I'll have to set the scene for the following. I arrived in London Heathrow last Wednesday a few hours before Tara and Faolan and was waiting for them in Terminal 4. There is just one exit in the terminal for arriving passengers or at least that is what I thought. The idea was that we would meet there and then head to Terminal 1 for our connecting flight to Dublin. As I waited, I decided to write down what I was thinking as my thoughts were racing. I had to write on any scrap of paper I could find which included my flight itinery, lunch receipt, and local newspaper front page. I was sitting atop my suitcase and writing on my knee at a feverish pace. Hopefully some of you will find this of interest or you may read it and decide I'm a bit of a nut job. Either way here goes:
_______________________________________________
I'm anxious as a psych patient waiting here in my tie. Heart pounding as a marching drum. Six months apart from my closest friend. Where the hell is she! I'm close to faint sitting here. The tie too tight around my neck. Every time a baby whimpers I am convinced it is her. Nearly scowling at other gobshites emerging. Wondering if I will leap the rail. I'm writing this so I don't forget to but thinking too fast to write and looking up constantly and scribbling. Ready to run to meet her and babs but not sure my legs will carry me. Getting queer stares as I write. Must quit this in case she comes. Seeing a chap with cowboy moustache. Looked liked Arizona man now where the f. Feck "tex" and give me sis and baby. Writing this without looking now. Finally loosened the sodding tie but got to look my best. Doors open again to woman in yeti costume orange. Looks like she decided on the floor carpet for today's attire but she's out first. My eyes are twitching around the room like a hawk after rabbits. Americans but no Tara out with child. It could be the lack of blood to the brain or excitement, not sure. Still feckin waiting. Ready to bludgeon the customs chap holding things up. Ready to lep on the two like a ravenous what's it. Still scribbling here with my legs shaking. I feel like a nutter scribbling away. Where the hell is she, 22 minutes is plenty of time. Tears probably won't come but this faint feeling sure has. Tie seems awfully feckin tight. Let me hear that baby. Let me see my best friends face. Thank you God for this moment.

No more room to write on this. More women out with babies. What the? She could have easily beaten these sods. Woman with luggage for twelve. Man with Sedona looks like he had far too much peyote. Couple blocking view, bastards. Suit case under me and legs giving out. Woman with boy. More obvious Americans, Phoenicians. Woman with yellow jumpsuit. Woman with shitloads of luggage back out. More Americans(Notre Dame hat). Woman with mass luggage going back in. What the? Another woman but with two babies. Suitcase is imploding under my ass. The sight of me I'm like a drug addict. Head twitching, legs shaking. I'm going to feckin burst. Woman meanders out. Hurry it up for feck sake. More babies. Bags from California. Another baby sitting on a suitcase. Cute but not Faolan- can't read these scribbles. Where is she? Nearly an hour passed. Another smiling mum with baby. More mothers. More Americans. Hideous gotee. Native American chap. Another mother with baby. Insensitive bastard doesn't react to arrival of his sister/girlfriend. Mother of girl is crying and gobshite is rushing them. Want to give swift headbutt. My nerves settling for brief intervals. Still catching stares as writing on receipt on knee. A father and daughter hardly greet each other. Now two more babies out. Husband and wife greet with big kiss. Good on them. Blood finally flowing to my brain again. Man with woman doesn't help her when her child knocks bags over. Other chap helps her instead. Where is Tara? Doors open. No one comes. Airhostess in bright blue looking pissed. Man wearing shorts. Must be from Phoenix. Writing on a newspaper now. Hoping camera in front of me not watching. Just noticed it. I must look like a terrorist or a madman. Starting to wonder if I missed her; wrong terminal; what the? Emotional level dropping. Woman in skirt and massive boots waddling around behind me. Strangest walk I ever saw. Lump in throat and pressure of tie on my Adam's apple. Trying not to show my scribbles on paper. Writing on smiling man's face. More babies, feel drained, suprised haven't been arrested. She missed the flight. I was told customs lines are long in London. Crying friends greet. Woman cries after kisses arriving disabled friend and then is consoled by husband. People show up with no one to greet them. They divert their eyes as they walk out. Walk quickly so as not to seem alone. I remember those days. Family greet each other with big hugs, kisses, laughter, tears. Beautiful. Mother and her children. Nearly squezzes son's head off. Old man and young can't find a word to say to each other. I hope they are not father and son. They stare off in opposite directions. Man greets wife but not with kiss. Silly sod. Sunburnt jerries emerge, maybe from Phoenix. Others are waiting together but not talking to each other- fools. Been sitting on my suitcase too long. Sliding off. Where is she? Losing hope of arrival. Did she miss plane? Waiting, losing energy. Two hours since landing.
________________________________________________________
Would you believe it after all of that she never came out that way. Tara and Faolan had gotten a special bus from Terminal 4 to Terminal 1 and were waiting for me there instead. I finally gave up waiting and called home to Phoenix to find that she should have been on the plane. I was confused and exhausted and already late for the flight to Dublin. When I rushed to Terminal 1 I discovered that she had been there and was on the plane bound for Dublin without me. I had a message sent to the plane to tell her I would follow her on the next flight. At that point I was so relieved to finally know where she was but had to quickly buy a new ticket and head to the departure gate. Two hours later I was in the arms of my sis in Dublin airport and holding my nephew for the first time in six months. The afternoon's emotional level had exhausted me and my heart was overwhelmed that I was finally together with them. I hardly said a word for the first few hours.

