Normal Life, Sort of

Matt and Sydney and I went to "Discovery Green" today, an incredible new city park in downtown Houston. It is like being in an exclusive country club designed by brilliant, modern architects-- with a Japanese flair. The parking meters are solar powered. The to- go bags at the cafe are biodegradeable. It's 21st century fun.

It is amazing for kids. The playground is literally a work of art- a "mist tree" -- a giant metal tree that constantly mists cold water, cools kids and parents alike on a hot day. Sydney ran around in the "fountains" for a couple of hours and had a blast. 100 water jets are randomly spread out over a big stretch of granite, and erupt in sprays of water at different times and at different levels. The kids have fun trying to follow the patterns.

We had a really good day, except for my occasional crappy attitude which is creeping out alot. My poor husband is getting the brunt of it. And my mother. Apparently I was short with her on the phone today, and of course was totally oblivious. I have no idea what my problem is accept for fatigue. But that's not an excuse and it's not fair to them. Mom, if you're reading I am sorry and I love you. Things have been rough of course, as everyone knows by now, but there is definitely hope on the horizon as far as Matt's job goes. He has so much to offer and is so passionate about ministry, I can't wait to see what God does with him next. But, that doesn't mean this isn't still a rough patch. As is evidenced by the fact that my dining room was just turned into a recording studio- as Matt moved all his gear out of the office. It is what it is. We always eat in the kitchen anyway. :-)


Speaking of ministry - we are starting a group that will meet every Thursday at Brasil's in Montrose. We think it's going to be something like "Theology on Tap" with a political bent for the Fall. Some friends at Grace are on board as well as friends from all over the city. I am hoping it will just be a gathering, not of any exclusive church, but all inclusive, where people can come, eat, hear scriptures, discuss current events, and build community. And hopefully, it will spill over to the people around us. Outreach in a way. I am committed to the idea that we cannot expect people to come to the Church, we need to bring the Church to them.

Tomorrow I am going to upload pictures from Sydney's birthday party at my mom's in New York. And hopefully take a few more....Bare with us as we get our sea legs in this new season.

Love and Blessings,
Cameron

The Jewish Minister

The best part of my time with my Dad in New Jersey was that I got to be Jewish for four days. Well maybe that wasn't the best part but it was certainly a bonus. It's like I wanted to jump up and down and shout "See, I am Jewish! I am! I didn't make it up!" I don't know to whom exactly I would be shouting. Probably myself.

It's amazing what time, distance and un-shared experiences can do to relationships. I figured out that it's been more years since my parents divorced then the entire length of their marriage. My mom said something like "I don't even remember that life." It's almost like, I think for her, that person that was married to my Dad maybe was a different person entirely.

What I think I learned this weekend, besides the incalculable power of an almighty God, is that those two people- my Mom and Dad are quite different people today then they were 18 years ago. And I think they are better people. I think my Dad may just be coming to that place of better- maybe on the inside if not the outside. He is regaining strength and health everyday and it is just astounding to here the change in his voice. We had the best quality time together that we have ever, ever had and I am so grateful for that. We laughed, we cried, we hugged, we told stories, we watched TV, we ate, we planned, we plotted, we reminisced. It was a magical, beautiful time. It was like I rushed in and rescued him from the brink. Which I know I did not do, but God did. When I showed up he was in really bad shape. Skinny, weak, unshaven in a thin bathrobe. His feet, ankles and knees swollen almost beyond recognition. His eyes watery and his mind soft. When I left he was charming every nurse in the place and astounding the doctors with his improvement.

I was able to listen to my Dad tell stories of things he's done that he regrets and I was able to hold his hand or hug him as he grieved those things. I was also able to suggest he make contact with those he can find and make amends. Apologize, forgive- sometimes both when appropriate- but make peace. So beginning with me, then my brother, the entire 4 days were about my Dad making peace with people he loves but has been estranged from for one reason or another. It was absolutely miraculous to see the mantle of grief, anger and bitterness literally lift off of him. Every moment we spent together was a victory. After one particular conversation he had on the phone he told the person, "Don't worry about me, I've got the Jewish Minister here praying for me." And so it is. It took facing my ultimate fears, leaving my comfort zone (i.e., anywhere but the town I grew up in) and throwing myself and the situation on the mercy of the Lord.

I have never ever felt the literal power of God like I did those 4 days. Physically, I have no idea how I got through the whole time- running interference for my Dad, running errand after errand, listening, praying, comforting. I have no idea who that person was but it was not me. It was truly by HIS strength that that time was what it was. Each time I put one foot in front of the other it was by HIS strength. My faith has grown by light years this summer and I rejoice because I know that my God is in the business of redemption- and I have seen it first hand.

Love and Blessings,
Cameron

Good things

Well I've got my ticket and I am on my way. He was even joking tonight on the phone when I was talking to him. I said, "we've got alot of people praying for you," he said "I know, I can feel it." He really does sound so much better. He is going to a rehab facility/ nursing home tomorrow. Alex and I will be there Friday. Pray that we can help make him comfortable there. Thanks for praying.

Love, C

Need a miracle

So this is what people used to say when they were trying to buy scalped tickets to a Grateful Dead concert, and the phrase has been coming up in my mind all summer. "I need a miracle." I am about to start searching for a ticket to NJ to see my father. He is a little better, and there is talk of him being discharged. He can't take care of himself so we are trying to get him released to a rehab facility. I talked to him tonight - he's still in the hospital- and he perked up when we started to talk about Sydney.

Here is a picture of us from our "reconciliation" visit in April. I hadn't seen him in more than 6 years, and he hadn't met Sydney. We went up to New Jersey to see him and I had no idea how it would go. It was very emotional for me, going back to the town where I grew up. Seeing all the places I have tried to pretend never existed. The person I was there is someone I have honestly tried to forget.

God was so gentle with me through that time. I was sad, but also elated. It was the closure that I needed in a way to know that I had reached out to my dad. And he really did appreciate it. It was so strange to see him, having aged so much and so vulnerable. To me he was always an intimidating, even ominous character. Either full of laughter and joy, or misery and anger. The older I got the more the latter was the case. Now he seems to have mellowed.

Jane reminded me today that God is working in this even if I am too tired to recognize it. She gave me such peace today. I feel like I am going to be able to handle this, though it's alot to deal with after such a crazy summer, it's what I have to deal with I guess. I need to just trust God with it. And this is what I am trying to do. Please pray for my father's salvation. He is 80 years old and in poor health. Pray that God will open the door for him and he will walk through it.

Sydney starts "school" tomorrow!!! We've got a big day ahead of us.

Love and Blessings,
Cameron

Pollution Headache

Welcome to Houston! I've got a splitting headache and Matt is telling me it's from pollution. There is a thunderstorm rattling our windows. Argh! Well, I promise I will get a new camera this week and add photos to the blog. I will start with a ton of shots from Sydney's 2 nd birthday today-- we had a blast. I am going to get some shut eye. Thanks for sticking with us through all the madness. We'll keep you updated on our Hungarian friends as well as what we're up to in Houston. Stay dry!

Love, Cameron