Sunday, July 10, 2011
Road Trip Reflection
The two weeks spent on the road were really lovely. It was a lot of time to myself, which I have learned is so important for my transition back to the states, especially this time with all the change that I have come home to. There was also a lot of time with people that I love. It was so special to get to catch up with people. To share stories of what my life has looked like the past four years. To hear stories of what God has done in the lives of others since we've been apart. The reverse culture shock was especially interesting this time because I was getting to see so many different parts of the U.S. from the Bible Belt to the Corn Husker State. In conclusion, America is a beautiful country full of beautiful people who are hurting and in need of freedom just as much as the poverty stricken people groups in third world cultures. My prayer for my time here in America is that I wouldn't lose sight of that, and that He would be able to use me here while I am here to be love to people around me.
The Mile High City!
The drive from Nebraska to Denver was pretty long. There's not a lot to see in between, so I was happy when I finally arrived in the Mile High City. Denver is one of my favorite places. It is so diverse and full of amazing places to eat and shop. The purpose of my visit, though, was to see Grandma Judy. The next day we went to breakfast and she took me shopping. It was a lovely day with my spoiling Grandma.
I also got to hang out with Alex, my sister Abby's fiance. He just recently moved to Colorado Springs for a PT job. Abby will be moving there after the wedding. We went and had some of the best Mexican food I've had since I've been home.
Worlds collided again when I got to have breakfast with Emily and Joel. I taught with the two of them in Indonesia. Joel is from Denver and Emily was there visiting him and his family. It was a great visit and nice to get to share some of the reverse culture shock experiences.
This was the last leg of my journey as I headed to Albuquerque, NM for the first sister wedding. The drive to Albuquerque was really long and not very pretty. I did get a chance to stop over at Focus on the Family as well as the city of Trinidad, CO which happens to be the sex change capital of America. (Never thought all of that would ever be in the same sentence)
I was so happy to make it to Albuquerque where I got to stay with more relatives: my dad's cousin Debbie Armerding and her husband Jonathan. It had been so long since the last time I saw them. We had a lovely Italian dinner and talked about our Asian travels. Their oldest son Cole was in China for the last year and they went to visit him in March. Emily arrived that night and so began the weddingness for the weekend.
I also got to hang out with Alex, my sister Abby's fiance. He just recently moved to Colorado Springs for a PT job. Abby will be moving there after the wedding. We went and had some of the best Mexican food I've had since I've been home.
Worlds collided again when I got to have breakfast with Emily and Joel. I taught with the two of them in Indonesia. Joel is from Denver and Emily was there visiting him and his family. It was a great visit and nice to get to share some of the reverse culture shock experiences.
This was the last leg of my journey as I headed to Albuquerque, NM for the first sister wedding. The drive to Albuquerque was really long and not very pretty. I did get a chance to stop over at Focus on the Family as well as the city of Trinidad, CO which happens to be the sex change capital of America. (Never thought all of that would ever be in the same sentence)
I was so happy to make it to Albuquerque where I got to stay with more relatives: my dad's cousin Debbie Armerding and her husband Jonathan. It had been so long since the last time I saw them. We had a lovely Italian dinner and talked about our Asian travels. Their oldest son Cole was in China for the last year and they went to visit him in March. Emily arrived that night and so began the weddingness for the weekend.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Prerequisite: Adventure
From Kansas City I was on my way to Broken Bow, Nebraska to see a bunch of family that I hadn't seen since I was a baby. The road trip had gone so smoothly so far; I should have known that I couldn't make it the whole way without some kind of Griswold adventure....
