A River Runs Through It

Robin Hood

2011-02-10T23:43:00.000-08:00

Have you ever watched the BBC's series, Robin Hood? If you haven't, by all means don't; its incredibly addicting and you will want to watch the entire first two seasons all in one weekend. I did say want; that is not what I actually did (but close). What is so captivating about the series is how the relationships between the characters develop amidst constant battle. There is always a hanging to be stopped, a peasant to be fed, a sheriff to thwart and a merry man to be rescued. The characters of Robin, Marian, Will, Much and so on are warm and clever; but the real draw is that they are fighting for something greater than themselves ALL the time. They do not count their own lives dearly but risk everything to protect each other; they take care of everyone around them even when they are hated and treated as dust; their energy is spent doing good, waiting in anticipation for the king's return and keeping the people alive until then. They refuse to take the lives even of their enemies, when that would seem to be the easiest way to end the suffering.

I was about halfway through season two when I became a bit convicted that I was longing to live in a world where I also had the opportunity to fight for something that mattered. I want my life to count; to be found before the Lord at the end of my days as a good and faithful servant who did not waste the time I was given. And therein lies the rub: spending 10 hours in a week watching a television show is almost by definition a "waste." So while I was wrestling with that sin, I was also trying to wrap my head around why there is such a draw towards what at first glance is just an old story that has very little historical truth. This desire to "fight" for something greater than myself is grounded in something - but it is not in injustice in the same way that the story displays it. There is too much of a Christian emphasis on social justice: the post-modern church grasps on to this because it is easier to say "Let me help you find equality, provision, and security" than it is to say "Let me show you what God says about sin and how He can save you from it." The church today does not want to be seen by the world at large as intolerant, so it does a lot of "good" without ever telling the truth about the Word of God. We never get to the gospel of Jesus because we don't want to have to tell anyone that they can never be good enough on their own.

But that is not what Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior, tells us to do with our lives. Mark 16:15-16 says, "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." It is that simple. And it is that, I believe, that we are supposed to be fighting for. This desire to confront the evils of the world is not there just for the soldiers - it is for all of us who are called by Christ. In Ephesians 6:12, it says "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." For this reason we put on the full armor of God and stand with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. These are our weapons, and our enemy is the devil whose aim is to hide the Truth and keep people from coming to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Jesus, how much I want to be found in your army! How much I want to be found ready, counting the cost and holding forth your Truth in spite of all obstacles! How much I want to know your Word and make it known! Forgive me for my wasted time and help me fight for what matters - to fight for You.

Its fitting in a way that this has been on my heart - because this past week on campus has been a bit crazy. The chapel speakers introduced the idea that we should honor "Mother Earth" and be thankful to the animals, fish, and trees for our provision and care. They claimed to be continually in line with scripture and to love God but their words showed their version of God is not the same as the jealous God of the Bible, who will not share his glory with another. This is only one group in a long train of speakers who do not take the Bible seriously or have a Biblical understanding of God. This one, however, has caused a stir across campus of students who know what is being taught is wrong - that it shouldn't even be a part of the conversation - and who are trying to have their concerns addressed. And although the chaplain and others have feigned listening, one gets the feeling that the religion department just does not understand what the problem is (which is of course a huge problem).

In this time when George Fox is going through such turmoil, when people come and claim to be sharing your gospel but give another instead, Lord, protect the hearts and minds of students here! Be at work in this, to make known your truth and glory. Bring wayward leaders back to you, and give voice to those who love your word and love You. Teach these students to know your truth so not one will fall away on account of this. You are in control, Lord Jesus - move in this place so it will not be a place of darkness, but of people who shine your light.

Christmas in Wyoming

2011-01-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

Coming home to Jackson is always a highlight for me, whether its in summer or winter. Whether the entry is flying over the mountains from Salt Lake or driving over the pass, I start to feel this intense sense of excitement when I know that a view of the valley is almost upon me. This year, I knew I had Colleen and a car full of my favorite little girls coming to get me, making the homecoming just that much sweeter. I absolutely love spending time with the Wachobs! Colleen and Erik are amazing examples of Christ-followers and so much fun to be with. We had a crazy week scheduled and all of it was a great time.
First up, Christmas with the extended Wachob/Hanks clan at the Teton Science School site in Kelly. We spent a few nights with Becky and Doug's family, eating together in the dining room, decorating the tree and playing games in the main lodge, and sleeping in the motel-style rooms. Every day was just gorgeous - beautiful, bright snow, clear, stunning views across the valley to the Tetons, and if it wasn't sunny it was pleasantly blizzarding (you'd have to be from Wyoming to understand). We spent Christmas Eve snowmobiling and cross country skiing to Granite Hot Springs, followed by a beautiful candlelight service at First Baptist. E, C, and the girls and I spent Christmas morning together before heading back out to TSS to join the larger, crazier group for more skiing and snowshoeing before dinner. We stayed for another day and a half and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Each of the rest of the days I tried to connect with friends that I only get to see when in Jackson - dinner with Lisa on Monday, lunch with Susannah on Tuesday, a ski and lunch with Cindy, Heather and the kids on Wednesday (including getting the suburban stuck in their driveway and braving the snowstorm to get back over the pass). We went skiing up the Death Canyon trailhead on New Years Eve, then I crashed the Willcox home that night-we watched Shrek 4 together, eating popcorn and apples just like old times. Mom arrived that evening, and we were able to enjoy time together and with Dan, Beth and Abby Cadol on Saturday. Sunday I joined the Ahlums for a game night and had a great time with Corrine, Lisa, and crew. Monday I reluctantly flew home, as teaching was calling me back to reality. You can never get enough time at home!

Before leaving for Jackson I was able to spend a quick night and morning with Amy and Forrest, and here are some pictures from the "Christmas morning" I had with them, as well as some from Mom and I exchanging gifts:

Best surprise: Ryan and Emily sent me this teacup and plate from Germany - I had admired it when I was visiting them but didn't buy it. So thoughtful of them!!

Happy Birthday, Daddy

2010-11-29T22:33:00.000-08:00

Today would have been my dad's 60th birthday. Three years ago, after spending my first Thanksgiving without him, I escaped into a coffee shop in Bridgeport with my Bible and journal in tow. It had been two months since we lost him and I had avoided these, what used to be my best comforts and time alone with God. It wasn't that I didn't trust the Lord anymore - it was more that I didn't want to pour out my heart to Him because I was already so empty, I was afraid of what might be left.

Once I started to pray, and the tears started to come, it was like the floodgates were opened. My heart, though still in so much pain, was ready to feel again. I wanted to talk to God, really talk to him, for the first time since Dad died. A small start, but critical to me.

Exactly three years later now, I am awash with familiar emotions: another year passed without him, another afternoon spent putting a wreath on his grave. Another Thanksgiving with one less plate at the table, another birthday without someone to sing to. Watching my mom go through another anniversary and holiday season, I see her strength though I think she sees mostly her weakness. Her tears and grief are an offering, and she is helping others get through their own in an incredible way. She is amazing and my dad would be so proud of her.

At the youth group I help out with last night, our pastor asked the kids what they were thankful for. He asked them to be completely serious, and they were - as far as middle school students get, anyway. They were thankful for family, friends, for passing tests, for band practice and sports teams. Typical and honest, and blessings all. But I couldn't get it out of my head that there are sometimes things you are so thankful for, they overwhelm you - and one such blessing happened this past weekend.

On Friday night, a friend of my cousin's (and mine) lost her dad. It happened suddenly, unexpectedly, abruptly - just the way my dad left us three years ago. Without warning he was gone, and they are left without their hero, confidant, and guide. When Paige got the call from her dear friend, we knew only that he was without a heartbeat or breath, and she wanted us to pray. I felt for my strong, godly cousin in that moment - because she was so far away, with nothing to hold to but the hope and love of Jesus for this family, and she held onto Him with all her might. We prayed, we cried, we prayed again, and harder; eventually my family went to bed, and still we sat in silence in the family room, hoping that God would use this opportunity for a miracle. We waited for news - I feel asleep in the armchair, but Paige kept the light on as a true watchman - and near 2:00am we heard that he had passed. We cried some more, and prayed, and then slept. I was reminded of David - how he begged and pleaded with God for the life of his son. And when he was taken home, David got up, and washed, and ate. This father was at home now, and our prayers were now for the living and hurting left behind.

Perhaps this doesn't seem like something to be thankful for at all. But if you've lost someone dear to you, you know - those last memories of time spent together are absolutely precious. How much more poignant that their last days as a family came at Thanksgiving - days already looked forward to and cherished completely. Our friend told Paige that they had had amazing time together as a family - a true gift from the Lord. This we can be thankful for - this is a huge blessing from the God who loves us more than we can know.

The Thanksgiving after my dad passed began with a birth - the birth of my beautiful, precious niece Sadie Pearl. God gave us joy in a time of heartache, peace in a time of pain, beauty in a time of ashes. I am forever thankful that we had something beyond our sorrow to focus on - Sadie was more than the gift of a life, she was a promise that light would breakthrough the darkness we all felt.

I don't understand the why of hurt - of why this family is without their father, or why my daddy isn't here to celebrate his birthday. But I do understand the gift of healing - I know that Jesus Christ, the Savior, is present with us in our pain, turning it into something beautiful and good in our lives when we trust in His love for us. I know that Almighty God, the Father, is holding out his arms to embrace us when we cry. And I know the Spirit intercedes for us and never leaves us alone, even when we feel like we are. Such is the mercy, love, and beauty of my Lord - beyond all we could ask or imagine.

Happy Birthday, Daddy. I know you probably already have, but could you go find Dean Walton and give him a great big hug from everyone down here? His family and friends miss him more than words can say. I love you & miss you too.

Dinner at Coach Forbes'

2010-11-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Tuesday November 2) the JV volleyball team I coach came over to our house for a dinner and awards night. They had a blast! They were excited from the moment they got there and saw the house and the view until the moment they scared their parents with the speaker feature on the front doors. It was an awesome night, with tons of laughter and good memories made.
One of the things we did together was work on making a "Good Luck" video for their big sisters on the varsity team who are headed into state playoffs. They were supposed to say some encouraging words and wish them luck - but we ended up adding a lot of humorous twists. For example: giving encouragement from my bathtub, on a Swiss ball, at the piano, and in a prom dress (or actually, ALL of my sisters' and my old prom dresses). Here are a few of the best for your viewing pleasure. :)

My Perfect Man

2010-11-01T23:36:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago my JV team took it upon themselves before practice to find me a guy. They were pretty serious about it, to the point of making me a list of all the things I should be looking for in someone, so that they could in turn look for him for me. I thought it was pretty cute how excited they were getting, all the while (as always) a good opportunity for me to let them know why I didn't want all the things they were putting on the list. One of my captains wrote it all down as everyone was throwing in ideas. So here is the final version, with my edits that were added along the way:

1. Strong Christian
2. Athletic
3. Supportive
4. Wants kids
5. Likes my family and friends
6. No city guys - has to be a country boy! (you can hear the St. Paul in them)
7. Makes me laugh
8. Cute
9. Independent
10. As tall or taller than me
11. Optional - romantic

Not a bad list, all things considered. I had to throw out a few of their requirements but these are the ones I added or let them keep. Now, on with the search!

Germany Week 2: Mom's Visit

2010-08-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

July 19-27

Technically, most of this week was spent in Italy. But since it began and ended in Germany, I think I'm allowed to keep my title. And as for writing 'Mom' instead of 'my mom,' everyone who's reading this A) also calls her 'Mom,' B) has spent enough time around me that it shouldn't bother you anymore, or C) is my mom. So no complaining. :)

Venice - the Basilica de San Giorgio Maggiore

Monday, July 19

Alps near Innsbruck

As I mentioned before, after we picked Mom up from the train station we headed back to the Abrams. We finished getting ready to leave for Italy, and introduced her to some of Ryan and Emily's friends. On our way out of town we stopped at their favorite Doner Kebap restaurant in town - it was very good but so big! I ate three of those things while on this trip and I don't know why I never got smart enough to not eat the whole thing. Then we got on the road, traveling southeast through Innsbruck, Bolzano, Trento, Verona, and after five hours in a hot car, Venice. I never expected the Italian Alps to be so beautiful! With all my knowledge of maps and geography, I still found myself saying, "I didn't expect Italy to look like this." (Later, driving through Tuscany, I commented that that was more along my expectations.)

Two views of Ryan's favorite Italian castle on the drive

We parked and got on the train somewhere around 11:00pm. My first experience with people who act helpful and then want money for their "service" happened here, as we tried to figure out where to buy the 1 euro ticket we needed for the train into the city. I think Emily gave him the equivalent of 50 cents.
As soon as we left the train station, the sensation of being on a floating city hit me. It was SO gorgeous! Venice at night is spectacular - glowing and dancing on the water with such radiance. We took a vaparetto (water bus) all the way down the Grand Canal, past the Rialto Bridge and the Plaza San Marco to our stop, then wandered through tiny streets to our hostel. We had somehow ended up with an apartment (at the top of 74 stairs, I counted), with 4 twin cots set up in the same room, a small kitchen, and an upstairs balcony to which the door was locked. Ah well - would have been cool. :) It was nice to have so much space, and a great view over the city.

Tuesday, July 20

In front of a canal & St. Mark's Basilica

We were all fairly exhausted but still got up at a decent time to go exploring. We started out at Piazza San Marco, wandering through the throngs of tourists lined up to get inside the Basilica and dodging illegal street vendors and their stacks of purses. Then we headed off in no specific direction, with a vague idea of a mid-morning snack and the somewhat indefinite ultimate destination of the Rialto Bridge our goal. We window shopped, ate at a snack bar, wandered, crossed a bridge over the Grande Canal (along with many bridges over small canals), shared a fruit cup and a slushy, and generally had a great time. It was hot, very hot, but we kept ourselves to the shade. Around noon we hitched a ride on a vaporetto going around the city back to the Rialto Bridge, and set out on a much more determined goal: finding me gelato.

We had passed gelaterias earlier, but they weren't open yet - now was the time. Ever since reading Sisterchicks in Gondolas several years ago, I have known that what I wanted most out of Venice was gelato. (That's only slightly an exaggeration.) We passed a few, but they didn't look quite authentic enough - one of them even had the gall to call themselves "ice cream" in the hopes that those American tourists who either have never heard of gelato, or who can't tell that the brightly colored rows of deliciousness in the cooler are an Italian cousin to their favorite treat, would choose this stand over the many lining Venice's tiny alleys. Once we found one to my satisfaction, I went all out: three scoops(!), of chocolate, strawberry, and lemon. Oh, so good - and well worth the wait.

It was definitely lunch time by then, and so our next stop was at a cafe on the waterfront. We had passed it earlier while I was on my hunt, and the waiter had walked by carrying a pizza topped with freshly sliced pineapple. It looked so good! We all knew that was exactly what we were in the mood for. Getting back there was difficult, though - with barely any space between the cafes, and with hosts trying to seat you as you just walked by (very similar to the manner of the street vendors), we couldn't tell which one we were going for. But one of those hosts caught our attention by breaking out in song: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine!" He sang this to Emily, which prompted a strong response in Ryan: "No, she's MY sunshine." We were pretty sure this was the place, so we asked if they had the pineapple pizza and they did. It turned out to be the best pizza I had ever had, and we were stoked to enjoy it in such a beautiful setting along the Grande Canal.

