When I was 11 (or was I just 10?) I went on my first mission trip. It was my first time on an airplane. My first time south of Ohio. The trip was for high schoolers but my mom volunteered with the youth group and was going, so I got to go too. Back then … Continue reading My first mission trip
Tag: travel
2020’s First Resolution
The morning before I started my journey toward Michigan for Christmastime I kept crying. I was sad to leave my dogs and in that moment I didn’t want to. But I was going to, and I don't like doing things sad, so I told myself, “Don’t think. Just do.” So I got on a motorcycle … Continue reading 2020’s First Resolution
Nature
This month I'm participating in a Gratitude Challenge. Just being in nature and looking at nature - living things that are green and orange and yellow and pink and swaying in the breeze - fills me up with a sort of power. The past couple of years I have been more aware than ever of … Continue reading Nature
Now’s the time
In the summer of 2001 I went on my first domestic mission trip with my youth group church, Trinity Presbyterian. We went to Chattanooga, Tennessee with an organization called YouthWorks. Many things stand out to me from that weeklong trip, nearly 18 years later. I remember the hum of the projector (the old fashioned one … Continue reading Now’s the time
Caves & Fear
Easter has always been my favorite holiday. I love the symbolism, of course, and why we celebrate. I love that Jesus died for me and that in doing so He saved me from myself and made it possible for me to live as I was intended and created to live. Let’s be honest, I also … Continue reading Caves & Fear
2018 – It’s gonna be great
It's nearly mid-January so I thought it was time I got around to my annual Resolutions post. First, a look back. In 2017, among other things, I... Found a puppy and accidentally fostered him for a whole year. Who wants him? Moved to a new house that I love and adore. Worked three very different … Continue reading 2018 – It’s gonna be great
End of Summer Travel
A few weeks ago I was driving from Steubenville, Ohio to Niagara Falls, New York for the last time. I always liked to take the back roads because they're prettier, more interesting, and it's on the back roads where you're more likely to pass Amish buggies and Dairy Queens. On one of the back roads … Continue reading End of Summer Travel
Wednesday Snapshots
The past two weeks have been a freaking whirlwind. So much so that when I got two whole days off in a row this weekend I decided I was going to do nothing responsible except for rest. Even though because of the whirlwind of the past two weeks I have plenty of other responsibility-type things … Continue reading Wednesday Snapshots
Leftovers, perspective, and comfort zones
This weekend a guy showed up at the hostel to stay in the bunk room. We chatted for a bit - he told me a little about his experience teaching in Honduras - and I went on my way. The next morning we talked for a good while about politics, teaching English, culture, and managing … Continue reading Leftovers, perspective, and comfort zones
Here’s the thing about Both/And
Beth Woolsey writes a lot about Both/And. She writes about how people can feel two seemingly contradictory feelings at the same time, how something can be both awesome and awful, and how all of that is totally okay. By nature I am a very black and white person. You can either be a Harry Potter … Continue reading Here’s the thing about Both/And
