So much for the nice sunny warm weather. I suppose it is March in Western PA, after all! Amy and I have now all but wrapped the Pennsylvania leg of the MegaTransect. We have enjoyed an excellent week connecting and reconnecting with our Johnstown Team. Sunday morning we spoke at a church that was planted by a number of the folks we worked closely with back when I served as a youth director in Johnstown.
Over the past six years, it has always been both and encouraging and humbling experience to return to Johnstown. I spent a lot of time when I lived in Johnstown not particularly liking Johnstown. Now, if it weren't for the friends and churches of Johnstown, Amy and I would not be able to do what we do with Alongside. I've come to realize that there are two layers to that: we couldn't do what we do without the current support of churches and families in Johnstown, and we wouldn't be able to do what we do without the background and experiences those same churches and families gave us while we were living in Johnstown. That's pretty cool.
Sunday afternoon we spent some time with one of my oldest friends and his family. His son, Ben, let me play with the coolest toy I've seen in a long time: a Nerf dart pistol. I want one!
Andrew
Monday, March 29, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Moving Forward...
Here I am once again at Starbucks, enjoying a beautiful day and a nice gargantuan cup of espresso-based beverage. I am amazed (and not complaining!) at the weather we've been having - Johnstown was never this sunny and unexpectedly warm when we lived here.
Last night we met another new child, born to a great couple who share remarkable talents in music. Their daughter is going to have an extremely fun time growing up!
Last night we had the opportunity to indulge in another great American food tradition- cheap wings night from a local establishment called The Old Tollgate Inn. It has been many years since I last had the opportunity to stuff myself with a ridiculous assortment of variously spiced wings. A most excellent experience, and one well worth having if you are ever in Johnstown, PA on a Tuesday night.
Since we've returned, I've started reading a book called 'Just Courage' by Gary A. Haugen, the director of International Justice Mission. Most inspiring and challenging. Check out the work of IJM on their website, www.ijm.org.
In other news, I learned that the little peg I need to fix a broken dial on our car will cost over $500 to obtain from the Mazda dealership, because they don't just sell the little plastic peg I need - only the entire dashboard console assembly. I shall look elsewhere.
Andrew
Last night we met another new child, born to a great couple who share remarkable talents in music. Their daughter is going to have an extremely fun time growing up!
Last night we had the opportunity to indulge in another great American food tradition- cheap wings night from a local establishment called The Old Tollgate Inn. It has been many years since I last had the opportunity to stuff myself with a ridiculous assortment of variously spiced wings. A most excellent experience, and one well worth having if you are ever in Johnstown, PA on a Tuesday night.
Since we've returned, I've started reading a book called 'Just Courage' by Gary A. Haugen, the director of International Justice Mission. Most inspiring and challenging. Check out the work of IJM on their website, www.ijm.org.
In other news, I learned that the little peg I need to fix a broken dial on our car will cost over $500 to obtain from the Mazda dealership, because they don't just sell the little plastic peg I need - only the entire dashboard console assembly. I shall look elsewhere.
Andrew
Monday, March 22, 2010
Enjoying the Weather!
It's been a great weekend in Western PA. After enjoying a great couple of days with my niece over by Pittsburgh, we drove back over to Somerset to visit some old friends up near Central City. It was great to see them. It was also great to see their daughters, whom I remember as teenagers, all grown up and married. We enjoyed partaking of some tasty red meat, some excellent broccoli-cheese soup, and generally feasted through the evening.
Sunday morning we enjoyed an enthusiastic welcome from our friends at BCK Ministries, then had the opportunity to get to reconnect with some more old friends. We had some great fun playing the amusingly updated versions of Pong and Tank on their Wii.
Sunday afternoon I got to do something that I haven't done in a really long time. I sat out on the back porch in the warm sunshine and jammed on the guitar. I don't remember when the last time was that it I was warm enough that it was nicer to be sitting outside than inside.
Today I started the round of emails that will finalize our travel plans for the Big Drive in April. As I type this, I'm sipping a great cup of hazelnut coffee at Panera Bread Co. and looking out across the valley containing Johnstown. The local weather forecasters are trying to figure out how today could be so warm and sunny, after having predicted doom all week (it was supposed to snow today). I'm not complaining.
