tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35781572011-04-21T16:30:43.192-05:00<i> <b>If you have 2 coats, you've stolen one from the poor.</i> Dorothy Day </b> <br> <br> <b>Figuring out how to live out all the gospel all the time...</b>Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.comBlogger1871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-85670982441021550972007-05-04T09:50:00.000-05:002007-05-04T10:00:01.768-05:00

Nearly 2 months into our Central Asian life and things are going well. My apologies to any (if any) who have been faithful readers. Our absence isn't without reason. Internet access here has been virtual nil. We do plan on updates though. For the time being, I'll post some recent email posts that we've sent to friends. (We send them out every few weeks, if you'd like to receive them, send

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-86453671548164809552007-03-11T07:29:00.000-05:002007-03-11T09:43:17.618-05:00

Jet lag looms over us so that coherency is near impossible these days, but we're hoping to recover within the week. Other than that, life in Central Asia has been great! We've been exposed to a nice glimpse of the way things work here with regards to dining, transportation, religion, shopping, etc.We went to church today that meets in a night club...talk about redeeming lost places! Coming

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-14809330954185362322007-03-08T23:18:00.000-06:002007-03-08T23:21:57.145-06:00

Well, we made it! With jet lag setting in, we're starting to adapt to life in Central Asia. We'll be in the city for the weekend before moving to our village.Thanks for all the prayers! I'll try to see abouto getting a photo or two up soon.

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-33901699459190364452007-03-07T10:40:00.000-06:002007-03-07T10:41:19.464-06:00

Well, today's the day!We fly out in about 4 hours for the next 9 months. We appreciate the words of encouragement you've provided. I'll continue updating this site as much as possible. Feel free to drop us a line!

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-48259723464561009342007-02-26T18:13:00.000-06:002007-02-26T18:14:48.455-06:00

Could a child be any closer to crawling than this?

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-10503038577709866052007-02-21T15:07:00.000-06:002007-02-21T20:22:45.489-06:00

The helping of others, the giving of alms, and all external goods don't calm the arrogance of the heart. Humility of the mind, the pain of repentence and the breaking of the will, however, humble the proud spirit.- Elder Joseph the HesychastAs long as I've known of it, Lent has always been a time of tension for me. My background and the church I grew up in doesn't practice it or even make

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-49696893050442150872007-02-19T17:07:00.000-06:002007-02-19T17:12:43.495-06:00

Oh God, I don’t love you,I don’t even want to love you,but I want to want to love you!- Saint Teresa of AvilaSource: "The Interior Castle" by Teresa of Avila.

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-78724791775419062822007-02-19T07:06:00.000-06:002007-02-19T07:11:21.404-06:00

We have exciting news! The Dowdys have been cleared to move to Central Asia! Anticipating that we'll reach our budget within the next 3 weeks, our supervisors gave us the go-ahead to purchase our plane tickets. We fly out of Roanoke on March 7. We're still approximatly $250/month short regarding our budget. Oh so close! Contact me if you're interested in making a pledge.Some immediate prayer

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-90518213653641767892007-02-18T21:46:00.000-06:002007-02-18T22:17:29.167-06:00

We've been going to a couple different churches while in Virginia--one is the church I grew up in, and the other is a Lutheran church that gives us a nice reminder of the liturgical church we were a part of for so long and got married in while in Texas.It's been nice to return to the liturgical church. The corporate prayer and calls to repentance each week are real blessings for us.

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-53405470247613040262007-02-08T12:04:00.000-06:002007-02-07T15:29:11.958-06:00

A week of firsts. First turn-over. First soccer lesson. And now, his first snow.As promised 2 days ago, Silas got to play in his first snow. Though the total snowfall was only 3 inches, it was more than enough to romp around in and make snow angels!

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-88178655890165662552007-02-07T15:26:00.000-06:002007-02-07T15:29:12.446-06:00

As discussed in my previous post, Silas is now sitting up. This is big news, as he now gets regular soccer lessons!

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-6107367704842776242007-02-06T21:29:00.000-06:002007-02-06T21:40:08.336-06:00

At a recent trip to the market, I discovered that when you can find a table,your infant son makes a great table-top!(Though I wouldn't recommend eating soup on top of his noggin.)At 5 months and 1 week of life, Silas has reached some important milestones these past few days:1. Yesterday, we discovered that he can now roll over from his back to his stomach...a HUGE accomplishment. (He started

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-54864954407358234122007-01-23T14:23:00.000-06:002007-01-25T20:23:21.246-06:00

First you'll laugh...then become slightly uncomfortable. I sure did.Could it really be said any better?(Click on the picture to see a larger copy.)(Much thanks to Lucas for pointing out this gem from the Corner.)

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-3046639936647570512007-01-20T10:55:00.000-06:002007-01-20T11:35:11.114-06:00

Tomorrow, Sunday January 21, is Jubilee Sunday. Christians around the world are asked to pray for an end to global poverty. Local churches will undoubtedly read from Luke 4:14-21, a key Jubilee scripture in which Jesus declares a jubilee or "year of the Lord's favor" by proclaiming God's liberation for all oppressed and impoverished people.And some, if they really want to stir things up will

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-77693095627555194562007-01-16T13:59:00.000-06:002007-01-16T14:14:10.557-06:00

We're grateful for our days here in Virginia that have given us due rest and time with loved ones. Since arriving here 3 weeks ago, we've also been encouraged by responses from friends and family as we seek to reach our budget for our move to Central Asia.Faith and I are excited because we've been able to meet all of our one-time expenses! This includes costs like air-travel, visas, setting up

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-49996346900149575512007-01-10T20:17:00.000-06:002007-01-10T20:35:38.737-06:00

Many of you have seen Silas, a.k.a 'The Gargantuan Son' lately in all of his mass. However, if you haven't or if you simply want to see what this not-so-little guy is up to these days, check out this video!

