The Many Errors of International Diplomacy Explained

(Rob writing) After only a few hours in country, I have discovered an obvious explanation for all of recent history's errors in international diplomacy. I feel so stupid and thick-headed with jet lag that I could do or say almost any thoughtless thing imaginable. I could easily and carelessly insult anyone. I could make decisions in defiance of all common sense, up to and including selling the family farm for a song. If any or all of our leaders and diplomats have felt the way I do over the years, it would explain so much.

For example: I'm not sure whether Truman traveled to Yalta by jet, but if he did, then there's the Cold War explained. Certainly anything after that qualifies. In light of jet lag, the long years of ineffectual posturing at the UN are no longer mysterious. Every word that comes out of Joe Biden's mouth is easily understood. I really think I'm onto something here.

We Christian folk like to think of ourselves as spiritual beings, as we should. But for all of that, we are still intimately tied to our physical bodies, and when those are upset and uncomfortable, so are our minds and spirits. I find that I depend very much on my material comforts. An inner-spring mattress may be old technology, but it beats the pants off of the bed we used last night, which more closely resembles a cheap chair seat in construction. By learning from the mistakes of others, graciously shared, we were at least able to avoid buying selzer in the place of water, buttermilk in the place of milk, cheese that tastes like mayonaise, etc. I realize that testing produces endurance, and that's good. No doubt I need more testing, but still I seek peace and comfort.

That's what makes Aaron and his fellow orphans some of the world's poorest people: their complete lack of material possessions. They own nothing: not one toy, not one article of clothing to call their own. We understand that they share even their underwear. Aaron will  leave that institution (Lord willing) owning absolutely nothing. Fortunately, his new Mom knows all about this and has already supplied him with lots of good things. Someday soon, hopefully, with his material needs satisfied, his mind and spirit can begin to grow.