I've written enough in this for today now. In the next days and weeks here I think I won't have the time to be writing much. We've been staying with Tara's friend from her university days, Jacinta, and Jacinta's husband Robbie and their two children. I am thoroughly enjoying every moment of it. My time with Faolan is like a dream as the little chap is such a smily baby and a joy to play with. After such time away the moments with him are a gift. Being together with Tara all day and every day is so refreshing to me after months apart of relying on weekly phone calls. She knows me so well because she cares for me so deeply and our conversations are always intimate. Our hosts these first days love to chat and have made us feel so at home from the first moment. I have felt so comfortable in their house, with their children, and as a part of their lives. They don't realize it perhaps but that comfort and friendship is exactly what this weary chap needs at the moment. Tomorrow we are off to visit some more friends but we'll be back here before months end. Take a look at the new album of pics. Plenty of Faolan and a few of our hosts and their chillins.

Now to continue the story. Day two I was as sprightly as a new born gazelle after my fab night sleep. Had plenty of energy for seeing the Aya Sofya and Underground Cistern before catching an evening Galatasaray (great news for Cahit) match with motorway crossing accessories. The Aya Sofya was originally a Christian church but was later fitted for mosquedom by the Ottoman's. The lighting and the colors inside really impressed me and I ended up snapping more than a few shots in all areas. A mixture of Christian and Muslim symbolism was something I had not seen before. I was inspired to one day learn to write in the Arabic style as it is far more artistic than any penmanship these hands have mustered. Thoughts emerged in my time there as to the stark contrast between Christian life in Cappodocia and the huge church scene of old Constantinople. I can never rationalize the motives of those who created massive structures in honor of one who gave all that he had and was to those that he loved. It reminded me that the message and actions of Christ were never meant for the grand halls but for affecting the lives of those that might never have been allowed to set foot within those halls.

Details about the Underground Cistern had given it all the appeal of visiting a squatter toilet but my Dutch friends had assured me of its charms. After seeing the place I agree that it was worth a gander. The ambience within included soft playing orchestra music and dripping water from above. On Lovable Quirks now you can see this now red lit cavern that once housed much of the water supply. It was built at the Eastern Roman Empire's peak when obviously money and manpower were no obstacle. At this point in the day I was enthralled with the idea of seeing my first league football match. I was told by Cahit in Can that me seeing Galatasaray (one of the big three teams of Turkish football) play would endanger our friendship but it was the only game to see all weekend. He is a Fenerbahce fan to the core so naturally I must support another squad. In my months of travel I have yet to see a single match and so this night I was not to be convinced out of the attempt.

Myself and Ashley prepared ourselves to go and discovered that one of the hostel employees, Mustafa, and two other guests, Ana and Anita, were desiring the same. Mustafa was fairly convinced we could get tickets even though the hour late and the time for the game approaching. The five of us hopped into a cab and were on our way. Mustafa the lucky sod got the front seat while we other four squeezed into the designed-for-three back seat. Warm we were in that heavily intimate of circumstances. Ana and Anita have come to Turkey from Slovenia for a few weeks of travel. We had plenty of time on the way to the stadium to chat as the way was long but more pressingly the traffic was a bit of a nightmare. When we did arrive the line for tickets spelled our doom as far as getting in. Mustafa, though, seemed undaunted and sent us to the back of the line while he headed in to the fray at the front. Five minutes later he joined us in line with five of the best (tickets that is) in hand. How the task was managed I shall never know? There was no time for questions either as we made a dash for the entrance. Three full bod frisks and pat downs (number two was the least enjoyable as the chap was no proponent of touch-me-tender) later we made it to our sunflower seed covered seats and prepared for kickoff. The match itself between Galatasaray and Sivasspor was a thorough thrashing with three goals scored by Galatasaray in just the first half. The more impressive entertainment was the enthusiasm and comraderie of the attending fans. The cheers and chants rarely ceased and in one corner a conductor of sorts kept them coming loud and frequent. At one point fans on one end called to those in our area who called back with successive lines and this went on for some time. In the second half I'm given to understand that Sivasspor got one of their own back but as I'm prone to do I spent the whole time chatting and witnessed none of it. The chance to know another of our Creator's masterpieces always takes precendence over any and all distractions. When suddenly Mustafa was hustling us out I had no awareness that the game's end was approaching. He had us out in the street in moments. Then at feverish pace we were hopping barriers and racing across a motorway to catch a cab. There were few moments for stopping to smell the proverbial roses on that venture. Back at the hostel the lot of us joined Kate and Anika and together we spent the evening chatting and puffing on a communal hookah pipe.

Day three lacked some of the tourist energy of the previous. We met Ana and Anika for brekers before heading to Topkapi Palace and its repititious jewelry displays. I don't wish to be too hard on the place but there are only so many gaudy necklaces one chap can view. Perhaps a variety of layouts would have improved matters as most rooms were set up the exact same way. Islam also seems no stranger to relics as teeth and hair from Mohammed abounded in one of the main rooms. His mantle there remains enclosed in a solid gold casket behind thick glass. A few strides across a courtyard and I ended up in the circumcision room. Cold but colorful tiles decorated the place where many a young lad awaited the chop. An iron contraption no doubt put to some torturous use sat near the fireplace and little pools for water lined the room's side. Heady spot for a chap to visit considering its purpose. We alotted only a short time for the palace visit and what he did have was probably enough. Our Slovenian chums met us for lunch and afterward since no one had energy for more museum jaunts we went for fruit teas and baklava at a cosy spot. I am reminded always that that which is most memorable of my journey is not churches and museums but those that I have shared these moments in the company of. In the evening we had to say our goodbyes to Ana and Anita as they are off to Cappodocia and later the west coast. Hopefully I will be able to connect them with Serap and my other chums in Kusadasi and they can give them the grand tour of the area that they gave me. I now have two good friends to visit in Slovenia. I thoroughly enjoyed their company and the conversations we had.

Yesterday and today have been do-little days. Ashley has been sicker than a dead dog since Sunday night and only began to recover today. Varying degrees of cholera and what not seems to be the diagnosis. Kate joined him today which meant they have to postpone their journey to Greece for tomorrow. Yesterday Kate, Anika and I attempted another ferry ride to no avail and instead headed to the Grand Bazaar for wall to wall shopping. The place was again far too tourist driven and much more expensive than others markets I have been. When a seller has one hundred copies of the same map and wants 100 lira for one you know you are being jipped. I enjoy a good haggling session but not when the starting price is already light years from what it should be. It is quite a change for me that in Istanbul everyone with something to sell speaks a good bit of English. I have struggled linguistically everywhere but here. One chap approached me with a Sylvester Stalone look and sounding script. I knew more clearly than ever then that I'm in the tourist haven of Turkey. I'm glad to know it doesn't begin to represent the intrigue afforded by this country. In the evening we (still minus Ashley) visited a friend of mine from Can. I met Eray during Bayram when he was home from school and was glad to meet up with him again so soon. We didn't have a lot of time together but that amount we did I enjoyed as I had my time with him before. We had only time to go to his favorite Heavy Metal bar (cool place actually) and then for a bite to eat (best kebab I have tasted). I feel so incredibly blessed to have made so many connections with people here. It is overwhelming when I try to think of all those in Turkey that I have had time and experiences with. Today I've lounged around writing this and chatting with the two patients and Anika. I am glad that we had this last day together as the time has flown.