Andrew
Sunday morning we enjoyed an enthusiastic welcome from our friends at BCK Ministries, then had the opportunity to get to reconnect with some more old friends. We had some great fun playing the amusingly updated versions of Pong and Tank on their Wii.
Sunday afternoon I got to do something that I haven't done in a really long time. I sat out on the back porch in the warm sunshine and jammed on the guitar. I don't remember when the last time was that it I was warm enough that it was nicer to be sitting outside than inside.
Today I started the round of emails that will finalize our travel plans for the Big Drive in April. As I type this, I'm sipping a great cup of hazelnut coffee at Panera Bread Co. and looking out across the valley containing Johnstown. The local weather forecasters are trying to figure out how today could be so warm and sunny, after having predicted doom all week (it was supposed to snow today). I'm not complaining.
Andrew
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Catching Up
17 March
I'm a little behind in getting this post up, so 'catching up' seems an appropriate title. The weather broke yesterday, and we've been enjoying sunny skies and warm sunshine. Pennsylvania is a beautiful place when the sun is shining! It was especially nice to have sun for our drive to Pittsburgh. We took the winding road route, mostly to skip traffic and roadworks, but also to better enjoy the capabilities of our spiffy new car.
I am still extremely annoyed by American speed limits. Perhaps I am channeling all of my re-entry angst into being annoyed at America's dumb speed limits. Today I drove for miles and miles along a wide country road with a 25 mph limit, and then got to the really built-up area with tons of red lights and cross traffic, and the speed limit immediately increased to 40. Dumb.
We've been enjoying opportunities to catch up face-to-face with old friends. I'll be very surprised if Johnstown, PA does not at some point produce some more Alongsiders. I've enjoyed introducing a couple of folks to the joys of BBC America - specifically, 'Top Gear' and 'Doctor Who.'
Tomorrow we're looking forward to spending the day with my niece. Babysitting seems a small price to pay for free lodging! Hopefully it will be easier than bailing out the basement (which, by the way, dried out pretty quick, and we have been able to enjoy the blessings of the tumble dryer).
Andrew
I'm a little behind in getting this post up, so 'catching up' seems an appropriate title. The weather broke yesterday, and we've been enjoying sunny skies and warm sunshine. Pennsylvania is a beautiful place when the sun is shining! It was especially nice to have sun for our drive to Pittsburgh. We took the winding road route, mostly to skip traffic and roadworks, but also to better enjoy the capabilities of our spiffy new car.
I am still extremely annoyed by American speed limits. Perhaps I am channeling all of my re-entry angst into being annoyed at America's dumb speed limits. Today I drove for miles and miles along a wide country road with a 25 mph limit, and then got to the really built-up area with tons of red lights and cross traffic, and the speed limit immediately increased to 40. Dumb.
We've been enjoying opportunities to catch up face-to-face with old friends. I'll be very surprised if Johnstown, PA does not at some point produce some more Alongsiders. I've enjoyed introducing a couple of folks to the joys of BBC America - specifically, 'Top Gear' and 'Doctor Who.'
Tomorrow we're looking forward to spending the day with my niece. Babysitting seems a small price to pay for free lodging! Hopefully it will be easier than bailing out the basement (which, by the way, dried out pretty quick, and we have been able to enjoy the blessings of the tumble dryer).
Andrew
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Submersion
14 March
It’s been a busy Sunday, reconnecting with Emmanuel Baptist Church, renewing our acquaintance with Hoss’s all-you-can-eat restaurant, and rediscovering what’s happening in the lives of many old friends.
The general theme of the last 24 hours has been submersion. First off, submersion in water. On the drive to Johnstown we had to detour around flooded roads and saw more water running through Johnstown than I’ve seen outside of old flood photographs. Unfortunately for the friends we’re staying with, the deluge included the flooding of their newly refurbished cellar. So last night Amy and I were glad to be available to pitch in to haul buckets of water out of the basement. It was good that we could be on hand to lend a hand, but also we had selfish motives, since the tumble dryer was in the room with the ankle-deep water, and we really, really want to use that tumble dryer!
