tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.comments2010-03-11T17:28:54.954-08:00Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00361895791157343187tbrock@yahoo.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-43390557529455169252009-05-28T09:18:59.559-07:002009-05-28T09:18:59.559-07:00Thomas,<br /><br />Callie and I miss you so much!<br /><br />Thoughts and Prayers Always!<br /><br />God Bless You!<br /><br />Shellie and Callie GirlShelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141617342701091085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-14182508558318045832009-05-14T09:32:18.663-07:002009-05-14T09:32:18.663-07:00Tom (Tombrock!),<br /><br />Jim brings valid points. Definitely not what came to my mind as I read your post. This very well may be your San Damiano, i.e. the church that needs to be rebuilt. <br /><br />On the flip side, however, I am reminded of our Good Lord's words to not throw your pearls before swine. <br /><br />I'll continue to pray for you, dear cousin, and your efforts in Banica. <br /><br />On a side note, in regards to the aches of age. I can't believe the doctors have no idea what is causing the pain. I'm only a first year dental student but I have enough anatomy under my belt to know that numbness is generally a sign of a nerve issue. If you're also having lower back pain, it could be related to a nerve root. BUT, since you have very little disc left, perhaps it is some sort of arthritis of the spinal joint. Either way, it sounds like something is impinging on a nerve exiting the spinal column. I also have the benefit of experience, having dealt with a bulged disc off and on for the past 6 years.<br /><br />God bless and keep you, Tom.<br /><br />-GlennGlenn Gnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-23393542022735753922009-04-08T08:22:43.247-07:002009-04-08T08:22:43.247-07:00Hey Uncle Tom!<BR/><BR/>I agree with the first comment. :)<BR/><BR/>I wanted to let you know that, (Teddy), Theodore Charles Ignatius Jerge, was born on March 26, at 7:41 AM, 9 lbs, 6 oz. :D<BR/>Love you,<BR/>Clair J.Clair J.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-62587327271688540592009-03-09T18:56:19.989-07:002009-03-09T18:56:19.989-07:00The whole time I was reading this I thought you were talking about Homero, 'till I got to the end. =)mairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101286246132592445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-92175281789752477012009-03-04T10:23:30.889-08:002009-03-04T10:23:30.889-08:00beautifully written Tom!<BR/><BR/>--Ninalittlebookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10584584543241751293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-36206219138080236062009-02-28T20:08:36.447-08:002009-02-28T20:08:36.447-08:00Awww, I'm so glad that you have a dog. He sounds really sweet. <BR/>When you come back we're going to have to have big FAMILY game of volleyball. :D<BR/>I hope to see you very soon. <BR/>Love you, Clair J.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-67630866390831151812009-02-24T06:27:08.817-08:002009-02-24T06:27:08.817-08:00Hey there, Poet man! Long time, eh? Re: your dillema; can you not gather together a few who, perhaps, feel the same as you do and form your own team of like minded players? Teach them the value of working together and once they experience what can happen in that setting, I'd bet it would catch on amongst some of the others and, Lord willing, soon it may be fun to play again. Will pray that such a thing is possible and that you will make it so.<BR/>Doug CM#128887Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11868868411345287954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-66306560526796240872009-02-20T14:50:49.073-08:002009-02-20T14:50:49.073-08:00Darlin,<BR/>I dont know how many times you have encouraged me to stay on the narrow road when it was so easy to use the wide road. I know in my heart you will find a way to show others to do the right thing regardless of what is going on around them. You have the knack baby.. <BR/>love you<BR/>MaggsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-52060897187168029122009-02-05T12:06:48.399-08:002009-02-05T12:06:48.399-08:00Hello James, my own thoughts concur perfectly with your own. I have two analogies I like to use regarding things that can be observed in everyday life here. <BR/><BR/>The first varies in phrasing: "dog philosophy", "philosopy of the dog", "dog mentality" "dog bits/bites" etc. For now, I'll leave it to the reader to discern how that might apply to life here.