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-46577603691122153332007-01-08T13:50:00.000-06:002007-01-08T14:11:04.742-06:00

My friend Lucas posted an intriguing article by thinker and people-lover Shaine Claiborne entitled: "Grace is hard to communicate with a noose". The posting was due, of course, to the recent execution of Saddam Hussein.Throughout the weeks leading up to and during Hussein's hanging, I couldn't help but feel uneasy...uncomfortable. Sure Hussein was guilty of horrible atrocities and needed to be

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1284605497639833712007-01-07T08:46:00.000-06:002007-01-07T11:39:38.090-06:00

The forecast for today for our village in Central Asia is for the low to be 8 degrees. Here in Virginia we'll be in the 50's today and 70's by the end of the week. My brother and I played soccer the other day in shorts and t-shirts!As extreme as the weather sounds for our friends abroad, that's actually quite average for this time of year. Winter lasts for several months, and the wind

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1613545801963522112006-12-31T18:44:00.000-06:002006-12-31T18:50:53.750-06:00

Family Dowdy has arrived! We're now in Virginia for the next 6 weeks or so (hopefully). After a long couple of weeks packing and sorting through our stuff and an extra long cross-country car ride (courtesy of Si), we've started to settle down in my parents' home for the winter.I'll post next year (which for us here in the future--the eastern time zone--is a mere 4 hours away!)

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1166553771641455472006-12-19T12:21:00.000-06:002006-12-19T12:43:58.103-06:00

Lately, when considering the prospect of another Christmas season, I've felt myself doing a Hulk-like morphing into this......I can't help but feel myself changing into a Grinch all to eager to steal Christmas.For those of you who know me, this may send you into cardiac arrest for I've always been a fanatic of Christmas.In college I developed a policy with my roommate where Christmas music was

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1165866757654462752006-12-11T13:48:00.000-06:002006-12-11T13:52:37.706-06:00

The title of this news story is Peacekeepers Kill 3 in Darfur. If only the world would call me a fool.

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1165416928434670842006-12-06T08:51:00.000-06:002006-12-06T08:55:28.446-06:00

With all the noises that Si is making these days, we've finally been able to rehearse our father-son duets. What is Silas' first song he's been able to sing? Why it's Stevie Nicks' "Edge of Seventeen" of course.Here's a sample:Me: Just like the white winged dove...Sings a song...Sounds like she's singing...Silas: Whoo... whoo... whooMe: Just like the white winged dove...Sings a song...Sounds

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1164925123832729922006-11-30T14:59:00.000-06:002006-11-30T16:32:41.926-06:00

Since becoming a "parent" (still not quite sure I've adequately filled the role), I've noticed that good intentions no longer count for anything. In earlier years, I'd intend to improve on areas of my life--physically, spiritually, mentally. For days or weeks at a time, I'd do quite well at working out more, increasing prayer time, reading more books, etc. However, I'd eventually slide back

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1164293713102701122006-11-23T08:40:00.000-06:002006-11-23T08:55:13.116-06:00

Well we're just under 3 months until we're supposed to be leaving for Central Asia. We've been making progress in our preparation:-We braved the needle and went to get our necessary shots...ouch!-We were notified by our team that they had located a house for us to live in.-Silas applied for his first passport.-We've reached approximately 50% of our budget in support-raising.If you're not

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1163117896092961162006-11-09T18:08:00.000-06:002006-11-09T18:18:16.110-06:00

Life is racing these days, but I hope to be more regular with posts. In the meantime, here's some recent pics of Si.(Currently 2 1/2 months and 16 lbs!)The fam enjoying a hike in the mountains of Virginia.One of our favorite Si pics. This one has been appropriately named "Nerd Patrol".Sheesh, talk about having something to blackmail wih in 15 years.

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1161790190965193352006-10-25T10:25:00.000-05:002006-10-25T10:29:50.966-05:00

Family Dowdy has finished our 6 week trip to Virginia and is back in Texas. Faith went back to work yesterday while I started a new job at the local homeless shelter. We're in the process of moving into town and off the farm. Though we miss farm life, the move will help a little as we'll be central to life in Waco and close to Faith's workplace. We'll be here through the holidays trying to

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1158685297353648542006-09-19T11:19:00.000-05:002006-09-20T18:36:35.863-05:00

Family Dowdy has been on the road for the past couple of weeks--Si is getting to meet all of the Dowdy's in Virginia! We'll be here in Vinton until October 17th so that Si can share his poo, coos, and goo with all his relatives. In the meantime, Faith and I are raising support for Kazakhstan while here. Computer troubles abound, so in lieu of some recent snaphots of Silas and Co., here's a few

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1157224934415612552006-09-02T14:21:00.000-05:002006-09-02T14:22:14.430-05:00

