Red - Fight Inside

The only genre of music that turns me off is country. Besides that, I'm pretty much open to anything... with screamo music having limits.

Red, a Christian rock band, has some awesome music. I love this song. It is a pretty good description of how we, struggling with human nature, somehow want the things that we know are "bad" for us, the things that we already know (and probably have already experienced) will lead to hurt, to pain, to shame and embarrasment. Why? Um, because they are wrong.

It's like when I say, "Ok, no more soft drinks!" I know what they do to my body. I know that there really isn't any health benefits from them. But oooh, they taste so good. The fizz. The bubbling. That sweet, smooth taste... and boom. I'm right back to where I started. That's a shallow example of how we work, how we think, what we typically do. But you can apply this to much deeper things.

Warning. It's gets a little scream-o at the end... which, is nearing my limits.

Um, You Guessed It!

Sooooooooooo, music anyone? It is what gets me through long nights contained in a windowless room, forced to stare at fake light of a computer screen. (sigh)

This one: light, airy, springing, pep-in-yo-steppish. I'm liking it.

Hmmmm

It's 2:30 am.  The doors outside the office opened/closed about 10 minutes ago. No buzz. No knocks. I'm guessing it was security... or at least I'm hoping it was. Either way, the doors are locked, and I will not be leaving the DAC until Bob comes in around 5:45am.

The stupid printer just warmed up... always makes noises at the best of times. Although I'm not scared, my mind is playing the scenario game. "What if the printer is printing something from somewhere else in the building, and I pick up a paper that reads something like 'You're not alone.'" Stupid, I know. Stupid brain. I did not hear the printer printing anything (just warming up), but I don't feel like walking over there and seeing if there's paper waiting to be picked up.

Thank goodness Air1 is blasting through the speakers... to blast away any other freaky noises or raoming people.

"Tshirts! Tshirts! Get Your Tshirts!"

Hello, sweet fund-raising idea! (credit goes to Jessica)
Hello, sweet friend with mad-artsy talents! (credit goes to Colin Roeder... see below)

An awareness tshirt. A prayer reminder. A curiousity sparker. Bright. Bold. Getting the word out!

The Back Detail:

 The Front Logo:

The tshirts will be gray. As for prices, Jessica is working on that. I will post it asap once we figure things out.

Once we get the details worked out, help sell! Buy one! Get the word out! That God is doing amazing things in Uganda... and will continue to! Be a part of it...

Impatient - Once Again

Impatient... the opposite of patient.

I was just thinking last night about how great some things are going now that I've gotten over myself and given this "timing" thing to God.

But as Paul says in Romans 7:15 , "For what I will do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do."

Wow, I mention this verse quite often because whenever I say "I WILL do this today," it's typically the one thing that I don't get done. Funny how that is.

Last night's thought, "Oh, wow. I'm doing great. I have got this solid hope and am excited how things are going." Tonight's thought, "I wish things would hurry up. I can wait for things, but I don't want to. I really wish it would just happen now."

I talked to a friend tonight that I haven't talked to in a while. We were catching up, if you will, and he said something about his life that... clicked. It helped calm-soothe those impatient thoughts. Plus, it was on the same page as to why these wants haven't happened yet. Thank goodness for friends and for (unintentional) encouragement to trust and hang on.

God, Your timing is perfect. If the world worked the way I wanted it to, things would seriously be screwed up. Thank You for being patient with me when I lack patience. Forgive me for wanting to freak out, over-analyze, cry over things that I can't have now. Show me, reassure me, that You are sovereign, that Your timing is the only way, and that You hold my future and want the best for me.

What Time Is It?

Yep... time for "Song of the Night" yet once again! Tonight's song, "All Around Me" by Flyleaf.

Tis a song that I like to rock out to, sing to, sometimes dance to. Haha!

Song of the Night

I think I've posted this one before, but whatever. It is a great song, and I've only listened to it 4-5 times already (and it's only 9:50pm). You should listen!

In a world that is falling apart, I have found my hope
Cause the power that brightens the stars, brought to life my soul
Now im calling from roof tops, shouting from mountain peeks
You're everything to me

Forever I'll tell you
Yeah I'll scream until it hurts
That I can't live without you
You are Heaven I am Earth
And even from the moment that you saved my life
That I'll always love you

 

Today's Random Blurbs

1.  I slept pretty good today and even got to enjoy part of the this afternoon's loveliness! Oh, glorious almost spring day!

