Home has a new definition now. It's not the place I grew up, it's not our permanent residence, it's not our address. Home is where I live. I learned that if I truly "live" home... well it's wherever I make it. Today... after 44 days I am heading to my house. After 44 days.
It's a surreal and bittersweet experience. I never imagined it would have gone by as quick as it seems to have gone. I never imagined I would even have made it to today. But God is good :) And now I have a heart full of memories that I will take with me for the rest of my life.
Mom,
I know everyone gave you such a hard time about this trip. We all took our turn at discouraging you and complaining about the injustice of traveling the country:) (I am sorry for that by the way) And I know a couple of times you really thought about giving up and putting your dream away. But thankfully for us we have a very strong mom, who when she puts her mind to something, she does it. Thank you for doing it. Thank you for dragging us into the car and putting on Don Henley and driving west. The three of us will never be able to thank you enough for the memories that were born because of that. I can't imagine not having had that time with you 4. I love you. And I am so incredibly thankful for you're "40 and fearless" dream. <3
Dad,
Thank you for encouraging mom when she wanted to give up. Thank you for flying back and forth and bringing back home to us whenever you could. Thank you for surprising us in Vegas and making sure we had every electronic imaginable. We love you for that :) Thank you for making memories with us and ensuring that we were taken care of while on the road. We love you.
Ali,
You're amazing! I have loved spending these last 6 weeks with you. Especially when we were mad and hating life, I think we really bonded then ;) I also loved our new mexico knock down drag out... it was great :) Life's going to suck next year without you, you're the best.
Josh,
Thank you for making this trip quite an experience. :) I love you and I loved all the memories we made together. I loved that we got to spend all that time together... especially since I am going to miss my little brother so much next year. <3 <3 <3
If you ever get a chance to travel the country... do it. It will change your life.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Rationalizations, Realizations, and Fasting from my life
We are driving through Nashville... and I am amazed.
How did we get to this place? How did we get to the point where we were a miniscule 12 hours from home? The Lord has been so faitful to us on this journey. We have struggled and I personally have gone through so much on this 40 day experience. Being my senior year of high school, so many decisions are coming up for me. And I know when I return home life is going to be different. It just is. I am thankful for this time I have gotten to spend with not only my family but with Jesus. It's such an interesting experience to practically fast from my everyday life.
Since July I have spent about 63 days fasting from everyday life. And it is a wonderful experience. When we live day in and day out, normally, we become desensitized to what goes on and we forget that God created us for extraordinary living. I had forgotten. God showed me this summer that I didn't dream my whole life to graduate high school and become just another person. I am not made to fit in with the masses, contributing to our economy, running kids to soccer practice. There is nothing at all wrong with that if that is what God calls you to. But for me, it's wrong. Living an ordinary life is wrong. And now is no time to quit and run away and tell God I am scared.
Fasting from friends, activities, my church, school, work, family... has also made me realize how important and special these thigns really are. I have taken so much for granted. This Summer I learned I take things as simple as not having to lock our car door to seeing billboards on the side of the road truly is. We take little things for granted everyday that are actually... very big things.
So what have I learned? What am I taking home with me? It's weird, traveling all this way, all this time I feel like I have collected so much. I have stories, memories, and lessons from states, cities, national parks, fast food restaurants. God hid all of these things all over the US for me to find and He was gracious enough to lead me there.
I learned I was not made for ordinary.
I learned He is faithful. Always.
I learned to live for moments... the moments that take your breath away.
I learned of His immense love for the people of the US.
I realized how I have been blind for the last few years.
I realized if I only open my eyes and ears He will wreck my life.
I realized my family and the time I get to spend with them are precious.
I realized a kitchen is a beautiful thing, don't take yours for granted.
I realized time is fleeting and we must make moments count.
I realized that is so important to celebrate life!
I learned that I am loved.
How did we get to this place? How did we get to the point where we were a miniscule 12 hours from home? The Lord has been so faitful to us on this journey. We have struggled and I personally have gone through so much on this 40 day experience. Being my senior year of high school, so many decisions are coming up for me. And I know when I return home life is going to be different. It just is. I am thankful for this time I have gotten to spend with not only my family but with Jesus. It's such an interesting experience to practically fast from my everyday life.
