From the Helm – Tuesday, December 22, 2009

 Yesterday and today kinda rolled together in to one - It rained steadily all day yesterday.  Was able to get all on my list done anyway.  I love the rain.  There is no painting going on aboard the AMOR/Beatriz.  So, let it rain…

- By midnight, I was on my way back from the airport.  The Boys went south.  The flights were all on-time.  I saw Iva, Kirby Bailey and the kids at the airport – what a surprise!  They were awaiting their flight to Santarem.  You never know who you will run in to along the way.  This earth has shrunk to the size of a matchbox…

On the way back, I stopped and got the teams airfare straighten out with TRIP Airlines.  The fare structure has change a bit due to the Dollar.  I’ve gotten used to the ever-slumping value of our home currency.  I don’t see this trend changing courses any time soon.  Those of us who are able to accept and adjust to it now, will be the better off for it later.  What is taking place in the USA continues impact our efforts down here.  The sad deal about it all is my people back home won’t feel the weight of a shattered Dollar until there is little possibility of correction.  Higher fuel prices at the pump will be the very least of our adjustments to a world we’ve chosen to ignore for so long…

Today, 4:00 PM – I just finished with the day’s business.  The AMOR/Beatriz will begin her fueling process in a bit.  As she was pulling out to cruise her some to make sure she’s mechanically fit for departure, the gear box quit responding properly.  The box’s oil is white (a sign of water where it shouldn’t be) – the mechanic is on the way…

After I receive word about the extent of the damages to our “little Lady”, I’ll try to take an early dinner and settle in for the night.

- The Boys arrived safely, sound and tired to their mother just a couple of hours ago.  I know it will be a sweet time down there for the next couple weeks.  It’s been a different sort of year with lots going on for them.  Some rest and family time should do them all some soothing good.

- I slept quite well last night.  Slumber hung on til almost 7 this morning.  I think my body is finally relaxing to the pace of the Valley – bedtime will come earlier and my 3:30 AM coffee will soon be the new, old norm, once again.

I spoke with Dad a little bit ago.  All is well on the home front.  What a blessing it is to be able to communicate freely over such distances.  I remember the day when we had no means whatever of touching base during our trip seasons.  Today, it’s as easy as picking up the phone or pressing “send” on a keyboard (somewhat expensive but, easy when we need to).

- I realize I live different sorts of days than many of those in this world.  I’m grateful God has channeled me in the directions He has.  I’m in no way special or unique but, the places and experiences I’ve been privy to are, indeed, special and unique to me.  I can’t begin to express my lack of understanding of much that goes on in the world around me.  However, I can very accurately express my gratitude for being some small part of it.  You see, it’s the identifiable parts that make up this unidentifiable whole of things.  I need conceptual skills only for the little sphere of which I’m part.  God’s big plan only involves me to the extent I am diligent not to assume a loftier role than what He places before me, each day – never more than in this day He has given me to live. 

I’m relieved God’s seen fit to give me no guarantee of any tomorrows.  This removes all need for glancing ahead of what He wants me to see, do and take in.  I can not very well glean anything if I’m skipping chapters in the book.  The unfolding of each page is where the amazement, thrills and ponderings lie.  Until He chooses to change things around, it’s just the way it’s supposed to be. I needn’t search for anything deeper.  I tend to lose my footing when I leave the shallows…

Thank You, Lord, for Your consideration of me.  Thank You for Your gentleness of touch in my life.  Thank You for considering me at all…