Thursday, March 7, 2013

Warm Glow from the Past

Our weather took another weird twist.  If you’re my friend on Facebook you saw my videos.  The storm rose quickly with wind screaming like a banshee

.  I think I’ll never get used to how storms like this can rise out of the blue without any warning from our weather service at all.  This storm had it all:  wind, snow, sleet, hail, thunder and lightning
.  It makes me think all the more fondly of the weather when we viewed the elephants in Thailand001.  Usually the weather there was not cold though in my travels to visit the refugee camps on the border with Burma it could be cool at night.  This is mean grinning and bearing it while I pose with some tribal shirt…I don’t think anyone would want to seem me dance anytime soon002.  Going on elephant treks could be a real adventure.  My first 3 day trek took me and some other Europeans to a village where you could buy some things made locally003.  I have ridden on the head of elephants trying to move them right or left by tickling their ear with either my right or left foot…I don’t think I’ll ever been even half as proficient as these local handlers004.  Both Thailand and the Philippines have such wonderful flowers just growing right there…here are some bird of paradise in bloom006.  Often times I have been asked to be involved with christening ceremonies…this is one such occasion in the Philippines007.  I loved being involved with young people in youth groups.  This was an outing to visit the Philippine Eagle compound008.  Some people stand out more than others from my travels.  Almost always our drivers are fondly remembered.  This young man in India was a very good friend to me…he had a very funny sense of humor010.  This is a view from the road not far from where I lived in India in the then named city of Madras, note the local dialect on the wall there011.  For a few Rupees I was able to get close to these animals then is probably safe…I actually touched this rhino012…he felt like concrete!  This is mean (please excuse the outfit Winking smile)in the city of either Bangalore or Mysore, India…the weather was really amazing after the heat of Madras013.  Visiting the city of Cochin…now Cochi if I remember rightly, I was able to visit some of the most gorgeous beaches I’ve ever seen…sadly I was  very ill at the time014.  I spent many days in this little church with Pastor Samuel that I stayed with…my Mom was there at this time along with some other missionaries015.  This lighthouse was found off a beautiful beach in Cochin…the view still stirs me to this day016.  These young men were friends to me…I poured everything I had into them during the days I stayed there…I miss them very much to this day017.  Last is a picture that still gets to me.  Remember what I said about drivers?  This is AdoGone By 001…when I first met him he had malaria so bad he could hardly get around but he spoke to me and we became friends…we all really loved him.  I always wanted to introduce my family to him but by the time I returned I learned he had died in a terrible accident.  Cherish what you’ve got, love it while you can because you never know if things will be the same tomorrow.

14 comments:

  1. Joe I gotta tell ya, this was super interesting. I envy all your travels. That's so awesome that you were able to experience all these things!!

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    1. Well my friend, some interesting doors have opened to me in life. Those were better times pre 9/11 but I have travelled since then...Ghana included a few years ago with my family. I'm so glad you're interested and I privileged to be able to share about it now...thanks for showing your interest.

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  2. You touched a RHINO..wow!! Rode on the elephant and the beach and lighthouse, ahhh That is truly amazing about the rhino..you can't do that even at the local Zoo! I love hearing about all your adventures. Funny how some details stay with us and others don't. I guess that is why I do a journal. As we get older things just escape our minds.Glad you are taking us on the journey. Loved the videos..yes that is exactly how winter blows in and out as the FRONT goes through. Hope winter is on it's way out soon. Have a nice weekend.. :-)

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    1. My dear CarolDee, it's always good to hear from you! Yeah, the rhino was quite a big fellow...I wouldn't want to meet him in a dark alley! I hear you on the journal...I have had many memories stirred by looking through these pictures...I hope to find more as I go alone. Thanks for checking it out my friend.

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  3. I loved this post, the words, the videos and the photos. Have a blessed weekend with your family.

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    1. Hello Beth, I'm so glad you enjoyed the post, it's a fact that I'm blessed to have you stop by! Have a blessed weekend as well!

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  4. Joe, I can honestly say this particular blog really affected me. In a very positive way. I have missed you my brother and these memories reminded me of other fascinating travel logs you have done. Loved every word.

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    1. Carole, I can't say just how glad I am to see your comment. I've thought of you and prayed for you often...that will not cease!

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  5. Hi Joe!
    Thailand was just nice weather no body wont to dance just like you...
    You look nice also you must very happy time?
    Thailand $ Philippines has beautiful flowers are some bird of paradise the videos and photos.
    You have your man with good friend to you also you lost terrible accident for him.
    Have a good time Joe!

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    1. Some of those times were good some bad my friend. The place where I was "dancing" was actually one of the toughest places I've ever been...it was actually near a war zone and many there had terrible wounds from combat fighting the Burmese. Still these are the memories that make me what I am today and I have no regrets! Bless you my dear friend.

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  6. Hi Joe,

    That was certainly some storm. I think it would be good to see you dance, but in happy circumstances maybe.

    Have a good weekend, Blessings Nita

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    1. I don't miss that storm one bit Nita! Dancing, not sure I have any talent there at all but you never know...it may hold some comedic value!

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  7. How many years long did u live in India Joe?

    I have good frends in Chennai This makes me feel like Why did u live there and WHY do i know so much nice ppl there. Coincidence?
    World is small when u think abt this.

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    1. I lived there for 8 months while working with a local pastor who had a church and orphanage. It is amazing to meet someone else that's been to that particular area. I have much more experience with the southern part of India than the rest though I'd like to see more of it....someday my friend, some day. Small world indeed.

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