Two things happened today and I have no photographic proof of either one of them.
At noon today, Paul Mintner (made famous by this very blog last year) popped in to see me. These surprise visits are one of the best parts of my job at Kansas State. Paul was in town for a wedding and spent today on campus catching up with his many friends on campus.
While we keep in contact on facebook and by email, it was great to see him in person and be reassured that he is doing well in Iowa. Paul is doing great things at the University of Iowa; wish he were working his magic in Manhattan.
Paul was able to vote in Iowa so at least one person in my office lives in a state that went for Obama! And a state that has gay marriage! Hummmm, maybe that's where I need to retire. Sort of like paradise, but within driving distance of El Charro.
Lucky me, my day had two high points, and seeing Paul was just the first.
The second was spending the evening at Temple Beth Shalom with my friend, Sheila and her family. The first clue I had that the evening was going to rock? Fred Phelps and his band of crazy, brainless, hate mongers were picketing the synagogue! Oh. Yes. They. Were.
Worship in a Jewish temple was an experience that I'll never forget. I sat between Sheila and her husband, David, and they answered my many, many questions. My breath was taken away when the Ark was opened and revealed what looked like 8 or 9 Torahs of various sizes. The congregants gave such reverence and honor to the Torah as it was carried throughout the sanctuary. (Keep in mind, please, that I am using my protestant words, and am not sure they are similarly used in Judaism. No disrespect intended.)
I loved the singing in Hebrew, fortunately for me the English translation was printed in the prayer book as well. So much to learn - - Hebrew is read from right to left so the prayer book opens from right to left as well. At first it was confusing, but by the end of "church", I was getting the hang of it!
There I was in a room filled with people who were open to love, acceptance and tolerance.
All the things that piss Fred Phelps off.
I can totally see why he pickets these folks.
