Well I said

there'd be more to come, but alas, I've lost the energy for it. Much of what occurred is really of no interest to anyone here an I've just filed everything into the heart and soul and will keep it safely tucked. Another couple is leaving Thursday to visit the orphanage and do some painting. I wish I were with them, but the old budget prevents that adventure for the time being.

So, on to other things that bend the mind. This Saturday was a day to tuck into "me" for later savoring. All the children were here with their spouses and children for the "Wedding Supper" of the eldest. Missy was married in October ~ just she and her sweetie ~ so we put off the celebration in Virginia for a later, more convenient time. The weather was stupendous and it was wonderful to watch my boys sparring one another to jump off the porch or race or do all the other silly little competitive things they were unable to do as children. (Justin was 9 years Rex's senior, so competition was a bit one sided.) The new son-in-law attempted to make his place by getting into the competition. Rather than finding his "spot", his wife stopped the fun over his grass-stained jeans. Forgive me for laughing, but it was too funny. It was so good to see Jake wanting to set his place in the family. Artie made his mark long ago, so sat in the house with the "girls" and stayed out of "trouble", or was it "stayed out of the fun"? The husband and I sat on the swing and laughed at the antics. Luke, at 7, wanted so bad to be a part, but realized soon enough it wasn't worth a broken leg... or was it his father that took note of that danger? So he, Blake and Jacob took turns running around the lawn and played until they were hot, sweating and just a bit tired. Of course, the little boys wanted their time on the farm, so I took them out to love on the goats and for Jacob to chase the chickens. What IS IT about that boy and the chickens? It was a wonderful time and no one really cared about the manure ridden shoes. After all, to come to Mee-Mee and Poppies is to visit "tha fawm". All too soon it was time to wash up, clean up and head to the church for the Supper. Why did we think it had to be an "event"? A cook out at home would have been all the more wonderful and the clean up would've been optional. But, with our wonderful caterer the food was scruptious. Appetizers were meatballs, which everyone loved. The pictures of Luke piling them into his mouth are comical and will make for a few laughs as we look at them. Also was a plate of cheese and crackers and, scallops wrapped in bacon. Yummy! Who needed the sit down meal after that? Chicken and ham with scalloped potatoes, greenbeans, pasta salad and bread with a cheese cake buffet to end it all? We were all stuffed. But that didn't stop the brother competition. Pictures exist of races up and down the fellowship hall with laughter abounding. What craziness? But, the smiles on my own face tell the tale well enough. It was a full day.

But, it didn't end there. While the children went "out", the grand parents and grand children went home and went for another walk and playtime at the house. The wind got up and colder air descended, so the evening walk was cut short. How those boys love to run, run and run through the fields with those precious goats following them. It's so much fun to watch and makes me feel young again. I sure do wish they were all closer, so we could do this more often than once or twice a year!!!!!!!!!!!!! Poor Blake was so tired he just wanted to go to bed, but his father didn't want to stay over , so we had to explain he was going home instead. That brought some "nos" and "tears" and other outbursts, but when his momma and daddy came in, he was almost ready to go ~ though he put it off as long as possible. Jacob stayed the night, so he was able to crash, thoughbeit, not too early. His mom and dad came back here early and visited with us a bit. Missy and Jake saved that for Sunday when the went to church and had lunch with their daddy and younger bro and sis-in-law. I, on the other hand, had "business" to take care of, so missed my own church service and lunch with the children. Sometimes that happens, much to my sorrow.

So, I'd love to say this'll happen again soon, but history says it won't really. Who knows when? I'd love for all the children to come home for a long weekend all together over a holiday weekend, like Memorial Day or the like. Some time when the temps are warm and the grass is green. It'd be so much fun for the children and... so much fun for the mom... But, one can dream, can't one?

Until next time...