Since July I have spent about 63 days fasting from everyday life. And it is a wonderful experience. When we live day in and day out, normally, we become desensitized to what goes on and we forget that God created us for extraordinary living. I had forgotten. God showed me this summer that I didn't dream my whole life to graduate high school and become just another person. I am not made to fit in with the masses, contributing to our economy, running kids to soccer practice. There is nothing at all wrong with that if that is what God calls you to. But for me, it's wrong. Living an ordinary life is wrong. And now is no time to quit and run away and tell God I am scared.
Fasting from friends, activities, my church, school, work, family... has also made me realize how important and special these thigns really are. I have taken so much for granted. This Summer I learned I take things as simple as not having to lock our car door to seeing billboards on the side of the road truly is. We take little things for granted everyday that are actually... very big things.
So what have I learned? What am I taking home with me? It's weird, traveling all this way, all this time I feel like I have collected so much. I have stories, memories, and lessons from states, cities, national parks, fast food restaurants. God hid all of these things all over the US for me to find and He was gracious enough to lead me there.
I learned I was not made for ordinary.
I learned He is faithful. Always.
I learned to live for moments... the moments that take your breath away.
I learned of His immense love for the people of the US.
I realized how I have been blind for the last few years.
I realized if I only open my eyes and ears He will wreck my life.
I realized my family and the time I get to spend with them are precious.
I realized a kitchen is a beautiful thing, don't take yours for granted.
I realized time is fleeting and we must make moments count.
I realized that is so important to celebrate life!
I learned that I am loved.
Friday, September 24, 2010
I. Hate. Kansas.
I hate Kansas. It's awful. If you ever have to choose between digging a tunnel to china and going to Kansas.... choose the tunnel.
It's boring, long, hot... oh so boring.
Let's see... we went to a wildlife park with some very very happy monkeys. We went to an Arbys where this man decided to go into an in-depth story about a woman he knew from Scranton who liked to walk around naked. Why? Oh because our license plate said Pennsylvania. ??? Well that's Kansas for you. I couldn't wait to get out of there.
Then we went to Oklahoma. Not nearly as bad as Kansas. It reminded me a lot of home actually. We got into our hotel early so we were able to catch up on school and relax for a little bit. We left the next morning in order to make our way to Dallas.
It's boring, long, hot... oh so boring.
Let's see... we went to a wildlife park with some very very happy monkeys. We went to an Arbys where this man decided to go into an in-depth story about a woman he knew from Scranton who liked to walk around naked. Why? Oh because our license plate said Pennsylvania. ??? Well that's Kansas for you. I couldn't wait to get out of there.
Then we went to Oklahoma. Not nearly as bad as Kansas. It reminded me a lot of home actually. We got into our hotel early so we were able to catch up on school and relax for a little bit. We left the next morning in order to make our way to Dallas.
Day... oh I don't know.
So I don't even know what day we are on... 31? 33? Who knows...
So I am just going to update on the past week.
We picked my dad up in New Mexico and headed straight to Colorado.
I love this state. It's gorgeous!
We stopped in Colorado city to see my amazing friend Emily Burke! It was so great to see her after a whole year! I met her on my Guatemala mission trip and it was awesome to be able to catch up! She is currently in Columbia serving Jesus with all her heart. It's her specialty! Such an encouragement! We tried to go see Compassion however... apparently it's closed on Saturdays. So... we went to Focus on the Family and toured Whit's End like we were little kids :) Good times!
Then we left for Denver! Another beautiful city. Our Cousin Denise lives up there so we got to spend the weekend with family. My dear sweet Ally was also reunited with her one true love:
Denise and me :)
Dad's cousins are awesome... just sayin'. They're pretty awesome.
On Sunday my mom and dad met with an old family friend and I left for church. What an experience. Pastor Andy, my pastor from Chicago, has a brother who pastor's a church in Denver and well, I just had to go. So I called for a shuttle and left. I had an unexpected adventure with my bus driver. Herman, my mormon, Hawaiian bus driver with a heart of gold. We got to have such a great conversation about church, his family, my family, his struggles, Chicago... it was fantastic. And I thank God for times like that. The church was awesome! Much bigger than I expected but they all had so much love to give. It was super encouraging!
