Well, we are 13 days from the start of our journey – 6 months in Switzerland and then 2 years in Togo. As the last things are coming together, I am left to ponder the things I have learned and experienced over the last 3 months while studying, taking care of Noah, packing, and living in the USA. (Remember, I am a Canadian who was born in the USA and raised with a Swiss mindset).
- 41 years of life, 1 wife, 1 child, 6 suitcases, a job, our health, and faith. Cost: priceless.
- There is nothing more time-consuming and tiring than managing an 8-month old with a fever. Residents and doctors have it easy.
- A blowout has a total different meaning when talking about kids versus tires.
- The building blocks of society have to be family, followed by community. For a Christian, this means Church. In all our presentations, the Church has provided an efficient, effective connection to community with a common purpose. For an atheist I am not sure what this means.
- What happened in Newtown, Connecticut was a tragedy. A question was asked, where was God?! We need to understand that this is not God’s world. God’s plan was the Garden of Eden. We chose otherwise.
- ATM cards have replaced travelers checks in Europe.
- International ATM fees from banks include the following –> a 3% transaction fee, a $2 to $5 dollar ATM fee for each ATM use, and a local ATM charge. (International ATM fees from Credit Unions include a local ATM charge only!!)
- The definition of a great deal — 3 pairs of jeans, 4 shirts, 2 pairs of socks, and 1 pair of shoes. ($30.00, thank you Good Will)
- The definition of a bad deal –hospital charges. (We are still receiving bills from the non-complicated birth of our son in March of 2012. From what I can see to-date -> you are billed separately for the facility, the doctor, the service, and the supplies. One only knows what we will get next month.)
As we start on our journey in January, our goal is to blog (with pictures) two times a month about our trip, as well as thoughts and feelings on our experiences and the events that occur around us. We hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to comment.
I will be looking forward to your updates.
In His Grace,
Bobby
Good luck on your trip. I am sure you will teach and learn much.
Goodwill is my favorite store.
My atheist friends and many in my church would say our community are also our close friends, neighbors, work and school friends.
The following is part of a message I have sent my work, church and friends.
Dear TFM,
I would like start a discussion and organize our work to advocate for improving mental health coverage and strengthening assault weapon’s gun control. I know that TFM and Multicare can support legislation for mental health resources to our most vulnerable and banning the sales of new assault weapons. I believe we should demonstrate strong leadership on these important public health problems. Please give this issue some thought and if you agree then reach out to your family, friends, professional, religious communities. These are public health problems. We prevent suffering may ways in our work. From vaccines to pushing bike helmets to advising people not to smoke. This is not different. It is not truly political as many think. Ask your supervisors to ask their supervisors all the way up the chain of command to have Multicare be a champion for public health. See my comments below and look at the evidence yourselves.
Enjoy Togo. There will be less blowouts.
Enrique
Looking forward to following you on this adventure with God and one another. God bless you all!