What I'm looking for

2008-11-08T07:22:00.000-08:00

http://balkin.blogspot.com/

Good Goodbyes

2008-01-19T06:34:00.000-08:00

Tonight Josh House hosted a farewell party for two soon departing friends. Yoshi is moving back to mainland to be near his parents, and Tamiko is going to spend her next semester of Bible College in Germany. Almost everyone from church showed up and we had a great time.

Yoshi is a superb friend and a wise man of God. He has been like my Japanese brother. We both work and we're both seeking what the Lord is going to do with us. Yoshi is a deep thinker; I've enjoyed many a good conversation with him. He will be missed in Okinawa.

As for the party...

Nate manned his usual post on the grill, producing some excellent chicken and beef.

Trevor came hours in advance to help prepare, and cooked fresh bread. Here he is enjoying the fruits of everyone's labors.

Ping-san and Natsuki-san washed almost all the dishes, while Ayu-san modeled this XXL apron. Notice Nate hard at work. He's like the butler; he helps out everywhere.

We filled the house and stretched out onto the lawn. At one point, I was upstairs showing Kodai-san the balcony. It was quiet outside, but from the inside of the house, we could hear the joyful racket of community. There is peace in these relationships.
They are fun and full of meaning. These are some of the best bits of life.
Thanks, Father, for nights like this one.

Special Times part VI - finis

2007-12-30T03:58:00.000-08:00

Saturday night marked the second "Emily Thompson Holiday Party" which I have been privileged to attend. This year's affair was a bit smaller but seemed even more fun and special than last year's. A bunch of good conversations were complemented by goofy games and garnished with tasty food and drink. Around midnight, the last six committed partygoers made their way down to Lake Whatcom for a picture.

Awhile later, we finished the night with a round of prayer and happily went our ways.

It is amazing that wherever we gather, Koinonia is there. This group of brothers and sisters, many of which not being regularly together, nevertheless found a unique and sweet bit of community for the few hours of Emily's party.

Father, let us continue to strive to bring Heaven on Earth until you recall us to Yourself to experience truest community. Amen

Special Times part V

2007-12-30T03:52:00.000-08:00

The ride back from Orcas reminded me of how beautiful my Washington home is.

For me the trees, water, and rugged mountains make a stunning combination. If you've never been to Washington, grab a ferry ride through the San Juans. It is sugoi!

Special Times part IV

2007-12-30T03:36:00.000-08:00

My Carlson family (oldest sister Trina and family) invited me to to join them on Orcas Island during their post-Christmas holiday. The time at their place was beautiful. For about 40 hours, the fast-pace of my mind slowed down and I was free to rest.Spencer made an important discovery on Thursday morning. His innovative idea was to adapt the game of table tennis to the two round tables available at the cabin. The result was a thrilling new ping-pong hybrid which entertained us for the rest of the time.

The days were so relaxing! Trina and Evan made simple, delicious meals, da boys introduced me to the Wii, and talking with Christian is always a privilege. The picture below illustrates perfectly how relaxed and relax-ing it was to be with the Carlsons.

Special Times part III

2007-12-30T03:24:00.000-08:00

After a hairy drive from SW Washington to NW Oregon (my mother harassing me to stay awake as I piloted the Honda to Corvallis) we were blessed to visit Mrs. Klausli. A Perry family friend for forty years, Mrs K moved to Corvallis six years ago to be near her daughter's family.

Talking to Mrs K is like having a conversation with a Christian bookstore. The depth of thought and the wisdom she shares is riveting. It was so special for mother and I to spend time with this saint. The redness in my eyes was from quick tears at the knowledge that it would likely be several more years before I would again see this special lady.

And so, after a tasty breakfast at Elmer's, and we were back on the road. This time headed north...

Special Times part II

2007-12-30T03:15:00.000-08:00

Wednesday night was a brief, but treasured visit with Grandma Perry. This lady is 92 years old, and has lived a faithful, productive life. She bought me dinner at her retirement home after which Uncle Wayne, my father's older brother came to visit. Wayne fought in the Korean war with the Army's 1st Cavalry. We had a short, but special visit and then Mom and I were off again. This time for Oregon...

Special Times

2007-12-30T03:03:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was the beginning of four superb days.

