Dearest Rachel – In the twelve hundred plus days since your departure, I’d like to think that I’ve come to terms with my situation. You’re gone, and you aren’t coming back. Nor should I wish to drag you away from the paradise you’ve attained. Likewise, there’s no sign that Megumi is on the horizon, orContinue reading “Twilight Thoughts”
Author Archives: randy@letters-to-rachel.memorial
Rear Echelon, Monday to Friday
Dearest Rachel – Given that I do most of my writing to you fairly early in the morning, when the house is quiet and there’s not much else for me to do (other than go to work out – which provides a lot of the fodder for letters, as I suspect my reluctance to doContinue reading “Rear Echelon, Monday to Friday”
A Moment of Respect
Dearest Rachel – “Our people are our greatest asset.” I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever seen or heard it stated in those specific words, but in one variation or another, it’s a motto across the business world. And why wouldn’t it be, especially in a customer-facing business? Any interaction between staff and customer canContinue reading “A Moment of Respect”
We’re On the Pavement, Thinkin’ ’Bout the Gov’ment
Dearest Rachel – Our individual news feeds aside, honey, Daniel and I aren’t like the Bob Dylan of old; we aren’t “thinkin’ ’bout the gov’ment” twenty-four seven. At least I hope not; I can’t speak for Daniel, and I don’t know what he does or listens to while I’m across town, ‘working’ at my ‘office.’Continue reading “We’re On the Pavement, Thinkin’ ’Bout the Gov’ment”
Lullaby of the Sirens
Dearest Rachel – Last night found me home from the first night of VBS, watching videos in the bedroom, when I realized that there was a sound that didn’t quite mesh with the video I was watching. Sure, it was a compilation of creepy stories, and the sound was similarly unsettling, but it didn’t “go”Continue reading “Lullaby of the Sirens”
Give the Superego What it Wants…
Dearest Rachel – There are some mornings, honey, where I come to the conclusion that I don’t necessarily like who and what I’ve become. This morning found me lying in bed at a little after four, with that little nagging voice in the back of my head telling me that “well, as long as you’reContinue reading “Give the Superego What it Wants…”
from Rachel: Sowing the Seed
Please turn back to day 3 and read either translation of the psalm, giving special attention to verses 4-6. Today, we center on the statements in the last two verses. Does Psalm 126:5-6 sound more like a… “hope (in the definite, Biblical sense – not the wishful, worldly sense); promise” Complete the following according toContinue reading “from Rachel: Sowing the Seed”
Lowering the Ceiling
Dearest Rachel – …And this is why I think I can still take a little pride in just maintaining my weight while traveling the world on that cruise ship, despite never quite being able to escape from that same ten-pound range I would occasionally feel trapped in. The fact that I didn’t gain a considerableContinue reading “Lowering the Ceiling”
Not Burned
Dearest Rachel – In her one woman show The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, one of the many characters that Lily Tomlin plays is a teenage punk (which is a reference to the subculture she’s a part of; it’s not a descriptor as such, but I won’t deny that the girlContinue reading “Not Burned”
Why Not the Truth?
Dearest Rachel – It’s another day of music that was never ours, and of which some you’ve never heard. Like I said, I’m trying to listen to different stuff, so that it doesn’t bring back painful memories. On the other hand, some of it is painful enough as it is, by sheer dint of content.Continue reading “Why Not the Truth?”
Just As Well, I Guess
Dearest Rachel – While I did manage to get to the gym yesterday morning, I got a late start on the day, and still wasn’t feeling my best, so I didn’t put in the same level (or time) of workout that I’ve been doing pretty regularly over the past few weeks. I’ve also gone backContinue reading “Just As Well, I Guess”
Giving Up Too Easily?
Dearest Rachel – While it was good to see you last night in my dream, I found it rather confusing. For whatever reason, you seemed to be upset with me. Something about ‘giving up’ on you too easily, as you prepared to leave – which I don’t mind telling you, seemed very out of characterContinue reading “Giving Up Too Easily?”
