The Rest of the Story

I know that some of you have been waiting with bated breath to find out if we ever actually made it to Colorado or not.  I apologize for the delay.  To be honest, I didn't really want to think about our last travel day for a while.  Now that I have gotten over it somewhat, I am pleased to present the final installment in my Holiday Travel Poetic Trilogy...

One Sunny Monday

At five in the morning my alarm made its sound.

I jumped out of bed and began looking around.

We needed to gather all of our stuff,

For if we forgot it, life would be rough.

We woke up the kids, and we went out the door.

Logan International Airport is what we're headed for.

That's when things started to go not our way,

and the next 21 hours were a really "unique" day.

It started with traffic--both outside and in.

People were everywhere, we just couldn't win.

We were randomly chosen for a second screening.

The security guards gave us a good preening.

They patted down Evie and Eldan too.

I'm not really sure what they thought kids would do.

We got on our plane and were doing just fine,

Until the pilot said we wouldn't leave on time.

Our flight out of Boston was an hour or so late,

And that destined us to a traveler's worst fate.

Our connection to Denver we missed at midday,

And our disappointment I can hardly relay

When the man at the counter said our next flight

Wouldn't leave Atlanta until nine that same night!

It was just barely lunch time when we got this news,

And I'll tell you the truth--there were some "Boo-hoos!"

We ate and we waited and we waited some more.

We walked up and down the Concourse E floor.

I paid seven dollars to go internet surfing,

But, par for the course, the connection was not working.

People around us were grumpy and mad.

While we were just tired and lonely and sad.

There was one idea that we could all try.

It was leaving earlier by flying standby.

On the four-thirty flight we didn't get called,

And for the six-thirty flight my hopes were a bit stalled.

Yet, lo and behold, there was room for us all.

And when our name they said, we answered the call.

A row to ourselves we were given with glee,

And look! They even have in-flight entertainment for free!

Yet, the four hour flight was spent with some groans,

From hunger, fatigue, and malfunctioning headphones!

"Oh well," I thought, "Just a bit irritating.

At least I know my family is waiting!"

I thought this because I had texted our flight

To my mom on her cell phone earlier that night.

Yet, unknown to me, a problem with the phone

Meant all of my family was sitting at home.

When our plane in Denver finally landed

Another full hour we would be stranded.

By this time it was nearly ten in the night

And our two little munchkins were losing the fight.

They both fell asleep--get some much needed rest.

I have to admit, they both did their best.

In spite all the troubles with which our pathway was paved,

Both of our children were quite well behaved.

I wish I could say the same for their dad.

On several occasions, my attitude was bad.

And now this poem I am glad I'm concluding.

Sometime after midnight we were in our bed snoozing.

Tuesday we woke with our attitude sunny,

And looking back now...our trip was quite funny...

Well, sort of.

Before I finish my holiday rhymes,

I feel I must add two final lines.

There is one bit of info this poem can't lack.

A week from this Saturday...we have to fly back!!!!!!!!!!

A Flourishing Poet

Now that I have started, the rhymes just keep coming...

One Windy Sunday

We finally woke up about eight-thirty or nine.

With nowhere to go, we had plenty of time.

A mid-morning breakfast of the continental kind,

And we were quickly putting our troubles behind.

But, then, a hiccup of no small proportion--

My wife informed me of a horrible notion.

Our diaper supply was running dangerously low,

And our children's bowels were not very slow.

If we didn't do something in one glorious swoop,

Our hotel room would be swimming in piles of diapers.

There was no alternative--the decision was quick.

Off in the snow, I would bound like St. Nick.

"Why must you walk?" wondering you are.

The answer is simple--We don't have a car!

I bundled up tight, and I went out the door.

Diapers and lunch is what I'm looking for.

The wind is ferocious--it's over the top.

But I soon find my way to the store Stop n' Shop.

A few minutes later, I'm carrying my sack.

Only this time I have the wind to my back.

A victorious return to my Comfort Inn pad,

And for the most part the walk wasn't that bad.

Lunch, naps, and football take the rest of the day.

Oh, and more Mexican dinner was coming our way.

I tried checking in online for our flight,

But for some unknown reason Delta wouldn't bite.

So it's until early Monday that we must all wait

To learn if flying is our Christmas fate.

8:25 is our target time.

So check back tomorrow for my last traveling rhyme.

Here We Go...Again

It appears that I will have some time on my hands today, so...
I thought I would try my hand at some poetry.

One Snowy Saturday

We woke with our hopes as high as the sky

That we would get on a plane and be able to fly.

Colorado was our destination

For a glorious family Christmas celebration.

But, alas, as in the airport we found ourselves standing,

We realized our plane would not soon be landing--

Or taxiing, or cruising, or any such thing.

Does all this have a familiar ring?

Our flight had been cancelled--rejected, denied!

I looked at my wife and we both almost cried.

Nothing out of Boston today, I'm afraid.

Our Christmas vacation will be slightly delayed.

I talked to the lady at the counter for a while

Who tried to assist us with a half-hearted smile.

She said, "I can get you on a flight tomorrow for free."

But she failed to mention that it passed through Chile!

"No thanks," I responded as I looked at the gates,

"For now we will try to stay in the States!"

She had one more flight that left on Sunday,

But another snow storm was headed our way.

I decided to try and get ahead of the game,

So for a flight on Monday, I put down my name.

Rather than drive through the weather as well,

I decided we would stay in a local hotel.

After freezing while waiting for the shuttle to come,

We dragged all our stuff to room 821.

