Michelangelo

Michelangelo is one of the greatest artists of all time. He was so good that his services were ordered by the Pope to be brought and used on the famous Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy. The Pope (Julius II) was very impressed with Michelangelo and hired him for a duration of 4 years for the work he produced in the famous chapel.

Michelangelo worked long days and under extreme environments inside the chapel, mostly from deathly heights and poor working conditions that were created for him.

During the third year of his stint, the artist fell from his scaffolding onto cross members below, crippling him.

The College of Cardinals had been delivered a dilemma as they rose high over his bedside. Do they find another artist to take over or do they wait to see if he will heal?! Immense pressure was placed upon them from the press, to the general public.

Michelangelo was a weary man. The temperature at the top of the dome was unbearable, which resulted in lines of salt covering his cloak by the end of the day. Paint had dripped back onto his skin and into his eyes making it hard for him to see.

But on hearing that the Cardinals had been discussing his position, he arose from his bed. He brought his aides together and had them configure a canvas sling. They hoisted him up to the top of the Sistine Chapel so that he could carry on his work.

Despite the pain he suffered, he finished the work and to amazing results, of which no one had anticipated.

You see, a lot has to be said about perseverance. I have been someone that has struggled to let things unravel and unfold because i like having a quick answer and solution. Being over here and opening my eyes to all the different situations i have been faced with, i have learnt that to be patient and to persevere is a great characteristic to have. I guess sometimes i forget that i am only 21, and its still an age where i can afford to let things slow down because i have the time in front of me, rather than behind.

This week has posed some great stories....

Monday consisted of a morning of fellowship and errands that myself and Jon had to get through. The afternoon i spent sorting out issues that had developed from the previous week. All in all it was a productive day.

In the evening we had man group and got my first bit of action on the soccer pitch....although i regretted it the next day as my ankle felt sore and swollen (maybe you shouldn't read this paragraph mother!!)

Tuesday, Jon and I went to the other side of LA to pick up his new ride. Now you might think he was picking up some nice large SUV or a muscle car but not Ar' Jon...
So we turned up at a Harley Davidson bike dealership in a not so nice area of town. On entering the dealership we were faced with some tall bikers with piercings, tattoos and the stench of bike engineering all over their bodies.
And then walks in two Brits under 5'8" asking to buy a Blue Yamaha Vino scooter. You work out the facial expressions....Lets just say, i kept myself quiet and let Jon do the talking...

Wednesday brought a whole new experience of its own. I went line dancing with some friends in San Bernardino. Now that sounds quite nice to me too...but...i was wrong!! haha.

The "Club" we went to shared a car park with a XXX Adult Store, accompanied by a clan of perverted old men. Inside the club i was faced with 40year old cougars wearing corsets and a catalogue of 'tramp stamps' to choose from.

So cant say i learnt much about line dancing but i had a good time and enjoyed the banter...

Just got back from a party for a friends leaving do. He's heading off to Uganda next week with the Peace Corps. He's been a great friend for the short time I've known him and gone out of his way to make me feel welcome so all the best to you Mr Harrison. I'll post a link on my blogger about his own blog within a week or so as his work will be very interesting and worth a browse.