Books Worth a Look

  • Little Bee by Chris Cleave - This book is a must read. Better than anything else I've read, it takes you vividly into the life of a person in the 3rd world who has no choice but to escape. It is brilliantly written & works well as an audio book. Often I've sent info about the wonderful refugees I've met in Europe. We know only so much of their plight as it is painful for them to recall much less live through again by recounting it. But over time it is clear what they've lived through. This book is excellent as you discover the horrors of their world. Somewhat how to me, it is like being in Europe near a Concentration Camp. One has an obligation to visit it. 'Never to Forget.' In this case, to have our eyes opened.
  • Garbage King by Eliz Laird - The book is set on the streets on Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia and here lives Mamo and his sister Tiggist. When Mamo's "uncle" offers a job, he soon sets out on a bus to work. Little does he know that he is actually being sold into slavery...

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Looking for snakes in Clackamas Park with Caleb

Yep, snakes! Actually, mercifully they're not easy to find & mainly not poisonous in these parts. Caleb, 5 years & 8 months, led the way with pillow case in hand. I offered to take him to the zoo, but he had more important things to do, hunt snakes. So off we went.

We covered every inch and every hole in each tree seeking the critters. Are snakes critters? At 5, Caleb's language skills are excellent. I was continually amazed as he made comments like:

  • as we approach
  • that's a conifer tree
  • keep your eyes straight ahead
  • (to offers of assistance by me, he'd reply confidently) "No, thank you."

There is a large fenced off dog area. At one end, there is a fire hydrant. Caleb asked me: "Do you know what that's for?" Answer: "So dogs can pee!"

Throughout our sojourn, Caleb would eye an item of interest and speed off like a sprinter. I myself took advantage of my long stride. He was fully in investigative mode by the time I caught up!

After an hour of running commentary, inspecting new found paths, several side trips to the swings, we headed for home. "Ok, I'm ready to go home." A young man who knows his own mind!

What a delightful, energetic and happy young man. It is easy to see the beauty of life, thedivine, in nature and our young. Now the challenge is to keep up the zest and joy of mystery of life.

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REFLECTIONS & ARTICLES

Thoughts on the amazing people I get to meet.

Rich, my 19 year old friend, soon to be Franciscan and recent community member at Haley House in Boston. An article he wrote.

http://www.capuchinfranciscans.org/pdf/2008%2003%2011%20CVO%20Update%20A%20community%20of%20two%20tables.pdf