Wednesday marked the landmark 40th birthday of my amazing sister Melissa. Her equally amazing husband Rob allowed Melis and I to run out for some Boxing Day shopping, followed by a birthday breakfast on Railroad Ave. Anytime I get a chance to chat with Melissa it is a great day.

Upon our return, we snapped a three-generation picture (see above) with our mother, her mother, Grandma Klaus, and Melissa. Three remarkable women, each in her own way.

Mom and I were then off to return Grandma to her home...

Perrys Love Japanese

2007-12-23T00:52:00.000-08:00

Today my family bravely allowed me to fix a Christmas dinner consisting of the Japanese dishes I have learned to cook. After several hours of everyone pitching in on the preparation, including an 11th hour supply run to Haggen by my brother Joel, the finished product was finally ready.
We dined on Curry and Yakisoba, with tea and California Rolls served during the meal. In spite of the unique flavors, everyone proclaimed their enjoyment of the taste of Okinawa. We finished the afternoon off with a round of outstanding desserts made by the Perry/Carlson/Robbins women.

As the photos clearly demonstrate: 1) Evan is bound to be a sushi chef, if she so desires, and 2) my neices & nephews clearly grasp the intended function of chopsticks and wheelchairs.

Road to Hedo

2007-11-13T02:37:00.001-08:00

At 1100, I began my first long journey on the island. The northernmost point of Okinawa is called Hedo point. Even though it is only 65 miles away, it takes 3-4 hours to get there from my home in the southern part of the island.

The first place I stopped was a small bay with what looked like a flock of sailboards. It must have been a class or an organized activity because they were all the same color. They were clustered around a platform or vessel of some kind and remained this way the entire time I was there.

After an hourlong nap on the beach, I was off again. A bit further up were some surfers trying to catch a wave. It looked like fun , except that the "beach" they were surfing in front toward was actually a wall of jutting geometric concrete triangles (IE, a very bad thing to get smashed into!!)

A kilometer or two after the beach, the sun was shining down in such a way that it looked like a storybook. The heaven's were declaring...As I came to the entrance of a tunnel (there were a surprising number on the west side of the island) I was thinking about my motorcycle. I've been asked what her name is, and up until that moment, I didn't have an answer. But as I thought about it, the name Olive immediately imprinted itself on my mind. So right there on that stretch of Highway 58, the bike on which I rode became Olive.

About an hour later, I arrived at Hedo Point. Aside from it's remote location, the most striking thing about it was the ruggedness of the rock formations. It was as if the point was absorbing the energy of the ocean flowing southward against the island, the point of conflict between immovable strength of the earth and the endless energy of the seas.

The Point was mostly populated by busloads of tourists from mainland Japan. A couple of humorous things were a sign that said "May Peace Prevail." This certainly has a deep, sober meaning on this island with so much historical conflict. However, the warlike timbre of the statement made me chuckle. Josh Marine would say it like this: "May peace annihilate and stomp the guts out of war." That 'll teach 'em.

The other funny thing was a sculpture I like to call it the Peace Chicken. I'm sure it has some cultural or historical meaning, but just on it's own merits: I think the Peace Chicken is cool.

The route back was even better than the trip north. Why? Two elements: 1) A twisty coastal mountain road, 2) No other traffic. A riders' paradise. I live in a dense urban area, so riding up and down forested mountains and through small villages was new side of Okinawa I hadn't seen before.

The fitting capstone on my journey was a white-knuckled blast down the expressway (the expressway runs the lower half of the island, roughly from Naha to Nago). My bike tops out at around 110 Km/H which was the speed I was doing. Unfortunately, it also felt as if I was about to be ripped from my saddle by the wind. An exhilarating 40 kilometers or so!

A beautiful, solitary day.

Company (Pie) Fun Day

2007-05-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

Company Fun Day rolled through comm company on Friday. A day of team-based frivolity and good barbecue was provided for all to enjoy. Beginning with a motivational run, followed by multi-event competition and finished with a pie auction, the day was a pleasant change of pace from start to finish.

These are the hardworking Marines of Wire Platoon nailing their lieutenant with a pie. Well, ok maybe "pie" isn't the right word. A "Mustard-cool whip-relish concoction in a pie pan" might be a more apt description. They outbid their OIC and inflicted a respectful, if messy revenge on said-named-lieutenant.

