Ongoing Training

I know that it has been a while since I have written an entry.  While I have had a lot of things inspire a blog entry, I have not had much time and/or interest in writing.  Because of this, I am taking a little time now to do so.

I just finished my yearly In-Service with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services yesterday.  It’s a week long series of classes.  Some of them, like fire safety and report writing are required by everyone.  Others, like PPCT (Pressure Point Control Tactics) are only required for those who have direct Inmate contact.  As a Unit Case Worker, I have to not only take ‘basic self-defense,’ but more advanced defense and control tactics in order to protect myself and other staff from an aggressive Inmate.

This past week was enjoyable and challenging.  Because I am a certified ASHI (American Safety and Health Institute – https://emergencycare.hsi.com/) First Aid and CPR qualified, instead of taking the First Aid/CPR class, I taught part of it.  Although I had a bit of a rough start, I did manage to keep it interesting and informative.  I focused on the First Aid part while the Training Specialist, in charge of the In-Service classes, taught the CPR part.  This was good because we had a large class, so out tag teaming it broke it up into more manageable groups.  That was a lot of fun!

Because my back problems flared up last week, while on a short vacation or all things, I was really worried about the self-defense part this past week.  However, since God evidently wants me to stay where I am at, He enabled me to not just partake in the class, but to participate normally.  That is, although my back bothered me at times, it did not limit me in what I could do.  And, since martial arts is something I have always been very interested in, I really got a good workout, for two days straight.

In fact, the Training Specialist joked with me yesterday morning, the day after all of the PPCT/self-defense training.  Because of all that I did in training, she was not expecting me to be in class yesterday.  I then told her that, quite frankly, I was astounded that I was not in excruciating pain myself.

Now, I just have to finish my on-line portion of my In-Service.  This is the part that I am not overly thrilled about.  Having grown up on the 70s and 80s, my preference is the ‘traditional classroom.’  While I can learn from an online course, it just isn’t the same as attending the class, having a physical book(s), and being able to actively interact with the instructor and other students.  It just isn’t as enriching.

Now, there are some on-line things that I have been actively taking advantage of that I do like.  For example, I am really enjoying Duolingo (https://www.duolingo.com/).  I am using it to maintain my German language skills and learn Spanish.  Although it’s not nearly as good as actually partaking in a class, it is set up in such a way as to enable a person to learn another language.  Of all the different ‘learn-at-your-own-pace’ books and programs that I have tried over the years, this one is one of the best.  In my opinion…

At least the training that I am doing for the Nebraska Department of Corrections isn’t as intense and annoying as some of the Army training that I have done over the years.  For example, the ‘Accident Avoidance’ course that I’ve taken yearly since 2003 has not changed at all.  It not only has the same person narrate it, while wearing ‘old school’ BDUs, which were replaced by the ACUs many years ago, but the scenarios have not changed.  And, since you can’t skip though things, one is forced to sit through the exact…same…annoying…unchanging…scenario…  To me, that is a very good definition of ‘death by PowerPoint.’ 

I also had to do many other classes in order to be able to promote to Staff Sergeant and for being a ADSO (Additional Duty Safety Officer) for my unit.  The on-line course for promotions, SSD2 (Self-Structured Development, I believe) was very long and tiring.  Don’t get me wrong…  There was a lot of good things in the course.  And, much of it was definitely important things to know and understand so that I could be a good mid-level leader.  However, the class’ approach and teaching style often left a lot to be desired.  At least for me, it was not very engaging at times.

I do know that everyone learns differently.  What works well for one person may not work as well for someone else.  For me, on-line classes have to be done in a very engaging way, and be something that I am really interested in, for it to be effective and enjoyable.  And, I do understand that many large corporations/organizations do a lot of the on-line training because it cuts down on their cots.  Understandable… 

Oh, well…  In a little bit, I will return to my on-line training for NDCS and continue to plod through it.  After that, I will do some on-line training that I really enjoy.  That is, the Duolingo course.  I will also probably engage in one of my new hobbies this weekend.  Well, finish something from a new hobby.  More about that later, though…

In closing, I definitely do encourage all of you to continue to learn and grow.  Find avenues, be it from an instructor in a class, from YouTube videos, or from a book, to learn new things and improve skills that you already have.  The more you learn, the more you better your life and the lives of those around you.

In Christ,

Ray

A New Role

From last October until January, I worked as an Acting Case Worker as often as possible.  Having been Custody Staff for over 11 years, I was absolutely ready for a change in my life.  As Cusdody Staff, my role with the Inmates was 70-80% enforcing the rules and only 20-30% on interacting, role-modeling, mentoring, etc.  As a very introverted and empathic person, this role was a difficult one.

To be honest, I originally started working with the Nebraska Department of Corrections in January of 2006 and quickly realized how challenging the role would be for me.  In fact, it was a job that I only applied for because my unemployment insurance from leaving Active Duty was running out.  Being someone who is a natural mentor and shepard, this role made me feel like a big, square peg being forced into a small, round hole.  More than a little awkward.