After a Mexican dinner and some Sour Patch Candy

We lay in our beds--for once feeling dandy!

But then the baby, she started to cry,

And for the life of us both, we didn't know why!

My wife tried to calm her and settle her down,

But poor little Evelyn was stuck with a frown!

After what seemed like an hour or two

She finally calmed down. But then, you know who!

Mr. Eldan decided to wake up and scream,

I think he was having some sort of bad dream!

At last both the kids were sleeping away

And we could call an end to a difficult day.

If you want to know how things will conclude,

Just check back here soon--for the next interlude!

One of My Most Favorite and Least Favorite Quotes

"Life is what happens to you when you are making other plans."

Here We Go

I woke up this morning and spent an hour shoveling nine inches of snow off my driveway.  I noticed that I sounded a little like a women's tennis match as I grunted and groaned with each shovel-full.  At least I have a real snow shovel now instead of using the midget-edition I had to work with last year.

Despite nearly 14 hours of snowfall, the airport at Boston appears to be running normally, so...we are about an hour away from loading up the van and beginning our annual Holiday Trek across the country to be with family.  If all goes according to plan, we should be touching down in Denver shortly after 9 o'clock this evening (Mountain Standard Time).

The real question is...will everything go according to plan?  The Lord knows and we will too soon enough.

To those of you traveling this week--may God be with you.

To those of you not traveling this week--pray for those of us who are.

To everyone--Merry Christmas!

Season's Greetings (Video Version)

Season's Greetings (Still Version)

Although we would like to include everyone we know on our Christmas mailing list, alas--our finances do not allow for such a thing!  As a consolation to those who do not receive an actual Christmas card from us, I have posted the image below.  Enjoy the holidays responsibly.

Election Reflection

It's hard to believe that it has been just one week since Election Day. Although I must say, I have rather enjoyed the sudden departure of all the political ads and signs.  As the ripples from last Tuesday's events radiate across the country and the world, I have done a fair amount of contemplation.  As a voter that the media would classify as one of the "evangelical right", I have been somewhat discouraged at the knee-jerk reactions I sense from those in my circles.  Please don't misunderstand.  I voted for John McCain.  I am conservative--both in my theology and my politics.  The majority of those individuals who won last Tuesday are not people with whom I find myself in agreement at a number of different points.  And yet...I am not overly discouraged.  Maybe I am just naive.  Maybe I have my head in the sand.  I guess my response (or the lack thereof) to the election is more the result of my confidence in God's sovereignty and my confidence (though far less than the former) in our system of government, specifically the design of checks and balances.  I could be wrong.  Maybe things will get as bad as some of my fellow Evangelicals think they will.  But maybe they won't.  Either way, there is very little we can do right now except pray, stay faithful, and stay informed (Of which I need to do a much better job, I will admit.)  I am trying to remember that God is neither Democrat nor Republican, Conservative nor Liberal, Blue nor Red.  God is holy, righteous, loving, and infinitely above our little world of American politics.

Bearing all that in mind, I do have some thoughts about our president-elect that I would like to share.  I have decided that the best way to do that is to share them directly with the one to whom these thoughts pertain.  And so (with the realization that there is very little chance of him ever actually reading this), I hesitantly present...

An Open Letter to President-Elect Obama

Dear Mr. Obama,

Let me begin by saying "Congratulations!" on your recent election.  Although I did not vote for you, I understand that you ran a vigorous campaign that will most likely change the way future presidential campaigns are run.  I also understand the significance of your election in terms of the ongoing struggle against prejudice and bigotry in the human race.  I admire anyone who endures the year-long meat-grinder we Americans call a presidential election, and I can only imagine what it must be like to work so hard for something you want so badly, and then to reach your goal.

Now, I will be honest with you.  If you and I were to sit down for a cup of coffee (which I don't even drink) and a conversation about politics, I fear there would be very few things on which we would agree.  In some areas (such as the plight of the unborn), I believe you to be absolutely wrong in your position.  That notwithstanding, I want to ask you to do a couple of things for me as you begin your presidency.  I know your time is limited so I will try be brief.

1) Please remember that you are now (or rather will be as of January 20th) my President.  I have always had a patriotic streak in me, and I have always had a sense of wonder and amazement at the office of President.  I love the White House.  I love Air Force One.  I love all the decorum and protocol that goes with the position.  Please don't do anything to lessen my respect for this office.  I have two young children, and I intend to raise them with the same patriotic spirit.  I realized tonight that what I want more than anything else from you (more than a better economy or improved healthcare) is that you be an honorable, reliable, trustworthy, decent leader--both on and off the camera.  I may not appreciate many of your policies, but please don't ever give me reason not to appreciate your position.  If you will treat the office with respect, I promise to do the same for you.

2) Please don't ever underestimate the potential of those around the world who seek to harm us and our way of life.  Please don't forget how you felt on a Tuesday morning several years back.  I, like so many others, think that peace is a much better option than conflict.  But please don't purchase peace at any price.  Please be wise in how you utilize our armed services.  But remember, they have made the commitment to defend our nation at any cost.  If some of these courageous men and women have to pay that ultimate cost in order to prevent our enemies from prevailing over us, please accept this as a difficult, tragic, but necessary part of living in a free land.

3) Please give your two precious little girls the guidance and leadership that they need.  I know the demands on you will be great and that your time will be limited--maybe more so than any other father in the country--but your girls will need you.  Your wife will too.  Leading a family is not an easy task by any means (I have failed mine more times than I care to recall), but it is a necessary task.

