Inspired by an Englishman who likes the Simpsons

This is just a quick note of no importance. But, I am going to write this as I have been inspired by a friend to write the fourteen things I would do if I knew I had a day to live.

My List

1) Write the list.

2) Eat Mexican food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

3) Snuggle with my wife.

4) Go skydiving then scuba diving immediately after.

5) Wear my favorite t-shirt all day long.

6) Write my last poem.

7) Build a gigantic bonfire and dance around it.

8) Play a game of cards with my family.

9) Make a CD of my favorite songs.

10) Play catch with my brothers.

11) Take a self-portrait picture then blow it up to an enormous size.

12) Watch the sun come up and then watch the sun set.

13) Smile

14) Tell my wife, "I love you."

Twenty-nine Eighteenths

I have breathed 29 18ths of September. I love this day. It is my birthday.

Here in Bogota:

It is raining.
It is cold.
It is Monday.
It is a long day with teaching followed by another Master's degree class.

But I don't mind that so much today.

It is my birthday.

I miss my mom tremendously today, but I can feel her love today.

It is my birthday and my wife is doting on my like there will never be another.

Praise be to Him the creator of all we see and do not see.

See This?

I am smiling.

I am smiling big & breathing easier.

Today I took my final comprehensive exam for my Master's of Education course. I have not finished my degree quite yet, but I have finished a huge hurdle for completion. I am currently in my ninth class and I will take my tenth in October. If I pass both classes and this exam then I will have earn my Master's degree.

The classes will be a breeze compared to studying for this exam and defending my answers with theory, people, and evidence. But, I am finished with the COMPs.

I felt like marching in front of a firing squad this morning, and now I feel like I just lifted the world Atlas-like and its now twirling on my finger tip.

I am glad it is done, but I am even more thankful for the prayers, best wishes, and good lucks that cam my way.

You see me? You see this?

It is a smile a mile wide.

Hey Todd! Do you feel the love. Cheers mate. We are are almost to the line.

When it rains it pours...

The weather in Bogota is predictable.
It is ever changing.

Liz and I actually enjoying the sunshine and bright-blue skies, but that is not the weather I am talking about today.

Today my heart is heaving. Here is why:

1) My Father-in-Law, my dad, is having knee replacement on both knees today and will be in recovery for a while.
2) I found out today that a great friend from my high school days was just diagnosed with MS. She is a brilliant person with an infective personality. I haven't seen her for years even though we lived in the same city (Dallas) for a few years.
3) My mom is having severe back pain (herniated disc) and needs to see a specialist.
4) I, Al, have an Alabama class coming up on the 11th with the Director of the program. Time is short.
5) I have my Comprehensive Exam on the 12th and I need to pass if I am to earn my Master's Degree.
6) We have two sets of friends having babies in January. One set we are near and are experiencing the pregnancy pains and thrills. One set, we are away from and it crushes us that we cannot dote on them as we desire in our hearts.
7) Our 10 year reunions are coming up soon and we are wanting to go but the trip is too far and too expensive to go.

Basically, my heart is heavy because I, Al, long to go home and take care of Pops, Mom, our friends and family. Today it is hard to stay in Bogota. All we can do is pray. And for those of you who do pray, then do so for those who need it. I hope that in a month's time I can write some praises and joys from this list.

As for now?

To those of you reading this, know that we are praying and we miss you dearly.

All faith in His time and His plan.

Alan

School Days, School Days

The school year has started so well! Alan is loving his chemistry classes, getting to teach some of the same kids he had last spring in US History. I am enjoying sharing a classroom with one of my best friends here in Colombia, while she is pregnant (I get to enjoy every moment of what it is like to be pregnant and teach all day:), and my kids are wonderful- most of whom I am teaching for the 2nd time. Alan has also taken over as a House sponsor in the high school (kind of like Harry Potter's houses, but we have the Eagles, Falcons, and Hawks), and is finishing up his last two graduate classes to get his masters in secondary education. He takes his final big test, THE COMPS, on September 12. I have also taken over as teacher sponsor of Middle School student council this year- which is another fun chance to hang out with the kids and get to know them better.

Life is good- we are enjoying our new apartment, love our new neighborhood, are enjoying exercising together (a bit of a new weight routine along with running, etc.), and enjoying the beautiful weather while it lasts (only 2 days of rain in the last 2 weeks:). We love feeling like Bogota is home, one of many that we have, but still home, familiar and comfortable. We love you all- we would love for you to visit...the door is always open:)