It's Cold!

I don’t like the cold. On the plane I needed two blankets. Somewhere over Alaska my sinuses started clogging. I shivered as I looked out the plane window over snow covered Canada. The airplane exit in Minneapolis passed briefly through an outside exposed area. A 15 degree freezing blast of wind stiffened me. I wanted to go back in the plane and return to the tropics.

But alas, numbed by the cold, Jonathan and I arrived in Fort Worth, greeted by Sara and Martha (Martha had flown to the U.S. a month earlier). We thawed out overnight in Sara’s new apartment, then visited her new job and met her co-workers. Sara gave us a tour of the Neiman Marcus offices and merchandise warehouse. In one section, row after row of 20 foot tall shelves collected dusted relics of yesteryears priceless goods. Elsewhere, we visited with friends, ate some of our favorite foods, and spent a day at the museum.

Then, last Tuesday, I journeyed to that most sacred site on American soil, the outer court of the Holy of Holies - the Wal-Mart parking lot. Lurking in the shadows of the royal court were the loyal subjects, Best Buy and Home Depot. So, like a pilgrim returning to the Temple of the gods, I reverently entered the throne room of ‘everyday low prices‘. Here, thus, is where America worships! However, I must confess. I, like a naive follower, bowed my Visa before the willing coffers. It’s Christmas time in the city.

Next week, Jonathan, Martha, and I will drive to Roanoke, Virginia to meet up with David and Hannah. Sara will fly in on Christmas Eve as we all hope for snow at the home of Jan’s dad and step-mom. A few days later we will all be back in Texas with a little side trip to visit relatives in Oklahoma on New Year’s Day. January 11 should find us headed back to the Philippines.

In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the time with my family before I add another blog entry, probably sometime in mid-January. I’m also having a medical check-up. Assuming that turns out well, I‘m eager to tackle new ministry opportunities in the Philippines for 2010. I hope Jesus is at the center of your Christmas celebrations and that your New Year begins well. For now, I’m trying to find the best ways to bundle up and endure the frigid temperatures. Did I tell you that I don’t like the cold?