You Know You're Home for Christmas in South Carolina When...

You arrive at the airport and people are shouting, "Welcome Home!" in their most enunciated southern drawls.

You get to eat at Chic-fil-a - twice in one day.

You have friends that camp out for 30+ hours to get coupons for Free Chic-fil-a meals.

Your friends wrap their presents in the finest newspaper they can find.

Your granddad makes homemade wine from "scuppernongs."

You realize that Walmart is the redneck capital of the world, and, on Christmas Eve, is like it's own Redneck City.

Your 2 year old second cousin gets her first fishing rod for Christmas.

Your 6 year old second cousin asks the local car dealer for his autograph because she "saw him on TV."

You, and everyone else in your family, gets some money from the cow sale.

"Trash" is a Christmastime favorite.

You get Christmas presents that meet the following criteria:

* Are made by Carhartt
* Are boots
* Are camoflauge
* Have to do with fishing
* Are for your 4-wheeler
* Have the state flag emblem on them (Palmetto Tree and Crescent Moon)

Christmas Eve dinner consists of turkey, rice and gravy, green beans, dressing, squash casserole, macaroni and cheese, rolls, and sweet tea.

Christmas dinner consists of ham, dressing, macaroni and cheese, fried squash, green bean casserole, rolls, and sweet tea.

Your dog's stocking is as full as yours is.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow

I've never seen so much snow in my life. In 3 days, as much as 20 inches got dumped on us here in Boston. The winter storm that brutalized the Midwest made its way East, bringing with it snow, sleet, rain, and some crazy wind. It was really beautiful watching the snowfall. Being from South Carolina hasn't really afforded me the opportunity to see snow like this, and, apart from the 3 feet of snow I saw last year in New Hampshire, this was the most snow I've ever seen in my life. It's definitely the most snow I've ever seen fall, period. On my walk to work this morning, I felt like I was walking through the Arctic Tundra or climbing up the North Col on Mt. Everest. As many winters as have passed here in New England, it never ceases to surprise me that people still don't adequately shovel their sidewalks. I'm from South Carolina, and even I know how to work a snow shovel. I laughed to myself on the way to work, as I felt my face numbing up because of the 15 MPH wind, and knew that if I just closed my eyes I would know the sensations of climbing up the world's highest peak, from the relative comfort of Somerville Avenue. All in all, I hope we're in for a white and wintry wonderland, and I'll settle for the arctic aftermath if it means I get to watch the snow fall again like it has in the past 3 days.

Here are some pictures courtesy of the BostonNOW and Boston Globe of the amazing snowfall.

"If we don't deserve anything else, we at least deserve to have a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs."

- John

This was a statement one of our clients made during the morning group today. I think it raises an interesting question about needs and the basic, inalienable rights of every human being. According to most Americans, our inalienable rights include Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. On a more basic level, I think, the right to shelter and food are primary. While I don't actually believe we deserve anything, I do believe that every person on the planet should be treated with such respect that their basic needs are met. An interesting quandary is raised in America, and particularly here in Boston, where more than 6000 men, women and children face the daily struggle of finding a place to sleep and finding their next meal, if we actually believe that meeting physical needs is an essential aspect in our Christian lives. I believe this, and I believe that the gospel can transform the lives of men, women and children that are affected by substance abuse and homelessness. I don't want to be relegated to that group of Americans that are classified by John Mayer's words: "We keep on waiting for the world to change." I long to be a man of action, a man utilized by God to see the power of the gospel transform the lives of men like John, who believes that, as a human being, he deserves to have a roof over his head and a meal in his stomach. I long to see the reconciliatory power of the Gospel go forth and change the way we look at the homeless population of our city, so that we might rejoice together at the coming of Christ's kingdom.

Boston Rescue Mission's Day of Thanks

On Sunday, November 18, 2007, the Mish hosted it's 15th annual Day of Thanks. We handed out more than 200 Turkey baskets, which included turkeys and all the fixins' to make the perfect Thanksgiving meal. In addition, with the help of a volunteer group from New Hampshire and the Mission's very own Dennis (in the middle of picture at left), more than 400 people were served a fabulous meal, complete with turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and more. We welcomed Boston's Mayor, Tom Menino, and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick (on right), who delivered speeches and also helped serve the meals and hand out turkey baskets. It was a truly blessed day, and it was amazing to be a part of it. My job was to stand at the bottom of the kitchen stairs and let the desk know when to send more people down to eat. It was a wonderful picture of mercy, seeing men and women who, otherwise, would not have the opportunity to feast with a community, get a chance to eat a warm meal with folks who care about them. The gospel was certainly preached, both through the actions of the Mish as well as through the words spoken during the meal. I had the pleasure of speaking at length with a former client about Jesus and the beauty of the gospel, all while enjoying the fabulous meal prepared by Dennis. It was a great day.

Boston Now Article:

http://www.bostonnow.com/news/local/2007/11/19/governor-helps-give-out-food-at-shelter

Boston Herald Article:

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1045686

NECN Video Clip:

Boston Politicians serve meals for homeless

Snow?

It's been a while since the last post, but things have begun to get crazy around these parts with all the holidays and with the weather finally beginning to resemble Winter. I know it's not Winter yet, but last year the temperature dropped a lot sooner than it has this year. Today, however, we're supposed to see our first snowflakes. I'm pumped.

(you can expect a couple of updates to come this week - first, some pictures of Tyler's and my apartment, and secondly, some pictures from the Boston Rescue Mission's 15th annual Day of Thanks.)