Another day and we are still feeling good. ;) It has continued be a joyous time, as well as a learning time for all of us. I think with the events that are going on it is difficult to figure out a schedule for the kids, but who would expect us to do so on the second day. That said, the boys took a later nap yesterday and had some difficulty falling asleep last night. After Janine read to them and some fussing, they finally settled down (I laid down with them for about 1/2 hour) enough to relax and start to drift off. Juan David whispered to me for quite some time, although I am not always sure of what he was saying. I do know that he discussed elefante` y Andres y oso (bear). He also would repeat Papi over and over while looking at me. Andres was a little more hyper and was fighting sleep the whole time. He enjoyed gentle scratches on his head and then did the same to Juan David. They both slept soundly (no falling off the bed) and are continuing to do so now.
Shirley stayed up a little later with us, playing a computer game and then watching a video for a short time. She showered last night and ran out to tell me that she was now blanco since she washed her self. She was very excited. She has continued to bring lots of laughs with her personality, to us and to the staff here at Club Campestre. She has a very delightful personality. After dinner last night she insisted that we walk around the pool area. So we did for about fifteen minutes. She was interested to see the other children there, swimming, diving, hanging out. She has not yet wanted to swim in the 5 foot area, choosing to stay in the kids area, but I am sure she will join Papi before too long in the deeper area. She also heard Papi on the ipod for the first time last night...she asked "who is this?" I said, "Papi." She said, "but who is this?" I said, "Papi." Her eyes grew big as Mami explained that Papi sings and plays guitar. She wanted to hear more, but it was late, so we said manana.
Well it has been a quiet hour, but soon the kids will wake and we will begin our daily adventures here in Bucaramanga. First diapers, then breakfast, then swimming. It should be a fun day, to say the least.
Oh, and the boys bathed last night and both are so good when they are taking baths. They seem to love to play in the water (just not the pool, right Juancho?), and are very good when it is time to change diapers and clothing. Good times.
And the song for the day, because Shirley liked it last night is "Would You" by Papi.
Lots of love to all, and thanks for the comments as they are encouraging and fun to read...I will write more again later (probably nap time).
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
allergic to ham...in the hatfield family?
Hola. Today has been a good day. We began this morning getting breakfast at the buffet, eating much fruit and ham and eggs (except for Juan David, who is allergic to ham) and chose from a wonderful selection of bread and juice. Again I was congratulated by the staff for our newfound parenthood, which is a nice thing about being here; the staff are very kid friendly and have been very nice.
After a big breakfast, we came back to the room and changed to get ready for the pool. We found out quickly that Juan David does not enjoy the pool, but Shirley and Andres jumped in almost immediately. We spent a couple of hours relaxing, splashing, and throwing pool toys back and forth, Andres jumping up and down in the water, Shirley expending her energy by staying active the whole time. Juan David was comfortable playing poolside, enjoying the occasional soak from Mami or Shirley. The kids thoroughly enjoyed it and I am believing that it will be an almost daily occurance, and sometimes twice a day.
After the pool, we stopped for ice cream before heading back to the room. Andres proceeded to pee all over the walkway as we were leaving, but either no one noticed or it was understood that it was typical of a young boy. As we slowly made our way to the room, I had to coax Andres along by carrying the ice cream in front of him. In the room, the boys finished their ice cream (Juan David had some sort of aversion to his ice cream, so his siblings gladly helped him finish) as Shirley and I imitated golfers who played down below our balcony. Shirley startled one by screaming out to him as he prepared to hit. After quieting her down, we both had a good laugh. Then we had a classic lunch, filled with chicken bologna, some freakish processed cheese, and rolls. The kids all seemed to enjoy it, and ate without much incident.
Following that we went for a long walk to the market. It would not have been too long if we had known exactly where we were going, but we made it never-the-less, succeeding in our goal to find Shirley some shoes, all three some sippy-cups, and a few other odds and ends that we did not think of last night (we must have been preoccupied;). On our walk back, we began to feel some sprinkles, but it has yet to rain. The sky is a mix of dark gray clouds in one direction and blue skies in the other. Right now the boys are napping, something we will have to figure out in the schedule of all things, and Janine and Shirley are playing a card game. Their celebrations when they do well are something to behold, for sure.
I am more tired than I thought I would be, perhaps than I normally would be, but I guess it is to be expected. I forgot to mention earlier that Andres took a tumble off the bed at 5:30. He recovered well, even better than I did, as he slept another three hours after that. I slept none. One thing I miss: my coffee maker at my disposal. Oh well.
Tonight I think we will begin to introduce some of our photos to the children. We will begin to show them their new home, their new family, their new dog. I am not sure how much of it they will understand, that it is far away, in a different climate, where everybody talks like Mami and Papi do to each other (English). Transition.
Janine is so wonderful with the children, as if I expected any different, and has not shied away from any parental duties (I have yet to clean a poopy diaper). She is a mother. She is Mami. I love it when the kids call me Papi.
hasta luego...
After a big breakfast, we came back to the room and changed to get ready for the pool. We found out quickly that Juan David does not enjoy the pool, but Shirley and Andres jumped in almost immediately. We spent a couple of hours relaxing, splashing, and throwing pool toys back and forth, Andres jumping up and down in the water, Shirley expending her energy by staying active the whole time. Juan David was comfortable playing poolside, enjoying the occasional soak from Mami or Shirley. The kids thoroughly enjoyed it and I am believing that it will be an almost daily occurance, and sometimes twice a day.
After the pool, we stopped for ice cream before heading back to the room. Andres proceeded to pee all over the walkway as we were leaving, but either no one noticed or it was understood that it was typical of a young boy. As we slowly made our way to the room, I had to coax Andres along by carrying the ice cream in front of him. In the room, the boys finished their ice cream (Juan David had some sort of aversion to his ice cream, so his siblings gladly helped him finish) as Shirley and I imitated golfers who played down below our balcony. Shirley startled one by screaming out to him as he prepared to hit. After quieting her down, we both had a good laugh. Then we had a classic lunch, filled with chicken bologna, some freakish processed cheese, and rolls. The kids all seemed to enjoy it, and ate without much incident.
Following that we went for a long walk to the market. It would not have been too long if we had known exactly where we were going, but we made it never-the-less, succeeding in our goal to find Shirley some shoes, all three some sippy-cups, and a few other odds and ends that we did not think of last night (we must have been preoccupied;). On our walk back, we began to feel some sprinkles, but it has yet to rain. The sky is a mix of dark gray clouds in one direction and blue skies in the other. Right now the boys are napping, something we will have to figure out in the schedule of all things, and Janine and Shirley are playing a card game. Their celebrations when they do well are something to behold, for sure.
I am more tired than I thought I would be, perhaps than I normally would be, but I guess it is to be expected. I forgot to mention earlier that Andres took a tumble off the bed at 5:30. He recovered well, even better than I did, as he slept another three hours after that. I slept none. One thing I miss: my coffee maker at my disposal. Oh well.