Week 1 of parenthood has been an absolute joy! Diaper duty and sleepless nights are embraced as signs of life. There's plenty of pictures to go around. To see the photos the hospital took of Silas, go here. In the meantime, here's a look at week 1.Who do you think is more exhausted from Silas' first week on the outside, Silas or Daddy?Silas "enjoying" one of his baths.Two mothers on the

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1156815966359673002006-08-28T20:12:00.000-05:002006-08-28T20:46:06.430-05:00

He's here! Silas Thoma Dowdy was born Saturday, August 26 at 6:17am--a healthy 9 lbs 1oz, 23 inch boy. The delivery was relatively fast for going natural--Faith went into labor Friday night at 8pm and we headed to the hospital around 1:30am that night.We're still in awe and exhaustion over the whole ordeal--labor, delivery, our first day, our first night, etc. I won't go into any more specific

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1156131297180820752006-08-20T22:08:00.000-05:002006-08-20T22:34:57.250-05:00

Week 39 has come and gone, so as we work on our supposed "last" week of pregnancy, I can't help but become even more overwhelmed with anticipation. I catch myself overhearing conversation after conversation about someone's labor and delivery. Each time Faith winces in pain, I grab our bags and head to the car...but alas it's usually not a contraction. Gas maybe.Faith and I are even to the point

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1155610499714594282006-08-14T21:12:00.000-05:002006-08-14T21:55:02.493-05:00

Without the news of delivery, many of you guys have asked, nay, demanded some updated photos of Faith and me. Ok, so you've really just asked to see what Faith looks like nowadays. So without further ado:"Ahhh! Where'd my feet go?!?!"Yes, that's a waddle.This was on our 2 year anniversary (Aug. 7). Sheesh, for our first year we went to San Antonio. This year we're pregnant. Next year we'll be

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1155410911603513412006-08-12T14:09:00.000-05:002006-08-12T14:28:33.236-05:00

Over the past week, I revisted a book I once read for one of my Christian history classes in college--Saint Francis of Assisi, by John Moorman. I remember being the only one out of the class of approximately 30-40 students who liked the book. Most felt that it deified, or at least over-glorified St. Francis. Others felt it was a bit of an exaggeration. I couldn't help but become enamored with

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1155269348750538092006-08-10T22:55:00.000-05:002006-08-10T23:09:08.803-05:00

Friday the 11th marks Week #38 for Team Dowdy.George/Amani/Caleb still eludes us.Faith and I wake up some mornings to see little G/A/C taunting us as he pokes his elbow/kneecap/fist into her stomach so that she appears to have a miniature summit protruding from her belly. He waves and wiggles and disappears, almost as if to remind us that we're on his time and not ours.So we wait.We pray.We

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1154902666581640052006-08-06T17:08:00.000-05:002006-08-06T17:17:46.633-05:00

So Faith and I went to the doctor this week with a fair sense of excitement, because we knew the doctor would check her dilation. Well, to put it optimistically, 1 cm down, 9 to go! I'm not sure what parenthood holds. Sure, I expect things to change a little. You know, perhaps I won't sleep straight through the night for at least another 20 years. And maybe we'll be perpetually broke 'til

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1154196275325616912006-07-29T12:34:00.000-05:002006-07-29T13:04:35.426-05:00

Faith and I have now completed 36 weeks of pregnancy, and are approaching the 37th week--which is when Baby Anonymous will be considered full-term. (Though his parents are quite certain he's been full-term for at least a month already!) Faith is at the point where she's pretty uncomfortable, walking with the all-famous waddle. That said, the Baby Name Drama reaches the 3rd and final act. The

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1153963410928445652006-07-26T19:53:00.000-05:002006-07-26T20:24:30.433-05:00

I began a book today called Reading the Bible with the Damned, by Bob Ekblad. It originally sparked my interest because our church is beginning a corporate Bible reading campaign, with the book as a guide. Additionally, my personal life in Scriptures is practically non-existent at the moment. So since the title described me quite well, I began turning the pages.Ekblad is sensitive to the fact

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1153446309784537352006-07-20T19:57:00.000-05:002006-07-20T20:45:09.853-05:00

Last week, Faith reached the coveted 34th week of pregnancy. The 34th week is the week when doctors will allow labor to have it's way should it start. So from this point forward, if the little kicker decides to join us, then the invitation's open!Additionally, as many of you know, the names George and Amani are the top 2 names in the running for our son. Eli, Samuel, and Caleb round out the

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1152904905994377352006-07-14T14:19:00.000-05:002006-07-14T14:24:43.360-05:00

...Or Portugese, English, and Mexican for that matter.Now that the World Cup is done for another 4 years, I've been wandering aimlessly around the farm. However, this recent video I came across quickly lifted my spirits.Something billions of people from across the globe can appreciate together. Who needs Coca-Cola? Enjoy.