We also enjoyed and appreciated submersion of a different kind at EBC this weekend, where we were refreshed and encouraged by living water and the overall sense of something special happening at that church. We are blessed to be a part of it! I appreciated walking into church, being handed my assigned microphone, double-checking the PowerPoint cues, and then simply submersing myself in the festivities. Sometimes it’s really great and refreshing to be on the receiving end of things.
For all those car enthusiasts out there, our Mazda 3 made just under 35 miles per gallon (combined driving) on its first officially tracked fill-up. Nice.
Andrew
It’s been a busy Sunday, reconnecting with Emmanuel Baptist Church, renewing our acquaintance with Hoss’s all-you-can-eat restaurant, and rediscovering what’s happening in the lives of many old friends.
The general theme of the last 24 hours has been submersion. First off, submersion in water. On the drive to Johnstown we had to detour around flooded roads and saw more water running through Johnstown than I’ve seen outside of old flood photographs. Unfortunately for the friends we’re staying with, the deluge included the flooding of their newly refurbished cellar. So last night Amy and I were glad to be available to pitch in to haul buckets of water out of the basement. It was good that we could be on hand to lend a hand, but also we had selfish motives, since the tumble dryer was in the room with the ankle-deep water, and we really, really want to use that tumble dryer!
We also enjoyed and appreciated submersion of a different kind at EBC this weekend, where we were refreshed and encouraged by living water and the overall sense of something special happening at that church. We are blessed to be a part of it! I appreciated walking into church, being handed my assigned microphone, double-checking the PowerPoint cues, and then simply submersing myself in the festivities. Sometimes it’s really great and refreshing to be on the receiving end of things.
For all those car enthusiasts out there, our Mazda 3 made just under 35 miles per gallon (combined driving) on its first officially tracked fill-up. Nice.
Andrew
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Journey Begins!
12 March
The MegaTransect begins! Yesterday we drove across Ohio to Pennsylvania. That's 4 states now in less that 2 weeks! The new(used) car is running well and has a nice 'fun-to-drive' factor that's got us looking forward to the long days ahead on the road.
Today we're enjoying some time with my niece, Emily, who is 2 years old and pretty much in charge of the household. We've read stories, made puzzles, and had some interesting adventures with food.
Amy and I also spent some quality time together wrestling with yet another HP printer (never buy one, folks!) getting our display table accessories set up. Our first speaking engagement is tomorrow evening at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Johnstown. I suppose we should get our notes out and give our presentation a dusting off, as we haven't actually run through it since before leaving Aberdeen!
Andrew
The MegaTransect begins! Yesterday we drove across Ohio to Pennsylvania. That's 4 states now in less that 2 weeks! The new(used) car is running well and has a nice 'fun-to-drive' factor that's got us looking forward to the long days ahead on the road.
Today we're enjoying some time with my niece, Emily, who is 2 years old and pretty much in charge of the household. We've read stories, made puzzles, and had some interesting adventures with food.
Amy and I also spent some quality time together wrestling with yet another HP printer (never buy one, folks!) getting our display table accessories set up. Our first speaking engagement is tomorrow evening at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Johnstown. I suppose we should get our notes out and give our presentation a dusting off, as we haven't actually run through it since before leaving Aberdeen!
Andrew
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Moving Forward...
March 9, 2010
Today the sorting and packing for 3 months on the road begins in earnest. We’ve got the car (although waiting on one specific part and very much hoping it comes in today so that can be finished!), we’ve got the presentations ready to go, and we’ve been able to pretty much find the stuff we need out of storage.
Some of the stuff we’ve got in storage has been amusing to come across. When we packed stuff away, I can specifically recall a few items that I was really sure we would want to have, and I haven’t given them a second thought until accidentally coming across them when looking for something else. My perspective on just how much junk I need to surround myself with to feel comfortable has definitely changed.
One recent ‘up’ was meeting family for lunch yesterday at a genuine Mexican restaurant. It’s been a really long time since I’ve enjoyed real Mexican food – all the right spicy flavors. Yummy!