The Extent of the Effect
Dearest Rachel – “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” So goes Isaac Newton’s first law of motion, the product of the Enlightenment concept of experimentation and observation, as opposed to blind acceptance of received wisdom from generations past. Best envisioned (and demonstrated) on a billiard table or a croquet lawn, thisContinue reading “The Extent of the Effect”
from Rachel: To Laugh Again
Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves “‘We shall come rejoicing / bringing in the sheaves’” Psalm 126 falls conveniently into perfect halves. The Message makes the transition clearest. Write the verse that you think introduces the second half. “‘AndContinue reading “from Rachel: To Laugh Again”
The Center of the Universe
Dearest Rachel – As much as I try to stay out of the boys’ business when they’re watching stuff, they do tend to be a little bit noisy from time to time. Both the shows they watch and the discussions they have are almost impossible to drown out, even from our bedroom on the oppositeContinue reading “The Center of the Universe”
Sleeping Through the War
Dearest Rachel – To be fair, for me to describe last night thusly is to completely mischaracterize it. After all, while the fireworks displays that are part and parcel of the Fourth of July are meant to represent the clamor and fire of early modern warfare in which this nation was birthed (perhaps not unlikeContinue reading “Sleeping Through the War”
The Cruelty of the Spotlight
Dearest Rachel – As much as I am loathe to, even as it feels like it’s unavoidable, I guess it’s appropriate, on this day of all days, for me to talk about politics. It is, after baseball, the national pastime, especially every four years – which is where we are now. We aren’t as physicallyContinue reading “The Cruelty of the Spotlight”
Holiday Week
Dearest Rachel – One of the strange effects of being retired and out of the work farce is that I don’t exactly have my finger on the pulse of current trends. If people are doing things en masse, I’m not always aware of it – or if I am, it’s a very dim awareness, basedContinue reading “Holiday Week”
A Herd of Boxen
Dearest Rachel – Being the grammar maven that you were, you might look at that title and get a little puzzled. What the heck are ‘boxen’?, you might ask. Then again, you were the one who introduced me to Richard Lederer, and his books on grammar and the English language. You might remember his parodicalContinue reading “A Herd of Boxen”
All Of The Power
Dearest Rachel – It was a scene right out of the last temptation offered to Jesus Christ; I dreamt that the fellow you might guess to be behind the throne and actually running the country right now (because – especially after last Thursday – no one believes that the guy ostensibly in charge really is,Continue reading “All Of The Power”
from Rachel: A Love That Surrounds
How did the psalmist describe God’s position regarding His people (v. 2)? “He surrounds them/us, like the mountains surround Jerusalem.” What do these verses say about God’s help and sustaining presence? Psalm 34:7 “He encamps around and delivers those who fear Him.” Psalm 139:5 “He is in front and behind; His hand is on us.”Continue reading “from Rachel: A Love That Surrounds”
An Honest Cheat Day
Dearest Rachel – Four-thirty in the morning, and I’m awake. It doesn’t exactly surprise me; while a little earlier than most days this week, I’ve been getting into something of a habit of waking up early enough to walk down to the gym and put in a few miles of walking in before getting backContinue reading “An Honest Cheat Day”
In Every Direction At Once
Dearest Rachel – There are days when, as I sit down in front of the computer to write to you, I find myself dealing with writers’ block, even with – possibly even especially when – considering the events of the day or so past. Some days, there just isn’t much of interest going on; thereContinue reading “In Every Direction At Once”
He Wants No Part of It
Dearest Rachel – The other day, I observed about how Daniel doesn’t really seem to have much of a handle on adulting. Oh, he can manage a thing or two when the chips are down; in fact, just this morning, he was calling the insurance company about the fender bender he got into a coupleContinue reading “He Wants No Part of It”
I Still Have My Appetite
Dearest Rachel – It’s almost funny; last week, I was struck at various times by a good half-dozen ideas of thoughts to tell you about – and which didn’t pertain to the moment at hand, so they could be kept in reserve until such time as I didn’t have much to tell you about fromContinue reading “I Still Have My Appetite”
