Sorry for the delayed news.  Life has just been extremely hectic with Mid Terms and a Preaching Trip this past week.  You will be glad to know that both are behind me and in neither case did I pass out while performing the task.  The preaching trip was to Ripley, Mississippi and I volunteered to do the liturgy.  Now, you all understand that I suffer from stage fright.  I thought by not preaching I would get out of a major ordeal—maybe a prayer or call to worship and I’m done.  Little did I know that leading worship as the liturgist meant that I did everything other than the sermon.  The preacher & his wife put me up and probably said plenty of prayers for me in preparation.  I did you all proud, though.  The folks in Ripley couldn’t believe it was my first time leading worship.  It was a fun and interesting trip (we watched Blazing Saddles on the way out and Weekend at Bernies on the way back – sorry no Ray Vanderlin Tapes).   I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in a long time.  Of course, the whole trip put me somewhat behind with my reading but I wouldn’t trade the experience for gold.     

                                                              

I am officially a Georgia resident!  I changed my driver’s license and car registration last week.  What a joy that was.  (Did you hear that note of sarcasm?)  Not only did I have to prove that I live in Georgia—I had to prove when I moved into the state.  You know they have to get every penny of taxes out of you.  I didn’t realize how attached to my North Carolina identity I was, it made me sad to turn over my North Carolina license.  I got over it though. 

 

I promised to tell you about my visits to the Hindu temples.  I have visited two so far and they have been very impressive.  The larger of the two temples is one of the largest in North America and it is all hand carved sand stone and marble.  An absolutely beautiful building—my class got a tour and the gentleman that took us around impressed me with his obvious devotion to his faith.  The second visit was to a smaller temple and a couple of other students and I got to participate in a Puja.  Puja is a Hindu ritual of devotion to a deity (I don’t remember which one) where there is a blessing on the family and friends participating.  You will be very glad to know that I have not been influenced into joining the Hindu faith, but I do find the experiences very interesting.  I start the study into Buddhism this week for the remainder of the semester.  I’ll be going to a Buddhist temple next.  I’ll fill you in when I have news.  I didn’t get to see the Dalai Lama—it was raining that day and the presentation was outside.  We didn’t feel like getting soaked or sitting on the wet ground for most of the afternoon.  That was disappointing—but there will be other times since the Dalai Lama has some sort of ongoing relationship with Emory University. 

 

 Charles is continuing to do well in his job and they may have at last found some help to work with him. Since they had hired him, 6 others have turned down the other position that was open. Of course with his working again, it makes things tight time wise especially as he tries to fit in his Thesis for school, looking after the kids, being a Webelos Den Leader and being my Husband : )  He’s looking for small business owners who might be interested in helping him with his class project.  He is to do a survey of small businesses concerning how they identify and meet their Information Technology needs.  If you know of some one who would be interested in participating in this survey—let us know.

 

S has been really busy the past week with his Scouts. The other weekend they had Cub-O-Rama and he had a great time, we’ll post some photos soon. B and I went shopping at Wal-Mart while they were away.  So I finally got my Wal-Mart fix since I haven’t been to Wal-Mart but two times since arriving in Decatur.  That’s like going through withdrawals since we were right near the Wal-Mart in Charlotte and I made a trip there at least twice a week.  This coming weekend, S & Charles are off camping, so it will be another girl’s weekend.  I don’t know if we’ll make it to Wal-mart though, because this weekend is Columbia’s Conference on Ministry.  I want to be around because I’m expecting a very special visitor--Carson Overstreet.   Don’t forget to give her your Care Packages for us full of wine & cookies.   I’m looking forward to catching up with her and all the goings-on in Charlotte.

 

B is as playful as ever and really enjoying being part of the chess club at her local school. She also is now the proud owner of a Fish Tank with 2 fish in it. Hers is a Red Wag named Waggy and S has a silver fish named Tiny. B’s fish gave birth the other day unfortunately the proud Mom ended up eating her 3 little ones.  As time permits we will probably add a few more fish with the viewpoint that they are for B & S to take care of.  They have been very responsible with their new pets and are thrilled to finally have arrived as pet owners.  S still wants a lizard, but we’ve left that to his ingenuity to figure out a way to purchase one himself along with supplying the appropriate food.  His little mind is whirling trying to work out his task and you know he will eventually work it out.  Maybe not too soon though—fish are enough and they are easy.

 

We continue to enjoy visiting at Emory Presbyterian and I have coffee planned with the pastor this Friday.  Who knows what I will learn?  Charles and the children helped with the Fall Festival at Emory while I was in Mississippi.  B got the task of drawing the face on the scarecrow they used for pictures.  Watch for her picture with the scarecrow. 

 

Just so that you know, no place is ever going to take the place of Sardis.  Ya’ll have been wonderful to us, especially in this stressful time.  Your notes are always welcome and we love to hear from you.  I find your encouragement very uplifting and reassuring.  Please continue to pray for us as you are in our prayers too.

 

God Bless,  Diane J