Tonight I think we will begin to introduce some of our photos to the children. We will begin to show them their new home, their new family, their new dog. I am not sure how much of it they will understand, that it is far away, in a different climate, where everybody talks like Mami and Papi do to each other (English). Transition.
Janine is so wonderful with the children, as if I expected any different, and has not shied away from any parental duties (I have yet to clean a poopy diaper). She is a mother. She is Mami. I love it when the kids call me Papi.
hasta luego...
dirty diapers and smiles
Greetings from the Shinn family!
We are the proud parents of three wonderful, beautiful children! What a day. Yesterday we left the resort at 2:30, leaving enough time (in the cab driver's eyes) to allow us to exchange cash before we went to pick up our kids. Well, it left us with more than enough time, as we arrived there at about 3:15, 45 minutes early for our appointment. Nervousness ensued as we sat and waited...and waited...and waited. Fortunately, Emmanuella (our interpreter) didn't let us just sit and wait in anxiety, but engaged us in conversation for quite some time, which was actually very helpful in easing my worries and passing time. 4 PM came and went. 4:15 rolled by. Then 4:30. So after waiting almost an hour and a half, we hear crying in the background. Our kids! We stood up to watch our three children walk in slowly, nervously, tearfully. we greeted them as best as we knew how, offering gifts, talking, smiling. I think they were all so scared, none of them really wanted much to do with us. But before long there were traces of smiles, a twinkle in the eye, a slight laugh. We left with the kids pretty much the same way as they arrived, Shirley and Juan David seemingly in a daze, Andres in tears.
None had slept much that day and were hungry, but before we could just go back to the resort we needed to get a few items that would make our lives here much easier. We stopped back at the resort to pick up the strollers and then began our first adventure together as the Shinn family: the supermarket! The interpreter and the taxi driver came along with us, helping us along the way, guiding us through the market, helping to carry all our stuff. Shirley took command early on, taking Andres in the stroller and picking out many items that she wanted. She seemed to take it well when we said "no" or when we tried to explain that we had such and such item back at the resort, and she was extremely helpful in picking out the items that our kids enjoyed. We could see the children warming up to us as we moved along, moment by moment, more smiles, more laughter.
After our fun time at the market, we arrived back at the resort and Janine changed a couple of soaked diapers. We quickly cleaned up and took the kids to eat. Here Shirley fell in love with the camera (I am pretty sure she is going to log the whole trip on film for us) and ate many, many tomotoes. The boys ate well, too, eating rice and bread and french fries. The staff knew that we had just met our children, and we were met with a big smile and congratulations from our waiter. Shirley applauded for herself as she cleaned off her plate and then continued to take pictures of all of us until the boys finished up.
We came back to the room and played for a little while, then Janine changed a stinky(!) diaper and we began to get the kids ready for bed. The boys were not difficult at all, as they had been drifting in the taxi earlier in the day, and they fell asleep after a couple of stories. Shirley was still full of energy and sat up for a while with Mami and Papi and played a little on the computer (she was writing a note on here last night, but got impatient with it:)). She finally settled down when we did and fell asleep pretty quickly.
We have not been short on affection from our children. There have been hugs and kisses and playtime and all sorts of chaotic fun. Today will be a new adventure, though, as we brave the pool and maybe go for a walk around the resort. The children are wonderful, beautiful, exciting, and we are so blessed to have them. I will post pictures later on, after I figure out how to do so (Janine is the one who usually helps me). Until then, celebrate with us, our children!
We are the proud parents of three wonderful, beautiful children! What a day. Yesterday we left the resort at 2:30, leaving enough time (in the cab driver's eyes) to allow us to exchange cash before we went to pick up our kids. Well, it left us with more than enough time, as we arrived there at about 3:15, 45 minutes early for our appointment. Nervousness ensued as we sat and waited...and waited...and waited. Fortunately, Emmanuella (our interpreter) didn't let us just sit and wait in anxiety, but engaged us in conversation for quite some time, which was actually very helpful in easing my worries and passing time. 4 PM came and went. 4:15 rolled by. Then 4:30. So after waiting almost an hour and a half, we hear crying in the background. Our kids! We stood up to watch our three children walk in slowly, nervously, tearfully. we greeted them as best as we knew how, offering gifts, talking, smiling. I think they were all so scared, none of them really wanted much to do with us. But before long there were traces of smiles, a twinkle in the eye, a slight laugh. We left with the kids pretty much the same way as they arrived, Shirley and Juan David seemingly in a daze, Andres in tears.
None had slept much that day and were hungry, but before we could just go back to the resort we needed to get a few items that would make our lives here much easier. We stopped back at the resort to pick up the strollers and then began our first adventure together as the Shinn family: the supermarket! The interpreter and the taxi driver came along with us, helping us along the way, guiding us through the market, helping to carry all our stuff. Shirley took command early on, taking Andres in the stroller and picking out many items that she wanted. She seemed to take it well when we said "no" or when we tried to explain that we had such and such item back at the resort, and she was extremely helpful in picking out the items that our kids enjoyed. We could see the children warming up to us as we moved along, moment by moment, more smiles, more laughter.
After our fun time at the market, we arrived back at the resort and Janine changed a couple of soaked diapers. We quickly cleaned up and took the kids to eat. Here Shirley fell in love with the camera (I am pretty sure she is going to log the whole trip on film for us) and ate many, many tomotoes. The boys ate well, too, eating rice and bread and french fries. The staff knew that we had just met our children, and we were met with a big smile and congratulations from our waiter. Shirley applauded for herself as she cleaned off her plate and then continued to take pictures of all of us until the boys finished up.
We came back to the room and played for a little while, then Janine changed a stinky(!) diaper and we began to get the kids ready for bed. The boys were not difficult at all, as they had been drifting in the taxi earlier in the day, and they fell asleep after a couple of stories. Shirley was still full of energy and sat up for a while with Mami and Papi and played a little on the computer (she was writing a note on here last night, but got impatient with it:)). She finally settled down when we did and fell asleep pretty quickly.
We have not been short on affection from our children. There have been hugs and kisses and playtime and all sorts of chaotic fun. Today will be a new adventure, though, as we brave the pool and maybe go for a walk around the resort. The children are wonderful, beautiful, exciting, and we are so blessed to have them. I will post pictures later on, after I figure out how to do so (Janine is the one who usually helps me). Until then, celebrate with us, our children!
Monday, January 29, 2007
as if I wasn't nervous before...
As if I wasn't nervous before...
It is really starting to hit me now. I sit on the edge of a bed, typing, not really understanding the feeling in the pit of my stomach. Some of it is good, some not so good. My usual go to at a time like this is Alka-Seltzer, but for now I know that nothing I take will calm me down. Nor should it.
We are 1/2 an hour away from leaving, to hit the bank, before we go meet our children. To be honest, I really don't understand or know what we are doing, and my head feels like it is in four different rooms on two different continents. Varsity basketball did not feel like this. Speeches in front of crowds did not feel like this. Performing music in front of strangers did not feel like this. All-state Jazz Band did not feel like this. My stomach dances.
