And We are Off!

So, yesterday we begin the trip. It wasn’t a perfect beginning, but it was a beginning.
Our neighbor, Perry Butler, came up to us once we are all packed in the car and said, “You haven’t really
gone until you’ve left three times.” With the confidence of having gone through our checklists more
than once, I assured Perry we were only going to leave once.

My confidence lasted until we drove out of the garage, rounded the corner, and saw our Miata parked
on the street. Susan went back into the condo, got the key for the Miata, and drove it around into the
garage, where we left it parked... right in front of Perry!

Sometimes, the smile of a friend can be a cruel thing.

Thinking of beginnings, last night we were hosted by Kevin and Elaine Brown in West Fargo, North
Dakota. The Browns are former missionaries in Bolivia. It is always a privilege to renew our friendship
together.

We started our overseas ministry in 1978 with Kevin when he was still a single man. In August of the
same year we began the meetings which eventually grew into Iglesia Cristiana Emanuel. This month the
church is celebrating their 45th anniversary!

I once read, "Every day is a chance to begin again. Don't focus on the failures of yesterday.” So, this
morning I am checking the list four times with the hope we will only leave the Browns once in our way to
McGregor, Manitoba.