The continued saga

Clinic number one was a long day. 8am to 9 pm. at the Church in LeJeune. Being our first one we only treated 140 people. There was much sickness, but it was a wonderful and blessed day. Alex, petite mwen, seems to be having the time of her life giving out suret (candy) to the children. She is definately the center of attention. Her attitude is phenominal for a sixteen year old woman. We sent one man to the hospital with what appeared to be appendicitis. We found out later, it was not, but he still had some sort of surgery. It cost us $575 US for them to even look at him. Over the week it was notable the number of stitches (most infected) that we removed. Folks will go for surgery, but have no money for followup. That evening the Pastor asked to speak with me privately. He explained that his wife had worked with organizing a sewing circle to help the women have a vocation. Since his wife had gone home to be with the Lord he asked if I would be a member of the circle to encourage the ladies in their work here and help distribute their embroidery. I told him it was an honor to be asked and I would work on keeping the group encouraged. All said through tears :)

Tuesday at 4 a.m. the dogs were barking and the roosters crowing. Roosters crow every hour there, rather than in the morning like here. Makes the betrayal of Peter and the three crowing roosters even more real. Being in Haiti is like being on another planet. Everything is at a slower pace and much more "real" than here. No fakery there. There is a true and apparent fear and respect for the Lord. Anyway, Diane and I went out to the potty at 4. Coming back across the yard we heard a piano and hymns being sung. (At least we knew the tunes.) We knew then we were protected from all harm, even in this foreign place. As I looked up the stars seemed so very close. I don't know if it's because we were near the equator, or because it was so dark, but the stars seemed close enough to touch. It was an amazing sight.

The 2nd clinic resulted in over 125 being treated. But this time the patients were, by and large, not Christians. You could easily tell that from their attitudes. Greetings were less enthusiastic and they seemed, well, numb when you looked at them. The weather was a bit more humid, so my feet started swelling. Our "boys" were with us, of course. Renel was our interpreter, Bonne is Pastor Geordany's adopted son, Delion was our other helper with blood pressures. My ears started getting sore from taking all the blood pressures. WE stopped at 2:40 to eat. Wonderful kabrit with our rice and beans. Kabrit is goat. It was very good, even though the poor thing had been petted by me before its demise. The food was very, very good. Rain started in the afternoon, so as it progressed and night fell, we took our soap and took a good shower under the spout (thoughbeit with our clothes on). It was wonderful. Church was canceled due to the rain, so we sat and played zilch and spoons.


Wednesday morning we had "stew" for breakfast. Didn't appeal to me, with all honesty. Because of the rain the roads were impassable for us, so we had another clinic there at the church. We saw more cancers, MS, broken limbs, etc. Lunch again was very good with rice and beans. Today I read the creole bible often with Renel. We talked alot about certain scriptures and he read my english bible. That evening we had the Ladies meeting and their "show". Beautiful items on display. Ivonne had embroidered a dress and Bonne had made these lovely cross necklaces.

On a side note. Each day our team met for Bible study before breakfast. It was on finding contentment. Each lesson seemed to speak to us directly for the day. I had picked up the study at the bookstore before I left and it was amazing how well it suited our situation on the Island.

More to come, later.

Finding a home in Haiti

I have heard already, dear readers, that you want to know the "rest of the story" concerning our trip to Haiti. I am not sure that words can do justice to what transpired in that mystical place. My youngest is sick to death of hearing about it, as, I suspect, his wife, as it pretty much fills my mind totally. Nothing else seems to matter or be of interest right now. Yet, I find it hard to "translate" the trip. Bondye (God) was there every step of the way, without a doubt and His son, Jesu, gave us much comfort in our travels. The prayers of the saints most definately kept us safe. So, I will try to tell some, but never all, as remembrances surface almost hourly.

First, I adopted three new sons in LeJeune. Rener, 22, Yves 20, Bonne 19. All were in tears when we left, as were we. All but Yves has finished the secondary part of their education and are ready to study abroad... (Any takers, JMU, BC or EMU?) Yves has five more classes, but lacks the funding. He has money for two now, (thank you Sisters) and I expect to have funding for the other three before it is needed.