4) I don't know exactly what your beliefs are concerning the Bible, but I ask lastly that you seek God's wisdom in all that you do.  I believe that God can and will use you to accomplish whatever He wills for our nation.  Please align yourself with His plan in every way possible.  If that means you have to do things differently than you were originally planning, please do things His way.  We will all be a lot better off, but you will be the one to benefit the most, I promise.

I don't know how you will take these suggestions, but I can promise you this from me and my family.  We will pray for you and your family, we will honor and respect you, and we will do our best to live honorable lives as citizens of this country and as justified children of God.

Oh, and one more thing--have fun.  You are gonna be the PRESIDENT!

Your fellow American,

Andrew D. Doan

Cake or Pie?

As the holiday season approaches, I have been considering the importance of this question.  For your information, I am decidedly pro-pie.  The reason is simple.  In a pie, the vast majority of the dessert is good stuff--the filling.  The crust takes up very little of the overall whole.  In a cake, however, the good stuff--the icing--comprises a very small percentage of the complete dessert.  Let's be honest.  Very few people really like the cake itself.  It's all about the frosting!  The cake simply provides a convenient platform upon which to place the frosting.  I think I would be more open to the cake persuasion if someone were to invent a cake that was like a pie.  The inside would be all frosting with a thin layer of cake on the outside!  Now that would be something about which to get excited!  Anyway, you can weigh in on this important subject by submitting your vote in the poll to the right.  The holidays are quickly approaching, so you had better make up your mind soon!

Oh How Fast They Grow!

Here's a few of our latest pictures. Both Eldan and Evie are growing fast...much too fast! We're just trying to enjoy every day along the way! Trust that you are as well.

DFV is Back!!!

To date, it has been almost 9 months since the last episode of Doan Family Videos.  The reason for the delay had nothing to do with the writer's strike or anything like that.  The truth is...I just didn't do any.  It's not that I didn't want to--it's just that...I didn't (do any).  I have been busy with school, moving, babies, and other paraphernalia for the last nine months, but that's not really an excuse.  I guess maybe I just needed a sabbatical.  Anyway, the videos are back and better than ever!  The look is new, but the heart and soul of DFV remains steadfast--to capture the moments of the unfolding drama that is the story of our family!  Below, you will find the first installment from the exciting third season!  (Approximately 10 minutes long) Thanks for taking time to look at it, and be sure to check back soon to see what happens next!

A Family of Four

It's official...we are a family of four!  Eldan is very sweet and loving towards Evie, and he loves the Thomas the Tank Engine toy that she "bought" for him.  We arrived home from the hospital just before lunch on Tuesday.  The only difficulty we had was the cell phone charger that we left in the room at the hospital.   All in all, we are tired but happy.  Enjoy some images of the last few days...

Keep it Short

I have already posted a number of times today, so I really want to keep this one short.

Thank you to everyone who has posted comments on the blog, written on Danielle's wall on Facebook, or dropped us an email.  Danielle has enjoyed hearing your congratulations as I read them to her from across the room!

Secondly, I would like to clarify the correct pronunciation of our daughter's name.  If you want to say it correctly, just remember the title of this post--keep it short--the "E" in her name that is.  It is pronounced EH-vu-lyn not EE-vu-lyn, EH-vee not EE-vee.

And so, having mentioned these two items and endeavoring to keep it short, I will now retire...

Labor Day

I know that most Americans celebrated Labor Day last Monday.  Never ones to be slaves to tradition, however, Danielle and I decided to wait a week before celebrating ours.  To be more accurate, Evelyn decided that we would wait a week.  Oh, where's my brain?  You don't know Evelyn yet, do you?  Well, let me introduce you to Evelyn Donna Doan...

She was born at 11:09 in the morning. (A rather speedy arrival in comparison to Eldan's experience.)  She weighs 8 lbs. 11 oz. and is 21 inches long.  Both mother and baby are doing well.  We have noticed that little Evie (as we will be calling her) seems to be a little spitfire.  She has no qualms about expressing her displeasure over certain activities that she feels are unnecessary.  She is beautiful.  Her dad is a little shell-shocked at the thought of raising a girl, but hey--it will make life interesting, right?

More pictures and videos will be posted as they become available.  Thank you to all for your prayers and support!

Andrew and Danielle chose to use the middle name of Donna in loving memory of Danielle's grandmother--Donna Woodward.

The Game's Afoot

It is 10:10 Eastern Standard Time on Sunday morning, September 7, 2008.

The game, as they say, is afoot...

Check back soon--don't miss a moment of the unfolding drama!

I Know Why You Are Here

I know why you are here right now.  I know why you have come to this little corner of the internet.  I know what you seek.

But, alas...

I am unable at this time to give you the information that you desire.  I am unable to provide the images that you long for.

All I can say is this--

In due time, my friend, in due time.

Until such a time arrives, I bid you a fond farewell...

Familiar Territory

Well, here we are again.

Been here...done this.  (But only once.)

Our baby (the gender of which remains unknown at this point, although I can see from the poll to the right that the girl-lovers are winning) is due to be born one week from today.  Whatever.  How can they really know the exact date?  The truth is they can't.

So...it dawned on me toward the end of last week that this birth could happen at any time--it is imminent.  That is what put me into familiar territory.