I Don’t Like Piña Coladas, Either
Dearest Rachel – A few years ago, there was this song that was part of the top 40 repertoire whose chorus began with “if you like piña coladas / and getting caught in the rain…” I never bothered to look further into it, since as far as I was concerned, it was nothing but anContinue reading “I Don’t Like Piña Coladas, Either”
I Think I Got Its Attention
Dearest Rachel – It’s been over a week since I bought that new computer to replace the one in my ‘office’ in the basement of my folks’ house. Indeed, it’s almost been a week since it arrived and I took it over to Best Buy to have an additional hard drive installed. Now, while youContinue reading “I Think I Got Its Attention”
from Rachel: He Surrounds His People
Today you and I will steep ourselves entirely in the first verse and the picture it draws. How does verse 1 describe the people who trust in God? “like Mount Zion” ‘Those who [are “confident”] in the Lord are like Mount Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.’ How would you describe confidence inContinue reading “from Rachel: He Surrounds His People”
His Mother’s Son
Dearest Rachel – After making such a big deal of it last year, what with rediscovering your notes and observations during his first year with us (to be fair, it was a milestone at thirty, so that should have been expected), I almost let Daniel’s birthday slide a bit, as far as these letters areContinue reading “His Mother’s Son”
Festive Dream
Dearest Rachel – I’ve got to admit, I’ve been having a pretty active dream life lately. As I understand it, this is supposed to mean that I’m getting more than an adequate amount of sleep, despite the fact that I’m still waking up within an hour or so after the fitness center opens up –Continue reading “Festive Dream”
Visiting Dreams
Dearest Rachel – Most dreams, especially in those first few moments after you wake up from them, are so outlandish as to be impossible. That’s really what makes them so fascinating; where did our subconscious mind even come up with these scenarios? Folks like Freud and Jung made careers – and history – out ofContinue reading “Visiting Dreams”
Docsplaining
Dearest Rachel – It should hardly come as a surprise that I haven’t watched any episodes of Doctor Who since your passing. There were, as you’ll recall, plenty of times in those last couple of years where, although it was fun enough for me to hunt them down online and collect them for you, gettingContinue reading “Docsplaining”
That’s Just Not Its Purpose
Dearest Rachel – Despite the fact that, in the moment, it obviously seems as such, there’s no longer any such think as waking up “too early.” What with the gym being open at four, I would have to get up at a ridiculous hour to not have at least this option to do what IContinue reading “That’s Just Not Its Purpose”
It Takes More Than Just Sweat
Dearest Rachel – It’s been a very hot weekend, honey. Not just outside – which has indeed been hot, getting well up into the 90s – but inside as well. On Friday, Logan pointed out that the pipes for the air conditioner had frost all over them, and when I called the HVAC people toContinue reading “It Takes More Than Just Sweat”
from Rachel: Praise the Lord
Has Satan effectively tempted you to oppose your own best interests? “yes” If so, did you did you get fed up with being your own worst earthly enemy and decide to let God bring you some healing? “yes and no – lots of times – never permanently” In our introductory session, we talked about threeContinue reading “from Rachel: Praise the Lord”
Mere Degrees From Artificial
Dearest Rachel – Well, I know you weren’t as into the high-tech toys that computers quite frankly have always been (and increasingly will continue to be) as I was (and always will be, I suspect), although your computer was your own favorite toy for our last ten or so years together. Still, you did haveContinue reading “Mere Degrees From Artificial”
Snap Purchase
Dearest Rachel – I woke up this morning, wondering what it was I could talk to you about, thinking (for some reason) that nothing had happened in my life over the last twenty-four hours that was in any way unusual and worth relating to you. And, to be sure, there are plenty of days likeContinue reading “Snap Purchase”
Deadman’s Switch
Dearest Rachel – Another day, another letter that I’m compelled to write to you that I can’t publish. There are so many things that I want to tell you about that I don’t feel comfortable sharing with the world at large; not yet, and likely not ever. The fact of the matter remains that, whileContinue reading “Deadman’s Switch”