Tomorrow morning I will be headed to Ireland. I couldn't express in a few words what this time will mean for me and this post is long enough already. Needless to say I am very excited and am going to relish each moment with Tara, Floyd and babs to the fullest extent I can. That babs is in for some major uncle lovin'. Take a look at the new picture galleries I have posted. The first Istanbul gallery gives an idea of the sights I have seen and in the last two pictures you can see my companions. Ashley, Kate and Anika in the first. Myself, Ana, and Anita in the second. The smaller Istanbul gallery has pictures I snagged from Ashley's collection as well as a few of my own and pictures from the football match. The chap you won't recognize in that gallery is Eray. Also in that gallery I added a picture of a bizarre book advertisement. The Pope is here in Turkey this week and that book just came on the shelves it seems. Then the last gallery posted lets you finally see my hosts in Can, Nihal and Emre, and their baby Uras. I threw in another picture with Cahit as well, though he has been in plenty already.

My journeying to Istanbul started with an uneventful busride followed by a madhouse shuttle to Sultanahmet, the city's tourist hub. The shuttle bus driver seemed keen on displaying his credentials to this weary tourist. He was hell bent on sideswiping any parked car in range and destroying the lower limbs of any and all poor sods unlucky enough to be crossing the road. After each attempt at "death or glory" he would look over to me with a proud smile and utter a few words in Turkish. I imagined them to be something to the tune of "Aren't I a bad ass." The chap in the back seat with the ten-pack-a-day smoker's voice was continually yelling at the driver throughout the journey. Driver was having none of whatever ten-pack was saying and would yell back and wave his arms in a slightly obscene fashion. This led ten-pack to make repeated phone calls which would again be roared out. As driver would make comments ten-pack would repeat them at five times the volume into his phone. I sat enamored with the novelty of their ridiculous conversation. It seemed as two actors on a small and unconvincing shuttle bus stage. Eventually ten-pack's stop was found and with a few more wails and weezes he was off with two large sacks of belongings. Driver then re-mustered all his energy toward ending my existence until eventually I was dropped at the doorstep of my hostel.

It felt strange at first to meet up with my old chums from Berlin. Ashley and Kate arrived in Istanbul two days before myself and a friend of theirs, Anica, the day before me. It seems so long ago that we were together for the World Cup final and since that time they journeyed thousands of miles west and I the same east. We had hinted at meeting up again in Istanbul but I never had considered it would happen. I arrived at the hostel before nine a.m. and found them still dozy from sleep and in their jim-jams. Apparently some German chap named Hans had barged in to their room two hours earlier with his sights set on stealing my bed. They were prepared for my arrival so Hans came as a bit of a shock and they had to turn the poor bugger out. I was happy to not discover a bed time guest named Hans in my weak and exhausted state. After the initial shock of seeing each other after such a long stint we chatted for a short while about where our travels had taken us before I attempted a nap but to no avail. I decided instead to join them for brekers before we hit the town for the afternoon.

That first day I wandered with them despite my exhaustion to the Blue Mosque, Spice Market and a ferry ride a meager distance up the Bosphorous. At the Blue Mosque the relative volume of the call to prayer was a tad overbearing. Small town mosques with small speakers were nothing compared to the decibels put out at this place. After a long wait for the faithful to emerge from within we bagged our shoes and took a look round inside. It was very impressive in its architecture and the four of us sat and gazed for a short while. Afterwards we headed to the docks and found the ferry that we guessed went the furthest upstream on the Bosphorous. Poor guess sadly and we made it only a short ways before the ferry docked at another port and then turned around and went back. It was amazing, however, to see the grand buildings lining many of the coastal areas. I imagined the reaction of sailors and travelers entering the city in Istanbul's hayday. They would have been overwhelmed at the sights and sounds of this bustling city. The numbers of markets, churches, and palaces is greater than those of other cities I have visited. Our last venture was a trip to the nearby spice market. I must admit twas a bit of a let down as it lacked any real variety. It seemed to me to have the same teas and few spices in each and every store. I had hoped for heady and intoxicating aromas and more of an original atmosphere. Tourism has created there a sterile and catered environment. Away from touristic areas I have found markets to be far more natural and cultural. I saw the Spice Market as a place that local people would not go because it is no longer meant for them but purely for tourists and that killed my enthusiasm for the place.

