Dearest Rachel – I mentioned in my last letter that there might be an issue with the actual flight, but it might require a separate letter, because I wanted to send something (which you can read as “continue my streak,” which I’m sure you would be understanding about) before we left, whereas the details ofContinue reading “Cleared for Takeoff”
Tag Archives: connections
from Rachel: Jumping Ahead
Please read the following segments and record God’s obvious point in each one:Isaiah 41:24-24 – “False gods can’t prophesy accurately”Isaiah 44:6-8 – “God is the only true God.” Describe each thing Isaiah 46:10 says God does.“He makes known any part of history He wants. His purpose will stand and He will do what He wants.”Continue reading “from Rachel: Jumping Ahead”
The Long Way Around – a Visit to South Bass
Dearest Rachel – We had fully intended to make a stop in Put-in-Bay while we were on the island this time around; while your parents rarely bothered to venture over there (their priorities leaned into the fishing aspect of island life, after all) it was pretty much de rigeur for the three of us after a while,Continue reading “The Long Way Around – a Visit to South Bass”
When It All Came Together, and It All Fell Apart
Dearest Rachel – I’ve been meaning to write you on this topic for some time, although I’ve always rather hesitated about doing so. It’s always seemed both bigger than I can cover in a single post (although I don’t seem to have a problem with a couple thousand words about what happened the weekend beforeContinue reading “When It All Came Together, and It All Fell Apart”
Leaving You Behind (by Accident)
Dearest Rachel – It’s probably that much worse to be having to admit this to you on an anniversary date – in this case, the fifty-first month since your departure – but this is the way things happen (to say nothing of the timing of my finding out). Considering where it happened, it could atContinue reading “Leaving You Behind (by Accident)”
Daylight Between Us
Dearest Rachel – It wasn’t what I expected to be doing of a Tuesday evening, but as dates go, I suppose it could have been worse. At least it was a pleasant discussion, and neither of us had much time to develop a case of nerves beforehand. You can probably guess even just by thatContinue reading “Daylight Between Us”
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?”
from Rachel: Woe to Me
Did you get the three approaches? “Say it –> Work it –> Pray it” In my distress, I called to the Lord and He answered me. “Too many times to count, and even in the mundane He answers me.” I’m in trouble. I cry to God, desperate for an answer. “Less hopeful version, whether orContinue reading “from Rachel: Woe to Me”
The Great Firewall
Dearest Rachel – I think I’ve mentioned a couple of times about how, over the last couple of days, I haven’t been able to do all the work that I’d like to, or need to, because of limited Internet access. To be sure, “like” is a strong word for it, as I’m more than happyContinue reading “The Great Firewall”
Therapeutic Misfire
Dearest Rachel – I’ve referred in the past to shopping as a form of ‘retail therapy,’ although this probably comes as no surprise to you and your girlfriends. At the risk of making some sort of sweeping sexist statement, women have known the value, in terms of mental health applications, of shopping as long as theContinue reading “Therapeutic Misfire”
Bye, Bye, Brony
Dearest Rachel – The weirdest part of this isn’t so much that Daniel has decided not to go this weekend, as much the fact that I’ve been asked to drive Logan to a pickup point where he can meet a friend of his, from whence they’ll drive up to the convention in Milwaukee together. It’sContinue reading “Bye, Bye, Brony”
Boaz Without Ruth
Dearest Rachel – I considered titling this letter “Boaz Seeks Ruth,” which admittedly sounds like the wording of a traditional personals ad, except that, as I began to type, it occurred to me that he very much wasn’t seeking her – or anyone else, for that matter. In fact, he had very much given upContinue reading “Boaz Without Ruth”
A String of Catfish
Dearest Rachel – You’ve heard from time to time about how I’ve been talking with people online, trying to make connections that could lead to a relationship in my search to find the mythical ‘Megumi,’ the second blessing to take over your role at my side. You’ve heard about the momentary promise I would findContinue reading “A String of Catfish”
Mister and Missus?
Dearest Rachel – Yes, that’s how Daniel and I were addressed as the tour guide called out people’s names, to confirm everyone was present and accounted for. I realize that most of the tourists are couples, and Danielle could be interpreted as a feminine name, but really? I don’t see how we could be mistakenContinue reading “Mister and Missus?”
A Rest Arrested, A Connection Made
Dearest Rachel – I really thought I’d be better at this; given that I was yawning like crazy even as the folks were driving Daniel and I to the airport, I assumed I’d be able to fall asleep on the plane without any difficulty. It was certainly late enough in the evening, and I hadContinue reading “A Rest Arrested, A Connection Made”
Water, Oil and Wine
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know how my mind can go from black-and-white line drawings one night to full (if dimly lit) color and tactile sensations, but it was good to see and hear from you last night, even if it left me with more questions than answers – and I still had to letContinue reading “Water, Oil and Wine”
One Last Throw of the Dice
Dearest Rachel – Well, my subscription to that dating website/app is about to expire, and I’m not sure I’m really going to miss it. It’s given me a fair amount of fodder to write you about, to be sure, but up until now, there hasn’t really been all that much in terms of real results.Continue reading “One Last Throw of the Dice”
More Memories of Hugs
Dearest Rachel – After telling you about Daniel and his efforts to carry on your legacy of embracing others for various worthy reasons, I had other thoughts and memories on the subject, but decided that they merit a separate letter, so as not to distract from the good he was and is doing in followingContinue reading “More Memories of Hugs”
Abandoned
Dearest Rachel – Last night’s dream was a weird one to wake up from. What I can remember of it had to do with the family and a handful of others (including animals) needing to get back from somewhere in central Missouri, and quickly. So, while most of the others got cars to drive homeContinue reading “Abandoned”
Folding the Hedge
Dearest Rachel – Every so often, I come up with a title that needs some explanation; however, this is going to take some time for me to get to. Feel free to guess a little while I try to set the table here. I’ll give you a hint, though; it has absolutely nothing to doContinue reading “Folding the Hedge”
How Can I Miss Her…
Dearest Rachel – I will occasionally wonder what things might have been like had our roles been reversed that awful day. After all, freak accidents don’t just occur to the risk-takers, or they wouldn’t be considered freak accidents. I went down that hill a few times myself – I even lost my phone during oneContinue reading “How Can I Miss Her…”
A Call From Out of Nowhere
Dearest Rachel – This is why I answer the phone, regardless of whether i recognize the number or not. You just never know… This afternoon, the phone rang, and while the number didn’t look familiar, it was a Chicago number, so it wasn’t as if it was from just anywhere. To be sure, I didContinue reading “A Call From Out of Nowhere”
The Visitation
Dearest Rachel – I’m told there was a French king who had been raised Protestant – a dangerous thing to be, when the deeply Catholic country was persecuting Huguenots, and your faith was pretty much inextricably linked to your patriotism (one more reason America deliberately decoupled church and state). Upon the death of his predecessor,Continue reading “The Visitation”
Found
Dearest Rachel – You’ll recall me mentioning the other day when I was wandering around Basel how you’re never truly lost; that it’s just a matter of not being where you want to be. As a consequence, being ‘found’ isn’t the opposite of being lost; it’s just a matter of someone else realizing where youContinue reading “Found”
It Could Be Worse
Dearest Rachel – It was one of those many inside jokes we used to have between each other. Any time we were in a bad situation of one sort or another, we would often encourage each other with Eye-gor’s line. Granted, if it was raining, the effect was lost, but still… I’ve tried to maintainContinue reading “It Could Be Worse”
Letters to Rachel 