The End (or maybe not)

Responding to popular demand, (or at least moderate demand by close friends) my blog emerges from an early grave into rebirth through a simplified name. My travel diary is now cataloged through wanderdecisively.blogspot.com (instead of the awkward dash interrupting the wandering) Please visit at your web browsing convenience.

Stop 54 - Douglas, Wyoming

(picture from http://www.jackalope.org/Douglas/DouglasHome.html)

While driving cross country on a personal retreat from the daily grind, I stumbled upon a wonder of a legendary kind. The Jackalope seen above stands larger than a small car. From myths of farmers long ago, the rabbit with antlers emerges as a small Wyoming town's claim to fame. Embalmed in legend by the town's statue, the animal further appears on bridges, legislation, and hunting licences.

Although the Jackaplope remains a gullibility trap for tourist and urbanites alike, do some legends hold seeds of truth behind the thin veil of lore?

Stop 53 - Peoria, IL

"If it plays in Peoria" was an old adage about my current town of residence. As a testing ground for media, a show's performance in Peoria was considered an indicator of how well the entertainment would be received by the rest of the country.

Moving to the quiet urban island in an ocean of farms unearthed some surprising treasure. Driving during rush hour (or the small city's lack of traffic hour) incidents of chivalry abounded with drivers continually slowing down to let others be first. In addition, the city contains a wealth of effective charities bringing quantifiable change to poverty's chains. (see South Side Mission) The crowning jewel came when I was able to play a friendly game of catch and chat with neighbors on a warm spring day.

Hopefully, Peoria's reputation as a barometer will also prove true with the concept of a friendly community.

Stop 52 - A Little Vilage in Thailand

Before blooming, a budded flowers beauty hides under a soft shell. In rural northern Thailand our volunteer team visited a speck of a village surrounded by walls of majestic mountains. Many families suffered from cyclical poverty, broken families and grieved hearts. Rather than accept the visible problems, our team searched for the hidden treasure buried inside. Using an international language called love our words consisted of clearing weeds from a playground, serving host families, teaching English, and harvesting garlic. A few drops of sweat (see picture) watered the flowers and locals began to bloom with hope and smiles. By the end of the trip, we were laughing over bowls of Thai soup (eaten in a common bowl using hands with balls of sticky rice as utensils) and enjoying life's simple masterpiece.

What beauty did the master gardener place deep inside of your garden?

Stop 51 - Chaing Mai, Thailand (land of Siam)

Coffee and spiceynoodle for all! Upon arriving in exotic Thailand, my team witnessed the grand opening of purpose driven coffee. Besides prices lower than modern stock valuations, the storefront resides directly across from the prestigious (and massive) Chaing Mai University. While untrained eyes behold steamy caffeine goodness, the shop's exterior encapsulates a a launching pad for charity to the community. While serving coffee in one hand and hope in another, locals receive a double shot of blessing.

In the above picture of the coffee shop's inaugural prayer meeting, can you find my stoic face?

Stop 50 - Lubock, Texas

Cowboys never fully hang up their spurs. While in the beautiful plains of Texas serving local churches and charities, two of us stayed with an older hatless cowboy. (and a canine ball of fire and fur named Jackson) Despite an age greater than many small childeren could count, he still cooks enough flapjacks for a small herd of hungy workers. Besides being quick on the utensil draw, our seasoned host filled our ears with amazing stories of life before the Great War. With food in our bellies and our ears full history lessons, I reflected how increased age does have to result in a decreased ability to change the world. (or bless hungry travelers)

Step 49 - Roadtrip

Alas, my time to embark draws near. Reminiscent of ancient nomadic tribes, my backpack will stow aboard a trusty steed (or van) for my upcoming charitable trip. With the procurement of granola bars, books and a chess set smaller than most purses, my pack is laden with roadside entertainment.

In the activity whirlwind's eye tranquility and rest can abound. Taking my eyes off the task list and day planner, my gaze to rises above business to life's truly important matters. Time spent in meditation and prayer reminding myself of a brief phrase describing life's pivotal truth, "something is more important than time, money, and comfort"