Ok, so I just re-read my last two posts and they sound like a rather harsh rant against the church. It is not meant to be so. I have nothing against doctrine, it is vitally important to our Christian faith. I, myself, like reading theology and enjoy trying to understand some of the deeper truths to our faith. But does it take the place of me loving others (1 John 3:18, Col 3:14)? Honestly, it certainly does sometimes. That is the point I am trying to make. What, in my life and in yours, are we emphasizing more than seeking to truly love (which encompasses serving) others? We want to walk before we can crawl or eat food before we can swallow milk as Paul exhorts. As a body of Christ we are so terrible at caring for those who need us. We have become so incredibly introverted and individualistic in our walks. Ok, ok, i'll stop now.

Hernandez shared a link to an article in Christianity Today: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/009/16.38.html. It is an interesting read and thought provoking. If anything it is a springboard for discussion. I have, in my short time in Philly, met some people involved in communities like those in the article. I can't say that I agree with them on every doctrinal point (here we go again!) or their worldview, but I respect them for their committment to their communities. It's a falicy to think God has called all of us to live in this way (something the individuals I've met do believe), but we are all called to love and serve.

Three posts in one day... you guys are luucckkyyyy! I finished my day in the clinic and am waiting for Mosie to finish up so we can grab some dinner. The staff (physician and others) are so nice and friendly. I dont know if they are all Christians - the physicians are. We prayed consistantly with every patient we encountered. The patients respond so favorably, even when they are new to the clinic. I think the patients would actually be offended if the physician DIDN'T pray with them because it has become the standard of care here.

I also have some terrifying news. Out of curiousity, while waiting in between patients, I weighed myself. My baseline is between 155-160lbs. I step on, knowing I'll probably be a little over that... and it what does it read.... 173.5!!!!!!!!!!!! I frantically ripped off my white coat and shoes, wishing I could go all the way to my skivies. But realizing I was standing in the middle of the clinic I restrained myself and reweighed. 170. Are you kidding me!? 10lbs in 3wks! FATTY! I thought maybe 3-5lbs at the most, but never thought it would have been more than that. I told you the tex-mex 3x a day, 7 days a week was killing me. A big factor I'm sure is breakfast. I'm used to a big bowl of Cheerios every morning and here they are giving me eggs with bacon and sausage, biscuts, hash browns, etc. Thats an extral 500-600 calories at least... probably like 10 bowls of cereal. Of course I dont HAVE to eat it, but until this past week I couldn't find any Cheerios. I was trying to run in the mornings before prayer (7:30am), but I haven't been able to be consitant. Running at night is equally hard because I'm so tired. Regardless, I need to do something. I think I am going to start skipping breakfast in the cafeteria and go back to eating my Cheerios, but of course SMI doesn't buy milk until Sunday mornings.