Hi,
My system is getting a little bit out of whack because i've been doing a night watch for the past two nights. It appears that there has been a person, or people who've come onto the "Friend Ships Property" and have been taking things or at least attempting to. The culprit may be arriving by boat during the cover of darkness and rummaging through the warehouses, refrigerator containers and other areas of the property. We've set up a stricter security routine and i've been on watch with my friend and co-engineer, Matt. From 10pm-3am we walk around the property and check out the gates and river to see if anyone is trying to access our stuff. Of course the routine is getting shifted again because i'm no longer doing the night shift. The roster changed so now almost everyone who is male on the crew will be staying up at some point in the night during the week.
Well, Matt and i had little action last night when a boat came speeding by at about 2am. We can't figure that this boat was out there for any legitimate reason. We're at the end of the river and it's winter, so no one comes boating near us. But, in the wee hours, this boat went cruising by. Suspicious... i think so. Mostly i had fun during these nightly watches. The time went by okay and i wasn't too tired. Matt and i just mostly would talk about the latest stuff going on around us.
This afternoon i had some time off, so i figured i'd write a little something. I'm glad that you are enjoying these updates. We've had some really good feed back from our readers and it's good to know that you can stay a part of our lives. I've gotta try to get Dess to write some more, cause i'm sure you want to hear from her too. Dess is going through some tough times at Friend Ships right now, so please pray for her. Living in community like we are and in a christian atmosphere can be trying. Dess continues to be the driver and errand lady and food ministry runner. She's got a lot on her plate and it can be overwhelming. She's doing a great job. One thing that i find right now during our time at Friend Ships is that there isn't much hope or vision and the leadership doesn't really do much encouraging. It makes it hard to stay positive and to keep a good attitude. We've really felt some heaviness since we returned from Washington/Idaho. There is going to be a crew meeting this afternoon where the founders of the ministry are going to be sharing with us. Hopefully there will be more hope for the future because of this meeting.
We are doing okay and will post more soon. Thanks for keeping updated on our lives.
5 comments:
Saying 'been there, done that' doesn't really help but at least you know i can empathize! Hold on, hang in and if possible, at the same time, let go. This too shall pass and pass and pass again! Communal living is tough and there's a mistaken idea that living with Christians should be easier but alas, they're no different from those dang buddhists, JWs, etc, etc --- we're all human!!!! We long to accept and love unconditionally and forgive but truth is it ain't always easy. Thanks for posting...i'll be thinking of you on my night shifts next week!
Sure do miss you guys. From my days at the Billy Booth College for Officers, I can concur with the comments about communal living - with Christians or not! On the other hand, there are some good things that happen in these environments, as well - some of which you will look back on (maybe many years into the future) with fond memories. As for Dess posting on the blog. We mostly want to hear from her because we like her best!
Love you guys.
rab
Dang, now dad made me sound like a pessimist which is soooo not true...i'm definitely a realist. So i 'concur', many good things and can, have and will happen by rubbing shoulders with a bunch of other grace getters...ahrumm...like i don't know, maybe getting married or something??!! There's no accounting for the good things that can happen. Where would i be without Joanna??? love, me
Nice chatting with ya earlier. BTW, Sarah is a putz.
rab
Thanks Sarah and Dad for all your insight. I know that communal living can be better than we would ever imagine, but at times it's hard to believe. Dess is at the present moment posting her own message on the blog, so for everyone that's been waiting to hear from her, check it out. It's sure to be great. This blogging is one great way to keep in contact with you.
Miss you tons.
joel
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