After a turbulent week of sickness, Math tests and challenges to my faith, I was able to enjoy a relaxing and most beneficial of weekends. Saturday morning heralded sleeping in and the second day in a new morning bible reading routine. Then at around 11, Matt W. who's birthday it was, came over and we made our way to the Olde Oaks Tobacco Shop to purchase some fine cigars in celebration of his legalization. While en route though we found ourselves short on gas, and having just passed a gas station, the decision was made to turn around. Now, we came to this realization at a red light vis-a-vis from one of the local community centers where in the days of my youth I had passed many a happy hour practicing the art of karate under the teaching of Sensei Gil.
I had Matt let me out and arranged for him to pick me back up when he had finished filling up the car. I went to the Dojo to gain audience with my old Sensei. He was surprised to see me and we briefly caught up as I told an extremely brief summary of my time living in Switzerland until now. We exchanged email addresses as he needed to return to class and I to Matt and our mission.
The tobacco store is located on one of the central boulevards and is a quaint little place with an adjacent smoking lounge. Matt and I stepped into the medium sized back room which doubled as a humidor. As he closed the door behind him we both inhaled deeply, the rich moist smell of dried tobacco filling our lungs. It is an aroma we both greatly enjoy. We beheld the awe inspiring room before us. Three walls of cigars of different makes, shapes, brands and colors. In the center of the room is an island comprised of a rollers desk and all the associated paraphernalia as well as a box in the center with around 10 different varieties of hand rolled no label cigars. The "Enigma" series, hand rolled in store and our local specialty. After much ado, we finally decided on "Anomaly" and made our way back to my house to have the best cigar I have had in the past year. So we were sat there, catching up making jokes and listening to righteous rock, most of which a blast from the past.
The rest of Saturday was spent filling out job applications and the truest sense of the term R&R. Sunday bade warmly and the sun shone brightly through the cloudless sky. The choir performed "God be in my head" in accordance with the First Sunday in the Season of Lent. The most important event for me that iridescent Sunday morn, was witnessing the Confirmation of Faith of my cousin Sarah, who has attended by all accounts a grand total of 5 years of confirmation classes. It was endearing and invigorating to hear her testimony of Faith in Jesus Christ, our shared Lord and Savior. Her confirmation also served as a symbolic re-affirmation of what I believe, as I had been tested and prodded by various sources throughout the past few weeks. I find myself assured and even reassured in my convictions, overjoyed and blessed by the family of believers I have always had around me here, and hopeful in the Great Good Grace that is the sacrifice and resurrection of the one the oldest believers called Sovereign Lord.
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