Following the Adventure

brief and incomplete update

2009-11-04T13:24:00.000-08:00

It's been a long while since I've posted to this blog, but I guess it would be a good idea to do that now. I'm watching Aladdin to ease my stress of the moment. I'm getting married in 4 days and I'm somehow not avoiding the stesses that accompany wedding planning. We are moving back to Idaho shortly after the wedding as we have an apartment there, but no where to live here. I will start working back at my job at the resort as soon as I get home.

In the meantime, Zach is still working on a couple projects that will hopefully reach a stopping point before we go. His F-350 needed a lot of work (as in a lot, a lot) and is being just about equally traded out for the work he's doing. I am thinking we are still coming out on top, but only by a little bit. Financial stresses are the norm, I suppose, and when you combine two people, it doesn't always make for a greater income balance, especially when I quit my job to stay here for the two months before the wedding.

I'm excited to just be married, move to our own apartment and start our new life. I have loved being home, especially with my nieces and nephew, but not having a regular job, routine or a car is getting old and stressful. Mom pointed out the other day that I'm not doing any of the things that generally energize me, which is true. Working, interacting with new people everyday; having freedom; being alone, enjoying my time with my music;.... I'm getting tired here now. Only 4 more days.

Yay for getting married!

Awaiting my summer

2009-06-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing how easily affected I am by the rain. It has rained everyday here since I got back. The early mornings are beautiful, but right about 10am, the storm clouds roll over Bald Mt. and dump rain. Blah. It’s cold too. Long time locals haven’t seen it rain this much in many years - if only it had snowed as much over the winter as it’s raining now. :-) I was up early this morning for breakfast with Rip, and the sky was blue with fluffy white clouds. I was in a great mood, ready for the day. Then the clouds rolled in with cold air and I suddenly lost all motivation and wanted only to go back to bed. But one should never lie down for a nap before 11am, especially if that’s only 3 hours since one has awoken for the day. :-)

But, right as I was dozing off, I received a call from a lady (Julie) at church and we decided to have lunch. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and beginning to share our lives with each other. Linda from church also called and I have lunch and hiking plans with her on Friday. Part of my prayer and goals since vacation is that I would become more connected at church, and though I have to put forth effort in that, God responded so quickly. I didn’t initiate meeting with Julie - she approached me the first sunday morning I was back. I am really excited about the opportunities for new relationships. We ate lunch at a Chinese place and my ‘fortune’ cookie said, “Explore the possibilities in your new relationships. Now is the time.” Aptly spoken, in many ways for me right now.

This past Sunday morning at church was an absolutely refreshing and needed time of truly encountering God. Before worship was even done, a guy in the congregation spoke out a Word he heard from God. Without going into great detail, the words he spoke were exactly what I had been praying. I wanted a clear answer on something and it couldn’t have been clearer. As we continued to worship, people began sharing what God was speaking to them, and it became just me and God in there. I’m sure others benefited from the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but as far as I was concerned, it was just me and God in there. One thing after another, he addressed things in my life and heart, speaking out loud through other people the direct answers to prayer thoughts and discussions I was having with Him. This time continued on for about an hour, and then church was done. It was never interrupted for the scheduled message from the pastor, or announcements of whatever is normally done. It’s so awesome when it’s so obvious God is speaking through his people. And that he really does love me so much that when I asked for help, he showed up in a big way, involving other people. No one knew of my struggles, heart condition and prayers. But He did and he answered in no subtle way.

Having a clear word from the Lord and knowing what decisions have to be made in my life doesn’t make it easy, but I do have a peace about certain things and I know what issues He will be dealing with over the next couple months. I’m excited for what’s to come. This is going to be a good summer. :-)

Back in Idahome

2009-06-06T00:39:00.000-07:00

After a month long vacation (one week in DC, and just about three in Des Moines), I am back at ‘home’ in Idaho. I moved from my dorm in Sun Valley into a house in Ketchum. I came across what seems to be a really good arrangement for the next few months at least. An older gentleman (81yrs) offered free room, board and food in exchange for light housekeeping (sweeping floors, doing dishes, occasionally cooking, etc...) I have my own room, with a real closet, a small chest of drawers and a southeast facing window looking at Mt. Baldy. There are aspen trees right outside my window whose leaves shake and quiver so beautifully in the wind, reminding me of Colorado. I have a bathroom to myself and free reign of the house, including the gorgeous black baby grand piano in the living room. In addition, he has a cat to snuggle with and love.

Rip’s wife is in a home 12 miles south, with Alzheimer's, and he was in need of some help and company. The new arrangement won’t come without it’s own challenges - living with anyone always does - but I am excited for the opportunities, especially verses the dorm option. :-) He keeps saying how he feels we will get along ‘famously’ and that I was the gal he wanted as soon as he met me back on May 1st.

My trip to DC was great - another World Race ZEO team reunion. Amy married her man on May 9th and not only did I spend time with ZEO gals, I was also blessed to stay with Elizabeth (friend from New Orleans and WR days). After a week there, I headed back home to Des Moines where I spent time with family, and picked up shifts at Court Ave to make some vacation money - always a plus. I hung out with my nieces and nephew who grow so much in a short 6 months.

I tackled a project that needed to be done one day, sooner or later. I unpacked all of the unorganized, tattered boxes of my belongings in my parent’s basement. Then I organized everything, discarded much and repacked what was left into plastic bins, so now whenever I ‘move’ I won’t have that awful job. Plus that storage room looks a little better now. I dug through years of memories - letters and cards from friends and family, memorabilia from as far back as 20 years. It was hard to decide what to keep and what wasn’t worth holding onto - especially the stuff from high school and beyond. What I found was telling of who I was in those days - how I thought and felt and how others felt about me. I was reminded of how many people I have influenced positively over the years. I also became very aware of the truth that ‘This Too Shall Pass’. Letters of encouragement from friends urging me to hold on strong through ‘this time’ whatever that time may have been, where abundant. Funny thing is, now I can’t remember what hard times they are referring to! Yes, all things pass, even when it feels like the end of the world in the moment. I found volumes of journals (though mostly only halfway full) starting in elementary school all the way through the World Race in ’07. It was a good project to fill my time at home and to look back on my life.

I feel like this summer is going to be a change of seasons, in several ways. My move to this house with Rip opens up some opportunities for me that were harder (though not impossible) to take while living in the dorms. I didn’t make the best of what I had over the winter in terms of spending time with Jesus. It was really, really hard to spend quiet time, as I had a roommate in my room, with no way to separate, and the dorms are pretty depressing and cause one to fall asleep since the only place to sit is on the bed. :-( I don’t do quiet time very well in public places and while it’s winter its hard to get out of the ‘house’ unless you go somewhere public, like a coffee shop. So I didn’t very often. A week after I moved here, I found a church that I immediately felt connected too, but all too often found excuses to not go except about once a month. Some where legitimate (snowstorms on Sunday morning), but some were less than such. Misplaced priorities, I suppose you could say. As a result, my inner life has suffered some from a lack of intimate fellowship with the Lord and with his people. I have been aware of this for most of the winter, and now in recognizing some of the issues and changing some of my circumstances, I intend to change the way I live for the rest of my stay here in Sun Valley. With support and prayer I have no doubt it’s possible.

I don’t know that I’m ready to go home to Des Moines yet. I believe that God has provided people here to support me and challenge me, and not just at home. I believe I can grow here. I don’t intend on being here forever - I am still confident I will be back in Des Moines and probably settle down there. In the meantime I am working on reaching some of my financial goals here in order to be able to buy my house in Des Moines. I am also setting some other goals for this summer season.

I don’t know what the future holds or what it all looks like right now, but I am confident that I as more diligently pursue the heart of God, He will reveal the direction. My time at home brought up many things for me to think and pray about. I am thankful for His grace toward me and my sometimes wandering heart.

Making Plans

2009-03-30T12:01:00.001-07:00

I have decided to stay here in Sun Valley for the summer, and have committed myself by purchasing airline tickets for a visit home in May. I actually have a World Race teammate getting married in Washington, DC on May 9th, and my sister Karyssa's graduation festivities and another wedding to attend at home in the following weeks. I had to book 3 one way tickets, but found really good deals, and am starting to rack up some flyer miles. Yay! :-)

I will be departing Boise May 6th for DC, where I will spend about a week, with all my WR girlfriends, before leaving for home on the 12th. I will be home until June 1st, so a couple of weeks. May is a good month to be gone from here, as it is 'slack' season, where nothing is going on at all and work is slow. I hope to be able to pick up a couple of shifts at Court Ave while I am home, and of course just hang out with the family. It's about 6 weeks away. I have never taken a month long 'vacation', so that will be interesting.

Summer is apparently unbeatable around here, in terms of beauty and climate. It's also supposedly even busier business-wise than the winter, so that should be good. There are a lot of outdoor activities to do as well - mountain biking, hiking, camping, etc... that I am really looking forward to.

