"R.A.F.T."'s, red cups, & reunions

One of the things we talked about extensively in our HIM class (basically a missions prep class) is leaving well or building "RAFT"s.

RAFT is an acrostic denoting a pre-departure process developed by the late Dave Pollock and stands for:

R- RECONCILIATION
A- AFFIRMATION
F- FAREWELLS
T- THINK DESTINATION

Although we have not been doing as well at this as we should be (insert every possible excuse: work, busyness, traveling, denial...), for the past few weeks we have been making a more concerted effort to do so. Today we said some farewells to places that have been important to us or that mean something to us. One of those places was the Red Cup. For those of you in OKC, you really should visit there if you never have. The food is delicious and it has the most diverse patronage. Joel and I have had many great & important conversations there and actually went there for one of our first dates.



This second picture is of the family reunion we attended in Dallas last weekend. My dad's uncle Floyd Stumbo turned 80. We had around 70 (!) family members in attendance to celebrate our commonalities and particularly his life. He is a very phenomenal individual. It was nice meet everyone and hear stories, meet children, and find out where everyone is and what they are doing. I feel so blessed to now be part of TWO wonderful families!

Interdependence Day

"Independence. That's middle class blasphemy. We are all dependent on one another, every soul of us on earth. "
George Bernhard Shaw

I absolutely love this quote. Not surprising really seeing I appreciate many of the ideas systems theory. Don't get me wrong, I'll root for Germany at the top of my lungs in any World Cup match and we held our obligatory BBQ and flew our American flags. However, on this day we have deemed "Independence Day" let us not forget that we are not only citizens of this country but citizens of the world. We have been created to be reliant upon one another and *gasp* none of us are more important or valuable than anyone else (that's a hard pill to swallow!). What I do, what WE do has an impact on more than just those in our immediate vicinity. Furthermore, the mere fact that we are not aware of impact does not relinquish us of our responsibilities. (Here's an interesting article by Shane Claiborne for some more eloquently written inspiration: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shane-claiborne/this-july-4th-lets-celebr_b_633710.html)

Please share your thoughts.

It's been a lovely weekend. Germany winning (yessss!), spending quality time with some good friends, and now cuddled on the couch watching Star Wars on TV.

Enjoy your day off, those of you that don't have to work tomorrow. May the force be with you.