Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Just finished dinner. Had a long day, but very interesting, as I am having the pastors give an exegetical sermon in class – a good way for them to do instead of just hear. They are doing a really good job of analyzing a text and communicating the author’s intent in a relevant manner with appropriate illustrations and principles to apply to everyday life here in Russia, or anywhere for that matter.
I got home at 10:30 last night. Went with the Bible school director to his city, which is about 20 km from Naberezhny Chilny. Yesterday was a holiday in Russia, so no one worked and the church in the city I visited had a special meeting for me. I think they just wanted to see the American, which doesn’t come their way, but very rarely (and see the ironed undershirt:). Sort of like seeing the circus when it comes to town – something different. Anyway, I had a great time with them – got some good pictures then drove down the the Kama River and took a walk along the bank – people everywhere, and swimming in suits that exceeds the limits of good sense – men too in their speedo type suits that violates your sense of propriety to look at. I wish I could bring this weather home with me – evenings cool in the low 60’s and daytime highs in the low 80’s at best, and no humidity, with rain about every other day. Everything is lush and green. And flowers are everywhere, and most of them are pyonese (still don’t know how to spell that word, but I mow around them about twice a week).
The pastor, Stephan, and his wife are from Ukraine, and she cooked a wonderful Ukrainian meal, of which I took a picture, and we ate fresh-picked strawberries. I forgot how much better fresh strawberries are then the store-bought kind.
I have one more full day of classes, then exam on Thursday, and wrap up things, then fly back to Moscow on Friday, then Paris on Saturday, then home one week from today. Can’t wait to see everyone. Where is the July WagJerCo?
Hopefully I will post another one tomorrow.
Love,
Dad
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Monday, June 13, 2005
Monday, June 13
Just got back to my host family at 10:30 pm - spent the evening with a family in nearby city - on the same river (Kama). Stephan and his wife are from Ukraine. He is a graduate of Moscow Theological Institute. I taught him three courses at MTI; he is now the director of the Bible school here in Chilny.
His small church has a special meeting tonight in order to here me speak.
Long day,
More tomorrow hopefully,
Dad
His small church has a special meeting tonight in order to here me speak.
Long day,
More tomorrow hopefully,
Dad
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Sunday, June 12
Just got back from worship service. I spoke and afterwards I like to have never gotten out of there. Everyone wanted to skake my hand and speak to me, with translation, so there was a line waiting. After a quick, small lunch I will meet the pastor for a large lunch and then we will go to his summer house (daucha) for relaxation and snacks. They are really treating me good here, too good - don't think I'll lose any weight on this trip.
Four more days of classes then back to Moscow then Budagpest then Paris then home.
Sam, can you do me a favor? Inquire at Home Depot on S. Metcalf about renting a good heavy duty chainsaw for cutting down trees in our backyard. They are all going down except the oak. Anyone nedd any firewood? I should have a bunch. Thanks for checking into it for me.
Give all the kids a hug for me.
Love,
Dad
Four more days of classes then back to Moscow then Budagpest then Paris then home.
Sam, can you do me a favor? Inquire at Home Depot on S. Metcalf about renting a good heavy duty chainsaw for cutting down trees in our backyard. They are all going down except the oak. Anyone nedd any firewood? I should have a bunch. Thanks for checking into it for me.
Give all the kids a hug for me.
Love,
Dad
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Saturday, June 11, 2005
I just got back from classes, which ended at noon with the first exam over Hermeneutics. The students were worried that the exam would be too hard, so we reviewed together for an hour before the exam, and I think everyone did okay. I gave them a weekend assignment to select a passage of Scripture from either Testament from which to do an exegesis presentation next week and to study from a list of Greek words which will be on the exam this coming Thursday.
The last few days have been a blur – I haven’t had time in the evenings to catch you up what is going on here in Chilny, but here is a quick resume (sorry if some of this is repetiton, but I am typing as thoughts take shape and don’t remember what I wrote earlier).
Classes start at 9 am and go for 50 min. then minute break (which is usually filled with ping pong, I taught them how to play group ping pong starting with about 12 around the table – they love it) for 10 min. Classes continue until noon, then we break for lunch, and back to class at 1 pm and go until 6 pm. It makes for a long day, but time well spent.
Sam, I am taking a lot of pictures. I love this digital camera! I have some pretty good pictures.
The other day I mentioned that we should eat some ice cream (marozhenae), and they keep bringing it for me, which I share with everyone else. They have a room off the classroom for my personal comfort, in which they stock fresh fruit, tea, juices, cookies, and now ice cream. They definitely are treating me very well – too well! They are very kind and hospitable and thankful that I have come this far to teach them.
Today the cook, who wears a white chef’s hat, told me that she was worried about cooking for an American, thinking that the cooking would not be good enough. The food is really great and they go out their way to accomodate me. I have eaten more meat (myasa) then ever in Russia. And my host family’s wife is cooking up a storm for me. I really enjoy living with a family for a lot of reasons which may be obvious, but it helps me to learn Russian and to refine my pronunciations. Last night I was reading, or trying to pronounce, one of Luda’s books which is a Russian primer that works through the alphabet giving pronunciations of various verb conjugations. So with Luda on my lap, we were learning Russian together (she is 7). Sam and Laura, she loves to play with me on the floor where she runs at me and I flip her over me onto my legs. She had never done that before. I wonder if my Dad invented that, because I have never seen anyone else do it. And Laura, she loves to swing the way I swung you countless time, and we both loved it.
So here I am back with my host family on Saturday afternoon. I think I will take a nap and study for tomorrow’s sermon – what a luxury!
Hopefully tomorrow I can add more to this continuing saga from the Motherland.
Love to all!
Dad
I just got back from classes, which ended at noon with the first exam over Hermeneutics. The students were worried that the exam would be too hard, so we reviewed together for an hour before the exam, and I think everyone did okay. I gave them a weekend assignment to select a passage of Scripture from either Testament from which to do an exegesis presentation next week and to study from a list of Greek words which will be on the exam this coming Thursday.
The last few days have been a blur – I haven’t had time in the evenings to catch you up what is going on here in Chilny, but here is a quick resume (sorry if some of this is repetiton, but I am typing as thoughts take shape and don’t remember what I wrote earlier).