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1152846690627631252006-07-13T21:58:00.000-05:002006-07-13T22:11:30.696-05:00

I've always been a bit hazy regarding where I stand regarding the Middle East. For a good part of my life, I considered the U.S. honorable for defending and promoting Israel's statehood. However, those thoughts have generally worn away in recent years as our true intentions look more and more dishonest...and as we just can't seem to admit when we're wrong.Case in point, we were the lone nation

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1152676070170935122006-07-11T22:33:00.000-05:002006-07-11T22:47:50.210-05:00

45 days. In 45 days, this relativly selfish man who spends 2-3 days/week playing disc golf, quiet hours reading, mornings playing fetch with Kia and Ginny, and moments before bed playing backgammon will be thrust into a world where those days, mornings, and quiet moments seem to vanish.Oh, and the odds are that those 45 days will likely be shorter.Needless to say, Faith and I are now completing

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1152386177450151172006-07-08T13:49:00.000-05:002006-07-08T14:17:49.506-05:00

Next month, life will invariably be forever changed. Obviously, parenthood comes to the forefront, as we become charged to bring up a child in Christ.Additionally though, life at the farm will be over at the end of the summer. A full year will have come and gone, leaving Faith, the boy, and me somewhat homeless. Life of early mornings milking goats and feeding chickens, afternoons spent

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1151012955087782632006-06-22T16:41:00.000-05:002006-06-22T16:49:15.100-05:00

According to our baby manual, George/Amani/Eli is probably at 4 1/2 lbs this week. Holy Moly! He's about halfway to my birthweight...and is looking to be a sumo baby when he's born. Not only is he kicking like crazy, but at times we can see can actually see him rolling around in there and jabbing Faith with his knee.With each day that passes, I get more and more thrilled with the idea of being a

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1149951353262215522006-06-10T09:49:00.000-05:002006-06-10T09:55:53.970-05:00

A little over two months remain of our first pregnancy! As you can see, George/Eli/Amani/Samuel is about ready to join us!

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1149650081204294962006-06-06T21:26:00.000-05:002006-06-08T21:24:00.033-05:00

What's a boy to do? Last week I spent an afternoon rolling and pitching sun-dried hay by hand onto the back of a tractor...in 90 degree heat, trousers, and a fountain of sweat to say the least. With pitch-fork in hand, our method wasn't too far separated from that of, say, a group of Ugandan farmers. (Any signifcant difference being the fact that our Ugandan brothers would likely have used

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1149430496359919152006-06-04T09:01:00.000-05:002006-06-04T09:14:56.376-05:00

On this Pentecost Sunday/Global Day of Prayer, Faith and I decided to drag ourselves out of bed bright and early to join some other churches for corporate prayer. As one whose personal prayer has been about as frequent as the Texas rains, the time this morning with strangers and friends alike was a much-needed boost.It brought to mind the needs of specific people around the world who were once at

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1149114803215443862006-05-31T17:24:00.000-05:002006-05-31T17:33:23.226-05:00

Well, Faith and I are officially into our final trimester. Baby Dowdy is kicking, punching, dancing, and rolling around like crazy! He'll move for what seems like 10 or 15 minutes straight. He especially likes to dance to the music at church, as well as roll over and watch Lost with us. Further, he's become a huge fan of Dr. Pepper...just like his parents!I never really thought I could become

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1148153068257441682006-05-20T14:15:00.000-05:002006-05-20T14:28:26.773-05:00

In college, one of my favorite professors once told us that if we ever found the perfect church, then we should immediately leave before we mess it up.

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1147524022919009112006-05-13T07:32:00.000-05:002006-05-13T07:40:22.930-05:00

This has been a week, while busy, filled with sighs of relief:First, Faith took her the last exam of her college career...That same day I reached my 28th year of life (my hope was to start having children before I turned 30...I've got 2 years to spare! Hmmm, I wonder how many more I can have before 30.)Faith and I stopped holding our breath on Wednesday as we found out she indeed passed all of

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1146841130131490582006-05-05T09:20:00.000-05:002006-05-05T09:58:50.213-05:00

Gregory of Nicea once called St. Basil's faith "ambidextrous" because he welcomed pleasures with the right hand and afflictions with the left, convinced that both would serve God's design for him.-Philip Yancey, Reaching for the Invisible GodHere at the farm, we've recently been talking about doubt and how to follow God even when He seems to be absent. My input in the discussion has been sharing

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1146444045391771312006-04-30T19:36:00.000-05:002006-04-30T19:50:57.246-05:00

For those of you friends, family, neighbors, enemies, and flat-out strangers who want to keep up-to-date specifically with our plans for preparing, moving, and living in Kazakhstan, Faith and I will be regularly updating a new site intentionally set up for that.The address is www.dowdyfamily.blogspot.comThe plan is to provide online newsletters, updates, prayer requests, ways to support us,

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1146327655911455142006-04-29T11:20:00.000-05:002006-04-29T15:10:27.070-05:00

A visual update--Some recent pictures of Faith and me:Enjoying a day on the farm before heading off to work. Oh yea, she's getting huuuge! This was taken Easter Sunday.Isn't this the prettiest pregnant lady you've ever seen??? Easter lunch at the in-laws.A recent shot of some of the gang here at the farm.What is Aaron planting here?A. WheatB. CornC. LettuceD. Some of my lovin'!Yes, yes, here you

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1146003515837570042006-04-25T17:12:00.000-05:002006-04-25T17:18:35.836-05:00

He's a soccer player! This morning as Faith and I were waking up, she felt George/Eli/Amani kicking like crazy, apparently more than he usually does. (She's been feeling him kick regularly for a few weeks now.) And since I had yet to feel him kick she had me place my hand on her stomach.Two minutes later I felt our son kick! It was such a marvelous feeling! He's definitely got my genes in him

