I still think blog is an ugly word

I don't know if I'm still getting graded on this, but I thought I'd put this up anyway. I don't think anyone ever reads this except for me, but maybe it can be a kindof journal. Or not.

I wonder if the government makes money off of passports. I mean, are the fees just a bit over what it costs for all the bureaucracy involved in the application? Or has that paperwork been outsourced to people in India who are working for ten cents an hour while the passport officials cackle with glee over their successful scheme? If my new passport smells like curry, I guess I'll have my answer.

So, I'm off to the Caribbean this summer, if all goes well. On a three month cruise, no less. A cruise where the main menu item is rice (fried, if I'm lucky*), and where I'll be working 8 or more hours each day in the sweltering temperatures. If I'm very very "lucky"*, I'll get a cabin where the air conditioning works, unlike last time I went on this type of cruise. I'll be getting good exercise, most likely, hauling books around. Or if they decide they want me in the Galley again, I'll be hauling bags of rice and potatoes, peeling and chopping mountains of onions, and scrubbing countless dishes and cooking utensils.

And I'll love it. At least, I did before. I'm hoping/planning to go to the MV Logos II this summer for it's third "final voyage to the Caribbean." I still have the t-shirt from the first "final voyage.." I think I'll take it with me. :-)

The great thing about the ship is that even though it's hard work and no one gets paid, everyone is glad to be there. Why? Because people who are there aren't there for the money, the beautiful scenery, or the good shopping. They're there because they want to serve the Lord however they can. And somehow, God honors their willingness to serve by giving "joy unspeakable and full of glory" in the middle of difficult circumstances. Of course, everyone there has bad days, just like people everywhere, but serving God rather than serving self helps a lot.

So, if anyone actually does read this, I'm raising support for my mission trip to the Logos II. I will need extra money for extra super strong sunblock.... or maybe I'll just buy housepaint and use that... :-)






*I don't believe in luck, so when I say lucky I am merely borrowing the colloquialism. I could say fortunate. I could say blessed, but some people misinterpret that....