2.  I got up around 3:15, changed, and headed outdoors for a quick run before work. I love warm afternoons, and it was definitely that. "84" was the temperature when I was almost back to my place.

3.  About 2/3 into the run, a man drove up to his house. No biggie. I just kept running. Then I heard him yell, "NO!" A big, thick, chunk bulldog was quite curious about me and was headed my way. "Well, there goes my legs," I thought. Praise the Lord for obedient dogs. I, haha, squeaked out a very un-intimidating "No" after the owner did... probably sounded like a scared kid (and quite honestly, I was). Grrr, wide open yards in the middle of town for dogs to go and threaten people.

4.  There are cupcakes in the office. I hate cupcakes in the office. Now I have to make sure I behave... all... night... long. Sucky.

5.  There's a 5K in Picayune April 2nd. I'm so doing it before work! It's sponsored by First Baptist. I like it.

6.  Did I mention it was a gorgeous day.

7.  Fred called. I didn't get a chance to talk to him yesterday because Jessica called, but I haven't talked to her in a while either. It was just a short conversation (or at least it seemed short) on the way to work. Yay, Fred's voice. :)

8.  Geta has almost got all of Uganda funding covered! Amazing! God is unbelievably amazing. My turn... I've got to get on it.

9.  Spring is this Sunday. I love the extra light in the afternoon/night.

10.  I severely miss home... and "Cal-co" aka Cali.

11.  That's it. Adios.

Busy Two Days

After work Saturday night, I left Stennis around 7pm, ran back to my apartment, got caught by nextdoor neighbor Tommy, then left in a dash for home... got there around 10:20pm.

Sunday: Consoling Jan, Sunday school and church, home, a few moments of sitting on the porch, on the way to Butler to visit Uncle Scott, Aunt Susan, Becky and kids (Anna, Sarah, Jonah, Naiah, Ella, and baby Judah). Fun times! My mom brought food. We ate. We all loaded up to go to Calvery Baptist in Butler, heard Uncle Scott preach (always love his messages), back to the Harrell house for a little while before leaving. My mom dropped me off at Walmart in Meridian to grab oil, and we got home around 9:30ish.

Monday: Whew. The busy day.

• DeKalb around 9am.
• Drive my dad to NAPA to get oil filter.
• Back to Cuba Timber so he can change my oil.
• Try really, really hard not to lose it in his face after he gripes constantly about everything.
• Drive dad to Richard Hall's Garage... check A/C, add freon, check transmission fluid... good.
• Back to Cuba Timber. Hang out a while.
• To the Kemper County Messenger to see my mom, get a grocery list. Wait on Jan. Leave.
• Meridian... call Grandma on the way to talk since I won't have time to see her.
• Lauderdale County Health Clinic for nearly an hour... Yellow Fever and 2nd round of Hep A/B.   Shots = done!
• Leave LCHD. Dad calls. Freaks out. "Severe weather!" Radio says severe tstorm warnings. Ok...
• Walmart: Grocery shop. Wearing a white shirt and no rain coat... not so hot. I hurry to get back to the car before the rain. Success!
• Dad calls. Freaks out. "Line's coming. You're a fool if you drive in this stuff."
• Really want to pour my little (disrespectful) heart out into his ear. Shut up. Park at Lifeway. Really want to go in to "wait out the storm." Decide not to... don't need to spend money. Sit in car for nearly 20 minutes. Rain lets up. I'm gone!
• No rain all the way back to DeKalb.....
• Home. No Jan. No Mama. Put up groceries. Check the internet. Watch the weather. Read a little in Romans.
• Mom's home. She cooks. I help make cole slaw...the real stuff. Mmm.
• We get done JUST in time for the Bachelor.
• The Bachelor. Fish. Cole slaw. Beans.  And since Jan had been "broken up" with and the Bachelor was about to break up with someone, I bought ice cream.
• Favorite quote of the night: "Oooo. We should have break-ups more often." - My mom, in response to amazing Bluebell Tin Roof ice cream. I laughed then cut eyes at her. Her response, "Hmm. Maybe not."
• Jan... finally.... comes home. Just in time for the finale.
• After the Rose show, and Fred calls... short convo.
• Bed.

Tuesday: Not quite as busy, but tiresome.