The Curse
Dearest Rachel – This may seem strange to bring up so many days later, but it’s not as if thoughts are necessarily time-sensitive – they occur to me when they occur to me – so I’m going to talk about this one now, if that’s okay with you. It’s not as if much happened lastContinue reading “The Curse”
Counting Steps
Dearest Rachel – You know, it’s hard for me to get a sense of proportion sometimes, especially when it comes to distances. I try my best to relate the length of the walk between our house and the fitness center to that of, say, the Serenade of the Seas, but I just can’t seem toContinue reading “Counting Steps”
Lapse
Dearest Rachel – These letters aren’t meant to be a confessional of any sort, but occasionally I feel a little compelled to do so regardless. And I know the thing that I’d be confessing this morning wouldn’t be of any concern to you – while I don’t think we we exactly enabled each other, weContinue reading “Lapse”
from Rachel: If the Lord Had Not
Don’t think for a moment He is inattentive as you throw open your Bible and seek to hear His voice amid so many voices competing for your attention. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth /  God’s strong name is our help, the same God whoContinue reading “from Rachel: If the Lord Had Not”
A Quiet, Empty House
Dearest Rachel – I really didn’t need to hurry home as fast as I did, but at the same time, I just didn’t see much point in staying at camp yesterday morning. The counselor training was about to wrap up for the week, so there wouldn’t be as much going on for me to beContinue reading “A Quiet, Empty House”
A Chair For You
Dearest Rachel – I’ve been trying to find the photo for the last hour, with no success; it happens, when I’m away from home and don’t have access to every single photo I’ve stored on every single hard drive in my possession. So I guess I’ll just have to write about it without showing you,Continue reading “A Chair For You”
The Sands of the Desert
Dearest Rachel – I seem to recall a phrase, used metaphorically in terms of the permanence of one’s love, that it would continue “until the sands of the desert grow cold.” My first exposure to the phrase – and its context – was a single-frame Peanuts cartoon in which Lucy is calling to an out-of-shotContinue reading “The Sands of the Desert”
Not Today
Dearest Rachel – I woke up again – sort of – at four in the morning today, but this time around, I couldn’t bring myself to get up and go work out. And just like yesterday, it prompts the question as to ‘why,’ but from the opposite direction. Some of the reasons I might giveContinue reading “Not Today”
Not What I Was Promised
Dearest Rachel – I found myself waking up at barely four o’clock this morning; I’ve no idea why. Rather than simply roll over and go back to sleep, I found myself compelled to head down to the gym in the already slightly muggy (not that I haven’t experienced worse) twilight. Again, I neither know norContinue reading “Not What I Was Promised”
Not According to Plan
Dearest Rachel – Yesterday did not go according to my plan for it, honey. Ordinarily, I try to fast over the weekend when I’m working the booth; and while there was the temptation of a party involving the worship team after the Saturday service (which for the sake of my social life, I probably shouldContinue reading “Not According to Plan”
from Rachel: Much Contempt
As we zero in on the second half of the psalm, what specific reason did the psalmist give for requesting mercy? “They had endured much contempt.” Surely we all know what it’s like to be treated disrespectfully. Meditate on the word for a moment. Offer your own general definition of disrespect; then give two examples.Continue reading “from Rachel: Much Contempt”
A Not-So-Tiny Home
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know if I can blame the Sims for this, but the program does make building and furnishing a home ridiculously easy. You’d think I’d know better, after having been through the remodel of the kitchen and laundry room, but I guess I can’t help but imagine what a house likeContinue reading “A Not-So-Tiny Home”
To Clear My Mind
Dearest Rachel – So yesterday, I met with Pastor Scott, in part at my dad’s suggestion. It’s been a while since we used to get together for lunch – in part for fairly obvious reasons, but it’s been more than just the fact that I’ve been traveling that’s keep us from connecting. Just like withContinue reading “To Clear My Mind”
Where Do We Go Now?
