simply grateful

What warrants the attention of God?  Financial ruin?  Divorce? Addiction? A terminal medical condition? There are nearly 7 billion people in the world, does He even care about your situation?  Sure, to me it might seem major, but doesn’t God have more to concern Himself with than my problems?  For some of you it may seem like He doesn’t care at all.  Many of you know about our current state of transition, our continuing wait for permits to be granted to a country for over a year now.  A wait that has included 8 moves (with another coming in 2 more weeks) and sleeping in some 29 locations.  Not exactly a tragedy, but a trying time none-the-less.  It pales in comparison to those who are dealing with serious illnesses or those whose prayers have gone seemingly unanswered for years on end for the salvation of a spouse, child or friend.  Our wait seems minuscule compared to those of you who have lost loved ones, lost jobs, or lost hope. ...

We were able to get away for a few days and go on vacation to Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon.  It was an incredible time enjoying the game at the park and the landscape at the Canyon.  We put together a short video of our time that you can see on youtube by clicking HERE! Here are a couple pictures from our time (click on them to make them larger)

He was completely drunk and I had no idea how he got inside, yet there he was standing in front of me smelling as badly as anybody I have ever encountered.  Maybe there was no bathroom in the tavern next to the church or maybe he thought it was the confessional, but I encountered him as he was leaving the bathroom.  He could barely walk and with his British slurred from his consumption of alcohol it rendered communication a near impossibility.  I kindly escorted him to the door where he sat down on the brick steps and passed out.  A few minutes later I walked into the bathroom and was completely disgusted.  I think he relieved himself in everyplace in that bathroom other than the toilet.  I know this is gross, but he had wiped his defecation all over the walls, sinks, mirrors... pretty much everywhere.  I walked out, trying not to hurl and waited for the pastor to get back.  Mind you, I was just a summer missionary.  I was a volunteer, and ...