As I have said before, I cannot anticipate how this will be, not even thinking of it all in the long term, but just today. My mind cannot formulate a solid continuous thought, and I cannot sit still. I am normally a pacer, but today I am cutting through tile as I jaunt back and forth from room to room. I am not sure what I will do in a taxi.
We are two hours from meeting our children. I am scared.
It is really starting to hit me now. I sit on the edge of a bed, typing, not really understanding the feeling in the pit of my stomach. Some of it is good, some not so good. My usual go to at a time like this is Alka-Seltzer, but for now I know that nothing I take will calm me down. Nor should it.
We are 1/2 an hour away from leaving, to hit the bank, before we go meet our children. To be honest, I really don't understand or know what we are doing, and my head feels like it is in four different rooms on two different continents. Varsity basketball did not feel like this. Speeches in front of crowds did not feel like this. Performing music in front of strangers did not feel like this. All-state Jazz Band did not feel like this. My stomach dances.
As I have said before, I cannot anticipate how this will be, not even thinking of it all in the long term, but just today. My mind cannot formulate a solid continuous thought, and I cannot sit still. I am normally a pacer, but today I am cutting through tile as I jaunt back and forth from room to room. I am not sure what I will do in a taxi.
We are two hours from meeting our children. I am scared.
fruit and coffee
Today is the day. Finally. The pictures that we have known, the pictures that we have seen, that we have shared with friends and family, these pictures will become so much more than what we have dreamed or imagined today. It is 10:42 as I write this (EST), and we are now sitting and waiting to go to meet our kids. We will be picked up at 2:30 so we can do some bank stuff prior to picking up the kids. We are not expecting a fablous first meeting, or even a great first few days, but we are still very excited. There is no doubt that the kids will be going through a lot in their own hearts and minds as this all happens, so it is difficult to consider only ourselves in this. It will be difficult, but we know that we will make it through. We pray for our children, though, as it will be a whirlwind of changes for them. I hope that they can see our love for them in spite of all the difficulties that our family will endure. We meet at 4 PM EST. Celebrate with us and please be in prayer.
We are getting used to being here, little by little. I never knew that eating would be such a difficult task, at least in the realm of trying to figure out the menu and the Colombian Peso. Hopefully we will have some of it down before too long. I am enjoying the fruit here, that is for sure, and the coffee has been good, which is contrary to the reports from my dear friend and brother-in-law Mr. Chocolate. So, Mr. Chocolate, there is good coffee here...and soon I will try the espresso while sitting on the veranda overlooking the golf course. Sounds dreamy, but I need to figure out how to order and how to best pay.
There are quite a few families here. We have seen many children playing, splashing in the pool, skating on Heelies, etc., so it is obviously a welcoming environment for kids. That is good, as soon the Shinns will add three more to the mix. The pool looks like much fun, and seems to be dominated by kids, save for the diving area where there is an inordinate amount of young, strapping tennis players gingerly diving from ten feet above the water's surface. So the pool will be fun, a place we will visit perhaps twice a day, and the ice cream stand that sits beside the pool will certainly be a favorite of Shirley, Andres, and Juan David. Maybe me, too.
Oh, Mr. Chocolate...lots of beautiful birds here, too. I should have brought a book.
Has anyone ever watched the Simpsons in Spanish? Way funnier than King of the Hill in Spanish. Just so you know.
And I finally watched Gangs of New York last night. There was quite a bit of anti-McCarthyism involved in it, as well as Scorsese's commentary on the present administration's use of fear to maintain control and power. Interesting. Also, note the commentary on immigration and the impact of war and hatred among ourselves. I had more thoughts on it, but am having trouble gathering them at the moment.
The song for the day is "Talking World War III Blues" by Bob Dylan.
I will try to write more later or tomorrow.
We are getting used to being here, little by little. I never knew that eating would be such a difficult task, at least in the realm of trying to figure out the menu and the Colombian Peso. Hopefully we will have some of it down before too long. I am enjoying the fruit here, that is for sure, and the coffee has been good, which is contrary to the reports from my dear friend and brother-in-law Mr. Chocolate. So, Mr. Chocolate, there is good coffee here...and soon I will try the espresso while sitting on the veranda overlooking the golf course. Sounds dreamy, but I need to figure out how to order and how to best pay.
There are quite a few families here. We have seen many children playing, splashing in the pool, skating on Heelies, etc., so it is obviously a welcoming environment for kids. That is good, as soon the Shinns will add three more to the mix. The pool looks like much fun, and seems to be dominated by kids, save for the diving area where there is an inordinate amount of young, strapping tennis players gingerly diving from ten feet above the water's surface. So the pool will be fun, a place we will visit perhaps twice a day, and the ice cream stand that sits beside the pool will certainly be a favorite of Shirley, Andres, and Juan David. Maybe me, too.
Oh, Mr. Chocolate...lots of beautiful birds here, too. I should have brought a book.
Has anyone ever watched the Simpsons in Spanish? Way funnier than King of the Hill in Spanish. Just so you know.
And I finally watched Gangs of New York last night. There was quite a bit of anti-McCarthyism involved in it, as well as Scorsese's commentary on the present administration's use of fear to maintain control and power. Interesting. Also, note the commentary on immigration and the impact of war and hatred among ourselves. I had more thoughts on it, but am having trouble gathering them at the moment.
The song for the day is "Talking World War III Blues" by Bob Dylan.
I will try to write more later or tomorrow.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
everything's in Spanish
As I prepared to get to this point, this specific point, I had to try my best to translate Free Range Donut, as all the collateral information is now in Spanish. I had better get used to it.
Yesterday was a long day, filled with uncomfortable seating and the stresses of traveling with some of the most obnoxious people on the planet. While understanding a different language and dealing with a different culture might be troublesome, it is sometimes so much better than dealing with one's own. That said, travel was relatively good. We arrived, in one piece, with all our luggage, and with only a couple of surcharges for our overzealous packing. Note to self: I don't need blue jeans in Bucaramanga! Today was much nicer, as we flew in a fairly empty plane to our present position of Bucaramanga. It has been a pleasant stay so far, as we have basically spent our time unpacking and getting used to our new found environs. Our planned interpreter was unable to meet us due to unfortunate circumstances, but our "replacement" is very nice and seems eager to help. That is good for us, as we will need all the help we can get. Tomorrow she will pick us up and we will go to pick up our kids at 4 PM. I know when that time comes I will be incredibly nervous and excited, but for now I am in desperate need of sleep and some food...I don't care the order. But I am excited. Very.
Today will be restful, hopefully, as the city is beautiful and resort seems very accomodating. For now, this is home, so we will try to break it in like a new pair of shoes. Hopefully they are not made of Italian leather...
I plan to write more later, but just wanted to let you all know that we have made it. It's awesome.
By the way, the song for the day is "Caring is Creepy" by the Shins. Just so you know.