I find myself looking at Danielle and thinking, "Is she gonna go today?"  When I am in bed at night, I think, "Is tonight the night?"  Every time I get a text message I think it will contain the code words that Danielle and I agreed upon--"Bring the dollar!"  I am getting a little bit anticipatory (a little too anticipatory according to some).  Feel very much like I did in the days preceding Eldan's arrival.

Well, he finally showed up (with a little help from the doctors) and it has been awesome ever since, so...

I guess I can handle a few more days of waiting.

Then again...maybe tonight is the night?  "Bring the dollar!"

I'll let you know when everything comes out okay...

Powerful

In November of 1996, my family moved to Denver, Colorado and began attending South Sheridan Baptist Church.  For the next 2 years, I was under a youth pastor named Jason Janz.  Pastor Jay was one of 3 or 4 individuals who has had the greatest impact on my life.  Anyway, throughout our time at SSBC, I would hear occasionally about Pastor Jay's brother--Jeremy.  As I recall, Jeremy had graduated from Northland Baptist Bible College in 1994.  That summer, Jeremy was struck by a truck while riding his bicycle in Utah.  For the next 14 years, Jeremy lived in a persistent vegetative state.  A week ago Sunday, Jeremy died.  

I never met nor knew Jeremy, but I did feel a sharp sadness when I heard the news because of my friendship with Pastor Jay and others in his family.  I receive occasional email updates from Pastor Jay who is planting a church in downtown Denver.  In the most recent update, Pastor Jay included an article about the passing of his brother and a link to a tribute video that was played at the memorial service.  After watching the video on YouTube, I decided to post it here on my blog. (I don't think Pastor Jay would mind.)  I want you to watch it carefully.  The juxtaposition of word and image is compelling and convicting.  Sometimes God's ways stand in sharp contrast to the happy, healthy, hip Christianity that is being marketed these days.  Sometimes the problem doesn't go away.  God is still good.  God is still sovereign.

I post this video in hopes that it will expose Jeremy Janz's story and the message it proclaims to many who would not have otherwise known about it.

The Latest

Here's a little tour...

(BTW, for those of you who are wondering--the immensely popular series "Doan Family Videos" has not been cancelled.  New episodes from Season 3 will be appearing on this blog in the not too distant future!  Keep dropping by!)

A Touch of Summer

Here are some summer pictures from as far back as our June vacation up to yesterday.  (The headless pictures were taking by our aspiring photographer--Eldan Doan.)

It's No Secret

I ordered some books from a Christian book distributor the other day.  (Oddly enough, the name of the company is Christian Book Distributors!)  I was browsing through their catalog and I was kind of discouraged by what I saw.  Of course there was plenty of Christian fiction for people like my wife who can breeze through a book in a day and a half.  The usual children's videos and CD's were easily found.  Several pages contained the variety of Bibles available for purchase.  I had no difficulty with any of those things.

What bothered me was the "Christian Living" type of books.  You know, those books that aren't necessarily a formal study of a specific portion of Scripture, but the kind that use (emphasis on the word use) the Bible to explain a particular topic of interest for a Christian?  I was amazed at what is available for Christian consumption these days.  Do you know how many times I saw the word "secrets" or "steps" or "guide"?  Too many, I assure you.  A Christian can buy books on everything from "Using Faith to Flatten Your Belly" to "What Would Jesus Eat?" (A Christian Cookbook)  A plethora of volumes promise to reveal the "secrets" (there's that word again) of success in your marriage, your career, or even your landscaping! (Okay, maybe that last one wasn't actually in the catalog, but you see my point.)

What bothers me is the underlying assumption that the Bible is this magical book that contains all of the right recipes for a healthy, happy, fulfilled life here on earth.  One well-known author would even have us believe that, if we will just read his book, we can have our "Best Life Now."  Just plug in the steps revealed in any one of these books and...PRESTO!  

Now, make no mistake, the Bible is a book.  The Bible is magical--if by magical you mean that it was supernaturally inspired and preserved, and that it deals with many things beyond the realm of human perception.  We must not forget, however, that the Bible is a book.  Like any well-written book it has an underlying theme (or thesis) that drives it forward--from Genesis to Revelation.  Every portion of scripture that was included in the Bible was included because the Author felt that portion would allow Him to move closer toward His thesis for the book.  The Bible is not a hodgepodge collection of "secrets" or "steps."  It is the divine revelation of history--His story.  The story of God's dealings with mankind--where we came from, where we are, and where we are going.  The truths of scripture can and do impact a variety of areas in our lives, but I have reservations about the mentality that looks to use the Bible for this and that.  The Bible is not to be used.  The Bible is to be learned, studied, and mediated upon in its fullness.

A glance through the typical Christian book catalog reveals that we (as in Christianity as a whole) have got a problem--narcissism.  We have turned the Bible from His story to our story.  We are so consumed with having our "Best Life Now" that we have forgotten what both Paul and C.S. Lewis understood perfectly.  This life is just the beginning.  It's the overture.  The real performance comes later.  We are living in the "Shadowlands," but the best is yet to come.  The Bible is not about secret steps or hidden principles.  It's our only reliable source for truly understanding what life is all about--and I can assure you, it's not about us!

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face" - the Apostle Paul

Second Guessing

Have you ever heard the expression "Monday morning quarterbacking"? The phrase refers to football fans talking about Sunday's game at work on Monday morning. If their team lost the previous afternoon, everyone seems to have an opinion about what could have or should have been done during the key points in the game in order to produce a different outcome. I wonder if real NFL quarterbacks ever find themselves "Monday morning quarterbacking"? My guess is that they do--often. When things don't go well, there is always a tendency to look back and wonder if the outcome would have been different if you had made different choices. It's second guessing, and all of us have done it, I'm sure.