Classes start at 9 am and go for 50 min. then minute break (which is usually filled with ping pong, I taught them how to play group ping pong starting with about 12 around the table – they love it) for 10 min. Classes continue until noon, then we break for lunch, and back to class at 1 pm and go until 6 pm. It makes for a long day, but time well spent.
Sam, I am taking a lot of pictures. I love this digital camera! I have some pretty good pictures.
The other day I mentioned that we should eat some ice cream (marozhenae), and they keep bringing it for me, which I share with everyone else. They have a room off the classroom for my personal comfort, in which they stock fresh fruit, tea, juices, cookies, and now ice cream. They definitely are treating me very well – too well! They are very kind and hospitable and thankful that I have come this far to teach them.
Today the cook, who wears a white chef’s hat, told me that she was worried about cooking for an American, thinking that the cooking would not be good enough. The food is really great and they go out their way to accomodate me. I have eaten more meat (myasa) then ever in Russia. And my host family’s wife is cooking up a storm for me. I really enjoy living with a family for a lot of reasons which may be obvious, but it helps me to learn Russian and to refine my pronunciations. Last night I was reading, or trying to pronounce, one of Luda’s books which is a Russian primer that works through the alphabet giving pronunciations of various verb conjugations. So with Luda on my lap, we were learning Russian together (she is 7). Sam and Laura, she loves to play with me on the floor where she runs at me and I flip her over me onto my legs. She had never done that before. I wonder if my Dad invented that, because I have never seen anyone else do it. And Laura, she loves to swing the way I swung you countless time, and we both loved it.
So here I am back with my host family on Saturday afternoon. I think I will take a nap and study for tomorrow’s sermon – what a luxury!
Hopefully tomorrow I can add more to this continuing saga from the Motherland.
Love to all!
Dad
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Wed. June 8
Wed, June 8
I am writing this on Wed. evening and catching you up on past events.
Going back to Sunday am – Left for church at 9:30 with the family I am staying with, a 10 minute drive to the church. N. Chilny (the locals call it Chilny for short) is a pretty clean city with flowers everywhere – red salvia and lots of pyanese.
The church meets in an old gym, and everyone is required to put plastice elastic slipons over their shoes to keep from marking the floor. The congregation is quite large. They sit on plastic stack chairs, which everyone helped to stack after service. The women all were scarfs for head coverings. The service began with a choir of mostly women singing. The majority of the congregation is made up of women. My translator’s name is Natasha. (If some of this is repetition, it is because I wrote in my notebook a log of the first few days and am just typing what I wrote) Natasha is 25, quite friendly and speaks pretty good English. Service went as follows: choir sang, worship for 30 min., choir sang again, recognition of birthdays with flower given to them (they gave me a bouqet also – pyanese), offering, and then the pastor introduced me, and I spoke for 1 hr and 15 min. (remember that is with translation). The church has a wonderful spirit of worship and receptivity to the leadership and ministry of the Word, and seem to have a unifying spirit. After the message, the pastor called for people with special need to come forward – quite a few came down – again mostly women. Then we sang another worship chorus and then dismissed. Several people came to me afterward to express thanks or for counsel. I will speak in the your meeting tonight and next Sunday also. The pastor also informed me that classes will start on Tuesday, so tomorrow he will pick me up in the morning and will go to his Dacha (summer vacation house – more like little shacks – a big Russian cultural thing) and go fishing. The pastor also asked me to do a seminar Thursday evening to pastors and leaders and anyone else who wants to come.
In the service I met a very devoted young lady, a Tartar, who has a very strong passion to reach the Tartar people with the gospel. The Tartar people are predominately muslim. She said she had no respect or authority to speak until she is married. So she if trusting God to send her the right Tartar man to marry. Is Dave Knapp a Tartar?:) She has a very humble and teachable spirit.
Back at the home I am staying at – for lunch we had cucumber salad gretchka (buckwheat cooked like rice), sausages (like small hotdogs), bread, and tea. It is hard to be picky when you are a guest and the hostess has gone to a lot of trouble for you, and she continues to labor hard for me. I am even eating tomatoes – now there’s a sign that the apocalypse is upon us. Now if I start eating sour cream, you better be prayed up!
At the youth meeting in the evening – I had a good time with the youth. They were very receptive. I took several pictures.
After youth service, came home, ate gretchka and some kind of pastry roll and tea. Afterward went jogging with Olga and Luda down by the river – beautiful night – cool.
Before bed, Nadya played the piano and cello for everyone. She is quite good.
More later.
Love,
Dad
I am writing this on Wed. evening and catching you up on past events.
Going back to Sunday am – Left for church at 9:30 with the family I am staying with, a 10 minute drive to the church. N. Chilny (the locals call it Chilny for short) is a pretty clean city with flowers everywhere – red salvia and lots of pyanese.
The church meets in an old gym, and everyone is required to put plastice elastic slipons over their shoes to keep from marking the floor. The congregation is quite large. They sit on plastic stack chairs, which everyone helped to stack after service. The women all were scarfs for head coverings. The service began with a choir of mostly women singing. The majority of the congregation is made up of women. My translator’s name is Natasha. (If some of this is repetition, it is because I wrote in my notebook a log of the first few days and am just typing what I wrote) Natasha is 25, quite friendly and speaks pretty good English. Service went as follows: choir sang, worship for 30 min., choir sang again, recognition of birthdays with flower given to them (they gave me a bouqet also – pyanese), offering, and then the pastor introduced me, and I spoke for 1 hr and 15 min. (remember that is with translation). The church has a wonderful spirit of worship and receptivity to the leadership and ministry of the Word, and seem to have a unifying spirit. After the message, the pastor called for people with special need to come forward – quite a few came down – again mostly women. Then we sang another worship chorus and then dismissed. Several people came to me afterward to express thanks or for counsel. I will speak in the your meeting tonight and next Sunday also. The pastor also informed me that classes will start on Tuesday, so tomorrow he will pick me up in the morning and will go to his Dacha (summer vacation house – more like little shacks – a big Russian cultural thing) and go fishing. The pastor also asked me to do a seminar Thursday evening to pastors and leaders and anyone else who wants to come.
In the service I met a very devoted young lady, a Tartar, who has a very strong passion to reach the Tartar people with the gospel. The Tartar people are predominately muslim. She said she had no respect or authority to speak until she is married. So she if trusting God to send her the right Tartar man to marry. Is Dave Knapp a Tartar?:) She has a very humble and teachable spirit.
Back at the home I am staying at – for lunch we had cucumber salad gretchka (buckwheat cooked like rice), sausages (like small hotdogs), bread, and tea. It is hard to be picky when you are a guest and the hostess has gone to a lot of trouble for you, and she continues to labor hard for me. I am even eating tomatoes – now there’s a sign that the apocalypse is upon us. Now if I start eating sour cream, you better be prayed up!
At the youth meeting in the evening – I had a good time with the youth. They were very receptive. I took several pictures.
After youth service, came home, ate gretchka and some kind of pastry roll and tea. Afterward went jogging with Olga and Luda down by the river – beautiful night – cool.
Before bed, Nadya played the piano and cello for everyone. She is quite good.
More later.
Love,
Dad
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Tuesday, June 7
Tues., June 7, 2005
I am back and will try to catch up on things. If I let much time elapse, it is easy to forget some significant events.
The family I am staying with are treated me as a king; they are attentive to my evey need and very gracious, always keeping fresh fruit, water, and fruit juices in my room. Nena evens irons my underwear – what a deal! Okay, let the cyber-jokes begin about my ironed underwear.
Backing up a bit in the sequence of things: On Saturday, the bishop of Tartarstan and Nikolai (MTI director) and I went to the airport (a different one than I normally use) at 8 am to catch my flight which left at 9:05. The bishop was to catch a flight one hour after me, but his flight was delayed, so I and a student (who met me at the airport in Kazan) waited until 12:35 pm for his flight to arrive. I tried to catch a little sleep on the hard benches at the airport and succeeded somewhat – amazing where one can sleep when the need is great! From Tues. night until Sat. Night I only got 7 hr.s sleep. Anyway, I flew into Kazan, which is 250 Km from Naberezhnye Chilny, which was a surprise to find out that I was going to have a 3 hr. car ride to N.Chilny. Surprises are always fun, at least over here. So when the bishop did arrive in Kazan, he drove us into Kazan and the student who met me at the airport was dropped off with my passport – uffda! I am always a little nervous when I see my passport leaving my possession. It has happened my times before, nevertheless, it still is cause for a little concern. I can loose everything except my passport and airplane ticket and wallet, which I always keep with me. So saying goodbye to my passport, we took off for the ride to N. Chilny. I was so sleepy that I slept most of the way on the bumpy road. We stopped at a roadside fish market, actually there were about 15 little fish shops all huddled together selling all kinds of fish from smoked to fully cooked to raw. The bishop, Visilly asked me if I was hungry, and enough if I were hungry I would have declined. Some of those fish were pretty strange looking. I took a picture for you all to see. Sam, I need you to show me how to send pictures by e-mail when I get home.
This part of Russia is very beautiful, green, and lush –rolling hills and forests – very similar to driving down Hwy 69 to Joplin, MO only prettier, because there are lots of evergreen forests. The weather is perfect – about 75 degrees during the day with no humidity and cool in the evenings. My translator did say that it gets up to 95 – 100 in the hottest part of the summer. But they have no a/c.
About the family I am staying with. The chronology of this blog leaves something to be desired, because I am trying to type quickly as things come to mind. I am in couple’s bedroom, so I am trying to hurry. I am staying with a family of 5, Father – Alexi, Mother – Nena, daughter 26 – Olga, dauther 18 – Nadya, daughter 7 (who looks a lot like Laura at that age) – Luda. They live in a recently remodeled flat in a typical Russian highrise with three bedrooms, a living room a small kitchen a bathroom with sink and tub and washing machine, a separte toilet room, an entry way, and hallway – quite nice acually by Russian standards. They have a Lada stationwagon in good shape (my translator told me that 10 to 50 percent of Russians have cars, a wide range but it was her guess).
More later.
I am back and will try to catch up on things. If I let much time elapse, it is easy to forget some significant events.
The family I am staying with are treated me as a king; they are attentive to my evey need and very gracious, always keeping fresh fruit, water, and fruit juices in my room. Nena evens irons my underwear – what a deal! Okay, let the cyber-jokes begin about my ironed underwear.
Backing up a bit in the sequence of things: On Saturday, the bishop of Tartarstan and Nikolai (MTI director) and I went to the airport (a different one than I normally use) at 8 am to catch my flight which left at 9:05. The bishop was to catch a flight one hour after me, but his flight was delayed, so I and a student (who met me at the airport in Kazan) waited until 12:35 pm for his flight to arrive. I tried to catch a little sleep on the hard benches at the airport and succeeded somewhat – amazing where one can sleep when the need is great! From Tues. night until Sat. Night I only got 7 hr.s sleep. Anyway, I flew into Kazan, which is 250 Km from Naberezhnye Chilny, which was a surprise to find out that I was going to have a 3 hr. car ride to N.Chilny. Surprises are always fun, at least over here. So when the bishop did arrive in Kazan, he drove us into Kazan and the student who met me at the airport was dropped off with my passport – uffda! I am always a little nervous when I see my passport leaving my possession. It has happened my times before, nevertheless, it still is cause for a little concern. I can loose everything except my passport and airplane ticket and wallet, which I always keep with me. So saying goodbye to my passport, we took off for the ride to N. Chilny. I was so sleepy that I slept most of the way on the bumpy road. We stopped at a roadside fish market, actually there were about 15 little fish shops all huddled together selling all kinds of fish from smoked to fully cooked to raw. The bishop, Visilly asked me if I was hungry, and enough if I were hungry I would have declined. Some of those fish were pretty strange looking. I took a picture for you all to see. Sam, I need you to show me how to send pictures by e-mail when I get home.
