"3...2...1...We have liftoff!"

If you've been wondering where I've been of recent, the correct answer is "FLORIDA" (...and yes, it's a new state to add to my map). I traveled south with Daryl and Teri...and let me add that to know them is to love them.

For those of you who have taken the Perspectives course, you can probably imagine what it's like to travel with Teri (yes, it was fun). There were a number of hilarious moments. One of the funniest moments was when I had to put my superhuman-geographical-skills to use and help the two of them find their car (they were trying to unlock the car next to ours).

I traveled with the two lovebirds to speak at a banquet that was held during the IICS Board of Director's meeting. We traveled there on Thursday and settled in. Friday I spent the day at the Kennedy Space Center (AMAZING) and then spoke that night. After the dinner, I headed a bit south and spent the next couple of days...well, it's the next two days that I'd like to comment on (that and the Kennedy Space Center 'cause it was AWESOME!), but that will have to wait for another time.

It's a KILT!

A number of Christian denominations baptize infants as part of their tradition. Some struggle with such ceremonies, but I've never had a problem with 'infant baptisms' or 'baby dedications' (as they're sometimes referred to), at least not when there is a ceremony that follows as an adult. The Lutheran Church is one such church that celebrates both infant and adult baptisms.

My sister attends a Lutheran Church in the Sand Hills and I was able to attend my newest nephew's baptism about a month ago. For the ceremony, my nephew was clothed in a special outfit. This 'outfit' created much discussion as my sister continually referred to it as a "christening gown". Magnus the Strong, always quick to call things as he sees them, labeled it a "dress". Coming to Aiden's defense, I declared it a more manly "kilt". After all, "if it's not Scottish..."

The conversation became quite humorous as any reference my sister made to the "christening gown" was quickly followed by Magnus screaming "dress!" and shortly thereafter with "IT'S A KILT!" (in a thick Sean Connery accent).

The lad may never know what exactly he was wearing, but rest assured, it was a kilt.

First sight...

I spent much of my South American trip sick in bed. I have traveled the world and yet, somehow, Peru got the best of me. It's never fun feeling "under the weather" and this is especially true when traveling abroad. I am thankful, very thankful, that as bad as it was that the first leg of my journey, which included Machu Picchu, was spent in a healthy state.

The hike to Machu Picchu was breathtaking. The six hour hike started off well with warm, sunny weather, but quickly changed after lunch to a downpour worthy of the Amazon basin. I was tired, wet, and drained by the time we reached the ridge overlooking the lost city of the Incas...and I wouldn't have it any other way.

There's something to be said about overcoming an obstacle placed in your path. The harder the battle, the greater the reward. Seeing Machu Picchu emerge from the cloud covered landscape for the first time was reward enough for the entire journey.

Time to put the boards up...

Machu Picchu was amazing. I´ll be sure to share some pictures of the Inca ruins along with several other sites we have visited since once I return State-side.

Tomorrow morning, we are headed to the mountains to spend a couple of nights in a small rural village where many of the families do not speak Spanish. This will be interesting as I´m sure all of us will have a crash course in Quechua (local language). I´ve been doing my best to pick up some words and yet am sure there will be a lot left to gestures.

Once there, we will spend time working on a local school. As a way of saying ´thanks´, the village is planning a celebration for us the second night and I can only imagine what that will entale after spending New Year´s Eve here in Cusco.

The past several days we´ve stayed at a hotel on the main plaza. It´s been quite nice as they have a nice breakfast and a balcony that overlooks the plaza. For New Year´s, we watched as thousands gathered below and then joined them at midnight to run around the plaza three times while onlookers showered us with champagne and firecrackers (no joke...makes for an interesting run).

I guess we should have known what was coming when all of the local shops boarded up their storefronts earlier in the evening. I can only imagine what stories I will return with from the village.

Happy New Year everyone!