We toured downtown denver and then went out to eat all together!
It was a highlight of the trip. :) Fantastic state!
So I am just going to update on the past week.
We picked my dad up in New Mexico and headed straight to Colorado.
I love this state. It's gorgeous!
We stopped in Colorado city to see my amazing friend Emily Burke! It was so great to see her after a whole year! I met her on my Guatemala mission trip and it was awesome to be able to catch up! She is currently in Columbia serving Jesus with all her heart. It's her specialty! Such an encouragement! We tried to go see Compassion however... apparently it's closed on Saturdays. So... we went to Focus on the Family and toured Whit's End like we were little kids :) Good times!
Then we left for Denver! Another beautiful city. Our Cousin Denise lives up there so we got to spend the weekend with family. My dear sweet Ally was also reunited with her one true love:
Denise and me :)
Dad's cousins are awesome... just sayin'. They're pretty awesome.
On Sunday my mom and dad met with an old family friend and I left for church. What an experience. Pastor Andy, my pastor from Chicago, has a brother who pastor's a church in Denver and well, I just had to go. So I called for a shuttle and left. I had an unexpected adventure with my bus driver. Herman, my mormon, Hawaiian bus driver with a heart of gold. We got to have such a great conversation about church, his family, my family, his struggles, Chicago... it was fantastic. And I thank God for times like that. The church was awesome! Much bigger than I expected but they all had so much love to give. It was super encouraging!
We toured downtown denver and then went out to eat all together!
It was a highlight of the trip. :) Fantastic state!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Hungry.
Hungry I come to You
For I know You satisfy
I am empty but I know
Your love does not run dry
So I wait for You
So I wait for You
I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus You're all
This heart is living for
Broken I run to You
For Your arms are open wide
I am weary but I know Your touch
Restores my life
So I wait for You
So I wait for You
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Arizona and New Mexico Day 25, 26, 27
Not my favorite state.
Day 25:
Today I was "Standin' on the corner of Winslow, Arizona"... literally.
I don't have a picture now... but as soon as the pics download I will show the picture of me on the corner of Winslow, Arizona. The same corner Don Henley was standing on when he wrote the song for the Eagles... Take it Easy. :)
We spent the rest of the day driving... looking at parks, etc.
Day 26:
We drove to Albuquerque. We very lovingly nicknamed New Mexico the New Jersey of the Southwest! We had a lot of problems amongst the family on day 26. Maybe we were missing daddy... maybe it wsa just too darn hot. I don't know but I know that day 26 was a very... very... rough day.
We left for the New Mexico state fair which was very very interesting! The only thing super exciting was the crazy awesome food! We ate a delicious dinner and then followed it by the most amazing thing I have ever eaten... fried chocolate chip cookie dough on a stick. Oye. We all shared one so as not to have a heart attack right there at the fair. :) This was just one of the many fried wonders offered at the fair... Fried Oreos, Fried twinkies, Fried cheesecake, Fried cheese, it was neverending...
Day 27:
Ah what a beautiful day this was. We called it our day of rest... and it was wonderful. Ally and I shared a room. And Mom and Josh shared a room... so our room was quiet :) I spent the WHOLE day doing... nothing. I got to skype some of my sweet friends back east... talked on the phone... hung out with Detective Benson and Stabler... :) Good Good day.
Day 25:
Today I was "Standin' on the corner of Winslow, Arizona"... literally.
I don't have a picture now... but as soon as the pics download I will show the picture of me on the corner of Winslow, Arizona. The same corner Don Henley was standing on when he wrote the song for the Eagles... Take it Easy. :)
We spent the rest of the day driving... looking at parks, etc.
Day 26:
We drove to Albuquerque. We very lovingly nicknamed New Mexico the New Jersey of the Southwest! We had a lot of problems amongst the family on day 26. Maybe we were missing daddy... maybe it wsa just too darn hot. I don't know but I know that day 26 was a very... very... rough day.
