Isaac & Laura's younger brother, George, lives in Germany where he teaches 'Teaching ESL' at a university there. George is absolutely amazing with language. He speaks English, German, Danish, and Chinese -- an interesting combination, to say the least. He could have gone to the last olympics as a translator.
Anyhow, George sent a letter out to all of us yesterday about the election. It puts a new perspective on our access to the polling places here in the states. Isaac & are heading out to vote in the next little while and I strongly urge you to go vote too. Call a friend for babysitting if you need it. Trade babysitting even, but vote. And what a monumental election today, whichever way it goes!
Dear Family,
One of the hardest parts about being in Germany is having to vote by
absentee ballot. And one of the hardest things about voting by absentee
ballot is trusting in a bureaucracy that is not too on the ball with
getting you that ballot. Well, I was personally on the ball in
requesting mine months ago, but unfortunately, I am not going to get to
vote in this year's election. Honestly, it just breaks my heart because
I have never cared more for my country than now.
I happen to be
reading John Adams and enjoying it as much as I have enjoyed any other
book. It gives me a glimpse into the life of a man who I believe was
inspired by God to resist evil and help establish a system that would
give voice to its people (NOTE: not the absentee ballot system). I
might add that Abigail Adams has been an inspiration to me, as well.
She was evidently every bit the freedom fighter, every whit the mind. I
believe that we have had few such leaders since, but I hope that the
future will bring us more; we sorely need women and men of such caliber.
I hope that all of you are taking the opportunity of this precious
freedom to vote, whether you vote for Obama, McCain, or Mickey Mouse
(if you feel somewhat desperate like I have at times during this
election). It is such a precious freedom and no less important for our
small voices. God bless America.
Love,
George, Christina, & Joe