Yesterday was a long day, filled with uncomfortable seating and the stresses of traveling with some of the most obnoxious people on the planet. While understanding a different language and dealing with a different culture might be troublesome, it is sometimes so much better than dealing with one's own. That said, travel was relatively good. We arrived, in one piece, with all our luggage, and with only a couple of surcharges for our overzealous packing. Note to self: I don't need blue jeans in Bucaramanga! Today was much nicer, as we flew in a fairly empty plane to our present position of Bucaramanga. It has been a pleasant stay so far, as we have basically spent our time unpacking and getting used to our new found environs. Our planned interpreter was unable to meet us due to unfortunate circumstances, but our "replacement" is very nice and seems eager to help. That is good for us, as we will need all the help we can get. Tomorrow she will pick us up and we will go to pick up our kids at 4 PM. I know when that time comes I will be incredibly nervous and excited, but for now I am in desperate need of sleep and some food...I don't care the order. But I am excited. Very.
Today will be restful, hopefully, as the city is beautiful and resort seems very accomodating. For now, this is home, so we will try to break it in like a new pair of shoes. Hopefully they are not made of Italian leather...
I plan to write more later, but just wanted to let you all know that we have made it. It's awesome.
By the way, the song for the day is "Caring is Creepy" by the Shins. Just so you know.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Go Ducks!
Well, yesterday I finally reached the time that I was done with work. In reality, six weeks off sounds good, but I have to admit that leaving was more difficult than I anticipated. Mostly, I think, because I am now out of my routine, out of the ordinary and able to think more about the events of the upcoming days. It isn't like I didn't ponder things before, but I had a set distraction that was/is the chaos of IMFT. It started hitting me more yesterday, as I ate lunch, that there is definite reality to what we are doing. More time to think certainly doesn't mean that I am more focused, as I am in a thousand different places...
Last night was also our last night at Kids Club for a while. Others who have been a part of the ministry for a while now were able to run the show last night. I feel very comfortable leaving the job in their hands, as I believe that they will do a wonderful job, mostly because they do the most important thing: love the kids. I don't think the kids understand the ramifications of our picking up our kids, that this will impact the amount of time we are able to spend with the kids who have been such a large part of our lives up to this point. Hopefully they will get used to some of the impact while we are gone. I am just grateful that we have had so many others who have stepped up to spend time with the kids and to love them...it has been wonderful.
For the first time in a while, I am excited about the Oregon Ducks basketball team. They have been winning and winning well, recently, and moving up in the college basketball rankings. They have an excellent mix of senior leadership and young talent that seems to have a special cohesion to it. Usually I try to avoid any rise in expectation with this team, as their tendency is to start well and collapse later in the season (specifically in Pac10 play), but I don't really see that happening with this team...I could be wrong. Go Ducks!
There are three episodes of The Office on tv tonight, so if you have nothing better to do, you should check them out. I am pretty sure they are all re-runs, but most likely will be worthwhile anyway. See the show for one of the most exciting phenomenons to hit American television in the last few years, and for yet another British rip-off. GREAT SCOTT!
And by the way, the Shins new album is frickin' awesome. Any fans or remote fans out there should not hesitate to purchase this album. This is not a paid plug or advertisement.
I have to go walk Pakak.
Last night was also our last night at Kids Club for a while. Others who have been a part of the ministry for a while now were able to run the show last night. I feel very comfortable leaving the job in their hands, as I believe that they will do a wonderful job, mostly because they do the most important thing: love the kids. I don't think the kids understand the ramifications of our picking up our kids, that this will impact the amount of time we are able to spend with the kids who have been such a large part of our lives up to this point. Hopefully they will get used to some of the impact while we are gone. I am just grateful that we have had so many others who have stepped up to spend time with the kids and to love them...it has been wonderful.
For the first time in a while, I am excited about the Oregon Ducks basketball team. They have been winning and winning well, recently, and moving up in the college basketball rankings. They have an excellent mix of senior leadership and young talent that seems to have a special cohesion to it. Usually I try to avoid any rise in expectation with this team, as their tendency is to start well and collapse later in the season (specifically in Pac10 play), but I don't really see that happening with this team...I could be wrong. Go Ducks!
There are three episodes of The Office on tv tonight, so if you have nothing better to do, you should check them out. I am pretty sure they are all re-runs, but most likely will be worthwhile anyway. See the show for one of the most exciting phenomenons to hit American television in the last few years, and for yet another British rip-off. GREAT SCOTT!
And by the way, the Shins new album is frickin' awesome. Any fans or remote fans out there should not hesitate to purchase this album. This is not a paid plug or advertisement.
I have to go walk Pakak.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
jackhammers are noisy
Got a good surprise last night/yesterday when my old friend Brent called and said he was in town. He came over last night and we spend the better part of five hours catching up, laughing about old times, and discussing life, etc. It was great to sit around and chat with someone who understands where I come from and who had many of the same experiences and influences that I had. It was also a lot of fun to talk about music and to get a chance to listen to his band. http://myspace.com/thaelo or their cuts can be purchased and downloaded on itunes...
On the annoying side, we are continuing to wait for our visas. Apparently our paperwork was misplaced into the wrong pile on the consulate's desk. While it is frustrating and collaterally stressful, as long as we get it before we go we will be alright. NOW LET'S GET IT TOGETHER, PEOPLE!
For all who don't know, I have been doing micro-surveying for Intel Micron Flash Technologies, participating in a multi-billion dollar project with thousands of other people. It has been nice to get to know some of them and to feel the support of those that I don't even know that well. Today a guy that I have only spoken to once came up to me to offer encouragement and well wishes as he knew tomorrow would be my last day. I am continuing to be amazed at the humanity of some people.
I purchased The Shins new album today and was able to listen to the first four cuts. I have to say that I enjoyed it, although not as much as I did "Chutes Too Narrow" when that first graced my cd player. I am convinced, however, that the new album will grow on my as continue to get more familiar with it. I would recommend it already, but perhaps I will be able to give it a better review (on my part) at a future time.
Is anyone else here tired of oil consumption or energy consumption in general? I have been agitated for some time on our dependence on oil and oil based products and our oil based economy, and am beginning to wonder how we can live a less dependent life. Curious to hear other thoughts and ideas. And if you didn't already catch it, I AM OPPOSED TO DRILLING ANWR. Honestly, I am also opposed to the opening of Bristol Bay for drilling, too. Can we not search for alternate energy resources, i.e. wind, water, solar? What stops us from doing so? And what part do we play in the whole corrupted scheme?
On a lighter note, I am extremely happy the Patriots lost the other day. Having lived in Boston for almost a year, I developed a keen and open dislike for most New England sports, but specifically for the Patriots. I have friends who are Patriots fans, so I can't be too mean, but I do not feel sorry for you guys. Better luck next year. HOW YOU LIKE TOM BRADY NOW?!? Bears 34 Colts 24.
The NHL all-star game is tomorrow night (not that anyone cares). It will feature first timers Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. I dare say that if you have a chance, you should watch it, even if you don't like/know hockey. Specifically, pay attention to those two players, both of whom will go down as great players when all is said and done.
Six days.
love your neighbor!
On the annoying side, we are continuing to wait for our visas. Apparently our paperwork was misplaced into the wrong pile on the consulate's desk. While it is frustrating and collaterally stressful, as long as we get it before we go we will be alright. NOW LET'S GET IT TOGETHER, PEOPLE!
For all who don't know, I have been doing micro-surveying for Intel Micron Flash Technologies, participating in a multi-billion dollar project with thousands of other people. It has been nice to get to know some of them and to feel the support of those that I don't even know that well. Today a guy that I have only spoken to once came up to me to offer encouragement and well wishes as he knew tomorrow would be my last day. I am continuing to be amazed at the humanity of some people.
I purchased The Shins new album today and was able to listen to the first four cuts. I have to say that I enjoyed it, although not as much as I did "Chutes Too Narrow" when that first graced my cd player. I am convinced, however, that the new album will grow on my as continue to get more familiar with it. I would recommend it already, but perhaps I will be able to give it a better review (on my part) at a future time.
Is anyone else here tired of oil consumption or energy consumption in general? I have been agitated for some time on our dependence on oil and oil based products and our oil based economy, and am beginning to wonder how we can live a less dependent life. Curious to hear other thoughts and ideas. And if you didn't already catch it, I AM OPPOSED TO DRILLING ANWR. Honestly, I am also opposed to the opening of Bristol Bay for drilling, too. Can we not search for alternate energy resources, i.e. wind, water, solar? What stops us from doing so? And what part do we play in the whole corrupted scheme?
On a lighter note, I am extremely happy the Patriots lost the other day. Having lived in Boston for almost a year, I developed a keen and open dislike for most New England sports, but specifically for the Patriots. I have friends who are Patriots fans, so I can't be too mean, but I do not feel sorry for you guys. Better luck next year. HOW YOU LIKE TOM BRADY NOW?!? Bears 34 Colts 24.
The NHL all-star game is tomorrow night (not that anyone cares). It will feature first timers Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. I dare say that if you have a chance, you should watch it, even if you don't like/know hockey. Specifically, pay attention to those two players, both of whom will go down as great players when all is said and done.
Six days.
love your neighbor!
Monday, January 22, 2007
monday...
Mad props to my soon to be three year old nephew who, upon seeing my new ink, said matter of factly, "I'm going to get a buffalo on my arm sometime."
...not to worry, Juice, we'll start an ink fund for you here in SLC...
Work has been a monumental waste of time lately, but I am grateful for the chance to work and for getting as many hours as I am right now. I have also recently ran into many others at work who have either adopted or are looking into adopting. It puts a new face of humanity on the drudgery and inhumanity that often accompanies the places I work. Two more days.
Janine is now off from work (her last day was Friday) and is busy getting the house ready for our departure as well as our return. This week will be nice for her in that she will be able to accomplish a lot of the little things that add up to being huge things. I was off a little early today and was able to help her a little bit in our house preparation. It is very exciting to see the kids' room coming together piece by piece. Seven days.
I was able to discuss the ethnicity of Jesus today with three friends who are all non-religious. I am not sure what will come of it, especially since I won't see them for six weeks, but it was nice to discuss a little bit with people who are not overly familiar with Jesus. Maybe slow times at work aren't so bad after all.
Frog Brothers, Inc. should be a company, but right now it isn't. 7-Up, Frog Brother, Jr., Mr. Chocolate and myself would like to begin the grass roots marketing of random things, including, but not limited to: communal living, cage-free-farm-fresh products, fair trade, using less fossil fuels, alternative energy, hockey, and the shameless promotion of the band "Free Range Donut" with their new hit single "My Frog Has A Cast."
MY FROG HAS A CAST!
...not to worry, Juice, we'll start an ink fund for you here in SLC...
Work has been a monumental waste of time lately, but I am grateful for the chance to work and for getting as many hours as I am right now. I have also recently ran into many others at work who have either adopted or are looking into adopting. It puts a new face of humanity on the drudgery and inhumanity that often accompanies the places I work. Two more days.
Janine is now off from work (her last day was Friday) and is busy getting the house ready for our departure as well as our return. This week will be nice for her in that she will be able to accomplish a lot of the little things that add up to being huge things. I was off a little early today and was able to help her a little bit in our house preparation. It is very exciting to see the kids' room coming together piece by piece. Seven days.
I was able to discuss the ethnicity of Jesus today with three friends who are all non-religious. I am not sure what will come of it, especially since I won't see them for six weeks, but it was nice to discuss a little bit with people who are not overly familiar with Jesus. Maybe slow times at work aren't so bad after all.
Frog Brothers, Inc. should be a company, but right now it isn't. 7-Up, Frog Brother, Jr., Mr. Chocolate and myself would like to begin the grass roots marketing of random things, including, but not limited to: communal living, cage-free-farm-fresh products, fair trade, using less fossil fuels, alternative energy, hockey, and the shameless promotion of the band "Free Range Donut" with their new hit single "My Frog Has A Cast."
MY FROG HAS A CAST!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Random Thoughts on a Sunday Morning
In the midst of all that is happening around us, it has been extremely comforting to have our friends here going through the process (as much as they can) with us. It has been a relief to share thoughts and laughter and worries with them as we continue to prepare to leave. It has been a blessing.
Three more days of work. Not that I despise my work, but I am having motivation troubles and am anxious to be done. I am not sure what I will do in the two days before we go, but I know that they will be filled with details, both minor and major, that will keep me occupied. My mind will be racing.
We have been able to watch some movies lately, which is odd for us as we really don't have the time to do so. In the past two weeks we have watched Whale Rider, Capote, I (Heart) Huckabees, and I have watched The Squid and the Whale and I Am Trying to Break Your Heart as well.
All that I heard about Capote...I will just say that I thought it was over-rated. It certainly was a heavy movie, and P.S. Hoffman did a marvelous job, but it is not something that resonated within me.
Whale Rider was something of a fairy tale, but a tale of triumph and healing and a commentary of our assumptions and tradition over against the reality of evolving cultures and the perception of destiny. I enjoyed the movie.
I (Heart) Huckabees: off-beat to be sure. I enjoyed the slight propaganda against unending consumption (what, me?) more than I enjoyed the existential question of reality. The movie itself was a let down, but had its moments. I would not recommend it.
The Squid and the Whale: Noah Baumbach has a way of putting humanity on film that really touches me. I wish his movies had less sexual stuff and less language, as I have thoroughly enjoyed his cinematic eye and the emotional continuum of our humanness that he portrays so well in film. (see also "kicking and screaming" from 1995)
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: I am now convinced of Wilco's standing in the historical realm of rock and roll. This film, although in my eyes incomplete (like whole sections are missing) rejuvenated my love for Wilco. It is well worth watching, as Sam Jones did a marvelous job of coupling moments on celluloid with poignant moments of the music of Wilco, whether as the band or Mr. Tweedy by his lonesome.
I hate smog. SLC is ugly when the inversion sticks around, which it has done recently. Pollution sucks.
I am wondering about screen printing. I am wondering about a press, how much it would cost, what is involved, etc. To propagate social causes from a grass roots level necessitates a medium that can be shared starting small scale in those grass roots. Stickers and t-shirts would be nice.
Use less fuel. Promote Fair-Trade. Buy organic and local. Commune.
