Author: Wick

When I was in high school, I was friends with a couple of the coolest guys I knew. They weren’t cool because they were athletic. They weren’t cool because they were good with the ladies. They were cool because, when many of us were getting hand-me-down vehicles, and $400 junkers from whatever lot had one available; these guys won the contest.

Why? When we all got 4-door beasts that would throw a deer 50 feet upon impact, these guys got minivans. (one hit a dog, and it flew a few feet…but nowhere near as fun as hitting a deer)

Their world (by my eyes) became full of the ability to haul around between 6 (legally), and 13 (not so legally) teenagers to and from any event/venue we wanted to hit up on any given evening. I envied them, every time I crammed 5 people uneasily into my 1984 Delta 88′.

I wanted a mini-van. I wanted that “hangout” on wheels. We had so many good times in other peoples’ mini-vans. I couldn’t wait until someday, I got a turn.

It’s my turn now.

Something has changed.

Maybe it’s the fact that I’m older. Maybe it’s because I’m wiser. Maybe it’s the 2 kids that seem to be everywhere I go. 🙂

Or maybe, it’s because I’m paying for the van, it’s upkeep, and gas.

Still….I love it.

Watched another documentary (into these lately) earlier this week. It’s called “Children Underground“. I’m sure a lot of you know more about Romania than I do, but here’s my brief synopsis.

Apparently a while back, Romania wanted to boost it’s future workforce. So they made abortion and birth control illegal. A HUGE amount of children were born, and with lost jobs and unhealthy home situations, many of them ended up on the streets. By many, I mean over 20,000 in a small amount of time.

This movie follows a small group of them living in a subway station. The issues their stories bring up are tough ones. Issues of identity. Of self-worth. Of communication, both spoken and implied…between those of similar status and up/down the social rungs. A 10-year-old girl looking out for her younger brother. Many of the teens addicted to huffing paint fumes, to relieve them of their situation/hunger. Begging. Doing whatever small jobs they can for people who tolerate them enough to help out a bit…to earn a few cents, or food.

I watched the movie while holding my almost 9-month old, Sophie. I don’t know much about who she will be someday. But she will know she is loved…unconditionally. So many things within the documentary that I’m tempted to draw out and use as an illustration, etc…but I can’t bring myself to do it. Seems like it would cheapen the struggles/issues covered.

But ultimately, there is much to be gained from seeing this. The small amount of worth/love some people communicated to these kids, and the impact it has on their lives.

May we all be aware of the places we can have such an impact for the Kingdom…

I had this girlfriend back in college who was incredible. We met early freshman year, and began officially dating in early December, 1999. Eventually, you guessed it, she became my wife. Since the day we met, a list has continued to grow of why she rocks. (I’d say “why I love her”, but that’s a bit mushy)

She and a couple friends have been working on a new project lately. They’re all nuts for connecting/being resourceful/saving time/helping others/etc…and came up with something. A website that posts meal ideas/recipes/etc. and updates regularly to help you meal plan ahead of time; helping you know how to shop/plan ahead/etc. She’d do a better job describing it too, probably, but you can learn the most about it just by going over and CHECKING IT OUT!!!

“But Chadwick, isn’t that a bit sexist?” – You might be thinking. “Isn’t that making the statement that women are the ones who should be planning/cooking/etc.?”

Nope.

She knows whenever she wants, I will gladly take over plans for any meal throughout our week. It just happens that she doesn’t share my affinity for frozen pizzas. 🙂

For real though….check that stuff out. Just click the link, go to the site, and bookmark that thing. Tell your friends. And your friends’ friends. Heck, even Money Saving Mom is hip to them.