• Slow morning.
• DeKalb by 11am. Tires rotated. Saw "little" Justin Payne... a super cute boy that used to crush on Jan and I when we taught music at VBS. He's a senior this year... weird. He recognized me. We briefly talked. He's still that sweet little boy I remembered... cool.
• Cuba Timber for 2 hours. Brought the men chocolate milk and Zero bars.
• My mom and I split lunch from Kozy Kitchen... good, Southern cooking with twangy tea. Mmm. I spent the next 2 hours at work with her, talking, facebooking, showing her videos (she didn't have anything to do).
• Back to Cuba. Hug Dad goodbye.
• Home. Went straight next door to see Granmommie/Hummy.
• Home. Want to run with Jan, but it's FREEZING. Uh uh. No can do.
• Dinner. Sat around and talked.
• Fred called.
• Everyone else pretty much in bed. I'm tired. To bed I go.

Hated leaving home today. I always do. Despite the fact that got a lot done and attempted to do 'damage control' unsuccessfully at home, it's home. Miss it. The end.

Changes: Likes and Dislikes

I cannot stand change sometimes. (I know what you're thinking... "Oh, boy. Here she goes again! Get over it already, Jaclyn.) But sometimes change changes things for the better... and I wouldn't want things to change haha.

• Daddy's Morning Goodbye's.   Every morning while he was still at home, Daddy would come into our room and kiss Jan and I good morning before he left. He would tell us that he loves us and have a good day, then leave. Sad that things aren't that way anymore. Sad how he only sees glimpses of me when I go home... I hate that change.
• Expressing My Thoughts About a Worship Leader with Fred.   There was one BCM music leader that would just put (.... ahem, in my judgemental opinion) way too much passion, way too many sighs and cries and tears into his after-the-worship prayers. I'm not saying that it was not heartfelt or genuine, but it erked me. Haha... heathen, I am! But Fred would crack up whenever I immitated him. Good times. [I just heard "How He Loves," and it reminded me of this guy.]
• "Bedtime" At Ariel's Place.   I would get ready for bed. Ariel would get ready for bed... during the summer of 2010. But we would somehow manage to talk about things for like an hour or more. I would be sitting on my bed, and she would be standing there talking... sometimes she would just sit down on the floor in the hallway to talk. Haha! Good times. Hate that those times have changed.
• Dynamics Study Groups at the Library.   I didn't use the library much... just wasn't inviting enough for me. But there were times when a group of us would meet together at night to tackle Dynamics 1 and 2 information for a dreaded test. Aka it was time to semi-study, try to work through a few problems, then laugh and goof off. The group: Ariel, Walt, Brian, Fred, myself, Corey (CB), CJ, Charles... I'm sure I'm forgetting one or two. I took Brian back to his dorm one night after the study because he had long boarded there and didn't want to long board back. Haha. Super smart but lazy Brian. I miss those times.
• Familiar, Comforting Sounds.  I used to love waking up early in the morning by the sound of my dad adding wood to the fire in the living room. I could see the light from the flames flicker down the hall. It was just enough to wake me up before I rolled over in the bed and fell back asleep. I also liked hearing the sound of my mom drying her hair in the bathroom and hearing her turn on the little heater at the end of the hallway by our room... again, early in the morning.
• Slow, Boring Nights in the Spring and Summer.   Jan and I would become bored and find things to do. Whether it would be swinging on the porch swing just talking, or throwing a ball over the roof to her on the other side of the house, or shooting a basketball, riding a bike around the yard, or simply sitting on the porch steps listening to the frogs and crickets, petting the dog, and watching the sun go down. Such sweet times and memories.
• Slow Afternoons/Nights.   I used to love waiting on Fred to call me and pick me up to bring me to his place. We didn't have to do much of anything, and I was still content. We would usually watch a movie, catch up on LOST, eat dinner that Fred made, run together, take turns cooling off and taking showers, then watch him play Mass Effect 2 or play Madden 2010 football with him, or just simply chill beside each other. Those days... those days I miss. Close proximity to that guy, everything at our finger tips. I hate that change, but yet... I wouldn't change the fact that he's in my life now.
• Friends.   Real, genuine friends. Dear people that I love and miss. I hate that fact that I don't see them everyday or quite as often as I would like... but I would not go back to "before I met them." Friends, you know who you are.  :)
• Days of Puking and Worry.   I used to worry so much I would literally get sick to my stomach on the way to school on days of basketball games and pep-rallies and big tests. I really didn't want to captain of the JV cheerleading squad, but I didn't want to step down from the challenge (and God had his molding-reasonings for the position too). Oh, those mornings... I felt bad for everyone else in the car! Mama, Jan, and Jessica. I won't go into anymore detail. But those days, I don't miss. I finally realized (years and years later) that God is in control and that He will be with me the entire time... regardless if I royally screwed up or executed perfectly. Once I grasped that concept, the pukes went away. There are still days and events that I feel sick to my stomach over things, but I never let it get to the point that I physically get sick. Overcoming fear, worries, the what-ifs... it's my biggest struggle and an on-going process. That change... I love. I don't want to go back to my former days.

