Onward, Christian Soldiers

A songbook widely used in churches of Christ has a "Christian Warfare Medley" (#645). Does that make anyone else uncomfortable? I understand why it's there. But if I were planning a worship service, I sure wouldn't follow it with a sermon on Matthew 5...

Fun With Pocket Translators

This just showed up in my inbox and it's too precious to keep to myself. Before reading it, you should know that the author is one of my favorite teachers from my school in Mito. You should also know that other teachers are in awe of his English abilities, mostly because he tends to bust out a pocket translator and make it all seem so easy...judge for yourselves. I miss Japan!
Hello
Kelly teacher
How is it spending?
The e-mail, thank you very much.
We printed a photograph soon and saw it.
Thank you.
There was a beginning formula in the midorioka elementary school on April 6th.
Also, there was an entrance ceremony on the 9th and 194 fresh children entered.
Now, it is doing the home visit and it is very busy.
Then, Kendon teacher of AET came from the 20th, was teaching an English conversation.
Kelly teacher be careful healthily and exert.
Good-by
The midorioka elementary school
Yamamoto & teachers
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Speaking of precious things, check this out. I'm not one to cry at blog posts, but this one had me reaching for a tissue. My sister is possibly the best writer in the blogosphere (and I realize I'm revealing my nerdiness by saying that).
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Speaking of blogs and my nerdiness, wouldn't you LOVE to hear from Mark? Don't you find his writing clever, hilarious even? Don't you think it's strange that our blog's entitled The Barneches, but you mostly hear from A Barneche? Just a thought.

Back At The Ranch...

Well, we're "back" at "home," whatever that means:) We've been in Oklahoma for about a week. Lots of good stuff so far: sleeping in, time with family (including a sister who lives in Texas and grandparents who live on a farm), cheap hardware and tools at Wal-Mart (one of us is way more excited about that than the other), seeing old friends,a public library FULL of books we can read, fresh bagels, and wide open spaces. Some sources of re-entry "culture stress": overly cheesy and friendly waiters who like to make small talk, driving on the "right" side of the road, portion sizes at Johnnie's hamburger joint, and shopping at Wal-Mart (cheap tools aside, it's an overwhelming place to be). What are our "plans," you ask? Stay tuned. We're working on it. And now, in John Stewart style, we'll leave you with our Moment of Zen: