October 31

Hi everyone. I'm in Chicago looking out a window at gray clouds and rain washed streets. The other morning it was 23 degrees. A couple of blogs ago I was wishing for some fall experiences and now I am backed up as close to a fireplace as I dare while yet avoiding spontaneous combustion. I've relearned "layers" has nothing to do with making a cake and everything to do with survival of the fittest.  No cold drink for me please, just give me hot coffee or anything that warms my appendages. Lesson to be learned: One must be careful what you wish for.  Truth told: The cool weather and fall trees are delightful! 

Tonight is Halloween and I am sure we will see wee ones in their regalia. "Chevy" the dog is ready with his spooky eyes. God is good and delights us at so many levels if we but look.

I am in the States on a brief two week furlough and staying with my son and his wife. It's been almost two years since I have seen them. These short furloughs work really well for us. Mary most of the time cannot come due to her teaching responsibilities at the University of Puerto Rico. So two weeks keeps loneliness at bay. I was in So. IL last weekend at Friendship Church of Christ in Tamaroa as well as at Heartland Christian Church in Marion. What a wonderful group of people make up those two congregations. Their kindness toward me was exemplary and generous. I noted the love and unity quotient was high in both churches. This weekend I visit the churches in West Frankfort and Anna IL.  I expect it will be the same.

Next time I write I'll be back in Puerto Rico in my shorts, t-shirts, and sunscreen. I fly back November 5. Speaking of PR, we had a guest speaker and his wife visit us last weekend, M/M Robert Gurwell. The word out was he did a fine job preaching out of Job 1. The attendance was good and the service was a "thumbs up" experience. I am happy. Until next time...

Johnathan