Three more days of work. Not that I despise my work, but I am having motivation troubles and am anxious to be done. I am not sure what I will do in the two days before we go, but I know that they will be filled with details, both minor and major, that will keep me occupied. My mind will be racing.
We have been able to watch some movies lately, which is odd for us as we really don't have the time to do so. In the past two weeks we have watched Whale Rider, Capote, I (Heart) Huckabees, and I have watched The Squid and the Whale and I Am Trying to Break Your Heart as well.
All that I heard about Capote...I will just say that I thought it was over-rated. It certainly was a heavy movie, and P.S. Hoffman did a marvelous job, but it is not something that resonated within me.
Whale Rider was something of a fairy tale, but a tale of triumph and healing and a commentary of our assumptions and tradition over against the reality of evolving cultures and the perception of destiny. I enjoyed the movie.
I (Heart) Huckabees: off-beat to be sure. I enjoyed the slight propaganda against unending consumption (what, me?) more than I enjoyed the existential question of reality. The movie itself was a let down, but had its moments. I would not recommend it.
The Squid and the Whale: Noah Baumbach has a way of putting humanity on film that really touches me. I wish his movies had less sexual stuff and less language, as I have thoroughly enjoyed his cinematic eye and the emotional continuum of our humanness that he portrays so well in film. (see also "kicking and screaming" from 1995)
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: I am now convinced of Wilco's standing in the historical realm of rock and roll. This film, although in my eyes incomplete (like whole sections are missing) rejuvenated my love for Wilco. It is well worth watching, as Sam Jones did a marvelous job of coupling moments on celluloid with poignant moments of the music of Wilco, whether as the band or Mr. Tweedy by his lonesome.
I hate smog. SLC is ugly when the inversion sticks around, which it has done recently. Pollution sucks.
I am wondering about screen printing. I am wondering about a press, how much it would cost, what is involved, etc. To propagate social causes from a grass roots level necessitates a medium that can be shared starting small scale in those grass roots. Stickers and t-shirts would be nice.
Use less fuel. Promote Fair-Trade. Buy organic and local. Commune.
Friday, January 19, 2007
this week...
I really can't believe that we will be leaving in a week. It doesn't seem like reality at all, that's for sure.
Recap: I spent time this week preparing my work for me leaving. Fortunately I get approved for FMLA while I am gone, which doesn't mean any money, but no worries re: my job while we are away. I have stored up some vacation time that I will use, which will be a nice stipend of sorts while I am not working. I worked with HR on insurance information concerning both our Colombia travel (we are covered!) and the inclusion of our kids on our insurance. There will be some paperwork when I return, but for the most part, Stantec's HR department has been really nice to work with. What a blessing.
It has been back to work this week, too. After a few shorter pay periods (vacation, losing three wisdom teeth) I am back up to my usual 50 hours a week. It is as busy as ever at work, which makes me extremely happy that Janine has been so good about getting us prepared and up to speed so that we have minimal paperwork, etc. to worry about before we go. After all, loose ends should not be our focus at this point.
Which leads me to the kids! I am getting more and more anxious to go. It is very difficult to find motivation to work, but fortunately my job has allowed me to leave two days earlier than planned, which is a good thing for my sanity. Like I said, though, I am anxious to see the kids. I can't even imagine how they feel, though, and wouldn't even pretend to have an idea. It is still so very much removed from my imagination, though, as I know that it is beyond my mind's capabilities. Even now, as I write this, my mind feels scattered.
Tomorrow is a shower that friends from the church are throwing for us. It will be a big help to receive the gifts from our friends. I will be working (on a Saturday), so I will not make it, but I am curious to see how much of a hit our registry at Target will take after tomorrow. God has blessed us with many friends in our 2+ years here, which is wonderful.
Excitement runs deep, and we will meet our kids in 10 days!
P.S. I am sleeping better again. Praise the Lord.
Recap: I spent time this week preparing my work for me leaving. Fortunately I get approved for FMLA while I am gone, which doesn't mean any money, but no worries re: my job while we are away. I have stored up some vacation time that I will use, which will be a nice stipend of sorts while I am not working. I worked with HR on insurance information concerning both our Colombia travel (we are covered!) and the inclusion of our kids on our insurance. There will be some paperwork when I return, but for the most part, Stantec's HR department has been really nice to work with. What a blessing.
It has been back to work this week, too. After a few shorter pay periods (vacation, losing three wisdom teeth) I am back up to my usual 50 hours a week. It is as busy as ever at work, which makes me extremely happy that Janine has been so good about getting us prepared and up to speed so that we have minimal paperwork, etc. to worry about before we go. After all, loose ends should not be our focus at this point.
Which leads me to the kids! I am getting more and more anxious to go. It is very difficult to find motivation to work, but fortunately my job has allowed me to leave two days earlier than planned, which is a good thing for my sanity. Like I said, though, I am anxious to see the kids. I can't even imagine how they feel, though, and wouldn't even pretend to have an idea. It is still so very much removed from my imagination, though, as I know that it is beyond my mind's capabilities. Even now, as I write this, my mind feels scattered.
Tomorrow is a shower that friends from the church are throwing for us. It will be a big help to receive the gifts from our friends. I will be working (on a Saturday), so I will not make it, but I am curious to see how much of a hit our registry at Target will take after tomorrow. God has blessed us with many friends in our 2+ years here, which is wonderful.
Excitement runs deep, and we will meet our kids in 10 days!
P.S. I am sleeping better again. Praise the Lord.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Fifty Million Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong...
So as we are rearranging our house to accomodate our new living situation, we came to the conclusion that these three fine, fine tin signs that we have had for several years are no longer going to necessarily fit in our structural layout.
That said...we are wondering if there are any fans of Elvis or kitsch who would be interested in the decor of a younger Elvis Presley. They are all in marvelous condition and add a subtle ambiance to any room.
Now what would you believe that you might pay for such an unfounded treasure? $30? $20? $15? No. No. No. We offer this one time deal to whoever wants it for three easy payments of $0.07. That's right, $0.21 total. Now you might say to yourself, this is too good to be true, and maybe it is, but that is why we are offering this as a one time deal.So do we have any takers? Let us know and we will ship/bring it to you as soon as possible...for real...does anyone want these?
Thursday, January 11, 2007
an old coke bottle...
Today we got our immunization shots for Colombia. It is one more step in preparation for going, and oddly enough, it is hitting me more and more how soon it will be that we will leave. I am anxious, to be honest, ready to go and yet not ready to go at the same time. I guess it is just a lot to take in to think that this life changing event will begin to take place with us leaving our place of familiarity and relative comfort. And I guess I could think that way, continue to think about how odd it will be to be somewhere where I don't really understand the language or the culture or how to order a cheeseburger. I could worry about my passport or my travel visa or our itinerary or bottled water. I could comment on how weird it will be to begin our lives with our kids in a place that some days already stresses me out. I could...
...but that would not be fair to the kids. I have to admit that in all the things that I think about, in my anxiety, in my anticipation for travel, etc., the kids will be going through so much more. And they are only eight and two and two. Everytime I begin to think of myself, my thoughts are turned to our children who wait, who hear about us, see our pictures, who have already lived enough life to be in a position to be adopted...so I can't even really worry about myself.