Andrew
Later…
Well, the part didn’t come in for the car today (due tomorrow…), but the title came through, which means we were able to get our Official Permanent License Plate. It cost a lot less than I expected (Yay! Small car!), and the queue at the License Office was short and fast. Nice.
Today the sorting and packing for 3 months on the road begins in earnest. We’ve got the car (although waiting on one specific part and very much hoping it comes in today so that can be finished!), we’ve got the presentations ready to go, and we’ve been able to pretty much find the stuff we need out of storage.
Some of the stuff we’ve got in storage has been amusing to come across. When we packed stuff away, I can specifically recall a few items that I was really sure we would want to have, and I haven’t given them a second thought until accidentally coming across them when looking for something else. My perspective on just how much junk I need to surround myself with to feel comfortable has definitely changed.
One recent ‘up’ was meeting family for lunch yesterday at a genuine Mexican restaurant. It’s been a really long time since I’ve enjoyed real Mexican food – all the right spicy flavors. Yummy!
Andrew
Later…
Well, the part didn’t come in for the car today (due tomorrow…), but the title came through, which means we were able to get our Official Permanent License Plate. It cost a lot less than I expected (Yay! Small car!), and the queue at the License Office was short and fast. Nice.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Ups and Downs
7 March, 2010
It’s another bright and clear morning here in Indiana. The USA (at least here around Fort Wayne) seems to be rolling out the archetype of March weather for our return: crisp, clear, frosty nights with stars and moon; bright, warm, and unusually dry days. Surely it will rain soon!
Last week we were still in Aberdeen, receiving a heart-warming send-off from almost all of our friends from both Stockethill and Newhills. This morning I’m typing in my borrowed studio-loft apartment, watching the deer graze on the edge of the wood and contemplating the startling abruptness of today’s transportation technology.
A part of what I hope to do with this blog is chart a bit of the ups and downs of re-entry after 5 years living outside the USA. So far, I’m missing my friends in Scotland the most, followed by the castles, coastline, and decent curry restaurants. I’m missing the convenience of mobile phone technology in Europe (!) after some frustrating battles getting our (sort of) pay-as-you-go phone plan with T-Mobile up and running. I’m also missing the compactness of Aberdeen – it takes what seems forever to get anywhere in Fort Wayne. First, everything is spread out. Second, every stinking junction has a stoplight.
On the other hand… Let’s hear it for tumble dryers! One can start and finish laundry not just in the same day, but before leaving for work in the morning! And the laundry gets completely dry!
We’re currently enjoying some great reunion time with Amy’s family. Despite missing our friends and the general overall coolness of Scotland (sorry, USA, but Scotland just by being there will always be way cooler than you), reconnecting with our family here is a great joy.
Andrew
It’s another bright and clear morning here in Indiana. The USA (at least here around Fort Wayne) seems to be rolling out the archetype of March weather for our return: crisp, clear, frosty nights with stars and moon; bright, warm, and unusually dry days. Surely it will rain soon!
Last week we were still in Aberdeen, receiving a heart-warming send-off from almost all of our friends from both Stockethill and Newhills. This morning I’m typing in my borrowed studio-loft apartment, watching the deer graze on the edge of the wood and contemplating the startling abruptness of today’s transportation technology.
A part of what I hope to do with this blog is chart a bit of the ups and downs of re-entry after 5 years living outside the USA. So far, I’m missing my friends in Scotland the most, followed by the castles, coastline, and decent curry restaurants. I’m missing the convenience of mobile phone technology in Europe (!) after some frustrating battles getting our (sort of) pay-as-you-go phone plan with T-Mobile up and running. I’m also missing the compactness of Aberdeen – it takes what seems forever to get anywhere in Fort Wayne. First, everything is spread out. Second, every stinking junction has a stoplight.
On the other hand… Let’s hear it for tumble dryers! One can start and finish laundry not just in the same day, but before leaving for work in the morning! And the laundry gets completely dry!
We’re currently enjoying some great reunion time with Amy’s family. Despite missing our friends and the general overall coolness of Scotland (sorry, USA, but Scotland just by being there will always be way cooler than you), reconnecting with our family here is a great joy.
