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.

Come and Look for America

This photo was taken on my recent bike trip. I'm not sure of the location but I think it was western Illinois, back-country road. The guy lived in the trailer in the background and was out working on something when Tom and I stopped for the photo shoot. The power and strength symbolized by this vehicle so reminds me of America. We too, were once powerful and strong, the envy of everyone around the world. Our focus on greed is rusting and leaving us a shell of our former self.

Must Listen!

http://michael.susens-schurter.com/files/355.mp3

The link above is a must listen from NPR's This American Life. It is an easy explanation of the mortgage crisis. If these people were poor and doing this they would end up in jail.

Day 2

These are photos from day 2 of my recent bike trip. They were taken in Petersburg, Iowa which is really an intersection in the road. I think the population of the town is around 50. I thought the contrast between the church (on the west side of the highway) and the store (on the east side of the highway) were amazing. Being a Dr. Pepper fanatic I couldn't resist including the whole machine and cutting off a little of the competition. The pictures say a lot about life. On one side of the coin people have strength, structure, organization, answers, and hope. The other side of the coin has a combination of solidity, weakness, disorder, order, needs, wants, questions, hope and answers. Across the street from the Dr. P. machine to the north is The Detour cafe, on my last trip this is where it suddenly ended. Not this time, my trip partner, the wonderful Mr. G, rode on like a trooper. We followed the rise and fall of the land. We saw, smelled and marveled at the Iowa countryside as the miles rolled on. It is one roller after another but the views are great and the people provide the soul with restoration. This was a great way to conclude another school year. By the way, read On The Road.

Bike Trip

School ended and the next day I was off on an adventure with Tom, my team-teaching partner in American Studies. On Saturday we spent 70 of 79 miles riding into a steady 20 mph headwind. I have never ridden so hard for so long. We ran into great people along the way, people like the clerk at the Sherrard Casey's who came out and got our water bottles to fill them with cold water because she takes care of bicyclists. As cynical as one can become in our modern era, a trip through the heartland of America can remind you that some things are going well with our country. There are many people who will go out of their way to help. Anyway, we arrived in Muscatine, Iowa around 5 and just laid on the bed of our Super 8 thankful for a safe trip. More later.