One man's journey to find the way home |
I am an American Baptist ordained minister. I began my life journey in Massachusetts, where I was called to help people understand what it meant to know a loving God. The call came during a time when I was wrestling with how to help my brother Kurt, who was diagnosed with Schizophrenia during my high school years. I was a new Christian by my senior year following trying to understand what it meant for me to care about a person like my brother who others tended to stay away from. After twenty three years in Massachusetts, God sent me to the land of Kansas City where I spent about 35 years of my life. I was a pastor, a resident chaplain, a supervisor in training and most recently a caregiver and security. Everything I have done vocationally has been with God in mind. That does not mean that I am totally comfortable with all the movings of the Spirit. I am now in Erie where I do not know very many people. I came here because of my wife. She is from Erie and coming here was the right thing to do. It just plain made sense. My kids had grown up. I did not like Kansas city in terms of climate and was looking forward to a change. I had become very frustrated vocationally and longed to come to Erie to get a second opinion, because I honestly believed that was what God had wanted for me. I left behind kids and grandkids who I loved!!!! I had two jobs that I enjoyed. They were both very appreciative of my skills and I was making more money with the two jobs than I ever had. I heard more than once. ARE YOU CRAZY? Well I can only say that I am in love with God's leading. I am starting all over again. It has not been easy. Maybe some of you can offer me some words of support. I am lonely despite the fact my wife is with me. She battles depression and has two siblings that are having similar battles. When it is all said I am in a depressed community with a depressed wife and her family. So I begin the conversation.... WELCOME!! |
Paid less than I thought I would get paid. Everything is headed back to minimum wage. I got as much as I hoped minus fifty or sixty. Reality will hit me in the butt. I pray that I can survive. I hit the 45:thousand dollar mark. I am weary of the struggle. There will be more on the way. It is painful to see the little I made as a worker. I am a survivor. Without security and caregiving I would have nothing. |
It is fun to see Lakers lose, especially against Detroit a cellar dweller. I am going to survive today. I am not so sure about Saturday. One day at a time, getting ready for Cider Mill. Better late than never |
I am enjoying an awareness of God's presence within. I know very little about what the future holds. I trust God will be with me leading the way. In a few days I will get a shot. It is a scary thing. I am faced with opportunity that is there for me when I do. Family and friends to see, maybe even ministry opportunities that were not there before. God give me strength. |
Anniversary number 12. There was a trip to ER. I am more than frustrated. I could of worked overnight. Timing was not there. We will see what next week has to bring. My teams are getting beaten badly of late which means I will become a writer sooner than later. |