The aftermath.

Lieutenant Perry wasn't the only officer pie-d on Fun Day. Captain V the Ops officer took some Cool Whip to the noggin'...

and Captain D, the XO also received his just desserts (courtesy of yours truly)

The last pies of the day were delivered on the CO himself, from a maintenance platoon Lance Corporal. She double-barreled the Major, leaving the two pie pans stuck to his face temporarily. A good sport, no?
JP

Bentos!

2007-05-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

This morning I learned a bit about the fine art of making bentos (boxed lunches). My good friend Trevor and I put together juu (ten) of these tasty trays. The contents were rice, hamburger steak, and goya champeru (a stir fry of spam, tofu, and a bitter veggie called Goya). 'Twas a fun morning's work for a couple of bros. JP

Geronimo!

2006-12-20T16:13:00.000-08:00

No, it isn't me in person. But it was me in heart. Today.

Sweet goodbyes

2006-12-10T21:26:00.000-08:00

The last two days have been full of meaningful goodbyes from Northern Virginia. God has provided such a superb network of friends here...

Saturday morning...Our (Jake Laine and I's) last Christian Men of Quantico (CMoQ) breakfast. We were certainly the "junior" members of this group of wise and experienced officers. The teaching was (as usual) hard-hitting and deeply motivating. And it made a deep impression upon me when LtCol Braddy's voice cracked as he prayed to conclude and send us off. This tough, grizzled grunt whose passion and emotion showed through so powerfully. Would that I could learn the God-loving, other-focused, manliness that he exemplifies.

Saturday afternoon/evening... My accountability brothers. We've only been meeting for three months, but the relationships have already formed I plan to maintain for the rest of my USMC career and life. Three of us are leaving, three are staying. So, in a sense, our group isn't ending, but multiplying to new locations. God has been at work in our lives and I'm excited to find new brothers to meet with in Okinawa.

Sunday morning/afternoon... The Vineyard. Much as I entered this fellowship ten months ago to open arms, I left with hugs, encouragement, and corporate prayer. Becoming a part of this church, attending with Clark and Donnell, and broadening my scope of understanding of how God works among His people...blessings have been multiplied to me at VCF.

Sunday night... Jason & Katie and friends. Want to meet a couple that is on fire for the Lord in the military? J&K Roberson are your case in point. Others, too have been such encouragements throughout the year. Who knew how much a hug can mean? The growing and good fun from these brothers and sisters motivates me to hold nothing back when investing in relationships. There is nothing more important or valuable than the Father-blessed relationships we share with others.

Mmm. I stand in awe. Thanks Father for good friends and marvelous companions on this stretch of road.

Goodbye Luther

2006-12-03T16:26:00.000-08:00

Luther, my beloved car will soon belong to another. For three years I've traveled west and east in his friendly black leather confines.

As I drove away from the dealership my Dad told me "Yeah, all you need now is a wife and two kids." Very funny. If practicality is stylish, Luther was epitome of chic.

He soon earned his name from being a practical, hardworking German commoner.

Our low ebb was when I drained his transmission fluid by accident. Twice.

He followed me to Virginia, courtesy of my parents, last winter and has taken me to many a monument and Civil War battlefield in the intervening months.

I'll miss the monk, but he won't be lost forever. He's going to my close friend Donnell, so he goes in the hope that there may be a reunion sometime in the future.

Pressing on

2006-11-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

Muddling through mastery (a days long communications test), a friend's email brought this reminder...

IICor. 4:16-18
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now, rather we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

Thank you, Father, for perspective beyond this short season.

Potomac at sunrise

2006-11-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

Fire

2006-10-31T19:07:00.000-08:00

Fire - Blaise Pascal, 1654

‘God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob,’ not of philosophers and scholars.

Certainty, certainty, heartfelt, joy, peace.

God of Jesus Christ.

‘Thy shall be my God.

The world forgotten, and everything except God.

He can only be found in the way taught in the Gospels.

Greatness of the human soul.

‘O righteous Father, the world had not known thee, but I have known thee.’

Joy, joy, joy, tears of joy.

I have cut myself off from him.

They have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters.

‘My God wilt thou forsake me?’