Rialto Bridge behind us

Looking from the Rialto Bridge back to our cafe - the last with a burgundy canopy

After lunch, we walked back in the direction of our apartment. We ended up retracing our steps from the Piazza earlier, in search of a couple of things we had seen, and decided to buy - a small cappuccino/teacup for me, and a beautiful sailboat of Murano glass for Mom. The sailboat is now sitting proudly on the mantel in our living room, and the teacup is displayed with the rest of my collection. Happy campers are we!
Our next goal was to escape the afternoon heat of Venice by heading for the beach. The island of Lido, a short boat ride away, was calling our names. It turned out to be a great idea - more gelato, bouncing around in the Adriatic, and napping on the beach. It was perfect.

The beach at Lido

Walking from one side of the island to the other

Lido from the boat - I wish the pictures could show the stunning colors of the buildings, especially when the sun hit them

We decided to dress up a little for dinner, so after showering and donning my new Tollwood dress, we headed out in search of a place recommended to Ryan and Emily the last time they were there. It was good - not great but good. We shared a bottle of wine and each had an appetizer. I had grilled eggplant and a whole bream - mom didn't want to look at it but helped me out by de-boning it for me - she's so awesome!
We slept so well that night - we were all so tired! I think I fell asleep before the lights were even off.

Wednesday, July 21

Murano glass decorating the patio

Venice in the morning

Our second day in Venice began with me waking up long before the rest of my family. With the sun shining through the window and my stomach growling, there was no way I could go back to sleep. I was able to spend some time reading the Bible, and then decided to go for a morning walk and return with breakfast. Mom was up by then so I told her my plan and took off. It was a gorgeous morning - the sun glancing off the canals and streaming between the buildings, people going about their morning chores and jobs, very few tourists out yet - it was a great way to experience Venice. I found my way through the maze of alley-sized streets to a cafe and filled up on a variety of pastries for us. Everyone else I saw were enjoying their morning cappuccinos from tiny teacups at the counters, and gave me interesting looks when I walked out with a ton of buttery and sugary goodies.
When I returned to the apartment, everyone was up and getting ready. We split every one of those pastries into fourths and has more than our fare share for one morning. Oh so good!! Ryan and Emily have become experts at bakery goods since moving to Bavaria, and kept rebuffing my attempts to get them to save some for later. So with full bellies and all of our gear, we set out for the train station. We decided to walk part of the way, so we got off the vaparretto at the Rialto Bridge and walked along a wider boulevard and shopping area.
The best thing we found that morning was a juice bar complete with fruit cups, pre-made smoothies, fresh lemonade, and a bowl of sangria. They let us taste everything - soo good! - then we bought one of all but the sangria and found some shade to enjoy them in. We eventually made it through the heatwaves and throngs of other tourists to the train station, after getting cheap pizza to go from a nearby stand.
On to Florence! It took us over an hour to actually leave Venice because of several train and parking lot setbacks, and then about three hours of driving. It was really hot without air conditioning, but Ryan did a great job of getting us there quickly and safely.
Finding parking in Florence was an issue (more so since I was stressed about missing our reservation time), but we did end up making it to the Accademia in time for our appointment with David. :) He was excited to see us! And he is HUGE. When we walked into the room, we just kind of stared - every detail is so intricate and impressive. The museum as a whole wasn’t that amazing, although they had a few individual items that were special, like Botticelli paintings of scenes from the book of Esther, and several Byzantine paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries. It was also quite eye-opening to see the unfinished Michaelangelo’s as we walked into the hall housing David: you can see unfinished men emerging from massive blocks of marble, and the chisel marks still present where he last worked on them. Seeing the process that Michaelangelo used to create David was very cool, and made me even more impressed with his incredible abilities.
After the Accademia, we headed towards the Duomo. Mom wanted us to see the Baptismal’s gold doors - which were pretty impressive. The pictures on them are 3D. On our way there we stopped for gelato, a slushy for Ryan, and dress shopping for Colleen and Amy. Then we followed Rick Steve’s advice for a restaurant next to the Duomo, which had awesome food but wouldn’t give us tap water. What the heck! We were so thirsty that we ended up getting a couple of Italian beers to share instead.
We got lost on our way to our hostel/campground that night - but eventually made it thanks to the GPS system. We had two rooms, side by side, one for Emily and I and one for Mom and Ryan, but the woman at the front desk tried to charge us for our car. By that time we were done dealing with people, and headed to bed. After a day of both excellent experiences and extreme frustrations, sleep sounded good.

The Duomo

One panel of the Baptismal's door

I can't possibly fit anything else into this post, so I suppose there will have to be a part two. Until then!

Germany Week 1: Exploring Bayern

2010-08-18T23:10:00.000-07:00

July 13-19

Seeing Ryan and Emily at the train station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen was one of the best moments I have had all year. I arrived via train, having flown from London to Munich (ask me sometime about being mistaken for a native German by a group of Spanish guys and attempting to use my very poor Spanish skills). Ryan and Emily were there to meet me at the station - biggest hugs ever! How I missed them the last six months. We spent the whole evening talking and hanging out in Ryan's dorm room, eating pancakes and looking at their pictures from Egypt and Israel.

Wednesday, July 14
When I arrived, Ryan and Emily were in the middle of a 10 day working stint to make up for all their time off in the Middle East. So, that meant I was on my own every morning and afternoon until they got off work. The first few days I had limited access to the Abrams (the dorm complex where they live), because my passport had not yet cleared the access roster. The guards would only let me onto the base if I was signed in by someone who had permanent access. So, I took Emily's cell phone along and just hung out in Garmisch until they got off work.
The town is really a neat place - the Marianplatz has many cute shops, gelaterias, and backereis, which I definately took advantage of. The day was really hot (had I known that it would be the only hot day while I was there, I might have spent it differently), so after walking around town I wandered down to the river Loisach and read with my feet in the really cold water.

Hanging out at the Eibsee

Ryan and Emily picked me up when they got off work, and we went out to the Eibsee, a lake lying at the base of the Zugspitze (tallest mountain in Germany at 9,718 ft). Its a gorgeous place, and it was awesome to jump in and cool off. Later we headed back to the Abrams to make dinner. I think Emily made eggplant that night, thus beginning my love affair with grilled eggplant on this trip (I kept requesting it everywhere we went, especially in Italy).

Thursday, July 15
Although it was cloudy when I got up, I decided to go on a hike on Thursday. There were so many hills and mountains surrounding Garmisch that I wanted to get as much hiking in as possible while I was there. The path to the Kramerspitz began less than five minutes walk from the dorms, so that's where I chose to go. I had a map but was really just following along the signposts as I wandered around. The hike provides a great view of the valley on the way up - it was fun to see where things were in relationship to where I had been the day before. By the time I got to the ridgeline, however, I couldn't see anything but clouds. I was pretty much socked in and didn't know how much further it was to the top (plus I reached an area where I kind of lost the trail), so I stopped. I found out later from one of Ryan's friends that I had been about a half hour from the top - oh well. I was super tired, having not hiked like that in a long time, and it was getting to be late in the afternoon. I pretty much ran all the way down the hill (it took me just shy of 3 hours to get to where I stopped, and about 45 minutes to get down).
That night Ryan, Emily and I went to dinner at an Indian restaurant with three of their friends: Renee', Sam, and Ben. All of them are a part of the Bible study they attend. The food was great and the company was even greater - they have such great friends! I loved hanging out with them.

Friday, July 16
The day before I had decided to go to Dachau Concentration Camp, which is outside of Munich - an hour's train ride from Garmisch. Renee' was headed to Tollwood, a hippie-style festival (without the drugs), so we shared a train ticket to save money. Before we left I had time to explore the farmer's market in the Marianplatz, and came back with a bunch of fruit, vegetables, and bread. So much fun! And somewhat difficult when I don't even know numbers in German, let alone phrases.

Dachau was really hard. I don't have any words to explain what it felt like to see the same land, same buildings, same walls as held captive so many innocent and hurting people. Even though it wasn't an extermination camp in the same way as Treblinka or Auschwitz, so many people were robbed of their lives there. It was the first of the Nazi's concentration camps, and many of Dachau's prisoners were held for political or religious reasons. In the exhibit they have so much information - pictures, statistics, stories....it would be impossible to wade through it all in one afternoon, but it was an incredible experience. Sad and heartbreaking, and powerful.

Ryan and Emily drove up and met me in Munich that evening to go to Tollwood. We walked around, looked at all the random things for sale (and bought some of them), and ate a wide variety of food. It was so good! We bought and shared a waffle, crepe, falafel with tabbouleh, chocolate covered strawberries and bananas, a coconut with its top cut off so you drink the milk, and maybe something else I don't remember. There were a bunch of different music tents, including one where people were swing dancing, and several large structures made out of road signs. Emily LOVED it, and Ryan and I had an awesome time too.

After Tollwood, they took me to the Hofbrauhaus - a famous huge Bavarian restaurant and bar. It serves beer in liter size glass mugs called a mass (pronounced 'moss'). I'm not a great one for drinking beer, so when that mug showed up I thought there was no way possible I would finish it. But Emily had ordered me a Radler - a mix of lemon soda and beer, which was actually really good, and drinkable. The night ended with possibly the craziest, fiercest hail and lightning storm I have ever been in. The hail got so big on our drive home that Ryan and other drivers were pulling over and stopping underneath overpasses in order to get out of it. Emily and I were praying the whole drive. We eventually made it safely home with only a few unfortunate dents and scratches on Ryan's BMW.

Saturday, July 17
Ryan and Emily's friend Ben invited me to go hiking with him Saturday morning before he had to work - he's one of the RAs at the Abrams and works an early swing shift. So we took off around 9:30 and headed towards a ruined castle not far from the dorms. When we got there, we happened upon an alpenhorn lessen - a woman dressed in a dirndl, who spoke no English, was giving a middle-aged gentleman a lesson on the traditional Alpine instrument. It was crazy! The guy was pretty good for only having two days experience. The feel of where we were just made it seem like we had walked into Switzerland in 1600. Ben was really excited - he's a music guy and hadn't seen anything like that before.

We also made it to a small lake nearby, and then just kind of wandered around on trails until we had to head back. It was a great morning, and so much fun to get to know Ben a little bit.
When Ryan and Emily got off work, I think we began planning our Italy trip for when my mom arrived, and then watched Die Hard 4 or whatever the latest one was. For not being a fan of that kind of movie, I liked it - funny and not scary like I always think they will be.

This is what much of hanging out in Emily's room consisted of :)

Sunday, July 18
Ryan and Emily are never able to go to church on Sunday, because they always work weekends. But a bunch of their friends go to the chapel on base, and Ben is actually the worship leader for the chapel. So Sunday morning I walked to the base and attended chapel, which was a great experience. I think it was really refreshing to see an Army chaplain who truly believes the Word of God, and a community of believers who are committed to each other, to outreach, and to the Word. Meeting some more of Ryan and Emily's friends (including the couple who lead their Bible study), was also really neat.
That afternoon I hung out with Ben until he had to work, then did random stuff at the Abrams until my favorite couple got off work. It had by this point kind of become a routine - like being at home & spending time with family in the evenings. It was so nice to be able to stay in Emily's room and have a welcoming home base.
A bunch of their friends wanted to have a Boy Meets World marathon that night - I watched for a while (remembering how awesome a show it was when I was in jr. high). I also went for a walk that evening - the moon was out and it was a beautiful night. There was just a tiny bit of light coming over the mountains, and the silhouette was gorgeous.

Monday, July 19
Mom arrived today! But before that, I convinced Ryan to let me borrow his car (after dropping them off at the hotel) so I could drive to Neuschwanstein Castle. It wasn't that far away, but taking a bus would turn a morning excursion into a day long excursion and I didn't have that much time. For anyone who knows how Ryan feels about my driving (boats, cars, vans, video games), you know that it took a LOT for him to say yes (thanks Emily for backing me up!) - so I thank you dear brother! I took good care of it!

Ryan's GPS took me there without incident. I parked and started walking up the long hill - I had already decided not to pay to go inside. The enchantment for me with this castle has always been the exterior (plus several friends said its not worth it). It was gorgeous, but just so weird to see it sitting there looking over the plain - like it was slightly out of place. Hohenschwangau, where King Ludwig II grew up, was also just crazy to see - bright yellow and prominent, although situated at less of an altitude than Neuschwanstein. Behind both of them is the Alpsee, the small lake you always see in pictures of the castle. It was amazing to see in reality, and not just in my head, how these places exist.

I climbed up the hill beyond the lookout bridge to get these pictures.

Hohenschwangau with the Alpsee behind it
Once I got back, the three of us picked up Mom from the train station (a reunion much like the one I had - lots of hugs and smiles and estatic-ness), returned to the Abrams to get ready for Italy, and headed south.

More to come!

Wales 2010

2010-07-18T00:04:00.001-07:00

* Sorry I have taken so long to finish this! I started it in Germany and then got caught up doing other things.

I don't have any pictures to show yet, so I apologize up front for that. When I get home and can upload them I promise anyone who reads this will be amazed by the beauty of this small country and its rugged coastline. I admit I was a bit uneasy about heading out on my own for another adventure - I mean really, why play with luck twice? But it turned out to be an awesome few days and I am SO glad I went.

Thursday, July 8
I arrived in London and made it through the passport check around midnight after having three pretty uneventful flights: Portland to Seattle, Seattle to Chicago (small layover), Chicago to London. I had an open seat next to me on the S-C flight, which was great for sleeping, and had a window seat to London next to a nice professor from a school in Tennessee. I made it to AVIS, where my biggest challenge turned out to be figuring out which car was mine. At first I thought I had been assigned the one in A3, which was a nicer compact car that I could not figure out how to turn on: it was a manual but had one of those start buttons, so the key had to be in, clutch in, and then push. So I spent forever figuring that out before I drove to the front, realized I was in the wrong car, reversed to get the car in A9 (much more my style, no buttons), and came forward again. All this took me roughly 40 minutes. Making it to the hotel while driving on the "wrong" side of the road was easy by comparison.
The GPS unit I rented from AVIS was extremely helpful while getting around Heathrow. I had no issues, checked in easily, and spent the night in the smallest hotel room I have ever seen - probably 3x5 feet of walking space, a single bed, and tiny bathroom. But that never bothers me so it was fine - plus they had wireless so I could use my iPod to tell everyone I had made it safely. Then, sleep. :)

Friday, July 9
I got up relatively early (for me) and was on the road by 8:45. I was prepared to be gripping the wheel and scared of driving on the left side of the road, but two things made it pretty easy -
1. Everyone else is driving the exact same way you are, so just by following the flow of traffic you end up being fine.
2. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car, and there is something about having the center lane next to you as a driver that feels right - that of course you should drive on the left because you want to be on the side of the car closest to the lane - it wouldn't feel right otherwise.
The GPS got me to the M4, where if I was going straight to Wales I would have stayed on almost until the end of my 4-hour journey. However, I had already decided that I wanted to visit Bath - a beautiful old city with a Roman bath system dating from the first century, complete with having made many appearances in Jane Austen novels - her characters found visiting Bath to be somewhat of a social necessity. So I eventually found parking, and time to do everything I wanted.

First, the Baths - I paid to enter and tour around the small museum, which was actually very interesting. It was cool to see the way the baths worked, with water flowing through it continually from the small spring, still steaming today. They give you a glass of the water in the Pump Room, attached to the baths - this is where Jane Austen's characters would 'take a turn about the room' and try to be noticed by men of high society. :) The room is a restaurant now, so I didn't stay long, but it was huge and beautiful.

