It seems that it's been awhile since I've actually written a blog about my self and those in my life--most of the time I prefer writing about "issues". I suppose I could now delve into a psychological exploration about why that may be, but I'll pass on that for now.

It's been kind of a crazy week. Last Thursday I was preparing to go to Canada with my dad to attend a cousin's wedding, see family, and especially see my grandpa, who has stage 4 colon cancer. Then I got word that my brother's (Jordan) lung collapsed that day. He had his other lung collapse on him five years ago, and had to have surgery and stay in the hospital for three weeks. After a few days in the hospital, it became clear that Jordan would need surgery again, and is in fact under the knife as I'm typing. I would really like to be there, but I know that he's in good hands with his father, mother, and fiancee by his side. (yeah, he's engaged...you didn't know that?)Speaking of which, I need to start thinking of ideas for his bachelor party.

Well, my dad and I did go to Canada despite Jordan's hospitalization. It was so good to see all my family up there again, and great to get a lot of one-on-one time with dad. I'm so thankful to have a good relationship with my father--which exists mostly because he's a good father. I'd like to be that kind of father.

I love getting away from home, taking adventures, getting lost (almost on purpose) and then finding your way back, roughing it, being disorderly, or dangerous, or strange. I think many men feel this way. But then, I also love coming home to a wife that missed me, spoils me, calms me, comforts me, helps me dress, and otherwise belong in a concept called "society". And coming home to a very smart and cute little puppy that also missed me is nice too.

Roseland

This morning Kendra and I went to Roseland Christian Ministries with some people from our church. I had been there before, but it was with a group of students for a class, and wasn't really a choice. This time, we went because we wanted to.

It wasn't really much work. We just went down and made breakfast for the women and children who are staying at the shelter, and our group was large enough that not everyone was working all the time. This allowed for time to get to know some of the mothers and their kids. This was what I really wanted to do, anyways. It was a lot of fun, and the kids were so funny...

I would really like to get back there soon. Apparently my church goes once a year...seems almost like something we do to get our "fix" of service, so that we can go back to wealthy Orland Park and feel better about ourselves for being so generous. Perhaps that sounds harsh, and I'm certainly not casting blanket judgements over everyone in that group. But...

When we were driving there, one of the ladies with us was telling us about how she used to live in Roseland up until she was in 3rd grade. But then the demographics started changing, and the (largely) Christian Reformed Community took flight (to Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, etc.) And it wasn't just people--the Back to God Hour and CRWRC used to be there--and they up and left too! What a failure by the CRC.

I'm thankful to say that many in the CRC have seen the error of the church in this regard, and have devoted much time, money, and energy to Roseland. However, far too many remain ignorant about its history. Here's a short but good article if you'd like to know more:

http://www.roselandchristianministries.org/history.cfm