August 14, 2007

Well that is the end of the adventure. People ask me why I wrote it or better yet publish it. I think it is a great story. I am not proud of everything I did and I don't recommend following in my every foot step, but that is life. I could have just written about the lessons learned and good things I have seen, but that isn't real. I didn't learn my lessons in a vaccum. I did drink too much and got myself in trouble because of it a couple times. But I learned so very much from the whole experience.

I don't know if anybody really followed this. My wife read it sometimes, JR followed pretty close, and if there is anybody else out there, thank you, hope you enjoyed. Thank You Bobby for your e-mail. I would like to put it on here if you would let me. I didn't respond not because I ignored it, but I didn't know what to think. I talked to Michelle about it and tried to explain my thoughts to her because you and her are on the same page. She threw a fit when I let some of my family read the journal while they looked at pictures. I don't think too many read it all the way though, but I know some did.

In a nut shell, Bobby was worried about the example I might set for kids that might read this. At first I was pretty upset when I read it, mainly cause it was late and I was tired. But I do understand your concern. I just don't share it. That probably isn't the best way to put it. I am human and a sinner. I fall as much as anyone. I gave a talk on discipleship where that was pretty much the theme. The fact that I fall, doesn't make me any more or less of a role model for teens. I have asked for forgiveness for the things I have done wrong and have tried to set things right and tried to live better afterwards. But that doesn't means things didn't happen.

I don't have a lot of secrets. If the teens or anybody asked me about Europe, I would tell them about the sights and culture. If they read my journal and ask me about the questionable things, I would talk to them about it. Hopefully they would learn from my mistakes and not follow my example, but acting like I am perfect and trying to hold myself out as a person who hasn't screwed up, I believe is worse. I don't condone those actions, but I am honest about it.

On a lighter note, I am so glad I kept this journal. As you can tell, the trip didn't end on the best note. If I hadn't written it I might have forgotten the great things that happened early on and just remembered the crappy ending. Looking forward to seeing Rome again in December. Trying to figure out what to do with this blog now.

MILK