Lost Nation, New CD, Health Update

My camera fell into the fire pit at the last KOA. How did that happen? I was jumping up to keep Therese from running or falling into the fire. A good reason to lose a camera and all the images on it. Since the camera was replaced just yesterday, I have NO photos of Lost Nation, Iowa...

The photo you see here is an old one taken on my yearly drive to sing for the confirmation candidates at a retreat facility in Tucson, Arizona. It sort of has a 'lost nation' feel to it though, doesn't it? Of course, after visiting Lost Nation, and several surrounding communities, I know first hand that this looks nothing like that area of our country. Cornfields, small towns, old houses, and faithful men and women paint a better picture. The faith is alive and well in Lost Nation.

Fr. Bill asked years ago if I would consider visiting his small community. After many delays and postponements, I am very glad to have finally had the chance to visit. The first order of the day was to see Fr Bill's greenhouse next to the rectory where he gathered vegetables right off the vine to include with our breakfast that day. Healthy, simple living. God has to smile.

Pray for Fr Bill as he continues to divide his time between Lost Nation and Iraq - where he serves as a chaplain. It was odd to see photos of him taken in Iraq wearing his military outfit. Talk about two extremes! He really has a lot of love for those people entrusted to him. This guy is praying all the time! It is no surprise to see how much they love him.

Mary and I are drawn to these smaller communities partly because it refreshes us to experience the sanity of a slower pace of life. The faster we humans go; the crazier life gets. While we expect the financial side of the equation to be lower in smaller communities - we don't expect the kind generosity of those in the more affluent areas of the country to help us the way they do. Thanks be to God for the way He makes it all balance out. It helps us continue visiting these places the rest of the world seems to pass over. I am so glad to have seen first hand the strong faith amid the cornfields and small towns. What struck me in one town was the involvement of so many men in the faith life of the parish.

A great example is Charlie. A retired dairy farmer who continues a prayer effort he began years ago when he had to get up with the cows (or is it before the cows?) In any case, Charlie still opens the church every morning at 4:30AM to pray a rosary. I thought of joining him one of the mornings but I whimped out and slept in.

New CD
Last week I flew to Northern California for my 30 year high school reunion and to record a new Live CD. Approximately four hours live recordings are being reviewed now to see what might be included in a new CD. (YES the song "You are Beautiful to Me" is one of the songs we want on the new CD)

Health Update:
The tumor in the right eye continues to show signs of scarring each time it is examined. This is a good thing. Yesterday I was supposed to be in Atlanta, GA for a routine Cat Scan of lungs and liver - but the trip was cancelled. I will reschedule soon and let you know so you can join me in prayers for good test results. No reason to think otherwise. My vision at times is still 20/20 but there are more times when it is a little less clear in the right eye - as expected. They told me to expect to lose vision in that eye by now - but the only thing I expect is for God's will to be done. The best way I can help THAT happen is to keep out of the way. Thank you for the prayers!

MJP