I am not a very decisive person by nature. I hate making decisions, and I often sit on "Monday mornings" and question whether I have done the right thing. Over the last 5 days, I have done a lot of second guessing. I have also learned something that I would like to share with my readers.

We arrived in Merrimack, NH late Wednesday night. It was an emotional time as we said "See you later" to our friends the Walshes who helped us with the driving from Ohio. On Thursday morning, July 3rd, we began the task of unloading and unpacking our things. Shortly after 11 in the morning, I walked from our house to the church building across the street to pick up a packet of information. As I was walking back in the 80 degree temperature, I saw that Danielle's grandparents had pulled up in their car. They were bringing us lunch. (Grandpa loves to cook!) Danielle's Nana got out of the car and walked toward the front door with Grandpa just a few steps behind. About 30 seconds later, I walked throughout the same door and saw that Nana had collapsed onto the floor. I've replayed the next 10 minutes in my mind dozens of times since it happened. Without going into all of the details, let me just tell you that I tried to use several of the things I had been previously taught in CPR/First Aid class. When the paramedics arrived, they took over the situation and eventually rushed Nana to St. Joseph's Hospital in Nashua, NH. No one knows exactly what happened inside Nana's body, but shortly after midnight on Friday, July 4th, she passed away.

After the initial rush of adrenaline wore off that morning, I became very distressed. I was frustrated because I felt like I had wasted too much time right after Nana collapsed. I knew she needed help, but I couldn't do anything until I moved her. I didn't know if I should do that or not. All throughout the afternoon on Thursday, I struggled with the question, "What if I had acted more quickly? Would the outcome have been different?" Although I would never have chosen the position for myself, I was the quarterback and it was "Monday morning."

At the risk of making this too long of a post, let me tell you that I have talked with several people (including some with professional medical training) and have become more settled in my mind and emotions about what happened. Part of me still wishes I had acted more quickly, but I know I have to let it go.

The reason I have shared all of this is to mention what I have learned from this tragedy--second guessing is very rarely a good idea. That is not to say that we should be proud and arrogant. That is not to say that we should refuse to admit mistakes or learn from them. That is not to say that we shouldn't look back in life and reflect on both the positive and the negative experiences. The point is this. In life, you only get one run-through. There are no mulligans. That is why it is so important to take your time and to seek the wisdom of God when making major life decisions. (I am hoping that some of my students from LCCA are reading this.) Life, however, does not always afford us the luxury of time when making decisions. Sometimes, we don't get a chance to fast and pray and seek counsel. Sometimes...we just have to act. Second guessing yourself doesn't accomplish a whole lot other than making you upset and unsure of yourself. "What if I make the wrong decision in crunch time?" you might ask. Well, if you are walking in the Spirit daily, all you can do is trust God to help you make the right decision. If you do make a mistake, the best thing I can figure to do is admit it, learn from it, and move on. God is gracious, great, and good. We are fallen, frail, and finite. He has the amazing ability to work all things (including our poor decisions) together for good according to His purposes. There is no room for obsessive perfectionism in the life of a Christian--it is paralyzing and lacking in faith. Let us purpose to serve God with all of our heart. If things don't always run as smoothly as we might have hoped, don't look back for too long. The road ahead is where our eyes should be.

"Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
- the Apostle Paul

Movin' On

As I type this, it is 7:22am on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008...

Gotta go load a moving truck and drive it to New Hampshire...

To those of you in Ohio--we will miss you. Keep in touch if you feel so inclined...

To those of you in New Hampshire--see you soon...

To those of you in Delaware...um...well...hmmm...what can I say? You're in Delaware!

Everybody Enjoy Life!

On the Road

Of the 592 hours that have transpired in the month of June thus far, I have spent approximately 60 of them driving around the country in our minivan. (That is 10.1%) When we are on these road trips, there are only three activities in which I can engage without getting car sick: 1)Driving, 2) Listening to music or podcasts or audiobooks, and 3) Thinking. Of course, all three of these activities can be engaged in concurrently. I tend to think alot as the scenery along the interstate blazes past us at 65 or 70 or 75 miles per hour. Here is a collection of some of the more coherent of my thoughts from the road.



Part One - "The Blame Game"
We ate at a Cracker Barrel on Monday night. Our waitress had only one star on her apron. I'm assuming that means she is either new on the job or not very good on the job. Actually, I think it was a combination of both. I ordered my steak medium--it was well-done. My mom didn't want gravy on her potatoes--there was gravy on her potatoes. The camel back-breaking straw was when my wife ordered country-fried steak and was given country-fried chicken instead. When Danielle mentioned this to our waitress she said this, "Oh, did they do chicken?" Her intended implication here was, of course, that it was not her fault but rather the fault of the cooks in the kitchen who prepared the food. That really irritated me. As if the cooks would just spontaneously decide to prepare something totally different than what was on the order form. "Hey guys! It's says steak, but let's do chicken instead!" Or maybe they just got the raw steak and the raw chicken mixed up because they look so much alike! What we have here is a classic case of blame-shifting. The girl didn't want to admit that she wasn't listening very carefully when we ordered our meals. I hate blame-shifting! I especially hate it when I do it! Would that we all we would learn how to admit when we are wrong!


Part Two will be forthcoming...

Our New Location

For those of you who have been wondering about our upcoming move, here is some geographic information...

