Anticipation filled the air as the auction began. Everyone gasped as the “merchandise” was brought out. It was a young lady who, despite her youth, seemed beaten down and broken. She was obviously damaged goods, but had some value left. Everyone hoped they could make the winning bid. After all, she owed a debt, and […]

One challenge I found while living overseas is something as simple as getting a good haircut. My biggest problem has been communication. Five languages and two considered very hard to learn, I lowered my expectations to “good enough.” In Mexico City, I found no English-speaking barbers. In a small neighborhood shop, I used gestures and

It was hard to watch the aftermath of the Brussels bombings on the news, but I couldn’t turn away. The places are too familiar, and I have friends and loved ones living in Brussels. I posted an early news report on Facebook and received more reports from friends. I posted a prayer of support and

When people use absolutes in a statement, they are usually wrong. When my wife begins a sentence by saying “You always” or “You never”, she is most likely overstating the facts. I wouldn’t consider myself unreliable or inconsistent, but I couldn’t “always” or “never” do anything even if I tried! I’m just too flawed. That’s

It’s Valentine’s Day in China, at least for the Americans living here. Frantic searches are underway by those who waited too long to buy gifts or completely forgot. It is an opportunity to express our love to those we hold most dear or to wish we had if we disappointed them. This is not the