The Abbey from above the Baths
Second, the Abbey - I went in and found that this beautiful & huge church (more like a small cathedral) was having a guest lecturer, speaking on the Wisdom psalms. I thought his talk was great - all about finding the message in the author's words, that rest and restoration where only found in God - nothing else will do. It was awesome to be in such an ancient place of worship and hear someone speak God's Word as Truth.
Third, the Royal Crescent - I went walking in search of this stately row of homes, generally considered to be the upper echelon of high society in Bath during Austen's times. I only got turned around once before giddily walking up to the long crescent and imagining myself in the 1800s. My favorite movie scene from Persuasion was filmed here - where Anne, on finding through a letter that Fredrick really does love her, runs after him along the crescent and tells him she is persuaded once and for all that she wants nothing in the world but him. Ah, the beauty of a love long waited for.

That was the end of my time in England - I joined the now crowded freeway and headed to Wales. The B&B I stayed at was quite cute - run by a younger couple with two kids, and their grandmother. The dad pointed me in the direction of their long abandoned castle when I asked for a tip about taking a walk - it was a beautiful place to explore and watch the day come to an end. I love castle ruins with no boundaries - ducking through entrances, climbing walls to get better views, and generally having a blast.

Saturday, July 10
Coasteering!! This is the original reason I came to Wales - to visit the Pembrokeshire coast and rock scramble/cliff jump to my heart's content. I accomplished all that and so much more.
Getting there proved to be a challenge (the GPS took me on a crazy route that included a one-way, unpaved, wagon-track road through the countryside, as well as having to deal with the narrow roads near the coast), but once I got there everything was great. The first people I met turned out to be the family I spent the day with - Peter, Carrie, Ella, and Joe. The kids were 14 and 11, so right up my ally - the whole family was just a joy to be around. They were celebrating Peter's 50th birthday, and welcomed me with open arms. They even told our 2nd guide that they had adopted me. :)

We went sea kayaking first, which was beautiful. We wove in and out of huge rocks along with the tide, explored caves and inlets, and skimmed across the open water with ease. Joe was really uncomfortable, so we kept waiting for him, but that was fine and just gave me a chance to soak it all in. The blue of the water, the variations of the cliffs, the peacefulness of the day...it was all so amazing.
After a break for lunch we met a new guide (named Llyi in Welsh but he had us call him Tom), who turned out to be a lot of fun. He was great about both helping the family push their comfort zone, and letting them take things at their own pace. He also was pretty smart and was great about pointing out little science things (having to do with rocks and seaweed and the quarry) that I would never have known otherwise. I think he's coming to the US next year to study biology. Anyway, he was fun to talk to and had the best six pack I have ever seen. :)
Coasteering is basically a mix of rock scrambling, traversing, and cliff jumping, all rolled into one activity. We swam to different areas of the cliffsides, scrambed around, jumped in, traversed if necessary, fell in, swam some more, repeat. It was awesome! Joe was so impressive - he wanted to do everything. A couple of times when he wanted to, but was afraid (before a "slab run" and before the 20ft jump) he would look at me & say, "Let Michelle go first." It was really cute, and he had so much fun. Towards the end of our time, there was an option to jump off a 35ft cliff - Joe wanted to but they had an age limit of 16. Tom asked if I wanted to, and of course I said yes. He had already told me that he had only had one girl do it the previous summer, and none this one - but thought that I would. I had to rise to the challenge. I felt like I was representing all Lake Powell alumni, and especially Ryan since he got me to overcome my fear. Plus it was just fun! But scary for the split second when I looked over the edge.
Later on, in an old blown out quarry known as the Blue Lagoon, we jumped off a 30ft cliff a couple of times. That one you could run and jump off, which was pretty cool. Joe had his chance - after he went, Tom told the rest of the older guys standing around debating about doing it that Joe was only 11. As you can imagine, they all got in line to jump.
I exchanged email info with the McDerrmott family, and have since discovered that they are Christians! Such an amazing, beautiful, small, Spirit-filled world. I'm so thankful I was placed with them.

Sunday, July 11
I drove back to the St. David's area with the intent to hang out at Whitesands beach before camping on the other side of the peninsula at Porth Clais. It turned out to be a nice, though breezy, day, and the beach was fairly crowded. Also, there was almost zero waves, but I didn't come all the way to Wales NOT to play in the water. So I rented a surfboard for an hour and had fun in the whitewater. I rode maybe 4 waves in that whole time. But I did meet a nice Welsh guy, there on vacation with a bunch of friends, who invited me to watch the World Cup final with them that night. Later I went on a hike down the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which was gorgeous - around every bend a new cliff, new views of the sea, new rock formations to gaze on. I could have hiked a lot longer than I did, but wanted to set up my tent in the daylight.

Camping in the UK is so different than camping in the US. Your "site" is anywhere in the field that you want, so long as you stay six meters away from everyone else. It was an amazing location, though - overlooking the sea, with the coastal path going right by, and an inlet full of boats right below. I found out later that I had, without knowing it, set up right next to Rhys and his friends. I met them that night at a pub in town and had a blast hanging out - they were so funny! It was a large group of married couples, a few with kids, and he was the only one still single. Poor guy - I know what that's like. :) They were so welcoming, and I had a great time just laughing with them all night.

Monday, July 12
Rhys is on the left - we were watching his friends shoot water bottles sky-high

I hung out with Rhys and his friends for a while before heading out to walk the path once more. I found a rock to climb down, and jumped in one last time. Then it was back on the road, headed to London to try to catch a West End show. I lucked out and got into London in time to ditch the car (with some help from the GPS), take the train from Heathrow, get a ticket from the Les Mis box office, take the tube station to my hostel, and get back to the theatre before they closed the doors. Stressful but worth it! It was such an amazing performance! The songs, the story, the characters....it was all breathtaking. I had "Bring Him Home" and "On My Own" stuck in my head for days. The story of redemption and forgiveness was incredibly powerful. Interesting sidenote: Nick Jonas happened to be playing one of the lead characters while I was there. For all my dislike of teenage pop stars, he did an A+ job - he was excellent. I have newfound respect for him (and for his brothers by extension).
:)

Tuesday, July 13
Up early to make it to the airport in time for my flight to Germany. Not much to be said. Most of the tea I brought home for my sisters was purchased in the airport - Aimers & Leeners, I hope that doesn't cheapen it for you. I kind of just ran out of time for shopping. :)

Track Team Fun

2010-05-31T11:25:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't posted anything since December, here's a recap of all that's happened this spring.

Small Group Baby Shower for Gwen & Winter ("Bubba Sherbet")

Team Picture at Westmont

Last night of Spring Fling

Ultimate Ninja

Conference Runners Up

First Day of Willamette Heptathlon

May Term Hanging Out

Nationals - Beth and John winning the West Region Awards

Orlando in December

2010-02-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas, John, Doug and I flew down to Orlando to attend the USATFCCCA annual conference. It was the first time I had been, and was a great experience. Most of the many lectures and panels I listened to were really applicable and well done. Some of them were less helpful than others, but the majority were great.

The conference was held at the JW Marriot, a huge convention center complex with at least eight rooms that my house could have fit inside; a large courtyard with sand volleyball, a lazy river swimming pool, and a ton of lounge chairs; a manmade river across from a golf course; and elegant guest rooms with by far the most comfortable hotel bed I've ever slept in.
The conference went from Monday at noon through Wednesday night; if we wanted we could have spent that whole time in conferences. However, being the rebels that we are, John and I wanted to take off and go to Disney World on Tuesday afternoon after most of the conference stuff was over. We finally convinced a reluctant Doug to go with us, and headed out to the wide world of Disney.

Our first stop was the Animal Kingdom - John's favorite from when he came with his family. It wasn't that crowded, so we managed to hit the Dinosaur ride, the safari, the waterfall one, and the Yeti rollercoaster all within a couple of hours. (I actually rode the rollercoaster twice since we had a pass, but the guys were both a little sick and declined).

Next we headed to Hollywood Studios to catch two rides: the Tower of Terror and the Rockin' Rollercoaster (which is much like Space Mountain because it is all dark inside, but I thought it was better). John was not feeling well after the Tower, but was better than I expected. Total time at Hollywood Studios: 1 hour.

Last but not least we went to Epcot, my choice and Dawn's favorite from their trip. The rides were not as good - we only went on a few since some of the lines were long, and then headed out on the two-mile walk around the countries of the world. It was really cool, but I think I expected more after all I had heard. Maybe if I had been with guys a little more into exploring, or maybe just if there had been more to explore...oh well, it was fun to be there as the sun was setting. What I really wanted to see, we got to see - the Candlelight Processional in front of the US area: it was a full-blown Christmas service with a large choir and orchestra, and narrated by Abigail Breslin. She read basically straight from the gospel of Luke, and they sang all of these beautiful Christmas carols.

It was awesome! I think John was impressed, but he and Doug both fell asleep soon after it started. So I ended up asking if they wanted to take off - I would have been ok leaving then and there - I had seen all I wanted. John seemed like he wanted to stay though, so we ate dinner and walked around the rest of the park. Eventually we decided to try one last ride - Mission:Space.

Mission:Space is a ride where you sit inside a four-person capsule and get to feel the effects of space travel because the capsule is spinning incredibly fast. I loved it! John and Doug did not. John gets really motion sick, and Doug does a little too. John was already not feeling well from the other rides we had been earlier. Before you get on the ride, they warn you at least eight times over the loudspeaker, and again with signs everywhere, that if you get sick you should either not go, or go on the less intense side. We were on the really intense side, but the guys would not switch! John kept saying that it was a bad idea, yet he went anyway. As soon as it started they both grabbed for the barf bags and I worried about what would happen to them the entire ride. John was basically green as we left. So we ended up staying in the park for another half hour while they tried to feel normal again. I was able to catch the first part of the water/lights show, which was cool, and would love to see it all again sometime.

Wednesday night was an awesome night as well - the USATFCCCA started a new tradition, of honoring the best athletes in the sport with the Bowerman (named after the former UO coach and Nike founder). It went to Galen Rupp and Jenny Barringer, two very deserving runners. A really nice dinner followed, along with another coaches' social (they had one every night - basically a lot of beer and wine running around). But it was fun to get dressed up a little and hang out with the NW Conference coaches.

A Full House

2010-01-24T21:28:00.000-08:00

Christmas was an awesome time for our family - getting to be together as a big group doesn't happen as often as we'd like since are so scattered. Last year it was just Mom, Ryan and I on Christmas morning; this year we added Erik, Colleen, Elisa, and Sadie; Forrest, Amy, and Ephraim; Grandpa Jack; and Charles, Peggy, Christina, and Kimi. We had a blast together making tamales for Christmas Eve, going to Rock Harbor's candlelight service, opening presents (especially watching the kids open presents) and eating poteka (since our family alone can eat a whole one, we made three), playing some new games, catching up, and eating a really great dinner.

Christina had all of the kiddos enthralled, and Ephraim especially bonded with her in a way he rarely does

Kimi opened a box of Pedi-paws from her dad, and wasn't convinced it was the best of presents :)

Ephraim knew exactly what to do with his new T-ball set

Sadie enjoying the tutu Alie made for her

Grandpa Jack

On Saturday my cousin Dennis and his family (Mindy, Jacob, and Joelle) came to visit too. That made a total of nineteen in the house that night. We had so much fun! We jumped in the river for the 2nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge (myself, Kimi, Dennis, Forrest, and Erik - Ryan was told he had to by the guys but then faked jumping in and high-tailed it back to the house and hid from us for the next half hour). We played Twister for over an hour, which was hilarious. We talked and laughed all day - it is so good to be with family.

Jumping into the Willamette - notice Ryan's fake-out

Brothers-in-law

Dennis and Mindy duking it out

On Sunday our extended family had to get back to their homes, so my grandpa took us all to McCormick & Schmidts for brunch before heading out. The Wachobs, Arnolds and I then went to Pacific City for some fun on the dune and Erik's first trip to the Oregon Coast (and Mo's).

Thanksgiving Weekend

2009-12-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was much quieter than most - only 5 of us gathered around the table, which is a departure from the usual for my family. But it was a wonderful, relaxing, thankful time together. Ryan worked the whole weekend but had each evening off to come home, which was nice. Ryan's friend Steven, whose family is on Kauai, came over, and Paige drove down from Tacoma to spend the weekend with us. I love having her around! She is a breath of fresh air and so much fun to be around.

Sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner with Paige & Steven

After eating (at 7:00 because Ryan didn't get off work until then), everyone was too full for pie. Instead we watched Miracle on 34th St. - a tradition Colleen and I started back in high school and have kept fairly well. No one else will usually watch it with us, though, so I was surprised when Ryan, Steven and my mom joined in and stayed awake better than I did! :)

Kayaking on the river with Paige - gorgeous and warm day

We invited the Smith's and Adam over for an afternoon of games and hanging out. Dawn loves games, as do I, but John is not a fan. He spent most of the time ridiculing whatever we were playing. The rest of us had fun though: we played Whoonu and Imaginif, ate Thanksgiving leftovers and my mom's caramel popcorn, and we laughed a ton. Ephraim completely attached himself to Blake, and spent several hours chasing him around house and doing whatever he did. Blake seemed to enjoy it too.

Blake and Ephraim playing the piano :)

Look at Paige and Forrest at the end of the table! They cheated through several rounds before we picked up on it.

Sliding contest!

Paige's friend Nicole came over Saturday and Sunday before they drove back to PLU. It was fun meeting and hanging out with her! She is a literature genius and it was so great to stay up late and talk about books. :0)

Complete! It took us three days, probably 10 collective hours, and help from Amy, Steven, my mom, and Nicole, but we finally finished this 1000-piece puzzle on Saturday night.

Track Retreat to Twin Rocks

2009-11-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

This past weekend the track team went on our annual fall retreat - this time to Rockaway Beach. We left early Saturday morning, drove through a tumult of rain and a lightning storm before arriving at the Cheese Factory in Tillamook. You'd be surprised how many people are willing to eat ice cream before noon. (Including Dawn and the kids!)

The house we rented from Twin Rocks Friends Camp was perfect - just enough beds for 20+ people, plus a large living space with ocean views that allowed everyone to hang out together inside when it was storming outside. We knew the surf was going to be huge (29 ft swells), and it did not disappoint. The waves were crazy! I wish my camera could have captured just how big they were. For an idea of how crazy it was, understand that the Twin Rocks rise 80 ft above the water, and the waves that hit them were sometimes spraying over them. WOW!

David and Davis

The weather didn't seem to bother the team at all. This was perhaps the most game-happy group I've been with since my growing up days and trips to Lake Powell. I loved it! We sat cozy inside playing Scategories, Settlers, Yahtzee, cribbage, Alhambra, spoons, 4-on-a-couch, charades, and cards. Everyone had a great time! We even ate relatively healthy food (since I was doing the shopping and cooking).

Scategories with the whole group right after lunch

Charades - Dak being a mermaid

Doug sleeping through charades :)

Alyssa and Jared stacking a tower of dominoes while trying to earn a blizzard from John

When the rain let up, we explored outside but found the ocean kept us from venturing out too far. I had never seen the waves so wild or the surf so high. The sea also kicked up a ton of foam, and the tide was in for most of the afternoon - meaning no walking on the beach. The water was coming all the way up to the bluff and in some places pushing past it.

Right after dinner we had some excitement: Adam was helping Blake 'fly' and unfortunately he flew right into the chandelier. Pieces of glass came raining down, and most of them seemed to land on Jaci. Blake was absolutely fine, but Jaci went to the emergency room and came back with stitches in her head and foot. She's such a trooper! She didn't cry once. Anja and Adam ended up with cuts too but were fine - Adam was more shaken that he had endangered two Smith kids than anything else. Davis and Blake spent the evening (staying up until 11!) with us while John and Dawn were at the hospital, and they seemed to really enjoy being members of the boys' club (especially when they were winning 4-on-a-couch).