The trip to the island from Dulles was relatively uneventful, except for a paper handed to us to let us know that Port au Prince had some serious security problems and a confiscation of my little jar of peanut butter. Just "another flight" until we walked down the steps of the plane at Port au Prince onto boiling hot tarmac and the sounds of music drifting from the doors. No "security" there, just men dying to carry your luggage for a buck. We stood in line to receive our visas, but there was nothing to it. But, then... but THEN!!! A man comes up to Henry, "you the boss"? How many, how many?" Henry counted us out while the man whispered in Henry's ear and he slipped him a bill. Off we go running bent for leather. What about customs? What about luggage checks? You mean I hid those gloves and thermometer for NOTHING? Again the heat hit us like a wave and we found our selves in the midst of Christian men from Brother Lionel's church. Our luggage took off and so did we as we walked "trotted" to the trucks and a "short bus". Off we go into the streets of Port au Prince. No one drives on the right or left sides exclusively... people pass and run and well, it's chaos. The "taxis" are busses or pickups loaded with people and painted with bright, bright colors and scripture references. "Signs" for Christ are everywhere!!! Horns blow to keep from being hit and scooters flash in and out among the traffic. Finally a traffic light. Only one the city. Henry informed us it wasn't there last time. Within a relatively short time we find ourselves at the "elegant" Visa Lodge. At least it has a computer, albeit old and the keys stick, where I can send off an email to family to let them know we made it. Did I say elegant? The pool is there, but it's empty. The rooms have ummmm, well no hot water and lots of mosquitos. Through a series of events, Henry and I end up in separate rooms. I guess we needed to get used to it. For supper we are given a menu. I order a club sandwich. Uhhh, as hungry as I was, I could not eat it. It had a fried egg on it and what looked like ham, but I wasn't sure. I just ate a banana and toast with a good, sugar laden coke. The cokes taste like "old time cokes" and they were wonderful. 20 oz size too. Bananas are known as "Figs" there and "bananas" are actually the tasteless plaintain. Our room for one night was $90. US. Ridiculous, but we cannot expect more, I suppose. After supper we went to the church that Henry helped to put a roof on 8 years ago. It was a wonderful service and we were treated like royalty. It was an excellent, excellent worship where people know the one true God. We were up early on Saturday and prepared to leave in separate vehicles. Us girls headed out on the short bus while the men headed out in pick up trucks. Little did we know what we were in for. As we headed out of the city and up the mountains on dirt roads, we had a potty break at a catholic mission. All that was there were children and they pointed to the outhouse with a giggle knowing we were americans. I mean we are white in a sea of black. All I can say is, "hand me toilet paper". There was a real reason why we each carried four rolls! Going was in a concrete hole. A good "baptism" of what was to come. After all of us "went" we continued up roads that would have had me terrified in the US, but there, my palms didn't even sweat. We went around mountain roads where you blew your horn around curves, lest some else was coming and barriers on the sides were non-existent. We went by the reservoir and dam that serves Port au Prince. It was beautiful, if you could get past the huge cliff that you were on the edge of.. Somewhere in the fourth or fifth hour we had a flat tire on the bus. (No surprise there, believe me!) Since there was no one close, we drove on into Hinche. Nice little town. Pastor Supreme is the pastor there and he graciously welcomed us as the tire was being fixed at the Alleluia Auto Parts. Children gathered round the bus in hopes of a $. But we'd learned early on (another story), do NOT give children candy or money. They multiply quickly. After two hours in the heat we were off again. By this time, breakfast sure seemed a long way away and a can of spam was opened. Now we all know that spam makes maybe five sandwiches, but that day we had big thick slices of spam for 13 people out of one can. God is good! I've never eaten spam in my 52 years, but that day it tasted like steak to me. (I guess it was about 5 p.m.). Comments about the roads resulted in "just wait, you haven't seen anything yet". How right that was. Just past the turn off for Pernal the roads deteriorated massively. Ruts and holes big enough to swallow the bus. We finally arrived at LeJeune about 8 p.m. and supper was on the table. Stew. It was good, but don't ask me what was in it. We were all bushed so were in bed relatively early. I should mention here that the further away from Port au Prince we got the more livestock we saw and fewer cars/trucks. Mostly donkeys, goats, pigs and oxen. Nearly everyone road donkeys with these huge grass saddles. A sight to behold. Our suite in LeJeune was a lovely room with four single cots. We had a big window and our own veranda and private bath. The private bath was a concrete tub with a table, wash basin and two buckets of water. Our toilet facilities were outside and obviously brand new. A sign was hung on the outhouse door that said, "for our guests". It was clean, it was nice!!! No complaints, believe me. The room was lovely and only had a few geckos and palmetto bugs to room with us. Just to the right of the outhouse a little goat was tied at a shelter. I went over and petted him and loved on him a bit. Sweet little thing.