Let me not be cut off from him for ever!

‘And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.’

Jesus Christ.

I have cut myself off from him, shunned him, denied him, crucified him.

Let me never be cut off from him!

He can only be kept by the ways taught in the Gospel.

Sweet and total renunciation.

Total submission to Jesus Christ and my director.

Everlasting joy in return for one day’s effort on earth.

I will not forget thy word.

Amen.

2006-10-31T18:56:00.000-08:00

They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience
-Paul

2006-10-31T13:21:00.000-08:00

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. Romans 5.3-5

Yesterday I ran my first marathon.

More than anything, the 31^st Marine Corps Marathon was a group event. More than 32,000 runners, walkers, wheelchair pilots, stroller pushers, and utilizers of various other modes of movement took part. But many of us wouldn’t have finished if it weren’t for the thousands of encouraging spectators along the way.

It was a beautiful day. The route was picturesque in the extreme. We were very well served by the support staff. There was water, Powerade, snacks, marching bands, Vaseline, beer (yes, beer), candy, pretzels, energy gel, and all sorts of other good things to take one’s mind off of the running itself.

Mile 1: Wow this is slow! I better slow down so I don’t die at the end…

Mile 2: First water stop. What a hazard! Runners slow to a walk in order to drink, the pavement becomes slick with water and Powerade, and cups litter the street.

Mile 4: Spout Run Parkway; the name was humorously appropriate as dozens of runners dove off the course to quickly relieve themselves in the bushes…

Mile 10: Running under the Kennedy Center alongside the Potomac. I still feel pretty good. My legs are starting to fatigue but the crowds are noisy and motivating.

Mile 11: Running past the Washington Monument. Beautiful…

Mile 13.2: Running past the Smithsonian Castle. The difficult part of the course is starting to set in…

Mile 17: We’re running through East Potomac Park. The wind is whipping off of the river. The spectators thin out and the race gets a lot harder! My legs are starting to cramp, but as long as I stay up and keep them swinging…

Mile 19.3: I’m finished! I have to start walking. From this point on, I walk about as much as I run…

Mile 20: We cross the bridge back into Virginia. Only 10K to go. My legs are killing me!

Mile 23: Thank you Target for the tent with the motivating music…

Mile 24: We’re back to the Pentagon (near the start) but my legs aren’t much good now…

Mile 25: The Comm School water point. I get a lot of encouraging shouts and the Major hands me a cup of Powerade. About 200 meters later I notice a woman about my mother’s age keeping pace with me. Wow!

Mile 26: I now know that I will beat Oprah. We finish with a long hill leading up to the Iwo Jima memorial. Baby steps up the hill…

Mile 26.2: Finish. Relief. Fatigue. A Marine hands me a foil blanket and I doze by a chain link fence. Several support staff ask me if I am OK. Absolutely! I just finished my first marathon…

Butterflies

2006-10-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

The marathon is finally here. Several months of mediocre training will tomorrow be challenged by 26.2 miles of DC blacktop.

I'm curiously optimistic. Ignorance is bliss. Pain - bring it on!

These are my chariots. My thrust-vectors. I know they're ready; I hope that I am.

Just don't let me lose to Oprah. She ran the MCM for her 40th birthday and finished in 4:29.

I'll sleep now. Pray, then sleep.

Pray for me.

Spotsylvania Battlefield

2006-09-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today I walked in fields where thousands of men laid down their lives for a cause, a purpose, larger than themselves. Men no different than I gave up all of their future hopes and dreams for the service of their country. Is this the noblest of callings? Not quite, I think.

To die is a momentary sacrifice. An instant or a few minutes of pain followed by the reality of eternity. Yet to sacrifice one's life while still living is a lifetime of self-denial. Surely it is a greater sacrifice to give up the freedom to live as one pleases than to give up life itself in a moment of supreme self-sacrifice.

Yet even this question of which is the greater sacrifice is beside the point. It is like James' and John's mother asking for eternal honor for her sons. All honor on heaven and earth is reserved for God, the three-in-one. The "success" or "glory" of my life rests in the clarity with which I reflect all glory and worship toward Almighty God. I bring worship to my Lord by letting his love wash over my life and spill into the relationships I inhabit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Spotsylvania_Court_House