As one of the older- perhaps the eldest- member of the Azhikkakathu family- I complete 84 years tomorrow- let me convey some of my reflections to the younger members.
We were also up on the high mountain at whistler park- the site of the Winter Olympics 2009. The waterfalls and lakes were breath taking. Also visited Vancouver Island - two hours journey by ferry.
We got to see the skeleton of a huge whale in a museum at the University of British Columbia. We were told its heart was the size of a small car. It was easy to imagine Jonah in the whale's belly kneeling and calling out to God.
The Church we attended in Las Vegas was like a huge theatre. The service was attended by thousands- like a convention. They still have outreach programs and smaller bible classes and cell groups etc. We usually attend a Baptist Church in Vancouver whenever we are there and this time also attended a Lutheran Church in San Francisco. They all make you really comfortable worshipping in their midst.
Sure this was a small part of American continent that thrilled us. There are still plenty of exciting views in Africa, the middle East, Europe, China, Japan,all over the world, even in India to be seen and enjoyed.
I have no doubt, travel is very educative- even at my age (!) It enlarges one's perspective about life in general and it is my advice we should all widen our horizons, see the variety in nature and learn about how other people live and understand their circumstances too. So I would advise our younger generation to make the best use of any opportunity they get to travel around.
It has been my wish these past few years to see a web site for our family and am glad it has taken form and am grateful to those who initiated it. Let us continue to keep it alive and interesting for the younger members too.
Another disappointment I used to feel is that there are no ordained members of the clergy from our family. But now when I see how a number of our members have served the government and in the private sector creditably and with absolute integrity even in difficult circumstances, I feel, perhaps that is even a better witness.
Let me conclude with a quotation from 'Fit Me in Somewhere', by G.Kelly in Spoken Worship:
"Fit me in somewhere, in this giant jigsaw, God, somewhere in this work of art you're working. Select a space my shape can fill"