South Mississippi 5-minute Fame

So I'm a "TV Star."  Well, at the back of my head is:

http://www.wlox.com/global/category.asp?c=194069&clipId=5652768&autostart=true

To catch you up, you can see:
* A little bit of the DAC (the office).
* My co-worker and trainer, Matt.
* A glance of what I actually do at work (the close-up of my head, you can briefly see that QC plots of meteorological data).
* Helmut Portman, the director of the National Data Buoy Center, one of the guys that I get to brief.
* Our DART buoys.
* All of the DARTs that went into "event mode" because of the 9.0 earthquake.

Cool stuff. Cool glimpse into what I do...

It's Been a While

... since I've blogged.

My apologies. I have tried really hard the last 2-3 weeks to cut out as much extra stuff as possible to get things done and to give that time to God. I have not done as well as I would like... but it's a work in progress.

Tonight (and for the next 2 weeks), I'm back on the mid-shift. If I get a few extra moments, I will try to catch everyone up on this busy... busy life of mine.

Point Overlooked?

So... I'm on a blogging kick and (apparently) listening to the song posted below. A portion of the lyrics caught my ear/heart (ok, after like the 7th time of listening to it).

"Would you sell yourself to buy the one you've found?"

When I let my mind settle on that question, butterflies flittered in my stomach. Have you ever watched a love-story movie? Have you ever seen or read of someone giving their all for someone that their heart is inseparably attached to? Someone that would give up their ambitions, their comforts, their everything because they sooo desired to be with this person? We've all seen some version of this, and we have all dreamed that we would have to same story play out in our life (well, at least I can admit that I've daydreamed such stories). Some of you readers have found the love of your life. Some of you are in pursuit of it or are waiting for God to put that person in front of you.

But you know what's crazy? All of us, whether we have come to the realization or not, has experienced this kind of love! But yet, it is so overlooked. How sad! Yes, we want the physical, earthly version as well, but look at what God has done! Seriously. Think about it! He not only spent time piecing you together, all of your characteristics and qualities and quirks and likes and dislikes. Not only did he plan out your life story so that you could have the best life possible if you follow Him. He gave everything.... everything to seek you out and bring you back to Him. Everything! His only Son, living amongst a people that hated Him, spit on Him, tore His flesh, broke His bones, ended His life because they were (a) scared of Him, (b) afraid to stand up against friends, family, others that rejected Him and His peace/life, (c) afraid to admit their wrongs, or (d) just ignorantly followed the crowd. And despite our current and future spiteful actions, He still seeks us out, pleads for us to rest in Him and His hope, His joy, His life.

Dang! Are we so busy, so caught up in our "fairytale" love story that we don't take time to see the story that has already been written and applied to our lives? Get a grip and hold onto the God of love!

Your Love Is Strong - Switchfoot

I have been belting this out while QC'ing buoy data this morning. It's a "goodun."

I look out the window. The birds are composing,

Not a note is out of tune or out of place.

I walk to the meadow and stare at the flowers,

That are dressed better than any girl on her wedding day.

So should I worry? Why do I freak.

God knows what I need.

You know what I need.

Your love is, Your love is, Your love is.... strong.

Little Monster

When my mom came to visit in late January, I took her out to dinner and then to Target (so I could oooh and ahh and drool over merchandise). But we walked past one of these little guys, and my mom just couldn't help herself (typical). She had to make the thing play. As it began to sing and flop its little arms up in the air, we laughed and laughed. I went back the day after she left to buy this for her for Valentines Day. Smooth move! She was not only happy to see it, but she played it over and over and over (...... and over) again and again. I thought it was funny. Jan was about to burn the thing after the fourth or fifth time (yes, it was played more than 5 times). See what you think?

Cozy Favorites

 So there are a few things, a few little spots, in my apartment that I love....

