Harrisburg, PA
10:54 PM
I am down in the basement again. This time it is the basement of an old church that has been converted into a house. I’m in Harrisburg, PA at another cousin’s house. I didn’t realize how big my extended family is. My dad’s side is much bigger than my mom’s. I am at his cousin Suzy’s. Her husband Dale and I are playing in a golf tournament tomorrow that is a fund raiser for a high school football team. I’ve learned high school sports are huge in Pennsylvania. All of the championship games, no matter what sport, are on TV. That would be fun for the kids.
Suzy is Uncle Dick’s daughter. He lives in Clarkston, WA. He is a preacher out there and retired, but is not retired. Caytie and I went and stayed with he and Pam a few years ago. What a trip that was. We even had a car crash into the house when we were there. Dale is a neat guy. He loves to golf and loves Jesus even more. He’s a Vietnam vet, graduated from Berkley in the 60’s, has a degree in Nuclear Engineering, has teaching certifications in science and phys ed, and has done a lot of interesting stuff. He and I finished up talking about the Bible not too long ago. He is a conservative Republican and a born again Christian. I’m having a great time meeting them and learning about them. I am getting an education on the Bible as well.
The past few days have been filled with deep emotions and ideas: War in Gettysburg and now religion here. My mind is filled up, but not yet to capacity.
I met Lisa, their daughter, and her husband Rick. They are about my age and are getting ready to go to Thailand for two weeks. You should see the passion and excitement they have for this trip. When people are that excited, it rubs off on you for them. They talked about how things have fallen into place for this trio and they hope to go back full time in a few years. They are missionaries. I interviewed them tonight. They have a great story as to how they got to where they are. He works for a group that organizes mission trips for young people. He gets asked often, “What am I here for? What am I supposed to do with myself?” He offered some great insight from their perspective.
I’ve met a ton of family this week. It’s been a great perk to my trip. I am meeting and getting to know some great people. Some people might be turned off by war, or by religious talk. It’s all part of the experience and the growth process.
Arden and Pat sent me off with a bang today. We hit the town of Gettysburg and went into a Civil War bookstore (tons of books on the war, more than nay other I believe) and then to a museum with details on what the people of Gettysburg were feeling before and during the battle. We then went back to the house and had another Dagwood (Bacon, ham, turkey, lettuce, tomato, mayo, wheat). Tasty. And then I made my way here.
Time for emails, sleep and then golf.