Today’s blog is being written in two parts.
1) This part is the beginning and being written in the Panera Bread on the campus of the University of Michigan where I am awaiting a call from Scotty to let me know he is finished at lacrosse goalie camp. He has been here since Monday when I dropped him off, and I have been in Mishawaka, South Bend, Elkhart, and Goshen, Indiana scoping out sites and areas to possibly plant a church up there later this year. It has been a busy time, and although there is still quite a substantial drive in order to get home, I will be glad to get it underway. I am anxious to hear all about the camp, and to see if any of the scouts who attended have told him that he is on their radar.
I had never been to U of M before, but I am connected to it. When I was a priest in Barberton, Ohio many years ago Betty Schembechler, the mother of University of Michigan football coaching legend Bo, was the head of my Altar Guild. She was a great lady, and Bo, who grew up in that church, was a delightful and gracious man. His name is all over up here. I never rooted for him on the field because I was a Notre Dame fan (God’s favorite team), but I was blessed to know him and his mom in a different way. He was certainly a devoted son.
2) Okay we are at home, but that is not the gem to share with you. Scott and I called the house asking to talk to Ben, only to be told that it would not be allowed……he was grouchy and being awful. But after guilting Amanda, Steph took the phone up to Ben who then talked to us for 71 minutes! He was HILARIOUS too! We laughed the whole way home, and were certainly confused as to how this junior “king of comedy” could ever be grouchy at all. We came to the conclusion that there was some sort of conspiracy going on. Oliver Stone will most likely be emailing us tomorrow. I am sure he, like many other Hollywood-types, is a regular reader.
But for now it is just great to be home. Scott had a great time at the camp and is now even more fired up for the upcoming season. I had a great time working (I do most of the time anyway) and am excited about planting up in the SouthBend/Mishawaka area. Ben had a great time entertaining us, and is glad we are home.
So am I. I do not mind hotels and traveling, but I really do like my own bed. Fortunately I will sleep there tonight.
Goodnight my friends and God Bless.
Tommy+