Stardate: -317664.01

One of the reasons I'm glad that I'm in Oregon right now is because this past week, my half-brother Jason had two visitors from New York City, Jeff and Italo. Jeff is a tall, mostly black, very funny man who I originally met eight years ago when I went to New York City to visit Jason. He both disturbed me and challenged me in my relationship to the Lord, and because of that combination of verbs, is pretty much in a category by himself where people that I know are concerned. Jason has been trying to get him to come to Oregon pretty much since Jason moved back here five years ago. He's was going to come to Jason's wedding, but didn't want to fly on the plane due to a medical problem. So he kind of owed us a visit. Apparently God thought it would be good for him to visit also, as the trip was arranged abruptly and unexpectedly in a way that makes it pretty obvious that God is up to something.

It was great to see Jeff, though he hasn't changed quite as much as I have in eight years. I also enjoyed getting to know his friend. What surprised me about this trip, that I didn't expect, is that Jeff and his family are in transition and looking for a new place to live. Because of the amazing visit they had here, they are seriously considering moving to Oregon, which is almost unheard of for someone who grew up in inner-city New York (many of those people never move out of the inner city, or even go to see the Statue of Liberty, much less another state). But I probably shouldn't be that surprised, because a strong, loving community of believers like the church I attend here is very attractive to someone in transition. I should know, because that's one of the main reasons I came here.

Godspeed in making a decision, Jeff, and we'd love to have you here with us.