This part of Russia is very beautiful, green, and lush –rolling hills and forests – very similar to driving down Hwy 69 to Joplin, MO only prettier, because there are lots of evergreen forests. The weather is perfect – about 75 degrees during the day with no humidity and cool in the evenings. My translator did say that it gets up to 95 – 100 in the hottest part of the summer. But they have no a/c.
About the family I am staying with. The chronology of this blog leaves something to be desired, because I am trying to type quickly as things come to mind. I am in couple’s bedroom, so I am trying to hurry. I am staying with a family of 5, Father – Alexi, Mother – Nena, daughter 26 – Olga, dauther 18 – Nadya, daughter 7 (who looks a lot like Laura at that age) – Luda. They live in a recently remodeled flat in a typical Russian highrise with three bedrooms, a living room a small kitchen a bathroom with sink and tub and washing machine, a separte toilet room, an entry way, and hallway – quite nice acually by Russian standards. They have a Lada stationwagon in good shape (my translator told me that 10 to 50 percent of Russians have cars, a wide range but it was her guess).
More later.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
June 6
Here is a brief resume of my trip thus far. I am staying with a family of five – Alexi, Nena, and three daughters – Olga – 26, Nadya – 18, Luda – 7 (she reminds me of Laura – blue eyes and blonde hair, many people here have blue and green eyes). I am using the computer in the partents bedroom, so my posts will have to be truncated.
Naberezhnye Chilny is a city of 700,000 and it is located on the Kamaz River, which is one of the tributaries leading into the Volga River, not far from here.
Backing up a bit, I arrived in Moscow on Thursday, June 2, Sergey from the Institute met me, but because of a short layover in Amsterdam, my luggage did not accompany me, so I had to wait at the airport for three hours while it followed my on Russain Aeroflot Airlines. So Sergey went back to MTI to run errands in preparation for the graduation ceremonies. Thankfully, my suitcase did arrive unmolested, and we all arrived at MTI that evening.
In preparation for the ceremonies, everything and everyone was hopping in a flurry of frenetic activity – busier than a one-armed juggler. Lynn, Natasha the cook loved the quilt. She hugged it and said this is the first one she has ever had. She was deeply touched!
When I arrived at MTI, I was greeted by all the students I had taught, and many were from Vorkuta. Everyone lined up for hugs. It was great to see them all! We visited for quite a while.
That evening I did get about 7 hours sleep, which felt great. I am staying in the professor’s apartment, which is really nice.
Friday, June 3
In the morning, Andrei and Dmitry from Murmansk (north of the artic circle close to Finland), accompanied me to Ismaylevki Park to make some purchases. Since it wasn’t Saturday or Sunday (their big days when all the merchants are there in full force), there was advantage and disadvantages – advantage was that the price of entrance was 2 rubles instead of 10, and the merchants were more eager to settle for lower prices, which I took advantage of. Lynn, the angel I wanted to get you was not there, but I did get you a large one that is blue and really beautiful. Laura, I got you three M. Dolls – yes three! I will tell you all about it when I see you. I also got Ewan and Eliot a carved santa. All for very good prices. Andrei said I did really well in negotiations.
More later.
Naberezhnye Chilny is a city of 700,000 and it is located on the Kamaz River, which is one of the tributaries leading into the Volga River, not far from here.
Backing up a bit, I arrived in Moscow on Thursday, June 2, Sergey from the Institute met me, but because of a short layover in Amsterdam, my luggage did not accompany me, so I had to wait at the airport for three hours while it followed my on Russain Aeroflot Airlines. So Sergey went back to MTI to run errands in preparation for the graduation ceremonies. Thankfully, my suitcase did arrive unmolested, and we all arrived at MTI that evening.
In preparation for the ceremonies, everything and everyone was hopping in a flurry of frenetic activity – busier than a one-armed juggler. Lynn, Natasha the cook loved the quilt. She hugged it and said this is the first one she has ever had. She was deeply touched!
When I arrived at MTI, I was greeted by all the students I had taught, and many were from Vorkuta. Everyone lined up for hugs. It was great to see them all! We visited for quite a while.
That evening I did get about 7 hours sleep, which felt great. I am staying in the professor’s apartment, which is really nice.
Friday, June 3
In the morning, Andrei and Dmitry from Murmansk (north of the artic circle close to Finland), accompanied me to Ismaylevki Park to make some purchases. Since it wasn’t Saturday or Sunday (their big days when all the merchants are there in full force), there was advantage and disadvantages – advantage was that the price of entrance was 2 rubles instead of 10, and the merchants were more eager to settle for lower prices, which I took advantage of. Lynn, the angel I wanted to get you was not there, but I did get you a large one that is blue and really beautiful. Laura, I got you three M. Dolls – yes three! I will tell you all about it when I see you. I also got Ewan and Eliot a carved santa. All for very good prices. Andrei said I did really well in negotiations.
More later.
Sunday, June 5
Hello everyone. I remembered my password, so hopefully I will get this blog into high gear - lots to tell. I am getting caught up on sleep - finally. I am in Naberezhyn Chilny in central European Russian, just west of the Ural Mts. This will be short, but hopefully I will type more tomorrow.
Sam and Laura, tell Mom I am okay and miss her.
Take care of my two grandsons!
I love you all.
Dad
Sam and Laura, tell Mom I am okay and miss her.
Take care of my two grandsons!
I love you all.
Dad
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Saturday, April 23
Hello everyone. This will be short. Right now I am in Padova, which is 45 minutes from Venice. It is a short trip to set up my trip next year. I got here one hour ago and will leave for Milano in one hour. This is a beautiful city with one of the world's oldest universities, where Galileo taught. Everything is going great see you all when I get home.
Dad
Dad
Friday, April 22, 2005
Friday, April 22
Hey everyone, this trip is more than just gelato! Although everytime I walk past a gelateria I hear them calling my name. Know what I mean Vern? (finally found the question mark on these keypads.) And I haven't yet said one word about the incredible pastries that are everywhere - one per day on those babies are my quota.
Anyway, I am composing this online, the cost is only 3 euros per hour. Not bad.