I added a photo gallery to Lovable Quirks so have a look. Some of the photos are from places I have yet to describe but bear with me as the reports are coming.

I'm safe and sound in Istanbul with my Aussie chums. Seeing a few of the sights but taking it easy all the same. Awaiting my Ireland voyage with cross legged and baited breath anticipation. Here are two last birthday well wishes that arrived a little late but are much appreciated. While some of my readers (all three) may be sick of these they mean the world to me.

---------------------------------
Dear Sky, Happy Birthday (belated but not forgotten),
What can I say but that I love you and miss you and yet I am so happy for you. I remember the day you joined our family, it was sudden but expected, swift but painful, a real surge of blissful emotion when I realized I finally had my little boy after 3 girls (though I was not really trying that hard). What's love got to do with it, my dear boy. Plenty! Life was rough and ready in Lisduff but simple and a daily trip_ back to the basics of life. It seems another world ago, since the 7 Warrens were back in the old country. I do enjoy being a mom, more than ever but YOU are a son any mother would hope to have. ... Please put on the longjohns, the heavy jumpers, the wellies, the gloves, and whatever else it takes to stay warm in the land of your ancestors. Don't forget the copious cups of tea and lovely bread, warm brown soda bread ,how are you!!! You are so Precious, or is it precocious, or the precursor of an exodus back to Europe of the Warren brood, God only knows what will become of us all. We are linked forever in Him for eternity, what a wonder to contemplate. What a birthday you are having, No way could it ever be equaled at this present time. From your mummy, mommsie, sweetcheeks, mother and otherwise the old one. With lots of love and bologna (slang). xxxxxoooooo

---------------------------------
hi skyler - a paperbirthdaycake with candles ( sorry I m a little late) from urfeld - but - with a lot of good wishes to your Birthday . All the wishes come from my heart. I wish i have a really birthdaycake for you. (next time when - OR IF? - you here) sorry my english is so bad. I hope you enjoy the time to travel every day. god bless you xxx ooo xxx maria

Today I am heading off to Istanbul for a week before my journey to the Emerald Isle. I hope I will be able to post from Istanbul but right now I have no idea. If you have read my birthday post please don't forget to read about my time in Cappodocia and Ankara as those posts will explain the last pictures I put up. Here are a few last birthday wishes from chums at home and abroad.

--------------------------------------------
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SKYLER -- When I first met you we were both real shy. Now look at you travelling all over the world not knowing who you are going to meet. I'm so proud of you for doing what you dreamed of for so long and even better you haven't forgotten about your friends in the States. Have a wonderful day. I'm looking forward to your visit. HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, LOVE YA, SANDY

--------------------------------------------
skyler aka skywalker, well at least thats what the YWAM outreach team from brazil liked to call him. i first met him at weisek and nancy's home in southern poland. i thought, who is this tall american traveling around europe and how did he end up in poland? because usually only polish americans visit poland. those questions were soon answered and i was amazed at how blessed he was by god to be able to travel like he is. i was sure glad to be able to talk with an american as i am sure he was glad to see two more americans, my brother and i. while he began to answer those questions and how he got to europe/life story i began to see how important his family is to him. he talked of his siblings and parents, growing up ect. the greatest thing i heard him talk about but most of all saw, was how he talked about his savior. thier were only a few conversations about the lord, due to time of course, but as he talked about jesus living in his life and how he has changed his life forever i began to see jesus through him in a way. hard to explane if you havent experienced this sort of talking to someone who knows the lord but walks with him daily. that really encourged me to press on walking with the lord in my daily life. i was blessed to meet a man who really treasured his walk with the lord. so far, even growing up in church i havent seen men his age really walking with the lord in thier every day life and it was so great to see that skyler! may the lord richly bless you on your birthday! your friend, em

I am well convinced that I am the luckiest chap on the planet. I'm twenty four years old today and to read these well wishes from my family and friends I am amazed and so thankful for where my Savior has taken me and who he has created me to be. Alright I've said enough. That's hard to write and I'm sure for you all to believe.

