KINDERGARTEN

I did something today I have never done before. I picked up a child from kindergarten. Their family car was in the shop and I was in the area of the elementary school so it worked out. I know you are thinking... really, it's no big deal. But really it was very interesting. I parked in a line of cars waiting for the kids - I was right behind a mother in a mini van. When the kids came out, the teacher asked little Lauren if I was her daddy. Could it be that I am old enough to have a child in kindergarten? Never mind that question. I was amused by watching the mothers interact. I don't pretend to understand but there is somesort of unidentifiable connection between them. So now I am sitting there waiting for the children thinking about being a parent... and what a privilege it is. As I left the school I'm thinking... were those thoughts the beginning of...(laugh here). As I watched the children line up at the door... I wondered if parents ever think... maybe I should trade little "steve" for that boy right there. Oh you say that is horrible... I am sure it doesn't happen to parents but it sure does with kids - most kids have thought "if only I could have 'Bobby's" parents, then..." Usually of course this comes during a time of "correction." Anyway, I am very happy for having my parents. My devotions last week reflected on One Father that has never wanted to trade us or even take a day off! Back to kindergarten -I remember a book by Robert Fulghum that was titled: "All I really needed to know I learned in kindergarten." Here is his list.

• Share everything
• Play fair
• Put things back where you found them
• Clean up your own mess
• Say sorry when you hurt somebody
• Take a nap every afternoon
• When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together
• Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and paint and sing and dance and work and play everyday some

"Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm."Fulghum

Nomatter how old you are, these still make for a happier world- well I am off to study for my greek test and try out of a few of the things I learned in kindergarten.

VIVA MEXICO
16 DE SEPTIEMBRE

All across la tierra of Mexico the grito is heard on 16 de Septiembre... VIVA MEXICO (Long live Mexico) This is their declaration of independence from Spain. So to celebrate (much like our 4th of July) there are fiestas. I attended one here at Andrews University this past Sunday.

There was music and ropa mexicana...

...and food... comida mexicana!!!!

Yes sir... I am mexican... my papi was mexican... and my mami was mexican... Si senor, soy mexicano!
During the celebration my mind was taken to another CELEBRATION a bigger one... but one celebrating independence from another controlling power... there will be special food, music and clothes there too!

CAUTION EVERYONE, CAUTION

Currently the IAB (International Association of the Bug) is working on identifying a creature that seems to have invaded Berrien Springs and possibly beyond.

It once was thought to be confined to Mechanic St. but sitings have now been reported at numerous other locations.

Heather here has just sited one of these creatures - her fiance Walter had already fled. The IAB warns not to approach these many-legged bugs and they have been reported to "chase" people. The symptoms for a siting of one are sporadic dancing and increased heart activity. So folks... CAUTION.

TRIBUTE TO MY DAD AND HARD WORK

I had a very nice time this past month spending a week in Oregon with my family. As odd as it may seem, a part of the fun was working with my dad. I think I have gotten kinda soft in my profession - so it was fun to just get...

I even spent a day on a job site with him. I enjoyed the day with some mean little tools like jack hammers and nail guns.

So dad, thanks for the hard work. I love you and my mommy.

PRAISE GOD FOR PROTECTION

Early last week my housemate Walter, his fiancee Heather, and our friend Daniel were coming back to Berrien Springs from South Bend when they lost control of the car. I spent the rest of the afternoon with them in the ER - But praise God, beside a separated shoulder, cracked ribs, and very sore muscles - we have 3 wonderful miracles still reflecting God's love.
The thoughts that have been in my head are simple and yet very challenging - Life is a gift of God - I want to use and appreciate that gift every possible moment. How do I treat others?? I want to live my life so that all know and especially God that I am grateful for this gift. I read this morning - "He (God) watches for some return of gratitude from us, as the mother watches for the smile of recognition from her beloved child." Thank you God.