile, they have joy in their circumstances, and they share that joy with others. I was honored to be called "Christianito" (little Christian, or inferred as being called Christian in an affectionate way) by them this morning.
This morning I woke up in a sleepy haze - my cousin and I played WoW last night. In a previous life as teenagers, tweens and below we would play computer games for hours upon end. At times we would go all night conquering the monsters or saving the universe. WoW has been a refreshing journey back to those days, allowing for us to reconnect - to talk, to play, and be spontaneous. Anyways as I woke up this morning, I sat on the side of the bed to collect my thoughts and make sure I didn't fall over when I stood (I'm a little slow for the first hour or so normally). Sitting on the side of the bed, I noticed my protruding belly and thought to myself "I am fat in all areas of my life." My discipline for prayer, studying the word, exercise, and more are all but non-existent. As I read "My Utmost For His Highest" I was reminded of sanctification and our purpose.
In American culture, we are very goal oriented. Job performance, church growth, etc are all measured with various metrics. We seek to quantify everything, reducing our pursuit of relationships, identity, career, etc. into "To Do" lists. It's only natural that this would spill over into the "spiritual component" of our lives. I believe this very idea to be a fallacy - compartmentalizing our spirituality into another area which is either partially or fully separate from our work or home "life".
My Utmost said this today:
The characteristic of a disciple is not that he does good things, but that he is good in his motives, having been made good by the supernatural grace of God. The only thing that exceeds right-doing is right-being.We must seek to be holy, not act holy. We must be righteous, not act righteous or simply do righteous things. When our actions supersede our motive (which should be to glorify God and draw closer to him) we become like the Pharisees.
My challenge to you and me today is this: What are the pursuits, the passions of your life? Are you striving to be a good worker, husband, gamer, mother, etc but not striving to be righteous? If so any one of those pursuits has become an idol!
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.The title of the post is "Christianito" because I was called that by two wonderful elderly Dominicans today. Tobias stands at our gate during the day. He is in his 70s but walks up the hill to our campus every day. He always opens the door with a smile, friendly wave and "a su orden" (at your service). Maria (who called me Christianito first) is also in her 70s. She comes to the school several days a week to clean the campus, but each time I see her I am inspired. Maria is, without a doubt, the strongest woman and hardest worker I have ever met. It amazes me to watch her go above and beyond her duties to keep our campus clean. Though it is not part of her responsibilities, she will scrub the sidewalks to get rid of mold. I see her carrying large carpets, moving logs, and smiling with a strength that is not found in most people. You would never know it by looking at her, but she suffers from brain tumors. There are times they give her terrible headaches that bring tears to her eyes. But her lips and heart smile.
--Matthew 6:33 (NASB)
These two people are my little glimpses of Christ each day. They work with a humble spirit, cheerful heart, and dedication to their task. Unassuming, they would never call attention to the difficulty of their job. Maria and Tobias smile, they have joy in their circumstances, and they share that joy with others. I was honored to be called "Christianito" (little Christian, or inferred as being called Christian in an affectionate way) by them this morning.
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