Dearest Rachel – For all the mixtapes we sent back-and-forth during the long distance portion of our courtship, neither of us were really on top of the popular music of the day. Most of your stuff came from your parents’ collection that you listened to and liked; if you wanted something more recent, you’d recordContinue reading “Where Do We Go Now?”
Eighty-Three Steps
Dearest Rachel – They say that travel is broadening, and, given my effort at weight loss over the past couple of years, that’s exactly the sort of thing I didn’t need. But it was something I was keenly aware of as I launched out on my trip this year. Cruise ships are famous (infamous? IContinue reading “Eighty-Three Steps”
Impulse Indulgence
Dearest Rachel – I’m honestly not sure how you would have reacted; maybe, as you hear the details, you wouldn’t think of it as such a big deal. And, truth be told, it wasn’t quite the impulse buy as the title might indicate (although there wasn’t that much thought put into it, either, leading toContinue reading “Impulse Indulgence”
For the Rough Men
Dearest Rachel – Some days – rather a lot of days, come to think of it – I have difficulty coming up with something to write you about, apart from the events of the day, which, unless I’m doing something extraordinary (such as during the last three months), aren’t generally the sort of things proverbiallyContinue reading “For the Rough Men”
from Rachel: The One Enthroned
I lift my eyes to You,the One enthroned in heaven In one phrase or sentence, what do you consider to be the theme of Psalm 123? “Pursuing favor from God while ignoring (or maybe ‘and deliverance from’) contempt from others.” Have you discovered a strong relationship in the concept of the statement ‘where I lookContinue reading “from Rachel: The One Enthroned”
Hidden Agendae
Dearest Rachel – One of the ways that I can tell that I’m really back home – apart from the obvious facts of my surroundings – is the fact that not only can I tell the difference between days, but paradoxically, my weekends are busier than the days of the week. For most people, ofContinue reading “Hidden Agendae”
Empty Minds and Screens
Dearest Rachel – I was up earlier than usual today, for reasons that escape me. Daniel seemed to have fallen asleep with one of his internet broadcasts on, and the noise of it would occasionally seep into the bedroom and stir me to wakefulness. So I finally gave up around a little after five, andContinue reading “Empty Minds and Screens”
Futile Dreams of Peace
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know enough about Indian history to know the specifics that prompted her demise, honey, but I know that Indira Gandhi was assassinated, just like her father-in-law, the supposedly beloved “great soul” Mahatma, and eventually her son Rajiv. However, last night found me at her side at some point in theContinue reading “Futile Dreams of Peace”
Dragging Him Out of the House
Dearest Rachel – It’s probably completely unnecessary for me to do this; Daniel has gotten out of the house on a regular basis in my absence. Partly out of necessity, of course, since I’ve not been around to go shopping for whatever the household may lack over these last couple of months, but also forContinue reading “Dragging Him Out of the House”
No End of Distractions
Dearest Rachel – Once again, it’s a good thing I have this area in my folks’ basement to ‘work’ in, or I’d never get anything sent off to you. It’s bad enough that, in order to ‘contact’ you, I have to do so by computer, which by dint of being connected to the internet, hasContinue reading “No End of Distractions”
So Many Little Snippets
Dearest Rachel – It feels like I jumped the gun, to talk about Anime Central like I did yesterday morning. Not that my opinion about it has changed; not in the slightest. If anything, I’m convinced that staying in the Rosemont area over the weekend for subsequent conventions is no longer going to be worthContinue reading “So Many Little Snippets”
