no, that's not me on the cover of Rolling Stone...

George Harrison's pic on the cover of the latest issue created a double take for a Starbucks employee in Nashville last Sunday as we were making our way back from Muren Church of God (Indiana).  The employee had just started reading the magazine when i walked in with my long hair and beard.

My hair and beard combo has been a bit of trademark for the last few years since i started growing it to donate for cancer patients.   i'm known as "mexican Jesus" or "crossing guard Jesus" in town (i am a crossing guard at one of our busiest intersections where more than 1000 cars pass me every morning on their way to work or school).  A Walgreens employee earlier today said, "hey, you're famous!"
i said, "famous?!?"
"yeah," she said, "you're the crossing guard at Cedar Ridge!"

Besides Jesus and George, i've received comparisons to various rock stars, Moses (really?), and even Russell Brand (via a Wendy's employee a couple of weeks ago who was clearly delusional).

But now, the hair is gone--yep, cut it this morning for donation (just enough to meet the requirements for wigs4kids) -- this was a necessary part of our preparation for our trip to Berlin and Cairo next week.

There have been many who thought i was growing out my hair in preparation for our service in the Middle East, and many felt that i had (what they perceived as) a very Middle Eastern look.  But, in lots of discussion with international leaders, and one insightful Egyptian American in Houston, the hair would not necessarily be offensive, but would clearly identify me as Western.

Now we have to figure out the facial hair--full beards may also send different messages--so, the goatee may return (i haven't sported that look in about 4 years), or some variation.  the only thing not on the table is a plain mustache :0 -- and i'm not too keen on returning to clean shaven.

so that's the update for today--time to go cross the kids--which is likely to create a few more double takes.  last year, after my last donation, a couple of old ladies stopped in the intersection to settle the argument they were having of whether i was the same guy with the hair or a replacement! ;)