Sasha Update

We have had Sasha for just over a month now and you can see by the pix how much she has grown! She has a great disposition and is fast becoming a member of the family.  She is learning commands and has even been house-trained, well, most of the time. One of her favorite thing to do is chase lighting bugs in the back yard, just after sunset in the evenings. 

El Refugio Updates

This post is for the computer users in the support group.  I will also be sending out a written letter to everyone who supported Brooke and I with an update of the Mission Trip to Ecuador.  Brooke and I had a wonderful time in Ecuador.  The area in which we served was beautiful.  The people were very gracious and we enjoyed sharing our lives with them for a short time.  Our team built a corral for the horses, hand-mixed and poured concrete for a new wall, and a new building.  Additionally, we cleaned out the pond and installed a new walkway from the drive to the dinning area.  Our time at the orphanage was very rewarding.  I wanted to bring one of the children back with me, but fortunately she was being adopted by an Ecuadorian family.  Her name is Emily and I would appreciate your prayers for her future.  The jungle was stunning with radiant beauty.  The waterfalls and surrounding nature were simply breathtaking.  The pace of life in Ecuador is very different than the Defcon 4 pace with which we seem to find ourselves living in here in the states. I will be traveling back to Ecuador next year and would invite you to accompany me on the trip.  If you are unable, please consider supporting our team once again.  I have posted two videos on Youtube.  You can find them by searching "El Refugio Part One, and El Refugio Part Two".  Part three will be uploaded in the future, so check back now and again.  Thank you to everyone who supported us with prayer and money.  I wish I could take everyone of you with me to El Refugio on the next trip.  Enjoy the attached pix and take a look at the videos on YouTube.

Sasha Has Arrived

Sasha was born on Easter Morning and we have been waiting for her to mature enough to bring her to her new home. Sasha is a White German Shepard and is about two months old. Haleigh, Brooke, Kirby and Pam, have been waiting for the day; and today was the day. I expect everyone to begin picking up white dog hair when they visit our home. We look forward to growing with our new family member.

MEMTRI_2008

Everyone has been asking for an update on the Memphis in May Triathlon, so here is the update.

On May 16th our group left Geneva for Memphis.  The group consisted of Todd, Carrie, 

Kevin, Melisa, Lorrie, who are my friends and neighbors, and Adam, Lindsay, Deb, and Sally who are fellow members of the Multisportmaddness Triathlon Club.  The weather in Memphis was in a word, "outstanding".  Mid seventies to low eighties, sunny with a light breeze, perfect for competing in a triathlon.

A special thanks to Mike and Haley Martin, who hosted our group Saturday evening with a wonderful "Carb-Loading" meal at their home.  The food was great, the social interaction was engaging, and the "Southern" hospitality was, as always, perfect.  Everyone loved the time at the Martins, and enjoyed the entertainment by Abigail.

Adam was true to form and came in first in his age group.  Lindsey, Deb, and Sally did an outstanding job and finished in the top of their respective age groups.  MultisportMaddness was well represented.  Lorrie finished first among the friends and neighbors group, Kevin followed Lorrie, and Todd was just a few minutes behind.  As for yours truly, I brought up the rear.  I had a great swim, strong bike, and was in good shape going into the run.  During the run, I started to experience leg cramps and was forced to walk, jog, walk, jog, and finish with a slow run to the Medical tent to check my blood sugar.  My goal was to finish and I completed my goal.  During the swim, I felt a little like a ball in a in a pinball game, full of bumpers.  People were swimming into me, over me, under me, hitting me...I was swimming into others, over others...you get the picture. The bike was much better and I went faster than expected. All in all I can't wait to compete in the Racine race in July.  It seems nuts, but I have to tell you the competition is addictive and I am looking forward to going again.  Some people exercise to participate in triathlons, I participate in triathlons because I exercise.  The triathlon gives meaning to all of the exercise that I need to do to combat the diabetes and heart disease. Although triathlons are an individual enterprise, the support, encouragement, and team training are invaluable.  Thanks to Todd, Kevin, and Lorrie for the companionship and training, thanks to the Multisportmaddness club for the inspiration and challenge. 

 

GHS Prom Update

Saturday Night May 3rd, was my oldest Daughter's First Prom. Kirby is a Jr. and her beau is a Sr. named Greg. He is Goalie on the varsity soccer team, and plays the Sax in several of the School's bands. He is heading for Western Michigan to study Aeronautical Engineering.

Kirby couldn't find a dress that she liked at any of the boutiques, and as a result designed one on her own. Her and Pam selected the materials from the fabric store whereupon Pam sewed the dress. I think they did a great job!

The Prom was held at Union Station in the City, and the after-prom was at the High School. From what I have heard, everyone had a nice time.

Here's a look at the happy prom going couple.

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.