from Rachel: Our Own House, Our Own City
What were Paul’s feelings towards the believers in Philippi (Philippians 1:3-8)? “He thanked God for them.“He longed for them with all the affection of Christ Jesus.” Accepting that no fellowship of believers is perfect, what are a few things you really love about yours? “I love the wealth of generational diversity. The Kindred Spirits especially,Continue reading “from Rachel: Our Own House, Our Own City”
A Waste of Time and Money
Dearest Rachel – Another year of the convention scene, another reminder that the scene has passed me by. I wish I didn’t have to utter the cliché “I’m getting too old for this,” but more and more, I’m starting to realize how well it fits. There’s no place for dilettantes in Otaku Nation; you’re eitherContinue reading “A Waste of Time and Money”
Why It Hurts To Watch
Dearest Rachel – Okay, I promised to tell you about these series I’d been watching from time to time over the past few months – as well as why I don’t particularly like watching them, or any anime, as much as I used to when we did so together. And given that I’m up atContinue reading “Why It Hurts To Watch”
Magical Matsuri Tour
Dearest Rachel – Roll up, roll up for the magical matsuri tour! Step right this way… In some ways, this weekend is going to be the absolute antithesis of one of those stereotypical English ‘mystery tours.’ I know exactly what I’m getting into; I’ve been to all twenty-four Anime Centrals up until now. There isContinue reading “Magical Matsuri Tour”
Back To The Plan
Dearest Rachel – It’s taken a few extra days for me to do this, but I’ve finally got around to it. Maybe it stems from a guilty conscience about what I admitted to yesterday (combined with the fact that, as per said admission, I slept far too much during the day, and not all thatContinue reading “Back To The Plan”
The Temptation of Sloth
Dearest Rachel – I realize that, given the fact that I’m fighting the remnants of both jet lag and a cold, I might be forgiven for falling behind in my self-imposed efforts to contact you every day (especially given that, by constantly failing asleep, there’s rather little about the day to relate to you inContinue reading “The Temptation of Sloth”
Four Years Since
Dearest Rachel – It wasn’t until I sent that letter about last night’s (this morning’s?) dream that I realized what day it was. Between all the traveling I’ve been doing – combined with the subsequent jet lag and so forth – and the fact that I don’t exactly answer to clock or calendar means thatContinue reading “Four Years Since”
Stalin and the Sewers
Dearest Rachel – I rarely know what to make of things when I have dreams (nightmares?) about work and responsibilities. For one thing, it’s always dismaying that I see so much more of Mohinder and DJ than I do of you in my dreams, in any event. For another, there’s the fact that I’m almostContinue reading “Stalin and the Sewers”
Your Regularly Scheduled Lifecast
Dearest Rachel – Well, I think that’s taken care of things; with the Ultimate World Cruise (at least, the single leg I was on for) behind me, and a weekend’s worth of mostly bed rest, I think I’m ready to get back to my regular routine, after a fashion. Sure, I’ve promised myself that IContinue reading “Your Regularly Scheduled Lifecast”
from Rachel: Where Will My Help Come From?
“‘I’ve moved my mind up, so I’m okay’” Song originated with God and accompanied “creation” (Job 38:7) In scripture, singing is attributed to both “God” the “Father” and “Christ” the “Son” “Specifically, Psalms, ending with number 118, an especially messianic Psalm Jesus will one day sing to God in our presence” “Emotions” and “experience” canContinue reading “from Rachel: Where Will My Help Come From?”
