I wanted to post this while I was in the U.S. but sadly, when I went to do it, my folks' computer went on the fritz--which I found ironic given that this was my title. :) So, I am back in the UK and writing from here.
I had a very short jaunt to Moscow to surprise my folks and go to the Logos 30th anniversary benefit concert. Mark and I found this really great ticket several months ago and decided that it would be great not only for me to visit, but to make it a surprise. Naturally, I needed to rope Naphtali and Kathryn into it to help me out and to make a long story short, I ended up in Moscow in time to walk into my parents' house for dinner.
Can you imagine making a trip like this 50 years ago? Or 100? 50 years ago would have taken a VERY long time and it wouldn't have been as comfortable. 100 years ago, I would have taken a boat and the time for travel would have been at least a week on each side of the visit. And don't get me started on how expensive it would have been!!
In this era, I flew over in what was essentially one day (heading west). And I must say it didn't feel as though I had crossed the Atlantic to be there. It felt more like I had driven down from Spokane as I used to for weekends. And I started pondering why I felt like that.
I think part of the answer is modern technology such as skype. Now I can see my family as I chat, with the background of their homes and it feels as though I am there in a way. Of course it's not as great as being able to hug them or sit around a dinner table together, but it's lovely to see the kids and have them talk to me. I wondered if Asa (who skypes with me regularly) would make the connection that I'm the same person who lives in the computer. Well he did! And so did Amara. In fact, when I walked in the first thing she said was "Hi Carin! Mark?" She already knows that we are associated you see. :) Asa went one further and promptly walked into my dad's study and pointed to his closed laptop saying, "Mark?" Yes Asa, Mark and I do live in the computer. :) But it was lovely that my two year old niece and nephew are already able to know us even though we're thousands of miles apart.
So, I may gripe about technology from time to time. Most of you know I believe computers are evil beings that hate me. But on occasion they are wonderful, such as when booking plane tickets or talking to loved ones. Because suddenly the world is a much smaller place, and England doesn't feel an ocean away, but more like I'm down the street from my family.
So I thought I should put that in writing! :)
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