 Little, springish, super-colorful wreathe for the door.

 A Yankee candle burning once I come home (it smells like Pier 1)

 A cute basket that my mom gave me for my birthday. It's perfect for holding cards, letters, magazines, etc.

 I got this North Shore sign for Christmas quite a few years ago. 

It now belongs in my "beach getaway" bathroom.

 I found this at Old Time Pottery last weekend in Mobile. This now adorns a portion of the bathroom wall and has given me inspiration to finish the bathroom with a certain crafty project (will update once completed).

 Wall art from Target. Frame from Target. Poster print from Walmart. Priceless memory with my sisters.

 Jan or my mom, can't remember, got me this beverage bottle. How cool? 

I love the design and colors... and using it! I love it.

 I got the directors chair for my 19th birthday I believe (from Pier 1). Just a few weeks ago, I found a the wall/photo holder from Pier 1 that fit perfectly in this little space. And it gave me the chance to display some of my favorite pictures and memories. Did I mention that I love Pier 1?

Yankee candle from my mom. Picture from, a gift from Ariel from Pier 1. Fish bowl and my little beta (Albert/Alberto) from Fred. And a priceless vase from Whitney for all of her bridesmaids, back in May 2009.

Ketchup

FYI - I dislike ketchup. For some reason, I can handle it only when it has already been placed on a fastfood hamburger. But me putting catch up on something because I want it, no way! The smell makes me nauseated... Even smelling ketchup from people beside me that use it, I want to be sick. Blah.

But... I'm not necessarily talking about "ketchup" but "catch-up." It has been a while since I have blog-blogged. Aka, something else beside a song post. So here goes:

Monday through Friday, I worked swing shifts. Swings are normal-people-working-hours shifts, and they are amazing! You have to work 8 hours a day, but you don't have to be in the office at straight up 8am. That means, I got to sleep in and get off work around 4pm! I got to have a "late" morning and sunny afternoons to go outside and run.

Friday, I got to work early so I could leave early. I got off around 2pm, ran back to Picayune to pick up king cakes for a friend, ripped back down the road, hopped on I-10, and cruised east to Mobile, Alabama... my home-away-from-home. Getas, friends, South's campus, Mobile when everything is beginning to bloom, SeCAPS and lots of talk about weather, familiar roads, new yogurt place, beloved Airport Blvd Baptist Church and those sweet, fun people!! What a weekend.

Friday afternoon/night and pretty much the entire day Saturday was all about SeCAPS. Ashley and I were joined at the hip the whole time. I got to speak to Dr. Bill, Pete, and Dr. Blackwell briefly. It was cool to catch up with them, especially Pete. Pete is more or less the office manager of Coastal Weather (where MET majors hang out in the Mitchell Center in between classes). He is quiet until you speak to him; but when he talks, he's so down to earth. There were a lot of friends and lower-classmen that I got a chance to see and speak to again. Man, I miss the college atmosphere. I will admit, overwhelming feelings of "I wish I was back here" dominated 2/3 of my time there. But there were weird opposing thoughts that made me realize that even if I was back there, things would not be the same. My people and my classes would not be like I remembered it. Hmm, I still miss it and am SO blessed to have those years and those people and those experiences near and dear to my heart.

Saturday after SeCAPS, my Geta Ashley and I were soo tired. I spent the night at "her house" or where she's been living with a family that she goes to church with. Their cat, Squeakers, woke Ashley up on and off Friday night, and I just didn't sleep soundly. Sam, Rachael, Ashley, and I met Miranda at a new yogurt place just to the right of Airport Blvd Baptist, Chill. Chill was cool in the fact that you take a cup, put whatever yogurt you so choose and how much of it, put on toppings, and then pay per ounce. Sweet, literally. Once we finished up, Rachael left to go home, and the rest of us went over to Miranda's apartment to hang out... and see her wedding dress!!! [Sneak Peak: She's going to look amazing!] She filled us in on all of her plans thus far, showed us their rings, showed us... hahaha! outrageously priced undergarments (Poor, Sam. He was the only guy there and just had to suck it up that she wanted us to see. HAHA!) There was plenty of laughing and some picture-taking. Good times with my Getas and Sam. Then it was back to the Harris house, helped Ashley with some Radar homework, and went to bed.

