As I’m moving between countries it’s always wonderful to take time to stop and see friends. Passing through Singapore I was able to catch up with this scurrilous group. In Kuala Lumpur I always make time to see James, the young man I baptized and now provide some mentoring to. Over the past few years… Continue reading Passing Through
Philippine FORO #2
I’ve mentioned FOROs here before. No, it isn’t an acronym. It’s a Spanish word for forum or meeting. Yes, I have to capitalize it. People above my pay grade have made that decision. Life goes on. The name doesn’t really matter, though. Voted on in convention three years ago, the FORO model started in the… Continue reading Philippine FORO #2
Another School Year
A good chunk of my life has revolved more around the ebb and flow of academic year than calendar years. Between my own somewhat elongated educational endeavors, then working in and around universities for close to 20 years, my internal clock was pretty well attuned, and my ears would prickle not at the approaching season… Continue reading Another School Year
Celebrating Children
This weekend I was invited to a celebration. A graduation, no less, for the Concordia Special Needs School in Macau. This school was founded years ago by LCMS workers in Macau as the only school devoted to children with a wide range of physical and mental challenges. While there are other such schools now, we… Continue reading Celebrating Children
July 4 Overseas
Summer is a popular time for independence. Of course the USA celebrates on July 4. Singapore celebrates on August 9. Indonesia celebrates theirs on August 17. Malaysia celebrates on August 31. Independence is a big deal, and it’s an exciting moment in a national identity to celebrate. This July 4th I was once again not… Continue reading July 4 Overseas
International Life and the Joy of Visas
Living overseas is a fascinating thing in nearly every respect – historically, culturally, linguistically, logistically. You learn so much more than you ever anticipated, and you’d better learn it, because your continued viability overseas depends on you learning and following some very specific rules. Passports get you in and out of your home country. In… Continue reading International Life and the Joy of Visas
Retreat – Day 3
The final day of our time together in Wittenberg. It’s gone quickly, but we’ve seen and experienced a great deal. Today we saw St. Mary’s Church in Wittenberg, where an amazing collection of artwork is assembled, and where I trust many an impressive sermon has been delivered – we even heard one from our fearless… Continue reading Retreat – Day 3
Retreat – Day 2 (Wednesday at Wartburg)
Today was field trip day. We were up early (including breakfast) for a 3.5 hour drive from Wittenberg to Wartburg Castle. Yes, that Wartburg Castle. Where Martin Luther was taken after being ‘kidnapped’ for his own protection by Frederick the Wise. Apparently Wartburg Castle was also part of the inspiration for the famous Newschwanstein Castle… Continue reading Retreat – Day 2 (Wednesday at Wartburg)
Retreat – Day 1
We began again with breakfast at the Old Latin School. Have I mentioned that German breakfasts are THE BEST BREAKFASTS IN THE WORLD?!?!? I became convinced of this while visiting friends over 20 years ago in Ulm, and I’ve never changed my mind – or had reason to even consider changing it. Don’t get me… Continue reading Retreat – Day 1
Meetings – Day 2
We concluded our leadership meetings today. We didn’t finish everything on the agenda – ha! – but we did finish the time we had allotted to do so. More work to be done in the future, but good still has been done. Good news includes we are finishing the year almost exactly on budget target,… Continue reading Meetings – Day 2
The Nelson Family Indonesia 