Now, don't misunderstand...  I was very good at my job.  By nature, I have always been a thorough and fair person.  The Inmates soon learned that they could always know what to expect from me.  Though many Inmates hated me for enforcing the rules, they respected me for being consistent and treating everyone equally.  Many coworkers and supervisors respected me for this, too.

Having been a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) for years, I always strove to utilize on-the-spot corrections whenever possible, be it staff or Inmates.  Some highly respected me for this, others didn't.   But, they typically did not try to force me to do differently.

Although I was very good at my job, it did not give me much personal satisfaction.  As an INFJ, such a role was extremely draining physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Because of my growing dissatisfaction with work, I would often become bitter with God for the job He put me in.  Sometimes I was able to "grow where you are planted," but that was more the exception than the rule.

Although I am still not thrilled with where I am at, I am more accepting of my role as Unit Case Worker.  It has a much higher focus on problem solving, mentoring, etc., that I have a more positive view of my work and role.  Being that I work in a prison, I will always have a strong focus on security.  However, it is now closer to 20-40% of my work, not the main focus.

What is interesting is that many of the Inmates have quickly adjusted to this new role of mine.  In fact, some of the Inmates who were respectful in the past would not talk with me much at all.  Now, however, many are more willing to talk and receive my feedback.  I am still quick to correct unprofessional/inappropriate comments.  For example, one Inmate would always say, "Hi, buddy!"  After correcting home several times by saying, "I am not your buddy," I finally took him to the side and explained why his comment was inappropriate.  The 'light went on' and he has talked with me correctly ever since.  And this was over 2 weeks ago, and this person is a friendly person by nature.

Although working in Corrections is hard for me, being a Unit Case Worker seems to be a better fit.  I am not excited about work, though when I was acting Religious Coordinator,  I was.  But, that is a different story for another time.

In Chist,

RC

Been a Challenging Few Weeks

These past few months have been very challenging for myself and my family.  Some of them good and some of them not so good.  Some days I have had time to write, but no inspiration or desire to.  Other days, I wanted to write but had to take care of other responsibilities.  Been very frustrating at times.

I have started my new position as Unit Case Worker.  Although I didn’t have a whole of quality ‘on the job training,’ I did get some.  As is often the case, I did a lot of ‘hit the ground running’ kind of training.  But, having been an Acting Case Worker several times before this, I was able to adapt pretty quickly.  For the most part, I have been working either in 3AB or one of the Protective Custody units.  Housing Unit 3 has been pretty smooth for the most part.  Many of the Inmates there have known me for years, so they know what to expect from me.  In fact, many of them seem to prefer me in my new Case Worker role.

The Protective Custody (PC) units that I have worked with have either been pretty good or awful.  Well, one unit in particular houses the ‘more difficult’ Inmates who are PC, and then tend to be the most difficult to deal with.  At least for me.  What’s ironic is that another group that are in a substance abuse program often have similar issues as the other ‘difficult’ PC group.  However, because of the program that they are in and how it can impact their parole, promotion to a lower custody and transfer to another institution, or release, they have a very strong incentive to follow directions.  It is very interesting noting the different dynamics in the different units.

About a week ago I put in my bid for what shift and Housing Unit that I want to work on.  I should find out this week with whether I got my first or second choice.  Considering the fact that both are for the same shift (Afternoon/evening) and same Housing Unit, just different sides, either one is fine with me.

Probably one of my biggest challenges the past few months have been the chronic pain that I deal with on a daily basis.  After 15 years with the Army, three of them with the 82^nd Airborne Division, and during my 4^th deployment, I developed problems with my lower back and both knees.  It turns out that I have arthritis in both knees, though my right usually is worse, and permanent damage to several of the discs in my lower back.  This past winter had been really rough, especially with my knees. 

It hasn’t been all bad.  Our daughter just celebrated a birthday earlier this month and participated in her first dance competition.  Her group did so well that they took all of the top awards for their age group, which was very impressive.  Needless to say, we were all very proud of her for that!

Both kids are doing pretty well in school.  Their third quarter finished recently, and both received a lot of good marks.  And both improved in several catagories since last quarter, which is also awesome.

On the few occasions that weather and my schedule has allowed me, I have been leading an adult Bible Study.  At the beginning of this year, our pastor had our congregation read through the book “All In” by Mark Batterson.  Due to my work load, I was not able to read the book until recently.  And, I have not read too much yet.  However, my wife did read the whole book with the rest of the church.  She thought that it was pretty good, but didn’t really go into the “so what, now what?”  That is, how does one actively apply what has been learned.

So, what I decided to do was ask those that attend the Bible Study to come up with at least one example in the Old Testament and the New Testament that they though really embraced the “all in” that the book talks about.  So, we have talked about Malachi and will be talking about John the Baptist next week.  In the future we will discuss people like Jeremiah, Mary the Mother of Jesus, and several others.  If you are interested, I can put my notes into a blog entry or two in the future.  Just let me know.

Oh, one other significant thing going on in our lives.  I have started the Army Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) for getting medically retired from the Army.  I had hoped that I could get my 20 and earn at least my E7/Sergeant First Class.  But, unfortunately, that is not going to happen.  In fact, I will be attending a retirement brief next month.  I will be retiring with 18+ years in the Army, both Active Duty and with the Nebraska National Guard.  I have had many enjoyable times, and many painful times.  But, I have also learned a lot.  Of all the deployments that I’ve had, probably my third one in 2010 was the most enjoyable and awe-inspiring.  But, that’s a story for another time.

Not a whole lot else is new for us.  Just really busy with all that is going on.  My wife hopes to be teaching within the next few years, so that will be another positive change in our lives.  I will also be going through training with the Nebraska Department of Corrections next week.  With this training, I will not only be assisting with teaching First Aid/CPR (through ASHI), but also facilitating a program geared with helping Inmates change destructive thinking.  At least, that is how I understand it.  More on that another time, too.

Please do not hesitate to let me know what you think of my blog entries.  Or, if you would like me to post my thoughts on a particular topic, let me know.  I have noticed that I do not have a followers.  If you really enjoy what I write, that will be the easiest way to know when I will be posting more.

In Christ,

RC

A New Change in Work

This past Wednesday, I received some awesome news!  While working my usual post, Housing Unit 2CD Control, one of the Unit Managers came into my ‘office.’  He proceeded to inform me that I had been recommended for promotion to Case Worker, if I still wanted the job.  Needless to say, I said, “Yes, I definitely am!”

At this point, I probably need to clarify some things.  For the last 11+ years, I have worked for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) at the same institution.  And, for this entire time, I have been working as Custody Staff.  (Some people would call us, in a derogatory manner, ‘cage kickers.’  This is far from the truth!)  Although part of my role is to role model appropriate behavior and responses to stress, my primary role is enforcing rules.  Well, in a prison, all staff have an obligation to enforce rules.  However, as Custody Staff, that is approximately 80% of my job.  While I do have occasional opportunities to mentor Inmates, teach staff CPR/First Aid, mentor new staff, etc., that is a much lesser role than enforcing the rules.

Over the years, I have always felt out of place with this role.  As an INFJ, I am not using my natural gifts and personality very much.  In fact, functioning in this role often leaves me extremely drained emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  This is often compounded significantly due to the stress of working in an extremely dangerous environment (the Inmates at my institution are Medium or Maximum Security, many of whom have a violent to very violent background).  Unfortunately, this less very little emotional and physical energy to take care of my family, take care of things around the house, etc.

The amount of draining does depends greatly upon the place that I am working.  If I am in the Clinic, Skilled Nursing Facility, or working in the Gatehouse, I usually am not as adversely affected.  However, if I am working in a Housing Unit Control Center (most days), working on a gallery in the Special Management Unit (SMU), working in the Kitchen, etc., this is usually the case.

Since last October, I have had the opportunity to work as acting Case Worker.  Although I have had a few rough days in the role, my work has not affected me nearly as bad has working as Custody Staff.  Just like when I have worked as acting Religious Coordinator, I always felt like I had accomplished a lot and greatly impacted other peoples’ lives in a positive manner.  This was even after a long, rough day.  Whether as an acting Religious Coordinator or as an acting Case Worker, I seemed to draw upon my natural gifts and talents, as well as my Spiritual Gifts and ministry training.  So much so that I might be tired when I get home, but not ‘absolutely wiped out!’

Something else that I have noticed is that that Inmates seem to have adjusted to me working as an acting Case Worker very positively.  Most have not had a problem at all.  I am sure that a lot of it has to do with the positive rapport that I have with many of them.  And, having been there for so long, most of the Inmates know what to expect from me. 

Needless to say, I was extremely excited and shared this news with several co-workers.  One co-worker, who is a Case Worker that I have worked with, made an interesting comment.  She said, “I would wish you luck, but I know you don’t need it.”  Yes, that definitely did get my attention.  When I was leaving work, I texted my wife, “I got it, praise God!”  Yes, she immediately knew what I meant, and was overjoyed!

So, I will start my new position early next month.  Not only will I still be on first shift (which is what I am working now), I will (finally) have Saturdays and Sundays off!  Which means my family and I will finally be able to do things, as a family, on the weekend.  And, I will be able to attend church on a regular basis.  Yes, I am very, very excited about this!

My eventual goal is to become a Case Manager.  Case Managers do a lot more with an Inmate’s programming, work positions, room assignments, etc.  But, actual Case Worker experience will be extremely helpful in preparing me for becoming one.  We shall see what happens.  It’s all in God’s hands.

In Christ,

RC

A Quick Update

Hello, Everyone!

I know that it has been quite a while since I have made a post of any kind here.  Part of it has been the challenges with balancing work and family life, and part of it has been the fact that I have felt little inspiration with what to write.  

Although work at the prison has often been frustrating, there have been some good days.  I have been an acting Case Worker on several different galleries at least twelve times since October 31th.  Although it has been challenging at times, it has also been very rewarding for me.  Working as an acting Case Worker has come a lot more naturally for me, and has felt a lot less emotionally and spiritually draining to me.  Instead of almost always coming home tired, exhausted, and even angry because of work, I have come home tired by at least content.

Part of the reason why I have volunteered to be an acting Case Worker is for a change of pace, but also to help me with applying for Case Manager.  For those who might not be familiar with what a Case Manager does within a prison, so I will try to quickly explain it.  A Case Manager deals with an Inmate's programming, classification, with where they can live, with conducting Unit Disciplinary hearings (for minor rule breakage), etc.  

Several months ago, I applied for Case Manager for the prison that I work at, and at another one.  The feedback that I received from four different people, two at each institution amounted to:  "Your answers were exactly what we were looking for," "You did a very good interview," and "Please, do apply again when the job re-opens in the future."  In one case, I missed the point cutoff by only two points.  The significant part for me was the fact that I had no Unit experience at that point, only Custody Staff experience.  While there is some overlap in what we do, especially in security and safety, the actual role is a bit different.

Well, I did re-apply for this position at the same two institutions as I had a few months ago.  This time, though, I had a lot more confidence in my answers that I gave them.  Although many of the questions were the same, there were some different ones.  But, I was able to successfully answer their questions.  And, based on the feedback that I observed, I seemed to have impressed the two interview boards as much as, or even more than last time.

I should know by the end of this week for one institution and maybe at the beginning of next week for the other.  Although I have been looking at transferring to another institution, I have come to the conclusion that it would probably be better to continue working at my current place of employment.

Not only have I build a positive relationship with staff, but also a very positive rapport with the Inmates.  What’s also very interesting is that most of the Inmates that I have worked with as an acting Case Worker seem to have made a successful transition from me being in a Custody Staff role to being in a Unit Staff role.  This has really helped me with getting things done.  Because of this rapport, it would probably help to stay at my current institution.  Although some Inmates might have a different time adjusting to my new role, I think that many of them will not.

For those know me well in real life, or have followed me for quite a while, you know how much I have not liked my job as Custody Staff.  Although I can do that job very well, it is a role that brings little satisfaction to me.  And, as an INFJ, job satisfaction is extremely, extremely important.  Without significant job satisfaction, I feel miserable.  However, the impression that I have that, as a Case Manager, I would be utilizing my natural gifts and ministry training, which would lead to significant job satisfaction.  If being a Case Manager is anything like being an acting Religious Coordinator (which I did several years ago), even a bad, extremely hectic day will give me significant satisfaction.

Other news…  My daughter was officially diagnosed with having Influenza A.  My wife had a brief flare-up.  And, since I have been taking care of her for several days since she first came down with it Monday, my temperature has peaked at about 100.6 F.  So, no work for me tomorrow.  I have noticed that God has graced me with a very strong immune system.  Over the years, I have noticed that what ever bug my family gets, I will often get.  However, the time that I am actually sick is about half of long they were sick.  So, it doesn’t surprise me that my temperature spiked this afternoon.  But, I should be back to normal temperature tomorrow and back to work on Friday.  As long as our son doesn’t get sick, the bug should be out of our systems well before Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas…  We will be celebrating Christmas here in Nebraska next week.  Since my wife works as a teacher’s aide, she will have the next few weeks off.  I, on the other hand will have to work.  However, due to the days off that I have, I will be home for this Christmas.  That is something that we are really looking forward to.

With wherever you are, I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year.  I will try to write at least once more before Christmas and the New Years, but I can’t guarantee it.

In Christ,

RC

Improper Proceedings

There are many things on my mind this morning that I feel the need to discuss.  And, instead of going my original route, I am changing directions, slightly.  I am writing and editing this on my phone, so please bare with me.

I am extremely unhappy with President Trump's recommendations for Chief Justice, Brett Kavanaugh have been handled.  Quite frankly, the proceeding are being made into a disgusting circus by many people in the Senate and in the media (plenty of shame to be shared by all).  But, what are the facts?

In talking with my wife, I have learned that the woman who "made the accusations" against Kavanaugh had originally written a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office expressing memories from decades ago concerning an event that happened, but she was not sure of all of the details.  Mrs. Ford neither was wanting to go public, nor was she making criminal accusations.  And, instead of Feinstein talking privately with Mrs. Ford and/or just giving the letter to the FBI, before the public proceeding, and let them investigate to confirm or deny that something had happened.  Instead, she tosses it out, during the public hearings, and starts dragging everybody in the mud.  Dragging Mrs. Ford and Kavanaugh both in the mud.

Now, as a reminder, I have been a Military Police Officer (MP) for just over 10 years.  My training has been on the importance of thoroughly investigating a person's accusations concerning a crime, taking witness statements and evaluating physical evidence, to determine if: a) was a crime actually committed?, and b) What does the physical evidence show?  

A few years ago, I was the investigating officer for a traffic accident that happened on a military base during a deployment.  The initial evidence only indicated that some of the guards had heard a vehicle collision and that a concrete barrier had been damaged, as well as moved a significant difference.  No vehicle was specifically seen hitting the barrier, just the evidence that it had been hit.

Only because I knew the color of the vehicle and the approximate location of the vehicle damage did I have much to go on.  And, that evidence proved to be very helpful.  Only one vehicle on the base matched the color and location of the damage.  But, with further investigating, many interviews, and many hours analyzing the facts, I tetermjnedtwo things.  One particular Soldier was confirmed to be the driver during the accident.  I also discovered and documented how his Chain of Command had (unintentionally) set him up for failure.  Because the evidence and my investigator's notes where handed over the the Unit for any disciplinary proceedings, I do not know what the results were.  The big thing to take away is that I learned a lot simply by examining the physical evidence, talking with the various witnesses, sorted through the facts, opinions, and speculations, and came to very specific conclusions.

In a case of sexual harassment, especially an event that happened decades ago, determining all of the facts is very, very difficult.  Unfortunately, it can often come down to a "he said, she said" situation without any supporting documentation or physical evidence.  So, without credible witnesses, independly interviewed, can support the accuser, there is not a whole lot that can be done legally.

Now, I do agree with my wife that a harassment 'crime' had been committed, though possibly it was done unintentionally because someone had been under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, and made worse decisions than what he many normally had made.  However, all of the evidence that I have heard discussed does not support the accusations. 

To be honest, I think that the greatest victim right now is not Kavanaugh, but Ford.  Why?  Mrs. Ford had written her Senator, Feinstein, about some concerns about Kavanaugh that she had.  But, these concerns were solely based on her memories that she wasn't sure of.  She knew something had happened to here whole in college that negatively impacted her emotionally and, I would argue also spiritually.  But, she couldn't remember many details.  And, again, this was before the public hearing.  From a Law Enforcement perspective, I believe that Feinstein was grossly negligent with how she and her office has handled it.  Unfortunately, some Senators and many in the media, are grossly, grossly mishandling the situation.

Think about it this way...  How would you like it if you shared some concerns about someone else in private, in confidentiality, especially something you were not 100% sure on, and then that person used your confidential and private information for their personal agenda?  Myself?  I would be absolutely furious!  I would probably go so far as taking that person to court for breach of confidentiality, unethical behavior, slander, and possibly other charges.  And, I would at least consider similar charges against specific people in the media, too, for aiding and abetting, if I felt that the evidence and overall situation warranted it.  

As a Law Enforcement professional, I would be legally responsible for investigating any accusation concerning a person wellbeing (like child abuse, rape, murder, self-harm, etc.).  Such situations would require me to determine in n, through interviews and examining physical evidence, to determine if a crime has (or very likely will) take place, the actual seriousness, and what I can do according to current laws, status as, regulations, etc.  Has that actually happened in this situation?  Personally, from what I know, I seriously doubt it.

Challenging Times

I apologize ahead of time if the grammar or spelling is off.  I am doing this entry via my smartphone and cannot guarantee how well it will come out.

I am currently on vacation, though it is mostly a 'stay-cation' since I will be home for most of it.  But, a break from work is just that, a break from work.  And, considering just how stressful and draining my work is, it is very much a greatful break!

And, I am still job hunting.  Come the end of this month, I will have a total of eleven years with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.  Though it is very steady employment, I am ready for a change.  I am prayerfully looking for a ministry job that isn't too far from our current location.  Though I am looking at other possibilities, ministry is my heart's de sire.

Speaking of ministry....  I will be starting a Bible study at my church on Purpose Driven Church.  Because of all the new changes in our church, including a new building and new pastor, we are prayerfully seeking God's guidance with directions in ministry.

I am currently at 17+ years with the US Army, most of it has been with the Nebraska National Guard.  Four years of Active Duty, four deployments (three combat deployments to Iraq), etc., it has been quite a trip.  And, I am feeling it most every day.  Not fun...

This past weekend, my family went to Kansas for a family reunion.  It was a great time, although my back started acting up, painfully so.  Had to cut the trip short because of it.

In spite of the challenges, I am trying to keep my focus on Christ.  It is not easy, let me tell you!  But, strive I do...

Some Memories

I have been reflecting on quite a few things these last few weeks.  Quite a few I have shared with my family, especially with my kids.  One of the big things that I have shared with them are the cartoons that I grew up with.  Unfortunately, though, some of them are harder to find than others.