Yesterday (Thurs) was one long busy day. On Wed. night I got to bed at 2 am. And got up at 5 so I could get ready for the day. At 6 I headed out for the metro and met Edwin at the Centralie metro station at 6:30. We then had a quick breakfast (breakfast in Italy is a croissant and tea or coffee or cappucino at a bar - don't let the word bar scare you, that is what they call any place with coffee, tea, and pastries). We then boarded the train for Turin (Torino). The trip there and back was amazing. We traveled along the southern edge of the Swiss Alps - all covered in snow. The view was indescribable - and that is no hyperbole! The trip took two hours. We were met at the train station by Tina. She and her husband live there and are a part of the Philippino church there in Turin. We walked around the center of town for about an hour. We inquired about going to the top of the spire (don't know what it is called, but it is the icon for Turin - check it out on the internet), but the cost was 19 euro per person. We didn't want it that bad. We then had lunch then took the trolley up the mountain to see an old cathredal that overlooks the city and the Alps - what a view. It is similar to overlooking Florence, only much more beautiful. From the standpoint of sheer beauty, Turin is my favorite city. As you walk the streets, the feel is very much like Florence. The one thing that Turin is famous for is the controversial "Shroud of Turin." When we walked in the large cathedral, we thought that we would get to see it. But we only saw a facsimile that was one-third the actual size. The shroud itself is incased in a large box covered with a cloth situated behind a protective glass casing. The box resembles a large tomb. I did get a picture of the box - how exciting.
Turin is the center for Satan worship in Itlay, and there is graffiti everwhere that reflects that influence. Also, because of its location in NE Italy, it is not a hotspot for tourism. The French and Swiss come here and a few other Europeans, but hardly any Americans make it here. The city is in a valley between the Alps on the north and mountains on the south. Tell you more about it when I get home.
Sam, when I get home, I need you to show me how to send my digital pictures over the internet. That would enable you to see some of the sights.
Got back to Milan at 6:30 pm, then headed back to the hotel to freshen up, the Edwin and his wife Marabel walked me to the church - a five minute walk. On the way, we stopped at their favorite pizza shop. He ordered an entire pizza for me to eat - about the size of a good medium pizza back home. Because of the way they make it, it is light and healthy, and very delicious. When I finished the whole pizza, I did not feel like I had a bowling ball in my belly. Edwin, today, is going to make lasagna and pizza at the church for me. He is going to show me and write out all the directions for the recipe. Stephanie, I will also get the recipe for ponsett. They make it different ways. Last night I ate it with quail eggs, shrimp, and liver (I avoided the liver). It is like chili, everyone has their own recipe.
After last night's seminar, we ate dinner and visited with three other pastors from the city. We talked of problems in their churches until midnight. Got back to the hotel at 12:15 am.
Got up this morning to a bright sunshiny day. It took me about three days to get used to the constant traffic right outside my window.
That is all for now. How is Mom? I have not heard from her yet. Tell her to check her e-mails.
I miss you all. Give Ewan and Eliot a hug for me.
Dad (forgive any typos)
Anyway, I am composing this online, the cost is only 3 euros per hour. Not bad.
Yesterday (Thurs) was one long busy day. On Wed. night I got to bed at 2 am. And got up at 5 so I could get ready for the day. At 6 I headed out for the metro and met Edwin at the Centralie metro station at 6:30. We then had a quick breakfast (breakfast in Italy is a croissant and tea or coffee or cappucino at a bar - don't let the word bar scare you, that is what they call any place with coffee, tea, and pastries). We then boarded the train for Turin (Torino). The trip there and back was amazing. We traveled along the southern edge of the Swiss Alps - all covered in snow. The view was indescribable - and that is no hyperbole! The trip took two hours. We were met at the train station by Tina. She and her husband live there and are a part of the Philippino church there in Turin. We walked around the center of town for about an hour. We inquired about going to the top of the spire (don't know what it is called, but it is the icon for Turin - check it out on the internet), but the cost was 19 euro per person. We didn't want it that bad. We then had lunch then took the trolley up the mountain to see an old cathredal that overlooks the city and the Alps - what a view. It is similar to overlooking Florence, only much more beautiful. From the standpoint of sheer beauty, Turin is my favorite city. As you walk the streets, the feel is very much like Florence. The one thing that Turin is famous for is the controversial "Shroud of Turin." When we walked in the large cathedral, we thought that we would get to see it. But we only saw a facsimile that was one-third the actual size. The shroud itself is incased in a large box covered with a cloth situated behind a protective glass casing. The box resembles a large tomb. I did get a picture of the box - how exciting.
Turin is the center for Satan worship in Itlay, and there is graffiti everwhere that reflects that influence. Also, because of its location in NE Italy, it is not a hotspot for tourism. The French and Swiss come here and a few other Europeans, but hardly any Americans make it here. The city is in a valley between the Alps on the north and mountains on the south. Tell you more about it when I get home.
Sam, when I get home, I need you to show me how to send my digital pictures over the internet. That would enable you to see some of the sights.
Got back to Milan at 6:30 pm, then headed back to the hotel to freshen up, the Edwin and his wife Marabel walked me to the church - a five minute walk. On the way, we stopped at their favorite pizza shop. He ordered an entire pizza for me to eat - about the size of a good medium pizza back home. Because of the way they make it, it is light and healthy, and very delicious. When I finished the whole pizza, I did not feel like I had a bowling ball in my belly. Edwin, today, is going to make lasagna and pizza at the church for me. He is going to show me and write out all the directions for the recipe. Stephanie, I will also get the recipe for ponsett. They make it different ways. Last night I ate it with quail eggs, shrimp, and liver (I avoided the liver). It is like chili, everyone has their own recipe.
After last night's seminar, we ate dinner and visited with three other pastors from the city. We talked of problems in their churches until midnight. Got back to the hotel at 12:15 am.
Got up this morning to a bright sunshiny day. It took me about three days to get used to the constant traffic right outside my window.
That is all for now. How is Mom? I have not heard from her yet. Tell her to check her e-mails.
I miss you all. Give Ewan and Eliot a hug for me.
Dad (forgive any typos)
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Wednesday
Hello everyone. This is my first attempt at copying and pasting into my blog from msword. So here goes. By the way, leave it up to Sam to catch the redundancy of calling a restaurant in Italy and Italian restaurant. Here's the blog. Yea! It worked.
