Living, we cover vast territories; 
imagine your life drawn on a map--  
a scribble on the town where you grew up,
  each bus trip traced between school and home,
 or a clean line across the sea to a place you flew once.
 Think of the time  and things we accumulate,
 all the while growing more conscious of losing and leaving.
 Aging,our bodies collect wrinkles and scars 
for each place the world would not give under our weight. 
Our thoughts get laced with strange aches, 
sweet as the final chord that hangs in a guitar's blond torso.
-First Gestures, Julie Kesdorf

The Cure for Winter Weather!

Unexpected Delight: Bourne Identity meets Murder She Wrote. That unlikely comparison was my first thought then I found out that Angela Landsberry actually did this book as a mini-series in the nineties! A witty, caring and wise widow volunteers for the CIA much to Langely's surprise. Her guile, tenacity, and insight surprise even her foes. Plus even my daughter likes these stories, they're family friendly (always a plus around my house!)We picked up this delightful audio book at our local library but I was so thrilled when I pushed play and recognized the much beloved voice of Barbara Rosenblat! This is a great cure for the winter blahs-but don't take my word for it! Mystery Writers of America recently awarded Mrs. Pollifax creator Dorthy Gilman the honor of Grand Master for her body of work. Scrumptious Surprise: Found this at a dollar store days before we went to Africa! So glad I did! Eloquent story telling and historical novel interwoven with complex themes in a surprisingly easy to read book. Written by a member of the Saudi royal family, it's a page turner. I can't wait to read some of her other work!

The Reason For God: Tim Keller Insightful, philosophical and yet very approachable. Another one I picked up from our local library. Tim Keller is widely liked at Imago Christi and I wanted to see what it was all about.

The Nautical Chart: Arturo Perez-Reverte A modern macho showdown off the coast of Spain. Searching for sunken treasure in troubled waters in the ocean and between the crew. This was an intriguing book that left me slightly unsatisfied. But I rarely finish books I don't like and I knew I HAD to finish this one. I'll let you decide.

Sophia McGyver

I shouldn't have been surprised to see Sophia squirl away a toothbrush and a magazine when she moped back to bed. She'd informed me that she couldn't sleep trying to be sly while she rescued the items. When I pulled back the covers and saw she'd added a flashlight and two pot holders to the mix? She looks sweet and innocent but it makes me wonder? Is she planning an escape?

Yesterdays News

Here's the good news: Coming up on five years of marriage and I can guess my husbands 'honey, I'm sorry but my flights been delayed' voice before he actually says it. Unfortunately, I think it's because I've had WAY too much practice. It doesn't help that I'm NOT a patient person.

Here's the bad news: Current events have SERIOUSLY increased international airport security on US bound flights. Ironically, we didn't experience anything like this coming from Copenhagen a week ago. From what I can tell, it's something the Canadian government is enforcing that came down the pike Thursday. Possibly in response to recent events or information unknown to the general public. According to Nate (who missed his flight due to multiple searches, pat down's, and having to clear out his carry on of every but a laptop and a paper) security measures heading out of the country are non-eventful but coming back demands extra hours.

With Nate jumping the globe, he's in Montreal this week,the jokes about him being a spy are easy--days like today I wish he was. The kind with their own helicopter that would drop him in the backyard just in time for dinner. Ahh well, nice to know our Canadian neighbors have our back.

Unforgettable Moments

There's a saying in Chad, rather silly but poignant now. Instead of saying 'cheese' before a picture, someone laughingly would say 'merci Kodak!' Now, thousands of miles away,I understand the sentiment. Thank you Kodak, or Cannon I guess, for giving me a piece of Africa to warm my heart on a cold winter night. Proof it wasn't just a dream, but a special gift to laugh, live and love along side our family on the other side of the world. Merci Kodak for letting us bring a piece oof the wonderful smiling faces and moments home.

Homeward Bound!

Feeling a little lost at the moment. Possibly due to constant moving and lotz of suitcases.
Writting from the airport in Paris. Just spent the night here and onto Copenhagen then Chicago. Flip a coin and we might spend the night in Chicago. We'll see how the flights go.
Then on to home. Thanks for your continued prayers!