I had heard that I-29 was closed because of the Missouri River flooding, so when I plugged the address into the GPS I made sure that I wouldn't be taking I-29. Unfortunately, maps and directions aren't really my thing, so I didn't realize that I-435 and I-29 were the same thing. I found this out too late when I kept seeing the blinking road signs telling me that the interstate would close soon and I would need to take a detour. I assumed that taking their suggested detour would lead me to the right place, but it didn't. When I made it Maryville, I said a little prayer and plugged the address into the GPS again. It took me on a couple back roads and I was feeling good about it. That was until I came to another road closure. The country road I was on was closed due to a bridge being repaired. This was when I discovered the Detour button on the GPS. When I pressed it, it took me down a dirt road...that turned into a "dirt road" and then turned into something that I wasn't sure was even a road. In the middle of that thought I came upon a tractor that was making the dirt road I was on. At that point the adventure was still comical. Little did I know that it was only the beginning and that the detour button would end up being my best friend. A pretty good chunk of I-29 was closed which led to taking all kinds of backroads and me asking the question, "Where the heck am I?!" Finally, after about 2 hours of detours I finally made it to I-80 which would take me to Nebraska.
I was so happy to make it to Broken Bow safely and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. My mom had flown in the day before and we stayed in a Bed and Breakfast. It was a lovely place fit with themed bedrooms and lots of knick knacks. The room we stayed in was called the Angel Room. It was chock full o' angels including angel pull chains on the fan. The only channel available at the bed and breakfast was the Hallmark Channel so we enjoyed some Golden Girls and Frasier during our down time.
It was such a blessing to get to catch up with family. I am related to some pretty incredible people! The weekend was full of funny stories, good food and enjoying the great outdoors. It was also a relief to learn that my passion for coffee, introvertedness, and other quirks are genetic.
I hope that I get up to Nebraska again in the near future. Family is such a special thing. Despite some of the drama that comes with it, there's so much room for grace and unconditional love. I am truly blessed.
I had heard that I-29 was closed because of the Missouri River flooding, so when I plugged the address into the GPS I made sure that I wouldn't be taking I-29. Unfortunately, maps and directions aren't really my thing, so I didn't realize that I-435 and I-29 were the same thing. I found this out too late when I kept seeing the blinking road signs telling me that the interstate would close soon and I would need to take a detour. I assumed that taking their suggested detour would lead me to the right place, but it didn't. When I made it Maryville, I said a little prayer and plugged the address into the GPS again. It took me on a couple back roads and I was feeling good about it. That was until I came to another road closure. The country road I was on was closed due to a bridge being repaired. This was when I discovered the Detour button on the GPS. When I pressed it, it took me down a dirt road...that turned into a "dirt road" and then turned into something that I wasn't sure was even a road. In the middle of that thought I came upon a tractor that was making the dirt road I was on. At that point the adventure was still comical. Little did I know that it was only the beginning and that the detour button would end up being my best friend. A pretty good chunk of I-29 was closed which led to taking all kinds of backroads and me asking the question, "Where the heck am I?!" Finally, after about 2 hours of detours I finally made it to I-80 which would take me to Nebraska.
I was so happy to make it to Broken Bow safely and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. My mom had flown in the day before and we stayed in a Bed and Breakfast. It was a lovely place fit with themed bedrooms and lots of knick knacks. The room we stayed in was called the Angel Room. It was chock full o' angels including angel pull chains on the fan. The only channel available at the bed and breakfast was the Hallmark Channel so we enjoyed some Golden Girls and Frasier during our down time.
It was such a blessing to get to catch up with family. I am related to some pretty incredible people! The weekend was full of funny stories, good food and enjoying the great outdoors. It was also a relief to learn that my passion for coffee, introvertedness, and other quirks are genetic.
I hope that I get up to Nebraska again in the near future. Family is such a special thing. Despite some of the drama that comes with it, there's so much room for grace and unconditional love. I am truly blessed.
Good Ol' Missoura
The next leg of my journey took me to the great state of Missouri. First stop...St. Louis to see Sierra, my closest friend from Cottey College. She's doing some summer missions work with a church in St. Louis. It was a short visit, but, like always, we picked up right where we left off. We drove to the tiny town of Vandalia where I stayed that night. The last time I was in Vandalia was for Easter my second year at Cottey. Talk about a walk down memory lane. It was such a blessing to be able to reflect with Sierra about where the Lord has brought us. Neither of us are where we thought we'd be, but He has certainly done more than we could have imagined. Throughout my travels it's been incredible to recognize His provision of brothers and sisters in Christ who are a huge part of my support system.
