Bits & Balderdash

Jet Lag STINKS!

Our flight from Beijing to Chicago left Thursday afternoon at 4:00 PM Beijing time and we landed in Chicago at 4:13 PM Thursday afternoon. A 13.5 hour flight in just 3 minutes!! BRUTAL!!!

Got to bed Thursday night at just before midnight ... was wide awake at 2:30 AM. got up and did my laundry, drank some tea and at 5:30 AM Susan was up for the day. I stayed awake with out a nap all day Friday and slept fairly well Friday night. Saturday night was even better and from then I think I'm on top of this sleepless in Clear Lake thing!

Memorial Day:

Monday was Memorial Day and I had the incredible privilege to serve as the honorary Chaplin for the day. This entailed a prayer at the Sea Wall as a wreath was laid commemorating those soldiers who lost their lives at sea defending our country. From the Sea Wall, we moved to the Clear Lake Cemetery where there was a speaker, more wreath laying and I opened and closed this part of the day in prayer as well.

This was very special as my Dad was a WWII veteran and taught all of his kids to love this country as well as to honor those who served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The days activities came to an end with a lone trumpeter playing "Taps". Hearing this song, I'm always finding my self choked up with a huge knot in my throat. I'm so thankful for my Dad and all of the men and women like him who have faithfully serving our country! BTW, We need to be mindful of the families and loved ones left behind as other go off to serve ... sacrifice is sacrifice - Thank you!

China:

I know that I'm already behind on my postings about China. But rest assured that I will be posting about China for a long time. The trip was eye-opening and life altering. I know that sounds over the top but it is true. The most asked question has been what is the one thing that stood out to you the most while in China? The answer to that is simple ... in China because these children are "broken" they are tossed out like yesterdays trash. I'll explain that more in future posts, but that is the short answer.

Here are a few pictures of the kids we met:

 

This is Tony

This is my "special" buddy - Henry

My Mom:

Tomorrow is my Mom's birthday so I'm headed to Des Moines for a birthday celebration with my family. This should be a blast as we alway have the best of times when we are able to get together.

More to come....

Pastor Steve