Tuesday, April 19 – Got up at 7 am, took a long walk. The city has a different feel than Rome of Florence – more industrial, does not have the same antique-rustic look that other cities have. But the area around the old castle and Duomo does have that common look that other cities do. Checked out the shops in the neighbourhood, which is always an interesting venture. It is always interesting to see how other cultures live from day to day. Visiting other cultures helps to strip away ones narrow, provincial outlook on the world and life in general. Bought some laundry soap and body soap and dish. I am doing laundry in the bidet, it works.:) It is very hard to walk by all the pastry shops without trying something at each one. The Italians know how to do pastries and gelato and food in general. But I am really restricting myself to just one or two per day and one gelato per day, otherwise my system stages a revolt and bad things will be set into motion, enough said. At noon pastor LaDonna took me to lunch and gave me a map of Milano and metro tickets. She left, and I ate lunch then took the metro to see the Duomo – Architecturally, it is quite different from other cathedrals (Sam, have you seen it – the keys on this computer do not have the question mark, and some keys are located in different places). It is massive with spires resembling sandstone spears. Walked around the center square. People are bustling about everywhere, and this is not tourist season. I stopped to listen to an old gentleman playing his violin on the street corner. His gentle way attracted a crowd. I did indulge in my daily gelato. Looked for sunglasses for Laura, did not want to spend $300 dollars and up for the big name stuff. Got back to hotel at 3:30, rested and read until 7 pm. Picked up at 7 by Donald and Willy. This time we took the bus because of the rain, which hung around all day.
Evening service began at 8 with worship. I began teaching at 8:30. The crowd was larger – 65 tonight (They come after work and stay until 11 pm). I don’t think that would happen back home.
I allowed time for Q & A. Got some interesting questions dealing with the issue of prophecy in the church today. I am always sceptical of this activity in the church. In 1 Cor. 2:15, Paul says, “The spiritual man makes judgments about all things…” The evening session went great! At 11 pm we ate dinner in the church – ponsett (with chicken and shrimp) fried chicken and rice. Got back to the hotel at 11:45 – read until 1 am then slept until 7 am
This week is shaping up as follows:
Today (I am typing this at 1pm on Wednesday at the church, and later will try to copy and paste this into my blog site) Pastor Lito and took the metro to the center of town to see the Duomo. Yesterday when I was there it was cloudy, so I did not get a picture. It is still overcast and rainy today, but the sun did make a brief appearance, enough for a picture. Unfortunately, the whole front of the Duomo is covered with scaffolding and a shrouded façade, so I had to settle for a side view picture.
Thursday – I will leave for the metro at 6:30 am and meet Pastor LaDonna at 7 am, then she will put me on the train with a brother here, and we will take a 2 hr. train ride to Turin (Turino) and hopefully see the famous Shroud of Turin. I will spend the day there and visit with some of the members of the new church that has recently been planted there. Will get back around 5 pm.
Friday – will try to visit the DaVinci Museum, and hopefully see DaVinci’s Last Supper painting,. It is in a different location, and one has to get a reservation, so we will see.
Saturday – Will travel by train to Padava, which is located about 20 km from Venice, to visit with the pastor there about teaching ministry next year. Back in Milano that evening to teach a special session to the church leaders from several churches here in Milano.
Sunday – Will speak in the am Sunday School and preach in the worship service. Then get on train at noon and arrive back in Rome by 4 pm to speak in evening “Revival Service,” on topic of “The Spirit Orientated Life.” When you all think of me, please pray for wisdom and effectiveness in all I am doing. I need it.
Back to real time. The sun is now out for a change. I am thinking you all. Tell Alaina hi for me.
Tuesday, April 19 – Got up at 7 am, took a long walk. The city has a different feel than Rome of Florence – more industrial, does not have the same antique-rustic look that other cities have. But the area around the old castle and Duomo does have that common look that other cities do. Checked out the shops in the neighbourhood, which is always an interesting venture. It is always interesting to see how other cultures live from day to day. Visiting other cultures helps to strip away ones narrow, provincial outlook on the world and life in general. Bought some laundry soap and body soap and dish. I am doing laundry in the bidet, it works.:) It is very hard to walk by all the pastry shops without trying something at each one. The Italians know how to do pastries and gelato and food in general. But I am really restricting myself to just one or two per day and one gelato per day, otherwise my system stages a revolt and bad things will be set into motion, enough said. At noon pastor LaDonna took me to lunch and gave me a map of Milano and metro tickets. She left, and I ate lunch then took the metro to see the Duomo – Architecturally, it is quite different from other cathedrals (Sam, have you seen it – the keys on this computer do not have the question mark, and some keys are located in different places). It is massive with spires resembling sandstone spears. Walked around the center square. People are bustling about everywhere, and this is not tourist season. I stopped to listen to an old gentleman playing his violin on the street corner. His gentle way attracted a crowd. I did indulge in my daily gelato. Looked for sunglasses for Laura, did not want to spend $300 dollars and up for the big name stuff. Got back to hotel at 3:30, rested and read until 7 pm. Picked up at 7 by Donald and Willy. This time we took the bus because of the rain, which hung around all day.
Evening service began at 8 with worship. I began teaching at 8:30. The crowd was larger – 65 tonight (They come after work and stay until 11 pm). I don’t think that would happen back home.
I allowed time for Q & A. Got some interesting questions dealing with the issue of prophecy in the church today. I am always sceptical of this activity in the church. In 1 Cor. 2:15, Paul says, “The spiritual man makes judgments about all things…” The evening session went great! At 11 pm we ate dinner in the church – ponsett (with chicken and shrimp) fried chicken and rice. Got back to the hotel at 11:45 – read until 1 am then slept until 7 am
This week is shaping up as follows:
Today (I am typing this at 1pm on Wednesday at the church, and later will try to copy and paste this into my blog site) Pastor Lito and took the metro to the center of town to see the Duomo. Yesterday when I was there it was cloudy, so I did not get a picture. It is still overcast and rainy today, but the sun did make a brief appearance, enough for a picture. Unfortunately, the whole front of the Duomo is covered with scaffolding and a shrouded façade, so I had to settle for a side view picture.