The next day I drove to the other tiny town of Huntsville, Missouri to see my friend Aaron and his family. Aaron and I went to Indonesia at the same time. For three years, I heard all kinds of stories about this little town and its quirks, so it was so fun to get to see it all. His family is amazing and made me feel like part of the family immediately. There just aren't words to describe what it's like to meet someone from my Indonesia Life in America. Once again, though, it was as if no time had passed at all.
Memory lane continued when I headed to Kansas City to see a dear friend from my Cottey years. Kali and I were R.A.'s together, Spanish speakers and coffee lovers. She is married now with a cute one year old and another on the way. So, a lot has changed, but I thoroughly enjoyed sharing stories of God's provision and orchestration of where we are today. That night I stayed with her inlaws...one of the more random accomodations of my trip, but it turned out to be a divine appointment when I got to meet Kali's sister in law. She just got engaged, so we got to talk about wedding craziness and everything that comes with committing to someone and their family. I was able to be an encouragement to her and made a new friend in the process.
Going back to the places where I've been was a weird feeling. I couldn't help but think of that song by Sara Groves, "Painting Pictures of Egypt."
The places that used to fit me cannot hold the things I've learned
My time in Missouri while I was going to Cottey was only the beginning of God preparing me for something big. I love looking back and seeing how He's continued to write my story further shaping my life into someone that portrays who He is.
The next day I drove to the other tiny town of Huntsville, Missouri to see my friend Aaron and his family. Aaron and I went to Indonesia at the same time. For three years, I heard all kinds of stories about this little town and its quirks, so it was so fun to get to see it all. His family is amazing and made me feel like part of the family immediately. There just aren't words to describe what it's like to meet someone from my Indonesia Life in America. Once again, though, it was as if no time had passed at all.
Memory lane continued when I headed to Kansas City to see a dear friend from my Cottey years. Kali and I were R.A.'s together, Spanish speakers and coffee lovers. She is married now with a cute one year old and another on the way. So, a lot has changed, but I thoroughly enjoyed sharing stories of God's provision and orchestration of where we are today. That night I stayed with her inlaws...one of the more random accomodations of my trip, but it turned out to be a divine appointment when I got to meet Kali's sister in law. She just got engaged, so we got to talk about wedding craziness and everything that comes with committing to someone and their family. I was able to be an encouragement to her and made a new friend in the process.
Going back to the places where I've been was a weird feeling. I couldn't help but think of that song by Sara Groves, "Painting Pictures of Egypt."
The places that used to fit me cannot hold the things I've learned
My time in Missouri while I was going to Cottey was only the beginning of God preparing me for something big. I love looking back and seeing how He's continued to write my story further shaping my life into someone that portrays who He is.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Worlds Colliding Wedding Style
Worlds collided when I made it to Hampton, Georgia to see my good friend Billy who I met in Indonesia. He was taking language school in Bandung along with his friend Kyle when I met them in August and it was such a blessing to have them as friends this past year. Billy was an excellent host and I really enjoyed the city of Atlanta. I think it would be safe to say that in the top five priorities in Billy's life, Chick-fil-a and all that it encompasses has landed a spot somewhere in there. For eight months I was educated on the menu, history and other important facts of Chick-fil-a...it started in Atlanta, there are several different restaurants that are part of the company including a pizza restaurant, the Dwarf House, and Truett's. I was quite excited to finally get to try this thing that I had heard so much about. We went to Truett's the first night I was there and I thoroughly enjoyed my Spicy Chicken Sandwich. I was also thankful that the "Chick-fil-a expert" was with me, because there were far too many choices on that menu for me to make a decision on my own!