Andrew
Day Off, Car Sorted
5 March
Ahh… Today is a day off. Woke up at 6 AM this morning anyway, but managed to doze until almost 7. Got up to see 6 heron standing together on the front lawn, and then 5 or 6 deer came out and they had an amusing little staring contest.
We’ve managed to get the car situation sorted out. After some careful research, thought, and prayer we decided to give the VW a pass – not an easy decision! But we have ended up with that ’04 Mazda 3! We got a nice deal, as we bought it from a Dodge dealership that had just taken it in as a trade. The silly 17” wheels were swapped for a more reasonable set that included better tires. I’m now looking forward to the big drive a lot more…
So far adjusting back into American culture is going OK. The exuberant friendliness of store staff is still catching me off guard, but it’s amusing rather than annoying. The traffic situation, however, is annoying. Lots of very large vehicles being driven by very large people who seem to be more interested in the conversation they’re having on their mobile phones rather than watching out for where they’re going. Considering the size of the car parks and the width of the roads, one would think that there would be plenty of room for all, but the large drivers of the large vehicles seem to struggle with surprisingly basic maneuvers, not even managing to get in between the significantly spacious lines in the giant car parks. Must be all those sticky gas pedals Fox news is always going on about…
It’s hard to believe that last week at this time I was walking around the loch at Fyvie Castle!
Andrew
Ahh… Today is a day off. Woke up at 6 AM this morning anyway, but managed to doze until almost 7. Got up to see 6 heron standing together on the front lawn, and then 5 or 6 deer came out and they had an amusing little staring contest.
We’ve managed to get the car situation sorted out. After some careful research, thought, and prayer we decided to give the VW a pass – not an easy decision! But we have ended up with that ’04 Mazda 3! We got a nice deal, as we bought it from a Dodge dealership that had just taken it in as a trade. The silly 17” wheels were swapped for a more reasonable set that included better tires. I’m now looking forward to the big drive a lot more…
So far adjusting back into American culture is going OK. The exuberant friendliness of store staff is still catching me off guard, but it’s amusing rather than annoying. The traffic situation, however, is annoying. Lots of very large vehicles being driven by very large people who seem to be more interested in the conversation they’re having on their mobile phones rather than watching out for where they’re going. Considering the size of the car parks and the width of the roads, one would think that there would be plenty of room for all, but the large drivers of the large vehicles seem to struggle with surprisingly basic maneuvers, not even managing to get in between the significantly spacious lines in the giant car parks. Must be all those sticky gas pedals Fox news is always going on about…
It’s hard to believe that last week at this time I was walking around the loch at Fyvie Castle!
Andrew
The Car Search is On!
3 March 2010
Today I woke up again at about 4:00 AM and couldn’t get back to sleep. I enjoyed a spectacular sunrise and had a great early-morning jog, but I’d still rather sleep until at least 7:00.
Today Amy and I spent the day shopping for a car. I’ve got two real requirements – manual transmission and cruise control. I’d prefer it not be red or yellow. It’s kind of funny how difficult it is to find a manual transmission in the USA – especially since all the salespeople we spoke with today talked about how quick they sell them and how hard they are to find these days. So why are the car lots packed full of automatics if people want to buy manuals? The mysteries of the car sales industry continue to baffle. We’re fairly well chuffed to have a Volkswagen Jetta in our sights (manual, cruise, etc.). I was really hoping for a slightly newer Mazda 3, but the one car the fit our budget, and that I really wanted to like despite its very red color, has a stupid wheel set on it with thin profile tires, making for a harsh and noisy ride as well as prospects of expensive and immediate tire replacement. Despite the ‘fun to drive’ factor, I cannot imagine driving 10 hours across Oklahoma and Kansas in that car.
We did manage to get a mobile phone up and running today. I had forgotten about the double-charge scheme that USA mobile phone industry has going – it costs money when you call out, and it costs both you and your caller money when people call you. Plus there’s actually no such thing as pay-as-you-go, because your minutes expire, forcing you to pay according to the company’s rates. So even when you don’t have a plan, you’re stuck having to pay $10 or so every 90 days no matter what. Urgh.