We are actually right at the beginning of 'slack' even right now, so I will need to really manage my money well, so I make it through to the 'worth it' summer season. :-) It's easy to save money here, and not spend too much though, which is awesome and great in terms of reaching my goals.

Heidi's Visit

2009-03-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

This is Heidi and I shredding Lower Warm Springs. I am in the first 2 little clips (purple pants) and Heidi is in the 2nd part (blue jacket). This was day 3 of 3 of her learning to ride and by the end of the day, she came down from the top!! I was so proud of her. This part of the mountain is a lot steeper than it looks (actually, the whole mountain is), so for her to be tackling this on day 3 is quite impressive. They say if one learns to ride Baldy, then they will be a pro anywhere else. :-) I have gotten through the whole season without hurting myself, till this day....when on my first run, I fell and strained my right thumb. Heidi apparently fractured the side of her left hand too, but both are minor injuries. :-)

We had an awesome little visit over her spring break. It was way too short, only 3 days in Sun Valley with me, but every moment was enjoyed. I had to work the first night she was here, but she was able to come hang out in the lounge and observe and enjoy my workplace and the great live music. One night we even were asked to dance. ;-)

A couple nights we hung out with my friends, but most of our time was spent on the mountain, or recovering from being out all day. We saw a comedian who performs here at the resort twice a week, and I took her to see some of downtown. I was really sad to see her go, but

am happy to have had a couple days over nothing!

I think we look more like sisters in this pic than any I've seen!

Sarah and I skiing Baldy!

2009-03-03T20:05:00.000-08:00

Sarah came up from Twin today to snowboard with me. We had a great time. I used a new board and Adam's bindings and found that good equipment (as opposed to what I have) makes all the difference in the world in my riding. Thanks Adam!!!

My jacket is my birthday gift with monies from my parents and grandparents. Thank you. :-) It's hard to find a jacket to match fuschia pants, but I managed. And it was on sale. Yay!!

I live alone - for a little bit

2009-02-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

I have my dorm room to myself as my roommate moved out this morning. I'm not sure how long it will last, but I will enjoy it while I can. (Ideally, I won't get a new roommate :-) )

Samantha was a great roomie and I will miss her. She was clean and a good girl, respectful of my things - great as a roommate could be. She finished her time here as a cook at the Sun Valley Clubhouse, and is headed back home (Seattle area) to be with her family and see where life takes her next.

I have moved stuff around since she had the more desirable sleeping area, by the window, with an outlet, and I cleaned the room as much as is possible to do in those rooms.

I woke up this morning to 6 inches of snow on the ground - the most we have seen in a while. The mountain was great, with quite a bit more snow than in town. It's sunny out now, with a high of 36 predicted for today, but more snow supposed to come tonight. The temp is supposed to drop, so supposedly we are getting back into winter. :-) I certainly hope so.

Heidi is coming to visit in 2 weeks so any snow we get is fantastic, since I would like to show her a ski town. :-)

Work has been pretty good the last couple weeks, as is typical I here, but now are in the slowing down weeks leading into March.

My Birthday

2009-02-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

I had a fantastic birthday - snowboarded all day with Kaylee and Daniel. I'm getting better and better everyday, and if I can talk one of them into video-ing me while I ride, then I will prove it to you all! :-) I tackled a groomed black diamond run the other day, and am getting braver and faster, and falling much less often.

Afterward, Daniel's sister Wendy invited us over for dinner at her house, which was a wonderful and pleasant time. She bought me a gift of some good ski socks, cooked dinner and had some of her friends over. We enjoyed appetizers, a very nice bottle of wine and an excellent dinner. I felt so blessed to have been welcomed into someone's home when I was away from my family.

She has 3 dogs - 2 white retrievers and a Burmese mountain puppy, as well as 2 cats. Her friends brought their 2 huskies, and Daniel had Maverick, so it was quite a party. (The math....6 dogs, 2 cats). Fun times. :-)

A Much Overdue, though short update

2009-02-07T22:21:00.000-08:00

I apologize - I haven't blogged anything in a while because:

A) my internet doesn't work at all in/near my dorm room,

B) i am working a lot

C) When I am not working I am snowboarding (up to 6 hours on certain days)

But I have a few things to update.

First...I have quickly picked up on snowboarding and love it with every ounce of me. I have to be told to stop on any given day, and always want to get 'just one more run in'. It is a lot of work, but absolutely worth it. I love being out in the fresh, cold air and getting exercise. I feel healthier than I have in a long while, and have gained back a healthy appetite. And riding the mountain is exhilarating beyond words!

Second...the Special Olympics World Winter Games are being held here in Sun Valley beginning Sunday the 8th, and through the week. It's a pretty big deal, and I'm excited for such an event. It is bringing in a ton of people, and should be fun.

Third...some very sad news and a request for prayer. Apparently there was a fight between two roommates in an employee dorm here and one of the guys died last night (friday). I don't know the details, but the news rattled me. The guy that passed away worked in the kitchen across the lobby from my lounge, and though I didn't know him personally, I know who he is. I have been experiencing a range of emotions all night through my shift - compassion and grief, and anger. Someone killed someone else. Over roommate disagreements - they didn't get along, and it came to this. Our world is so broken. I have tears to cry for someone. Please keep this situation in your prayers, both the families and the friends.

On one last positive note - I am one year closer to 30 years old on Sunday...only 3 more to go. I am looking forward to this new year, anticipating all that lies ahead. And for the record...I am not dreading 30, but looking forward to it. :-)

Kaylee and I after lunch on the mountain last week....

I'm boarding!

2009-01-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

See, I'm really doing it!!! This is the shorter, not so steep slope, Lower River Run, on Baldy. I can work this one, but still have so much learning to do on anything steeper. My roommate took this video from the lift.

My First Day!

2009-01-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I had my first attempt snowboarding this afternoon. I don't have pics because I wasn't willing to sacrifice my camera in a fall had it been in my pocket. But I did go. :-)

Kaylee is a good teacher, gave me plenty of pointers and then just let me figure it out. That's the only way, really. At least for me. I have to do things to learn them, not just have someone tell me how it's done.

We went to Dollar Mountain, which is the training/kids mountain, although that doesn't mean it's just a hill. After scooting around for a minute with one foot in my bindings and the other out, we boarded the lift. That worked just fine. Getting off was more difficult. I got off just fine (still one foot loose) and slid a-ways, before losing control and falling over. Thus begins the falling over. Again, and again, and again, and again, and again.....

Kaylee could've taken the run in probably about 60 seconds, start to finish, but it took us (well, me) about 35 minutes with the 'slide, turn, fall' cycle I was in. After the first run, we took a short break before tackling it again.

The second time off the lift, I didn't fall. The second run took less than a third of the time of the first, which means I was doing much better - going faster and turning better. The downside of going faster though is that when one falls, one falls much harder. I figured out how to turn one way on the board (heel side), but every time I tried to turn 'toe-side', I bit it - sometimes falling forward, but most often, falling straight back onto my bum. Hit my head twice. But don't worry...I wear a helmet! By the end of that second run, I was ready to take a rest. I would have gone again, if we didn't have lunch plans already, and besides, I had to be at work in a couple hours.

Daniel showed up right as we Kaylee and I were walking off the mountain to 'see the carnage', but thankfully he came too late to laugh at me very much. :-) I am planning on getting back up there tomorrow sometime, since I have the day off work, but this time will probably be going alone. That's a bummer in some ways, but at the same time, I can take my time and work it by myself, and thus impress them the next time we get together. Right?!

Then soon, when I go out with friends again, I will take, and then post, some awesome pictures of me (and them) in all our gear. It's pretty sweet. Ha ha!

All in all, the pain I am now experiencing (a terribly bruised tailbone and a stiff neck) will be worth it all once I figure it out. I can't wait. :-)

I've got a board!!

2009-01-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

I realize it's been a while since I've posted...since Christmas day, I think. I have been pretty busy the last couple weeks, but it's slowed down around here again, so I have more time on my hands. I loved working when it was crazy busy - it was never boring and there was always something entertaining. We have live music everyday from at least 4pm till close, varying jazz/blues musicians.

I finally got some gear to get up on the mountain. After quite of bit of deliberation and uncertainty, I opted to attempt snowboarding over skiing. Sun Valley offers year long leases to employees for $150, including boots, bindings and board (or skis), so it's really a good deal. I picked mine up yesterday. It's not in great shape since it's been a rental for a while, but with a tune up, it will definitely be sufficient for a beginner such as myself. Kaylee and Daniel have both said they are willing to help me at the beginning. I have been told by numerous people that snowboarding is harder to figure out at the beginning than skiing and I will spend a few days really sore and bruised, but that I will be able to get better faster on a board than skis. Meaning...I could tackle more runs by the end of the season on a board. So I decided that I would push myself through the initial pain and frustration of learning for the reward. :-) It'll be good for me, physically and mentally, to push myself through learning something and working out.