Sunday dawned bright and early. I didn't notice that the sweet little goat wasn't at his place. But, then I had almost forgotten about him. Breakfast was good with the sweetest grapefruit juice you have ever tasted. The coffee was strong, though only luke warm. Good for the foggy brain, though. The worship service was lively and filled with joy. Each of us had to speak, of course, so that made the nerves all the more jumbled. At one point a little old lady began to dance her way to the front of the church. We just figured she was putting in her widow's mite, as others before her had done. She had a sing-song voice though and the pastor's went down to meet her. Pastor Preval came up to us and in a matter of fact voice said, "she's blind, but now can see". The rejoicing broke out shortly after it was announced to everyone. After services I went down to greet the woman and in a totally english dialect she said, "I was blind, but now I can see. Jesus healed me." While I was struck by her good english, I didn't think much about it. At lunch when I commented, both Pastor Geordany and Preval laughed and said, "she doesn't speak, nor understand a word of English". I know what I heard, so I'll let ya'll figure it out. The lady came to the clinic the next day, but not about her eyes. Lunch was great with peanut carrot salad, "banana fried" and a great meat. It was so good. It took me two days to realize what it was..... Animals in Haiti are for working or eating. No pets.

That evening we interacted with the dear saints. A 24 y.o woman named Katleen became my friend, though we did have a language barrier (I hope to eliminate for next time). She corn-row braided my hair. I was so excited. Little did I know that it would keep my scalp cool for the coming days. It was a highlight of the visits. Other evenings I studied scripture with our interpreters. I would read in Creole and they'd correct me and Rener would read in English and I would correct him. We had great evenings of fun, laughter and study. They are true Christians and hungry for a Word from the Lord. Each morning we were greeted with "Good Morning Sister" from Ivonne, who I also came to love. I have pieces of her needlework.

The clinics began on Monday resulting in long, hot days. This is enough for now. I'll continue the story later as time and energy allows.

Hope you enjoy the first installment.

Almost time

Well, everyone, the time is winding down to cruise on over to Dulles International and sail from there on down to the island of Haiti. Just ten more days and we'll be there for the following 14. It's hard to think that the months of planning have passed and it's now time to really go. Can it have been September when Pastor Preval and Geordany were here getting us psyched for the trip? Can it have been last summer that the fund raising began? Wow, time does fly! So the Hepatitis, tetnus, typhoid innoculations are behind us and in 48 hours we'll begin the quinine for prevention of malaria. I've sprayed my socks and mosquito netting with the poison that is supposed to keep the skeeters away, the bug-off hat and have purchased at least all I can afford of goodies to take along....blood pressure cuff and stethascope, latex gloves, disposable thermometers, medicine envelopes... all for the medical clinics along with antibiotics, pepto bismol, listerine and the like for me. Add to that jacks, jump robes, hackey sacks, yo-yos and crayons to the mix and we have little room for clothing and such personal items. I've learned to like beans and rice and have learned a few phrases in Creole to at least allow me to "feel" okay. I've got a small camera with lots of room for photos and all, I hope, that will make this trip a memorable one for many, many people. God has been really showing His power these last few days though! Let me share :) We received communication from the orphanage last week that they were desperately in need of $$ for food and an addition for the children. Henry and I sent out pleas to lots of folks we know all over the land. Just this morning, I learned that a French Class in Stafford County Virginia is having a package of medical supplies sent to us to take (thanks to my dear daughter in law Rebecca and "Ms. Michelle" at Mountainview. Just an hour or two later I learned we will be taking $2800. with us from a local church! Yesterday I learned of another donation was coming from a church far from here. The Lord heard our prayers and is providing for the needs of these folks in spite of a recession here!! We serve a great and awesome God!

So to you, dear readers, please continue your fervent prayers for us. The flu is very heavily saturated here and we are asking the Lord to protect our bodies from it and we are asking that we may be as Jesus to the people of Haiti and that we will have angels protection from harm and sickness while we are there. I hope you will join us and pray for us now, while we are gone and when we are returning. I know the enemy seeks to discourage and destroy us. Today, the weather for next week is looking very good! We'll be leaving "home" about 2 a.m. next Friday a.m. for our flight leaving at 6:30. So, also pray for good weather to greet us as we leave.

Until later...

