Red, White and Blue!

Just last night my family went to our local county fair. We spend the day walking around and looking at 4-H projects, playing games, seeing people we’d not seen in months and eating some amazing food, (just as long as you don’t count the carbs and calories). It was a great time, and every year, the week of the fair is an exciting highlight at the end of the summer.

One of the traditions of the fair, is watching the rodeo at night. My awesome sister went to go and save seats at 3:30 for a 6:30 rodeo. It’s the “can’t miss” part of the fair. Like other years, the rodeo did not disappoint. You can’t get tired of watching bulls the size of a car right in front of your face, cowboys and cowgirls roping, barrel racing, on swift and strong horses – as well as broncos giving cowboys the ride of their life.

However, the thing that stuck out to me from the entire experience is the patriotism shown at the fair and especially at the rodeo. We had the honor of having members of the Army present for the presentation of our colors. The entire stadium stood and applauded these men and women as they walked into the circle. A quartet of senior cowboys sang the national anthem, but not a single person wasn’t standing and singing as well. Standing their, with your hand on your heart, saluting your flag, and your country, you can’t help but be thankful for the blessings we have in America. While we have many shortcomings, we as Americans have privileges and opportunities that few others have. I know that I personally, often forget this and take it for granted. However, since it was brought to my attention last night, I thought I’d just mention it and thank the Lord for our blessings.

In only a week, I’ll be living in a country where most people aren’t as fortunate. I’m hoping my time down in Mexico will allow me to see and appreciate my blessings. Hopefully, I’ll be able to learn ways in which I can bless others with what I’ve been given.

Under His Mercy,

Joel

Packing, oh packing :-)

Packing clothes for Mexico, is very different than any other time of my life. Instead, of a week, maybe even a month on rare occasion, I'm gathering the items to live with for the next nine months. It's easier, because I've got more needs, and then more options, but harder, because I can't take everything!

Just a few days ago, I boxed up all my belongings that I was not taking down to mexico, and hauled them up to the attic. THIS type of "packing" I love! It was great going through things I've had for years, and finally taking the inititiative to get rid of them. It also reminded me of a few things, that have meant a lot to me over the course of my life. I'm looking forward to opening up my box one day and reminicing over those older times.

Extra notes ~

- My grandparents are in town, and it is great to spend time with them. However, it reminded me how different these nine months away will be for each friendship. My family I see daily, however, my grandparents a few times a year. I have friends across the country who really won't notice much of a distance, maybe one less phone call here and there, but I have friends in Idaho and Washington who I'll definately missing seeing on a regular basis. It will be very interesting to see how people have changed in a year, and of course how much I've changed as well.

- Ah, well I love this talking about nine months, the experience sounds super exciting. Honestly though, I just wish I were there already, this waiting is a little crazy. My computer goes down, the flu, it seems chaos takes over when you're standing still.

Under His Mercy,

Joel

Oratorical Information

Just wanted to pass along some items on the Oratorical contest.

A small article, the speech audio, and an interview are at the Antiochian Archdiocese website, it's now a few articles down.

http://www.antiochian.org/

Anything else that you would like on the contest let me know.

Under His Mercy,

the start...

With my approaching trip down to St. Innocent's Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico, I wanted to start a blog, with the simple goal of keeping my family, friends, supporters and anyone else interested updated on my time there.

My goal is to be able to write small blips each day, about what I’m doing and how things are going down in Mexico. However, I may have to settle for only a couple entries a week, or possibly one update a week. I'm afraid I will only learn with time how everything will work out.

I want to thank you all for your love, prayers and support. I'm very excited to have this amazing opportunity! In a way though, while working in Mexico, I am representing all of you supporting me. I realize that any work I am blessed to do is simply an extension of Christ's love, and likewise the love of all of you.Thank you for your support! I'm looking forward to an exciting 9 months!