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1145802551438796672006-04-23T08:37:00.000-05:002006-04-25T17:12:33.023-05:00

Weeks ago, Faith and I did a sort of prayer experiment where we actually prayed prayers instead of talking about praying...imagine that! Over that time we tried different practices, such as lectio divina (my favorite), the prayer of examen, and others. We also visited a 24-7 prayer room at a local church for some much needed alone, distraction-free time with God.Unfortunately, prayer's proven

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1145125384552009702006-04-15T13:12:00.000-05:002006-04-15T13:23:04.563-05:00

A lot has happened within the last month, needless to say. For starters, we found out our baby is a boy!!! Faith is looking as beautiful as ever as a pregnant lady. :) (Updated pictures to come soon.)We've also interviewed for a 2-year assignment in Kazakhstan through a group called IDEAS. We were accepted! (Details to come shortly.)So now we prepare for child and begin plans for Kazakhstan.(

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1142096684117813712006-03-11T11:04:00.000-06:002006-03-11T11:25:51.516-06:00

Lots of new life is popping up around the farm! 7-month-old Toby and his parents just moved out here...momma rabbits are pregnant and producing litters left and right...momma goats have given us 7 kids...and Faith is about to be a momma herself!Some pics.As of today we're 4 months along...almost halfway!! This is our first ultrasound from about 2 months ago I believe. Right now, George is

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1141174547981669512006-02-28T18:29:00.000-06:002006-02-28T18:55:47.993-06:00

In my absence, the whole concept of community has been blessing and cursing me with continual thoughts, questions, objections, and ideas. Through a small group at church, I was able to read a book on hospitality entitled Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition, by Christine Pohl. Upon completion the group met together for a miniature workshop on hospitality. The book and

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1138547468909537412006-01-29T08:31:00.000-06:002006-01-29T09:11:08.926-06:00

I love the farm. I really do. After several years of working at desks and in classrooms, it is definitely refreshing to come home at the end of the day with blisters, dirt (or manure!), and sweat on me. Additionally, there's currently 12 of us living on the farm right now in community. Living, eating, and working together with fellow believers from across the world and of all ages has taught me

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1137862456717384322006-01-21T10:21:00.000-06:002006-01-21T10:59:01.046-06:00

Last night Faith and I ate some fast-food while waiting to see the new film End of the Spear, a film based on the true story of Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, and 3 other missionaries' and their families 50 years ago. The film wasn't that great, as it was a low-budget dramatization (To counter, I would HIGHLY recommend the beautiful documentary put out last year about the same event called Beyond the

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1136732353857142102006-01-08T08:59:00.000-06:002006-01-08T09:25:03.546-06:00

As Faith and I are adapting to some major changes that will affect us within the next 9 months, perhaps it's time to look back at the past few months:Ah yes, this was taken on our anniversary weekend at a B&B in San Antonio. This was kind of our final restbefore the big move.Shortly after moving to the farm, we met a volunteer for the farmwho insisted on taking us sailing. Fun was had by

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1136659320446106392006-01-07T11:06:00.000-06:002006-01-07T12:42:00.503-06:00

It's funny how life continues.Life perseveres.Life thrives.Life begins.It's been nearly two months since my last post. At the time, I was caught in anger, doubt, and confusion as I dealt with the tragic death of a local pastor and the near death of a friend. In November, when I last wrote, Scott was unconscious with a 5% chance of survival after getting hit by a SUV while riding his bicycle on

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1131388462870695042005-11-07T12:20:00.001-06:002005-11-07T12:34:22.886-06:00

The day after Kyle died, a friend of mine, Scott, from our church small group was hit by a car while he rode his bicycle. Already reeling and riddled by feelings of anger and confusion, this news sent me reeling even further. Needless to say, I was reintroduced to prayer in a new way: Faith and I devoted special time towards it, our small group gathered for prayer, and the church came together

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1131231839823772862005-11-05T16:55:00.000-06:002005-11-05T17:03:59.833-06:00

The week has been tough. It began with the death of Kyle Lake. Initially I dealt a lot with confusion and anger over the incident. The anger has grown weary and I'm mostly riddled by the confusion now. Over the past couple of days, I've been helped and beaten by two separate instances. First, a group from Lake's church, University Baptist Church came to the farm to volunteer this week in the

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1130764569411982722005-10-31T06:29:00.000-06:002005-10-31T07:16:11.526-06:00

I break my unexpected holiday from posting due to tragedy. Pastor Kyle Lake of University Baptist Church here in Waco died yesterday after being electrocuted when he grabbed a microphone while baptizing a lady. Halfway through our church service at Church Under the Bridge, some members from UBC rushed over to tell us he was in a coma and to pray for him. Immediately, we joined together in

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1129121860168904552005-10-12T07:38:00.000-05:002005-10-12T07:57:40.173-05:00

Yesterday I volunteered to prune our landscape garden...not exactly sure why I signed up for such a task to tell the truth. At first, I was quite miserable as I was trying to cut, snip, or pull out any dead or unwanted weeds in the garden. The fire ants were out in full force and it seemed each stem I touched had a thorn on it. After a while though I found my rhythm and actually began to enjoy