Thursday – I will leave for the metro at 6:30 am and meet Pastor LaDonna at 7 am, then she will put me on the train with a brother here, and we will take a 2 hr. train ride to Turin (Turino) and hopefully see the famous Shroud of Turin. I will spend the day there and visit with some of the members of the new church that has recently been planted there. Will get back around 5 pm.
Friday – will try to visit the DaVinci Museum, and hopefully see DaVinci’s Last Supper painting,. It is in a different location, and one has to get a reservation, so we will see.
Saturday – Will travel by train to Padava, which is located about 20 km from Venice, to visit with the pastor there about teaching ministry next year. Back in Milano that evening to teach a special session to the church leaders from several churches here in Milano.
Sunday – Will speak in the am Sunday School and preach in the worship service. Then get on train at noon and arrive back in Rome by 4 pm to speak in evening “Revival Service,” on topic of “The Spirit Orientated Life.” When you all think of me, please pray for wisdom and effectiveness in all I am doing. I need it.
Back to real time. The sun is now out for a change. I am thinking you all. Tell Alaina hi for me.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
solved problems
sam, i read your e-mails and i think i got it figured out now. i clicked the allow comments sign. so hopefully there will be no more glitches.
laura, i am checking out the sunglasses.
lynn, i am sending you emails separately
laura, i am checking out the sunglasses.
lynn, i am sending you emails separately
Tuesday,April 19, Milano
hello everybody, i wont worry about spelling, punctation, or capitalization,
i dont know if you are reading these, but here goes another try.
i have some problems to overcome. all the directions on this computer are in italian, and the keys are different, wont elaborate.
this will kept things up.
sat. April 16 arrived in rome at 3:30 pm, picked up at airport by pastor santos, went directly to bible school, ate sandwich and taught 3 hrs. on pauline theology to about 40 bible students. main focus, god reconciled us to himself through christs substitutionary atonement and is now present in the holy spirit, perfectint and sanctifying us as we await the consummation of all things. afterward stopped at gelatoria and ate a three scoop cone. then went to hotel close to santos home.
sun. april 17, up at 7 am, breakfast in lobby, picked up at 9 am by rodel atienza, went downtown rome, ate lunch at restaurant that in italian means hot tables, one block from church, which is 2 blocks from spanish steps, after eating pasta, walked to spanish steps before service, rained most of the day, rodel bought me an umbrella from a street vendor.
service began at 1:30, spoke on warning from matt. 7:13 and following.
lunch with apartment full of philippinos, delicious food, ate light, because we had to meet pastor santos and ruth and friends from vienna at 7:30, met them at italian restaurant, more pasta and gelato, on way back to hotel rodel and grace and i stopped at a bar and had tea and dessert. in bed at 11pm.
mon., april 18 (lauras birthday) picked up at hotel by pastor francis and ruth, and others, ate breakfast at corner bar by christian school, croissant and tea. francis then drove me to termini train depot to catch my train (eurostar) to milano, depot busy place, trains run on time, 1.5 hrs to florence, another hr. to bologna, and total of 3.5 hrs. to milano. laura, after we left florence, i had lunch in the restaurant on the train, ate with three other people that were placed at my table. laura, i thought of you on your birthday, hope it was nice. i ate some wonderful pasta in your honor.:)
at milano, picked up at depot by a brother name godi. he took me to my hotel - hotel corvetto, which is downtown, checked in and took a 20 minute walk for exercise and orient myself to the neighborhood surroundings, located internet point, gelaterria, bakery, etc. the essentials:)
picked up at 7 pm by donald and willie. we walked the 15 min. to church, on the way we stopped at a bar and had tea and fruit dessert and a sandwich for me.
the church is on the 2nd level of a large bldg. at the back is a kitchen where two ladies were preparing our evening meal, which we ate at 11pm - philippino food - will make it for everyone when i get home.
3 other churches joined the seminar - about 60 people on the first night and it will probably grow each night they said. they are very enthusiastic, very philippino- warm and loving.
the first session went great. taught history and background of corinth, results of inspriration, and dynamics of gods word. presented 9 major problems in the church at corinth. late dinner at 11pm, got back to hotel at around midnight, did some studying on subject that pastor santos wants me to speak on next sunday night in rome.
my hotel room overlooks a busy downtown intersection, with constant din of scooters, motorcycles, cars, etc. - noises that laura would love.
tues. april 19 - got up at 8 am, took a long walk ate bread, apple, and croissant, and now at internet point two blocks from hotel. eveything is going great. hope you all can read this and post me some comments.
love you all,
dad
i dont know if you are reading these, but here goes another try.
i have some problems to overcome. all the directions on this computer are in italian, and the keys are different, wont elaborate.
this will kept things up.
sat. April 16 arrived in rome at 3:30 pm, picked up at airport by pastor santos, went directly to bible school, ate sandwich and taught 3 hrs. on pauline theology to about 40 bible students. main focus, god reconciled us to himself through christs substitutionary atonement and is now present in the holy spirit, perfectint and sanctifying us as we await the consummation of all things. afterward stopped at gelatoria and ate a three scoop cone. then went to hotel close to santos home.
sun. april 17, up at 7 am, breakfast in lobby, picked up at 9 am by rodel atienza, went downtown rome, ate lunch at restaurant that in italian means hot tables, one block from church, which is 2 blocks from spanish steps, after eating pasta, walked to spanish steps before service, rained most of the day, rodel bought me an umbrella from a street vendor.
service began at 1:30, spoke on warning from matt. 7:13 and following.
lunch with apartment full of philippinos, delicious food, ate light, because we had to meet pastor santos and ruth and friends from vienna at 7:30, met them at italian restaurant, more pasta and gelato, on way back to hotel rodel and grace and i stopped at a bar and had tea and dessert. in bed at 11pm.
mon., april 18 (lauras birthday) picked up at hotel by pastor francis and ruth, and others, ate breakfast at corner bar by christian school, croissant and tea. francis then drove me to termini train depot to catch my train (eurostar) to milano, depot busy place, trains run on time, 1.5 hrs to florence, another hr. to bologna, and total of 3.5 hrs. to milano. laura, after we left florence, i had lunch in the restaurant on the train, ate with three other people that were placed at my table. laura, i thought of you on your birthday, hope it was nice. i ate some wonderful pasta in your honor.:)
at milano, picked up at depot by a brother name godi. he took me to my hotel - hotel corvetto, which is downtown, checked in and took a 20 minute walk for exercise and orient myself to the neighborhood surroundings, located internet point, gelaterria, bakery, etc. the essentials:)
picked up at 7 pm by donald and willie. we walked the 15 min. to church, on the way we stopped at a bar and had tea and fruit dessert and a sandwich for me.
the church is on the 2nd level of a large bldg. at the back is a kitchen where two ladies were preparing our evening meal, which we ate at 11pm - philippino food - will make it for everyone when i get home.