I hung out at the bottom of one of the lift areas the other day just watching people come down the mountain and couldn't wipe the cheesy grin off my face as I thought about doing it myself. I can't wait to get out there. I will make my first attempt on Friday morning, I think. I'll let you know how it goes.

Kaylee provided me with goggles, a helmet, and gloves, and Sarah contributed a ski jacket so I'm all set to get out there. Whee!!!

Pics

2008-12-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

Maverick
Out the front window at Daniel's sisters house, that's the roof with 2 feet of snow.
Out the back door.

Merry Christmas!!!!

2008-12-25T10:38:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!!

I hope your holidays are as good as mine. I have had a great week. We had a wonderful snow Sunday night into Monday, about a foot or so, and then another nearly 2 feet Christmas Eve through today. It is one of the most beautiful incredible things I have ever seen. I can't wipe the grin off my face, and my friends keep laughing at me. I am like a little kid again. I want to ski, but since I don't have the gear yet, even just playing in the snow is okay with me. Daniel and I were outside with his dog Maverick, and I got a kick watching Mav tromp through snow twice as high as him. Daniel shoved me straight backwards into the yard, and it was so deep that when I fell, it all caved in on me, and covered me completely. Oh, the wonderful joys of snow!!! It is still snowing like crazy right now.

Christmas eve was very nice. Four of us co-workers - Daniel, Kaylee, Joe and myself gathered at Daniel's sisters house where I cooked dinner for them before we all went to work. His sister only lives here from January through March, but has a beautiful home with a well equipped kitchen, something I greatly appreciated. I cooked a bourbon marinated pork loin, sided with green bean casserole and mashed potatoes. It turned out great.

Today we are all gathering again at the same place for a Christmas brunch before we head to work. Daniel made a breakfast casserole, I have poteezta from Mom and Kaylee is bringing food too. We have so much food for so few people, but it's great to hang out with people and eat home cooked food again.

Daniel's sister's home is located right at the bottom of the Warm Springs lift/ski area, tucked up against the mountain in avalanche terrain. This whole 'culture' and climate up here is so foreign to me that I feel like I'm in a movie almost. I love it, love it, love it!!!

It's gonna be a white christmas!

2008-12-22T08:34:00.000-08:00

We finally really have snow now, and I cannot begin to tell you how beautiful it is. There was a couple inches on the ground that had gathered over the last week, but Saturday night a storm rolled in and it’s still going. By storm, I mean gentle, but persistent falling snow. We got about a foot throughout the day yesterday, and it’s not letting up today. The mountains are covered, the evergreens heavy with snow, just like a picture perfect winter wonderland. I will post pictures when I can. My internet can’t quite handle that right now.

The resort will be busy this week, and people will be so happy now to have snow to ski and snowboard. Once the snow rolled it, the change of energy was tangible....people get more friendly and are happy. It’s great.

I stayed the night at Kaylee’s last night, because I’m going to use her kitchen to do some prep work for Christmas Eve dinner and I knew I wouldn’t be able to drive anywhere in my car today. I still need to get into town for a couple things, but there is a great free bus system to get me anywhere I need to go, including all the way back to my dorm if need be. I haven’t ridden it yet, but will today.

One of the things I miss the most now that I’m in the dorms is the lack of a kitchen. As Christmas drew closer, I missed it more and decided that I needed to cook a dinner, so....several of us single people are going to gather for Christmas Eve dinner (at either Kaylee’s or Daniel’s) before we all head to a crazy busy night of work. Then we will meet again Christmas day for a small brunch, before another night of work.

I am tackling quite a bit of stuff, but I have all day today, Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning to accomplish it all. I am planning on making a couple of pies and cream cheese bars for dessert; and for the main entree: pork loin, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes. I will leave the bread to someone else. I have never done a pork loin before, so I’m a little nervous about how that will turn out, but the rest should be a breeze.

..and so it goes

2008-12-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

This week starts our ‘busy’ season. We now have music every night, and beginning in a few days, even every afternoon. I will be working 8 out of 9 days running, something for which I am grateful. I will be working full time hours, but all at night, so I will still pretty much have my days free for whatever, including skiing soon, hopefully.

Up until this point, I have only really worked with four other people - Kaylee, (my manager/bartender), Daniel, my night bartender, Jan, the day bartender and Joe, the other cocktail server and occasional bartender. I have met several of the other gals who will be working alongside me during the busy season, but only in passing, but that will change this week.

I have spent some time hanging out with Kaylee and Daniel over the last week, and feel a little more connected, like I’m making some friends.

I enjoy the job when I am busy, and I enjoy the staff and most of the regulars that take up our time when we have no other customers. Live music is nice too. We have several groups that play...a couple pianists, some that sing, a jazz trio or two. I really like the lounge atmosphere here. The Duchin Lounge is affectionately known as the ‘Wrinkle Room’ since it is primarily frequented by the over 50 crowd, although we have had our fair share of young wedding party groups as well. I start bartending one day a week this week, which will be fun, and good experience. It’s nice to do something so different from what I have mostly done in my past work experience.

I don’t know when I will get around to skiing, seeing as I have to get some equipment first, though employee rentals are pretty reasonable. I found some ski pants at the thrift store, and Sarah supplied me with warm under layers and a ski jacket, so I’m really only in need of gloves, a good hat and the actual skis, boots and bindings. (Or snowboarding stuff - I’ve got people encouraging me that direction too. :-) )

I can’t believe Christmas is so close already. It’s always amazing to me how fast time flies - the older I get the faster it passes.

We finally got some snow - about 4inches over about 3 days, so it’s looking more like I had expected of this place, though it’s still minimal. The weather channel has predicted snow for the next 9 out of 10 days, but I have yet to see them be anywhere near accurate, so we shall see.

New Things in My life

2008-12-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

A list of 10 things I do here that I didn't do often or ever at home.

1. I eat oatmeal for breakfast

2. I eat salads for lunch

3. I work out at the Y

4. I ice skate numerous times a week

5. I watch CSI

6. I read books

7. I watch Sports Center and ESPN in general (pretty much only at work)

8. I read the newspaper sometimes and watch news TV

9. I shower in a 3'x3' cubicle - less privacy than home, but more than on the World Race, and I can shower for as long as I want with hot water!!

10. I own and wear various warm beanies to keep my head warm.

A good blog to read

2008-12-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

I have come across a blog by Carl Medearis, one of the most influential men in my christian walk and history. My encounters with him, though not personal, and fairly brief, have challenged me and inspired me. This is a great blog I would encourage all to read. I couldn't agree more.

Carl's Blog

Day off Update

2008-12-04T15:40:00.000-08:00

I had a decent night last night at work, though it certainly wasn’t busy. I am looking forward to when it is, because even when it’s not busy for the majority of the night, I tend to make pretty good money in the last 2 hours of work or so. Soon it will be busy all day/night, at least that’s what they tell me. :-)

I have the day off today and have actually been pretty productive, which I am glad of. I have read, made a bank deposit, created drawer spacers to keep my stuff more organized, finished paperwork for work, mailed something off, and am at Tully’s now taking care of my online things. I plan on reading a little more tonight and working on my knitting project, while maybe catching up on messages from Des Moines Fellowship.

I miss Julianna like crazy these days. We had a good long conversation the other day on the phone. Till then she hasn’t talked to me much when we get on the phone. But the other day we had a real conversation about all kinds of things. When we finished, she made sure she told me she loved and missed me. She said it twice to be sure I heard her. Anne mentioned that earlier that morning, Juli had asked if they could ‘stop by and see Liss’ on their way to the store. Then she told Anne to invite me over for the day. It makes my heart hurt, I miss her so much.

Even with the travel bug in me, I have a peace about coming home to stay. I know I will be back home for good. I always come home. I can’t imagine leaving for good. I can do short term away, but I think I will always return home.

People here keep telling me how they came for a season and have been here for years now. I may stay longer than originally planned (they say the money is as good or better in the summer working banquets and such), but I don’t think I could stay long term. I feel like I’m supposed to buy a house in Des Moines. That still hasn’t changed since July ’07. I’m not sure when that will happen, but it’s still my long term goal, and even being here is working towards that. No promises about exactly when, but I will be home again.

Making Choices

2008-12-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot in the last couple weeks about how I will live my life while I’m here in Idaho. I have a choice to live either in growing in greater intimacy with Christ, or apathetically, which would result in growing away from him. This choice has to be made wherever I go/am, but I am just really aware of it now. I have moved up here, have started something new, and have time on my hands.

A week ago, I spent 6 hours watching TV in my dorm room, because I didn’t know what to do around town. Or, to be more honest, I was afraid of going out to do something alone, or that would take a lot of energy. I am lazy. I don’t want to be, and there are a number of things to do in the area to keep me fully occupied.