Sunday morning we did group devotions: John spoke a little about how desperately we need to be in God's word and know the truth for ourselves, without letting people lead us astray by twisting or ignoring what the word says; he lead a few old-school worship songs; I talked about how as a team, we have a huge opportunity to grow and build each other up but we can't do that if people aren't in the word and growing up into Christ individually as well. We need each other, and we need each other to be seeking Christ wholeheartedly; we are a body and family that can encourage and uplift one another, but we need the help of the Spirit to fully serve each other and pull each other up. It was pretty cool that without planning it, what John and I had to say complemented each other perfectly.

All in all it was an awesome weekend and I'm so glad I have gotten to know the track team members a little better. At least I know all the freshmen's names now! Plus my volleyball girls won their last playoff game and are headed to the state tournament later today - icing on the cake.

Top Five Highlights of Halloween weekend

2009-11-06T13:34:00.000-08:00

1. Our volleyball team came in second at districts and qualified to host a state playoff game.
2. Seeing Tori and Victor back together after a rough few months.
3. Dressing up and hanging out with family and friends at Bushwacker's: dancing, laughing, reliving old times.
4. Our six-person Wizard of Oz crew came in third in the applause-based costume contest, earning free food that night and what amounted to about $3 each after subtracting the cover charge we paid to get in.
5. I accomplished possibly my silliest life goal that night, but if you want to know what it is you must ask me in person. :)

Pictures coming!

The Hazards of Working in a Library

2009-10-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

Part of my new job involves supervising the library for a couple of periods a day. That means helping kids with homework, checking books in and out, and keeping the peace. It is not that exciting unless the students need help; most of the time they do not, although one of the classes has way too many students in it and they would rather throw things at each other than do work. A few weeks ago our librarian resigned. Until they hire someone to replace her, I am filling most of the time slots. It is nice to be working more, but there are more than a few problems associated with me working 5 hours a day in a room full of books.

First off, there is the temptation problem. I am constantly faced with the choice to teach or get lost in a book: unfortunately for the students and the people who are paying me, reading often wins.

Second, there is the boredom problem. While one or two periods have students that need a lot of supervision, most of the periods are host to members of the AP English club who ask me to proofread their essays once in a while but don't need me on a daily basis. And not having anything to do, encourages problem A.

Third, since when has anyone thought I would be good at crowd control? When things get crazy, you try telling three teenage boys to quiet down and respond in a strong but controlled manner when they tell you to "stop getting all up in my grill." (What does that really mean anyway?)

Fourth, what are we letting kids read these days? I have taken the liberty of pulling some of the books off the shelves, because there are quite a few that are just not appropriate for youth. We've got books that I would be embarrased to read. I'm kind of disappointed in authors of teenage books right now.

And finally, reading during the day leads to me being caught up in some novel or another and just wanting to find the ending out; which means that I have lost a lot of sleep to words on the page. The internal struggle within me at night goes something like this:
You should put that down and give in to sleep - you are really tired and have to do this all over again tomorrow.
But there's only 200 pages left and you could just skim through it and find out what happens.
You are terrible at skimming and so tired! Be responsible and put it down.
Just 10 more minutes...
Its been an hour already.

Hopefully by the end of the week we will have hired someone and I will be back to spending two hours in there a day. Trust me, it will be better for all involved.

Snapshots of September

2009-10-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

Ultimate Frisbee with the track team

Playing Apples to Apples with the volleyball team in The Dalles

Janet Hodgin (Emily's mom) and my mom wearing the exact same outfit without realizing it

Wakeboarding in the rain

Visiting Tori in Baker City

Hmmm...... :)

"Lifting" on a Friday afternoon: Lizzie, Cindy and I skipping practice to engage in more important activities

October 1

2009-10-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

In so many ways the past two years have flown by. So much has happened since the world flipped on its head and I said goodbye to my dad for what turned out to be the last time. Two wonderful new additions, Sadie Pearl and Ephraim Alvis, joined our small clan, and two more are on the way. Ryan and Emily finished their track careers, graduated from college, and found full time jobs. My mom moved to Oregon, learned how to be a florist, and now helps lead a Grief-Share group. Colleen started working as a nurse again. Amy hasn't slept a full night in over a year. I spent one summer in Europe and one in Jackson, lost a teaching job and found a new one, started coaching high school volleyball and started working with my church youth group. The whole family took a trip to Hawaii together last August, and then were together again this summer for the Willcox-Godfrey wedding.

Yet equally striking is what hasn't happened: my dad never walks through the door of his dream home. He never drives Grace down the Willamette or teaches eager track stars how to waterski. The good people of Newberg have never known what an incredible orthopaedic they almost had, and GFU athletes have been hurt countless times without someone there to take care of them. Ephraim and Sadie never met their Boppa, and none of the grandparents want to stay up late playing Mario-Kart on New Year's Eve.

I miss my dad the most at times when I feel he should be there, and isn't. Times like this past summer at Bailey and Alfred's wedding; I remember how much he loved teasing them when they first began hanging out. Times when one of my athletes goes down and I know he could have fixed it, or provided them care when they couldn't afford it. Times when I want to crawl into his lap on that big lounge chair and be a little girl again for a few minutes. Times when my mom is alone and he should be by her side. Times when strange silences fill the space where he would be laughing, and making us laugh too.

Other times I don't miss him anymore - at least not in the physical, heart-wrenching sense. I always miss him in that soft, wish-you-were-here way, in that place where sweet memories are just beneath the surface and echoes of what is lost don't have to hurt. But now the times when I ache for him to be with us are fewer, and the moments when I am thankful for where he is now come more easily and more often.

Being together this October 1st was mostly being thankful. Thankful that we could again be together (although poor Colleen was stuck in a 13 hour shift at St. John's); thankful that it was a beautiful day; thankful that we had all of these great memories of being places and enjoying things with him; thankful for all the prayers sent heavenwards for us; and incredibly thankful that God still provides and heals two years later.

At the cemetery, early morning:

At the beach, outside Lincoln City:

At Mo's, eating my dad's favorite clam chowder:

Evening sun on the river:

Disappointment Peak

2009-06-28T17:58:00.001-07:00

On Saturday morning Erik and I headed out to hike Disappointment Peak. For those of you not familiar with Jackson, it is one of the smaller (11600) peaks in the Tetons, but sits directly in front of the Grand so it has amazing views. Colleen couldn't join us because she had to work that night. :(

The day turned out to be astoundingly beautiful, and the hike itself was one of the coolest things I have done in a long time. Its crazy to think that a year ago I was hiking around in Scotland and Norway - but I would take the Tetons instead anytime!

We left the house at 5:00 and were on the trail at 6:00 - and were completely covered in fog. It began to clear an hour later - we were treated to a very unique sunrise looking towards Buffalo Valley and the Gros Ventre range. The fog didn't completely clear the valley until after nine.

The hike was pretty simple until we reached Amphitheater Lake. From there on we were hiking on snow most of the rest of the way, with a few rock scrambles in between. The Grand is showing its head at the top of the photo.

This is at the top of the first snowfield looking over the southeast ridge.

Erik and I took turns taking pictures of each other on the summit - these are with the Middle & South as our backgrounds.

On the west side of the summit is a very steep cliff - it was a little scary looking over the edge but worth it!

We ate lunch in a little cave right beneath the summit - here the background is Nez Perce.

Part of our descent involved sliding down a huge snowfield at the bottom of the couloir - such a blast! I had fun learning how to use the ice ax.

This is Erik, with our descent from the peak behind us. We climbed down the cliffs to the left. We still had five miles of hiking before reaching the parking lot, but this was the end of everything difficult. What an amazing day!

The kiddos at Nationals

2009-06-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

This is such a funny video that it deserves watching. We were at Mom and the girls' hotel room at Nationals, after Ryan was done competing.

Ryan and Elisa Part 1

Ryan and Elisa Part 2

Me Being Lazy and Never Updating My Blog

2009-06-18T17:43:00.001-07:00

That pretty much sums it up. However, I have been busy: let me give you a snapshot of my last semester!

Spring means track, which means heading to California for Spring Fling! This year we competed at Northridge, UC Irvine, and PLNU. It was probably our best trip ever weather-wise, and an all-around awesome time. Santa Barbara was made better when Tori showed up for a few days.

The only drawback to the trip was that Lisa tore her ACL during our first weekend. Even though her Nationals goals were lost, she remained such an inspiration to the rest of the team with her work ethic and attitude. She came back and scored in two events at Conference a month later! Here's Lisa and the group at Magic Mountain the day after it happened.

We had such a great group of freshmen this year! Here are two of them (Rachel and Beth) hanging out with Emily, Cindy and I in the pool in San Diego.

Mom and Ryan during the meet at Point Loma

Conference at the end of April was one of our best showings in recent years, although the guys side was plauged with setbacks. The girls had a great run, with three first place finishes (including Emily's!); here is our 4x1 team going up to get their medals.

The Coaching Staff at Conference: Me, John, Doug, Jeff, and Greg

In April Mom took on a new project: flowers. She joined a floral design school in Portland and brought home gorgeous arrangements nearly every night! If anyone knows someone in the area in need of flowers for a wedding or other occasion, please give Mom a call - she's excellent. This is the nosegay she made for Emily for Spring Formal.

Ryan and Emily before going to Spring Formal

In March I also put together a sleepover at the middle school I work at for our 8th grade girls. It was part of their Drug, Tobacco, and Alcohol Free unit - they did the planning and fundraising - with the dual goals of learning how to put together a wholesome party and giving them the experience of something fun without any alcohol or drugs. It went really well - I chaperoned along with a fellow Christian teacher, and the girls had a great time sleeping in the hallway, dancing and playing Mafia in the gym, and watching movies and playing RockBand in the classrooms.

Two girls defeating Lauren, my fellow teacher and chaperone, in a pillow fight.

May was full of fun times with the track team:

Girls Night Out (during which the guys, per tradition, pranked one of the girls' apartments by filling over a thousand connected Dixie cups with water.)

A pre-meet dinner at our home (that's Casey, a freshmen, standing on the tree)

Our crazy intra-squad heptathlon (where the girls payed back the guys' prank by freezing their underwear into a massive ice cube)

Me throwing the shot

Wine Tasting with friends in Carlton

Nationals!

This is the only shot I have of Ryan competing - I was running around constantly because all of our athlete's start times coincided. He did awesome - he had a bunch of season's bests, plus PRs in the shot and pole vault - all while dealing with being sick and having to have an IV in the middle of the second day!

Ryan with John and Joel - who has been at Nationals with him all four years

The team posing with John's new "West Region Coach of the Year" Award

And that's basically it! I recently finished teaching and have been searching for and applying for jobs, as Gaston cut my position due to economic woes. It was hard to say goodbye to everyone, staff and students, but I'm hopeful that God has something better for me coming along the way!

I will try to be better about keeping this up to date in the future. :)

New Years

2009-01-02T12:02:00.001-08:00

This New Years, as per tradition, I headed over the pass to visit the Jacobys. It was a smaller gathering than normal, as we were missing the Gentry sisters and their brood - who are spending the holidays in Michigan - as well as Colleen and Erik who stayed at home with his parents, Travis and Kat in California, and Amy and Forrest in Washington. But we had a blast with Bailey, Alfred, Lee, Kelly, and the rest of the Jacobys minus Jaymie - who's back in Colorado with some girl. :)
As always, we ate too many sweets, stayed up way late (my dad would have been proud of the parents for staying up till 2:30 - normally he was the only one who made it that long), played card game after card game, braved the wind and snow to spend New Years Day morning in the hot tub, and overall just enjoyed each other. It was a blessing for me to spend time with dear friends I don't see nearly enough - especially Josh and Heather's kiddos who seem to grow up way to fast! I got to hold sweet Salim and play Uno with Asher, Arden, and Daisha.

Dancing Asher - all three of them enjoyed bouncing around in front of my new camera

getting ready for Uno

Granite Hot Springs

2008-12-31T12:45:00.001-08:00

Having been a Wyoming girl since I was six, and having a desperate need for cold winters and piles of snow, I made my way to Jackson after spending Christmas with Mom, Ryan, Amy, Forrest, Ephraim, and Wallis at our home in Oregon. It has been a wonderful trip so far. All of the Wachob clan were here, so we have been having glorious adventures in the snow. Sunday afternoon we went for a sleigh ride on the Elk Refuge, courtesy of Doug and Becky - it was fun to see the elk up close and shiver together in the wind. Monday we took off for Granite Hot Springs and spent the day skiing, snowmobiling, and swimming. We got a late start so we had to ferry people in on the one snowmobile we had to make sure we made it the ten miles and back before dark. Although it cleared up later on, when we started out it was blowing and snowing quite a lot. We all made it by about 2:00 though, and then realized we had no pots or pans to heat the soup for lunch. But lo and behold, we found that we had a can of cougar gold cheese - it worked like a charm! The cheese came out and the chili went in, and Dad would be proud that his favorite gift was put to such creative use.

Elisa loved the hot pool, as did the rest of us - even Sadie had a big smile on her face the whole time. Since we arrived so late, by the time we got in the pool we had it all to ourselves! Elisa spent much of her time climbing out of the pool, grabbing a snowball, and walking back into the pool to throw it at one of us. Often it would melt before she could get close enough, and then she'd start back up again - quite undeterred. Adam challenged us to jump in the snow on both sides of our bodies before we could get back in - and then proceeded to lock his wife, sister-in-law, and myself out of the pool area which led to many screeches of protest and pain. :)

We didn't get around to leaving until about 4:30, which meant we had about an hour of daylight to ski back 10 miles. To make things more interesting, Doug thought the snowmobile had run out of gas (luckily it hadn't). We set out in the beautiful half-light of the evening and tried to soak in all the stillness and serenity before the night covered this enchanted world.

Night came, and with it a few sparkling stars poking their heads through the cloudy sky. Doug came too, roaring in on the snowmobile to pick us up. Nine people on a snowmobile, you say?? Yes, it can be done! Colleen and the girls rode with Doug, and Adam, Kristin, Becky, Erik and I each grabbed onto a rope and towed behind them for about five miles. It was heaven!! More and more stars came out to join the parade as we admired the splendor and the adventure of it all. Of course, we were traveling slowly and of course, I was the only one who fell down (twice); and yes, Doug did accidentally try to run over Adam on a downhill slope; and yes, the girls didn't get to bed that night until 10:00 - but heaven it was none the less!!

Hawaii in August

2008-12-19T16:42:00.001-08:00

The whole crew at the Banyan tree
Sweet Elisa and I
Mommies and Daddies and babies, Oh my!
Ephraim and Sadie hanging out the first morning in Maui
The first sunset we saw
Grandpa Jack and a wide-eyed great-grandson
Don't hit him Sadie!! :)

Heading out to dive
After a trip with the kayak and an encounter with a turtle

Sleeping in the shade
Grandpa and Trish
Dancing

A very tired and cold little girl
Wearing the lei I made

Jaci and Elisa being goofy

Part IV: An Incredible Journey

2008-12-19T15:58:00.000-08:00

I'm way past due to be done writing about Europe, so here are just a few pictures to cap off the trip.