Vain and Foolish Arguments

I am recently thinking heavily on several scriptures. The first is found in the second letter to Timothy in what we know as the second chapter. Throughout it, the Apostle Paul warns Timothy about word quarrels and foolish arguments. Paul tells Timothy to keep reminding them and warning them against quarreling about words. He says it will only ruin those who listen. Have nothing to do with foolish and stupid arguments as they only lead to quarrels. Lest we "quarrel" over translations, the "Authorized" version says, Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers; and, but foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

What constitutes a "foolish and stupid argument"? The answer to that question lies in the individual, I suppose. I listen to folks that are all puffed up with pride on what they base their arguments or the passion of their subject. I have for many years refused to engage the arguments for or against the "Authorized" translation of the holy scriptures we know as "The Bible" ~ The Book. Some say it has "declared homosexuals on the NIV translation team". Fact is, there was a woman who served on a committee, not at all involved with the translation, that was asked to resign once she came "out of the closet", so to say. There are those that declare that the newer translations "left Words of God out". Who is to say those sentences were not "put in"? I haven't a clue and if we were honest, no one else does either. The message is the same. Those who adhere to the camp (for lack of a better word), that all new translations are in error, should realize that the apocrypha was also included in the true "Authorized" version of King James 1. Under who's authority was that removed? Was that not "taking scripture away"? Haven't a clue. In Revelation 22:19, the "Authorized Version" reads "book of life" when in fact, the New Testament Latin used in the very translation was mis-translated. The phrase is "tree of life", not "book of Life". Even the NKJ corrected it, I believe. And for the die hard baptists, Matt. 3:11 says, "with water" in both the KJV and the NIV, yet the Greek can be translated as "in" or "with", so some translators used "in" and some "with". There is a difference to me, but evidently not to the language. Who is right here? I haven't a clue and am not going to get into foolish arguments about it. Rev. 1:11 has the phrase, I am the Alpha and the Omega in some transcripts, but not in others. Who is to say what was added or taken away. I don't know. I do know that Jesus is the first and the last. I also believe that the translators of the KJV were diligent and honest men, who did the best they could with that they had. Those men, those who worked with Wycliffe and those who worked on the Geneva translation all changed the face of the english speaking church. I have found that the men and women of God that do the translations, if they are Godly, will do the best they can and God will honor their work. 400 years or 50 makes little difference to me. The newest translation N.E.T. contains the translation notes and it's an excellent translation in my opinion. (www.bible.org) Our home contains versions of all types as well as a Greek NT. Our most recent addition was a Messianic Jewish translation, which is a very interesting addition to our library. It has been a good read, what I've read of it. Who better to give us a Christ view than a converted Hebrew?

Foolish arguments... tithe or not to tithe? Luke 11:42 I happen to believe that the New Testament does not relieve us of our obligation to tithe. On the contrary, it leads us to tithe and then add our gifts to the tithe and our love and obedience. Those who do not give their 10% + are not in obedience to God's word. There are those that feel just as strongly that they are not under the "bondage" of the tithe and that they can keep all their wages and do as they feel they should with them... giving to God's work or not. I'll not argue with them. Those are foolish arguments.

Thinking on a definition of a foolish argument over "words" while doing this, led me to this thought that I give to you, faithful reader: "Those who speak in a way that opposes or is contrary to Christ in you, your hope of glory, will violate the divine law of love though judgment, criticism, accusations and condemnation. Consider this, within the attempt to justify self or even worship the Father through self effort, is a deception, full of untruth and vanity. It distorts our focus and perverts the chosen way, leading to a way of speaking, and actions, that are not only an abomination to the LORD, it's futile and frivolous" Amen... and thank you Josef whoever you are :)

Til next time :)

A month already?

It's kind of hard to imagine that it's been almost a month since I've had something to "say" and I really still don't have much to say. It's the dead of winter and I'm dreaming of spring. In just four short weeks Henry and I, along with some others, will be heading to the island of Haiti. I've had all my shots, got my prescriptions, my mosquito repellent and net and all the "stuff" we're advised to bring. I'm as ready as I'll be, I reckon. At this point I'm just looking for that trip to be over, so I can plan for spring. Easter, planting, new chicks and kids and all things "new" on the farm. Not to be wishing my life away or anything, but spring is just well, a time of rebirth.

So, this week my oldest turned 34. He asked me if his turning 34 made me feel older. Funny, that question. When he turned 21 I thought I was old, but not now. Leastways I don't feel any older per se. I feel like I've been old a while. What's funny is watching him age. And I don't mean "ha ha" funny. I mean, weird funny. While babysitting his children on his birthday while they went to a Caps game, I think I called Blake and Luke Justin or Rex at least once. I look at them and see shades of their daddy or uncle. Now that's weird. Some of you know the book called, "Love You Forever". I think Rebecca gave me my copy. It's the most sappy book in the world, but, I can see it being a book that I'll think about more and more as I age ~ "I'll love you forever and forever my baby you'll be", or something like that.