This whole road trip idea started when I decided that I wanted to honor my dear friend Bryn, the music teacher from BAIS, by going to his wedding on the 18th of June. This last year was a huge year of firsts for him including flying, teaching, riding a motorbike and getting engaged:) His wife, Courtney, will be teaching 3rd Grade next year at BAIS. They have a pretty spectacular story, and I am so excited for them and their next adventure. They got married in Cookeville, Tennessee, so Billy and I drove up there through some of the most beautiful country I've ever seen. So, worlds collided once again when I got to see Bryn in his home state marry a dear sister in Christ who'll be experiencing her first year of teaching at BAIS in the fall. One of the coolest parts of the wedding was the Indonesian elements that they included. The bridesmaids, groomsmen, and Bryn wore Batik, which is the traditional style fabric used to make formal clothing. When Courtney walked down the aisle in her traditional while wedding dress, it was symbolic of her not only committing her life to love and serve alongside Bryn, but it was also symbolic of her committment to take that step of faith and go where God has called her...Indonesia. It was not only a wedding, but also a commissioning for them as they head to Indonesia. It was a privilege to get to sing a song in Indonesian for the commissioning portion of their wedding.
It's an incredible thing to see how God brings people into your life for a season and how brothers and sisters in Christ can become instant friends. I am truly blessed.
This whole road trip idea started when I decided that I wanted to honor my dear friend Bryn, the music teacher from BAIS, by going to his wedding on the 18th of June. This last year was a huge year of firsts for him including flying, teaching, riding a motorbike and getting engaged:) His wife, Courtney, will be teaching 3rd Grade next year at BAIS. They have a pretty spectacular story, and I am so excited for them and their next adventure. They got married in Cookeville, Tennessee, so Billy and I drove up there through some of the most beautiful country I've ever seen. So, worlds collided once again when I got to see Bryn in his home state marry a dear sister in Christ who'll be experiencing her first year of teaching at BAIS in the fall. One of the coolest parts of the wedding was the Indonesian elements that they included. The bridesmaids, groomsmen, and Bryn wore Batik, which is the traditional style fabric used to make formal clothing. When Courtney walked down the aisle in her traditional while wedding dress, it was symbolic of her not only committing her life to love and serve alongside Bryn, but it was also symbolic of her committment to take that step of faith and go where God has called her...Indonesia. It was not only a wedding, but also a commissioning for them as they head to Indonesia. It was a privilege to get to sing a song in Indonesian for the commissioning portion of their wedding.
It's an incredible thing to see how God brings people into your life for a season and how brothers and sisters in Christ can become instant friends. I am truly blessed.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Sister Time in Texas and Some Culture Shock
The day began with one of my favorite things...Continental Breakfast! The coffee was less than mediocre, so I made a quick stop at Starbucks before getting on the road. I am using my parents GPS thing, which is the only reason that I have made it to any of the destinations. One of the drawbacks is that it chooses the route for you and it may not always be the shortest. It took me through some backroads to Tyler, which made it farther, but really pretty and very country:) I got to spend the evening with my sister Emily, who, since the last time I saw her a year ago, has graduated college, gotten a job, an apartment, a boyfriend and a ring on her left hand. Needless to say, it kind of felt like we were meeting each other for the first time. It was a lovely time of delicious food and lots of catching up. I am so proud of her and can't wait to be a part of her wedding in 16 days.
Some culture shock moments I have experienced include the size of American portions and important consumer items that I was not aware of. Emily took me to this amazing custard place in Tyler where we got enough ice cream to feed four people. Don't get me wrong, it was amazing...and I ate the whole thing! I went into a Walmart this morning and couldn't help but snap a picture of one of the items listed on one of the signs. So funny.
After all that ranting and raving about the stupid traffic in Indonesia, it was kind of humorous, but mostly annoying to be moving about four miles an hour on Interstate 20 in Louisiana for about an hour today. Ridiculous.
I did end up making it to Monroe, Louisiana where I stopped at the Biedenharn Museum. Joe Biedenharn was the guy who came up with the idea to put Coca Cola in glass bottles. His daughter Emy-Lou had a pretty impressive collection of Bibles and traveled around Europe for 11 years while she was an opera singer. I caught the very last tour of the day with a cute little old lady. It was really beautiful.
My trip ended up in Jackson, Mississippi...yep the same one from the Johnny Cash song. Mississippi is a great state. Very friendly. Driving across the Mississippi River was one of the highlights yesterday. I also couldn't help but think about my fifth graders as I drove through Vicksburg, MS. We had a good time during our Civil War Unit this year and Vicksburg was where a major Union Victory occurred.
