Friday, April 30, 2010

Connie says hi

Hi everybody! Here's a blog from Connie.

Your blogs (you who posted) are great, thanks for posting. We are looking forward to Karl's graduation on May 23. Congrats to the youngest cousin of his generation, and best wishes.

I'm up early every morning, getting myself to the 6:39 train. Two classes for jail residents every day. I love my men. Wish I could pour motivation into their heads through their mouths. I had SIX men graduate last month! One was signed up for this month, but he went to discipline, so he could not take the test after all. :(

My two classes at Loyola were challenging, especially the on-line class, Theologies of Suffering, which had reading and writing assignments every week, then respond to others' posts. The professor kept complaining that my submissions didn't relate the material to my life. Hmmm. It was great! I am glad to be done. Not taking any academic classes this summer.

I hope to catch up with myself in the next few weeks. Be able to just stop and appreciate a swatch of beauty. Might take an art class. Think I'll go to Washington DC for the progressive spirituality conference in June. (11-16)

Well I look forward to seeing you all in July!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Hi from Ensign

Spring is wonderful! I used to say Fall was my favorite, but this year we had such cool days that the flowers have lasted longer than usual...forsythia, magnolias, daffodils, tulips, and lilacs, in succession.
We have had a succession of guests too. Andrew and Sylvia Taussig from Oklahoma City came with daughter Alex. For 20 years he was doing well in a heating, but all along felt that he was being called to serve needy children in Africa. He is now with Children of Nations. They build schools and "compounds" for children with cottages and house parents. He is so sure that he is doing the right thing. He and Sylvia must raise their own salary.
I decided to help with that.
We also entertained Marli, Trale, Pat and Phil, and Kristi, who was with us last Christmas. She is from Korea, studies in Texas. She enjoyed Chicago so much that she wanted to come back for Spring Break. And Ken, he had a fare for his Taxi that came to Illinois ($800), so he came to see us.
I can't wait for July 4th. See you then!!! Peace be with you. Dad, LOLO, Ensign.