Another "highlight" of my week. HA! Doing a duty that has left me with some real deep thoughts these last days. Wondering why there has to be power struggles in churches. Now this particular time it doesn't have to do with "my" church, but with another. Nevertheless, no church is immune to power stuff. Someone hurts another's feelings or someone feels their "place" is threatened and like children who grabbed a toy, they seek revenge or spread gossip, or just harbor ill will. The devil claps his hands in glee. And Christians fall like dominoes and all that's left is a husk. The Spirit is just gone. Who needs reason or The Spirit when we can have power? And lest you think for one minute it doesn't happen in small churches, or home churches or whatever churches... It does... You ain't looking.

Another highlight? A young woman with a cervical pregnancy having to take chemo to shrink the deceased child. Or a very young mother to be learning her soon to be born child may have a serious birth defect? How bout another mother who was just turned in to social services because her 8 month old baby weighs in at 10 pounds? That's my world and some have said I have too much drama. Deliver me from drama. But pray for these folks and many more unmentioned. You might give a prayer of thanks if you aren't burdened with this kind of drama, but a "shepherdess by default" always has drama, I guess.

But the good stuff. Three baptisms today. How teary I get when those folks who I know are sincere, are dunked under that water into the death of Christ to arise as whole, new creatures. Today it was a young woman, 16, (Our Alex aka Zannie), a young man approaching 30 and an older man. The celebration afterwards with a meal was so special. Baptism, when it's real and honest, is a wonderful thing to behold.

I received some good tea from Strand this week along with a Tiger tea caddy that will be perfect to be able to have some good tea while in Haiti. I have five or six small samples of goodies to try and I can't wait to try them all. At the moment I'm a bit stuck on their Princeton Blend which is a wonderful Ceylon blended with lemon and orange zest. It's simply lovely. If you are unaware of them, just check out www.strandtea.com.

Well, the wind is getting up outside and it's pushing 11 pm. Busy day tomorrow with school work with Zan and the husband going for his knee shot.

Until next time, I leave you with a quote from Patrick Henry that great Virginian and champion of liberty, "the liberties of a people were, nor ever will be secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them."

2008 New Year or Same 'Ol, Same 'Ol?

New Year 2008! Old man 2007 is gone (and I am glad), but here we go into 2008... an election year.. . So, Julie asked for a new year blog, she may regret asking.

As I have said before, my mother was an immigrant (legal one, thank you). She loved America and worked diligently in the political system ~ always voting, worked at the polls, etc. The only time she ran into trouble was on July 12 of each year, she ran the Union Jack above the American flag because it was "Orangeman's Day". I'll let you look that up. Anyway, she was reprimanded and sometimes ticketed each year for putting another country flag over her native one. That IS illegal. Did you know that? Probably not, because they don't enforce that law anymore. Too many other laws to take their attention. But, this was during the Cold War and post WWII, so things were a bit different back then.

Anyway, when I turned 18 I registered to vote. And voted for a number of years and even worked the polls a time or two. But, over time, I, like many others, became disillusioned and apathetic over the status quo. I turned to my faith, which says to "pray for your leaders" and, so, spent about 15 years, (give or take a few), not voting and just praying. Nothing changed in the system, but while I stayed "informed", I saw nothing much different between the two parties... really. But I could say, "I didn't vote for 'em." I remember the Carter years well. Man, did we make some interest in our savings. Inflation was rampant, but you didn't hear ANYTHING about lowering interest rates or other artificial ways of slowing the inevitable. The free market played out, we had an election and things slowed down a bit. But the reality is, our salaries then bought ALOT more than the same money does today. Status quo - changes come that you don't see. They're hidden. The more things change, the more they stay the same. I well remember the joy of the Berlin wall coming down and a variety of other world wide "wonders" coming forth. But, here... well... nothing much changed.

