The Tourist

I have come here from a distant place. Bremerton, Washington is far and different. While it’s a town with a strong military presence, it is not like Watertown. Bremerton is really a combination of seaport, farm town, and old industrial area. The old homes are small, and the big mansions are all new. Few attend church. Things are very different.

I’m a man who has always appreciated difference. From old river town to giant city to another river town to farm country to major university town to tiny farm village, we have crossed the country in our working life. We vacation in the desert and the Yukon, in the mountains and at the shore. Barbara goes along with all this, but I’m the unsettled, seeking one, I’m a tourist.

My love for difference might arise from dissatisfaction with my hometown, with my early family life, or with something I’ve yet to discern. Let Freud decide. But I know this: I wouldn’t change my moveable life for anything. I love coming to a new town and meeting new people, finding new challenge and working in new ways. Whatever the source of my itchy feet, I love new learning and doing. That’s why Watertown is so cool. FPC is a church unlike any I’ve served. The town is unlike any other. We’re westerners, and this isn’t the West. As an old friend once suggested that I’ve hung out in Russia, Hungary, Dawson City and other odd places because I’m just plain nosy. That might be it. Thank God for the opportunity to satisfy my nosiness.

And thanks for the flowers, the hugs, the handshakes, the invitations and the great welcome. You guys rock.

Webmaster notes
We are grateful to Rev. Benjamin for filling in while Rev. Dr. Garry is on sabbatical in Malawi. To keep up with the adventures of the Garry family this summer, please read their blog at www.abidingmzuzu.blogspot.com or send e-mail to fredggarry at aol.com (webmaster's note: this is shown like this to keep from getting an avalanche of spam. Please do not use the RoadRunner e-mail as it cannot be accessed from Malawi).