Daily commute

I wanted to share with you my daily drive to work - look at the traffic I fight. What an urban jungle!

Afghanistan!

I am often told that my life will change "when." When you get older it won't mean as much to you; or, when you get married you won't be able to do that anymore; or, when you have kids...

I have met many families recently that give me hope that my philosophy will work. I believe that if it is part of your life from the start it can continue to be part of your life. Travel for instance has been part of my entire adult life, I wouldn't feel like I was living if I weren't going some place exotic every year. This organization is full of families, many of them with young children, and they still travel often.

I was at a work function last week. One of my team members is pregnant with twins, her husband is a Regional Director for N.Africa and the Middle East. They already have one daughter approximately 2 years old. We were at dinner and they told a story that proved to me it can be done. They had asked their daughter where she wanted to go on vacation. They expected her to say, "Disneyland" or some place like that. She said straight faced and with enthusiasm, "Afghanistan!" Ask her today and she will still tell you she wants to go to Afghanistan. Her dad traveled there for work and showed the family pictures from his trip. She has decided this is a place she really wants to see. To her, this lifestyle is normal. She doesn't know any different. I am now convinced it can be done. Kids and all, it can be done.

2nd passport

Did you know that if you travel a lot, you can be issued a second passport? I never knew that juicy bit of news. Well, I will soon be the proud owner of not one, but two passports. This is so the travel office at my new employer can be working on getting me Visa's for upcoming trips in one passport while I use the other for travel purposes. Amazing! Learn something new everyday! I feel like such a dignitary - who else would have two passports?!

Buried Alive!

My friend Gamil sent an interesting article about what is happening to those suffering with AIDS in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The BBC (British Broadcasting Company - the best source of international news available) reported that people are being buried alive. Buried alive!

There is fear they might contract AIDS because of the stigma associated with the disease or they simply don't want to care for them.

You can read the report for yourself at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6965412.stm

I plan to visit the Asia district in Jan/Feb with my new job. Today, I spoke with the Regional Director of that district to see if we can do anything in PNG. He has made some contacts with government officials there in the past who are interested in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We will likely schedule a meeting with them to see if we can begin some programming there. Please pray that we will be able to bring hope to this nation, as well as truth and light to those who are afraid. Pray that the political powers in PNG will be receptive to our message.

Perfect Fit

I've received a lot of phone calls and emails wondering how I'm doing. How's the new job? The new town? The answer...Great! I feel at home already. The job is just right for me. It allows me to pursue my passions - sharing the love of Jesus in a practical way and working toward an end to preventable disease globally. I get to be involved in politics and policy on a national level. I get to strategize daily. I get to do interesting work that impacts people's lives around the world. I get to work with fascinating people who have done amazing things and are lots of fun to talk to. For the first time in my career I have found an organization I plan to stay with long-term. There is a lot of growth opportunity here so I'm certain my career can progress without having to relocate. In fact, they have a policy that states they prefer to promote from within first.

The town is amazing. It is a college town with all the fun activities and quirky little things colleges bring. It's in the mountains. Which provides beautiful views, clean and crisp air, and fun outdoor activites. The people are so nice. I can tell you that in my experience, southern hospitality isn't a myth. It is very real and wonderful when you are adjusting to a new city. I moved in to my house with no furniture, nothing but me and some clothes. I am now the recipient of an air mattress, a blanket, a pillow and two sets of towels. My landlord also did not like hearing about the conditions I was living in (I call it camping with a roof and shower), so she had her husband bring over a table, some chairs and a microwave. Once again, I am relying on the kindness of others for my survival.

My first weekend here without Kenyon I hung out with some co-workers. We participated in the art crawl on Friday night (kind of like First Friday's in KC, but smaller). The next day we went to a neighboring town for their Art in the Park event. It was very much like the Brookside art fair, except in a cute mountain community. That same weekend I visited a church I really liked and participated in a well attended dinner party that evening.

This is my second weekend here. Last night a group of us went to a callipso music show at the university. It had been raining all day so it was kind of like taking a visit to the beach without leaving the cool mountain air. Another coworker and I spent today exploring - we checked out the farmer's market, ski shops and resorts, and two neighboring communities the other direction from our town. I've already got my calendar full of fall activities - an apple festival and something called the Wolly Worm festival where people race worms up string. I can't wait! I've also scoped out the location where Kenyon and I will pick out our Christmas tree. There are Christmas tree farms all over this place, but I had to search out a "choose and cut" location. Good times to come...

Kenyon should arrive next Saturday. Our stuff should follow him a day or so later. I can't wait to show him all the restaurants I've discovered and introduce him to the wonderful people I've met. Remember, we have a three bedroom house so if you are looking for a mountain vacation...we are located in a prime destination.