-------------------------------------------------------------
We all know that Skyler is an extraordinary person who has brought something into each of our lives in a special way. A birthday is a time to honor and remember him and his gifts to us, and it would be a real shame if had to extol himself this year although I’m sure he could do a fine job being gifted as he is with many words. The most extraordinary thing about Skyler to me is he is the only person I know who has let the true love of Christ pass from his mind to his heart and therein bursts forth life. Not too many of us have seen or known love the way he expresses it, and although not perfect it is a joy to experience. And to top it off he is not even boring-he’s fun, has a great sense of humor (this even being one of his sin areas!!), enjoys the richness that life has to offer, is very caring, passionate, a servant to the core and a joyful giver. I can honestly say there are not many like him and he is one of the great gifts in my life.
I’ll save the other amazing details for the next birthdays, as there will be many more and I hate to be repetitive.
Skyler, I love you and admire you thoroughly and hope and pray that your 24th year will be the best yet,
Your better in most
Always, Tara


-------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Scooter,
Another year and another chapter in your book, I am glad to be apart of your story and you’re a part of my novel. I am blessed to be a part of a great family, you all are so different in your own ways. I love that you are a very caring fellow from the days in your green pool and now we are in-laws and you are the uncle to my son. A brother I consider you and you will do great things, they will write books about you. Comedy? Drama? Educational? Romance novel? Another chapter in the Bible? I am proud that you are traveling and doing many things that people just talk about and being able to share your adventures with us all here. We look forward to seeing your red bearded mug again and it is less than a month so get ready sweet cheeks I will be seeing you on the Emerald Island. Happy Birthday “iyi mutlu lar” Have fun in Turkiyi, have some raki for me. Love Floyd


-------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Skyler:
Happy Birthday, Skyler! I really miss you, Paul
Happy Birthday, Skyler! I hope you have a grand birthday and that you will have a really good life!
Happy Birthday, SKyler! I hope you have a really great time on your birthday. Come back to us!
Happy Birthday, Skyler! Bah Ty! David
Happy Birthday, Skyler! Hope I get to meet you one day! Jonathan :)
Happy Birthday SKyler! Hey Bro! It was precious to have spent time with you in Greece - let's do it again, somewhere else (Ireland one day? Poland too)
Happy Birthday, Skyler! You are mature beyond your years - and this traveling will mature you even more. Guess you're right around the corner from finding the one - youre so ready! We look forward to seeing you again - and watching some Fawlty Towers, or something like that!
Love from all of us on this very Happy Day!
Wiesiek, Nancy, Jonathan, David, Timothy, Hannah Joy and Paul and Happy our dog!


-------------------------------------------------------------
The smell of fresh bread always reminds me about You Sky. It's your birthday so I invited myself to your world with a handful of words. I hope you don't mind. When you entered my world for a while I was trying to figure out what was it that made you so special. Now I realize it was your sincerity. Your words were real, sometimes unwanted, sometimes hurting a bit, sometimes funny, sometimes weird, sometimes filled with warmth and care. Always true. That's how I remember You. You're so fortunate. You know that.
Nikosh and Marcin are singing happy birthday for you and they're quite a choir, it's a shame you can't hear them.
Love from all of us
Milka


-------------------------------------------------------------
November 22, 2006
Skyler,
It's not quite the 22nd in Phoenix, AZ but I'm pretty confident it is wherever you are right now. 24 in Turkey! Hopefully as exotic as it sounds. I can remember much of those 24 years being around for at least 8 more! I remember your cute blond curls, your blackened front teeth, your first day at school, your love of soccer and your fractured wrist. I remember you suddenly getting tall, your endless nightly bag repacking, the first car with the broken seat and expensive stereo, your first job. I have watched you change from socialite, to shy, to despairing, to life-and-people loving (quite few transformations) I have watched with a mixture of awe and fear never guessing that it would all lead to who you are today! At one time you sought only to fit in, now your strive for anything but that, which is truly what sets you apart. That and your love of people! Our family is the lesser without you. I hope your 24rd year is one of your best, that your travels are stress-free, that you find what your looking for and that you are at peace. Though my words to you are infrequent, I love you as much today as I always have, far too much to even describe.
your sister,
Lisa