I could choose to take my free time and delve into prayer and time spent with Jesus. As much as I know that and so much of me wants that, it is still so hard to make that choice. Why is that? Why is the pull of doing nothing stronger than the desire to know Jesus more? How can that be?

I come back to James 4:8, though, and remind myself that God promises that when I draw near to Him, He WILL draw near to me. I don’t have to go the whole way - He meets me when I make the smallest step. That is such a wonderful relief and a great invitation to make a move toward Him.

I know my life and purpose here in Sun Valley is different than most of the people I meet. The Holy Spirit dwells within me and shines through me all the time, even when I’m not aware, or when I feel I’m failing. What then would He be able to do through me if I gave more of my time to knowing Him?

I was thinking the other day about what to say when people talk to me about ‘religious’ stuff or about my beliefs. I don’t like to simply say, “I’m a Christian” because that statement is made by many who don’t know Jesus, and there are tons of people who have been very negatively affected by “Christians.” Instead, I thought...I will say that I just love and know Jesus, and want to be like Him. But I realized in a moment of what felt like great revelation that even that’s not the fullest truth.

The truth that makes the difference in me is that I know that HE loves and knows ME, not the other way around. I know and love Him a little and I do want to be like Him, but those things only come from knowing that I am loved by Him. I am one born into sin, a human with no hope of perfection or redemption without Jesus, just like every person every born into this world. But I have become aware the God loves me, and that I have been made perfect, forgiven of my failings and my sin. Because of that, I no longer have to live in fear of failing, or of falling short. I will fail and sin, which unfortunately usually causes pain for me and often times other people, but nevertheless, I am forgiven by the One who is perfect and sinless.

But back to the thought at the beginning. What choices will I make over the next few months? Will I choose to walk in obedience like a free person, or will I make decisions that come from a mindset still stuck in slavery to sin and laziness? The choice is always looming for me. One day, I make the good choice, and the next, the other one. Right now, in this moment, I pray for the strength to make the choice of obedience more often, till it becomes my habit. I want people to not simply notice that I’m a little different, but I wan them to really see Jesus.

The quotes from Andrew Shearman need to be printed and posted for me to see everyday, as so much of what he says encourages my heart and mind to do what’s right. I don’t want to waste anymore of my time or life, regardless of where I am or what I am doing.

Aidan and Ella

2008-12-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

Aidan and Ella the week I left Des Moines.

Andrew Shearman Quotes - READ THESE!!!

2008-12-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

Andrew Shearman, one of the World Race spiritual fathers, a wonderful man of God passed on great words of wisdom while I was on the Race and continues to do so to all who have come after me on the Race. I had thought a few times about how I should write down some of his greatest quotes, but never did. Fortunately, though, a current Racer has done such a great thing, so I would like to pass them on.

"Deliverance comes in going forward. You just have to flat out decide. If you have a bad attitude change it. If you need to love someone just love them."

"If you have already got to "thank you" don't go back to please."

"You have been as holy and loving today as you decided to be"

"Shutup, get up and go!"

"You need a red hot heart, an ice cold brain, fire in your belly and steel in your backbone."

"Take responsibility for the impression you give. Take responsibility for the impression they take."

"Put Christ on. Choose until it becomes a habit and you become who you ARE! A lifetime of good habits will keep you alive."

"Rise up man/woman of God!"

"There is a man/woman sent by God and his/her name is _______"

"My name is ________ and I am God's voice on planet earth and I have something to say and I am going to say it."

"God's word in your mouth is the same as God's word in his mouth so speak it out."

"You have chain breaking, mountain moving, prison door opening, deliverance bringing, death to life words in your mouth."

"You have the power of life and death on your tongue. Speak Life."

"If you are not under authority you have no authority."

"We win this thing!"

"Don't worry about doing. BE. It is all about being. If you are living as you were created, God with skin on, your life would be brilliant."

"Be done with yourself!"

"You need to get to the place where you don't want to go anywhere else then with God."

"Gotta work it. No more easy pickings. Move the obstacles out of the way. Kill some giants and be self sufficient in Christ."

"You were created to turn chaos into Eden."

"This is not whistling Dixie."

"You deserve what you tolerate. Do something about it."

"You can't sin enough to make God stop loving you."

"The number one reason you are on planet earth is to BE LOVED by God."

"Some of you have been so busy chasing God that you forgot that God is chasing you."

"This is about the house. Whose is the house?"

"Heaven is not the destination. You've already got heaven, the eternal DNA of God living inside of you. You are a daughter/son of the living God. The destination is the King of the Kingdom of the living God."

"I am the keeper of God's dream."

"The more like Christ I am the more like ________ I am."

"The devil has no weapons. The devil only has words, arguments and pretensions."

"Are we really going to get the resources to build the house, or are we going to stay in Egypt making bricks?"

"You will either die, or be killed. Choose to die."

"Hollywood's lie is to make you think you could have a life of adventure without risk."

"It takes rocket fuel to go against gravity. You can live a long time on diesel, coasting through life or you can really LIVE."

"You only learn when you don't know."

"If your always going to think through the same knowledge pattern, you'll never learn anything new."

"If your dead you can't be killed."

"You have to be dead to be free, you have to be free to choose to be a slave."

"Fear causes men's hearts to fail them."

"Commit your whole life to the journey. Walk off the map into uncertainty."

"Your better off a sinner being made righteous then remaining innocent."

"There is no plan B." We are the best plan God ever had."

"Don't compromise when God has spoken to you."

Bye to Sarah and Adam!

2008-12-01T11:19:00.001-08:00

I just dropped Sarah and Adam off at the Boise Airport. They depart today at 1pm, with an hour layover in Denver, before heading to Kenya, via a layover in London. They plan on being on this new great adventure through Africa for the next 4 months, or for however long God leads them to stay. I was sad to see them go, as they are my closest friends in the area right now, but I'm super excited for them about these next few months. I can't wait to hear stories and see pictures of the places they see and the amazing people I know they will meet. So much of Sarah's heart is in Africa, so this is a natural decision for her. I remember how all of us on the World Race saw her come alive with the kids in Africa, knowing that was her place. :-) I pray, Lord, for your hand of protection over Sarah and Adam, lead them and guide them to the people and places you have planned for already. Move in their hearts more each day and bind them together in you. I praise you that their hearts are readily obedient and eager to fulfill Your calling in their lives.

I love you guys!!!

Where is the SNOW!?!

2008-11-30T13:12:00.000-08:00

It's 56 degrees out today, and sunny. I can comfortably hang out outside in a t-shirt, and would sweat if I stood in the sun. And tomorrow is December. And need I remind anyone I am living in a ski resort town? What gives?!

Baldy stands in front of us, with what remains of man made snow of a week ago when it was almost cold enough to keep it. The last week has been too warm to keep up the machines though. The mountain was supposed to open on Thanksgiving but has been postponed till tomorrow, but it certainly won't open for skiing tomorrow morning either, unless we have some crazy fluke blizzard! (Not likely) According to the weather forecast, it looks like we will get a rain/snow mix sometime next week, but only an afternoon of it. And it's not even going to reach freezing. We shall see.

I went running this morning on the trails, something I think I will do more of while I can. There is a pretty extensive trail system for biking and walking, so as long as it's nice....

I worked about 50 hours in the last 6 days at work. It has been slow, but at least I'm at work and not sitting around at home. I went into work on Wednesday night expecting my last day of training, but was put to work making money because they were a person short. I was glad for that. I am really going to enjoy working here, I think. I really like most of the people I work with, and LOVE my manager (Kaylee), at least so far. She is a super positive, fun, energetic 27 year old, and we have hit it off pretty well. We had brunch today at the Lodge (taken care of by her manager status, so free for me - yay), and had a great time chatting. I am looking forward to hanging out with her more often. I'm already feeling more comfortable and more at home in the area. My dorm room is small, so I'm gonna have to figure out stuff to do outside of it, or I will go crazy.

My room is small (8'x14'), and right above the Inn bakery, so even though we have a heater, we will NEVER need to use it. Last night it got so warm (probably about 85), neither one of us could sleep. I slept in 20 minute intervals, and kept waking up cause I was sweating, in shorts and a tank top. At 3am I finally just got up and went outside and sat for 30 minutes till I was cold and could appreciate the heat of the room. It's stifling in there, since there is no circulating air. I felt like I was suffocating. We need to figure something out. I hope that my roommate will agree to keeping the window open at night, but since it's at the end of her bed, she might get too cold. The room is too small to put a fan in (there is really no room for it). Ahh!!! I will make it, though. :-)

Killing time....

