Echoes... Props... and running into a prayer meeting

Just when I thought that there's no place here that allows one to "escape" I bumped into this restaurant... that makes you feel like you're not really here!  At this place you could actually order a great meal (for a cost) and drink de-alchoholized beer!  It was quite surreal... just like being in a Kelsey's or some mom and pop joint.  I was waiting to get snapped out of it with an alarm to make us scramble for shelter!  (For those wondering what I ordered, I got the "Meat Platter" - a plate with fries, beef, pork, lamb, and chicken... all roasted!)  It was awesome!  

During the meal, I got a thank you for helping out one of the branches here since I arrived.  They gave me a thank you gift, saying that I have a talent for it.  Others were joking me, since it took them months to get the same recognition.  (Deo Omnes Gloria and Deo Gratia! - coz I seriously don't know how or where those honours were coming from!).  It was a simple gift - a patch of recognition, but within the group, it was something to be earned, and thus a badge of pride.  I sure appreciated it!

After getting the recognition, I went to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament so I can tell Our Lord about my day and thank Him and offer up to Him the honours I was given (of which I'm not worthy of getting!).  It's a custom taught to me, and one I really think makes sense.  After all - all of our talents are gifts from Him, right?  Anyhow - as I walked toward the chapel, I heard all sorts of commotion going on inside.  I opened up the door and there was an Evangelical prayer meeting in progress!  They must have been doing the speaking in tongues bit.  They were walking all over the chapel space and yelling and shouting praises to The Lord, thanking Him, asking Him for blessings, etc..  One guy saw me walk in - and came up to me and said: "brother - welcome to our prayer meeting", and I gave him a half-hug (you know - where you're still shaking hands with an underhand grip, and then give a hug?).  I contemplated joining them - just to see if I could do something apostolic, but I thought to myself that there was no way I could start shouting and yelling prayers... it just ain't me!  I politely said I was going to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, and he let me go.  While kneeling there in front of Our Lord, I tried to pray, but some of them were jumping and praising The Lord.  The floor was bouncing (it's a plywood floor), and the ruckus and commotion was quite distracting, so I tried to tip toe out of the Chapel.  My only thought was - what zeal they have in prayer!  We could learn something from them.  To my students who have asked me about prayer - it's just like that.  Say to Our Lord whatever.  Speak to Him.  Tell Him about your work and play, your joys and sorrows, etc..  If it helps you to jump around to communicate with God - well, then go ahead.  Everybody talks to God in different ways, but everybody can talk to God.  I would suggest having some direction in prayer - like using the Holy Gospel of the day to live the scene out in your head.  Use a recited prayer.  Remember - Know God, Love God, then serve God!  See how you can take what you pray about and learn from Our Lord, and put it into action.  (I say these things to you also reflecting on what I should do in my prayer).  Anyways - just a thought.

Attached is a pic of me all decked out in IPE (Individual Protetive Gear).  Is it heavy? - Yes.  Is it hot to wear - YES!  The day the pic was taken, it must have been 50 degrees out there, and as you can see - not a cloud in the sky!  Stuff to offer up, right?  Anyhow - you might get a kick out of the pic.  

Thanks to the B(5) and the P(4) families for your prayers!  I got word from an email that your families are including me in your prayers.  I really do appreciate them alot!  I am keeping all of you in my prayers.  To all my godchildren - I'm keeping my promise and keeping you in mind daily.  I miss you my family and friends!  Keep your chin up everyone - and keep smiling!  You can sleep well tonight - your men and women of the CF are over here for YOU!  :)