Uncut Updates

Sometimes, in my effort to put together videos for this website, I tend to get a little too picky about the final product. It often takes me several hours to get a 5 or 6 minute video together. (What can I say? Greatness has its downsides!) I decided today that I would do something totally out of character for me--put a video on the site completely uncut and unedited! That's right, I will film only one take and slap that puppy on the blog without another thought. No music, no graphic, no touch-ups for the audience. Just me, my family, and the camera--the way home videos ought to be. My main reason for doing this is to provide quick updates on the goings-on in our lives. So here is the first installment in what I am calling, "Uncut Updates." (But you won't see that title on the video anywhere.) Hope this week finds all of you doing well!

Eldan's Two Year Pictures

These were taken by our friend Amber Walsh at a local park called Dawes Arboretum. Thanks Amber!

An Overlooked Blessing

Did you ever make one of those "never" statements?

Like...

"When I am a parent, I will never give my kids a bedtime!"

or...

"I will never work at a place that has a dress code!"

Well, I am glad to report that one of my "never" statements has been shattered irreparably. For several years I had boldly proclaimed, "I will never get a minivan!" Well, guess what? We are the proud owners of a 2000 Ford Windstar--the "Tan Van". In truth, we bought the vehicle in the middle of April, but I have been so busy with the end of school and the move that I had not yet taken the time to mention this blessing to my blogience. (I just coined that term--"blogience". It's blog and audience, in case you didn't catch it!) I must tell you that, in spite of my earlier aversion to the idea, I am very, very glad we have this vehicle. It is something for which we have been praying for over a year. Every time we would take a trip in the old green Cavalier; every time we would feel the pressure in our lower backs from hunching over to put Eldan in his car seat in the old car we would think of how nice it would be to have a bigger vehicle. We had to be pretty picky on our price range, but we found a friend who was willing to sell us this low mileage vehicle for a great price. What's more, I was able to sell the green car to a different friend for an equally great price! All in all, the whole business has turned our rather well. We have already put the van through its paces--it has been from Ohio to Florida and back, and is currently half-way through an Ohio to Colorado round trip. We love travelling in it and it has performed very well. The only glitch was a tire blowout in Kentucky but that was more the fault of the Kentucky Roads Department than anything else! I have included a few shots of the newest member of our family!

Playing Around

A few pictures from some of our recent adventures...(Eldan has developed a taste for C.S. Lewis, as you can tell from the first couple of shots!)

Filler

I really don't have anything to say right now. My only purpose in entering this post is to get those ridiculous NCAA predictions off of the headline. Mission Accomplished!

While I am here, I will say this--if you want to see what is going to be occupying most of my waking moments (and some of my not waking moments) for the next month, click on the link to the right labeled "Our School" and watch the preview trailer for this year's play. I will give you more info about this as things progress...

My Predictions

Okay, so my bracket is busted beyond repair. Oh well, I don't really like winning things like that anyway. (That's why I usually just go ahead and lose 'em--to give other people a chance to be on top every once and a while!) I do have some thoughts about this weekend's matchups at the Final Four, however, so I will delineate them for you:

I PREDICT...

That UCLA will play Memphis in the first game of the evening...

and...

that UCLA will win 67-63.

FURTHERMORE, I PREDICT...

That North Carolina will play Kansas in the second game of the evening...

and...

that UNC will win 81-74.

The National Championship game will be won by the Bruins of the University of California at Los Angeles over the Tarheels of the University of North Carolina by a score of 75-70.

Watch and be amazed!!!!

(This picture has nothing to do with my predictions, I just think it is funny!)

The Speech

The following is a transcript of a speech I gave today in chapel at our school. It is probably one of the hardest speeches I have ever had to give.


Students and Teachers,

As I stand here this morning, I feel like I have a divided heart. I feel like a tug of war battle is going on inside of me. On the one side, I feel very excited and confident about the Lord’s provision and guidance for me and my family. On the other side, pulling in the opposite direction so to speak, there is a feeling of intense sadness—sadness because I know that God’s direction in my life means that my time as a teacher here at LCCA is almost over.

On this past March 6th, my wife and I decided together before the Lord that we would accept an offer of employment that had been given to us by South Merrimack Christian Academy in Merrimack, New Hampshire. This is a good school that is connected to the church that my wife and her family have been part of for quite a few years. Our plans are to finish this school year here at LCCA as normally as possible, and then, on or around the last weekend in June, to move to our new home in New Hampshire.

I know this announcement may come as quite a shock to many of you. I won’t take time here in chapel to go into a lengthy explanation, but let me just tell you that this decision comes after many months of prayer and consideration. For some time now, my wife and I have sensed a stirring in our hearts about living and working closer to our family. We have submitted our thoughts and desires to the Lord the best we know how, and have told Him that we are willing to do whatever He wants us to. We are confident that this move to NH is a good and right decision for us as a family.

Now, I know that I have just dropped a bombshell on your day, but I do have a few things that I feel I need to say, so I am asking you to please listen very carefully to these statements.

First, I want you each to know that this was not an easy decision by any means. In fact, it was probably one of the hardest decisions my wife and I have ever made. We have grown quite attached to all of you, and it was very difficult to think about leaving. When we were first offered the job in NH, the administrator of the school there asked us to pray about it for two weeks—that is exactly what we did for two weeks and even a few days more. We prayed, and talked, and sought counsel, and discussed, and mentally wrestled with this decision. We did not take it lightly in any way, and we now know this is what we should do.