There are several cartoons that I have shared with my kids that I have been able to find.  One of them being ‘Garfield and Friends.’  It was a show that I enjoyed as in my teens and early adulthood.  In fact, I still enjoy watching Garfield cartoons (including modern ones), and rereading some of the older cartoon strips.

Another show that I have shared with my kids, but they have not taken too much of an interest in, is in Magnum PI.  I have at least 4 seasons on DVD and still enjoy many of the episodes.  Just like with the current series that my family enjoys watching, CSI, Magnum PI lasted for many seasons because of their rich combination of actors that complimented each other extremely well, and some really good writers.

There are several shows that I have not been able to find on YouTube, though.  The version of Superfriends that I grew up with is one.  Not the one with ‘Wonderdog,’ but the one with the ‘Wonder Twins’ who could ‘activate’ their superpowers via verbal command while physically contacting each other.  (This was usually done via touching their index fingers, though other ways were done, too.)  It was a show that I grew up with in the late 70’s and early 80’s.  Another one during this time was ‘Thundarr, the Barbarian.’  With this particular show, I can find the opening credits and several commentaries on the different episodes, but not the episodes themselves.  Though ‘Thundarr’ was not my favorite cartoon growing up, it was one that I did enjoy a lot.

Some other memories that I have shared with my family and on this blog are my memories of traveling, especially in Europe.  Though I have traveled to many places throughout the United States and have very treasured memories from those travels, I more often talk about my travels to Europe.  Why?  Good question…

There are two reasons that I can come up with off the top of my head that I will share hear.  One of them is because of who much my experiences in Europe have impacted my life.  Let me start off with sharing one of my more humorous moments!

My parents had already visited Europe, primarily in Germany, because my Dad loves genealogy and his family comes from Germany.  While I was about 7 years old, and while we were living in Kansas, my parents started taking German at a night class.  My Mom eventually stopped going, but my Dad continued to attend.  While I had not interested in learning the language per se, I did enjoy learning some words and phrases over the years.  Basic questions, how to count, etc.

Fast forward to age 14, and I finally was able to visit Europe with my parents.  Needless to say, I was extremely excited!  My Dad had suggested to me that I sleep on the plan instead of staying up and watching the movies and eating the meals.  Being the typical teenager, I elected to stay up.  Needless to say, the consequence of that decision was being extremely tired upon our arrived in Germany.  So, I slept for a while in the car.

When we stopped later that afternoon at the hotel that we were going be staying, we decided to have lunch.  There were at least 6 or seven of us at the time (several friends and classmates of my dad traveled together), so we had one menu for every two people.  A friend of the family, Sandy, initially received a menu.  Being the hungry teen that I was, I snatched the menu from her had so that I could order something to eat.  I looked at it, but then angrily slapped the menu onto the table and said, “I can’t read this!”  It was, of course, in German!  Talking about culture shock! 

But, I overcame this experience within a day or two and was able to greatly enjoy my time there.  In fact, it was because of these experiences, falling in love with the food, the culture, the food, the landscape, the food, the history, the food, the castles…  Did I mention, ‘the food?’  Because of all that, I was inspired to learn the language with the intent of learning it so that I could work in Germany or travel there frequently for my work.  In fact, I went so far as to majoring in German (language, culture, history, etc.) while at Centre College.

We all memories for our experiences.  Some of them entertaining, some of them are awe inspiring, others are sad and/or painful.  But, these memories help mold us into the person that we are today.  How often do we share these memories and experiences with others to help them learn and grow?  I would encourage you to think about that.

RC

Lost in Translation

Have you ever had an experience where you tried to tell a story and someone, or maybe your whole audience, couldn’t understand why something was funny or embarrassing?  Or has someone told you a story about their childhood or travel experience that left them in stiches but left you just ‘scratching your head’ because it didn’t make much sense to you?  I’m sure that all of us have had such experiences from time-to-time.  For those of you who have traveled a lot within your own country, or especially to other countries, this is probably a familiar experience.  I know that it is to me.

This morning I had an awesome opportunity with helping to lead worship in my church.  Every year at about this time in the summer, we have Germanfest.  Because many of the people who settled here in this part of Syracuse are of German heritage, we have this festival to celebrate it.  We also have a joint worship service, too.  And it was during this joint service that I helped out.

What did I do?  I read responsive reading and the Lord’s Prayer, in German.  Of course, we had the English translation in the bulletin and on the PowerPoint.  It made for some entertaining experiences.  Instead of just jumping into the responsive reading with the German, I think I should have giving some instructions first.  It took a few moments for people to catch on, but they did. 

What was really entertaining was leading the Lord’s Prayer.  I actually gave instructions this time, that I was going to read it in German and for those in the congregation will recite it in English.  So, I read the German while they said it in English.  Well, for those who have not spoken something in a foreign language in front of people, especially while they were talking, it’s not very easy.  It is probably also the reason why I am not a professional interpreter.  That is, translating something from one language to another while people are talking. 

It got me thinking about my many experiences with languages over the years.  For those who don’t know me, I have always been fascinated by other languages and cultures.  Whether the languages and cultures are made up like the Klingons in Star Trek or the Hutts in Star Wars, I find them fascinating.  Actual languages in our world, whether modern or ancient, fascinate me as well.  Not just languages, but other cultures as well greatly interest me.

For those who do not know, I have been deployed to Iraq three different times and Qatar once.  I have also spent a significant amount of time in Europe, primarily in Germany, Holland, and the Alsace/Lorraine Valley (a region on the French/German Boarder), in the city of Strasbourg.  With each of the different experiences in each of those areas, I learned many new things about other cultures and peoples.  In fact, my favorite job that I have ever had was working in the International Zone Universal Placarding (IZUP) Office, back in 2010, creating security placards for vehicles.  These placards were needed to access the International Zone in Baghdad, Iraq, and certain areas within the IZ. 

In order to do my job, I had to interact with many different people from many different countries.  Because of my previous experiences with other cultures while in high school, collage, and in seminary, I had a lot of knowledge to draw upon in order to interact with the many different people.  For example, when the security group from one of the Asian embassies came in to have their placards renewed, I was the next available person to work with them.  Because of Asian friends that I had in the past, I knew the first thing I needed to do in order to show them respect was to bow, so I did.  This sign of respect made such an impact with this group that, when they came back on a couple of other occasions, they would always wait at the door until I was available.

Whether it is working with German, the rudimentary Spanish or Arabic that I have picked up over the years, or the biblical Greek and biblical Hebrew that I studied in seminary, I have long understood that translating things from one language to another can be challenging at times.  There are times where word or phrases translate easily.  Other times, one has to creatively interpret one idea to another.  Whether we are talking about idiomatic phrases, like ‘making a mountain out of a molehill,’ or translating prose or poetry, it can sometimes be very difficult.

Just as understanding another language can be difficult, understanding a different culture can be just as hard.  One example that I am very familiar with is the differences between American hygiene and typical Middle Eastern or African hygiene.  In most places in the Middle East and in Africa, people bathe regularly, but they do not ‘perfume’ themselves with deodorant, antiperspirant, etc.; whereas, we Americans pride ourselves on how good we smell.

It has been my experience that this ‘pride’ can be very harmful for good interpersonal and international relations.  For example, I had two friends from Africa while at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.  Because of my prior experiences, I was annoyed by their lack of deodorant, but ‘not offended.’  This was not the case with all of my fellow students.  Many of them, believe it or not, would talk disrespectfully about them when they were not around.  This was only because they ‘smell like us.’  On several occasions, I tried to help my fellow students that, although they bathed regularly, they smelled differently only because they didn’t wear deodorant.  That wasn’t a part of their culture.  Sadly, many of my fellow students didn’t care about ‘cultural differences,’ just that ‘they stink!’ 

One evening, I was in the basement of the dorm cooking my supper.  At least one other fellow student was with me at this time.  After a few minutes, while my back was to the door to the kitchen, I noticed a familiar scent and said, “Good evening ‘Paul,’ here to make supper?”  The other student, from Africa, stopped dead in his tracks next to me and said, “Ray, how did you know it was me?”  I just responded, “Lucky guess?”  In reality, over time, I realized that each of the two men had individual scents.  These different scents were very distinct.  Upon realizing this, I was soon able to recognize when either one of them came into a room.  Well, for me it was very entertaining…

Whenever I preach or do a Bible Study, I make it a point to take time understanding what the particular passage meant in the original language and culture.  Only after grasping a good understanding of how the original audience would have received and understood it do I try to interpret it for modern listeners and/or readers.  Being a person who loves learning and seeks to understand where others come from, this is natural for me.  However, I have realized many years ago that many others do not share this passion.  Therefore I make it a point to help others to understand this.

The point that I am trying to make?  Each of us have our own cultural and regional upbringings that have helped define each of us as we are as a unique person.  Our own life experiences make us unique and different.  And the culture and region that we grow up in help us to further interpret those experiences.  Because different ethnic groups, regions within a country, or even the people of other countries, do things differently, sharing experiences can sometimes be difficult.  Not only because of language barriers, but also because of cultural, ethnical, and/or religious differences.  We all have our set beliefs and biases.  We all have them.  However, to better understand others, we often have to try to understand how others believe, think, and behave.  In doing so, we show them respect for who they are.  Though this can often be challenging, maybe even extremely difficult, we should strive to do so.  Are you up to the challenge?

RC

Playing God

References:

·         Jurassic Park movie info:  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107290/

·         Jurassic Park franchise Web Page:  http://www.jurassicworld.com/

·         A book list of the original books:  https://www.goodreads.com/series/71966-jurassic-park

·         Quotes for Jurassic Park:  https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jurassic_park/quotes/

Thoughts and Reflections:

Because it’s been hot lately and since my back has not been up to doing much, my family and I had a movie-thon the last few days.  Instead of the movie-thon being on Star Wars, Harry Potter, or similar movies, the kids wanted to watch the Jurassic Park movies.  In case you are not familiar with the series, there are several books and five movies made, based on the books.  Its an interesting series, really neat special effects, and wrestles with quite a few different topics.

