another useless musing

hey - the 'dad' here. i saw the boys' postings and want to provide a little more detail (for those that are inclined to know more)...i think we've reached a good milestone in that:
-we have beds in which to sleep
-both showers work
-the new toilets work (from a kid born in the 3rd world, this is no small benefit)
-the pool works (murky water and all)

for the record, Mickey almost won that foot race with all those kids. in a classic sign of inexperience, he looked back as he was about to pull away for the win right before a big bump in the road ..(the track is used for a dirtbike circuit with humps in the road).. you guessed it, he ran right up on the hump without adjusting and the ground came crushing up to his chin. he toughed it out ok but i'm guessing he won't do that again the next time. (personally, i'm hoping this will reinforce the need for humility on his part).

it's been our first week; the family is encouraged in the progress and there is MUCH to be thankful for in this new season - the list is long but includes a great, thriving church, sound biblical teaching, humble servants, a warm and generous church family, nice house etc.... but there is something that is very clear from being away from home:

as i watch and listen to the ramblings and discussions, we don't miss much about the MD house, the weather, the traffic, the environment, the interest in politics, and the other stuff that goes with home. what the family DOES miss is:

-the little neighbor kids who come knocking on the door to play
-the long-lasting friendships built on years of trust and experience where more is communicated with gestures and facial expressions than words
-talking with friends who were destined to be friends from birth
-the grandparents who come over to help with a project or just read to a 7 yr old

what i miss:

-golfing with the boys
-'conveniently' located friends
-first time trips to broadway
-accusations of ROMO
-joking about FOM
-sleepless nights at chik fil a
-'simplify.. simplify'
-acting like secret service agents
-credit card roulette
-comfort food with the caucasians
-greeting team

-in short, our relationships

every word on this blog should underscore and accent the sentiment that we miss OUR dear, sweet people...., no less, no more.

finally, my latest top 10: things i've learned about this place:

10) dry heat is still heat- 110* feels like 110*

9) scorpion bites are not generally fatal - they just feel like they are (no, i haven't been stung)

8) phoenicians can't explain why the cactii are protected plants even though they're ugly.
7) there is no limit to how much 'stuff' a house can hold

6) one family can single-handedly keep the local economy going
5) headaches in a desert city mean you need water
4) no task takes 30 minutes when you are dealing with a family of 6 and a dog

3) phoenicians are nicer than washingtonians (must be from the lack of beltway politics)

2) learn where the backwash evac pipe is before you backwash

1) a great weight-loss program is to sleep little, eat little and move in the phx heat for a week

cheers