Wanting go, really??

As I have been wandering around trying to pick up odd stuff (like stuff that isn't sold or made any more), I generally get asked why not just get it re-built or why not get the extended warranty, etc.  When I explain that the batteries are several thousands miles away and so will any goods that i buy, there also seems to be the response, "OH isn't that nice!".  Occasionally the response is "someone (either their wive or child or anyone but them) has been looking on the Internet to find place that they can go for a short trip and make a DIFFERENCE".    Whoever this person is would like to find some nice safe (preferably warm and sunny) spot where the "natives" are crying out for anyone to come and so some simple task, like ladle out water or hand them a package of clothes.  The result would be swarms of happy people mobbing them in thanksgiving.  Of course, the next question is generally how to do find the trip, etc.

My tongue is scarred from biting back retorts and my smile seemed pasted on at times.  How does on graciously explain that most areas of need are spots where the Canadian Government don't want you to go?  That the jobs are often hot, dirty, smelly and generally take some knowledge and skill.  What does one say to explain that it is a not game where you pick and choose when and how you would like to spend your time.  If you are motivated and not regulate, you will work until you almost drop and then do some more.  That although there is gratitude there can also be hostility.

Working in a third world country is exciting ('cause you never know what is going to happen) and fulfilling (although not always with gourmet food).  When you do it because you love God and therefore others who love Him, the experience is out of this world.  But it is not for the faint of heart or of faith.

r

Gearing Up

Thought I would start to follow myself in what travels the Lord takes me on in a physical sense.  Just less than 2 weeks before packing the bags and heading southeast.  Hope it mostly sunny, ’cause I’m not taking much in wet weather gear,  In fact, that always seems to be the biggest problem on these trips.  What to take, in a sartorial sense.  The main gear, I generally have no problem in working out.  Tools are tools and basically a few can go a long way.  Although, if the funds were there I would definitely  be taking some improved models.   But then again sometimes the basic stuff is better.  It is not so frustrating to have a cheap tool break.  Now and expensive one...  that cause ballistic reactions.

No, its the style of clothes or perhaps more the type as styles are beyond me. (Thanks goodness for the women in the family).  Do I do bwana casual in shorts and gold shirts, or colonial correct in long pants and collared shirts or my usual style (whatever fits and is clean at the time).  Choices are critical because jeans weigh 5 times a pair of shorts and dry a lot slower.  However, less sun burn with long pants.  Then again, perhaps I can raid a mission box and hope some large American male chipped in, or an extra large asian gentleman.

Of course, my other problem is what to take in electronics. I usually hate to carry the laptop because it is one more thing to lose or break.  Not an unusual thing with me.  And of course, earphones which I generally tie in knots.  No e-reader so I have to make do with a book or 5 (long flights and even longer airports).  I wonder what genre I should take.  Perhaps I need to create the top ten series that one can take on long trips.  Actually two, one to keep me awake and the other to put me to sleep.  That one can be a much shorter series.... romance maybe

r