Hoping for snow.... the tale of a truly southern boy

Matthew and Ephraim at Disney World During Christmas of 2006

Poor Ephraim!

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We are planning a trip to Disney World during the warm months. Ephraim rarely stops talking... it's just constant chatter all of the time... so I sometimes miss some of the precious things he says, I'm sure. However, I'm glad I didn't miss this one!

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He said recently, "Well, when we go to Disney World, we'll build a snow man!"

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A bit surprised, I asked, "What did you say?"

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"It snows in Disney World," he replied matter-of-factly. "When we go, we will play in the snow and build a snow man."

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It took me a moment to understand what he was talking about... and then it dawned on me. The only "snow" Ephraim has ever seen (with the exception of about 25 flurries a few weeks ago) is the fake snow Disney World produces at Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom during Christmas!

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He was not happy when I tried to explain that it probably would not snow in Orlando OR that the snow we saw during Christmas of 2006 was actually made out of soap. In fact, I could tell he thought I had lost my mind. He knew it would snow at Disney World any time of year.

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Maybe Blizzard Beach will make up for the lack of snow!

Nathan tasting "snow" at Disney World!

Our Pristine Swimming Pool

Charles is doing an excellent job of keeping our swimming pool clear and clean over the winter... just look how much these guys are enjoying it!

It's probably a good thing he didn't see the ducks taking a swim...

Mission to the Amazon Jungle in Peru

It was snowing in Columbus when they left. Charles has been craving an adventure in the snow... but that's not what he'll be getting on this trip!

They are scouting out an area of the jungle to see what type of long-term mission opportunities might be feasible for MBC on a long-term basis. This particular area was abandoned by a previous church, and I can understand how that could happen. Airfare to Peru is very expensive; and the accommodations once you arrive are... well... a tent in the jungle. The Amazon Jungle. They have to travel to their site in a boat down the Amazon River for about 4 hours. After the boat ride, I believe they are also backpacking a small distance. It's not the type of mission trip that will appeal to everyone!

Here are some of the things that might discourage the average person from a trip to the Amazon:

• "The Willy Fish" (I didn't make up the name; I'm just repeating what it's called!) Learn about this clever little guy with this clip originally aired on Animal Planet:

• Piranhas.

• The Anaconda (and other critters). Here, you can learn how to survive an Anaconda bite:
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72QsTwxqDmg

Very interesting!

I'm not really worried about the guys in the Amazon. However, I did tell Charles to stay out of the Amazon River. I know piranhas are only attracted to the smell of blood... but why test the theory? I saw the movie Piranha in my formative years, and I can guarantee you I am not ever getting in the water with any piranhas! No Way!

Here is the trailer for the movie that forever shaped my opinion of bathing in the Amazon River: