Tuesday (7/26) we begin making our second MN hajj. We are trying a new route that will hopefully knock off a couple hundred miles roundtrip, and provide a new travel adventure.
The two main reasons for the hajj are a Berg family reunion on 7/30 and a dinner with my Dad and family on 8/3. Other than that, we will try to catch up with family and friends, and enjoy the ambiance of God's country.
Hard to believe it has been two years since I retired (7/31/09). I have not been bored. The first year was pretty much focused on getting the house fixed up. I still have a few projects, but I am very happy and comfortable with our home. Come visit!
The second year saw us widen our circle a bit. Though we were involved in our church and local charity (ICS – delivering meals) almost as soon as we arrived, I added Literacy Volunteers of Tucson (LVT) tutoring to my plate. LVT is involved in basic literacy and English Language Acquisition for Adults (ELAA). I chose ELAA because I wanted to be in a classroom setting.
Over the last two years we have started developing our community, first at church, then in our neighborhood. It really makes a difference when friendships start blossoming. For me, Tucson is starting to feel like home, and a place I can be very comfortable for many years.
When I look back over the last two years, and look at the current economic situation in the US, I am very mindful of how blessed I am. I was able to secure and maintain a federal government career that enabled me to retire “young”. I have the love and support of family and friends. Martha has been faithfully by my side for 31 years, loving me warts and all. Most importantly, God has been with me every step of the way. I know it is by his grace that I am able to enjoy this time of my life.
