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| "As for the comparative demand which men make on life, it is an important difference between two, that the one is satisfied with a level success, that his marks can all be hit by pointblank shots, but the other, however low and unsuccessful his life may be, constantly elevates his aim, though at a very slight angle to the horizon. I should much rather be the last man...It is remarkable that there is little or nothing to be remembered written on the subject of getting a living; how to make getting a living not merely honest and honorable, but altogether inviting and glorious; for it getting a living is not so, then living is not." Life Without Principle
--Henry David Thoreau | | |
| I decided to write this note for all those who were wondering or who wanted to know about my surgery.
I woke up on Sunday morning with a sharp pain in my belly. It drove up my temperature and I felt like throwing up all day, but I couldn't. So i assumed it was the flu again and that with rest and OJ, it would all go away. Well the pain in the stomach continued and progressively got worse throughout the day.
Night came around and the stubborness in me wanted to just sleep it out. The pain would not let me got to bed. I finally decided to go to the Hospital to get it checked out in case it was some type of infection.
Got to the ER around 11:45 pm, checked in and got some blood drawn around 12:30. My white blood cells were inflated, so the doctor wanted to get a Catt Scan. I drank the contrast around 1:30 am, threw it all up, drank some more, layed around until like 4:30 am when they took the Catt Scann.
At 6:30 am, the doctor informed me that i had appendicitis (s/p) and that i needed surgery that day. He said i should start contacting family/friends while the surgeon was checking his schedule. The Surgeon came in shortly thereafter and told me surgery would take place at 7:30 am and I would go to the prep room in 30 mins.
Called the family, my roommate and a few other friends. They whisked me away and then thing I knew, I woke up from surgery in a larger room with other surgery people.
I've got to say, I have some spectacular friends who really care. Several people caught wind and with short notice, they were by my bed side to say hello. I want to give a few specific shout outs:
--Elizabeth Hebert. She found out after my surgery and rallied a few people to come visit, including her parents. Her mom ended up being my nurse the following day and took real good care of me. She visited twice the day of the surgery and brought me a ballon
--Jeremiah Botchlet. He also found out after the surgery and came with a balloon. He ended up staying the night with me in the Hospital. He didn't get any sleep since a nurse or hospital person came in every hour. He was a real big trooper.
--Nate Gonzalez, my roommate. He basically stayed up that night while I was in the ER, texting me to make sure everything was alright. He was the first person i saw when i woke up from surgery, he took me home, took me to get my perscription filled and other things. He's been a significant person to make it known to all our friends. I appreciate him tons.
So there you have it. Thanks to all those who have come by to visit and are praying for me. I am truly a blessed man to be surrounded by so many incredible people. I'm back in my apartment recovering.
Pain pills are awesome! I'll try to post up pictures of the three scars I now have later on. | | |
| "We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." --T.S. Eliot | | |
| I just returned from a business trip to Venezuela. This one was very different compared to all the others with respects to my return. The previous trips were solely business to me. Meaning that I had been completely focused and centered on the presentations or the meetings (things that I have “control over”) and hardly paid any attention to missions or learning cultural insights or sharing the gospel. This time, I paid more attention to the people and asked a lot of questions about the nation. I realized how ignorant I am to the events taking place in Latin American and how they can have a significant effect to America. I also realized I missed missions. Governmental policies are being implemented that are forcing the citizens to question their stay in Venezuela; high growing inflation is impacting the monetary quality of day to day life; economic instability is bringing fear to working class’ futures; empty political promises are frustrating the supporting socialist party members; the psychotic president is relentlessly dragging a beautiful nation down a road similar to that of Cuban’s revolutionary days. And despite all the current pessimistic circumstances, the people continue to extend a helping hand to those in need around them. They continue to incorporate community to all they do. They continue to embrace life with a passion that cannot be described, only experienced. I feel as though I understand why salsa music brings a smile to the face. As I sat in the plane returning, I collected my thoughts about the success of the trip. In the business aspect, hopefully the trip will prove to have been worth the cost. In personal respects, it has inspired me to re-direct some needed attention to my hearts’ cry—Latin America. It needs prayer. It needs the Lord. It needs to be directed to a passionate life with Jesus. The trip was a success for me. I bought a book tonight about a famous Latin American revolutionary icon. My goal is to read 2 to 3 books on Latin American History this summer to help me understand its past and to keep better track of the political climate (Latin America had 10+ major presidential elections in 2006. Some for the better, some for the worse.) I want to be able to pray specifics. To all those currently on missions or are going to be a part of missions this summer, I applaud you and somewhat envy you. Share the gospel as much as you possibly can. Love an unlovable person. Give yourself away and in doing so, bring a smile to your Saviors’ face. MH | | |
| I just came back from my second Mexico trip with the company. The new role is very undefined and can go in so many different directions that I’m not sure where to begin. We are uncovering an incredible amount of opportunity, but discovering that it will require an equal amount (if not more) $$ to invest; an investment that I doubt my company will be willing to provide for such small numbers. In all actuality, when the higher ups finally understand it, I bet they will eliminate this role and move attention more to North America. Strictly speculation at this time. Life is good right now. The new car is trucking along well—absolutely love it (I will keep this one clean. All the time). Got to spend some time with old, solid friends who were in town for the weekend, enjoying time with the ones who still live here, creating and deepen new ones. I’m learning anew how to enjoy life again and to maximize the time I spend. Smallvile is getting good (again).
The Office is losing its luster for me, probably b/c I don’t watch it any more with Blake and Bill—I miss those times. Prison Break Season 2 should soon be on DVD now that’s over, so I’ll be able to catch up for the following one. I’m moving in with one my closest buddies in less than a week. Will be in Venezuela sometime in May….maybe I’ll find a crazy Latin Lady. Yup. Life is good. | | |
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