The child at the tree...

I just spent 5 days somewhere in Texas with hundreds of 5th and 6th graders........... I really did not want to goon the camp ......."who wants to be taken out of their comfort zone?" I don't.....

But WOW what an experience, I was taken out of my comfort zone for one of the most amazing weeks of my life.

We went as a group with Second Baptist Houston" www.second.org as an organised camp with all the activities you can imagine........

I coined a phrase for some of the children that I met ......"The child at the tree" I called those kids that did not fit in well with the rest of the group "Children by the tree" I usually spotted them at the tree while the other kids played with each another on the fields, or celebrated the quiver in the bulls eye or the score of a goal in soccer or water polo game.

These "children by the tree" are different, they act, react and respond very differently than the rest. But in each one there is The hand of God and each one is designed to make a difference in this world.

Having spent 4 days with some 14 children by the tree, I think I need to shift my focus to the people that are not PLM's (People like me)

They do not have to be children, just those people in my life that might not find it easy to fit in for whatever reason.........

If I just extend a word and applause from my grandstand and my neighbourhood to those 'by the tree" I believe my world will be filled with a different flavor...............The flavor of inclusion! Of being inclusive to everyone not just P.L.M.'s

Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth.

Oh how blessed are you parents with your quivers full of children. Psalm 127:3-4

My new favorite song by Brando Heath sums it all up. "....
http://www.myspace.com/brandonheath


http://www.EMPTYBOTTLEMOMENTS.COM

5 1/2 days 7 cities 26 meals many EBM’s....

August 1st 2008 Creating Empty Bottle moments arrived. (A dozen on Fed Ex…”Thanks for the tracking number” it was fun”)
At 11pm a great friend brings a ticket to New York. You may ask why New York? “A lot of my family live there” and there would be no better way to show them the book than hand carrying it. “Confedtinex Airlines “

Here are some of the highlights from each city:

Rye/White Plains: It’s always great to visit mom. Especially when she feeds you your favorite things: Chicken Soup (like no one else can cook) Smoked whitefish salad, Chicken salad with nuts and grapes, Mozzarella and tomato roll… No dessert this time

(If you ever need a vehicle at The Westchester Airport ….use Enterprise Rentals they had customer service at an art)

Maryland and Pennsylvania…. Having never been there before it was a real treat to travel through this area and experience the natural beauty and history.

Annapolis: was a fun fun fun time. Just to walk around a town that has kept its old timie feel. Ate an average restaurant …With a good crabcake You better serve a decent crabcake in this part of the world or else you will be run out of town.

Baltimore: The National Aquarium is worth the trip and if you have left your cell phone charger at home there is a Verizon store directly opposite it. (A 30 minute drive trying to find the correct charger…you need that information)


Philadelphia: You need more than one day to experience this city but the tour on the open bus was valuable and informative. Get off every other stop make sure you get China town, downtown and the zoo.
In China town have Dim Sum at…. Ocean Harbor It was one of the best ever and at an awesome price
Pizzazato: Have the calamari and a pizza…(Ok I am going to start the work out and diet soon)

New York City:
At Rockefeller center they have a daily fruit veggie, honey http://www.beeswithoutborders.org/ flowers and more…get all the plum varieties and try them in one eating (not at once but once at a time.)

A gyro from the guy on the NE corner of 51st and 7th

A walk from 51st to 5th avenue and then walk up and down the avenues between 51st and 56th all the way back. …. It’s at least half a day’s walk. Plenty to see, touch, eat and smell.
Crush: (153 E 57th) ……just check it out
Boeing Boeing: If you like a little cheese with your meat…Go see it. It will make you smile of not a few great laughs.

Breakfast at Zabars…Smoked salmon roll and a cup of their coffee blend

Sushi with Sister ….If you like sushi it is always good at the busiest restaurants…

A visit with mom, sister and brother in law (playing this weekend in a state tennis tournament…way to go!!) A full week of EMPTY BOTTLE MOMENTS!!!!!!