Worldwide crisis...

Hey Folks,

I'm sorry for the lack of updates recently. Needless to say there has been a lot going on - both good and bad.

For the negative news, PH has been hit really hard recently by the economic crisis. The good thing is that we are very diversified around the world. But nonetheless, orders continue to get canceled. The result is that we are going to have to put people on temporary government unemployment starting July. However, due to a governmental law which requires employee's vacation account (yes, they have enough vacation days that they need to put them into an "account") to be empty before they can go on temporary unemployment, we issued a company mandate that says we need to use all our vacation days (5 a month) by the end of June. The nice part is that we get lots of vacation days here. The bad part is the reason for it and the unknowns in the future. The really bad news is that many of my collegues who are not "cadre" (management) like Adam and I are, only receive a 60% reimbursement for temporary unemployment from the government. Mangagement gets 100% of their salary. But to see the looks on people faces and their reactions when they found out there income was going to be reduced 40% was and still is aweful. I feel like I got thrown onto the movie set from 1929 - different scenario I know, but similar sentiments.

So at this point I am still doing well, and for that, I am truely grateful. I still have a secured income and more job security that many of my coworkers - at least as of today. I'm fortunate, although I'm not always sure why. But I know that "to whom much is given, much will be required" and I see this as a great opportunity to to share the generosity of Christ with those who otherwise have no desire to hear it.

And because, I am an eternal optimist and will always find something to smile about, I will end with a brief smattering of good things going on here:
- I had a Superbowl party at my appartment with all the American trimmings (the French didn't know quite how to respond to some of our traditions) but with one hitch...we were not able to view the game (either legally or otherwise)...so it was a Superbowl part without the Superbowl! We still had a blast.
- I went to the climbing club (big walls with hand holds) and had a blast. Seeing as I am already in two other clubs, I probably shouldn't join a third. But it was still fun to meet people.
- An American friend sent me a box of American goodies! Thanks Dani!!!
- Cycling is going really well. I have never been able to ride this strong so early in the season. Considering this isn't that impressive when you consider the western PA weather I am accustomed to, maybe I should add that I've probably never been this strong ever on the bike.
- I also started getting my arm ready for the upcoming baseball season. Some recent x-rays showed that baseball may have damaged my shoulder a bit and I'm taking extra precautions. That aside, I'm pumped to get back into baseball with the sole purpose to "play for fun" rather than "work towards a scholarship" or whatever other reasons I created that tended to suck the enjoyment out of "the little boys' game"
- My French has been coming along spendidly as of late. I'm 90% sure I was dreaming in French the other night. But we're not using the term "fluency" yet...

"No worries, Mate, she'll be right!"

Cheers