My family has been blessed to live in a little the little known neighborhood of Sumner Heights since 1981. My parents still live in the home they built a few years before I began attending kindergarten. This home is the only place that my siblings and I can really define as “home” for us. One of the most enjoyable aspects of our home are the wonderful neighbors we have so close at hand. Andy and Marsha Burns have been a part of our lives since they moved in across the street over 20 years ago.
Last night, at the Trackside Pizzeria in Puyallup, Washington, my parents and I met Marsha and Andy for dinner. Over the course of the conversation, we came to agree that it was, in fact, the first time that we had ever had a meal together which was not hosted by one family or the other in their homes. The Burns family can be counted on to attend important dinners and holidays, graduations and other significant events. It was at the Burns’ house that I had some of my earliest work experiences. I used to get paid ten dollars every week for mowing their lawn; which would have been the only money I had at my disposal during the spring, summer and fall. The Burns family has a special place in my heart.
Earlier in the day I had a chance to do something I’ve been looking forward to ever since I left for Albania in April; work in the woods. My parents live on just over an acre of land, and most of it is wooded. Few things are as satisfying as turning a fallen tree into fire wood. My Stihl turned right over for me, like I had never left her alone in the garage for the better part of a year. Rarely can a tool be counted on with as much confidence as I count on that machine. After cutting an old maple into rounds, I walked the rounds up a small hill to my parents’ driveway. I’ll probably split them after I get back from El Salvador.
We are leaving for El Salvador tonight for All Saints’ fourth mission to that country. I am looking forward to seeing some of my friends there, to giving Dr. Boris a hug, and to seeing how Aaron and Emily are doing. I will explain more about that in subsequent posts. Pray for us, and pray for El Salvador, thank you.
albaniacalling 