Secondly--and I want this part especially to stick in your minds. When you tell your parents about this later today, I want you to mention this part in particular. The fact that we are leaving is not the result of anything negative. Mr. West and I are good friends, and we have not had any sort of disagreement or “falling out.” He has mixed emotions, of course, because he would like for us to stay, but he has been very gracious and supportive since I first talked to him about it. I respect him highly and I have enjoyed working for him. I will also say the same about Pastor Dennis. I respect him, and have been impacted by his ministry here at the church and school. Let me say it again, we are not leaving because of any sort of negative incident or because of any person here. We simply believe this is what we are to do.

Thirdly, I want you all to know that I love you. I know that might sound a little weird, but it is true. I have tried to show you my love and concern over the last three years by being the teacher, counselor, coach, director, and friend that you have needed. I haven’t always been exactly what I should have been, I know, but I can honestly say I have tried my best. I know you might not agree with or like my decision to leave, but please don’t ever doubt the fact that I care deeply about you and I want God’s best for each of you. It might sound like an overused phrase, but LCCA will always hold a special place in my mind and heart.

Speaking of that, the last thing I want to say is this—I am still interested in hearing about you all and the school here. It won’t be quite the same as being here day in and day out, I know, but I would love to maintain contact with any of you who want to. Many of you know that I have a blog that I update periodically. All of you are welcome to visit that blog and leave comments there if you want to. Of course there’s always things like email, snail mail, and texting—well, maybe not texting. I’m a terrible texter. Seriously, I want to hear about what’s going on around here. I definitely want someone to contact me next August when the gold team finally wins the Mighty Plunger at Camp Peniel! I also want to hear about the progress and spiritual growth you are achieving as you continue through school. It is very important to me to hear from you all, so please don’t hesitate to write if you want to.

My wife and Eldan could not be here today, but they want you to know that they love you and will miss all of you a bunch. Like I said at the beginning, our hearts our pulled in two different directions. We are excited about the future, but we are very sad to leave.

Well, I’m basically finished. If any of you want to talk to me personally about this, I would be glad to do that. My hope now is that we can continue to move toward the end of the school year as normally as possible—although I know it will be a little weird. Thank you for listening to me, thank you for welcoming me in over the last three years, thank you for taking all of those notes in class, and thank you letting me be your teacher and your friend.

Just remember, for those who have heaven as their final destination, there is no such thing as a “goodbye”, it is always “see you later.”

Potpourri

My wrist has been bothering me lately. I went to the doctor and he couldn't find anything wrong with it. He told me to wear one of those wrist braces to see if the "wound" or whatever it is heals. Ever since I have been wearing it, not only does my wrist hurt but so does the rest of my lower arm!

Speaking of doctors, have you ever noticed that no one in those prescription drug commercials ever actually does any work? (The one notable exception to this rule are the Plavix ads. Remeber the middle-aged man with the blod clot who singlehandly restores power to a large city by simply talking into a radio while walking around in the rain and pointing?) Usually the rest are engaged in some recreational, yet mildly invigorating activity with picturesque panoramas in the background. They all live in large, suburban houses, and none of them ever wake up with bed head. And don't even get me started on the Lunesta commercials. There is something just plain old freaky about that little translucent butterfly that lands on people's noses while they sleep! Didn't someone in the 60's write a song about that sort of thing?

Have you ever had someone criticize your abilities by saying, "A two year old could do that better than you?" Well, when it comes to March Madness and the ability to pick the winners in the bracket, it is actually true. My two year old son is doing better in our school's bracket competion than both his mother and father. Danielle is 28th and I am 27th out of 87. Eldan is tied for 7th! When he picked Western Kentucky to make it to the championship game, I scoffed. Guess who looks silly now? Go Hilltoppers!

I got one of those "Undeliverable Message" messages the other day. You know, the one that comes to you when your email didn't make it to its intended recipient? Have you ever read one of those? I couldn't tell if the computer was telling that my email didn't make it or if it was breaking up with me! Seriously, it was from someone named Daemon and he said that he didn't like my host and that it was a permanent error so he was giving up! He also said he was sorry that it didn't work out! The only thing he didn't say was, "It's not you, it's me!" Oh well, at least we can still be friends.

I have a pair of square-toed black dress shoes now. I'm styling!

Do you know how hard it is to verbally rebuke a two year old who is making goofy faces at you? Well, it's tough let me tell you.

I am going to go now, my wrist hurts...

A Visit from Grammy

Most of these were taken by my mom on her recent visit to Ohio. Eldan and I got haircuts last Saturday. One of us started crying hysterically when Danielle turned on the clippers. I'll let you take a guess as to whom it was.

Mobile

My mom has been visiting for the last several days. It has been a really good visit, but for Eldan it was an especially good visit. Grammy gave him his birthday presents early. One of those presents, as indicated in the picture below, was a tricycle. Oh Boy! He's gone mobile! What's next?

Double Minded

I have a double purpose to accomplish in this post.

Purpose the first--to let everyone see these pictures of Eldan. (Someone close to me told me that my blog had too much writing and not enough pictures.)



Purpose the second--to inform all of my visitors (in case there are any of you who didn't already know) that Danielle and I will be doubling the fun in our house come September. We are expecting a baby--the gender of which we won't know until he or she is born. This is an answer to prayer and we are very, very excited. I am sure you will be reading and seeing more about this as the due date draws closer. (Interestingly, Danielle is due on September 2nd--the day after Labor Day! HA! HA! Isn't that funny? I certainly thought so!)

