Interfaith Bus Tour

I spent this past Saturday participating in an interfaith bus tour. In a nutshell, 3 bus loads of Methodists visited 5 different houses of worship: Hindu, Buddhist, Moslem, Jain and Sihk. These were all located in the western suburbs of Chicago. At each location our hosts extended amazing hospitality. It became a time of both love and learning. While there are real distinctions between our various religious beliefs, we all share many common values - for instance, a love of peace and respect for all humankind. It was a joy filled day of connection.

Morning Hike in North Phoenix

This morning I took a walk in the hills just north of Phoenix where I am currently attending a conference. The desert is beginning to bloom. I left the main trail and climbed a steep hill. At the top I watched the sunrise and felt the breeze from the east that is bringing rain clouds to the desert. The 360 view was outstanding. What a glorious way to begin the day! Yeah, the metaphor is, of course, leaving the marked trail, finding your own way to the top of the mountain and thereby drinking in the beauty of our existence.

I got lost in the beauty but did manage to snap a few photos.

Springtime in Columbia

Typically I am not a big fan of business travel. But once in a while I get to see something really beautiful. Today I was in Columbia, South Carolina. Spring has arrived here. This photo was taken by the entrance to the airport. It gives me hope that one day it will again be springtime in Chicago!

Pirate Robie turns Two

 Robie celebrated his 2nd birthday by dressing up in his favorite pirate outfit. He is such a good sport. He was a shelter cat who has found a home in our hearts.

Wonder Women!

It was a good week at my company, BCS Financial. We had a charity drive which raised well over $6000  in cash, clothes and can goods for a local DuPage County organization, The Peoples Resource Center. They do good work. You can check them out at http://www.peoplesro.org/   The week ended with an interesting event where 3 employees (aka "The Wonder Women") volunteered to do crunches and if they did a sufficient number of them within 2 minutes and 12 seconds, the company would continue to have Jeans Fridays. Needless to say, the company showed up to cheer them on. They performed superbly and denim will continue to make a weekly appearance. I am grateful for all of the generous and fun-loving people at BCS!

Crunch Time

Some of the many cheering onlookers.

The triumphant Wonder Women graciously sutograph their posters for their adoring fans.

One Last Look

I looked over my photos from last week's trip to Port-au-Prince and wanted to share these that I don't believe were part of previous posts. They speak for themselves.

One Last Day in Port-au-Prince

I have returned home but wanted to post photos from yesterday prior to catching the 5:30 flight back to the States.

My primary objectives for this specific trip were to carry in 100 pounds of supplies (primarily powdered infant formula for the orphaniage), assist with sponsorship packages for HIS Home for Children, hug as many children as possible, meet Eduardo, and to identify specific ways that folks back home might be able to help. These objectives were met. And this is probably sufficient reason to travel to Haiti.

But I also continue to go because of the enormous personal benefits that I receive. I meet amazing people with countless stories of tragedy, resilience, courage and hope. There is no better place to examine one's own lifestyle and values. The mangos are delicious. There is virtually no way to continue the delusion that one is really in control of things. You just have to go with the flow - slow down and enjoy being in the moment. And try not to rely too much on electricity.

So I invite you ( if you have not yet done so) to find your own "Haiti". Step out of your comfort zone and contribute your time and resources to those who need your help. I would suggest that you not waste your time and energy trying to "fix" the problem, but just respond to the need and go with the flow. Our Lord God calls us to serve and that is indeed Joy Filled Living.

Now for my final batch of photos:

At the courtyard of the HIS Home for Children boys house. Please note "basketball hoop" made by hooking seatless chair to wall and using soccer ball. These guys were pretty good.

Dave is one of the kindergardeners.

I wish I could remember all the kids' names, but alas no. There will be a special prize to the first person who goes to www.hishomeforchildren.com  , checks out the sponsorship page where there are photos and names of all the children and correctly identifies these 3 cuties. Just leave me a comment.

School yard. While there was some basketball shooting, the main game is soccer and these guys and gals are very competitive.



With some of my buddies.



Toddlers at their playground while the big kids are at school.

Take a piece of foam, wrap it like a Christmas gift with vinyl and duct tape and you have a new pad for the nursey changing table.

Joseph and Cherdinor. We had a fun time coloring and eating animal crackers.

This is Brandon. Those are socks on his hands to keep him from scratching the eczema on his face and scalp. The medicine has been helping and he was a happy camper. He has the biggest smile that just lights up his face.

Joceline loves to pose for the camera. In fact, the way it usually worked is that you would take a shot and then show it to the children. My camera screen is smudged from all the little fingers pointing and naming each person in the scene. It was very interactive.

This was a typical in our neighborhood to have bougainvilla cascading over the front yard walls.