There are many misconceptions about firefighters. Contrary to TV myth, not all firefighters are “totally hot”. As a matter of fact, I find very few of the men I work with attractive. But what this group lacks in looks, they certainly make up for in generosity.
A few months ago at work, I put out an email at work detailing what our trip was to entail and I listed a few needs such as medical supplies, children's vitamins, donations, etc. etc. I should know by now that if you ask a firefighter for a rocket on Monday, you'll end up on the moon by Wednesday….still I was surprised by the response. First people started handing me checks. Good checks too, with lots of zeros. Then people handed me cash; right out of their pockets. (Wow, you really trust me?) Next the phone calls started to stream in. “Hey, what do you still need?” “I got a bag down here full of stuff for you.” “I’m going shopping tomorrow, give me a list.”
But what has meant the most to me is the support and encouragement. Everyone jumped on board with this trip early on. There are people who are worried for me and will be losing sleep until we return. I have friends who are choosing to forgo coffee, beer, or other note worthy life giving items.....an African Trip/Lent sort of thing while we are in Uganda.
I see all this and I can only think one thing…..Amazing. Wonderful. Incredible. Unbelievable.
Last night our family was in the backyard sitting around our fake, lava rock, propane campfire. Like many conversations lately, the Africa subject came up. We talked about our motivations for going. We talked about who we’ll be when we come home. (If you haven’t noticed, Katie and I over analyze everything. By the time we set foot on the continent, we will have over thought this African adventure to the last degree.)
This was the simple conclusion I came to last night: I am blessed.
No matter what happens, nothing can change that. The prelude to this trip has reminded me of this fact. I have been blessed by the group of people I work with. I have been blessed by my friends. I have been blessed by my family. Thanks for being in one of these three groups. I hope you know that you are blessed as well. Thank you all so much for the kind words, the prayers, the generosity. You are all truly amazing.
peace,
john
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4 comments:
yes, you are blessed. and yes, we will be blessed through you letting us into your adventure! can't wait to hear what God is going to do, the beauty & wildness that you will encounter...love you guys
John,
Sorry I missed you before you left as I had my own adventure to wrap up. Just wanted to wish you and your travel companions well.
I'm not a religious guy, but y'all are in my thoughts and agnostic prayers...
It's an honor and priviledge to know you...
Tim Case
John
Just when I believe there is no possible way for you to be a cooler dude you step beyond again. Mabel and I will pray for you and KT daily, generally more than daily, mostly more than generally more than daily, and really more than mostly more than generally more than daily. As you can see you are going to take up quite a lot of our time over the next several weeks, isnt that just like you to be so selfish. ha ha!We could use you out here on the fireline, but you will be doing much more exacting work. I am sure we will find another volunteer to dozer swamp in the everglades :-) I am very excited for this adventure, for knowing you as I do I am not sure who is about to receive the greater gift- you and KT or the kids of Uganda. Be safe my brother and great blessings. love U guys
salaam,
Chris Bland
this blogging thing is really cool, thanks for reading
kath- always dig hanging with you and jose and the familia escobar (sorry about my wife saying that you married a mexican, what's another brown guy to a white girl anyway?) thanks for your support and all the cool words that you share with my daughter. thx also for being my blog coach!
timmy-glad your adventure went well, way to go on that. it's not everyday when a guy who just rode his bike across the country in a matter of days says it's an honor to know me so thanks..these days I'd take one agnostic prayer over 1000 self righteous fundo prayers any day, thanks for the good vibes.
bland-I generally and daily think you're a wack....but I like it. You were the first guy to put some money towards katie's trip so you are so much a part of this thing. you rock the house and I love you a lot.
mucho love to you guys
john
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