In terms of adjustment, It’s both amusing and annoying that Americans drive such gigantic vehicles on such wide roads, and still can’t seem to deal with it. I watched this lady today attempting to get out of a parking space in a Saab 9-3. She had the most unbelievably difficult time backing it up and turning it around in a space big enough for her car to do a complete 360 turn. And don’t even get me started on red lights and 4-way stop signs. I miss roundabouts a lot today.
On a happier note, I had a nice reunion with my Gretsch today. Oiled the fretboard and put on new strings, tweaked the bridge adjustment a little. Unfortunately too late to crank up the amp, but definitely looking forward to that tomorrow!
Andrew
Today I woke up again at about 4:00 AM and couldn’t get back to sleep. I enjoyed a spectacular sunrise and had a great early-morning jog, but I’d still rather sleep until at least 7:00.
Today Amy and I spent the day shopping for a car. I’ve got two real requirements – manual transmission and cruise control. I’d prefer it not be red or yellow. It’s kind of funny how difficult it is to find a manual transmission in the USA – especially since all the salespeople we spoke with today talked about how quick they sell them and how hard they are to find these days. So why are the car lots packed full of automatics if people want to buy manuals? The mysteries of the car sales industry continue to baffle. We’re fairly well chuffed to have a Volkswagen Jetta in our sights (manual, cruise, etc.). I was really hoping for a slightly newer Mazda 3, but the one car the fit our budget, and that I really wanted to like despite its very red color, has a stupid wheel set on it with thin profile tires, making for a harsh and noisy ride as well as prospects of expensive and immediate tire replacement. Despite the ‘fun to drive’ factor, I cannot imagine driving 10 hours across Oklahoma and Kansas in that car.
We did manage to get a mobile phone up and running today. I had forgotten about the double-charge scheme that USA mobile phone industry has going – it costs money when you call out, and it costs both you and your caller money when people call you. Plus there’s actually no such thing as pay-as-you-go, because your minutes expire, forcing you to pay according to the company’s rates. So even when you don’t have a plan, you’re stuck having to pay $10 or so every 90 days no matter what. Urgh.
In terms of adjustment, It’s both amusing and annoying that Americans drive such gigantic vehicles on such wide roads, and still can’t seem to deal with it. I watched this lady today attempting to get out of a parking space in a Saab 9-3. She had the most unbelievably difficult time backing it up and turning it around in a space big enough for her car to do a complete 360 turn. And don’t even get me started on red lights and 4-way stop signs. I miss roundabouts a lot today.
On a happier note, I had a nice reunion with my Gretsch today. Oiled the fretboard and put on new strings, tweaked the bridge adjustment a little. Unfortunately too late to crank up the amp, but definitely looking forward to that tomorrow!
Andrew
First Day Back
1 March 2010
Well, not the first whole day back, as we got up at 4 AM in Aberdeen, flew to Amsterdam, then flew across the southern tip of Greenland (fantastic view of ice and glaciers!) to Chicago. All of our flights and transfers went smoothly, and we even ran into a good friend on our flight to Amsterdam – a nice surprise bonus.
Upon getting to our hotel, we asked our shuttle bus driver to recommend the best place to get real Chicago pizza and were able to walk to Lou Malnati’s just up the road. It was everything we were hoping for – wings and deep-dish pizza!
While attempting to keep ourselves awake in the evening, we stumbled across the latest episode of Mythbusters somewhere in the 6000 channels on offer.
All in all, it’s been a fairly decent first impression.
Andrew
Well, not the first whole day back, as we got up at 4 AM in Aberdeen, flew to Amsterdam, then flew across the southern tip of Greenland (fantastic view of ice and glaciers!) to Chicago. All of our flights and transfers went smoothly, and we even ran into a good friend on our flight to Amsterdam – a nice surprise bonus.
Upon getting to our hotel, we asked our shuttle bus driver to recommend the best place to get real Chicago pizza and were able to walk to Lou Malnati’s just up the road. It was everything we were hoping for – wings and deep-dish pizza!
While attempting to keep ourselves awake in the evening, we stumbled across the latest episode of Mythbusters somewhere in the 6000 channels on offer.
All in all, it’s been a fairly decent first impression.
Andrew
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