It was almost like the story of the drunk who takes off his clothes and jumps on the cactus; when they ask him why, he says `It seemed like a good idea at the time.’ When Nancy and JT left to go to a missionary school for languages in France, we felt like we needed to make a statement.

I’m not sure why shaving our head was an important statement, and I don’t know why Katie didn’t want to be involved, but I think it sent a vital message: Don’t leave us alone for three weeks. Actually, we had a wonderful time while they were gone, and Nancy and JT had the trip of a lifetime. She may want to share more about it, but I love this picture she took from her travels.

To those of you who might wonder if I am envious of the time they had in France, I can respond with only one thing:

I’m going to …
Pittsburgh!
In October.
For an educational conference.
So who is jealous NOW?
I’m assured that Paris and Pittsburgh share a similar ambience in the fall.

We had a horrific thing happen recently. One of our old dorm guys was Rahim. Long time readers might remember that he was a Muslim who converted while he lived in our dorm. We’ve had a great friendship with his parents. The other night, Rahim’s parents were coming home from dinner with some friends. They pulled into the gate of their home, and armed robbers pulled guns. Rahim’s father put the car into reverse, and tried to get away, and the robbers opened fire with an AK-47. Rahim’s mother and their friend were killed. She leaves a 17 year old son and a 14 year old daughter. She was such a lovely woman; it is sadder than sad.

There are things I really really hate about this place.

I saw Rahim today, and he is as devastated as you might imagine. Please pray for him and his family; it is just so distressing to us.

I don’t want to end on a sad note. Longer time readers might remember us writing about Chuck Baker, a widower who came to RVA after his wife died when he was in his 60’s. He is just a wonderful man, and he has come over for dinner every Wednesday for several years. Ben and Kate call him Uncle Chuck, and he is part of the family.

About six months ago, Chuck asked me my opinion of a certain young lady on the campus. I told him if Scripture was true, she was the greatest of all of us, because she is a true servant; always the person to do the extra thing to help out. He told me that he was thinking that their friendship might be headed to a deeper place.

You have to understand: I love Chuck with all my heart, but he is one of those guys who will say things that make me want to laugh, even when laughter is not the appropriate response. Knowing my historic record of restraint when confronted with something I think is funny, you might be surprised that I lost it a little further in the conversation:

Chuck: You know, something is really happening between us.
Me: That is so great Chuck.
Chuck: But there is an age difference.
Me: I think when you are both past 40, it might not be so important, Chuck.
Chuck: Well, I am 21 years and four months older than her.

I know it wasn’t appropriate, but when Chuck added the four months, tears came to my eyes, and I just had to ask `How many weeks?’ The fact that he could answer me did not help me control myself.

Their relationship has grown and grown. Today was Esther’s birthday, and Chuck proposed to Esther, and she said yes.

He is just the greatest guy in the world, and he is marrying such a wonderful woman.

When you are in a hard place, it is a grand reminder that there are still such things as happy endings. Even when there are 21 years and four mouths difference, He makes all things new.

Your pal