July 16, 2003 Today went very well, swimming from mile 94 to 86. A young girl named Alicia Melton was waiting for me when we arrived at the boat dock. She gave me an adorable gift; whoever comes to the finish will see it- on my wrist. We had a few minutes to talk, and it was the most perfect way to start my day. Computer problems persist. The Birdsong Resort employees have been incredibly accomodating and let me use their computer to journal. Unfortunately I am leaving the flexiblity of a home owned and operated business and heading out into the world of franchises and sometimes rigid company rules. I fear there will not be a computer/server to journal. Journaling helps me get through the day. It gives me something to ponder as I preceed through my 30,000 strokes a day. It is difficult to leave here, but we must. The river has been kind and forgiving. We have exceeded my mileage expectations everyday. As we head out, I want to thank Mary and Tori at Birdsong and Gail with BPW for being supportive and kind. Thanks to Bob Keast for being so welcoming and gracious. On my way out, I am purchasing a ring made with a pearl from the Tennessee River. Thoughts for the day... According to the American Heritage dictionary, "Dominion" is defined as control or the exercise of control; rule; sovereignty. So in Genesis 1:26 when God gave man dominion over his creation, did he give us permission to abuse, neglect, and/or treat the Earth with disrespect? To me, the answer is an obvious...NO! In the New Testament in the King James version of the Holy Bible, JOHN 3:16 states, "God so loved the world..." Why did he not say, "God so loved people..." or "God so loved man..." or "God so loved women..."? On a Cellular level, we are all the same. It is how he created us. Accepting that, it is understandable that what befalls the plants and animals will ultimately befall us. We should not assume that because we are at the top of the food chain, we are unaffected by what happens to the plants/animals below us. When God tells us he loves "the world" he is telling us that to preserve ourselves we must preserve and respect all of his creation. Before it is too late, we must take our God-given dominion seriously and treat the world with love and respect. Stop, take a look at the miracles that surround you, and remember that, "God so loved the world..." take care of it. mimi