Monday, June 26, 2006

Korean Baptist Church in Wichita Kansas


The Korean Baptist Church in Wichita was vandalized earlier this month. It looks like it was a hate crime. It isn't the first time the church has been vandalized, but this time they set fires in various places, as well as doing damage by throwing rice on the floors and just creating general mayhem. It was about $30,000 in damage. They are doing a CrimeStoppers piece on it.

I keep thinking surely we are past the point of hating people. I realize I have nothing on which to base this except common sense, but it seems that should be enough at some point. What's wrong with common sense? Seems like we could run our world so much better if we all used a little bit - like it's stupid to burn churches, for example.

In the vein of church teachings, one thing that seems to be common in numerous religions is the Golden Rule, not that it's called that in all faiths. But the concept is a standard - do until others as you would have them do unto you. So simple and yet so powerful.

Of course, the church members interviewed say they are praying for the people who did this and they forgive them. It's the Christian thing to do.

I didn't even know there was a Korean Baptist Church in Wichita - or anywhere - until I learned about the vandalism. But I'm now very offended on their behalf.

Garden Tour Big Success


The Garden Tour was a big success and it's done for this year. I am thrilled with the response we had. Tomorrow I have a lot of detail things to take care of for it, but I will also take some time just to rest and think.

As is always the case, there are people who are unhappy with things - always. I'm not sure why that is, but it must just be human nature. Fortunately, I don't have any of those people in my world by choice, so my contact with them is limited. And I'm blessed that none of them are on my board. I just could not deal with that kind of negative nit-picking all the time.

Peggy and Gary were a huge help, as they always are with any project. They are both such positive, fun people to be around. I don't know what I would do without them.

We did well today, and that's a relief. These events take a considerable amount of energy and this one was a real bear to get done due to circumstances beyond our control. But it all worked out.

Dick Westphal did a piece of jewelry for us to raffle off. He is such a gifted designer. And very generous with not only us, but other non profits in town.

One of the home owners today was playing music in her backyard, in addition to sharing her garden. I'm continually amazed at people's generousity.

I didn't get to all the homes as I was filling in at one of the locations. But it seemed like everyone was having a good time.

We had a fabulous day for it - sunshine, breeze, and it wasn't terribly hot. I think it only got up to the mid 80s today. Some years it has been over 100 the day of the garden tour so this was a pleasant change.

We had eight people this year who said they would do it next year so maybe this fall I will try to line that up.

I'm going to take some time now to work on my life. It desperately needs some attention.