Back in the land of the living

...if that's what cyberspace is. I'm not so sure. We've enjoyed an invigorating stream of novel experiences in the month we've been offline, and I can't help but think that that's partly due to being unwired and actually focusing on the here and now, where we are, at the moment we're there.

Still, since most of you are not here but far away, and since you are dear to us, we are glad to return to cyber-communication to be in touch with you. I've enjoyed catching up on some of your blogs and emails today, seeing what everyone has been up to over the summer, and look forward to more.

For our part, there's plenty to report. We are all reunited after a summer of wandering and are now checking in from the Rocky Mountains. I'm staring out my new office window at Pike's Peak as I type; the girls and Tom are off checking out Cave of the Winds, one of many natural attractions on our "BORD OF FUN," a list of things to do in the area as compiled by Edith. We're enjoying playing tourists in our new locale in the weeks before school begins and before we develop obligations and attachments.

I intend to post pictures and updates on all our summer adventures, but I feel a bit overwhelmed by where to begin. So for now, just a few teasers.

First, some mythbusting--a.k.a. new wisdom we've acquired.

Myth #1: Congo is a dangerous place riddled with disease, crime, and warfare, and you shouldn't go there.

More on this later. But we came home healthy, safe, and rich in new Congolese friends, who are industrious, warm, funny, determined people working hard to make a go of life even where the odds look staggering to an American.

Myth #2: The surefire way to wean a toddler is to go away for a week or more; she'll have forgotten about nursing by the time you return.

I reunited with the girls in North Carolina after 2.5 weeks away. Alice reportedly had a wonderful time with her uncle and grandparents after the first rocky 24 hours or so. Indeed, my mom put us to shame by getting Alice on a clockwork 11:30-2:30 nap and 7:30-7:30 night sleep schedule. Nevertheless, during the car ride from the Raleigh-Durham airport to my parents' house, Alice kept announcing, "Mommy go sit bed," and when we got to the house, she promptly led me to my bed, told me to sit, and announced, "Mommy milk!" before clambering into my lap. She picked right up where she left off. Tom's comment: "I think you must lactate cocaine."

Myth #3: We can't ever be completely sure of the divine will or purpose but must live humbly, striving to do as we believe is right, knowing that the mysteries of the universe are greater than its certainties.

In fact, we've been learning a good deal from Colorado bumper stickers and billboards. Did you know, for example, that Our Iraq War is God's Will? And has the news made it to your town yet that Christ is returning on May 21, 2011? His advance men have funds to advertise all over Colorado Springs. Save the date.

It's going to take some adjusting, living among people so certain of the specifics. We're a little behind.

Meanwhile, just a few pictures.

A flower girl and presiding clergy, Delaware


Distributing Mectizan in Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo


Congolese children (and our American friend, Michelle)

Exploring Colorado Springs

At the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Headed up Pike's Peak on the cog railway with Aunt Sharon (of Two Aunts Moving Company, a top-of-the-line, door-to-door operation)