-------------------------------------------------------------
Skyler - the self proclaimed, but as of yet unproven, Stallion.
November 22nd 1982, a day that will live in infamy among Argentineans everywhere, the date that Skyler Mark Warren arrived on the scene. Hard to believe that was nigh 24 years ago. And now look at you, jet setting off to distant lands; pilfering portal usage from the unsuspecting Turkish, stuffing your undercarriage with an obscene number of Grecian mandarin oranges, navigating the perilous Albanian pot holes, drinking copious amounts of coffee with the Croatian mechanics, running through Polish towns clutching your bog roll, terrifying campers everywhere with random early morning coiffure adjustments and depositing your fluids on every surface from Krakow to Nowy Sanz. (We have been keeping track).

We are very blessed to get to share these amazing adventures with you and await your postings with as much enthusiasm as a todger has for todgering. You are a wonderful lad; loved by all you know you and have known you. Your strong desire to truly know people is evident in the way you connect with others no matter where you are or what the language differences. Your wonderful smile could melt the knickers off an 80 year old blind woman. You are willing to seek after relationships and not wait for them to come to you. You are forcing yourself to ‘let go and let God’ and by doing so inspiring the rest of us to remember why we are here.

So today, your birthday, we celebrate you; the man, the myth, the ever so gently violated by 17 Argentineans legend that is Skyler Warren.

Happy Birthday and get stuffed,
Love always
The Willis 4


-------------------------------------------------------------
Skyler, you are my most treasured friend. You are:
friendly
out-going
funny
honest
intrepid
intelligent
caring
and 10,000 other good things I can't name. You are loving and lovable. I only wish I could be with you on your special day. Know that even though we are apart, I am celebrating with you in spirit. HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
[aj]


-------------------------------------------------------------
Some angels told me a birthday is coming up. They said it was sky's birthday. A bit confusing at first. Why would the sky have its birthday on the 22nd of November? But then I remembered....sky...skyl...skyle....Skyler...yes, that Irish American or American Irish (however you wanna put it) dude that stayed with us for the first weeks of the World Cup here in Germany.

I met him on my flight to Atlanta in May (on may way back to Germany). Having to sit between two guys in the middle seat, and having spent three weeks with one of them already, I thought I should talk to the hairy face next to me who was reading this funny book... at least the little that I could read sounded strange to me. But knowing that Sky dude a bit more by now, it fits all together with his love for philosophy. He was a bit shy at first, because he was surprised that I started talking to him, but then he opened up quickly. I as quickly then invited him to stay at our place when he would come to Köln (Cologne). A few weeks later without any further notice he then suddenly came by and accepted to stay at our place for a while.

That Skyler really loves talking. That's his favorite. So we talked and talked...until my brain would get heavy and I needed to say Good Night.... The next day or so it could happen though that I was asked some of the same questions again. So I wondered, was it because of my English that he didn't remember? But we found out that with the huge number of questions he was asking, it was not easy to remember all of them and the answers as well. Which I think by now is one of his "lovable quirks".

Always a comforting warm smile on his face. A hug when it's needed. And man, you should get an option to get homemade bread from him, and the pasta by the way is lovely, too. An open heart for people and relationships, that's him! We had great conversations about God and our savior, and about people, and our dreams and plans.

Sky really cares for people, and I still want to learn a lot from him, even though we are far away from each other, but I think that it is possible despite the distance. I hope he finds the place of his ideals soon, so he can start working on the next goal that God has set before him.

THE END

Hey Sky, love you a lot, and I hope you enjoy your birthday. I'm looking forward seeing you soon. I'm sure February will come quicker than we can imagine right now.

God's blessings for you today, and tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, and then the day after that day, ......

xxxxooooo Cathrin