It is tobacco cutting time here in Robertson County. It is not uncommon to get behind a slow moving load of tobacco on my way to work now. The smell of tobacco barns will permeate the community soon. I remember when I was a teen it was an excused absence to miss school for cutting tobacco if it was your family’s crop. And while I never exercised my rights, it was also okay to smoke, dip, or chew at school in designated areas.
OFF TO SCHOOL. Ben began his educational career on Monday. Like Jenna, he was escorted to school with a two car procession (we drove separately so I could start my work day at his school and Vicki could go back home). I think he was real excited because he came back home talking about what a good time he had. I was glad to hear that because I have always been afraid he’d be like one little girl who was asked what she thought after her first day in kindergarten and she replied, “Oh, it was okay. I just wouldn’t want to do it every day.” As a matter of fact, Ben was really upset yesterday morning when Vicki told him she would be picking him up before nap time. It seems he wanted to ride the bus home. His evening prayers include his happy feelings about school. We are thankful he is adjusting so well.
Ashlyn Wright is one of Ben’s classmates. Her family also goes to church with us. Ben came in from school one day talking about her. He finally concluded his thoughts saying, “I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to be her ‘girlfriend’ or not.” Vicki had to suppress a laugh at this.
HAND ME DOWNS. So while Vicki is dressing Nate this morning, he looks himself over and says, “But these are Benton’s clothes.”
Vicki replies, “No, these are your clothes now.”
Perplexed, he looks down again and asks, “Did they grow little?”
Vicki laughed and exclaimed, “No, you grew into a big boy!”
Nate agreed with a hearty, “Yes I am!”
PLUMBING BLUES. Any time you call a plumber it is expensive. That’s why I hated to call mine up earlier this week. I gave in when I just couldn’t locate a leak I was hearing. After taking a grand tour of the underside of our house he concluded the leak was somewhere in the waterline between the meter and the house, a very expensive repair. To be brief, we have had a major stroke of luck in discovering that all but the last 20 feet of this line is PVC and in good shape. The only section that is being replaced is right behind the kitchen. I’m sure it won’t be cheap, but at least it will be a lot less than the original $1700 estimate.
I’M PROUD OF VICKI! She joined Weight Watchers back in June, right around the time we were doing Vacation Bible School. Slow, steady (and healthy) progress was made each week and Vicki has lost exactly 20 lbs. as of her last weigh in. This is the first time she has ever dieted, and it has been a lot easier than she ever thought it could be. She enjoys all foods and keeps track of her helpings. The plan is to lose about 30 more. She’s already talking about buying a new wardrobe in a few more months.
She has also started exercising to some work-out DVDs. Ben decided to do some of the floor exercises with her one morning but gave up pretty quickly. A bit later he sympathized from the couch saying, “Oh Momma, I know they hurt. I know they do!”
A HEART FOR MINISTRY. Sherri Traughber is the secretary at my office. She is a good friend and someone I respect deeply. Since coming to work with us she has made several mission trips to Romania to minister to the Romani people. This people group, commonly known as Gypsies, are treated very poorly in Romania. From the picture Sherri has painted for me I will venture to say they are seen as sub-human by other Romanians. It is here Sherri feels she has found a special calling for a life ministry. To this end she is going to college in preparation for this work.
Through the connections she’s made, Sherri learned about a Romanian family in need recently. To help out she organized a dinner as a fundraiser. We went to this Sunday evening where a Romanian wedding feast was served. The meal started with a meat ball and vegetable soup (Ciorbā de Perisoare). This was followed by slaw (Salata de Varzā), tomato and cucumber salad (Salata de Roșiiși Castraveți), roasted chicken (Carne de Pui), mashed potatoes (Catofi Pireu) and vegetables, and thin pork loin that had been cooked in batter (Şințel--similar to Country Fried Steak). This was all topped off with chocolate eclairs and cookies. Afterward Sherri spoke and showed pictures from her latest trip. Many of the stories she told were heart wrenching.
Sherri is planning to return to Romania in November. I am sure she would appreciate your prayers.
Joe