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1128784766355800412005-10-08T09:05:00.000-05:002005-10-08T10:19:26.390-05:00

I came across two quotes yesterday while reading the latest edition of Christianity Today:Nearly every pastor is a salesman or a marketer of one kind or another because...we have a philosophy to sell. The best marketers and best salesmen will have more converts, will have more people, will take in more money.-From the vice president of pastoral ministries at Focus on the FamilyThey believe that

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1128602708788220972005-10-06T07:30:00.000-05:002005-10-06T07:45:08.793-05:00

40 Days would be nice right about now. I weedwhacked the pecan orchard on Monday in order to keep growth down around our sprinkler-heads. Come to find out, the 'growth' that I was keeping down was poison ivy--the weed from the devil that haunts my every nightmare. (I'm so sensitive to that mess that I can get an allergic reaction just by looking at it!) I had virtually every inch of my body

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1128394256096452902005-10-03T21:03:00.000-05:002005-10-03T21:50:56.103-05:00

Faith and I went camping this past weekend at Colorado Bend State Park, which is the main reason why I've neglected posting in nearly a week. It was our first camping trip together since marriage, so we were definitely due for some time away. The scenery was beautiful and the hiking & kayaking was exciting, to say the least. The companionship was definitely enjoyable as well...as Faith and I

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1127912541637305802005-09-28T07:39:00.000-05:002005-09-28T08:02:21.643-05:00

One of the unique and interesting parts about the internship here at World Hunger Relief is that we have classes twice a week to complement the education we receive out in the fields. Classes cover a wide blend of topics--from theology to agriculture to animal husbandry to cross-cultural sensitivity. I've found the classes a welcome change of pace...as well as a great way to get out of the 100-

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1127826230633749222005-09-27T07:23:00.000-05:002005-09-27T08:03:50.640-05:00

Sunday was quite the usual day at Church for Faith and me...quite the usual in that the unusual showed up. Take for instance:-During the middle of singing, a lady in our small group came over to us knowing that Faith and I have adopted injured or abandoned birds. She took Faith over to a spot under the bridge where some baby pigeons had fallen out of their nest. One had died, the other was

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1127659984010595682005-09-25T09:44:00.000-05:002005-09-25T09:53:04.016-05:00

A meditation on this Sunday as Faith and I prepare for worship:Wonderful merciful saviorPrecious Redeemer and FriendWho would have thought that a lamb couldRescue the souls of manOhh, you rescued the souls of manCounselor, Comforter, KeeperSpirit we long to embraceYou offer hope when our hearts haveHopelessly lost our wayOhh, we've hopelessly lost our way.You are the one that we praiseYou are the

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1127426657868500422005-09-22T16:15:00.000-05:002005-09-22T17:04:17.883-05:00

Today, I hopped on the tractor (for the last time for quite some while, I hope) to finish mowing the pecan orchard. Decked out in my straw hat from Haiti, manure-covered blue jeans to protect against poison ivy, and my Nalgene bottle with fresh, ice-cold water. (Word on the street is that those Nalgene bottles are indestructible!)Five minutes into the mowing, I hit a massive bump in the orchard

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1127180896930342402005-09-19T20:19:00.000-05:002005-09-19T20:48:16.936-05:00

After surveys in some fifty cities it was clear that 85-90% of all major barriers to effective urban ministry are not in the cities at all-they are inside our churches. The schism in the church that has pitted social and personal ministries against each other in the city is a tragic legacy of the fundamentalist-modernist controversy early in the twentieth century, still marginalizes the church's

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1126967341640911472005-09-17T09:25:00.000-05:002005-09-17T09:29:01.646-05:00

I know I made an endorsement for my friends' (Micah and Etta) blog who are living in Haiti right now, but I really want to make sure you at least visit their site to catch a glimpse of life there. They do a really good job of illustrating life in Haiti. So far, their posts have brought back some fond memories for me...memories that really strengthen my love for the country.They're at: http://

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1126966440176701792005-09-17T08:57:00.000-05:002005-09-17T09:14:00.183-05:00

In my previous post, I briefly mentioned the unique relationship that develops between human and animal when they are inextricably tied together by life and death. Well, yesterday I realized that I really didn't know what in the world I was talking about...yesterday we slaughtered one of our rabbits for class. I've seen goats and cattle slaughtered while in Haiti, and those processes weren't too

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1126651195837133992005-09-13T17:28:00.000-05:002005-09-13T17:39:55.843-05:00

Life is thriving. The past week or so has had me up to my eyeballs in our pecan orchard (literally actually, as the grass down there has gotten to be 6 feet high in some places). I find myself filfthy dirty, sweaty, smelly, and incredibly exhausted at the end of each day. If I manage to work up the energy for a shower, I usually fall to sleep immediately after lying down in bed...no matter what

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1126229922595744662005-09-08T20:32:00.001-05:002005-09-08T20:38:42.600-05:00

Well, my first day on the tractor was a success. Sort of. I didn't run over any sprinkler heads (though I did come within 3 inches one time!), and I got a good chunk of the orchard mowed. However, halfway into the morning I noticed a hydraulic leak, so I had quit early. I was a bit nervous that the tractor would malfunction with me on top of it. Call it the Midas touch, Dowdy-style.Each day

