My parents were, for the most part, repulsed by technology. Only after my mother bought a cell phone a couple of years back did she realize it wasn't impossible to learn these things—texting, like almost everything else, can be mastered by practice. My father soon caught the interest and used a hand-me-down model from Sean. Since then, it became easier to contact them, although my father usually leaves his phone at home when he visits the farm. I call them often, usually at times when the words on my books no longer make sense, or when I feel like the world is crashing down on me, or when I want to have a taste of home. When I told them I passed the exam: All glory and honor belong to God alone, keep up your good work. I'm proud of you, Lance. When I told them I was bogged down: Ok, have patience and perseverance. When I told them I failed: Lance, don't give up. Maybe God has a purpose. Don't be discouraged. When I didn't text them for the day: Lance, howdy? Hope di