History

Elkader, Iowa is a wonderful community built along the Turkey River. The bridge in the photo was constructed early in the 20th century by the same methods used in ancient Rome. Wooden arched forms supported the stones until a keystone was dropped into place and filled in the pressure point providing a stable, nearly maintenance free structure. Any community that needs bridges, has access to a quarry at a reasonable distance should consider this method. The bridge was originally built in 9 months but has required almost no follow-up maintenance. We, in the Midwest, typically build using concrete piers with iron beams and a concrete deck which are all constantly hammered by our use of salt, the iron rusts and needs painting, the concrete rots and needs replaced, the taxpayer continues to support the ever growing cycle. Anyway, if you are ever near Elkader, stop and see this bridge.

Thoughts on the Bat

Went to see The Dark Knight, what a thoughtful film. We left really thinking about what could cause us to give up our beliefs? Is security worth spying on everyone? Does spying on everyone insure security? Did the Joker's role put an already fragile individual over the edge? Who do you choose to save? Is a vigilante no different than the criminal?

Blessed????

Faith is a fuzzy thing. We think we see something very clear and we advocate that everyone see the same clear picture. The UMC held its General Conference earlier this year and some interesting statistics were presented:
1. 96% of people living in the U.S. believe in God; 2. 53% of the 96% say it makes no difference in their living; 3. 60% have no Christian relationship; 4. 80% of 18-30 year-olds have no relationship with the church whatsoever. If you think, as many do, that the UMC would intentionally skew their research I would invite you to read UnChristian which goes even further in explaining what a poor job believers do in modeling Christ to our culture.
It sure seems that the evil one has figured out how to lure believers in America to sleep. . . . .abundance. We want for very little, it will be interesting to see how faith surveys change if the "recession" we aren't in hangs around for another year. Abundance does not increase faith, easy lives with plenty to eat, every electronic gadget on earth, the latest car, homes large enough to house the entire extended family, and lives so busy we have no time to build a relationship, a true deep, meaningful relationship with anyone. I am not advocating returning to life in the early 20th century or late 19th century but having visited a culture where relationships are first and foremost does make one think about the direction our country has taken. If all your material needs are met in abundance why would you need to trust the unseen God? I can do all things but it doesn't appear that I need Christ to strengthen me. Adversity seems to bring about deeper faith. I have written about my nephew who is, as I write, in Pittsburgh recovering from major surgery. I have learned more about a deepening faith in God through he and his family as they struggle, not only with the present but with the future, to meet the decisions of the day. They take each day as it comes and are thankful for everything God has done, is doing and will do. To watch the relationship that Daniel has built with his nurses, that is Christ working through us and that is how we will impact the world. The latest praise song may make our heart twitter and our eyes mist but in the end it is how we relate to those around us. It appears that Americans don't really want to do the next step in their faith, the hard step, which is to develop a relationship with someone who may not think like they do on every issue. That is the only way we will change the statistics mentioned earlier.

Pickwick Mill, Pickwick, Minnesota

This 19th century mill really impressed me. The design, the construction, the product and now, the people involved in restoration. If you are ever near Winona, Minnesota the mill is about 10 miles away and well worth the drive. I hope my editing isn't so bad that you can't follow what I am trying to show. Comments are always welcome.
What would have been like to work in this mill? Smells, heat, cold, safety, pay, the hours, benefits, retirement, etc.

Elkport Part II

We have stopped at the abandoned part of Elkport, Iowa. I really can't explain the feelings that go through your mind when walking the neatly laid out streets but only a few buildings survive. This area is in a flood plain and the recent floods in Iowa have caused much damage to the areas we are traveling through. Just like my first trip through here on a bicycle I am drawn to the remaining buildings wondering who lived here, who went to school here, who read these books. What stories could be told by those who once called Elkport home. It was interesting to drive about one-half mile further and see the "new" Elkport, a little higher and safer.

Dyersville

"A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving. A good artist lets his intuition lead him wherever it wants. A good scientist has freed himself of concepts and keeps his mind open to what is." Lao-tzu

We are retracing the bike trip that Tom and I took in early June. We rode past this basilica in Dyersville but didn't stop. This time Vicki and I went inside and it is beautiful. Even though we are not Roman Catholic the interior is beautiful. The stained glass is amazing and while I would struggle worshiping here on a regular basis it was a great place to stop.