Although things like greed and pride are major parts of the movie, the one that I will focus most on will be the idea of ‘playing god.’  I believe that it is one of the most important themes throughout the entire series.  Other themes, like greed and pride, simply play into it.

Most of you know that we have been working with cloning for many, many years.  We have successfully cloned many different animals, including cows and sheep.  However, we have not resurrected any extinct animals, yet, via cloning.  There are many scientists today who are seeking to bring some animals back from extinction, like the dodo bird, Tasmanian wolf, and several others.  To my knowledge, though, such experiments with bringing extinct animals back to life have not been successful, yet.

In the first movie, Jurassic Park, one of the main characters named John Hammond, has created a huge park and safari with living dinosaurs.  Genetic engineers that Mr. Hammond has employed have harvested dinosaur DNA from the preserved blood from within prehistoric mosquitos, and through various techniques, have successfully cloned them.  Without giving up too much of the plot, let’s just say that because of pride and greed, things go from bad, to worse, to ‘the worst day ever!’ 

One of the main characters, Dr. Ian Malcolm, (who is a mathematician who specializes in the ‘chaos theory,’ makes two very interesting and intriguing comments.  The first one is:  “God makes dinosaurs, God destroys dinosaurs.  God makes man, man makes dinosaurs, dinosaurs eat man…” and “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.”

Even though it would be incredibly awesome to having living dinosaurs, is it really a wise idea to have it?  Would we be able to coexist with them without one causing great harm to the other?  Would it be ethical to bring them back after they became extinct millions of years ago?  Would bringing the dinosaurs back now create irreparable harm to our environment?  Would the competition between the dinosaurs and other, established animals and fauna, becomes disastrous?  Would you be able to actually keep the dinosaurs on a ‘preserve,’ and keep them healthy?  Would our environment, including temperature, current fauna, oxygen levels, etc., be able to sustain them?

As one watches all of the movie series or reads the books, this major theme continues to be discussed.  And it becomes the most important thing in the movie, Jurassic World.  In this movie, those in charge of the cooperation InGen, which created the dinosaurs throughout the movie series, builds a ‘custom dinosaur.’  The ‘Indominus Rex’ has so many unexpected abilities, not just the ability to test and learn, that it spells certain doom for so many people.  This custom-made dinosaur was created solely because the scientist were told to make something ‘bigger and grander’ than before.  Why? So that more people will come to the theme park of Jurassic World, that the theme park will ‘become relevant again.’  The custom-made dinosaur is named ‘Indominus Rex,’ and because they used DNA from so many different kids of reptiles, it has abilities that no one expected.  This spells disaster for Jurassic World, and causes the deaths of many, many people.

As someone who loves reading, doing art, watching movies, I love creating and seeing what others create.  It is something that I believe that God has blessed us with.  However, when not used wisely and responsibly, our creative powers can be used for great evil.  For example, a person has an awesome idea for creating new product that can impact the lives of many people for the good.  But to do so, this person has to use a lot of resources, find a place to build the product, employ people to figure out how to make it in the best way, refine the process of making it, employ people to make it, etc. 

Some possible things that he or she will have to ask themselves is:  Do I want to buy an unused factory or buy unused fields or pasture land to make it?  How much will I pay people for researching and creating the product?  Will I spend money on safeguards to protect the environment or will I keep the money and hope that I don’t get caught?  Will I consider the cost of living in the area and base my salaries on that, or will I go with what ever is cheapest?  I will use the best materials available to make good, quality products; or will I use cheap products so that I can receive a bigger return?  How much will I charge for the product, and what will I base the price on?

Each of these decisions will have consequences.  Some will be more positive than others.  Some may be very negative.  There will also be short-term and long-term consequences.  Though not every variable can be evaluated, nor every outcome be seen, one still has to seriously think about them.

The decisions that we make with our time, abilities, resources, relationships, etc., say a lot about us as individuals.  We all make decisions based on our individual morals and values, even our religious beliefs.  These decisions will all have consequences, be it positive or negative.  Though people in centuries past have wanted to make decisions without accepting responsibility for negative consequences, I feel that is becoming more and more accepted today.  To want to accept only the positive and none of the negative.  To only get out that which makes me bigger, richer, more influential, etc.  But, if something has negative consequences, we want to blame someone else.  I see this with some of my co-workers, I see this in the lives of many of the Inmates, and I see then with my own children.  It is something I prayerfully try to correct within myself and in my family.  And, where possible, in the lives of those around me.  But, if we all take a little bit of time to evaluate our decisions and how it will impact others, I think we can all make a difference.

RC