Farming

Long day but such a blessing! I don’t want to forget anything.

It’s so different here than where I live. I’ve never been in the country for an extended period of time and I know it’s going to be a different and amazing experience. Only one thing I wish is that it was summer. I like being outdoors but not as much with snow and ice. But other than that I'm excited for my time here.

My uncle’s still in considerable pain, he said. I was able to pray with him which was a blessing. They’re not believers and so I need to make an extra special effort to guard my words around them to be a good witness.

I spent a lot of the day being shown around the farm by my aunt, then going around alone. I’m worn out from all the walking and effort and excitement but I think now I have a pretty good basic map in my mind of this place.

It’s a great old farm. The whole house is pervaded with the smell of fried ham and wood smoke; the floors creak and vibrate whenever anyone walks; there are deer heads on the wall; there are several rotten boards on the porch. Also, I heard different birds around the farm than I'm used to and more than we have at home even though its winter. I can’t wait to do some bird-watching around here.

I met most of the animals. I petted those that would let me – goats, horses, even some of the cows. A lot of warm, wet noses and soft ears. I love animals. I’d love to be a farmer, haha! Shadow was a little wary of them; he’s a city boy but he’ll get used to it. Either that or he’s jealous. He and A.J., my aunt and uncle’s Jack Russell, have been pretty unfriendly with each other so far although Shadow doesn’t seem to mind the cats. A.J. growls softly at Shadow every time he comes past. Shadow’s well-bred enough to ignore it. I’m hoping they’ll get over their initial distrust and get to be good friends.

I learned how to look after all the animals, where the food is, how to get water, where to check for eggs. It’s a lot to remember but that’s one of the few skills I can legitimately claim – a good mind for details. I spent as much of the day as I could stand (it is COLD) outdoors after my aunt showed me around, going over everything, wandering around, petting the animals, taking in the new environment. Lots to remember, lots to learn. One thing I learned: chicken, goat, horse, and cow crap all smell really, really different.

Goodnight, and God bless!
Jason

Trip

Great trip. God always blesses me by putting kind and helpful people in my path (literally).

First there was the man who befriended me in the lounge and kind of stuck by me and helped me out. I don’t fly very often so I was a little intimidated to make a go for it myself. I was greatful for his help because I did want to pre-board and the people responsible weren’t paying any attention to me, although I was standing around trying to look pitiful. It was aimed at the people behind the desk but I guess it worked since he took pity on me.

Then there was the guy who traded seats with me so that Shadow would have more room. (Shadow was awesome but I think the trip was a strain even on his unusual long-suffering personality.)

Then there was the guy who sat next to me in the plane – he had no idea blind people used the computer and he wanted me to explain how I do it. I was blessed for an opportunity to improve his perception of blind people but more than that I was blessed to be able to share the gospel with him.

Then, of course, my aunt and uncle, who were so kind and welcoming. It was a wonderful evening, catching up with them and I can’t wait for tomorrow to start work and explore the farm. Praise the Lord for his blessings today!

Goodnight.
Jason

P.S. Some guy came up to me as we were getting off the plane and asked me if my dog counted as carry-on! :)

Shopping.

So... I went Christmas shopping today. Not my favorite pastime in the world. Shopping. That's why I try to do the majority of it online ahead of time. Unfortunatley, that didn't entirely work out this year and I had face this truly hated task.

I especially hate it if I’m going by myself like I did today. I’d waited till this late hour to do my shopping because I thought Riley could take me but he’s unbelievably busy. He’s in town for so short a time that I’d feel terrible to make him spend a great portion of it with me trailing behind telling him what to find for me. So, he was kind enough to drop Shadow and I at the mall where we spent several long and monotonous hours.

Shopping is tedious!

First off, it’s just boring. Really boring. Since I can’t see the products these stores are selling and I can’t force some unfortunate employee to list everything a given store has for sale (and the price, and the appearance, and the details etcetera) I have to make up my mind what to buy ahead of time. And I’m just not a decisive fellow.

Second, it’s positively overwhelming. The crowds in this city at Christmas-time terrify me. Shadow’s awesome but it still unnerves me to have to follow him through a jostling crowd, hoping we’ll find someone official to help us, and feeling nervous knowing that the employees are going to be so busy and stressed they’re sure to be groaning when they see me approach.

During typical, non-busy times of the year, I’m going to be asked “How can I help you?” as soon as I approach. Today I stood at this one place for what seemed like several minutes wondering if Shadow had made some sort of mistake and whether to try asking for help and see if anyone was paying attention enough to answer. They might have been ignoring me. I did consider that.

So, I started to wonder if I was standing too far away. I mean, employees aren’t that rude are they? There’s got to be some reason. Well thankfully at that point a nice old lady appeared asking me if I was lost and if I needed help with anything. I guessed that she was only a fellow-shopper soon enough that at least I didn’t embarrass myself and her by asking her to help me shop, haha! She drew me to the employee’s attention, they were super-polite, I was assigned an unlucky young fellow to help me shop, apologized for taking their time, and all was well.

But yeah. Lots of fun. :)

I found everything I was looking for, though, so I’m thankful for that. I paid some awesome fellow at the mall to wrap everything for me. I’m relieved to have all that Christmas shopping behind me; I’d been dreading it for a while.

Now I can look forward to Christmas. :)

God bless!
Jason