Quick Trip to the States

At the beginning of the semester, I had planned on using my week of Spring Break to work more and spent a chunk of time on homework. I have several large papers coming due in April, so figured I could spend some valuable time researching for those papers. However, those plans changed. For some time now, God has been reminding me over and over that people/relationships are more important that school and good grades. Not that good grades should just be thrust completely aside, but in the grand scheme of life, it doesn't really matter if I earn my B.A. with a 3.5 or a 3.2 or even a 2.8, does it? 

The end of January I got word that my dear friend, Trina was battling Lymphoma. She isn't just a dear friend, but practically family. I've lived with her family, taught her kids, made precious memories with them all, went to her oldest son's wedding, worked in the ministry with them, etc. and etc. As we have told people, we are family, just not blood related. :) 

Anyways, I used my Spring Break to spend a few days with Trina and her family in CO, where she is undergoing Chemo treatments. It was a blessed time. I was able just to relax and spend time talking with each of the family. I love this family immensely. They have been with me in some of my hardest days and I'm glad I was able to return the blessing. God is good. 

hanging out with my "siblings" 

our #epicfail of making a heart :)

On my way home, I stopped in Seattle for breakfast with my brother, sis-in-law and new niece! My bro and his wife made a fabulous breakfast, thanks guys! and I just got to sit and hold Lanie. After a few hours with them, Zeb dropped me back off at the airport. But I was flying standby and wasn't able to get on the afternoon flight. Next flights weren't until hours later and the next one was already oversold. So Zeb came back to pick me back up. We spent hours in traffic to go a friends house for dinner. But it was worth the time on the road. I got to meet some awesome people and have an amazing dinner! Side note: my new contacts/place to stay in Seattle, since my brother is moving. 

Then back to the airport I went. Went through airport security three times in one day for two flights... yeah, some people call me crazy. :) 

Lanie Rae

chilling with Aunt Barrie 

Being Tourists in Seattle

Currently sitting in an Airport waiting for a bus... yes, you read that right, a bus. Many airports have bus terminals located in them also. This morning we were scheduled to leave at 930. We arrived at the airport at 938; yep, our bus wasn't kind enough to wait for us. :( No biggie, I confirmed we could get on the 1pm bus and now we sit and wait. 

Since being here, I've watched hundreds of people, kept an eye on a lady's bag, thought about moving the water man's cart of water jugs when he walked away, received a compliment on my hair, was asked to donate to a charity, talked to my friend (and traveling partner). Been grand. 

Yesterday was a fun, long, slightly cool day around town. We took the metro into downtown Seattle. First stop was the Original Starbucks. Have to say it was THE best pumpkin spice Latte I've ever had. AND it was actually extra hot, like I requested. From there we strolled through Pike's Place Market. Just a normal day, watched some fisherman throw whole fish around while singing. That was legit.

It was a bit cool, breezy and foggy. I kept hoping it would warm up, since I had worn my flip flops. But alas, it never did. oh well. We sauntered down to Pioneer Square, where we went on an tour of the Underground city of Seattle. The original city of Seattle lies 15 feet under where it is today. That fifteen feet is the difference of sea level. They used to have major flooding problems, which  is compounded by the use of outhouses in the 1850s. Glad I didn't visit back then. So, after the fire of 1889 burned the city to the ground, they decided to raise it up past sea level. The original sidewalks were never filled in, thus today you have the "underground." Quite interesting.

For lunch, we grabbed some chowder. I tried some Seafood Bisque, that was AMAZING! I never had anything like it and was a little uncertain about it, but it was an excellent choice. We made it up the Space Needle in time to see the city in daylight, watch the sunset and see the city lights at night. Perfect time of the day. :)

Long day, but we got a lot accomplished. Twas fun!

outside Pikes Place Market

at Pioneer Square

old bank under the city of Seattle

daytime view from Space Needle

sun setting

sunset 

Seattle city lights

I <3 Traveling