I made a point to wait until after sales for the Chicken Soup sales had, more or less, come to an end. Many, if not most, of you were very supportive of my family and especially my son, Matthew, in his quest to go on a mission trip to Jamaica in July.
But there's always one, ain't there?
Not long after I started publicizing the book, our role in it (it was and always is so much more than me) that I got a private message from a friend of a friend (so many of you shared the information on Facebook; again, thank you) with the following statement:
You're sending your son on a "mission trip" to Jamaica? Does he need to take his golf clubs? Do you?
Now, for you Grammar Rangers out there (I refuse to call you "Grammar Nazi's, because without them I tend to look stupid) I realize I didn't format that quote correctly. I wanted the emphasis on where the quote marks were placed.
Yes, Jamaica is a world-renowned, high-end vacation destination. But rather than rip into this person, as I was more than willing to do, I opted for reason.
I asked this person how the people of Jamaica live? You know, the people who handle bags at the airport, operate the various transit modes, wait tables, clean rooms and a myriad of other services in too long a list to complete here?
As well known as Jamaica is for vacationing, it's equally common knowledge the people there are, generally speaking, living close to or in poverty. Hurricanes don't help much. And I'm glad my church provides the opportunity for so many to expand the world view of so many Americans, and a particular Midwesterner whose bedroom is across the hall from mine.
In fact, it's my belief that, even if the spiritual component is removed, every American who is physically able should go on a mission trip of some sort. I was 37 years old in 1999 when I went on my first trip (I'm now 56 for those of you who are struggling with the math) (Sorry, no smiley emoji) , and it altered my take on the world forever. To this day, my position on immigration and President Trump's wall are shaped by the experience I had twenty years ago this summer. The anniversary will be close to the dates of Matthew's trip: how cool is that?
It isn't enough to be a tourist; a mission trip will provide everyone who goes a chance to see how people live, and make a difference in some lives. On Matthew's trip, there will be some street evangelizing, and there's work to do an an infirmary (basically an nursing home, but would likely spark outrage if it were here in the States) and at an orphanage.
I wife and I want our sons to see for themselves that while we all live on the same planet, there are many different worlds out there. It's kind of like going to a ball game versus watching it on TV; there's just something about being there and seeing it directly, without a major audio.video production teams' mitts on it, that changes people. In this case, it helps children become well-adjusted adults with an understanding of much, much more than what happens within the walls and virtual worlds that are so comfortable.
Frankly, I'd hope every parent would want that for their kid, but I know not everyone does, and that flabbergasts me.
Most of you reading this "get it." If you feel the need to share it, please do.
When the time comes, I will be sure to post plenty of photos to try and show a small part of what you supported; financially, spiritually or otherwise. But from the very beginning of this, I've been grateful.
Thank you.
But there's always one, ain't there?
Not long after I started publicizing the book, our role in it (it was and always is so much more than me) that I got a private message from a friend of a friend (so many of you shared the information on Facebook; again, thank you) with the following statement:
You're sending your son on a "mission trip" to Jamaica? Does he need to take his golf clubs? Do you?
Now, for you Grammar Rangers out there (I refuse to call you "Grammar Nazi's, because without them I tend to look stupid) I realize I didn't format that quote correctly. I wanted the emphasis on where the quote marks were placed.
Yes, Jamaica is a world-renowned, high-end vacation destination. But rather than rip into this person, as I was more than willing to do, I opted for reason.
I asked this person how the people of Jamaica live? You know, the people who handle bags at the airport, operate the various transit modes, wait tables, clean rooms and a myriad of other services in too long a list to complete here?
As well known as Jamaica is for vacationing, it's equally common knowledge the people there are, generally speaking, living close to or in poverty. Hurricanes don't help much. And I'm glad my church provides the opportunity for so many to expand the world view of so many Americans, and a particular Midwesterner whose bedroom is across the hall from mine.
In fact, it's my belief that, even if the spiritual component is removed, every American who is physically able should go on a mission trip of some sort. I was 37 years old in 1999 when I went on my first trip (I'm now 56 for those of you who are struggling with the math) (Sorry, no smiley emoji) , and it altered my take on the world forever. To this day, my position on immigration and President Trump's wall are shaped by the experience I had twenty years ago this summer. The anniversary will be close to the dates of Matthew's trip: how cool is that?
It isn't enough to be a tourist; a mission trip will provide everyone who goes a chance to see how people live, and make a difference in some lives. On Matthew's trip, there will be some street evangelizing, and there's work to do an an infirmary (basically an nursing home, but would likely spark outrage if it were here in the States) and at an orphanage.
I wife and I want our sons to see for themselves that while we all live on the same planet, there are many different worlds out there. It's kind of like going to a ball game versus watching it on TV; there's just something about being there and seeing it directly, without a major audio.video production teams' mitts on it, that changes people. In this case, it helps children become well-adjusted adults with an understanding of much, much more than what happens within the walls and virtual worlds that are so comfortable.
Frankly, I'd hope every parent would want that for their kid, but I know not everyone does, and that flabbergasts me.
Most of you reading this "get it." If you feel the need to share it, please do.
When the time comes, I will be sure to post plenty of photos to try and show a small part of what you supported; financially, spiritually or otherwise. But from the very beginning of this, I've been grateful.
Thank you.