A Few Snags Along The Way

Through out this year I have made a few different trips to Chattanooga, TN. Usually I have been touring and using Chattanooga as a base camp when I wasn't playing. Each trip I have taken has always been uniquely different. The first time was filled with awe and wonder. I was seeing TN for the first time and I was taken by the state's beauty and the amount of opportunity this area brings for an artist. I will remember that time for the fun I had discovering the area with my road manager Ken and percussion player John. On the second trip I took my long time friend Jason with me and introduced him to the area as well. At that point I started becoming more aware of my surroundings and I became better at navigating around the area. This time has been vastly different. I came down here for the purpose of not only playing some shows but also finding a house for, my wife, Shanon and I to live in. I brought my father with me as he wanted to check the scene out as well. This trip has been very different when you look at some of the snags along the way. Along with the snags though you also need to see the blessings that have come with them. God has definitely shown his hand at work.

I won't take you through the long detailed story of this trip but I will give you a few key points and ask for prayer.

I have a place in Chattanooga and am now a resident. I'll be heading back to Maine in a week to drive a moving truck down here with Shanon. Pray for that trip.

For the first time in my life I have to get put under the knife tomorrow as I have to have a wisdom tooth that broke some time ago cut out of my mouth. For those of you who have ever had extreme tooth pain you can probably identify that one tooth can bring you down to the ground. Several days ago a dentist here in Chattanooga tried to extract the tooth but after 8 Novocain shots could still not numb the area enough where I didn't feel the pain of him tugging at the tooth. He finally sent me to an oral surgeon who took x-rays and said the only way the tooth was getting out was to cut it out. I realize that this is a pretty standard procedure for many. My problem is that I have never in my life ever needed anything done by a dentist or doctor like this. I received check ups as a kid growing up, but once I became an adult I never saw a doctor unless I had to. I never had to and therefore haven't seen any.

Something you may not know of me is that I'm also kind of a needle phobe. I hate needles almost to an irrational fault. Tomorrow I will be given an iv and put to sleep while they cut this tooth out. I ask you again to pray for me. Ask God to give me the strength I need to make it through the procedure. Yes I AM a wimp.

Lastly, my road manager, Ken, was recently burglarized. Someone broke into his home while he and his wife were gone and literally took everything they have. Almost nothing is left. Everything from Ken's music gear to his photography gear, to their lifetime collection of DVDs are gone. Nothing was left behind and they were not insured. Pray that God would give Ken and his wife Melissa strength at this time and direction on what the next move is.

I will tell you that through all that has transpired while I've been down here over the last few weeks, I have seen God work through everything and continue to see him working in all things. I thank you all for your prayerful support. Please continue to pray for my wife and I, and those who have been a part of my team.

I'll write more after my operation. Give me a few days to shake it off. Then I'll give you the 411 on some cool things happening with my music and we'll get this thing back on track.

Love you guys,
SL