So grateful to have made it to Normandy
Carentan was full of beautiful old buildings and bright flowers

Riding across Utah Beach

One of the 4 causeway exits from the beach that the Airborne units were charged with securing
The "Chapel de Notre Dame" in Carentan - sorry I couldn't turn it right side up!
The castle in Caen, taken 15 minutes before I realized I was lost and wouldn't make it to the ferry
Sunrise over the English Channel (from inside the ferry)
Milford Haven, Wales

And that's the end!! I am so thankful I was able to take this trip - it was an amazing experience I will cherish always. Thanks to everyone for praying - I know it kept me safe and well. Thanks to Mom for her skymiles and the pedicure; to Amy, Colleen, Cathy, Laura, Emily, and everyone who wrote me notes; to Trish for flying all the way out to Norway on a whim and making that week such a wonderful time together - I'd go with you anywhere! - and thanks too for the birthday cake and trip around Stockholm; thanks to all the Juniors Abroad crew for letting me join in the fun, and to Cindy, Kelly, and Emily for making room for me to crash with you; thanks to Lucy and Leisel, my trusty blue traveling companions; thanks to Mary & the Feeneys, Jim, Hank, Maresh and family, Hans, the Switzerland crew, Jackson & Lou, everyone at REMM, the Canadians, Arden, Michele, Marisa & Eva, Ben, and every new friend I met along the way for your kindness, hospitality, and warmth; and thanks to our Father, for making the mountains and the seas and then opening our eyes so we can see the beauty of His majesty. I love you all!!

Part III: London with a Local

2008-11-26T16:45:00.000-08:00

With Marisa and Eva, waiting to get on the underground to Heathrow

A kids play of "Cinderella"

I spent the final night of my trip in London before flying back to the states on July 22. And by night, I do really mean NIGHT. Of all the crazy experiences on my trip, this one was probably the most like that of other 20-something Americans in Europe, and less like any situation I would find myself in either here or over there.
Ever heard of couchsurfing.com? I read about it in Time magazine before I left, and tried to find hosts in a couple of places on the trip but none worked out. Basically its a system where you sign up to be a host wherever you live, and then can ask other hosts if they will take you on for a night or two - anywhere in the world. You can see before you ask if the person has good references, a verified address, or has been vouched for by other members. Anyway, all that to say there are reasons I didn't tell Mom about this idea before I left. But my last night in London I found a couchsurfer, Marisa, who was willing to take me on. She hosted me and another girl from Poland, Eva, that night.
Marisa is a pre-med college student who is originally from Afghanistan. She has lived in England for about 12 years and can speak fluent English, Farsi, and Hindi, and is learning French and something else. She is exuberant, crazy, friendly, and extremely generous. While spending one day with her, I did all of the following:
-went to a kids school play to watch her friend's sister (also Afghan) perform in a modern-day version of Cinderella where the prince turns out to be a player and the girls kick butt
-hid from some guys she knew so they wouldn't see she was buying alcohol and tell any of her mom's friends
-ate top ramen with peas and spent three hours listening to her stories, songs, and history of her homeland, coupled with pictures from her trip there to meet her dad's family (her father, grandfather, and several uncles were killed in the war against the Soviet Union, some brutally - and until last year hadn't seen them since she was a baby)
-went clubbing on Tottenham Court Rd. in London, and actually danced if you can believe that
-drank more than I ever have in my life and didn't pay for any of it (Tori would be proud) but DID NOT get drunk so don't worry
-saw a random guy slap, hit, and push a random girl on a busy street at 3:30am, and no one stopped him or went to help the girls attacked but Marisa, Eva and I
-ate french fries with a special sauce while riding a bus back to the apartment, at 4am
-almost missed the plane waiting for the girls to get ready the next day, but then they spent the next hour riding the underground just to see me off

Marisa is a treasure, a beautiful, welcoming gem who is completely confident, unceasingly searching for meaning, and open to every new adventure that comes her way. She has had a lot of tragedy in her life, but her heart is still open and she is anxious to do something with her time that will impact others. I admire her very much, but am scared for her all the same because as smart and loving as she is, she lacks the greatest thing - a heart fixed on God and full of the love and hope only He can give. Marisa is the byproduct of two very different worlds - the atheist secular world of Britain and the Muslim dominated world of her birth. Her love for both is evident, and seems to pull and stretch her until she almost has two separate halves.
Pray for her with me, will you? I find myself remembering that whirlwind day in London often lately, and I want to pray that someone will come into her life on a permanent basis and show her how Jesus radically changes lives.

Interim

2008-10-05T22:32:00.000-07:00

I just want to throw out there a huge thank you to everyone who has prayed for, hugged, sent flowers or notes, called, dropped by, or otherwise loved on our family in the past week. I feel so blessed to be loved so deeply and so well by so many wonderful people. This week was all that it needed to be: a time to remember and honor Daddy. Wednesday was hard but special. We were together as a family, only without those brother-in-laws of mine. We spent time at the gravesite, time playing scum, time writing letters to Daddy, time listening to the sweet things said about Dad at the service last year. It is hard to believe a year has gone by - in so many ways the pain is still fresh. But it has, and we are healing - a healing that will take forever but comforts us still. I miss him with all that is in me and know that will not change, yet in the sorrow there is a contentment - a joy lacking in zeal but not in hope - for I know that all God has in store for Daddy, and someday us with him, is greater than the present heartache I feel. Someday, Lord! Someday will come soon. Till then I miss you and think of you always, Dad, and I love you forever.

Part 2: The Craziness of Nighttime Travel

2008-08-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

So, I have two stories to tell and both of them bring to mind feeling a little helpless and a little scared. Well, one of them a lot scared and the other just out of place. Both of them taught me something and both of them made me tired the next day. :)
#1 - Paris
To summarize - no place to stay, all hostels full, late at night stuck at a train station. So I decided to get on a train - any train that I thought was going to be traveling at least a couple of hours so I could catch a train back to Paris in the early morning - most start running by 5:00 or 6:00. So I went to a town on the northern coast, and slept on the train for a couple of hours. When I got there I had a couple of hours till the train left back to Paris so I decided to sleep in the waiting area, which I did. However, I didn't realize that this station, unlike some of the others I had been at, close down between the last trains and the first trains, so I almost got kicked out. But the station manager, who spoke just enough English for us to communicate, kindly let me stay and locked the doors of the waiting room so I could sleep safely. When she opened the station not long after, she moved me to her office so I could stay away from a vagabond who had just walked it off the street and whom she recognized as "not a good man." So, all in all, not a scenario I would want to repeat and yes, I should have taken Laura up on her offer of staying with her friend - but that's another story. However, I did get kissed on the cheek by a very handsome black man who spoke no English but thought I was a friend of the station manager's and greeted me with the customary French "kiss."

#2 - Caen
After my awesome day in Normandy, I was taking an overnight ferry to Portsmouth, England. My ticket said it left from Caen, so I took the train there, found out where the port was (not far from where I was), and treated myself to dinner at a creperie. I left with a total of 5 pounds and 0 euros to my name, because the restaurant had not accepted my card and I had to use all of my cash to pay for the food. So, penniless and a couple hours out from departure, I headed towards the port. Then I started seeing these signs towards Ouistriem (Car Ferry). My thought was, o cool, it must leave from the far side of the port and I'll just follow these signs. But pretty soon I was climbing a big hill beside a castle, and leaving the inhabited area of Caen, and feeling pretty unsure - the port was not this far away. I rounded a corner and my worst dream came true - a sign that read Ouistriem - 15 km. Now, had I had a whole day or a few more hours in the sunlight, that would not have bothered me so much. But I had an hour and a half to make it these 15 km, and I was really supposed to check in in 45 minutes. 15 km is like 9 miles. It was NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!! My first thought was to find a bus going that way and bribe the driver to let me on without any money - but when I got to the next stop I found the buses were not running anymore this evening. At the end of my rope (I thought) I entertained the idea of hitchhiking, and even walked with my thumb out for a quarter mile - but no cars stopped, and I was getting really scared and upset and crying because I had no way of righting this situation. Eventually I found myself lost in a part of Caen that was not meant for lost souls with big backpacks in the middle of the night, and was just crying and praying that God would keep me safe - no longer with any expectation of getting to Ouistriem.
Then along came a white van. Now, I know the reputation, fed by horror films and news reels, of white vans in dark scary streets. But when this van stopped, three French women lowered their windows and asked if I needed help, which of course was obviously the case. Through the driver's broken English I was able to communicate where I was trying to get, and they told me to get in. I have never, never, felt so relieved and thankful as I did at that moment. Those women, those pot-smoking, hippie women with the cans of Coke in the backseat, where God-sent angels to me that night. They ended up driving me the whole way, giving me a Coke to take with me and would not take the 2 euro coin I offered (all I had left). They were so kind, and generous, and took care of me in a way I seldom take care of others.
That night, safe and sound on the ferry, I think I felt like I had been delivered from a lot of things - from insecurity, from fear, but most of all from a doubt that God can do all things. ALL things - including saving me from a hopeless situation, including protecting me when I was Much Afraid (see Hinds Feet on High Places for that reference). I told a friend later that I don't think I can ever doubt God's faithfulness in the same way after that night. And though I have found myself needing a reminder lately, my life was uprooted and flipped around that night. And I wouldn't want to go back!

Part 1: Normandy & Wales

2008-08-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

Normandy was an amazing place to visit for a day. There is so much more to see there than I had the chance to, but the two places I went were both amazing. Most of you know of my love of history, and some of you know that I have a thing for World War II history especially. I wrote my senior project paper on the American airborne forces in WWII - and so studied the D-Day landings quite a bit. The 101st and 82nd Airborne divisions landed behind Utah Beach on D-Day, and their job was to secure the 4 causeway exits from the beach since the Germans had flooded the inland area. They were separated from each other by the drop, and most of them landed far from where they were supposed to, yet they still accomplished their goals through effective leadership, great skill, and sheer determination. Reading the accounts of different paratroopers from that day gives one the feeling that they were happy to have survived the crashes and filled with a great passion to avenge those who didn't make it. They had a death grip on what mattered most in the war effort and would not let it go. I wanted to see Utah, to see Carentan and St. Marie du Mont, some of first towns they liberated, and the hedgerows that made their tasks more difficult.

There are just not words to describe the hallowed feel of that ground - all of Normandy, for me, is a sacred battlefield. Yet, life goes on - it is uncrowded and beautiful, serene and yet full of life. I was amazed to see people playing on Utah beach - making sand castles and digging for clams, riding horseback through the white water and sunbathing beneath the same rise that still held bunkers and howitzers and now held several small memorials and a museum. It was a beach like any other beach, and yet so different. In my mind I could still see the shadows of ships anchored in the harbor, as far as the eye could see; I could see through the tears in my eyes men crawling up the long shore with guns outstretched - many of them never to make it; I could see the combat ensuing all around the hill I stood on. The echoes of D-Day are still powerfully there. At first I was saddened to see the beach had become a normal beach - to play on and laze about - but then something in me shifted and I realized that the men on D-Day knew exactly what they were fighting for: freedom from tyranny and oppression, freedom from fear. And nothing stands as a greater memorial to that effort than the very image of children laughing, grandfathers teaching their grandsons how to dig for clams, new lovers out for a romantic horseride across a great wide beach, and locals taking a Saturday break to stroll along the sand. These are living testaments to the sacrifices made that day, whether they realize it or not. I know that at Omaha, which I would love to visit someday, there are larger memorials and a cemetary along the sea - but maybe both memorials are needed - both the living and the steadfast stone.

Wales was an interesting trip. Out of money and finding out late that I couldn't get to where I was supposed to by train, I ended up taking the safe way out (after two less than safe nights I felt that was best) and staying in a town on the coast that I could easily get to by train. However, it was too far south of the place I was hoping to go, so the scenery was less than exciting (though, to be fair, still pretty.) So someday I want to go back and actually see the Pembrokeshire Coast. The good news is that I did get to see Bath from the train window, and have now been in every region of England. :)

Home sweet home

2008-07-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

So I'm back in Newberg, starting to work out again and enjoying being with Mom and Ryan. The boat is out of commission at the moment so I haven't been out yet, but just being at the house or on the dock is pretty sweet. Sorry I haven't updated in so long, you can ask the silly dial up people why - but just so you know I have a four -part series coming for you:

Part 1: Normandy
Part 2: The craziness of night time travel
Part 3: London with a local
Part 4: Conclusion and final thank-yous

Coming soon to a computer near you!

Almost Home

2008-07-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

I'm going home today!! I can't wait. It has been a wonderful, amazing trip filled with so many blessings: I have learned so much, been in so many situations I never thought I would find myself in, seen the most awe-inspiring sights, and met so many God-lovers and cool people. But I'm ready to be at home where I don't have to pack every day and don't have to carry a huge backpack around large cities and up steep hills. :)

I'm in London right now, getting ready to run some final errands before I take the underground to Heathrow and head out. Yesterday was crazy, because I woke up in Wales, went for a run, touched the water of the Irish Sea and then got on a train - five hours later I was in London. I will have to write more about yesterday later (plus I have a lot to say about Normandy), but I should let you know that I saw a kids play of Cinderella at an elementary school and hung out with a whole bunch of women from Afghanistan - learning a lot about their history and culture in the process.

I will see some of you in less than 24 hours!! The rest I hope to see soon, because I miss you all. Love you!

Hungary's not so bad after all

2008-07-17T14:16:00.001-07:00

Hello from Szeged! I made it to Arden's apartment tonight - actually she picked me up at the train station and has been pampering me ever since. It was a long day but a good day - I had an hour to talk to "Tati Pedro" in the car on the way to Oradea, and he got me thinking about a lot of things I had already thought about but now have a reason to actually do; I spent five hours sitting on the floor of the railway station in Oradea, but wasn't afraid this time and got a lot of journaling and reading accomplished; all the trains connected as they were supposed to, and I didn't get in trouble for not having a reservation on one of them where I should have had one; Arden treated me to dinner and ice cream, we talked easily for hours about the grace of God in our lives, and she played me a song she wrote about loss that I wish I could share with all of you.
I am off to Paris by way of Frankfurt tomorrow night, and then to Normandy where I hope to be humbled by the echoes of the men I studied for so long in college, and will always be my heroes.

One last day

2008-07-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Today was my last in Romania and it was sad to see it go. However, it was perhaps my best here, and I have a strange but nice feeling of finality that is more joyful than sad. I did the dishes after breakfast (Lou made some awesome pancakes with raspberry/blueberry sauce), went to the orphanage and saw the girls, cleaned up the yard a little, ate lunch (chile made by Anca), took a nap, went back to the orphanage and played some more (getting some quality time with both Nati and Gabi (the one I'd take home with me and the one who is an imp but likes me alot)), helped the guys spread out a HUGE pile of sand over the existing sandbox, ate a candlelit spaghetti with vodka sauce dinner made by Andrea, laughed a ton with the whole crew, including Peter and Ana, went to gelato again with the younger crowd, and overall had a great day. I will miss these people and this place, but I know this is not the end of my time being connected with this mission - it really has just begun. One of the best times I've had in this country was working hard to move a boatload of sand while listening to Jackson and Lou tell their stories - how God met them and brought them to himself, and led them here. It was neat to share my story and know that the same God is working in all of us at once - wherever we are.
Tomorrow I am headed to Hungary, to stay with a missionary I met while in Switzerland - her name is Arden and we met on a 5 minute bus ride but she offered to put me up if I needed it coming from Romania - so that's how this came to be! I am looking forward to seeing her again - I could tell that I would like her a lot even after so short a time to meet her.

Things I'm looking forward to when I get back:
- a new change of clothes
- brushing my hair with a hairbrush and not a comb (and honestly, I haven't brushed my hair anyway in a couple of days)
- having a good long talk, face to face, with Mom since I haven't been able to call her in over a week
- putting things in a dresser
- not having to remember 8 different currency conversions in my head (and not having to keep track of all the little lost coins I have collected in each country)
- showering with a loofa and not a small sliver of soap
- having my cell phone back (I know, its pathetic - I really haven't missed it except when I see other people talking on theirs)
- going wakeboarding
- working out and especially sprinting and lifting

Things I am thankful for:
- Italian gelato - limone most of all
- super light Bible Mom got me before I left
- Timex Ironman watches in 24Hr, because everything is listed in military time in Europe
- Smith sunglasses that haven't broken even though I've hit my head (with them on my head) on a bunch of things here - Romanians are typically short
- new card games - ever heard of "euchar?"
- mini bottles of hand sanitizer
- Facebook! I never realized how incredibly handy it was in keeping people together. All of the guys I met in Switzerland I have already kept in contact with and got messages from via facebook.