2008-11-26T12:41:00.000-08:00

I am here with lots of time on my hands right now as it’s still considered ‘slack’ time. This weekend should pick up a little bit, because of Thanksgiving reservations at the resort, but we are still lacking snow, so the ski mountains aren’t open yet. I have had two nights of ‘training’ which have been mostly just my manager having pity on a bored, lonely girl and allowing me to just come to work and kill time there. We have had next to no business since there are no people at the resort yet. Tonight should be busier for my last night of training since everyone coming for the weekend checks in today. I am working on my own, making tips starting tomorrow night. Yay!!! It will be relatively slow again for a couple weeks, but then the couple weeks before Christmas through January are supposedly just crazy busy. We have live music everyday/night, jazz piano, drums, bass. Tonight is the first time I will get to hear it and I’m excited for that.

Duchin Lounge is the lounge in the main lodge. It’s primarily cocktails with a very limited appetizer menu, so the work will be very different that my previous experience, since I am not ‘waiting tables’ at all, but only cocktailing. It should be a good change of pace.

Until work picks up, I really need to find something to do. There is plenty to do in this town if you have the gear. It’s still nice enough to bike the trails, but I don’t have a bike. I will probably start taking walks. I spent the entire day in my little dorm room yesterday because I didn’t know what to do, and then of course felt like a loser for wasting time. So I will NOT do that anymore. I got out of the place today, came into Ketchum, wandered around town and through the second hand store, now chilling at Tully’s coffee for the internet. :-)

I think I will one of these days go around and take pictures so I can post them on my blog. Maybe today actually. I was originally scheduled to work at 2, but my manager called and asked me to not come in until 6, so now I have the entire day.

I will be joining Adam, Sarah and Sarah’s family for Thanksgiving tomorrow, then driving back up here for work by 6pm. I’m looking forward to hanging out with them again.

Dorm Video

2008-11-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

So after much frustration I finally got this video uploaded. This is my dorm room here. Small, but certainly sufficient. :-)

The Life Church - my new home

2008-11-24T13:40:00.000-08:00

I already found a church family to be a part of while I am here in Idaho. I had driven by this church on Wednesday on my way to SV, took notice of it, and then found it listed in a magazine I picked up. There were a few different options, places I wanted to try out, but The Life church was my first instinct. I walked in the door and was greeted cheerfully by Linda, the associate pastor’s wife, who subsequently introduced me to every person who walked by us. It’s a very small church that meets in really small room, and I loved it.

They had a Thanksgiving service, so instead of the pastor teaching, it was open to all the body to share their thanksgivings. It was beautiful. Non stop people sharing about what God has done in their lives in the last year, and beyond. I was so blessed, because the people were completely honest about their failings and weaknesses, but had all encountered God and their lives changed. People who have come out of divorces, addictions, abuse, etc... but truly encountered God. They all expressed how this body of believers, and the pastors had supported them and truly been a family for each other.

After church I was invited to lunch with a group of about 5 single ladies between the ages of 25 and 60, and we had a blast. We laughed a lot, and I look forward to more time spent together. I had invitations to send Thanksgiving with a few different folks, though I will be working that night. I don’t feel that I have to look any further for a church to attend while I’m here. Yay!!!

Finally getting to start working!!!

2008-11-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

I had an actual tour of the Sun Valley Resort today finally. I met with the manager of the bar at which I will be working and she took me all over for about 30 minutes, giving a detailed tour of the public areas as well as the deep employee tunnels and rooms. If I tried to find any of the places on my own, I would probably get lost, but in time, I will learn my way around.

There is a bowling alley, day spa, multiple pools and hot tubs, ice skating rink, walking trails, etc.... some of which I can take advantage of, but some of which I believe are only for resort guests. I don’t know all the rules yet, but my manager, Kaylee is really fun and was super helpful already. I’m sure that she will help me acclimate and get involved more.

I start my training tonight with Kaylee, but she said it won’t be busy, so it will be mostly just hanging out together in the bar, same as tomorrow night. Wednesday should be busier, and then Thanksgiving night, I am on my own for my first shift which should be busy.

I will be working at the Duchin Room, which is one of the two bars within the Lodge/Inn area. They serve very little food, so I will be cocktail serving full time, which I am really excited to do. It will be very different than the dining room serving I have done for so long - a whole new challenge and system. I have a lot to learn, but that is part of the fun.

I also got a PO box today so I can get mail now!! Care packages and the like! Ha ha! :-) My address is PO Box 1297, Sun Valley, ID 83353.

Great writing from Mike

2008-11-22T14:31:00.000-08:00

This is the latest update from my brother Mike, who is stationed in Afhganistan with the Air Force. He's such a great writer, I wanted to share.

Hey folks,

Haven't written for a while. Nothing major has been happening, and I haven't been making an effort to notice things worth writing about. The weather is getting colder. I work from 0100 to 1300, so I get to work through the coldest and most beautiful time of the day: dawn. Bagram Air Base is situated in a relatively small valley with mountains on every side. However, between the dust and the base's garbage disposal methods (two enormous incinerators and large open burn pits), the view of the mountains is usually restricted to dark figures looming high over the horizon. However, with the colder weather and a few showers, the air has gotten a little bit cleaner. Several weeks ago we had the a very clear morning, and I was awestruck as the sun began to illuminate the western mountains. No longer ambiguous shapes, the pink-orange light of the morning cast incredibly crisp and dark shadows across the curves of the foothills and the sharp edges of the mountains above them. Between the peaks of the closest mountains, more were visible behind them, several shining brightly with freshly fallen snow. The brown of the rock shone with gold and orange in the morning light. I wish I had brought my camera on that day. That sight triggered in me the first spark of appreciation for this place that I have felt yet. We have not had a morning like that since.

Work has recently gotten a little bit more stressful, as one of our expediters (the first level of management on the flightline) returned home for a family emergency. One of our more experienced crew chiefs stepped into his spot, stripping us of another valuable body. Thankfully, the workload has been manageable so far. Past the halfway point now, people are starting to get testy, and we've had a few issues between people. However, I am continually surprised by how well we crew chiefs get along despite our differences and annoyances with each other. We are a dirty, rowdy, moody bunch.
.... ....

This morning at chow, there was a quartet playing at one of the tables for no apparent reason. Four soldiers playing two flutes, a bassoon, and a clarinet. No one knew why they were there, but they were good, and fun to listen to. They played a large variety of stuff including TV theme songs, classical music, and "Puttin' on the Ritz." I caught some flak for knowing the words to that one. I am up late tonight, and walked around the base after sundown for the first time yet and heard another kind of music: lots and lots of birds. Since I've been here, the only wildlife I've seen is a lone hawk who likes to circle above the runway (not for long), mice hiding under my toolbox, and a jackal that loiters around the road we take to work. It was so nice to hear birds again. I can't wait for a good rainstorm either.

Thanks everyone for your support and prayers,

I'm settled in!

2008-11-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

I’m moved into my new place now. I arrived last night, and met my roommate Samantha. I’m feeling lonely, but hopefully that won’t last. I don’t know where I’m working yet, as there are a number of restaurants in which I could work. I will find out on Monday. In the meantime, I am trying to figure my way around here. The staff that did my paperwork last night was less than helpful, so I really have no idea about anything. There is an employee cafeteria, but I don’t know where it is or how it works. My dorm room is about 8’x15’ or so, a double room, two dressers and two twin beds. It’s tight, but will certainly work. I haven't had real dresser drawers in quite a while, so I'm really excited to have them for my clothes!

Originally from Washington, Samantha (20yrs old) attended school in Vegas, but has been here for nearly 4 months as a cook in one of the several Sun Valley restaurants. Hopefully she can help me learn the ropes a little around here, and we can be friends.

There is no kitchen and very limited space for food in my room, and she gave me warning about the cafeteria food (she went to the hospital for food poisoning), so I might have to get really creative with my meals. :-)

I had also been told that all dorm rooms have WiFi, but apparently that meant all dorms except my building! I was looking forward to having that, but I will have to figure out other places to do all my online stuff. It certainly would have been ideal to have to internet in my room, since I like to check my mail and stuff before bed and in the mornings. Oh well. I'm pretty close to ideal in every other aspect. :-)

It will be interesting to live this life, and work for this company. Our dorms are small, and the area is pretty run down, but open a door and you’re in the high class hotel hallway of the resort. The guest food and restaurants are good, but the employee cafeteria is apparently a little sketchy. Interesting. I’m nervous, but still excited and am so ready to start working though and stop being so bored.

I went grocery shopping today at Albertsons in Hailey, which is about 12 miles outside of Ketchum/Sun Valley. I bought a few essentials - dairy products, carrots and crackers!

Tonight, I am going to meet my friend Tom for dinner with some of his friends. Tom did the barbeque dinner for Adam and Sarah’s wedding and we had a great time cooking together. He’s in his mid 50’s and works as a ski patrol on Soldier mountain with Adam. I’m glad to have something fun to do tonight.