<BR/><BR/>The other is the anology of the soil here. There is much rich soil here. But far too often, it is so completely saturated with stones that it is hard to get a plentiful crop. And the rocks run so deeply that even when you take the time to till the soil and remove many of them, the next layer bubbles quicky to the surface. <BR/><BR/>So many "rocks" have been laid, entrenched, cemented, woven into the very fiber of the culture here that it will take much and pro-longed tilling to have any hope of having a wide and lasting effect upon the general populace.<BR/><BR/>P.S. At least one someone in my circle of friends has a hotline upstairs. The very next night,the Lord tossed a bone on the volleyball court to this little man. Thank you to one and all for your continued prayers!Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00361895791157343187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-80465741785321832692009-02-04T18:28:58.434-08:002009-02-04T18:28:58.434-08:00I agree with Jim. I was feeling deeply for you and can picture you working as hard as you can (and harder) to play your best &amp; cover every ball, but more importantly to get everyone a hit. I have seen you do it countless times. I have seen you want to win so much you could cry, but still selflessly give the ball to someone who is not as good as you (many times - me). If anyone can be an example of Christ on this rough court, it is you. If anyone can evangelize during a game of volleyball, it is you. If anyone can teach these people of all different levels and attitudes to play, it is you. I won&#39;t be surprised if you have a new league set up on Wed and Thurs nights before long! (and you&#39;ll be playing into the wee hours, I&#39;m sure) This is no cooincidence. <BR/><BR/>Maybe YOU should start a game with people who you pick, to set the example, and then others will want to join when they see the fun. Then they&#39;ll have to play by your rules!<BR/><BR/>We miss you! ShannonShannon Catabuinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-85834200134749197702009-02-04T14:00:38.142-08:002009-02-04T14:00:38.142-08:00Mr. Brockly,<BR/><BR/>A bit of an introduction. I knew Fr. O'Hare briefly, when he was at Our Lady of Angels. He was kind to my family at the death of my mother, and presided over her funeral mass and internment. I'm the guy who gave him the Cardinal Ratzinger Fan Club sweatshirt.<BR/><BR/>Somehow I doubt that God sent Brockly to Bancia to teach him a weekend warrior's limitations in his favored sport. Methinks there's more going on here.<BR/><BR/>From long-time travels around the world, how people - especially children - play games is an indicator of corruption in their society. Game playing is a microcosm of how they believe rewards are and will be accrued in their lives.<BR/><BR/>"Then, almost overnight, a new outdoor basketball/volleyball court was built in the center of Banica! It even has lights so night play is possible." Right in the neighborhood with three Catholic missionaries. Hmmm.<BR/><BR/>If the border region of Haiti and the Dominican Republic is ever to find a way out of poverty, corruption on all levels will have to be addressed. Trust me, I've seen this many places in the third world. Each generation learns that I gotta get mine before someone else gets mine. Watching the undeserving run off with all the goodies' is a powerful lesson plan in Satan's toolbox.<BR/><BR/>From personal experience, God also works through human hands. The more stubborn those hands are in listening to God's message - sort of "Servant, go where I send thee..." the more insistent the message becomes. God's will is going to be done, and it's more comfortable for his human hands to get on-board sooner rather than later.<BR/><BR/>The bad news follows. From my experience, wringing corruption out of a society is plumb difficult. God my be giving you an indication of how difficult your task will be, if you take up this burden.<BR/><BR/>I'll sign off with a quip attributed to Mother Theresa of Calcutta: "I know God will not test me beyond my limits. I just wish he didn't trust me so much."<BR/><BR/>Vaya Con Dios.James E. Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11759070649225825891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-72075110199604720282008-12-30T15:04:13.633-08:002008-12-30T15:04:13.633-08:00Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2009! <BR/><BR/>I invite you to listen a special Christmas episode of my podcast “Levántate y Sal a Caminar…” <BR/><BR/>28 minutes of Christmas carols in many languages, meditations and more…<BR/><BR/>“Let's resolve this year to create a peaceful presence wherever we go…”<BR/><BR/>Jesus loves you.<BR/><BR/>Luisa Veyan S.<BR/>You can listen it in: http://levantateysalacaminar.podomatic.com/Tu Agenda Musicalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375981811407296602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-35794912681684198222008-12-15T17:39:31.181-08:002008-12-15T17:39:31.181-08:00Tom,<BR/><BR/>I believe that chair screams out for you to sit in it and watch the traffic go bye, as did your bed when taking Phil. classes with Dr. Burns.