A Day Away...

Fresh from the mountain.......

I have observed an interesting phenomena, when one is feeling overwhelmed with work it is very relaxing to spend a day not worrying about all the things that need to be done. This is especially effective when you promise yourself that you are truly going to take a rest, and not make a list of those important items that should be getting done while you are resting. I have come back from such a day with a rejuvenated work ethic, and I am hoping this feeling will last until at least 6am tomorrow morning so that I can rouse myself from my very warm and comfortable bed.

Today we went to see an "abridged" version of The Secret Garden musical. Even though I am not technically in our homeshool group, since I am now in college, there still arise times when I am able to go on a field trip and call myself a chaperone. (Don't you need at least a 1-3 ratio of kids to adults at a homeschooling event?) Today was one of those days where the mountain of work that I mentioned previously was almost completed; however, as is common, a new one had taken its place and I was feeling like I would not be able to attend the play. When I told my mom last night she said I should do what I felt was best, but encouraged me to go and relax for a day. It was exactly what I needed. (I love my mom, she knows me better then I know myself!!!)

Afterwards everybody went to McDonald's to grab a bite to eat. My family has never been a big fan of McD's, but everyone else was going so we made a compromise in the interest of fellowship. All the younger kids ate there, and I went to BajaFresh and Jack In The Box to satisfy the older members of the family. Does anyone else feel guilty combining food from multiple fast food restaurants under a single roof? I always feel like there going to throw me out as an infidel or a spy!

After quadrupling the time I ever spent in a McDonalds we did the weekly shopping, which with eleven of us is more like an expedition then a quick snatch and grab. I see the people with the huge carts, and only one or two items in them; three apples and a lonely loaf of bread at a time. We are lugging two carts around, trying to balance the eight cornflake boxes on a already mounded cart of frozen veggies, bread and canned goods. The funny thing is the checkers all know us, and their eyes have even stopped bugging out when we get in line. At least we stand out, it gives us the ability to establish a relationship where others just get lost in the crowd of ten-item-or-less shoppers. Look for those opportunites to stand out, they can be ministry opportunities in the making.

I finished my Alcott book, and I loved it as usual. Started "Quo Vadis" by Henryk Sienkiewicz (I like my name.). So far it is a good book, though in the traditional Eastern Europe writing manner they throw lots of names at you, and expect you to keep them straight. Have you ever read "War and Peace"? It helps if you keep a list of all the different characters with their full names, familiar names, nicknames, and abbreviated names!!!!

Well, 6am comes early, and I have lots to do tomorrow. (I know, those of you strange people that get up at 4am think I am sleeping in!)

Deus Primus!

Benjamin