Monday, August 22, 2011

Rain

It's funny how you never appreciate having something until you lose it.

We have had heavy rains the past 10 days. But when we were in Arizona the prior 10 days, I was stunned at how dry the desert is. Tucson has had a total of 2.7 inches of rain this whole year, and 5 plus inches the year before. All life in the desert is dependent on rain, which we take for granted in NJ. We had more rain this past week than Tucson probably had for the past year and a half.

I will complain about rain less!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

General Council in Phoenix

For those who don't know, I am in Phoenix since Monday. The Assemblies of God holds a general meeting every 2 years for inspiration and business. There are over 20,000 people here from all over the country and world. Youth are involved in the Fine Arts Festival. We have had services at night, and business metings and elections during the day. It has been a chance to see old friends (lots of missionaries and others here), and to catch up on what is going on in the larger body of Christ. Plus, there is a trade show area with many companies that sell products to Christians. Pastor Joe and I are having a contest to see who can get the coolest free thing and the most costly free thing (most of the venders are giving away promotional items ranging from candy to Ipads- the best stuff like Ipads are won via drawings, not given away)).

It is incredibly hot here, up to 111 degrees yesterday, with little greenery to absorb the heat (this is a hot spell even for them). They say that it is a dry heat, but so is the inside of my oven!

This is always a good spiritual experience.