I was reading in the paper today about Mr. Bonds and his somewhat arrogant approach to those who don’t like the fact (not proven of course) that he cheated, using steroids to improve his overall performance.  His defense seems to be that steroids do not enhance eye/hand coordination or skill.  Hmm, an interesting comment that one would probably not make if one wanted the public to believe he’s innocent.  All I could think of when I was reading the article was James Bond and his arrogance in the face of virtue.  James Bond (the fictional character) believes that the ends justifies the means.  Barry comes across that way himself.  Here’s the botton line for me, regardless of whether or not he is guilty:  I would prefer that people get a better role model than Bonds.  I mean cmon folks;  can’t we do better than this?  Can’t we find someone to honor and hold up as awesome than some overpaid “professional” athlete who may or may not have been aided a little bit with drugs?   I say leave the man alone with his records and money and put your interest in someone else.  May I suggest someone?  Recently a friend turned me on to a hero that I had forgotten about for years.   His name is Jim Elliot.  You should read his journals or books he’s written.  You want adventure ? You want to see broken records ?  You want to be impressed?   Check this guy out.   As far as Bonds goes; I put him in the same category as Professional Wrestling:  Sure he’s fun to watch, but  … _____________ (you fill in the blank)

So, who are your heros?   I would really like to know.

I hate being home alone.  Dana and Lindsay get home soon.  I’ll have someone to talk to.  Hey have you checked out Andrea’s blog and photos?   Also, Lindsay’s photos of California are so funny.  I laughed out loud and I’m alone – remember?    Tonight I went over to the nursing home where my Mother-in-law lives and we had pizza and played scrabble.  It was the first time ever that I was able to beat her at scrabble – in case you don’t know, she’s like the “scrabble queen” or something.  We laughed and had a great time. 

I am on vacation this week and I’ve decided to just work around the house and get some things done that my wife has been after me to do for months.  Fixing things is my love language, so it pleases me and relaxes me to do that. 

 Hey, keep in touch.

P. Tom

I feel distracted.  I’m distracted from God’s perspective on my life and I need to get my focus back.  When I was in Trinidad my focus was great.   I liked that feeling so I’m going to try to remove the destractions for a little while and see if I can hear from God.  I like doing this from time to time because I believe God does his best work in me when I’m quiet and then I can hear His still, quiet voice speaking dreams into my life.   How long has it been since you’ve heard God speaking dreams into your life?  Hey, why not hitch your quiet time to God’s voice and go for a ride.  You’ll be glad you did – I guarantee it .   I’m going to go for a ride – do you want to go?

This was one of those days where I was feeling nostalgic.  With Andrea leaving,   Tony soon finishing here at CLA and Chet also leaving soon I was starting to feel sorry for myself.   Then I went to Andrea’s Blog and saw her happy face and it made me feel better.  Lindsay is also soon leaving for California and Dana is going to Maine so it’s going to be lonely around the house.   I have decided to find something productive to do with my time alone.   I will tell you about it if it works out.  

We just got a call from Andrea in Quito.  She arrived safely and is already connecting with other students in the Study Abroad Program.  She is in a Dorm at San Francisco Univerity for a week of Orientation before she’s placed with her Host Family.  She sounded great – of course.  This has been a day of emotion for our family.  We got up at 3 am today to take Andrea to Reagan airport in DC.   The line was long and we actually just made it to the security checkpoint in time for her to get her flight.  So everything was rushed and we didn’t get the quiet family time we expected prior to her getting on the plane.  We had to say our tearful goodbyes in front of many strangers.  I felt cheated, but I rest in the fact that God will take care of her and that whatever was not said verbally is known in all our hearts. 

 Blessings,

P. Tom

We leave at 4 AM.  Of course I’m not in bed yet – haven’t quite had time to sleep.  This has been the craziest day!

I had a bit of a scary moment while packing today.  My stuff woudln’t all fit in my suitcases.  I’ve decided to be lame and pay the extra 25 bucks per suitcase to squeeze 20 more pounds in each.  I’d rather pay extra and feel like I have everything I’ll need.  I wanted to try and stay within the 50 lb rule but it just didn’t happen. 

I really hope I don’t get robbed in Ecuador.  Please pray for me about this – I tend to be kind of spacey with that stuff – i.e., I leave my purse unattended, leave doors unlocked, you get the idea.  My one friend Alicia who went 2 years ago had to deal with political riots, being robbed at gunpoint, being robbed again by someone slicing her hand when she pulled out her wallet, and her ship sunk in the galapagos.  I’ve had other friends go and have no problems, but Quito isn’t exactly the safest place in the world.  Especially compared to quaint little Grantham where the biggest offense is probably getting a parking ticket.  I did get three of those this year…won’t be missing that lovely aspect of Messiah College.

Tonight my mom made all of my favorite foods in one meal.  Her mandarin almond salad, kabobs, mashed potatoes, turnips, and spinach.  Might not sound appealing to you but I had some strange cravings.  Imagine what I’ll be like when I’m pregnant.  Don’t worry that won’t be anytime soon! aah haha.  Sitting down with my family for our last dinner together was pretty sad.  That’s always been the best Britton time.  I will NEVER forget the night this past year when my mom, yes Dana Britton, started a food fight.  She just picked up some penne pasta out of nowhere and threw it at my dad and I.  It got a little out of hand…but these are the times I look back on and think, man, I feel so bad for people who don’t have a family as awesome as mine.  I love that we eat meals together and pray together.  The “last supper” was a little teary.  So many lasts!

Tonight we had a pretty bad situation right after dinner, though.  My grandma’s heart went haywire all of a sudden and she was rushed off to the ER.  It was a pretty bad scene.  They had to shock her and everything.  She’s my last living grandparent and she’s been a big part of my life.  I hope that she pulls through this because she’s not doing so well.  The timing is very difficult, especially since it was just a few hours before I leave and it’s been hard for my mom to help me get ready and be with her mom at the same time.  Keep her in your prayers please! 

This is my last entry before I head off tomorrow morning.  I have a lot of flights and everything tomorrow but at this time tomorrow night I’ll be in Quito!  I’m not sure how long it will be until I get to a computer after I land, so the blog entries may be sparse for a while.  It’ll be like freshman year all over again tomorrow but I’m ready for the adventure!  God’s got some great things in store!!!!! 

Love you all and thanks for all of your care and support. 

-Andrea

Lindsay and me in Trinidad last week!

Andrea set me up for my first blog entry before she leaves the country.  I’m feeling very sad about my firstborn getting on a plane on Saturday and leaving for 5 months.  I am hoping that setting up this blog will keep me in touch with her.  I’m also hoping to get the hang of this “blog” thing.   As a general rule I enjoy deep philosophical musings.  I also enjoy kidding around with people.  On occasion I may even be able to be of help to someone – God willing.   So, I’ll catch up to you on my next blog. Wow, it sounds cool to say that.