I can't wait to see them. I told you I was anxious. I don't even know what I will say, what I will do, how they will react, how we will react. Like I said before, everytime I try to imagine all I see is a blurry dream sequence like on television. . .and nothing in my mind. I have no idea.
I have memories of my parents from when I was young, things that come to me in the same form as my imagination manifests itself when thinking of the kids, and I love those memories. I guess I just want our kids to have those memories of us, blurry, fuzzy, like looking through an old coke bottle. But I will begin as a stranger, a chubby guy with a strange language and tattoos.
All this thinking about immunization shots.
18 days...
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
lemonade or something
People often ask us, since we knew that we would be adopting three kids, "are you ready?" Usually this is said with a smile, like there is still some punchline to a joke that we have yet to be let in on. I understand the question, to some degree, especially when there is not a familiarity between involved communicating parties, but I have to confess that it gets very tiresome to work up my smile and to answer the question again: Are you ready?
Heck no, I am not ready. I don't even know what that means. I don't know what the kids will be like. I don't know their eating habits. I don't know their tempermants. I don't know if our boys will fight over a blue shirt or a red shirt or if Shirley will hate Chick Fil-a' (while I enjoy it) or if they are afraid of flying or cats or hamburgers. I am not ready. . .
. . .where did that smile go?
I guess it is just one of those things that people feel compelled to ask, perhaps out of a quiet unspoken concern for crazy Scott and Janine who really don't know what they are in for. I guess it is small talk, a way to pass moments when the silence is uncomfortable and no one really knows what to say. I guess it is curiosity, a simple way of not really saying "do you have any clue of what you are doing?" Maybe I am cynical in all this, but I guess this is my way of venting, voicing my answer to such a question. In case it was missed, here it is again:
Are you ready for this?
No.
But this is what we are doing. This is the direction that we have been directed, by our faith, by our God, much in the same way that we traveled from Pennsylvania to Midvale, UT with no jobs, no prospects, and little idea of what was going to happen. So what was one of the first things we did? We bought a house. With no jobs and no prospects. I think I heard the questions then, too: Are you ready for this?
No.
So I don't want to sound like a jerk or a pretentious jerk or a big jerk, but my answer is "no." I am not ready for this. But for some reason God seems to think that we are ready for this. Does this mean that I have unrealistic expectations or false pretenses or that I have no clue? Yeah, I believe it does. How can I not? I would have to have no imagination whatsoever to not build up something in my mind that is going to leave me with a failed dream, a disappointment, a built up then broken down idea that for some strange reason crossed my mind when I dreamed of our kids. So I am not ready. I am far from ready, but I am pretty sure that as we go we will have the strong support that we have had up to this point, we will have our faith that has brought us this far, we will have our friends and families who are as committed to this as we are. I am not ready, but in a very real way we are ready.
Being "ready" connotes anticipation, and the reality is that we have no idea what to anticipate. But just as we have made it this far, we will again be strengthened to face all that we are not ready for, thanks in no small part to those whom God has placed in our lives. When I think of being ready, of anticipating, my mind is left fuzzy, blank, like a dream sequence on a television show, but I know that I have been being prepared for this my whole life, so while I am not "ready," I am prepared by something that is much greater than anything we know, anything that we can plan for, anything we can imagine.
Am I ready? No. And Yes.
Heck no, I am not ready. I don't even know what that means. I don't know what the kids will be like. I don't know their eating habits. I don't know their tempermants. I don't know if our boys will fight over a blue shirt or a red shirt or if Shirley will hate Chick Fil-a' (while I enjoy it) or if they are afraid of flying or cats or hamburgers. I am not ready. . .
. . .where did that smile go?
I guess it is just one of those things that people feel compelled to ask, perhaps out of a quiet unspoken concern for crazy Scott and Janine who really don't know what they are in for. I guess it is small talk, a way to pass moments when the silence is uncomfortable and no one really knows what to say. I guess it is curiosity, a simple way of not really saying "do you have any clue of what you are doing?" Maybe I am cynical in all this, but I guess this is my way of venting, voicing my answer to such a question. In case it was missed, here it is again:
Are you ready for this?
No.
But this is what we are doing. This is the direction that we have been directed, by our faith, by our God, much in the same way that we traveled from Pennsylvania to Midvale, UT with no jobs, no prospects, and little idea of what was going to happen. So what was one of the first things we did? We bought a house. With no jobs and no prospects. I think I heard the questions then, too: Are you ready for this?
No.
So I don't want to sound like a jerk or a pretentious jerk or a big jerk, but my answer is "no." I am not ready for this. But for some reason God seems to think that we are ready for this. Does this mean that I have unrealistic expectations or false pretenses or that I have no clue? Yeah, I believe it does. How can I not? I would have to have no imagination whatsoever to not build up something in my mind that is going to leave me with a failed dream, a disappointment, a built up then broken down idea that for some strange reason crossed my mind when I dreamed of our kids. So I am not ready. I am far from ready, but I am pretty sure that as we go we will have the strong support that we have had up to this point, we will have our faith that has brought us this far, we will have our friends and families who are as committed to this as we are. I am not ready, but in a very real way we are ready.
Being "ready" connotes anticipation, and the reality is that we have no idea what to anticipate. But just as we have made it this far, we will again be strengthened to face all that we are not ready for, thanks in no small part to those whom God has placed in our lives. When I think of being ready, of anticipating, my mind is left fuzzy, blank, like a dream sequence on a television show, but I know that I have been being prepared for this my whole life, so while I am not "ready," I am prepared by something that is much greater than anything we know, anything that we can plan for, anything we can imagine.
Am I ready? No. And Yes.
Monday, January 8, 2007
A Movie Review of Sorts
I sat down to watch the movie "Miracle" last night, thinking to myself that as a fan of hockey in general, I would like it. As the overly long movie crept along I found myself thinking of the opening montage, and almagam of video clips and still celluloid images of turbulent times for the United States. The spectrum crossed over twenty years of time, covered assasinations, presidents, national lies, plummeting fuel prices, and the general uneasiness of a time that is not far from our conscious. Somewhere in the movie the talk began of how a game against the Soviets was more than a simple game, implying, perhaps, an heir of the spirit of a country in harrowing times, a country two hundred years old, and yet still searching for an identity that escaped the grasp when Manifest Destiny was put on hiatus when the Pacific Ocean got too deep.
How could one not begin to think on the comparisons to our own time, our own world, again, not far removed from such a time. Today we face many images, daily, even hourly, which haunt our imaginations, our psyches, our very core. Today we are bombarded with such images, and yet haunted even more by our continuing wind grasping toward Manifest Destiny.