We Were Ordinary
Dearest Rachel – You probably remember my surprise at some people’s reaction to my travel plans when they were slowly coming together. The fact that other clients of my travel agency would see me as That Guy going on That Trip felt a little bemusing. I mean, I didn’t see myself as being any differentContinue reading “We Were Ordinary”
Moving Out
Dearest Rachel – Well, this is it. After having unpacked in my stateroom upon arrival – and having accumulated so much since then, it’s time for me to gather everything back up, and move out, if I can. But first, I have a morning ritual to perform for the last time. You’re probably wondering whyContinue reading “Moving Out”
Crammed In
Dearest Rachel – I can’t say that, on this last ‘full’ day of my trip, I’m giving the upcoming event my full attention. I’m too concerned with making sure everything I have has been packed away sufficiently. And once I got it all together, I read what I should be bringing ashore – including swimwearContinue reading “Crammed In”
Ignoring Dubai
Dearest Rachel – Seeing as I have so little time to put this together, what with having to assemble today’s shore excursion videos and another list of things that have been occurring to me as this trip has been winding down, I may not do a lot about Dubai’s history and culture. I covered thatContinue reading “Ignoring Dubai”
I’m So Looking Forward To…
Dearest Rachel – Despite all the things that I’ve been able to enjoy here on the ship for the last three months, there is a lot that I’m looking forward to getting back to. And since my time here is coming to a close, I thought that, rather than bemoaning that fact, I ought toContinue reading “I’m So Looking Forward To…”
Abu Dhabi
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know why it is, but I can’t seem to bring myself to take this place seriously. Every time I hear the name pronounced (even silently in my head), I always hear the additional syllable “Doo!” at the end, as if cried out exultantly by an Arabian version of Fred Flintstone:Continue reading “Abu Dhabi”
What I’m Not Gonna Miss…
Dearest Rachel – I mentioned the other day about how the shower stall in my stateroom would inevitably soak the bathmat, and continue to flood the bathroom, no matter how little water I used. Well, since then, it’s proven me to be something of a liar, as it hasn’t flooded since. In fact, the bathmatContinue reading “What I’m Not Gonna Miss…”
The Spice Must Flow
Dearest Rachel – As I was preparing to head out on this excursion, I felt like I was forgetting something. Shouldn’t I be recording a “welcome to Mumbai” video from the balcony, like I’ve tried to do most every morning we’re in port? But I already did one of those yesterday (even if I can’tContinue reading “The Spice Must Flow”
from Rachel: The Peace of Jerusalem
What does Isaiah 55:10-11 say about God’s Word? “It does not return void, but does the work God intends for it.” OK, let’s get to our third Psalm of Ascent. Quick review: what three approaches are we going to take? “Say” it, “work” it, and at the conclusion of our next day of study, we’llContinue reading “from Rachel: The Peace of Jerusalem”
Where Are the IT Guys?
Dearest Rachel – I wouldn’t blame you if, at this point, you’d be wondering why I haven’t put together a recap of my first day in Mumbai, at least. I’ve been prompt enough with all the other places, now, haven’t I? Yeah, well… about that… It’s not that I don’t have the material, I promiseContinue reading “Where Are the IT Guys?”
Bouncing Around
Dearest Rachel – I’m not gonna lie, honey; I’m not a big fan of the public address system they have on the ship. You can always hear the ‘bing-bong’ of the chimes, heralding an important announcement for all the ships passengers to hear, only for the actual voice to be completely inaudible to someone likeContinue reading “Bouncing Around”
When Does It Become “Home”?
Dearest Rachel – I suppose I really need to do breakfast more often in the dining room. If nothing else, it helps me with portion control; eating upstairs in the Windjammer, with its buffet style layout, offers the temptation of going up for multiple helpings – and when combined with the urge to ‘get myContinue reading “When Does It Become “Home”?”
Better Than Cook’s Tour?
Dearest Rachel – Back in the day, I understand that Thomas Cook & Son was considered to be the gold standard for tourism; the “Cook’s tour” was proverbial for being given a decent understanding of a place and situation, whether a new job or an actual vacation spot. So, taking into account that the jobContinue reading “Better Than Cook’s Tour?”
