888-DIAPERS

No this isn't a toll-free number you call about diapers. It was the number of newborn diapers my wife and I were blessed with. You see at our last childbirth class our instructor told us that we would no longer be meeting in our regular building because it would be demolished and rebuilt. Because of this, she advised up to take as many baby samplers and expectant parent kits as we want as she would not have space of it in her new office in the new location.

So, at the end of class, most couple grabbed maybe three to ten packs. The instructor was surprised, as there had been no ambiguity in her "please take it all." Finally, ourselves and another couple were the last to leave as we were apparently familiar with the cost of baby bottles, baby laundry detergent, and most importantly diapers. We all started filling BOXES.

Well, like the lepers in 2 Kings 7:8 that came upon the treasure of the Aramean camp, we found that there were more diapers than we could possibly carry and had to return to get the rest. By the time we were done, we ended of with 888 diapers! Praise the Lord.

I Had A Close Call Yesterday, Jah Put An Angel Over Me

About a week ago my wife and I, plus my cousin from Brazil, were on our way to our childbirth class. Suddenly the car ahead of me, a BMW, screeched to a halt and then crashed into the car ahead of it. With a controlled reaction, giving me more time than I needed, I slowly applied the brake until my car came to a crawl. On instinct I looked in my rear mirror and could see the car behind me hurtling toward us. Instantly, I released my break just enough for my car to roll forward and give the car behind me time to stop.

As I waited for my heartbeat to slow down, I realized that three cars were involved in the accident ahead of us. Also, it occured to me that I had passed the street I should have turned on. If I had been going where I should have been, I wouldn't even had seen the accident. But, if not for the accident, I would have not realized I had missed my turn until much later.

The Beautiful Game

The month-ending July 9th, this Sunday, will end what I can only describe as a vacation, in-spite of having to work extra hours, becoming a father in six weeks, and taking part-time care of my mother and sister, post kidney transplant.

The 2006 World Cup has been a gift from God. It has helped lift my morale and forced me to relax. Regardless of how bad my workday has gone, or the lack of sleep, or the plethora of worry about my sister’s and mother’s recoveries, I know that watching the up coming match will cool whatever the summer heat has brought.

Even in Cote d’Ivoire, the warring factions pressed paused if only to revel in the possibility of their national team advancing to the Round-of-16.

I have been filled with a passion and excitement that persist through the hard couple of past weeks. Watching Zidane, Ronaldinho, Figo, and the rest remind us what is so beautiful not only about football, but life: the ability to universally defy the ordinary.