In the last day, I've begun to receive messages from a friend who is riding his motorcycle from Rockwall, Texas, to Big Bend National Park. I find myself fascinated at such a trek. I'm reading his blog, gazing at his pictures on my iPhone, and wondering what those wide-open spaces, with the earth rushing past his feet, must be like. What a tale to tell! Perhaps I'm fascinated because I miss him. Or, perhaps, it's the incredible picture of his son, that he snapped before he hit the highway, that makes me miss my son. Lastly, perhaps hearing his wife, Jen, say, "I'll hold down the fort while you're gone" makes me profoundly grateful that my beloved wife is doing the same, albeit for different purposes, back in McAllen. It reminds me of William Shakespeare who, in his work "As You Like It," said: "And so, from hour to hour, we ripe and ripe, And then from hour to hour, we rot and rot: And thereby hangs a tale." Rotting may not sound so good, but it's only fruit that is picked at the proper time, cleaned, observed, and then eaten at its point of ripeness, that can be enjoyed. Indeed, Mr. Shakespeare, I can remember lots of tales, but none are as exciting as the one waiting to be lived today, and written tomorrow. The sun rises to grant me a new opportunity to smell the delectable, ripened fruit that God hangs right in front of me in the beauty of His creation, the wonder of another human being, and the revealed message that God has "surrounded me with joy" Ps 30:11 Enjoy the ride, Paul, and YOU - whoever may be reading this - enjoy your tale! God bless you + Christopher

PS - Want to stay in touch? Would you like to see pictures of my time in Kyrgyzstan? You can find me on Facebook. Registering for an account is short and simple. Link to me by entering "Christopher Otten" and request me as a friend.