thoughts from Dad

Never let it be said that I would give up an opportunity to share my thoughts. So... here's my two cents worth.

Becca and Bill are truely having a most excellent European adventure vacation. (Notice that I worked in the titles of two popular movies from not too long ago.) we have had so much fun! the sights and even the sounds of our trip have been amazing... even surreal at times... and each one has been so completely different from the other.

Being with Becca a week in St. Trop gave me first hand experience of how she has lived some of her life during the last five months. Being on the Mediteranian Sea was scenic to say the least... and we were literally on the sea. One day we crossed a gulf to St. Maxine byt boat. Becca has gotten her French lifestyle down to an art. She walks everywhere to do everything and is in great shape. Keeping up with her is a challenge. Her apartment is "darling"... to use one of Mom's words. She is an emaculate house keeper... which is but one of many indicators of her maturity. (The difference between her preteen bedroom in Collierville and her apartment in St. Trop is quite significant!) Plus she fed me well... kept me on my diet... can see her mother coming out there

After visiting local sites around her home, our first big trip was to Amsterdam which is definitely a study in contrasts to southern France. Here, I learned... or really experienced... Becca's deep... and I mean deep... appreciation for art. My hope for her is that later when life settles she can take an art course or two... one in history... one in practice. I've seen some of her paintings. She has potential.

While in Amsterdam, it was necessary to do a little church work... which meant making contact with Mom. Becca was on top of that situation as well... and the situation was stressful... but she kept the lines of communications open between here and home... and did a good job keeping me calm... all the time staying in touch with fiance Erin who was very understanding. (They make a great couple.)

My favorite site in Amsterdam was the Ann Frank house. I've never read her diary; but know a great deal about the Holacost through teaching and study. Thier situation hiding out for years from the Nazis in such small quarters was for me a dramatic reminder of humanity's hope that justice will prevail. Anne's attitude as she faced her fears is a lesson in itself. (There's my sermon for the day.)

Next, we're off to Milan. Becca has gotten everything arranged... something that truly amazes me. She is so organized and cool headed. But before closing... and this might be my only entree... one last multi-cultural experience.

So... we're flying into Amsterdam. and a French speaking native of Brazil needs help. he can't understand Dutch or English but most of the Dutch are bilingual speaking English. So... (Here's another Becca story)... She steps in and communicates with him in French as she received information from a Dutch person who knows English; and the young French speaking Brazilian makes his train!

The trip has been good... and there is still more to come... but... as you can read and not even between the lines... the best part of the entire trip is being with Becca!