One Year Anniversary

2008-11-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

One year ago today I was waking up in my grandparents’ house, my first whole day back in the United States after a year abroad. It hardly seems like a year has gone by in some senses, but in other ways, that year seems so far away it’s practically just a dream.

As all of us World Racers from A and B squad look back this week and remember our year together, there is now doubt a full range of emotions that accompany the memories. Mine are all good. The WR was a year of growth, challenge and new opportunities for me. In addition to those great benefits, I believe that through those experiences, doors opened to me. I feel I have a greater freedom in life. A freedom to fail. A freedom to succeed. A freedom to try new things and engage in new endeavors. It’s an ongoing learning experience, which is proved by the areas in my life in the last year where I lived in fear and not in freedom, but at the same time, there were/are consistently areas where I have gone forward in boldness that I hadn’t possessed before. This manifests in small things, like trying new sports, or foods, and in the larger arenas of life, such as stepping out to learn a new job in a new place by myself.

One of the racers posted a great note, reminding us all to not let the WR be the best thing in our lives, but to always expect more bests to come as we follow Jesus and embrace the adventure he has for each of us. For me it was a great year, a pivotal year, a life changing year, but the best is yet to come!

Why Idaho?

2008-11-20T13:33:00.000-08:00

Why Idaho you ask? I realized I haven’t fully explained that for those who may want the backstory.

Back in mid October, my former WR teammate, Sarah and her husband had their stateside wedding celebration, so all 4 of us other ZEO gals took a trip to help celebrate. Leah, Amy and I fly into San Francisco, where we met up with Lynette, and spent a few days in the city before driving to Twin Falls, ID together for the Humbach festival. Twin is in southern Idaho, where there is not much more than desert, desert hills and a fabulous canyon. To be, it is beautiful. There is something about the west that pulls my heart every time I’m here. We went a couple hours further north, spending a day in town of Ketchum, home to Sun Valley Ski Resort. The town is cute, and the mountains are beautiful. After the day there, we progressed further north towards Stanley, and the beauty only intensified as we drove. We stayed in a huge, stunning log cabin overnight before we all had to part ways.

In the midst of those times together, I grew more attached to the place, and was sick to think about leaving. Having been born in Colorado, and being back over the years for visits, the mountains are settled in my heart, with their own definition of home. I had this crazy idea about waiting tables and/or bartending in a restaurant in the resort area for the ski season. The potential for money is great, especially considering the Sun Valley area services the wealthy folks of America, and I would have some opportunity to ski, something I have always desired to do. I didn’t know if it was even feasible for me to think about such an endeavor considering that it was about the 20th of October and the ski seasons starts Thanksgiving week. It would have to be a quick turn around.

I decided that if my urge to move dwindled when I got home, as many of my other urges tend to do, then I would just let it go. But when it didn’t, I just told the Lord to shut the doors if it wasn’t meant to be.

I applied online for a couple of jobs, one at Sun Valley Resort and one at Tamarack, about 4 hours further north. I hadn’t heard response from either one of them before I left, but I just decided to go. Sun Valley called during my drive up from Iowa. I have been offered a job with them, working in one of their many restaurants, and living cheaply in the dorm housing, with a free season-long ski pass. It came together more easily and perfectly than I had even thought, hoped or expected.

I move in tomorrow, friday, Nov 21st and will begin working next week. I don’t know what the dorm room looks like, but I figure, I can’t be disappointed. I already know they have wi-fi, among other amenities, an employee cafeteria with meals for about $2 and they are within walking distance of most of the resort area. I’m excited for the new start!!

A First Time Adventure

2008-11-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

There is something about doing something new, facing a new challenge, risking something, and tackling it that is so rewarding. I’m not talking about moving, though my concepts include that decision. For me, this week, it was mountain biking.

Giving the fact that there are no mountains in Iowa, I have never experienced this great sport, but have thought it would be fun. Around here, though, where hills and mountains are abundant, and outdoor sports are the norm, mountain biking is a short afternoon activity. Sarah and I headed to the south hills and began our climb about 2:15 Tuesday afternoon. I haven’t ridden a bike on a road in years, let alone on hills, so the uphill was quite a challenge. I am not in good shape either, so I was quickly winded. But we kept pressing on (Sarah encouraging me), and finally made it to the top. By the time we reached the top, I had adjusted and probably could have climbed more.

Sarah had prepared me for the awesomeness of the downhill ride, and as excited as I was, I was pretty scared too. She took off ahead of me and was out of sight in seconds, speeding down the dirt path, standing on her pedals and looking like a pro. My descent was not quite so smooth. I started rolling downhill, holding my brakes, but continuing to gain speed. I ran through the instructions in my head - stand up, pressure on the handlebars, absorb the shock and respond. It’s all simply head knowledge till you do it though. The faster I went, the more I wanted to sick down and shut my eyes. I did not shut my eyes, but kept sitting down, then standing, then sitting, standing... I had a hard time steering and staying in the well established, but small rutted trail, and finally, at one point, I knew any control I had was gone. My bike bumped out of the rut, and into another, depositing me in the surrounding rocks and sagebrush. Ripped pants, a skinned knee and bruises only made me more excited to get back on.

I don’t think I ever continued in movement for more than 30 seconds at a time, but those 30 seconds were wonderfully exhilarating! I crashed again a short time later, taking a dive off the bike into a ditch, where I somersaulted, and gained a few more bruises and scrapes. I climbed back on, and finished the ride down. I can’t wait to do it again!

I felt awesome at the end of it. It may be a simple thing, but it was so rewarding. I was reminded of my time rock climbing in Peru, another sport I never envisioned doing, but that I enjoyed, or bungee jumping in South Africa. Doing things for the first time is wonderful.

In general, most of us keep our routine (even me in the midst of my journeys), and don’t often try new things. But how often do we think of ideas we’d like to try, whether it be sports, cooking, learning a new craft, or taking on a project? It may take risk, sacrifice of some time, perhaps some failure, but it would be worth it. When was the last time you did something for the first time?

2008-11-15T10:48:00.000-08:00

I just dropped Hannah off at the Boise airport. We had a great time hanging out together. Five days together is the most we have every spent together, just the two of us. I enjoyed every moment of it, and I hope she did too. :-) We saw some of this beautiful country and had fun listening to (and dancing and singing to) good music in the car, and she took a ton of fabulous pictures.

I will spend the rest of the afternoon with Erin here in Boise, and perhaps another night, because there is a church I would like to check out here. It's a 'seeker' church and I'm really interested to see what people are doing as such. I haven't been to a different church in a while, and as that search is ahead of me, I will start tomorrow!

Then back to Jerome for a couple days with Sarah and Adam before shifting gears and getting up to Sun Valley.

The Flat Tire Story

2008-11-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

(Story took place on Friday - this is posted Saturday)

It hasn’t taken long for my (mis)adventures to begin here in Idaho. I decided to take Hannah to Boise the longer, scenic route through the mountains. It’s a lovely day, sunny and relatively warm. Having left Jerome about 10:30am, we made it through Sun Valley (about 80 miles north), and another hour or so beyond. The roads were all clear and totally dry, but had loose rocks. Rather decent sized rocks.

About 3 miles out of Smiley Creek, I saw two in the road. An attempt to veer away from them both fell short and my front passenger side tire took the beating. Busted a hole in the sidewall of the tire. I quickly pulled over, laughed and dug out the jack from my trunk, along with my spare donut wheel. Hannah and I successfully jacked up the car, but our female strength was no match for the lug nuts. Several cars and trucks had already bypassed us in the past 20 minutes, but now we really needed help. When I next heard a vehicle approaching, I stood up from beside my tire and stood in front of my car, wrench in hand, trying to look like I needed help. The huge construction truck stopped. Out jumped Cory and Pat, who, with great ease, loosened the lug nuts and placed my donut.

“Your donut’s low. You’re not going anywhere on this thing.”

Ha ha!! Of course!

Cory offered to drive us back the way we came (the direction he was headed) into Hailey to get my tire to a tire place, with full confidence that there is no fixing such a tire, only getting a new one. We climbed in the massive truck, Hannah on my lap, Pat in the middle and Cory driving. It was rather reminiscent of World Race travel, and I couldn’t help but laugh. What else is there to do but laugh, I guess. Oh, boy.

I know only a few people in the nearby area, namely Twin Falls/Jerome area, so I contacted them. I didn’t get a response from Sarah and Adam, but did from a friend that I had met at the wedding and recently hung out with. He is graciously driving the hour from Twin Falls to Hailey to pick us up, then drive us the hour to our car, and help me replace the tire so we can get on our way into Boise.

As I type this, I am presently sitting at a Subway across from the tire place waiting for Andrew. And laughing.

I have to say, I love my life. My thoughts are again in blogging mode..... ‘oh, this is a fun blog-able moment!’ I am glad to share my adventures with Hannah. It’s good to have such adventures. I am so thankful that it was sunny and not snowy and cold, with stunning beauty all around. And God sent good people to get us to where we are. I have learned to not allow things to be such a big deal...what happens, happens, and you do what you have to do to keep on moving. I realize now yet another thing the World Race taught me!!