Sunday... busy but wonderful day!.... Sunday school and church at ABBC! Wow, I miss alllll of those guys. The youth minister, Neil, is the stupidest-humor, lame but hilarious, off the wall guy. It was so good seeing him and the "new crew" that I only got to hang out with the last couple of months that I was in Mobile. At church, there were more sweet people that I got to talk to and hug: the Ratcliffs, Will and Wes, Morgan and Ryan and their growing baby boy, college people... Elle and her brother, Logan, new people that I haven't met, the pastor Nixon. I sat on the very end of the pew that morning, and Neil walked up and was like, "Dude, that's my seat." "Ok. Ok! You can have it. Here..." (as I slide down). He stares at me like I'm a freak, "Dude, that's my seat!" "Here! I moved." "Dude, you so took my seat." And finally, he breaks a smile and sits down. About 2 songs in, one of the youth, Sarah, asked me to switch with the guy beside me and sit by her. I did, and Neil leaned over and was like, "What?" I gestured that he stunk... my reasoning for moving. He poked out his lips in the most pronounced pouting face ever, staring directly at me, and kept it that way for like 3 minutes! Haha! I would lean back so he couldn't see me. The youth around us, and the guy beside me, kept laughing. So I would lean forward to see what Neil was doing, and still... he was pouting. Again, this went on for 3 minutes until he gave up. What an idiot, but I loved it. Another side note, since I am now rambling at this point, I felt right at home at ABBC. It was amazing and amazing weird. I don't feel like I have to be reserved around them. I act my stupid, normal self around them without hesitation. I love the sermons. I love the members' hearts. I miss that church. I miss their focus and willingness.

Nixon's sermon on Revelations 11 was dead-on for what I needed to hear! I have been worrying/freaking out off and on for the past 2 weeks about the what-ifs that could happen in Uganda. Nixon's sermon, talking about the tribulation, beasts and earthquakes killing 7,000 people, and 2 prophets coming back, preaching to the people then being murdered then raising from the dead after 3.5 days... it sounds seriously depressing and down-right scary. Right? And he stated that. "You can get all caught up in the symbolism and the language of Revelations or all of the horrible things that will happen. But why not focus on the hope of the matter. He raised the prophets from the dead, just like he raises us from the dead when we accept His salvation. Why not go out and live fearlessly with that knowledge that He will take care of you."

After church, I met Ariel, my summer roommie, for lunch at McCalisters. We ate and talked for an hour or so. Good times! I miss her and am glad that I got the chance to hear what her plans are. She's applying for a job at the SpaceWeather Prediction Center (http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/)... predicting space weather! How freaking cool. (The director of SWPC was a keynote speaker at SeCAPS, and he told her to apply.) So be praying for her and her constant migrane headaches that she's battling with recently.

Then it was on to Target to use Ariel's birthday gift card and back to Ashley's place. We attempted to do her Radar homework again... yeah. We didn't get much done. haha. I went to Ashley's church's life group meeting at 5pm. The Holy Spirit and Francis Chan's "Forgotten God" was discussed, and the discussion got heated/interesting in the middle of it. I ate a barbecue sandwich and then headed back to ABBC for the Sunday night college Bible study. And wow, was it packed! There was at least 20 of us in there. That was not the case when I was going. We might have had 7 or so. Neil led the study with a youtube video of an a debate between an atheist and a Christian guy at Notre Dam University. The video was not started until 8pm, and Neil let it play for an hour. I was sooo tired and really, really wanted to be a present for the discussion, but I could easily see the study going on until 10pm... and I really didn't want to stay for that.

I spent the night (for the 3rd time) with Ashley. We both left her house around 9:30am. She went to class. I went to ABBC to talk to Nixon and the ladies in the office about funding for the Uganda mission trip. I stayed there for over an hour. Another prayer request: Nixon and his family. He is sick. The girls just got over the some kind of cold stuff. And pray that Nixon's wife, Roxann, does not get sick. But mainly pray for Nixon (Dr. John Ashley Nixon, that is). I talked to him for a little while and could tell that church problems, working another job (teaching an online class), and not getting much sleep along with being a husband and father... it's wearing on him.

Last moments in Mobile... drove down Old Shell Road by the campus one more time, cut up by McGregor and balanced keeping my eyes on the road and looking at the gorgeous houses and blooming plants, stopped by the Goodwill and found a shirt and 2 skirts for Uganda, then hopped on Dauphin Street onto I-10... in the rain. Oh, Mobile. How I miss you!! And wow, what a weekend!