Things I never expected to do:
- share a bottle of wine over a candlelit dinner with a mission staff in Romania
- watch a movie still out in theatres with the same group (minus the parents)
- dance with a little girl in a courtyard in an orphanage in Romania, while she sang the tune we danced to, all the while not speaking a word but understanding each other anyway

Hanging out in Beius

2008-07-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

Like many things I have experienced this trip, my time in Romania has been completely different than I could have expected and yet exceeded my expectations greatly. This is a kind of down time at the mission, recovery from the last two weeks of a team being in town and doing lots of painting and going out to gypsy villages. So I haven't really been doing much other than hanging out. And I'm discovering that that's OK - that my position here is just to be here - to see how everything works, how the group interacts, how they love on and put up with each other, and what everyday life is like for this group of giving individuals. Yesterday I spent the morning and afternoon playing with the "munchkins" as Ana calls them, and in the evening watched a movie with the younger members of the staff (Ana and Peter's adult/teen children and the college guys), then postponed the movie to watch God's own incredible handiwork instead. It started to pour outside as lightning completely took over the sky - I have never seen anything like it. You could only see the bolt every once in a while, but every couple of seconds the flash would span across and illuminate the night sky - it blew our socks off, and we watched for almost an hour. The thunder didn't start until an hour later - but it was like the rumble of a giant when it did. Then we went into the clinic (the four story portion of the complex, where I and the guys sleep) and played sardines - which of course scared me since I do so well searching for people in the dark. :)

Today we pretty much just relaxed. Peter wanted to take us to a thermal water pool in Oradea, but since it was still raining we decided not to go. Instead we have developed (by drawing straws) a plan for everyone to take turns making the meals (which is fun for us and gives the cooks a break). This creates a lot of teasing and creative work, as it is impossible to find the ingredients for many normal homemade dishes we cook in the states at the stores and market stalls in Beius. Ana went first and made an amazing frittata for breakfast - who on earth thought we should let the MOM go first?! She set quite the high standard. Then Jackson made a sort of philly cheesesteak, but with chicken and slices of a huge loaf of bread, for lunch - also amazing. I attempted to make a stir-fry with plum sauce, or at least a sweet and sour sauce, for dinner. It turned out OK - I'm definitely in last place so far - but I'm satisfied because I had no idea how to make such a sauce without soy sauce or ginger or brown sugar - I used plum jam, mustard, vinegar, flour, and pineapple juice, and it worked pretty well, just without much of a kick. The good news is I came in 49 (about $27) under budget. :0)

Anyway, it continues to be an awesome trip and I am so blessed and happy to finally be in Romania. I am finding out that I don't think I could actually work in an orphanage long term - at least not with kids under the age of 11. But as the guys (Lou and Jackson) said today, maybe that's not my calling. I feel like I'm being selfish when I get tired of playing with the girls, because I want to give of myself but find that my well is just not deep enough to draw from sometimes. But there are so many other ways to help out here - cooking, weeding, building, raising money, adopting, caring for one child as a foster parent, encouraging, and the list goes on. I still want to be a part of this - I just know that whatever I had chosen for myself is probably not completely in tune with what God has chosen for me.
So that may or may not make sense, but it's OK because I'm still learning it myself. I know I can trust God and that I want to be open to whatever He does have in store - I want to be found ready and waiting for Him when the knock comes at my door.

P.S. my knee has barely hurt since entering Romania - praise God! 'cause it really really hurt before. :)

Little Girls

2008-07-14T04:42:00.000-07:00

The last two days have been a totally different experience than anything I have gone through so far. For one thing, I have an entire floor of the mission house to myself, and my own bathroom too. That's kind of fun, although I don't have a problem sharing space anymore - hostels kind of wipe that out of you, especially crowded ones like the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald (plus there we were sharing one 3 stall, 3 shower bathroom with guys and girls). Also, here I have a full five days before I have to go anywhere - and that is cool. Packing and moving is getting a little old - I'm glad I stood still for a while in Switzerland - plus it was the perfect place to be. Plus, I am being served here; someone makes us every meal, does the dishes, even cleans the rooms (though not mine because I'm on the fourth floor). :)

Ana and Peter (the couple who run the mission) are awesome, and hilarious - I just watched them get into a water fight that Peter started and Ana and their daughter Andrea got him back for - it seriously made me laugh for minutes because they were both wearing nice outfits and fighting over a hose. :) The Canadians left this morning, but they were really awesome people as well. The group included two sets of parents, with three daughters each ranging in age from 9 to 17. They were completely welcoming - from playing cards the first night I got here to leaving me with one of their memory sticks for my pictures. The two guys, Jackson and Lou, are really cool too - I spend most of my time following them and Michael, the 16 year old translator and all around gentleman, around. Yesterday after spending the morning at a gypsy church in a field outside their village, we had a waterfight with the girls and then went and got authentic Italian gelato from a store down the street. May I just say, gelato is amazing! They give you really small scoops, but you have to savor it anyway. Its been over 90 every day, but there is a cloud cover today which is nice. Yesterday evening we went over to the orphanage, and the Canadians led a VBS thing for the girls. It was about Jesus as the shepherd, and they made a picture frame to hold a picture of themselves that Fabio (one of the dads) printed out.

I should explain about the orphanage: It is a big building (complex really) and could hold over twenty kids, but at the moment there are only 8 - six-seven year old girls, two who are twins and two who are sisters. The mission oversees a few others who are in foster care, but they don't have enough funding to take care of any others at the moment. The women who care for the children and the rest who are involved in the mission are all amazing, giving, loving, wonderful people - and if they had the funding they would be able and so willing to care for more kids. In April they had to send 13 kids back into state care because of lack of funding - and you can just see that it broke their hearts. The state wants to give them more to take care of because they do such a good job, but won't give them money to do it - so they are just praying and praying that God would open the door for more Romanians to fund them, for the international adoptions to open again (because most of the girls at the orphanage have American families to go home to when it does), and for the state to support them.

This morning I spent 3 hours just playing with the girls - they have so much energy and are so crazy! When I first got there, after playing a little soccer (and they are better than most guys a couple years older than them - they can KICK!), they dragged me off to this area beyond the court and playground that looked a little like a run-down shack but opened into an overgrown courtyard of sorts (still with prickly bushes and broken cement) to a cement wall underneath a tree with some kind of yellow plum. The twins, who are crazier than the rest, and a girl named Delia who is by far the most athletic of them all, just climbed right up to a height higher than my head to get to the plums. I spent the next half hour worrying about someone falling and lifting the less crazy ones to a height where they too could get some plums (which were not ripe, by the way, and very sour). Then I became a horse and goalie, "IT" and sandbox playmate; and they decided to open my bag and take out all my chapstick, camera, money (which I did get back - it was only 7 lei (3 bucks) but still - I had to chase them!) and visor, which I'm pretty sure one of them thought was now hers. They are adorable, happy, jealous, whiny, funny, carefree, wonderful, normal girls - although there are quite a few fights to put out since they are all the same age and fighting over the same resources of people, time, and toys. But it is obvious that they are doing really well - a testament to the awesome people who take care of them and love them. I found myself (obviously) loving them too - even though those three hours tired me out completely.

I don't know if we are doing anything this afternoon or not - its pretty easygoing around here, which fits me perfectly. Things happen when and if they happen. But I am loving the card games, the prayers, the welcome, and the time spent trying to communicate to little girls who only speak Romanian and call me both "Michela" and "Americano."

More to come!

With REMM in Beius

2008-07-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

I made it to the mission!! After a day of being lost, scared, and pretty worried about never actually getting to Beius, I am here at last. In Budapest I was able to switch from the train station I was at to the one I left from with relative ease, and caught a train to Oradea at 1:15. It was about 95 degrees in Budapest today, so the train ride was incredibly stuffy and hot, and I ran out of water with about an hour let to go. The train stopped twice for passport check, once leaving Hungary and about a half hour later entering Romania. Both times they took my passport off the train to call in the info - but everyone else got to keep theirs. I get the feeling that they are wary of Americans entering this area.
Once in Oradea (about 7:00 - with the time change about 5 hours later), I went to the information booth to ask about a bus to Beius - and she said, "Beius - no, no bus. No train, private train, no, no." You can imagine how that made me feel!! I found out later that the bus just leaves from a different area of town than the train station. But I was feeling pretty lost and confused. I tried to use the phone booth to call Ana at the mission, but it wouldn't accept my card. And no one in that area of town spoke English. Eventually a girl pointed me in the direction of a police officer, who let me borrow his cell phone to call Ana, eavesdropped, and then asked a taxi driver if he could take me to Beius. The taxi guy charged me 50 euros (Beius is 60 kilometers from Oradea), which was most of the cash I had and way over my budget, but it was worth it because it got me here and kept me safe. So thanks for praying! Ana immediately fed me, took me to a room, and just seemed so relieved that I made it safely after our rushed phone call. She and her husband are incredibly giving people.
I have met one of three college guys who are helping here all summer and two Canadian families with 3 girls each who are in their last two days of two weeks of helping out here. It has been a relaxing evening after a stressful day. And it is so nice to be with people who speak English! What a small but wonderful blessing.
Mom, I tried to call but the phone card isn't working here - I don't know why. But I am safe and with a great group of people and my knee has felt a lot better since this morning - even the long train ride didn't hurt it too much. I love you and thank you for praying! I miss you all too, and even with as awesome as this trip has been I know that when these 10 days are up I'll be glad to be home.

Prayer Request

2008-07-12T02:28:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't really mentioned a little problem I've been having with my knee ever since I came down the Schilthorn. I wouldn't trade that day for the world, because it honestly was probably the best (or one of the best) I've had in a year, but I did develop something on the way down - I can't pinpoint exactly when. I thought it was just sore, but two days later I could barely walk downhill (uphill hurts too but not as bad). Last night it was just continually painful, and the ibuprofen I took didn't help. So, I don't know what I did, but I'm beginning to think its a bigger problem than I want it to be - so please pray that it doesn't hamper the rest of the trip! I only have 10 days left, and half of those will be at the orphanage - and I don't want to be held back while I'm there. I also would really not like to have it be something that requires a doctor's visit when I get home. :)

Also, I am having some train problems - yesterday three trains were delayed and one canceled, although I did make it to Budapest, where I am now. However, I missed the train to Oradea because of the delays, and now I am waiting to see if I can get on another one this afternoon. Luckilly, I have the number of a Christian missionary in a town I know I can get to, so I have a fallback plan. But I would really like to get to Beius tonight - so pray that this all works out. I promise I will call Mom tonight to let her know I'm Ok, wherever I am.

Love and miss you all!

Oh such great gifts!

2008-07-10T13:08:00.001-07:00

I haven't much time, but I just wanted to share:
- I found an awesome place to camp last night and woke up in my own meadow with the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau ahead of me as the sun came up
- I had two hours alone in the meadow to sing Sound of Music and worship songs
- Josh left his camera accidentally and I found it at the hostel, so we met up this morning in Interlaken (facebook is an amazing thing) and those three guys and I spent the day hanging out on the shores of Lake Brienz, swimming, talking, eating, and sunbathing; which was the most incredible blessing because I had been so sad to say goodbye
- cool sunset in Grindelwald tonight
-headed on a night train to Budapest and then Romania, and should be at the orphanage by evening on the 12th

Love you all!

Pictures from Scandinavia

2008-07-09T06:11:00.001-07:00

This is easier than going back and adding them - but look at the Switzerland ones too!

Gimmelwald

2008-07-09T03:22:00.000-07:00

The guys and I just before they took off: Blake, Matt, Josh, Jonathan, Ben and me

Playing on the "Children's Adventure trail"

On the mountain, coming down: Matt, Blake, Ben and I

Going up!

I have so much I want to say about my time in Gimmelwald - it was amazing and gorgeous and special, and probably my favorite days out of this whole trip. I know I keep saying that, but it really does just keep getting better. I have met the most amazing people, and made friends that I hope I will keep for a lifetime. Yesterday I climbed the Schilthorn with three guys, all in their early twenties, named Blake, Ben, and Matt. We had the most brilliant day, for so many reasons: we all appreciated the beauty so much and openly said so; we had the best conversation on the way up (5.5 hours) about books we've read (mostly about classic Christian works) and how we see God - which was the best part because we are all Christians coming from different backgrounds but loving Jesus just the same, and about anything and everything from funny school stories to all the different wonderful (and not so wonderful) places we've been; we all were wanting to take breaks pretty often because its so steep and we would sit and talk for five or ten minutes each one; the last part of the hike was so grueling that it was fun to endure it together; Ben and I reached the top first and found these Japaneese businessmen in full suits who had come up the gondola and were now clapping and cheering for us, shook our hands, and then proceeded to each take a picture with us; eating really expensive fries at the top and not caring; finding that the way down was so much easier than the way up and we were no longer cold and tired; frolicking (actually, not just me - they started it) and running down the hills that were not as steep and laughing so hard I can't believe I was still standing; Blake chasing this entire herd of sheep up a hill; coming across a kids playground complete with rope swing and zipline that was more like being in Neverland with Peter Pan or in Robin Hood's lair than anything else - and loving every crazy childlike minute; getting back after 10 hours of hiking and jumping in a hot tub heated by a wood stove; making nectarine tarts with sugar that I poured out of a canister at the restaurant on the top of the Schilthorn (I carried it back in a bag that had once contained gummy bears); gazing at a sky just gorgeous with stars for two hours; having the guys decide they were going to create an "I hate Michelle Forbes Fan Club" on Facebook when they got back, because part of the hike wasn't flat, the tarts were too hot, and I forget why else. What wasn't fun was saying goodbye to all five guys (Josh and Jonathan included) this morning - because it feels like we've been good friends for a long time.

I wanted to post about the things I learned in Sweden, so I thought I would copy some of what I wrote in my journal on the train from Hamburg. I hope it makes sense, because it has really been eye-opening for me.