Mumbai
Dearest Rachel – So this is an interesting case; one last city in which we’re staying overnight. Presumably, this is so the folks who left from Goa for the overland trip to the Taj Mahal can rejoin us. Honestly, given the complexity of this whole trip – punctuated by the fact that they had toContinue reading “Mumbai”
Goa
Dearest Rachel – I’m not sure where to begin with this location. I could start by mentioning that I’d heard about this region from Mohinder, way back in the day. It was a resort area, and unique insofar as it was primarily Christian in population, having been allegedly part of St. Thomas’ (y’know, “doubting Thomas”?)Continue reading “Goa”
As Day Wears Into Night
Dearest Rachel – It’s weird; I’ve found myself treating this morning much as I would a sea day. And for good reason; we’ve basically been at sea all morning, with literally no sign of land to speak of. To be sure, it’s been somewhat hazy outside, so even if there was land nearby, we mightContinue reading “As Day Wears Into Night”
Cochin & Alappuzha
Dearest Rachel – I’m not entirely sure which of these cities I should be telling you about. We’re docking in the former – well, eventually; we’re not expected to arrive until after noon – but I’ll be spending most of my time in the second, cruising (yes, I get off one ship to board anotherContinue reading “Cochin & Alappuzha”
Colombo Morning
Dearest Rachel – I did mention that I’d have to wake up early this morning, didn’t I? Yes, well… I hadn’t expected to be this early. I like to give myself a couple of hours before I’m to report to the theater for my shore excursions. It gives me time to shower, dry off, dress,Continue reading “Colombo Morning”
Colombo
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know what it is about this particular city, but I have trouble taking this destination seriously. Much like the criminals matching wits with this guy: Yeah, I admit it; this is what comes to mind when I think of the name of this place. And it’s not like I everContinue reading “Colombo”
For This I Risked Deportation?
Dearest Rachel – It was a little over a week ago – just as we were coming into Vietnam – when the phone in my stateroom rang. For all the time I spend here (sometimes acknowledging that I really shouldn’t; at least, not as much as I do), this isn’t a thing that happens. IfContinue reading “For This I Risked Deportation?”
Hambantota
Dearest Rachel – I’m going to save the brief bureaucratic nightmare for my recap of the day, as I think it will distract from the research I might as well do on this town (despite its size) and Columbo, given that I’ve got a sea day in which to work on this. As it happens,Continue reading “Hambantota”
from Rachel: The Lord is Your Shelter
What do the following Scriptures say about ways people can be of authentic help to one another? Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “‘Two are better than one…’ ‘If one falls down, his friend can help him up.’”2 Corinthians 1:10-11 – “We support each other with our prayers” How about you? Name a few people who are aContinue reading “from Rachel: The Lord is Your Shelter”
Not All Sweetness and Light
Dearest Rachel – It’s been a while since I talked to you about earworms; frankly, it’s been a while since I focused much on any topic other than my travels. Let’s face it, on a trip like this, there’s rather a lot of that to talk about, to the exclusion of almost everything else. EvenContinue reading “Not All Sweetness and Light”
Ringgit Out
Dearest Rachel – I rather expected to be able to wander about the city once my (relatively brief, I have to admit) shore excursion was over with today. I had way too much ringgit in my pocket, especially considering how far those things go here in Malaysia. I certainly had plenty of time to doContinue reading “Ringgit Out”
Without Fear and Without Research
Dearest Rachel – It’s not much of an excursion, though; just transport from the port to the capital city, where we’re to be dropped off at Pavilion Shopping Mall in the Bukit Bintang area (the advertising copy adds the adjective ‘famous’ to the district, but given my familiarity with the city – which is absolutelyContinue reading “Without Fear and Without Research”
Such Small Portions
Dearest Rachel – I thought I needed to be at the theater by a quarter to nine; turns out, the call was at eight o’clock sharp. So, with neither a chance to get breakfast nor weigh myself in (since we were in port now, and the ship wasn’t being rocked by the ocean), I brushed my teethContinue reading “Such Small Portions”
To Dream Without Sleeping
Dearest Rachel – You think I was preparing to depart on this stop; I went to bed at a quarter to nine (according to my phone, which was running an hour behind Singapore time, so technically, it was a quarter to ten), and while I think my shore excursion call is at a quarter toContinue reading “To Dream Without Sleeping”
Singapore
Dearest Rachel – Well, we’ll soon be in the last place on my itinerary that I’ve been to before. The funny thing is, the one moment I most vividly remember from this place has little to do with it as such, and was just an incident whose circumstances could just as easily have happened anywhereContinue reading “Singapore”
Letters to Rachel 