3 other churches joined the seminar - about 60 people on the first night and it will probably grow each night they said. they are very enthusiastic, very philippino- warm and loving.
the first session went great. taught history and background of corinth, results of inspriration, and dynamics of gods word. presented 9 major problems in the church at corinth. late dinner at 11pm, got back to hotel at around midnight, did some studying on subject that pastor santos wants me to speak on next sunday night in rome.
my hotel room overlooks a busy downtown intersection, with constant din of scooters, motorcycles, cars, etc. - noises that laura would love.
tues. april 19 - got up at 8 am, took a long walk ate bread, apple, and croissant, and now at internet point two blocks from hotel. eveything is going great. hope you all can read this and post me some comments.
love you all,
dad
Saturday, April 16, 2005
April 16 in Amsterdam Airport
Well Folks (Beloved),
This is my first official blog from another hemisphere. And I am in the throes of, not really jet lag, but just lack of sleep. I usually don't get jet lag going east, only coming back west. I am avoiding the chocolate stores that are calling my name. When I come home I will get you all some. Lynn, also check your e-mail, because I will send some to you directly when I get a chance. The cost here for computer use is 6 Euros for 30 minutes. As usual, Amsterdam is shrouded with stratus clouds and rainy. Not often do one see the sun here. It was great to have Sam and Ewan take me to the airport yesterday. When we got out of the car, Ewan was determined to take over porter duties, pulling my hands off the luggage. He was going to pull the whole load from the parking lot to the terminal by himself. He definitely is a doer - not needing any permission - just go for it. Sam and Shelley are in for a wonderfully, wide ride. I love it! He is quite a guy! You got to love him. As for Eliot, he is still in the staging mode, and he will be wonderful too!
As for the balance of this day - my plane for Rome leaves at 1:10 pm and arrives in Rome at around 3 pm. Francis Santos will pick me up, then I will probably have dinner, then freshen up and teach this evening for 3 hrs. on Pauline Theology - ironically just a few blocks where Paul wrote the last of his corpus - the Prison Epistles from the Mamertine Prison. But of course, Laura, I must have one gellato before I do any teaching - jus to get the juices flowing.:)
BTW, when I got to Memphis, I just had time to get to my next gate and I boarded first, because they called rolls 10 and 22. My seat was 22g. They were called first because they are bulkhead rolls. Lynn, thank Heather Underwood for me. Those are wonderful seats at the front of a section with unlimited leg room - ahh!
Times almost up. Will keep you all posted. Keep those comments coming. They are fun to read.
Love,Dad
PS. Rick, I loved your Russian comment. Couldn't read it though. Is it just English with a Russian Font?
This is my first official blog from another hemisphere. And I am in the throes of, not really jet lag, but just lack of sleep. I usually don't get jet lag going east, only coming back west. I am avoiding the chocolate stores that are calling my name. When I come home I will get you all some. Lynn, also check your e-mail, because I will send some to you directly when I get a chance. The cost here for computer use is 6 Euros for 30 minutes. As usual, Amsterdam is shrouded with stratus clouds and rainy. Not often do one see the sun here. It was great to have Sam and Ewan take me to the airport yesterday. When we got out of the car, Ewan was determined to take over porter duties, pulling my hands off the luggage. He was going to pull the whole load from the parking lot to the terminal by himself. He definitely is a doer - not needing any permission - just go for it. Sam and Shelley are in for a wonderfully, wide ride. I love it! He is quite a guy! You got to love him. As for Eliot, he is still in the staging mode, and he will be wonderful too!
As for the balance of this day - my plane for Rome leaves at 1:10 pm and arrives in Rome at around 3 pm. Francis Santos will pick me up, then I will probably have dinner, then freshen up and teach this evening for 3 hrs. on Pauline Theology - ironically just a few blocks where Paul wrote the last of his corpus - the Prison Epistles from the Mamertine Prison. But of course, Laura, I must have one gellato before I do any teaching - jus to get the juices flowing.:)
BTW, when I got to Memphis, I just had time to get to my next gate and I boarded first, because they called rolls 10 and 22. My seat was 22g. They were called first because they are bulkhead rolls. Lynn, thank Heather Underwood for me. Those are wonderful seats at the front of a section with unlimited leg room - ahh!
Times almost up. Will keep you all posted. Keep those comments coming. They are fun to read.
Love,Dad
PS. Rick, I loved your Russian comment. Couldn't read it though. Is it just English with a Russian Font?
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Two Days Before I Leave for Rome
The blog is set up. And I am in the tedious process of tying up all loose ends in preparation for my trip to Rome, Italy. Sam and Ewan are driving me to the airport. I will leave at 5 pm Friday afternoon and arrive in Rome Saturday at 3:30 pm. I will teach a three hour session Saturday evening on Pauline Theology - a near impossibility, which by the way will be a few blocks from the Mammertine, where Paul spent his remaining days. But it will be a great challenge and fun. On Sunday morning I will be speaking in the Philippino Church, just two blocks from the Spanish Steps - always a lovely place in the Spring. Then on Monday I will travel by train to Milan. The trip will take around 8 hours. I will teach 1 Corinthians all week in Milan and return to Rome on the 23rd, speak in the Rome church on the 24th and then fly home on Monday the 25th. I will try to post blogs during my stay in Milan. Hope to hear from Lynn or Sam or Laura or Rick or anyone.
Galen
Galen
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