I was driving from Karlstad to Stockholm while Trish slept, and "I saw this sign off the road... When I read it at first, being the American that I am, I read "God Is." And it took me by surprise, but immediately "I Am" came to mind; right before I realized that "God Is" was actually "Godis," and I have no clue what it meant. But maybe that sign was there for me, so that I could be reminded that God Is - and nothing else compares. The truth of that statement is self-sufficient.
God delights in giving good gifts to his children...if God is anything, He is good. There would be no point, no hope, no joy in worshipping a god who was not good...even if everything in this world were painfully wrong, there would still be proof that God is good. because the world He made reflects his glory even in its fallen state. This world is a beautiful place - all one has to do is look at the sky to know that. I have seen many skies the last few weeks - gray and overcast, stunningly blue, dark with wisps of light breaking through. I have seen sheets of rain moving across waters and waves responding to the impulse of the wind. I have sen rainbows, written across mountains and beneath waterfalls, peaking their heads out of the most unexpected places..."The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim the works of His hand." The earth is given to man - a gift to care for and enjoy.
So many times on this trip I have been graced by a gift from my heavenly Father - gifts of friendship, beauty, provision, safety, and by the astounding gift of His presence...And He gave me a sign, literally, to remind me that He Is.
Daddy was a gift. God gave me an earthly father who, in all his fun-lovign and crazy ways, showed me who my heavenly father was every day of his life. Dad was fun - and showed me that God isn't stoic or boring. Dad was creative - and showed me God as Master of all that is special and brilliant. Dad was easy to forgive, and showed me a Savior who spreads our sins as far as the East is from the West. Dad was playful - and showed me a God who delights in seeing us full of joy. Dad was brilliant - and showed me a God who created intelligence and masterminded everything that could ever be learned - who made the human body Dad was so adept at learning about and fixing - who gave Dad the skills he needed to work in an intricate way that which God "skillfully and wonderfully made." Dad was generous, and whowed me a Father who gives beyond our capability to comprehend - who is the giver of all good things...Dad showed respect to everyone, and showed me a God who never judges by the outward appearance, but looks to the heart. Dad was active, and showed me a God who created not only our souls and minds but our bodies as well...Dad was adorable - and showed me that God delights in those who come to Him as a little child in faith...Dad was beautiful - and showed me that God made man in His image. Dad loved us so much - and showed me how God loved me more.
...Daddy was a precious, precious gift. God knew exactly what I needed in a father (and mother, for Mom is a priceless gift as well) and filled my life with someone I wouldn't have known how to ask for if I could. That's the nature of God - to give gloriously, wonderful, abundant and extravagent gifts. I have wondered so often this past year, why was Daddy taken away when he was so needed here? But maybe the question should have been, why did I deserve to have Dad in the first place? I didn't earn the gift of having Alvis Forbes as my father - it was freely given long before I could have earned it or not. And maybe in my finite mind Dad was taken away undeservedly - but that has to be looking at it the wrong way. Maybe getting to heaven now was God's gift to Dad.
Until I reach heaven's shores, I am never going to know why God saw that it was good to bring Dad to be with Him. Its so harsh to try to accept, but ... I cannot know the answer - just as I cannot understand how I was given the wonderful gift of having Dad while others are given fathers who chose not to love, or arn't around, or are taken away earlier on in life than mine was. Its not for me to compare, and its not for me to understand. But these things I do know: God Is, and God is good; and He gives freely and in great measure. He gives, and gives, and gives, and when He takes away it is still to our good - blessed be the name of the Lord!
We are not our own - we are His. We belong to the Almighty Father, and it is into His arms that we can always, always, find rest and comfort. Gifts are never given so that we ignore or forget about or replace the giver - they are always given from, in love. And our response should be. "Allelulia, Lord! You are awesome, and I give You thanks and praise. I want to give you my heart because I know that's where it belongs." The gift cannot be greater than the giver, and God is the ultimate Giver.
Cling to the Father of the heavenly lights, for every good and perfect gift comes from above. Learn from the things Dad showed, and join in the message God is writing across the earth. Join in the dance, sing with the stars, rejoice because you are fearfully and wonderfully made to bring God glory."

If you stuck with me through that, thank you - and I hope it touches you in some way, as it did me. It's amazing what not reading Swedish correctly can do for you! :)

Cool people and a very cool place

2008-07-07T17:02:00.001-07:00

Keeley, Natalie, Ben, Katie, and Matt

On the glacier at the end of the hike!

so beautiful

So, yesterday on my birthday it started out cloudy and rainy but ended up getting a little nicer in the afternoon. Earlier in the day I headed up to Murren with a group that included Natalie (a 21 year old who had been studying in Italy and was traveling around); Josh, Jonathan, and Blake (two brothers and a friend who were helping at an inner-city mission in Dublin and are now traveling around), and Ben and Matt (two friends making their way through Europe together for the summer). We are an interesting mix of backgrounds, philosophies, ideas of fun, and temperments but have been having a blast hanging out and hiking around. Its weird how a place like this can bring people together. Natalie, Ben, Matt, two other girls and I hiked up to a glacier this afternoon - absolutely beautiful but cold after being around the snow for a while in a T-shirt. The views through the valley - again, with countless waterfalls - was amazing; and it was so much fun to be there with people who were just as completely amazed as I was at the wonder of it all.

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-07-07T03:39:00.000-07:00

So it is now the afternoon of July 7, and I am enjoying being in Gimmelwald and being 25. Wow that's weird to say! A quarter century seems so grown-up, like I should be a complete adult without any of my old childish tendancies - and yet I still like to frolic around like a kid when I get the chance.
Today I was hoping to climb the Schilthorn, but there are deep clouds enveloping the whole area so I will hold off till tomorrow. I have met a bunch of people my age - this is actually the first hostel I've been to where the majority of the people here are Americans and under 30.
This is a gorgeous place, even with the clouds. Yesterday the skies opened up and we could see the mountains surrounding us - and yet we are so high up to begin with (I think about 4600 feet - higher than the top of Ben Nevis already). We walked up to a slightly bigger town with a grocery store, which had peanut butter - exciting since I just ran out of my supply. Now we are contemplating going hiking somewhere closer to here this afternoon. It is fun to have a group of people to hang out with, especially on my birthdy. One of the girls is baking me a cake as we speak - though it was supposed to be a surprise; one of the other guys accidently told me.
I had an interesting conversation with a couple of girls and guys last night, about politics and people and cultures and everything in between. One of the girls made a comment in passing about how she was frightened by "fundamentalist Christians" - she's actually the one who is baking the cake. I know she knows I'm a Christian, because it came up last night when I was reading Orthodoxy by Chesterton, but I hope I can show her that people who believe the Bible is true can be just as caring, open, and welcoming to to people as anyone else. I wouldn't call myself a fundamentalist in the way she was using it, but at heart I believe the Bible fundamentally and will always hold to that. Anyway, there are a couple of people that I would love to show how living for Jesus is freeing and full of hope - and not the way they perceive "narrowminded" Christians to be.
I sent a package home today, though we'll see how long it takes to get there. Included is a bunch of postcards for a lot of you - don't feel bad if you're left out because I only had 11 to send and soon I will get more. But I really do appreciate everybody taking the time to read this and travel with me on this journey.
I learned some amazing things while in route from Sweden to here, and I really want to share them - but my internet time is almost up. So I promise I'll get back to them soon! I love you guys and I know you are sending me birthday wishes from wherever you are.

Made it to Switzerland (or, how many times can one cross the Baltic Sea in a day?)

2008-07-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

I have so much I want to write about my journey the last few days, but I have limited time on the internet so some will have to wait till later. Just a few highlights, though:
- Stockholm!! Beautiful, wise, stately city with old buildings sitting write on the canal. We took a boat ride (part of my abundant birthday present from Trish) and it was wonderful. We also ate at an open air cafe: paninis and a raspberry (birthday) cake.
-getting on the night train to Malmo - my first time on one, and it was nice except I didn't sleep that much.
-stop in Malmo, eat breakfast. Stop in Copenhagen, go to a park, write in journal, take a nap, see the Mermaid, eat a waffle. Back to Malmo, feet in the harbor, eat raspberry sorbet. Back to Copenhagen, collect luggage, get on train. :)
-the train got on a ferry!! unexcpected and very cool - my first taste of Germany was from the sea.
-meeting guy from Finland and mom and daughter from Danmark on the train
-making it to Interlaken, finding a store that was open after lots of walking, getting to Gimmelwald after meeting a missionary to Hungary on the bus (who offered to put me up the night before I fly out of Budapest.)

-more to come!!

Hello from Sweden (or, Hello Lillehammer, goodbye fjords)

2008-07-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

As you probably guessed, Aunt Trish and i have arrived in Sweden, land of many lakes and more red barns. It was an uneventful transistion from Norway to Sweden, as the only obvious difference is the inside of road signs being colored yellow instead of white (although we weren't sure whether or not to stop at the entrance to Sweden - it was not well marked so let's just hope that Trish doesn't end up with a ticket of some sort). However, once we got to Karlstad, it just felt a little different. I think people take life a little slower here than they seem to in Norway. We saw a lot of people strolling through town, riding their bikes (all equipped with baskets or platforms), sitting at open air cafes, and enjoying the riverside parks. We joined right in, strolling through this stately old city and its quiet river, eating pizza at one of the cafes (mine came with tomato sauce, ham, pinapple, bananas, and curry), and finishing by staring out the window of our cute hotel towards the river below.
Yesterday we left the fjords, and both of us were fairly sad - it felt like leaving a different world, and being half afraid that once gone we would never find the keys to get back. We left Hellesylt by ferry, through the Geirangerfjorden - one of the most amazing places I've ever been. You are probably getting tired of my saying that, but its true! Our hostel had looked out over the fjord, so we had had an incredible view anyway for the past two days. But once on the ferry, we turned a corner into a canyon with steep walls rising on either side, with thin misty falls gracing many of the rock faces, and farms popping out in the oddest of places. There was one collection of falls called the "Seven Sisters," across from which was a more powerful waterfall called the "Woo-er" (or Suitor). The story is that the woo-er had continually proposed to the sisters, but none of them would take him - so he turned to the bottle instead; and it looks like the fall is holding a bottle somehow. When I can get pictures up again you will see what I mean.
Leaving the Geirangerfjord we climbed this road around 38 hairpin turns to a mountain valley that was every bit as stunning as the fjord we left. Then we followed the river that flowed from the valley all the way to Lillehammer. I wish I could adequately describe the color of that river - I know I didn't ever catch its purity with my camera. It was turquoise, but more blue - brighter, lighter, stunningly blue. I have never seen that color in nature before. It most resembled the sky on a perfect day, but it was moving and flowing and alive with color. I won't forget the beauty of yesterday.
Lillehammer itself was great too. We found our hotel and then went up to see the ski jump that overlooks the town and lake - and once again were pleasantly surprised that they just let you walk around! We even saw four guys make jumps - they just wet down the plastic that covers the landing area so that the skis will slide easier, and wet down the tracks, and then the guy goes - it was so cool!! We climbed up the stairs and I was standing right by the edge of the jump when one of them went - that was pretty neat. The view from up there over the lake and town was amazing - especially with the Olympic torch platform right up front.
Some of you may know this about me, but I have this thing about water - I always want to jump in. I jumped in at the lake at Preikestolen, and at the fjord in Hellesylt, and I wanted to jump in the lake at Lillehammer too. So we found this little park, and I got in, did two turns in the water, and got out. It was much warmer than the fjord, and the other lake, but not warm enough to stay in for long - even though it was probably high seventies yesterday. However, tonight I decdided to get in the river by our hotel (it had been 80 or more today) and even though it was after 10:00, it was warm enough that I swam around for a little while before getting out. I feel like seeing a place from the water's point of view makes me feel like I am a part of it - like I understand it and it understands me - that I belong. I love the way the going under and the coming up makes me feel clean and pure, and reminds me of the feeling of baptism and the beauty of how Christ makes us free.
Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and I admit it is a little strange to be in another country on my favorite holday. But, if i am honest, it is porobably easier to be in Sweden than to be in the US and not be in Jackson. I would miss the fireworks at Snow King and the trip to Warm Springs too much. I will think of you all, having picnics and maybe going boating, and some of you climbing the hill to be in the thick of the action and I will try not to be jealous (since, after all, I am in Sweden). :)
Trish and I decided to go over to Stockholm tomorrow, and then we separate - she goes back to Oslo, and I start meandering my way down to Switzerland - where I shall hopefully be on the top of the Schilthorn for my birthday present to myself. I don't know if I will be able to post before I get to Gimmelwald, so Happy 4th of July and enjoy the fireworks and the lake for me!

July 1

2008-07-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up to real sunshine for the first time on the trip. Sharing my glorious morning were two HUGE cruise ships that had snuck up on Hellesylt during the night. They were kind of fun to see, because they really did take up so much of the space available in this small fjord.
I tried to hike another mountain today (or big hill, whichever way you take it), and was only partially successful. It was steep going (to the point where every step took me up about a foot, and large portions of the hike were along a cliff face - but protected by a dense forrest at the same time) but offered great views of the fjord - or so I was told. The bottom half did, when I could see through the trees, but the top was basically just trees. When I could see out I had a bird's eye view of Hellesylt and its waterfall, and was about even with a great snowfield across the fjord - so the trip to the top was well worth it. However, I somehow became a tourist attraction for a great swarm of flies, who followed me to the top and decided they liked me so much they'd stay with me till I reached the bottom. I gradually learned to accept their presence, although I can't say I made any friends. We'll see if any of my pictures turned out or if I was too busy slapping at the flies that landed every time I stayed still too really get a good shot. I also got lost near the top - the trail, marked by painted red stripes and "V"s - disapeared at a most inconvenient time: through a forest of birch trees. I found my way up but lost it again on the way down, and got pretty scared for a few minutes until that beautiful Norwegian red showed itself again. On my way down I also managed to pass off my flies to a fellow traveler on his way up, so that turned out swell! =)

Trish and I are now in Lillehammer - more to come!

Fjords, tunnels, waterfalls, and one big rock

2008-06-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hello from Hellesylt! Aunt Trish and I are on the edge of Geirangerfjorden, a beautiful place with rock walls reaching down to blue-green bay, complete with snow and waterfalls on each hill/mountain. Each day we have driven by new awe-inspiring landscapes, filled with higher and more rugged rocks and mountains the further north that we go. We have found it impossible to choose a favorite place - all of it is amazing and has exceeded our expectations.
The first day we left Sandefjord and kept mostly to backroads winding through high villages and wilderness lakes. At every turn, we were freshly amazed by the wild and abundant beauty of this place We took our first ferry across the opening of Lysefjorden, where our destination was the hostel at Preikestolen (in English, the Pulpit Rock). The hostel looks out on a gorgeous lake, and across to the other side of the fjord (though you can't see the water of the fjord from there). We sat by the lakeside, and later I walked partially around the lake and back, with the expectation that as soon as I came back from the hike the next day, I would jump in (which I did, to Trish and some new friend's amusement).
Yesterday (Sunday) Trish explored the town of Jorpland and took a well-deserved nap, while I hiked to the Pulpit Rock. The hike itself was sooooo much better than my exprience at Mount Doom - yes, rocks, and yes, steep, but interspersed with segments that were flat or at least gradual ascent. The trail comes out above a valley filled with lakes and one long, winding waterfall, before you come around a turn and can see the fjord - which was stunning because I was so high above it and yet it seemed so close. Then you come around another turn and see this giant cliff face in front of you, with 50 other people sitting around on top - some venturing out to the edge. I figured it if I didn't go to the edge right away, I never would - so I did, and it was both scary and beautiful and not that scary at all somehow. I ended up lying down on the edge (definately not standing) right next to two brothers that we had eaten breakfast with. They were an Indian family from Birmingham, UK, and the dad and mom were up there too. I ended up spending the rest of the hike with them, and had a lot of fun talking with the boys (my age) and being adventurous with the mom (who had a lot of spunk and was less afraid of heights than her sons or husband). It was great, and they invited Trish and I to share lunch with them later. I have truly been so incredibly blessed with people on this trip. Meena (the mom) invited me to come stay with them in Birmingham if I ever returned to England, probably within 5 minutes of me joining them on the top of the rock. I exchanged addresses with them and hope to keep in touch (the boys are on Facebook, so it shouldn't be too hard.) =)
We drove later that night, through higher fjords and lakes, seeing snow for the first time where we least expected it, and seeing more amazing waterfalls than we could ever hope to count. And tunnels - some over 7 kilometers long. Tunnels, sheep, waterfalls, and cows seem to be almost more plentiful than people over here, as the biggest town we've been through (Voss) was much smaller than any I stayed in in the UK. After staying in Tyssedal and a good night's rest, we got on the road again, across both Harganderfjord and Songefjord to reach Geirangerfjord where we'll be tonight and tomorrow. It was a lot of driving, but we got to see so much and it was all gorgeous. We were even given the gift of a magnificent rainbow touching down on both sides of a lake this afternoon. The weather has been raining off and on, with sunny breakthroughs, but cool ever since we moved on from Preikestolen. (It was cool but nice while I was hiking - great to be dry for once!! I really thought I would get rained on again, and surprisingly, had accepted it as a fact of life - but was really happy to accept the sunshine instead.)

