Well, I went to the Optical Surgeon today because I have been having trouble seeing unless I am looking straight ahead.  I thought it was my glasses, but the doctor said I need to have eye surgery to correct the problem.  This is what they are going to do:  They cut a slit in the side of my eyeball and inject a solution that turns the lens (which usually has the consistency of jello) into a liquid and then they can remove it.   Then they insert a permanent plastic lens through the slit.   Of course I assumed they knock me out for this surgery, but NOOOOO, all they give you a sedative.   A lot of good that’s going to do!  Man, I can hardly wait for this wonderful experience.  This is all hapening on October 12th, next Friday.    I wanted to get it done before I go to Equador to see Andrea.   It would be a bummer if I couldn’t see all the wonderful things she’s got planned for me. 

 A funny thing happened at the Optical Surgeon’s office.  Have you ever had your pupils dilated?  Those of you who have had it done know it’s no picnic.  They put a series of drops in your eyes including this yellow sticky gunk.   Then you put your chin in this “chin holder” (is the best I can describe it),  At this point your pupils are so dilated that the smallest amount of light is painful.  Anyway, with your chin in this stirrup the nurse shines this bright light into each eye.  Naturally, you body had an involuntary response and you try to close your eye or move your head away.  At this point the “male” nurse starts to get an attitude with me and says:  “Mr. Britton, do I need to strap your head to the chin support to keep you still?  We normally just use that for children.” Now if you’ve ever been in this position you know that this nurse is literally sitting on a stool with his legs spread, very close in front of me so he can look on the insdie of my eyeball.   I had one of those out of body experiences where I thought wouldn’t it be funny if I kicked him right at that moment?  I could say it was an involuntary thing OR  “At least I didn’t move my head or blink my eye!”    Thankfully, I didn’t act on the impulse, but I was sorely tempted.

 I am officially now on Sabbatical till the end of October.  The first part of my sabbatical I am going to do research for a new “recovery ministry” that we are starting at CLA.   I’ve already begun the research, but this first part of my sabbatical will give me ample time to present our church with a well researched program to meet the growing needs for people in recovery from alcohol, drugs, and sexual addiction.  We also hope to start a smoking cessation group as well.   This is a huge undertaking in our church, but long overdue given the size of CLA.   Beginning November 1st we will start with one or two groups for men struggling with sexual addiction.   The program will grow from there.