Thus, having accomplished both of my purposes--I will now retire...

Last Minute Valentine's Day Advice

It occurred to me this morning at 5:58 (don't inquire as to why I was thinking about this at 5:58 in the morning), that there might be a few would-be Cassanovas out there who need a little help in expressing their devotion to the loves of their life. With that in mind, may I present the following list:

Some Words that Definitely Rhyme with Valentine:

line
fine
spine
wine
align
brine
sine (as in trigonometry)
vine
dine
mine
pine

Some Words that Sort of Rhyme with Valentine:

time
grime
crime
sublime
drive
slime
assign

Some Words that Definitely Don't Rhyme with Valentine:

sweet
money
candy
Mel Gibson
power tool
Democrat
osteoporosis
Manning
NASCAR
bubble team
subwoofer

Hope this will be of some help.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Holiday in...

I know...I know. It's almost Valentine's Day, and here I am getting ready to talk about the holidays. Yes, the holidays. As in the holiday season which just occurred! I know that most people have moved on and now have their eyes firmly fixed on the new year, but I am not quite ready to let the holidays go yet. I just took down my Christmas lights about 2 weeks ago (even though I quit turning them on at night long before that), and I am now ready to officially bid the holiday season a fond farewell. I now offer to my regular readers and viewers the final installment of the 2nd Season of DFV (Doan Family Videos). The complete season will be available on DVD in the not-to-distant future. In the meantime, I hope you can bring yourself to listen to one more Christmas song and to watch one more scene of winter wonder. 2007 was an interesting and blessed year, and I look forward to documenting the Doan family for many more. Enjoy....

The Wire

For those of you following the ongoing drama in my life, here is what happened last night...

We were up by 12 (36-24) with 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

With 4:32 left in the 4th quarter we were tied 41-41.

Nate Humphrey hit a three at 4:22 and we were up 44-41.

Ben Walsh hit a three (3:51) and we were up 47-41.

They hit a two (3:01) and we were up 47-43.

Bart Loy hit a wide open lay-up (1:57) and we were up 49-43.

They hit a three and we were up 49-46--with 1:42 left in the game.

Seth Tankersly was fouled with 47 seconds left and hit two clutch free throws. We were up 51-46.

They hit a three (yes--another three), and we were up 51-49--with less than 15 seconds to go.

Ben Walsh was fouled and hit the front end of a 1 and 1. We were up 52-49 with around 10 seconds to go.

It was down to the wire...(which was the exact opposite of what I had hoped for.)

They shot a deep, deep three with about 6 seconds left, and...

and...

and..........................................

it was an airball. We rebounded the ball and ran out the last 4 seconds.

Final Score - LCCA 52, Zanesville 49.

No dramatic music. No picket fence. No Gene Hackman.

But it was a win!

(I think I will stick to Junior High Basketball.)

Shooter

Tonight should be an interesting one for me. I will be making my debut into the world of varsity basketball coaching. Our varsity coach had to leave town unexpectedly yesterday, and he asked me to coach his team in the big rivalry game tonight. I am more than happy to do it for him because I am a loyal friend. (I hope you are reading this, Coach!) I feel a bit like the character "Shooter" in my favorite movie, Hoosiers. You know--the guy who is the town drunk? I feel like him because in the second half of the movie, he gets put in a position where he has to coach the varsity team in a big game. He feels a bit overwhelmed and is a little lacking in confidence. When it comes down to the wire, however, he makes the right decision and they win the game. Let's hope that, when it comes down to the wire tonight, reality will reflect fiction. Actually, let's hope it doesn't come down to the wire at all. Let's hope that our guys build a 45 point lead by the 2nd quarter. If it does come down to the wire, however, I know exactly what I will do. I will look at those 7 players and say, "Boys, we're gonna run the picket fence at 'em! Don't get caught watchin' the paint dry!"

A New Year's Prayer

Whenever I hear a song that clearly, simply, and accurately declares Bible Doctrine, it catches my attention. (Probably because not many songs accomplish this!) Over Christmas break, I listened to the song below. I had heard it a few times before, but this was the first time I really listened to it. At that time, it served as an answer to a very specific prayer request I had offered to God. Danielle and I have decided to make it our prayer and focus for 2008. Read it carefully. Listen to it carefully (if you can find a recording of it). It is saturated with doctrine. I hope you will spend your year in Christ alone.

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song.

This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease,

My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ Alone, who took on flesh--Fullness of God in helpless babe.

This gift of love and righteousness--scorned by the ones He came to save.
'Til on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied.

For every sin on Him was laid. Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay. Light of the world by darkness slain.

Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave he rose again.

And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost its grip on me.

For I am His and He is mine--bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death--this is the power of Christ in me.

From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.

No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His Hand.

'Til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Eldansdad Family Films

As a teacher, one of the biggest questions I face each school year does not come from one of my students. It is the question of what to do with my summer. I enjoy having some free time, but I also would like to be a good steward of the opportunities God has given me. Summer is the perfect time for me to pickup some extra income. The question is--how? Last summer I decided to take what had basically amounted to a hobby of mine and try to use it for some supplemental income. The result? A small, home-run business called Eldansdad Family Films. I can provide memorable and well-designed DVD's for just about any occasion. This is something I love doing, and I would be glad to do some creative work for you. If you are interested, just drop me a note at eldansdadff@yahoo.com. I have included several images of my promotional materials below. Take a look at them and see the possibilites!