23 November 2006

A walk down memory lane

Before this blog came into existance I had another blog that I had forgotten gompletely about. I found it a few months ago and noticed that it was posted on Thanksgiving day 2005, so I made a note to write about it today. I just re-read my post, and it is fun to note the amount of changes that can occur in a years time. It is not that I fundamentally disagree with anything that was written a year ago at all. I just think that I feel a little less jugemental this year than last. That makes me happy. To accept all and exclude none is a big focal point of my daily practice right now.

Link to old blog -> http://lifeisadrivethru.blogspot.com/

Anyway, I do hope that everyone has a fruitful Thanksgiving celebration with their loved ones.

all the best,

Matt D

21 November 2006

1,000 unique visitor mark has been passed!

In July we passed the 500 visitor mark, and now 5 months later we have somehow managed to find 500 more readers.  I wonder how many people actually read the site and come back, or how many just stumble across the site while traveling across Blogger.  Anyway, it is amazing to think that we have had a voice that could reach 1,000 people since May.  I sure hope that it has been educational, and at the very least entertaining.

Want to go to Cameroon with me?

Well, the time has come to head to Africa.  I will be leaving with a group of 10 to look into several logistical options for various projects in the country that range from energy farming to schools, to clinics, to cottage industry style jewelry production.  The possibilities are endless.  I am very excited to have an opportunity to be a part of this trip.  This time Briana will stay behind because we have not yet nailed down all of the particulars.  Once things are more concrete perhaps she will get to take a hop across the pond with us.

We will fly out of Newark airport for Paris on Saturday evening at about 7:10pm.  The flight will last 7.15 hours.  I plan to sleep as much of this as possible, but I will also bring the video Ipod along with some movies in case I cannot sleep.  I think we will also have several chances to discuss the mission of the trip as well, but since the majority of the first leg of the trip will take place during normal Pennsylvania sleeping hours, the majority of the meetings will occur the following day.

Once we arrive in Paris there will be a 2 hour and 20 minute layover.  We will leave for Douala from Degaulle airport at 10:30am and will fly south for about 6.35 hours expected to arrive in Cameroon at 5:10pm (UTC +1) on November 26th. (that will be 10:10 am CST)

Once we are there it will be a marathon of meetings, and travel within the country.  The days will be long, but I know that they will be exciting.  I will be sure to journal a good bit and share some of the journal on the blog when I get back.  I will also bring my camera along and will post some video and photos to the blog as well.  I am not planning to take my laptop along as it will not really be very useful to me and not worth the risk of loss and or damage from dusty conditions.  Also there sill be no internet access where we will be (or so I am told), so it would not be a very viable tool of communication.  Actually I am not certain how much contact I will have with home on this trip.  Of course Briana will receive word that we landed safely, but I do not know if I will have a chance to speak with her for the 10 days that we are away, or if I will be going quiet for a while.  If we do not speak, It will be one of no more than 5 days in the past 15+ years that we have not spoken to one another.  That will be a new experience.

In case you have not noticed, the name of this blog has changed to something a little more appropriate.  In the past 5 months I have been shown that fear can manifest itself in so many skins.  To even try to say that all fears are gone would be a fraud.  The path of selfless service however is very much our home right now.  So the next time you see a person holding a sign that says 'will work for food', think of Briana and I, and by all means offer them something to eat.

Much love to everyone!

Matt D

NYC trip summary


Our trip to NYC was very nice. Since we have been living in an extremely rural environment for the past 5 months it was at times overwhelming, but for the most part the change was fun.

The city itself is amazing. I have never seen a city move with more fluidity in my life. The people, cars, busses, and bicycles all move as one giant unit. It appeared to me that the entire city is in a constant state of near collision, but those collisions never occurred. Driving in Manhattan was a true life experience. I have no idea why there are lines on the streets, because not a soul stays within the lines. People merely drive wherever they feel like driving, and they are so bold when it comes to merging. I am now certain that I have seen enough of New York City for my entire life. I am not saying that I do not enjoy the city, it is just a bit much to handle and call it recreation.



It was very nice to be able to take Briana out for a proper anniversary celebration. A month ago we celebrated out 5th wedding anniversary in Davenport, IA while we were attending our friends wedding. There were two factors that made it difficult to celebrate properly. 1 – Briana was sick. 2 – There were a limited number of choices in the city for romantic dining. New York City had just what he Dr. Ordered. We had a wonderful meal at a restaurant named Devi. Devi is sort of like what you get when you mix an Indian restaurant and a 5 star restaurant together. It was delicious and romantic. I would definitely go back if given the chance. Our hotel was super nice, but the downside was that we were forced to stay in Times Square. That place is not my favorite. It is gaudy, noisy, and has way too much going on for any one place on earth, but we certainly made it through with a good nights rest.

I took some photos and a video of the trip, but I am having trouble with the card that they are stored on. I will try to get them uploaded, but if not no one is really missing anything too great.

That is all that there is time for this morning. After lunch I plan to take a moment to give the details about an upcoming trip to a foreign land that is just around the corner…

14 November 2006

Heading to the Big Apple


We are heading to NYC this morning, and we will be back early Thursday morning. The trip is 1/2 business, 1/2 pleasure, as both Briana and I have meetings in the city on Tuesday, but Wednesday is going to be devoted to feeling 'urban' again. I plan on snapping a few photos even though it seems that the weather will be a bit on the wet side, but this is the 3rd trip in a year to the big city with no proof but the memories.

When we get back I will post an update of all of the newest. Some of this stuff is WAY COOL!

02 November 2006

Great Snow happening right now!

Wow, what a great day!

We helped our good friends move into their home today in Honesdale (7 min away)! Welcome home Luke, Kourtney, Prakash, & Mangala! It has been a long year without you.

I had some great conversation about becoming more involved in the overseas projects today as well, I know things do not seem to be moving quite rapidly enough for this fast food society, but trust me that due dilligence is occuring, and we will begin to save humanity soon! ;-)

We received word today that another dear friend and mentor will be moving to town toward the end of the month, so we are so excited! We feel rich in family. Now if only a couple more people would come home things would be so near perfect!

Now, it is snowing to cap it all off. Really nice snow, and this time it seems to be sticking to the ground. If it sticks around in the morning hours, I will amend this post with photos. Right now it is way too dark out.

That is about all there is. Such a busy day, such a wonderful day. So much happened that I forgot to mention that the month of October was a tremendous success for my professional responsibility here at the Instittue! It would be improper to brag about specifics, but just know that all is VERY well for us!

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes, they mean a great deal.

Matt & Briana