Life As He Knows It

Spent a couple of days with this young man in Tijuca, Brazil. He lived in the house right next to where my hammock hung. His family has acquired land by "homesteading" in the Amazon jungle. The U.S. did this in various areas and I actually think Alaska still has some areas where homesteading goes on. You get a parcel of land, jungle land, to clear, build a house, find a water supply, acquire some animals, plant some crops, keep yourself healthy, consider ways to earn money and all this is done without electricity, no internet, blogs, cell phone, etc. I watched this little guy work our team for food, candy, and "stuff." (The worst effect of Adam's fall was that every human wants more "stuff." ) He knows how to survive, would I? A teacher walks into his "community" each morning for a few hours of school. He is learning to read, write and cipher. A church is being built and Naldo comes and holds formal services once or twice a month. How different his world is from mine. I struggled during the two days we were in Tijuca. It is America of 150 years ago and knowing the errors we made I am always a little depressed to see the same errors being made in the Amazon region. What errors? Clearing the land for cattle and grassland to feed the cattle, not replanting enough trees, not making sure erosion is kept to a minimum, sanitary water, education, we gave away toothpaste and one little guy ate most of the tube before we could explain that it was cleaning your teeth not eating. Killing every creature that is a pest. I know big snakes are scary and dangerous but they don't always have to be killed. Access to health care along the river seems to be a definite need and more "circuit riding" ministers like the Methodists of yesteryear. Consistent spiritual guidance is needed, it helps control our sinful nature, it reminds us that others are important, it also reminds us that God gave us dominion over His creation and we must take care of it. It doesn't mean we were given free reign to do whatever we please, we are caretakers for His garden and we have made a mess of it. Sinful nature coming to the fore....sorry. In many ways life is very simple for little guy and in many ways life is very difficult. Our lives are anything but simple and because we have made them so complicated I think they are difficult. Lord, how did we stray so far from your Truth? Your simpleness, righteousness, and love? Forgive my arrogance and my ignorance, refine me, shape me to Your will, continue the cleansing of this world from my priorities so that I am able to see Your priorities. Silence the noise of this life so I may hear Your voice. Amen.

Amazon Lumber Part III

As you probably noticed in Lumber Part II not all the land is cleared of brush. The adventure really begins as you tote this heavy chunk of wood down a narrow path and then cut through the weeds toward the one meter hole dug earlier. In this final video on post holes I have captured the guys carrying another large post but on much clearer ground.

Amazon Lumber Part II

Amazon Lumber

This video clip was shot at Tijuca. It is a small community about a 3 mile walk from the Xingu River. Our team hiked in to help Pastor Naldo mark out church property lines, sink one half of an 8' section of tree at each corner, and then sink all the posts for a new church. Most Americans have never hefted wood quite like this which is why you will usually see at least 3 guys, not small guys, but young men, hauling these pieces of wood and dropping them in the standard 1 meter deep hole. Just to give you a taste of the density, this wood sinks when it goes into water. The grass they are walking through is kind of nasty stuff, it hides critters which makes Americans like me a bit nervous. The house you will see the guys walking past sold us a pig and prepared it for us. Rural Amazon butchering methods are not quite like the U.S., I knew to stay away. That night the starving dogs ate really well, you see, in rural Tijuca the pig is not cut into any recognizable piece of meat, a machete simply hacks it into something and that something is put into a big bowl and served. I think I tasted pork but 99% went to the dogs who loved it. I had mostly fat and bone which the starving dogs loved.

Holes

Since 2004 I have been involved in several hundred feet of trench digging and the digging of numerous holes. Septic holes or tree trunk support holes, I've watched them all being dug by young men and women both Brasilian and American. I worked with some of the nicest human beings, some of the lazier human beings, some with wonderful homes, some with not so wonderful homes, some who know the Lord and some who don't. Digging is a great equalizer, wealth doesn't matter, physical strength helps but isn't essential, what seems to count is whether you have the mental perseverance to stay the course. When you are only 3 degrees off the equator it gets hot and when it gets hot your mind starts to work on you. I have been fortunate to watch lots of young people work through the heat and overcome the misery quotient that wants to beat you down. Enjoy the clips!

Apprenticeships

This particular clip shows Isaac and Zach being trained in the fine art of plastering. It is a short clip since they didn't really last long. I think Marsiu was being kind in allowing them to "help."

Tunnel Vision

The photo was taken at the Hotel Vila Rica in Belem, Brasil. I was headed to breakfast after a very late arrival (actually early morning arrival) and noticed this walk to the "lake." It is a very direct path, no side trails to distract you from your goal. This is the path!
Many of us seek a life like this, we set a goal and nothing will distract us from achieving that goal. My concern is whether I have allowed God a part in deter- ming my goal. My plan is usually centered around a path that will allow me to accumulate wealth so I can have a better house, cars, vacations, etc. I think God wants our journey to be variable enough to allow for His guidance to lead us on side trips. His plan and our plan, no matter how we may feel, can be totally different. My prayer is that I am always seeking His path.