I rose around sunrise and started on the blog. I spent the morning pounding out the blog (Grammarly missed spelling mistakes), and finished it around 10. Dondrea texted me that she and Z had already printed and added my letter to the bulletin while I was writing. I had hoped to get there soon enough to help, but, as usual, the writing takes longer than I hoped. Still, I was dressed, took Air VW the Gray to the church, and arrived before 10:30. This is when our church, the First United Methodist Church of Beaverton, takes over the now-shared worship space. We now rent space to other churches.
I reach the church as Emmaus Church has finished, and they are outside drinking coffee while we start our processes. Matt, their leader, and I say ‘hello,’ and then I head in and check in. I am ushering today, as usual.
Ashley gives the sermon, the fourth woman to preach for Easter. Ken stepped back and thought it best to let the Easter message come from women at the church. Ashley, who was nervous at first but then took off, told a wonderful story of the importance of empathy. She pointed out that empathy is being blamed in our country and in the Christian community for weakening. Ashley points out that Jesus was God’s example of empathy and sacrifice, and that the gospel teaches us this and not to dismiss empathy. Easter is about God’s choice to endure being human unto death, a test of empathy and resolve, not conquest.
Later in the service, Ken covered the plans for a trip to Brazil to see Teca and Gordon Greathouse. I said my goodbyes (I will be traveling for the next two Sundays) and headed out. I had lunch at the new Japanese-style Steakhouse, Ajisai.
My meal was just short of $50 with tip. I was shocked by the size of the place and the prices. There are at least three tables with built-in grills for the Benehana-style Teppanyaki shows. A huge bar with a sushi chef and a regular separate dining area. I had one of those and ordered Hibachi (it comes cooked and on a plate with soup and a salad). It was good and in line with prices for a Sunday dinner special in Beaverton, but still, it seemed extreme to me. I must be getting cheap.
I headed home after that, drinking only tea, and started to pack and order the house for my exit for ten days. I started packing and using my smaller suitcase for the short trip (I switched to the larger one because I hate sitting on it to close it).
Mariah decided that we could meet, and I joined her for a few hours at Hopworks off of Powell in Portland. There, I made the mistake of eating the nachos, and I was ill all night. Something in them did not work for me. When I returned home, I managed not to throw up, but it was a miserable night. I finally found a break around 3ish.
Yogurt and banana with coffee worked this morning. Packing is finishing. I am feeling better, but tired. Testing for Flu A&B and COVID-19. It is important to be diligent.
Results were negative.
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