It struck me as quite odd as I watched the political leanings of big business Disney comment on the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union, how it was troublesome to watch a country, perhaps one that we did not understand, nor like very much, for that matter, begin to impose its will upon another. It is easy to toss stones, to crucify, and to agree to revisionist historical account that frequently is a small fact mixed with a lot of opinion (certainly history is not a hard science!), and as I watched another movie villify an other (see: Red Dawn, Rocky IV, etc.), I begain to wonder why anyone would even question the vantage point of another, from another place, with another understanding, when they would query as to what business the U.S. has in Iraq. Does not at least a percentage of the population believe that we are in the right, just as perhaps a percentage of the population of the USSR believed that they were right? Or is it just easier to villify an other as a godless communist or a fundamentalist believer in a God of one form or another? Could it simply be that social darwinism, a term for something that has stood long before Darwin came along, is part of who we are as humanity? Survival of the fittest, self-preservation, whatever it takes to continue on as who we are...because anything else scares the crap out of us. We are scared of the "other."
So we believe we are right, because of our soil, because of our social security, because we believe in an ideology that has long been either a myth or that has fallen by the wayside.
Do you believe in Miracles?
DON'T DRILL ANWR!
How could one not begin to think on the comparisons to our own time, our own world, again, not far removed from such a time. Today we face many images, daily, even hourly, which haunt our imaginations, our psyches, our very core. Today we are bombarded with such images, and yet haunted even more by our continuing wind grasping toward Manifest Destiny.
It struck me as quite odd as I watched the political leanings of big business Disney comment on the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union, how it was troublesome to watch a country, perhaps one that we did not understand, nor like very much, for that matter, begin to impose its will upon another. It is easy to toss stones, to crucify, and to agree to revisionist historical account that frequently is a small fact mixed with a lot of opinion (certainly history is not a hard science!), and as I watched another movie villify an other (see: Red Dawn, Rocky IV, etc.), I begain to wonder why anyone would even question the vantage point of another, from another place, with another understanding, when they would query as to what business the U.S. has in Iraq. Does not at least a percentage of the population believe that we are in the right, just as perhaps a percentage of the population of the USSR believed that they were right? Or is it just easier to villify an other as a godless communist or a fundamentalist believer in a God of one form or another? Could it simply be that social darwinism, a term for something that has stood long before Darwin came along, is part of who we are as humanity? Survival of the fittest, self-preservation, whatever it takes to continue on as who we are...because anything else scares the crap out of us. We are scared of the "other."
So we believe we are right, because of our soil, because of our social security, because we believe in an ideology that has long been either a myth or that has fallen by the wayside.
Do you believe in Miracles?
DON'T DRILL ANWR!
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Meet our Children!
I am not sure where everyone is as far as their understanding of where we are or what we are doing. I will try to summarize here for all to read.
In August 2005, I came home from work stating that I was ready to pursue adoption. This was something that Janine and I had long talked about, but something that she was being patient about, waiting for my "go-ahead" to initiate the pursuit of our children. Immediately she jumped at the opportunity and we began our journey of finding our children.
We talked about how we would go about the process, and both of us felt the tug of God to adopt outside of the United States, with a particular fondness for the Spanish speaking nations. After investigating our options, it seemed quite clear to us that Colombia was where God wanted us, and where our children were. So the long process of paperwork, classes, and waiting began.
After much waiting, some frustration with time, and a lot of work (Janine, being very focused and very organized deserves all the credit), we finally were approved in November and received our referral shortly before Christmas. Lo and behold, God saw it fit to provide us with three children: twin boys (2 yrs. 3 mths.) and an eight year old girl! How excited we are! To be honest, the excitement comes in waves, and hits us at different times and in different ways, but make no mistake, we are both ecstatic about our children!
So on January 27 we will be leaving SLC for Bogota, Colombia, and then on to Bucaramanga to pick up Shirley Johana, Andres Leonardo, and Juan David...our children. We will most likely be in Colombia for four weeks, a time in which we will spend with the children, building our relationships, bonding, and having what promises to be the time of our lives. They are beautiful children, and I am very excited, nervous, happy, joyous, scared, overwhelmed, and filled with a love inside me that is overflowing.
It is a beautiful thing, to be able to be a part of this, and I want this to be part of the way in which I share it with you all. We will be needing your prayers as we adjust to being new parents of three children, and we hope that you know that your friendships and love are things that are immeasurable in our lives.
Thank you all, and may God bless you.
In August 2005, I came home from work stating that I was ready to pursue adoption. This was something that Janine and I had long talked about, but something that she was being patient about, waiting for my "go-ahead" to initiate the pursuit of our children. Immediately she jumped at the opportunity and we began our journey of finding our children.
We talked about how we would go about the process, and both of us felt the tug of God to adopt outside of the United States, with a particular fondness for the Spanish speaking nations. After investigating our options, it seemed quite clear to us that Colombia was where God wanted us, and where our children were. So the long process of paperwork, classes, and waiting began.
After much waiting, some frustration with time, and a lot of work (Janine, being very focused and very organized deserves all the credit), we finally were approved in November and received our referral shortly before Christmas. Lo and behold, God saw it fit to provide us with three children: twin boys (2 yrs. 3 mths.) and an eight year old girl! How excited we are! To be honest, the excitement comes in waves, and hits us at different times and in different ways, but make no mistake, we are both ecstatic about our children!
So on January 27 we will be leaving SLC for Bogota, Colombia, and then on to Bucaramanga to pick up Shirley Johana, Andres Leonardo, and Juan David...our children. We will most likely be in Colombia for four weeks, a time in which we will spend with the children, building our relationships, bonding, and having what promises to be the time of our lives. They are beautiful children, and I am very excited, nervous, happy, joyous, scared, overwhelmed, and filled with a love inside me that is overflowing.
It is a beautiful thing, to be able to be a part of this, and I want this to be part of the way in which I share it with you all. We will be needing your prayers as we adjust to being new parents of three children, and we hope that you know that your friendships and love are things that are immeasurable in our lives.
Thank you all, and may God bless you.
Beginning
So I guess this is the beginning, at least according to the title above, so it must be a good place to start.
I am not sure, exactly, what I will be chronicling here; many ideas come to mind, many thoughts have passed, and perhaps some of them will be recycled, but in my opinion there is nothing wrong with recycling. Maybe this is just a way to voice thoughts, experiences, happenings in the world of the Shinns of Midvale. Maybe it is just a megaphone, a soapbox of sorts, a place to ramble, hopefully coherently, about whatever crosses my mind. I do hope that you enjoy it, though, that it is something that is not a waste of time, but rather something that is thought-provoking, brain-churning, endearing, entertaining, and informative. We'll see, I guess.
In the meantime, welcome...to Fanta Island (now where is Tattoo anyway...)
I am not sure, exactly, what I will be chronicling here; many ideas come to mind, many thoughts have passed, and perhaps some of them will be recycled, but in my opinion there is nothing wrong with recycling. Maybe this is just a way to voice thoughts, experiences, happenings in the world of the Shinns of Midvale. Maybe it is just a megaphone, a soapbox of sorts, a place to ramble, hopefully coherently, about whatever crosses my mind. I do hope that you enjoy it, though, that it is something that is not a waste of time, but rather something that is thought-provoking, brain-churning, endearing, entertaining, and informative. We'll see, I guess.
In the meantime, welcome...to Fanta Island (now where is Tattoo anyway...)
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