the harrell'd

So, we set off. It has been awhile since I have written, perhaps this can be excused by some recent and wonderful developments in my life (namely: getting married!) Kristen and I are learning how to be married. We love it. Sure, we're quick to admit that it is an adjustment to single living, but the sacrifices made are certainly eclipsed by knowing that your spouse and best friend will be there with you through all of life's circumstances. A couple month's before our wedding a friend of mine told us that the best part about being married, is that no matter what happens during the day, your husband/wife will still be there with you at the end of the day.

Recently, we've both been coming to the end of our respective jobs mentally and physically for opposite reasons (her's is exhausting, mine - numbing.) We've been talking about the idea of travel nursing for awhile now and this seemed to be the time. After much debate, we've accepted a travel nursing position just outside Fresno California, for which we'll leave Nov. 8th-ish. We're really excited, it will be an adventure. Fresno is just 2 hours from the ocean as well as from Yosemite National Park.

After our 13 week travel assignment we'll take a month and visit our Brother and Sister in-law (Chris and Erin) in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Africa. We're really excited for this opportunity and to explore what it may lead to for our future. We've both expressed interest in living overseas and working in community amongst the poor and I suppose this will be a solid "sign" in that venture of exploration.

Please join us in this time. We would love to hear from everyone of you. As Kristen and I have reflected on our relationship thus far we keep coming back to the symbol of being "on the road" or "the path." We've hiked and adventured alot together and look forward to this next uncertain and exciting time of our lives together. We are looking for direction, signs and peace at all the right times, as well as the patience to wait for the next "road marker."

Gender Roles

I think gender roles are based on tired, age-old stereotypes, and are predicated on proving one's neccesity in any given relationship (ie- I am needed to take out the trash, change the oil in the cars, cook the meals, earn the money, etc....)

A conversation -

Al Harrell says: So tell me why then does the Scriptures talk of the wonder of the individual in community. Jesus talks about transforming and empowering the individual. Seems like you lean toward the socialist.

Al Harrell says: Have you read Huxley's 1984 recently?

matthewharrell says: No, Ive started reading it three times.

matthewharrell says: Had it stolen once, lost once.

matthewharrell says: The individual in community - It's a celebration of both

matthewharrell says: Neither without the other.

matthewharrell says: Looking back on the idealistic pendulum swing it is the mid-point between your generation's ideals.

matthewharrell says: The boomers started communes, community, free love, woooo etc...

matthewharrell says: Realized the lack that was there, or perhaps that it could be exploited and that if it wasn't properly tended it couldn't sustain itself.

matthewharrell says: So the pendulum swung back, to what has been emerging in recent decades virulent individualism.

matthewharrell says: Resulting, most visibliy, in the sky-rocketing rate of divorce (and "a decline in morals")

matthewharrell says: Where's the middle ground? Whats what we need be looking for.

matthewharrell says: Where is communism that can sustain itself, and motivate individuals as opposed to squash and oppress them?

matthewharrell says: Where is capitalism that doesnt raise one above the other?

matthewharrell says: To an extent, I think that what my generation seeks is the balance between the ideological battle of your generation.

matthewharrell says: But, its almost 430 and I am going to make my exit

Al Harrell says: Peace

matthewharrell says: I'll stop playing mail-room politico

matthewharrell says: Peace