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1126229907807859242005-09-08T20:32:00.000-05:002005-09-08T20:38:27.813-05:00

Well, my first day on the tractor was a success. Sort of. I didn't run over any sprinkler heads (though I did come within 3 inches one time!), and I got a good chunk of the orchard mowed. However, halfway into the morning I noticed a hydraulic leak, so I had quit early. I was a bit nervous that the tractor would malfunction with me on top of it. Call it the Midas touch, Dowdy-style.Each day

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1126043428929316552005-09-06T16:00:00.000-05:002005-09-06T16:50:28.936-05:00

After a nice "break" on the farm (by 'break', I mean only having to spend 1-2 hours a day on chores, as opposed to 8-10) after a fast and furious start last week, today we picked right up where we left off. First thing this morning, I learned how to drive a tractor. No, they didn't show me. No, I didn't receive instruction beforehand. No, I didn't get to read some sort of manual. They gave me

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1125756065589566862005-09-03T08:34:00.000-05:002005-09-03T09:01:05.596-05:00

Faith and I have now spent two full days here at World Hunger Relief...and we're still alive everyone! It's been a crazy couple of days, to say the least. I've learned more and worked more in the past 48 hours than any other time in recent memory. It's also been quite an adjustment--getting used to being without air conditioning, sharing living space with 4 other people, and composting my own

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1125455043072383302005-08-30T18:49:00.000-05:002005-08-30T21:30:22.043-05:00

Well, this time on Wednesday evening, I'll be most likely somewhere on the farm...probably unpacking boxes or trying to keep our dogs away from the chickens. Either way, life at World Hunger Relief will have begun.My internet access will still be available so I hope to be able to post with some regularity, though I'm unsure what exactly that entails at this moment.That said, keep Faith and me in

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1125345106990106892005-08-29T14:07:00.000-05:002005-08-29T14:51:46.996-05:00

Well, today was my last day at Mission Waco. (Officially my last day is Wednesday but I'm using my last two vacation days this week.) Had my exit interview (which wasn't as official and impressive as it sounds--seeing that my boss is my best friend of 9 years), turned in my keys, and acted surprised at the ritualistic g'bye lunch.Now that I've left Mission Waco, I feel like a cross between an

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1125284898636942342005-08-28T20:58:00.000-05:002005-08-28T22:08:18.643-05:00

Today while clearing out my old papers, letters, articles and other random bits of paper, I came across a year-old article from Espn.com entitled "Sports, God, & Religion", by Robert Lipsyte. No real deep insight here--about as much as you could expect a sports columnist waxing theology. However, there were a couple interesting quotes. One is by Jerry Falwell...the ultra-conservative president of

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1125166197486109212005-08-27T12:41:00.000-05:002005-08-27T13:17:59.020-05:00

Read the following song, I Am Nothing, by Ginny Owens below. Then read it again. I Am NothingI could travel over oceans, cross the deserts, and climb the mountainsJust to share your story, bring you glory, and win souls for you.I could sing like an angel, songs so humble and so thankfulFull of drama and emotion, so the world would know your truth.I could give away my money and my clothes and my

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1124978891029444782005-08-25T08:29:00.000-05:002005-08-25T10:37:50.650-05:00

Yesterday was my last day of work at Talitha Koum as I prepare for the big move out to the farm. So, I stole one of their books to remember them by. Just kidding...I intend on returning it today. The book is called What Is God's Name?, and is written/illustrated for infants and toddlers. Unfortunately, I can't copy the beautiful drawings into this post, but the story is like so:After God created

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1124551343221979552005-08-20T09:17:00.000-05:002005-08-20T10:27:20.393-05:00

My dad sent me a nice 'ole care package this week, packed with old pictures, articles, and mail that somehow finds a way to be sent to my parents in Virginia. One of those articles was actually one that I first read a couple years ago. It's by Ben Stein. Some of you may remember Stein from his days as the host/contestant for a hilarious gameshow on Comedy Central called Win Ben Stein's Money.

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1124412625874540272005-08-18T19:07:00.000-05:002005-08-18T20:18:41.123-05:00

Last night as Faith and I were driving, we flipped to the John Tesh Radio Show (insert snide remark and chuckle here). On it he talked a bit about modern parents who tend to "outsource" their duties. Ok, before I continue, I feel as if I should defend myself for listening to John Tesh. So here I go--Yes, John Tesh was a cheesy host for Entertainment Tonight many moons ago.Yes, he perpetually

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1124068450488842112005-08-14T19:34:00.000-05:002005-08-14T20:17:07.190-05:00

i amunencumbered by anunpromising pastunfazed by obstacles that lay before meunconcerned by the bigotry of bigotsunforgiving of stolen dignity andunimpressed by promisesunfulfilledstilli stand prouduncompromisedunheard and unspokenunrelenting and unbrokentake noticei am the uncounquerablesoul of the ghettoby an anonymous waco high school student, 2004 A friend of mine from the neighborhood gave

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1123633553533443962005-08-09T19:19:00.000-05:002005-08-09T19:58:05.183-05:00

Now this is what I'm talking about folks. You've heard my various rants concerning politics. Perhaps this is a step in the right direction. First, if you don't have a toilet in your home, don't bother contesting elections in India. Secondly, if Rep. Singh has anything to say about it, you might as well not even run for office if you've got no in-house toilet. If you don't know what I'm talkin

