RJ's 73rd

Friday April 25 was my Dad's 73rd Birthday. He celebrated by traveling to Jonesboro, with my Uncle Leonard, who is 81, to visit my Uncle Gene, who is 92. What an amazing group of men! These three men, along with other various aunts and uncles, spent time in my childhood imparting some of of their life experiences, advice, and examples. I must say that I am one very blessed individual to have the family heritage that I have. These three men served in various branches of the military, they all worked hard with varying degrees of financial success, they all hold a strong belief in God, they all raised families that love and respect them, and they all still respect one another as men and brothers. These guys were weaned at a early age, and as a result learned to provide for themselves and their families, and as far as I know never complained about having much or little in this life, but learned to be content wherever they were.

It is because of the sacrifices they made, albeit, they would not consider them sacrifices, but rather investments in their children, that their offspring, myself and my cousins, have achieved the successes that we have made. We learned from their experiences and mistakes and have built on that tradition; not perfection, but a solid tradition.

My Dad will probably never read this blog, as computers are not a part of his generation, but nonetheless, I will honor him with respect and the admiration that he has earned. Dad you are the Best! Happy Birthday and God willing, many more.

Memphis In May Triathlon

Some Tri-friends and I will be competing in the Memphis In May Triathlon, May 18, 2008. There are at least eight people that I know of traveling to Memphis from Multisportmadness Triathlon club: www.multisportmadness.com. A quick update: My swim is stronger that ever, my bike is stronger than ever, however, my left foot is sore and I am fighting another bout of Plantar Fasciitis. I am doing the normal stretching and rolling the tennis ball, but I am still sore. I will still compete, but would appreciate any advice.

After the event I will also post some pics.

Ecuador April 23, 2008

Brooke and I will be traveling to El Refugio, a Christian Retreat Center, located about 30 min North of Quito, Ecuador in June. We will be traveling with several other families from our church to complete work project(s) that are needed at the center, as well as working at a local orphanage. This will be the first time Brooke has been outside the U.S. and the first time she has been on a mission trip. We are both eager to go. El Refugio is near the equator and is about 10K feet above sea level.

I was tasked with raising most of the funds for this trip through donations. I have to tell you I was a little apprehensive about asking other people for money. Our Church has a policy of soliciting donations, even if the traveller is capable of self-funding the trip, which enables the person going to experience what it would be like to live as a full time missionary, totally dependent on others for support.

I have been amazed at the responses from many of my friends, family, business associates and others. Quite honestly, I've never seen anything like it! Those of you who have responded with financial and prayer support are truly wonderful. I will be using this blog as a base for communicating our journey to Ecuador, with pictures, updated postings, and other thoughts. Stay Tuned for future updates