I'm in Idaho!!

2008-11-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

I fully intended to keep a blog from the time I got home from the World Race last November, but I didn’t follow through very well. I suppose I felt like life didn’t offer much that was worthy of sharing so publicly, or maybe it’s because blogging was no longer required. At any rate, I believe I only posted about 5 blogs over the course of the last year.

But, life has changed again for me, and now that I am away from home, I will perhaps have more to share since I my family and close friends are not a part of my adventure here.

I moved to Idaho, and will be working at Sun Valley Ski Resort for the ski season, waiting tables and possibly bartending. I moved without a job or a definite place to live, trusting that I would be able to find both when I got here. I applied for two jobs online, one with Sun Valley and one with Tamarack, another ski resort further north. The ideal situation in my mind was to work for a resort, live in the employee dorms and ski for free. The secondary option would be to get a job or two at various restaurants in town and find a cheap place to live. I e-mailed several churches in the area to see if anyone in their congregations would be interested in housing a young Christian lady while she works. I got word back from one church that said he would ask around.

After plenty of second thoughts and finally just following through with my decision, I left the morning of November 10th, for the two day journey with my sister Hannah. It was a nice and uneventful drive through Nebraska and southern Wyoming, then through Utah, and into Idaho. We arrived in Jerome, ID around 6pm on the 11th, and are now staying with Sarah, one of my World Race teammates.

About two hours prior to our arrival in Jerome, I received a call from Sun Valley Resort company and we scheduled an interview for the following day (Wednesday). It was the shortest, funniest interview I have had. He asked if I was full time, and if I had experience, and then asked if I had questions. I asked a few, then he said he really liked me and would work with me to see which of the 13 venues I would fit best in. He told me to couldn’t tell me 100% that I had the job till next week, but that he would reserve a dorm room for me. I can move in the day he calls. He also mentioned that I could look for another job, but that in reality, once I start working, I probably won’t want both, and that there will as much work as I want or as little as I want. Much is what I’m looking for.

So, it looks like my ideal scenario is playing out. Working for Sun Valley, living in really cheap dorm rooms (with 3 other girls and community bathrooms), and skiing for free in my off time. I’m pretty excited for this change of pace. I am looking forward to learning a new job, facing new challenges, meeting new people, and learning to ski, as well as perhaps some other fun winter sports.

Sun Valley is an upscale resort, frequented by celebrities and millionaires, so it will be a totally new experience for me to say the least.

Encountering God - An Old blog, but oh so good

2008-11-02T20:41:00.001-08:00

Flight from London to South Africa, May 4^th and 5^th2007, depending on which time zone I count.

It's very late and I am quite sure that everyone else on the plane is sleeping, but I am wide awake. Missing home, missing my family, particularly my 2 day old nephew, Aidan. I am feeling totally unprepared spiritually and emotionally for Mozambique in a matter of days. I have a cold and I haven't had any significant sleep in 2 days, and won't for nearly another day. Travel days are hard. I am fighting a stuffy head cold, so all these things combined are making each thing seem more dramatic than it is actually. I am aware that this is true, but my emotions are still so tangible right now.

I'm glad for the plane engine noise that covers the sound that my seemingly unstoppable tears bring, and for sleeping people who are unaware of my personal struggle. To be honest there is a part of me that wishes someone would awaken and see my tears, but for what? My own sympathy. But I know my tears are to be seen and carried by my heavenly Father alone.

How have I allowed myself to become so complacent in my time with Jesus, in honest seeking relationship with him? I don't know what will happen in Mozambique - what things I will be exposed to, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I will make it through, no doubt; the question is, will I be as God has called me to be within it all? Can I be the woman he wants me to be there and then, when I didn't prepare myself enough ahead of time?

I look out of the window into the midnight sky, but see only clouds. I know we are flying over north Africa, and I am suddenly overwhelmed with love for the people in that land. I begin to pray for the countries, for their people, for salvation and the knowledge of Jesus to penetrate the hearts, for missionaries to set foot there and prosper, for God's grace and truth to be known.

'Lord, I know it's dark, and I wouldn't be able to see much, but can you move the clouds so I can try to see the land?'

I continue to pour our my heart to Jesus, perhaps more accuarately, he pours His heart into me for these people for this brief time, and I embrace it, and the tears that come from that as well. Clouds still in place, I close the window, and my prayers go back to my previous thoughts.

What should I have done to be more prepared? A lot of things - more prayer, memorization of scripture, more time with Jesus, more time worshipping, etc... But I know I can't go backwards, only forward from here. How Quickly I am distracted, by things even such as ministry and other valuable relationships.

'Forgive me Father, and receive my worship. Forgive me for not being obedient in everything along the way.'

My heart hears him whisper,

"It doesn't matter, Alissa. You are forgiven and my mercies and grace are new and abundant everyday. Grab them and go forward with me."

A few more tears of appreciation and worship, and my heart finally rests. I am ready to sleep now. I grab my pillow and rearrange my seating in order to get comfy for a couple hours of rest. I utter another prayer of thankfullness as I settle into my window seat and empty middle seat - that is indeed a blessing. Sleep can finally come now.

"Open the window and see the land Alissa."

'What God?! - you're kidding right? I just got comfortable.'

"Not kidding. Just check."

I know I can't argue with my loving Father too much, and besides, I am curious now. I get up and my pillows fall from position; I turn and open the window, and again the tears begin to flow. The clouds have completely dissolved, and from the light of the moon and that stars that shine in great abundance above, I can see the land. I can see the desert below. Not in detail, but I can see it.

This is how much my Father loves me - that he allowed me to see this sight, the beauty of his creation. But even more, the simple reminder that he hears my prayers. I am overcome knowing that if He hears a prayer to move the clouds so I can see the land, I can count on Him hearing all the other prayers that left my heart and mind. And He will be faithful to answer them. All of them... My prayers for Aidan, Julianna, the rest of my family; team ZEO and the rest of the racers; North Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland; prayers from my aching heart, my confessions, my praise, and my adoration of Him.

The emotions have been altered now, from sadness and feelings of overwhelmingness, to those of gratitude and joy, and I know that I can rest now.

The clouds are back now. But that's okay. I have see what I needed to see tonight. I have seen God.

'I have seen YOU, Lord. Thank You. I love you. Good night.'

I close the window and drift to sleep.

Thunderstorms make me dreamy

2008-03-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

It’s raining here, not quite the thunderstorm I was hoping for, but a good solid spring rain. I’m so happy to be experiencing my spring a couple weeks early. Spring rains are meant to wash away the winter remains, and I love them!

I was talking with Catherine and Spencer last night, about my trip, and realized I haven’t really talked about it much lately, as is expected. I had to ‘get in the zone’ to remember things...people groups, where I was, what I did, when I was there, etc... It sure was good to look back again. I found that some of the issues I thought were a big deal as they occurred and then even when I first came back, are now not. It makes me laugh now. ... ‘Oh, so and so was so annoying then, but now I can’t even remember why’, or ‘I was so upset and offended during that time, but now I can’t remember why or at whom.’ It’s nice to realize that life moves on and perspective changes as time passes. I hope to one day live with a clearer present perspective, less offended and more graceful.

I love being with friends, talking about life, about my trip, about knowing Jesus, finding passion, living with purpose and raising kids to do the same. (Not that I have them, but now many of my friends do, and I have great influence on my niece and nephew even now).

Being with friends here again makes me all the more motivated to do what it takes to make and find good friends in Des Moines. I have wandered around in loneliness too much at home, mostly in years past, but the temptation is there now again. I know they are out there, and I have been too caught up in my own selfishness and self pity to find them, hoping that people would come out of nowhere to be my best friend. I am reminded that I do have great friends all over the country even if I don’t talk to them all the time, and certainly never really see them.

I love Catherine and Spencer because our relationship during the 7 weeks I lived with them showed me that I was able (and even really enjoyed) relating to married couples, and that it’s normal for married couples to relate well with singles. I have to put in a word for them, and say that they are amazing people, and I don’t think they are normal (in a good way:-) ), but they instilled hope in me to have friendship with other marrieds.

Back in Gainesville

2008-03-29T13:28:00.001-07:00

I’m sitting in Catherine and Spencer’s living room in Dahlonaga, GA, just north of Gainesville. I arrived in Atlanta late Wednesday night, and Danielle picked me up from the airport. I spent the night, the following day and night with her in Lawrenceville. We had a really refreshing time of talking, along with some great food from the restaurant at which she works.