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1123550586370242022005-08-08T18:27:00.000-05:002005-08-08T21:06:32.290-05:00

Sitting outside in the jungle that was the backyardof the Bonner Garden B&B in San Antonio.We're back from our 1st anniversary weekend! The trip in San Antonio was very enjoyable, jam-packed with sightseeing, relaxing, and fun times. In my previous post, I talked briefly about what I learned in our first year of marriage. Much can be said about all that I learned during our short stay in San

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1123200284866090722005-08-04T18:00:00.000-05:002005-08-04T19:04:44.873-05:00

On Sunday, August 7, Faith and I will celebrate our 1st year of marriage together. And boy what a year! There's no real way to prepare yourself for what being married is like. Some folks say it's really hard. One of my bosses at Mission Waco has been married for close to 30 years, and what sticks out to them the most was how miserable they were their first couple of years! Then there's the

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1123164711280460442005-08-04T08:45:00.000-05:002005-08-04T09:11:51.286-05:00

Last night we watched an incredible movie entitled Downfall, just released onto video this week. It covers the final two weeks of Adolf Hitler's life during WWII. Over the past few weeks, some buddies of mine and I have beeng watching the HBO WWII series, Band of Brothers, so we're quite saturated by World War II to say the least! Nonetheless, Downfall was a wonderful change of pace. Not one

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1123039878524022812005-08-02T21:27:00.000-05:002005-08-02T22:46:28.176-05:00

This morning as I was listening to "Walk On" one of my favorite U2 songs (and by 'favorite' I really mean 'top 20', for you can't simply narrow their greatest hits down to a few), I was immediately struck by emotion with how these words speak directly to the ladies I work for at Mission Waco. While the song was originally written for Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Burmese political prisoner Aung

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1122872636258987112005-07-31T20:53:00.000-05:002005-08-01T00:27:00.013-05:00

As stated before, Faith and I are movie fanatics. We absolutely love a trip to Blockbuster or to the local theatre. In fact, Faith is out with some friends from our small group right now watching Kicking and Screaming at the dollar cinema. (I opted out so that I wouldn't miss my weekly neighborhood soccer match. More on that at a later date.)So as I was sitting here, waiting for her to come home,

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1122696188192760432005-07-29T22:24:00.000-05:002005-07-29T23:46:10.640-05:00

Tonight, our church held a massive city-wide scavenger hunt for all the small groups. Each group dressed in some unique form or fashion to show spirit and/or unity. Then the hour-long hunt across town began. With dozens of items and tasks to do, groups had plenty to work on! The "to-do" list for the evening included collecting random items like clothing, toys, plants, rocks, etc. Some tasks

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1122560058301671862005-07-28T08:37:00.000-05:002005-07-28T09:40:36.600-05:00

Last night I finished reading World Hunger: Twelve Myths by Lappe, Collins, and Rosset. World Hunger Relief Inc., the farm that Faith and I are moving to in a month, suggested it as good reading before the big move. It was definitely an insightful read, to say the least.In World Hunger, Lappe and friends discuss the epidemic of hunger while providing staggering statistics and facts. They propose,

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1122182256614653642005-07-24T00:12:00.000-05:002005-07-24T00:17:36.620-05:00

Wow. Check out this article from CNN. I don't know if I should stand and cheer or jeer this Wal-Mart from my hometown. Perhaps, in light of all the disdain I communicate regarding Wal-Mart, this is a welcome opportunity to applaud their ingenuity. Hey, if people can have babies in Wal-Mart, why can't they fall in love there?

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1122159774512495032005-07-23T17:56:00.000-05:002005-07-24T09:41:24.876-05:00

At Talitha Koum this week one of our 4 year-old boys, let's just call him "Kevin", and I had one of our usual rumbles, which typically follow this manner:1. It's time for nap, but Kevin doesn't want to take a nap so he makes whatever noise he can to keep himself awake2. In order to calm him down, I approach him and try to gently instruct him to quiet down so the others can rest3. Kevin responds

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1121912967166979762005-07-20T21:17:00.000-05:002005-07-21T23:47:00.280-05:00

As many of you know, every morning I help teach a class at Mission Waco geared towards preparing the underworked, underpaid, and/or parents hoping to wean themselves off of welfare for full-time employment. The class is designed so that there are 3-4 workshops each day on specific topics, such as interviewing, having the right attitude, what employers are looking for, etc. On top of that, each

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1121740025607799682005-07-18T20:56:00.000-05:002005-07-18T21:27:05.616-05:00

The age of the internet has brought on talk of the world being brought to one's doorstep. People who are thousands of miles apart have access to one another at any moment of any day. It's something quite extraordinary, and often taken for granted.However, over the past couple of years, I've attended various conferences and seminars on Christian community development, missions, reaching diverse

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3578157.post-1121466618425501302005-07-15T17:16:00.000-05:002005-07-15T17:30:18.433-05:00

CNN had an article today regarding a Christian adoption agency who refuses Catholic couples the right to adopt from them. I mean come on. Really? Are we still at that point ecumenically? Sheesh. While I think it's fine for Christian adoption agencies to "weed out" applicants who don't profess Christ, do you actually draw the line within the Christian faith?I particularly like the reasoning that

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428335425981029602noreply@blogger.com0