We left for the New Mexico state fair which was very very interesting! The only thing super exciting was the crazy awesome food! We ate a delicious dinner and then followed it by the most amazing thing I have ever eaten... fried chocolate chip cookie dough on a stick. Oye. We all shared one so as not to have a heart attack right there at the fair. :) This was just one of the many fried wonders offered at the fair... Fried Oreos, Fried twinkies, Fried cheesecake, Fried cheese, it was neverending...
Day 27:
Ah what a beautiful day this was. We called it our day of rest... and it was wonderful. Ally and I shared a room. And Mom and Josh shared a room... so our room was quiet :) I spent the WHOLE day doing... nothing. I got to skype some of my sweet friends back east... talked on the phone... hung out with Detective Benson and Stabler... :) Good Good day.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Oh the joys of road trips!
Now I promised this blog would be honest and real... so here it goes.
-If we have to go through one more state of absolute nothingness... I am going to cry.
-If Josh has one more blow up on some highway... just because... I am going to lose it.
-If we have to go to one more mcdonalds because everything is closed at 7 pm... I am not going to make it.
-If we go to one more hotel breakfast where all that is offered is... 1) toast 2) Something that resembles fruit and 3) apple juice... I am running away.
-If I am reminded one more time by some cowboy in New Mexico that I am "a long way from home"... it's not going to be pretty.
-If I have to go to one more hotel that mysteriously doesn't have an elevator, where I have to carry my 60 pound bag up multiple flights of stairs... well it's all going to be over..
-All kidding aside though... there are some real joys of this road trip. Let me explain a few of those too...
-When I see lights from an actual city after seeing absolute nothing but corn... I am filled with joy.
-When my brother, sister, and I have those "road trip" moments that I thought only existed in RV. Whether it be in the Badlands or at the Grand Canyon... it makes me smile
-When my mom and I stand on the corner of winslow, AZ singing "Take it Easy"... and then when we drive through Sedona singing "THere Is No Arizona"... I love it!
-When I sit in hotel lobbys and hallways of hotels all over this great country... skyping my beautiful wonderful friends who remind what an honor and blessing this trip is... I am blessed.
-When we stop at restaurants indicitive to the area and "World's biggest landmarks"... Like the world's largest prairie dog... or the world's largest dreamcatcher :)... I realize how cool this country really is. :)
-When I get to drink Arizona tea in states all across this country... my life is complete. :)
-When we leave the hotel in the morning and know that the car is going to take us somewhere new... somewhere amazing. I feel my adventurous side take over.
-When I get to the watch the sunrise every night in a new state... I realize just how creative my Creator really is... I fall in love all over again.
-If we have to go through one more state of absolute nothingness... I am going to cry.
-If Josh has one more blow up on some highway... just because... I am going to lose it.
-If we have to go to one more mcdonalds because everything is closed at 7 pm... I am not going to make it.
-If we go to one more hotel breakfast where all that is offered is... 1) toast 2) Something that resembles fruit and 3) apple juice... I am running away.
-If I am reminded one more time by some cowboy in New Mexico that I am "a long way from home"... it's not going to be pretty.
-If I have to go to one more hotel that mysteriously doesn't have an elevator, where I have to carry my 60 pound bag up multiple flights of stairs... well it's all going to be over..
-All kidding aside though... there are some real joys of this road trip. Let me explain a few of those too...
-When I see lights from an actual city after seeing absolute nothing but corn... I am filled with joy.
-When my brother, sister, and I have those "road trip" moments that I thought only existed in RV. Whether it be in the Badlands or at the Grand Canyon... it makes me smile
-When my mom and I stand on the corner of winslow, AZ singing "Take it Easy"... and then when we drive through Sedona singing "THere Is No Arizona"... I love it!
-When I sit in hotel lobbys and hallways of hotels all over this great country... skyping my beautiful wonderful friends who remind what an honor and blessing this trip is... I am blessed.
-When we stop at restaurants indicitive to the area and "World's biggest landmarks"... Like the world's largest prairie dog... or the world's largest dreamcatcher :)... I realize how cool this country really is. :)
-When I get to drink Arizona tea in states all across this country... my life is complete. :)
-When we leave the hotel in the morning and know that the car is going to take us somewhere new... somewhere amazing. I feel my adventurous side take over.
-When I get to the watch the sunrise every night in a new state... I realize just how creative my Creator really is... I fall in love all over again.
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