Today I am headed to Hampton, Georgia to see my good friend Billy. I am anxiously anticipating all of the Chick-fil-a we will be eating. Billy is a Chick-fil-a connosieur and I am confident that he will introduce me to all things southern.
Some culture shock moments I have experienced include the size of American portions and important consumer items that I was not aware of. Emily took me to this amazing custard place in Tyler where we got enough ice cream to feed four people. Don't get me wrong, it was amazing...and I ate the whole thing! I went into a Walmart this morning and couldn't help but snap a picture of one of the items listed on one of the signs. So funny.
After all that ranting and raving about the stupid traffic in Indonesia, it was kind of humorous, but mostly annoying to be moving about four miles an hour on Interstate 20 in Louisiana for about an hour today. Ridiculous.
I did end up making it to Monroe, Louisiana where I stopped at the Biedenharn Museum. Joe Biedenharn was the guy who came up with the idea to put Coca Cola in glass bottles. His daughter Emy-Lou had a pretty impressive collection of Bibles and traveled around Europe for 11 years while she was an opera singer. I caught the very last tour of the day with a cute little old lady. It was really beautiful.
My trip ended up in Jackson, Mississippi...yep the same one from the Johnny Cash song. Mississippi is a great state. Very friendly. Driving across the Mississippi River was one of the highlights yesterday. I also couldn't help but think about my fifth graders as I drove through Vicksburg, MS. We had a good time during our Civil War Unit this year and Vicksburg was where a major Union Victory occurred.
Today I am headed to Hampton, Georgia to see my good friend Billy. I am anxiously anticipating all of the Chick-fil-a we will be eating. Billy is a Chick-fil-a connosieur and I am confident that he will introduce me to all things southern.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Let the Road Trippage Blogging Begin!
I must admit, this road trip is coming at a very good time. There's a lot going on here. A lot of good things that I couldn't be happier about. But, those amazing things combined with the craziness of reentering this country after shutting down the Indonesia chaper makes for a very large plate of transition that I certainly can't handle on my own. So, my prayer is that the next 17 days include some good food, good friends, words of Truth, and wisdom and clarity about what the next six months are going to look like.
Today was a super blessing. My mom and I drove from Flagstaff to Albuquerque together. The plan was to rent a car in Albuquerque since that's where the wedding is and where my road trip will end up in July. It was so cool to get to catch up with my mom and hear about how God's been using her.
Once in Albuquerque, I got to meet Kevin, my sister's fiance. He is in the Air Force and gave us a tour of the base which included getting to go into one of the training planes. It was pretty awesome, and I am happy to report that I completely approve:)
Once we picked up the car at the rental place, I was off to Amarillo. It's so weird to drive here. It didn't take too long to get used to driving on the correct side of the road. Every time there is a slow person in the left hand lane, it takes everything in me not to start honking at them...that doesn't really fly here in America. I also don't quite know how to handle all the open space...I miss the warungs, Tambalbans and bensin sellers. I do, however, LOVE that there's no traffic or potholes! I made it safely to Amarillo and got to see some cool things along the way, including these graffittied cars that are buried in the ground...crazy.
Today was a super blessing. My mom and I drove from Flagstaff to Albuquerque together. The plan was to rent a car in Albuquerque since that's where the wedding is and where my road trip will end up in July. It was so cool to get to catch up with my mom and hear about how God's been using her.
Once in Albuquerque, I got to meet Kevin, my sister's fiance. He is in the Air Force and gave us a tour of the base which included getting to go into one of the training planes. It was pretty awesome, and I am happy to report that I completely approve:)
Once we picked up the car at the rental place, I was off to Amarillo. It's so weird to drive here. It didn't take too long to get used to driving on the correct side of the road. Every time there is a slow person in the left hand lane, it takes everything in me not to start honking at them...that doesn't really fly here in America. I also don't quite know how to handle all the open space...I miss the warungs, Tambalbans and bensin sellers. I do, however, LOVE that there's no traffic or potholes! I made it safely to Amarillo and got to see some cool things along the way, including these graffittied cars that are buried in the ground...crazy. 
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