Then came September 11, 2001. I remember where I was and what I was doing. I was on I68 in Western Maryland on my way to my part time job and Justin called the cell. While you may not notice it, alot changed then. A short time later Henry and I saw a blinking road sign on that Interstate. It said, "Police may request identification at any time", or something to that effect. I remember a sick kind of feeling. Because having to give over ID when arbitrarily asked, is not the American way, really. There were/are many times I'm in the car with the husband and I have no ID with me. Being anonymous is not illegal here. Or is it? Like I said, alot changed that day ~ much more than most people realize. Don't forget, we added a whole new level of government ~ Homeland Security. Another country once used the word "Homeland" to get their people excited. Again, you look it up if you are interested. 9 years before that there was another questionable action, but I won't talk about that... too much radical thinking isn't good. One might think me a conspiracy theorist... I'm not.. Just ecclesiastical.

But, here I sit in January, 2008. Where are we now? Well, gas has gone up about another 20 cents a gallon in the last few days. Fuel oil is over the $3.00 mark. The dollar is worth less than ever. (And, folks, since it's based on nothing... it's only worth what the market will bear.. can you say "Amero") Our reputation, as a country, is no better and the war in Iraq wages while we meddle in the affairs of Pakistan in light of the Bhutto assassination. Our schools aren't any better and we just keep throwing money at the situation. Medical costs are soaring and we just received our yearly increase for Medical Insurance... 19% this year.

I AM registered to vote now and I plan on it.. on one condition. This condition is such that my oldest son thinks I'm crazy, but he's not paying attention. Rather than looking at his wallet or other opinions, he needs to be looking at the facts. I love you son.

The condition. Well, if Dr. Ron Paul is on the ballot, I will vote. If he is not, I won't. It'll just be the same 'ol, same 'ol. Dr. Paul has some ideas as to how this country got into this mess and how we can work our way out ~ you know... kind of like "united". He is against "war" unless it is declared by the Congress. What a "novel" idea... I mean, it's only in the Constitution, after all. He believes the U.S. Government has gotten too big... and he is too, too right. He's known on Capitol Hill as "Dr. No". Bout time somebody said, "no", to spending my money. And don't forget, lest you think he'll go massive radical.. Congress has to approve his moves or lack thereof. There's alot of false info floating around about him.. Fox News is treating him like a "red-headed step-child" (to coin a phrase) and his views have been unfairly ridiculed and misquoted over and over. If you are interested in a fair handed interview... here's one
See Part 1 at youtube.com/watch?v=ceoCx_wTDUg

See Part 2 at youtube.com/watch?v=87zLW04zee8

If you are only interested in the status quo, well, never mind. You won't listen anyway. I told our most recent son-in-law, that I believe those who vote should have to pass a test to be sure that they are well enough informed to vote. Too many vote with something rather than their brains. Everyone likes "free stuff" from the government, right? But, we have forgotten WHO PAYS for it. Everything we touch is taxed to help pay for government stuff. Gas tax to pay for the highways.. Seen any pot holes lately? Of course you have. Social Security to "secure the elderly". That plan is filled with IOU's from those who require us to pay it. 15% of every dime Husband makes is sent to Uncle Sam for the Social Security his wife will probably never collect.

Manufacturing jobs are becoming non-existent. The illegals are being hired where they do exist, so they don't have to pay a living wage or living benefits. (Boycott Marshalls and chicken factories.) Nanny government is trying to legislate what kind of LIGHT BULBS you use, for God's sake. This will result in a lighting plant that my husband used to work in, to close, because it costs to much to change from incandescent. What RIGHT does the government have to tell me how to light my house? Why should I have to pay $3 for a bulb instead of $.50?

Ethanol. Studies show that more fossil energy is used to produce ethanol than the energy contained within it and in many cases, it effects mpg to the negative. Ethanol... made from food. Food for animals and food for people. Ironic, yes? So, the price of ALL food went up when Archer Daniels bought the corn. High fructose Corn Syrup? Now sugar is cheaper, but do see things going back to sugar? And who's paying? You are... in more ways than one... Can you say "Government subsidies"? Anyway, I could ramble on and on, but won't. You are either interested, or not and ... to my chagrin, most are not.

So, 2008 will bring about a new President. I figure it won't be Dr. Paul because the majority of people are lemmings. But, this year, on February 12... Abe Lincoln's birthday, I have an opportunity that I haven't had in some time. And that opportunity is to vote for a man of integrity; a man that has shown his stand by a past voting record; a man that has stood fast and not wavered; and a man who doesn't care about the status quo and a pro-life Christian to boot. Dr. Paul... Godspeed! May America get a gut and vote for you! (but they won't...)

Happy New Year?