Celebrity Sighting

By Mr. Simply Sam

Have you ever had one of those moments when you are standing near to or talking to a celebrity?  I actually got to stand with a celebrity today and watch him work for a couple of hours in my very own backyard.  Literally, he was in my backyard!  I met one of those men today, and watched him do his magic.  He performed masterfully at his duties and I stood in awe as I watched.  I know the suspense is killing you, and you are begging to know who he is.

I am an avid fan of the Discovery Channel series "Dirty Jobs", it profiles people doing some of the most disgusting and important jobs in America.  The very first episode profiled a man who operated the "Honey Wagon".   I met a "Honey Wagon" technician today, otherwise known as a septic tank technician.  He found the lid in my backyard on the first try, sucked up over 1,000 gallons (8 years worth) of poo (they call it money), washed it clean, relaid the sod, and rode off into the sunset.

I salute the septic tank technicians of the world, for without them our houses would be filled with poo (and other unmetionables.)

Disclaimer: Sam has a different take on the event since she had to mop up the mess that precipitated calling in such a celebrity

Africa or bust!

This past Wednesday was not only Valentine’s Day but also my 20th anniversary of being an American citizen.  OK, friends, stop yawning, I know you’ve heard it all before, but #20 is pretty significant! If you happen to notknow what I am talking about here is the link back to my original post concerning my history.

As you know, I haven’t been back to the land of my birth since we left in 1980.(if you’re doing the math, my mom could only take the citizenship test after being here at least 5 years)  A few months ago my dad  invited me to go back to South Africa with him this March.  I was a little hesitant at first, for many reasons; leaving David and the kids, being so far away etc….but now I am completely and wonderfully excited!  I’ll be visiting family whom I haven’t seen in years as well as places that are only a distant memory for me.  I even have the privilege of singing in my cousin’s wedding. 

I grew up in Durban with relatives all over including Cape Town so that’s where we will be spending our week.  Beautiful Cape Town!  Oh, and I forgot to mention that we have a day’s layover in Spain-a whole day from 7am to midnight!  I know I’ll probably be extremely tired but getting to see Spain, if only for a day, is definitely worth it!  And last, but definitely not least my Dad and I will be able be together just like the "old" days…off on one of our grand adventures!

Kindred Spirits

Melissa and I have been friends for 12 years.  We met in 1994 at Teen Missions headquarters in Florida.  I was coming back to volunteer since I couldn’t go on a team because of college and Melissa was returning to volunteer, take leadership training and co-lead a team to France for the summer.  The night we met I had been at Bootcamp a day and as I walked in the dorm room shared by many ladies I proceeded to squish and break her travel alarm clock….yes, the very one she would need the rest of her summer on the field.  She forgave me easily and we’ve been best friends ever since.

That Fall we parted ways to our different schools but by the next year she transferred to Moody and we became roommates.  We did everything together, including Women’s Choir and seeing the world.  We both knew missions were in our future and we secretly planned to be on the field together one day telling people about Jesus.  At our time at Moody we saw each other through mean boys, broken hearts, realized dreams, and lots of coffee.  Sunday nights were time for "pockets" ( chicago restaurant) and long talks about nothing and sometimes everything.

Well, I could obviously go on and on speaking of my dear friend, but this post would never end!

I post about her today because we have just been able to spend a few hours together over the weekend.  Melissa sells The Body Shop products (did you know you could buy them from independent  consultants?) and had a big conference down here this weekend.  We didn’t have much time but it was great to visit with her and talk of old and new times.

Here are pictures of us "cooking a cow" together at Bootcamp and our meeting at the airport on Sunday:
                                                      

I love you, friend!!