After some debating and attempting to arrange to see all my scattered Georgia friends, I opted for renting a little car, a Kia Rio to be exact. It’s about the size of a jelly bean, and gold, but good enough for me. So this morning, I jumped in my little ‘gold nugget’ and headed up to Gainesville, stopping at REI outdoor sports store, and Panera on my way. I dropped by my original Starbucks store, and said hello to the one person working that I knew from nearly a year and a half ago. Then on to Catherine and Spencer’s, where

I plan on spending the whole weekend, with visits into Gainesville here and there. I am excited to simply be in a beautiful, warm place, enjoying friends, sharing stories of our respective years, and doing a lot of nothing.

My hope is that now since I have my own computer and a little bit of time on my hands, maybe now I can get some of my million World Race pictures sorted out. ...Hopefully....

I love it here in Georgia. Signs of spring are much more abundant than at home (certainly to be expected), and I’m soaking in every bit of it. Some trees are green, but the most lovely are those that are blossoming with pinkish white flower blossoms before the leaves show up. They remind me of the “White Way of Delight” of which Anne of Green Gables so fondly spoke. I’m surrounded by hills and never ending woods and forests. I had forgotten how pretty it is here, and how much I actually enjoyed living here last year...er...the year before....2006.

It felt good to travel again too; to be at an airport, flying, waiting for luggage...the whole bit. I was alone this time, not with 20-50 other people, but it was still fun. I have always loved the being in airports, and flying, whether alone or with company. Admittedly, I would prefer to travel with someone, (though maybe not 50 someones), but there are certain adventures one can only enjoy alone. I love people watching, and then having brief conversations with strangers, opportunities I am not so eager to take with a familiar face right next to me. I was able to make the decision to walk the half mile to the next terminal instead of taking the train without consulting anyone, and as I did, so did the flight crew from my flight, so I chatted with them as we walked. (The train didn’t seem to be coming and the computerized timer kept counting down from 3 minutes, over and over....obviously there was a problem, and I didn’t feel like standing around with frustrated people.) Oh, the simplicity of traveling alone. I loved the last year when I didn’t have to make all the decisions, and be responsible for all the gang, but this week, I am really appreciating the freedom of making decisions for myself, since it only affects me. :-)

2008-03-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Growing Up...

2008-03-03T07:39:00.001-08:00

I am presently experiencing a strange dichotomy between feeling like a kid again and feeling old(er). I am living once again in the same bedroom in which I grew up, having been out of it for 7 years while my sister lived there. Being in there brings back funny emotions sometimes of feeling like a kid. Road tripping to Minneapolis on Saturday with my 20 year old sister and my parents brought back kid feelings too: laying in the back, falling asleep to the murmur of my parent's voices. There is still the same inexplicable feeling of safety in that as there was 15 years ago.

Once in a while, I just return to childhood in my mind now that I'm home with my family - moments with my parents that make me wish I was 10 or 12 again, and yet still fully appreciating being an adult, with my parents. I am loving being ‘grown up' and relating to my parents and the rest of the world as an adult, and yet sometimes I feel like I just got ‘old.' I'm not sure what defines ‘old' when I'm 26, and I know that it's not ‘old' in comparison…I don't feel old as a grandma, or even as old as my parents (which doesn't seem ‘old' to me anymore).

I guess I simply realize sometimes that I AM 26, not 16. I attend my siblings show choir competitions with more of a proud parent perspective than a cheering sister, and Karyssa (16) told me I sounded ‘like a mom' the other day. Ha Ha!! Oh well. I actually am just fine with that. I am ridiculously proud of my younger siblings for everything they are doing with their lives, not just with show choir, and I'm not ashamed to tell the world, even if it makes me sound ‘like a mom'. So I guess it's some of those things that make me feel older…maybe I'm just feeling my actual age.

At 26, most around me are married, with one to several kids; my younger brother is married, all my high school friends are married, and I'm living at home! I know many of us post World Racers are in very similar places in life, but none live near me, so I'm most aware of those around me at church.

This separation of lives between myself and others used to be a really hard issue for me. I didn't know how to relate to married people, or those with kids and to be honest, I believe that once people marry and start having kids, they don't know how to relate to single people as well as they used to. Lives take on different focuses, and that's normal and mostly good. I used to feel so alone and sorry for myself because I wasn't a part of the ‘married' people, and they couldn't understand so much of who I was/am.

I believe I have grown (gotten ‘old') and now my identity is not so much in whether people relate to me but whether I am honestly relating to my Jesus. It bothers me much less that my life looks differently than so many around me. And I think that now I am able to share life as an adult, (not with an insecure teenage mindset) with other adults, married or single, parents or not, older or younger than myself. I can't say I really know what this looks like, because I'm not sure I'm living it out, but I'm not afraid of it anymore. I am beginning to realize my capabilities as a grown woman…working as a free medical clinic manager; relating to people of all ages and many walks of life; discipling people wherever I am; doing whatever I do with excellence. In recognizing these skills, I also recognize my lack in follow through…believing on a day to day basis that it's all true. But I'm learning. Day to day.

And while I'm learning to be an adult, I still enjoy the moments with my siblings and my parents that bring me back to being a kid again…silliness, safety, peacefulness, freedom, and love…

Creative Beauty

2008-02-28T09:23:00.000-08:00

The sun has risen in a blue sky over a another freshly fallen snow, reminding me more of Colorado winters than typical Iowa winters. In all my memories (and my mom's), there has never been a year here in Iowa where we have had as much snow and as cold of weather as this year. Or as much sun. It's been one long, but absolutely beautiful winter. Each time it warms enough to melt what's on the ground, another snow-filled storm follows, covering the ground that had begun to peak out, wishing for spring.

As much as I am looking forward to warmer weather (I've never been a cold lover), I am certainly not missing the incredible beauty that God is giving right now. The snow was wet yesterday, blowing from the north and is piled high on every little branch of the trees, now reflecting the sun, glittering rainbows and sparkles. I wish had words to express the beauty of untouched snow - in the yard, on the roofs, on the trees. Gorgeous.

Winter snow is one thing we didn't experience on the Race last year, (and for that I'm forever thankful) but we saw so much beauty that it became almost easy to take it for granted. Now, as I look through pictures and am reminded of the mountains, oceans, deserts, and people that we saw, I miss that beauty. And then He reminds me to look out the window. This is beauty just as great, created by him to be appreciated by me.

God's creativity is absolutely amazing.

Encountering the Presence of Jesus

2008-02-18T12:55:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago at Starbucks, we were short a supervisor, so we had one from another store come cover the couple shifts we were lacking. Having a ‘borrowed partner' is always a little interesting, especially a supervisor, because as much as the stores are the same, people operate them differently from place to place.

To be honest, I was struggling to stay positive at work due to various aspects, some related to work, some not. I was feeling overwhelmed, and not excited to work, and on top of that, had been sick for over a week, for the second time in a month. Tired and not facing the day with a lot of energy, I arrived at work, where I met our borrowed supervisor.

When she greeted me, my spirit jumped. I can't even really explain it, except that I felt that we were alike. I wondered at that moment if she was a believer. She came into our store, and managed it beautifully, with grace and initiative, and a positive attitude. It took till the end of the shift before we both were bold enough to say out loud that we are both followers of Jesus, and then we talked about the Lord, very openly. I was so encouraged to meet someone so excited and on fire for Jesus. I know that it was God's timing to bring her into my life for that short time, but long enough to realize that there are people who are excited for the Lord and living with a zeal and passion for Him.

This event actually happened before my blog on passion, but I had already forgotten about it. I had allowed such encouragement to drift from my heart and became overwhelmed in something else. But the Holy Spirit has recently reminded me of this wonderful encounter and I have to share it. I was so encouraged in Spirit and excited when I left, and the fruit meeting Jesus in someone else was not only spiritual and emotional, but physical as well. I was no longer physically sick after that day. A cold and deep chest cough had been bothering me for a while, and it just wasn't after that. I give all Glory to God for that, and can't deny at all that the presence of Jesus heals.

When we encounter Him, we can be healed. Do we believe it? Do we embrace it? The whole thing made me wonder if I walk around carrying the presence of Jesus everywhere I go. If people can be healed by encountering Him, am I walking in obedience so that they can encounter Him in me? Jesus, may I ever be increasing in intimacy with you that others may not miss what you have for them through me. My desire is to always be your vessel…one that brings Your joy, healing and restoration to others.

Another Blog Site...do I really want this?

2008-02-18T12:26:00.000-08:00

So I started my blogging life with a xanga site when I moved to New Orleans two years ago. Then I ventured around the world with The World Race, and used the World Race blog site. But now, I'm not on the World Race anymore, so maybe I should move on...
My thought is that I am still a 'former' WRer, and maybe people like to follow what happens to us now, and in transferring my site, I may lose some readers. I fear people may simply become overwhelmed by how many addresses I exist at. Hmm...
So, this is just a test for now. We'll see how it turns out. This site also may cause a slight issue, as our web blocker blocks it, so others may do the same. That's not so cool.