<BR/><BR/>DanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-46988830463815659122008-12-14T07:27:43.242-08:002008-12-14T07:27:43.242-08:00Spanish accented French and German also launched at me there.<BR/><BR/>but forever in my mind now will be Italian in an Australian accent!Joe Gregorynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-90689063949036641512008-12-13T16:09:03.285-08:002008-12-13T16:09:03.285-08:00Virginia, of course I remember you and your family! <BR/><BR/>When it comes to friends there are no "former parts". (Much) Less frequently encountered, perhaps, but never "former"!<BR/><BR/>If you think of it, give them my love next time you see/talk to them!Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00361895791157343187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-75508837961716780562008-12-08T12:12:37.070-08:002008-12-08T12:12:37.070-08:00(((Hug)))<BR/>I can relate, friend. I've been mistaken for a German when I was speaking French....<BR/>--Marge in MaineAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-31291187168837978132008-12-03T16:53:10.541-08:002008-12-03T16:53:10.541-08:00That's a good sign, Tom. You may fear you are losing your mind, but you are simply developing empathy with the people you have come to serve -- thinking the way they do. <BR/>Empathy is the first step to love.<BR/><BR/>But you knew that. ;-)<BR/><BR/>-- Marge in MaineAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-44230833471738586382008-11-29T16:23:21.878-08:002008-11-29T16:23:21.878-08:00Hey,<BR/>Those roosters sound like the roosters that would "crow" (if you want to call it that...it was more like "trying" to crow) at all hours of the night. That was when we lived at the Delmar's. Although I was only 3...I'll never forget waking up to them screeching in my ears. :D<BR/>Hope you'll come back soon!<BR/>Love, ClairClair Jergenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-39110833033347086982008-11-29T15:47:54.781-08:002008-11-29T15:47:54.781-08:00Lol, wow! :D<BR/>Hi Uncle Tom!<BR/>I heard you aren't coming back for Christmas...We're gonna miss you. :'(<BR/>I really love reading about the stuff you do...it's really awesome!....keep us updated!!!<BR/>Love,<BR/>ClairClair Jergenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-50041345196084947532008-11-26T08:57:46.097-08:002008-11-26T08:57:46.097-08:00oh tom, pleeeeease do sit in a chair one day just to watch the traffic :-) i would love it, haha, it really is a great activity!!! heheheMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13585698333937135312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-85931172392059231742008-11-20T17:44:02.565-08:002008-11-20T17:44:02.565-08:00Tom,<BR/>Hello from Nebraska and a former part of your life when my family/brothers and I were your pals in Arkansas long long ago. <BR/><BR/>I heard about your site from your mom. And I love reading your stories. Having lived and worked in the Dominican Republic and the campos there as a University Service/Immersion trip coordinator for 10 years, the saga of something as seemingly simple as a lawn mower takes me back. I'm envious of your time in the D.R., as the Dominicans and Haitians are some of the most welcoming folks in the mundo. I will continue to check in. Vaya con Dios. Virginia Dotterweich McGillAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-87989168071521685912008-11-13T18:46:31.913-08:002008-11-13T18:46:31.913-08:00I love reading your blog! Keep up the good work!!Michaela Grindernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-87855108935588694712008-11-09T06:29:08.160-08:002008-11-09T06:29:08.160-08:00Tom,<BR/><BR/>What you would give to be driving the poop truck again in Front Royal after an adventure like that. Dan:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-74600806926515393592008-11-09T06:24:05.796-08:002008-11-09T06:24:05.796-08:00Tom,<BR/><BR/>I sat here reading your post and realized that your doing more work there then you realized you'd be doing. You are giving those people a real life idea of what it is to be a christian by not losing your temper. Your blog made me laugh hesterically with Colin right beside me. Let me know what I can do to help you. DanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-922824604790531625.post-14681353227678736352008-11-08T11:35:01.930-08:002008-11-08T11:35:01.930-08:00God bless you, Tom, and the good people of the Dominican Republic. What dauntless attitudes and persistence. <BR/>Mary 92340 PAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com