Things to love about Norway:
-The amazing landscapes - crystal blue water that you could waterski on all the way across the fjord, free-falling and rock-hugging waterfalls everywhere the eye can see, views that make you want to stop and just stare, and yet around the next bend there's something just as grand
-Snow capped mountains that seem to pop up out of nowhere
-Water, water, everywhere ("I am haunted by waters" - Norman Mclean, A River Runs Through It)
-Really good jam and bread every morning at breakfast

Things to like about Norway:
-Tunnels that are left in their chiseled out stage: it seems as if the seven dwarves will pop out at any moment singing "Heigh Ho" and carrying their shiny gems
-Beatiful drives and ferry rides
-Stave churches that are completely unique to this area
-Getting used to not hearing English but still, everyone we've talked to can speak it
-Fruit stands selling cherries and raspberries, which tasted wonderful

Things that scare me out of my wits about Norway:
-Main roads that are two way but really only wide enough for one and a quarter cars, with really tight curves and little visibility aroung them
-Tunnels that are not lit
-Semis carrening around these small roads without slowing down for approaching cars - that is definately your job
-How much everything costs (don't ask me how much I paid for my mug from Preikestolen, I'm not thinking about it because I just want to enjoy it)

Lessons learned so far in Norway:
-I love, love, love, yellow lines on roads! They are the best invention ever: having a marked lane has just become one blessing I am forever thankful for.
-I want to be as loving and kind to strangers as people have been to me - I've been given so many gifts this trip, and I want so much to be a blessing in the same way to those that I meet.

I think that if I am being fair, Preikestolen is my favorite of the places I've been so far - with perhaps the exception of Fairy Hollow. I will keep you posted on whether or not that changes. I love you guys!!

A few thank-yous, "Mount Doom," and my new "grandpa"

2008-06-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Mount Doom

On the way up

"View" from the top

Loch Lommond at Ardlui

Dunollie castle in Oban

I need to thank a few organizations and individuals for my their contributions to my journey thus far:
Thank you to:
- REI, for making such a wonderful quick drying towel
- Chaco, for keeping my feet safe on slippery slopes and for not mattering when they got wet (and oh, did they get wet!)
- Nike, for the Vomero line, because my feet still actually felt good after 5+ hours hiking up rocks
-Aeropostal, because their clothes are cheap enough that I'm not worried about ruining them
-George Fox track & Field, for providing the rest of my clothes
- bread, Nutella (which I never liked before but think is alright now), and apples, for being the mainstay of my diet and relatively cheap
- Lucy, my Osprey backpack, for being such a great travel companion
- Columbia, for the rainjacket I have worn every day since leaving London (but I have to ask, why provide a cinch on the hood if there is nothing to hold it closed? not helpful...)
- internet cafes, for charging what they think is a reasonable price but then the computer works really slowly
- Trish, for insisting that we stay at a nice hotel our first night in Norway, because I got a complimentary waffle upon arrival (Emily, you would have enjoyed it!)
- Ryan, Emily, Kelly, and Cindy, for each leaving me with something I have needed (i.e. food, laundry detergent, sleep sack, towel)
- all of you, for reading this and leaving me comments which are like little "hellos" and "I love yous" across the sea each time I get onine.

That being said, I should let you know that I have arrived safely in Sandefjord, Norway, enjoying the decadency of this hotel and its waffles (and tea, which I can no longer go without for longer than six hours), and eagerly awaiting the arrival of aunt Trish.
My time in Scotland was wonderful and crazy, but there is no way I could do it justice in this post. So, to summarize:
-one of the most beautiful train rides ever has got to be from Glasgow to Oban on the Scottish coast - past loch and rivers, high "munroes" and gazing out toward the isles.
-exploring a ruined castle built in 730 AD, that didn't cost a penny (always a plus)
-lots of rain
-one gorgeous two hour sunset
-a grueling hike up the 4000 foot Ben Nevis (hereafter referred to as "Mount Doom," because of the way the clouds covered the top third the whole day and the fact that, in a fellow hiker's words, it was "mad up there"), that I had anticipated being a rather tall Snow King but was more akin to my experience climbing the Middle Teton - this was NOT a hill! It was a mountain in every sense of the word, complete with snow and no visibility at the top, hail on the way down, the whole way over rocks and only about 200 meters over dirt paths, and the thought that I might not get down at all
-a guy from Alberta walking the whole way down with me, even though we were too tired and frozen and focused to talk - he really was a guardian angel, I think
-being soaked with no place in the area with vacancies, and not wanting to camp because of the wet and cold
-sitting against a tree pondering my future when an elderly gentleman asked me what I was doing; and being offered a free place to stay by said gentleman, along with dinner (dinner and supper, actually), a bath, a dryer for my clothes, breakfast, and a ride to the train station in the morning
-finding out he was a Christian - his response to my thank-yous was "as you do unto the least of these, so you have done unto Me"
-hanging out with Jim and his little terrior Bria, drinking tea, eating two real Scottish meals (turnip and carrot hash? eggs with bacon (ham) and tomatoes? corned beef sandwiches? ice cream with pears? - I couldn't turn any of it down but he seemed to think I needed fattening up) and being provided yet again with an example of Christ's love and mercy, demonstrated through the open heart of one of his followers
-hopping off the train at Ardlui on Loch Lommond, and sitting with my feet in the water on an abandoned dock, catching up on some reading and journaling, and NOT getting rained on for the first time in Scotland
-getting to Glasgow late, and having a man I met on the train walk me to the hostel because he was afraid I wouldn't find it- and I probably wouldn't have, it was a mile away - then kissing me on the cheek when he left (not creepy like it probably sounds - he was Dad's age with a daughter named Michelle who was my age)

So, there's a recap for you! I wish I could say more. I have never been in a storm like that in a place like Mount Doom where its quite possible I might have had trouble getting down (a rescue helicopter went up there for some people about two hours after I came down), and then been rescued in such an amazingly providential way. Yeah for God and all the crazy, amazing ways he works!

The Lake District

2008-06-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

Fairy Hollow

See the rain? (Ambleside)

On the way up Bleaberry Fell at Derwentwater

The view from the fell

The Feeney kids - Mary, Catherine, and John, at the hostel waterfall

Hello from Glasgow! I have another hour before my train leaves to Oban (on the Scotish Coast) so I thought I'd let everyone know about the coolest place I've been in England! (literally cool as well)
I spent a day in Ambleside and a day in Derwentwater, which are completely different but both amazingly beautiful. I wish I knew some of Wordsworth's poems by heart, because it is easy to see how he would have been inspired by this area. It was pouring rain the whole time (until this morning), but I went exploring anyway and am so glad I did. In Ambleside, I walked a National Trust path through a couple of feilds towards the other side of Lake Windermere. I felt like Anne for a while, especially when I reached a footbridge that reminded me of the one Gilbert proposed on. :) I also felt like one of the Narnia children, waiting for nyads and dryads to appear from the trees and streams - I found a little hollow that just seemed made for fairys, and stayed there a while. I think my dad would have loved this area - all the beautiful green hills, with tiny grey villages lining the shores of deep blue lakes. It certainly made me think of him and how he would love to be at the house in Oregon right now, playing on the river in the boat. But it also made me remember that just as Lake Windermere was more pure and blue than the Willamette (not that that's hard), the lakes and rivers of heaven are bluer and purer still. I can't wait to see him there!
Derwentwater was also blue and gorgeous, but much more rugged. The fells around it were much higher than at Windermere, and there was a waterfall right behind our hostel! I mean, less than a minutes walk away. It was crazy, and still pouring, but of course I had to try to reach the top of one of the fells. The path was well marked until I reached a point about a quarter mile from the hostel, and then it kind of turned into a stream running downhill and I was just following the rocks uphill. There were still gates to cross on the "path", so I knew I was headed the right direction at least. Soon my only companions were the sheep dotting the hillside, at least one of which gave me a queer look, like "what are you doing up here?" So I took a good look around from a rock formation somewhere near the top, watched the clouds gather around the hills, got whipped by the wind and rain, and made my way back down 100% soaked from head to toe. But it was completely worth it! The view was amazing, even though the day was far from clear. The whole hike took only about an hour and a half.
Later that evening, while eating dinner, I met a couple of girls (late teens) who were making dinner for their family. The older one (Mary - a sophemore in college) asked me if I wanted to join them (which of course I did - they were having Indian -style lettuce wraps and nan), then insisted that I join them. I just knew somehow that they were God-lovers, and then they opened dinner by prayer and I was just really excited. They are the Feeney's, from Indiana, and were traveling from Israel to Ireland on a three week journey. We stayed up talking long after dinner, and then they invited me to join them for breakfast as well - and then after breakfast to their family devotions, and then they gave me a ride into Keswick so I could catch a bus to the train station. I was so blessed by these incredibly generous, loving, and wise individuals. They have such beautiful hearts for God and each other. From the soft-spoken dad to the rambunctious 14 year old boy, they treated one another and me with such kindness and respect. I am so grateful to have met them and hope to see them again someday!

Oxford & Ambleside

2008-06-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with the Fab Four at the Hard Rock Cafe our last night in London - I love these girls and am so sad that they are leaving GFU, but am so thankful for the time I've had to get to know each of them. They are amazing!!

Oxford

Outside Exeter College (where Tolkien taught)

I made it to Ambleside today by train, and the journey went smoothly. It was kind of fun to see that catching trains was not difficult and that those Eurail/Britrail passes really do work. I missed the first train out of London because of underground delays, so I decided to head over to Oxford for a couple of hours and catch a train from there instead.
Oxford is perfect - old, wise, stately...beautiful. I wish I had more time there but I saw Exeter College and the library, along with some other gorgeous buildings. The rain held off until I got back on the train and entered the Lake District: its supposed to be windy and rainy tomorrow too, but it is still so beautiful. Its unlike any part of England I've been too, and I'm going exploring tomorrow even if I get drenched. :)
It was sad to say goodbye to the group this morning. I have talked to people today, and met a nice man who helped me find the right bus, but its not the same as having my brother and friends around. They were sooooo much fun to hang out with - everyday was a blessing and a gift. I will miss them but think this journey on my own will be good for me. I'll probably post again in Scotland in a couple of days, and Mom I will try to call again! It didn't work today - the machine ate my pence! :)

Paris & London

2008-06-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

Ryan and Emily sitting on a lion in Trafalgar Square

Whitney and I in front of Big Ben

Ryan and I at La Tour Eiffel

The girls on the tower

The girls at the Portobello Road Market

Tea at the Orangery in the Kensington Palace gardens

So I haven't quite figured out how to upload pictures, but I will as soon as I can. The past three days have been a whirlwind: lots of walking and lots of sites, but incredible at the same time. Paris was amazing - we went first to Notre Dame, which of course made me want to start singing "God bless the outcasts" or "What makes a monster and what makes a man?" but I held back for the sakes of those with me. It is a beautiful, beautiful church, though. I felt that it was at once both a haven for worship and a place were tourists could come and be amazed by the craftsmanship those in earlier times possessed. I felt like I could stay there for hours and just feel at peace.
We followed N.D. with the Eiffel Tower, which was also amazing but our experience was punctuated by the loud shouts, firecrackers, sirens, and horns from a large group protesting something about the President right underneath the Tower. It was loud the whole 30 minutes we waited in line to walk up to the first two levels - which are crazy high even thought the top level is more than twice as tall! I am so glad we did that - it was a beautiful view.
We also went to the Arc de Triumphe (forgive my spelling on all of these), walked the Champs de Elysse` to the Place du Concorde, and visited the Louvre. Rachel, Bethany, Joel, Cindy, and Kelly stayed and went inside the Lourve, but Ryan, Emily, Adam and I had to get back since we had an earlier train. That's alright though - something must be left to go back for!
Back in London, I have been so excited because everything I didn't have time to do while on my Juniors Abroad trip, I was able to do now: visit St. Paul's Cathedral (the view from the top is amazing), see the Lion King - an actual dream come true and sooooo worth it), walk through St. James Park, have tea at Kensington Palace (with Rachel, Bethany, and Whitney today and it was lovely), visit Notting Hill and the Portobello Rd. Market, find David Livingstone's headstone at Westminster Abbey, attend evensong services at St. Paul's and Westminster (voices just sound so pure and heavenly inside cathedrals) and hang out with all of these wonderful track athletes and friends. I am so glad I came, although it seems strange that they are headed home tomorrow and I am barely starting out on my journey. I would be completely content to go home now - I have seen and been blessed by so much.
Tomorrow I catch a train to the Lake District where I will hopefully figure out how to get pictures onto a computer that doesn't belong to me. :) Until then, I love you all!

Safe and sound!

2008-06-17T15:27:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let everyone know that I made it safely here this afternoon, met up with Ryan and the gang, and had a fun night walking around Big Ben and Trafalgar Square - although since the group hadn't eaten in 10 hours we spent much of that time walking through bars that were open but not serving food anymore! Tomorrow a bunch of us head to Paris early in the morning (by Eurostar). I'm so excited!
Highlights of the flight:
The guy sitting next to me asked for (and received) the entire bottle of red wine they were serving
I got a black bag with toothpaste, socks, and a mask.

More to come!

Europe!

2008-06-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Ephraim smiling at his aunt Belle

Pedicure with Mom and Amy before I head out.

Trying out the backpack in my sister Amy's front yard.

So, I am heading off to Europe this summer to fulfill a few dreams, hike a few mountains, and spend some quality time with Jesus. For the most part I will be on my own, but I start out in London by meeting up with Ryan, Emily, and the track athletes who are on Juniors Abroad. In two days I will be in Paris! Crazy, huh?

I have been looking forward to this trip since before I started planning it. Ever since I returned from my Juniors Abroad trip, I have wanted to see and know more: more of England, more of Scotland, more mountains, more coastlines. Last year, while living with my incredible roommate Tori, we decided to populate our living room walls with maps from as many countries we could get our hands on. (She had just returned from Ireland and England and had the travel bug too.) So up in haphazard directions went Norway, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Romania, the United Kingdon, France, Italy, and Sweden.

My dreaming goes back farther than that, and those of you who have known me for a while can attest to that. I have longed to go to Romania since I was 15 years old, because of a combination of two things: 1) sitting in Miss T's health class listening to a couple of women talking about the conditions of orphanages in Romania, and 2)going to Mexico that spring break with the youth group and just knowing that I needed to keep missions as a part of my life. So in partial fulfillment of that dream, I will be heading to Romania at the end of my trip for 6 days helping out at Casa Josef, an orphanage First B in Jackson is affiliated with. Someday I hope I can go for longer, but I'm so excited and blessed to get to go now.

I hope I can upload pictures and keep everyone informed of what's going on with me for the 5 weeks that I am gone. Keep me in your prayers!

To the Lake Powell Gang: This is, obviously, a poor substitute for actually making it to Lake Powell this year, but I am thinking of all of you and missing you! Hopefully we can get together in Jackson later this summer. Love you!

Daddy

2007-10-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

We love you Daddy! There are so many reasons why I want you back but I know God is taking good care of you. We will try to laugh a lot this week in honor of you - but we miss you so much.

Welcome...

2007-08-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Willcoxes, Jacobys, and Forbes!! Welcome to thelakepowellgang.blogspot.com.
This site is just for us, to stay connected, post pictures, and see what's going on in all our different parts of the world. Hope to hear from each of you soon!!