When Dreams Change

As a young child, I had many dreams and ambitions for my adult life. There were so many ideas and options, how would I ever choose? I dreamed of being a pilot, contemplated a paramedic career, fantasized about a Federal agent or spy vocation, thought about novel writing, considered joining the military, and many other occupations. One dream stood above the rest; I always imagined that regardless of what vocational path I choose, I would be a mother first and foremost. For a while, I even thought having 12 kids would be awesome. (not sure where that idea came from) :p

During that time, looking ahead at life, I was sure by the time I was 30 years old, I would be married and be raising four or five kids. My life would be secure and I would be happily serving God somewhere by my husband’s side.

Now at 30 years of age, I look back at life and wonder at all the amazing things God has allowed me to do. None of those particular childhood dreams have come to fruition, yet I have been blessed beyond measure and would not change any of it.

Not only has God blessed in ways I never dreamed of, but he has slowly, surely changed my desires and given me new ones. I am not a pilot, yet I have traveled to 40+ US states and flown to 20+ countries. I am not a paramedic, but at one time completed an EMT-basic course and used my skills to splint broken fingers and “fix” sliced toes. I have yet to write a novel, but am a blogger. I do not belong to a branch of the US Armed Forces, but I am in the Lord’s Army, fighting for the cause of Christ. And though I am not a mother, over the years, God has placed all kinds of people in my life for me to love. I want to love people, encourage them spiritually and challenge them intellectually. As a child, I assumed one day I would be a mother and would be able to pour my passion for people into my own children. However, that was not God’s plan, BUT I have such a unique opportunity to dispense love to so many.

Looking ahead, I never would have guessed at all the places God directed me to, or imagined the incredible people He would allow me to meet. Yet, here I am, not where I thought I would be, but with extreme gratitude for all my past experiences and friendships. And an excitement fills my heart at the unknown path stretching before me. I may not know what the next 30 years holds, but my God, who knows me better than I know myself, has my future in His hands.

What do I do?

Recently I attended a beautiful outdoor wedding. It was one of the rare, gloriously sunny days we had this summer. It has been so rainy, that it was a surprise to see such a lovely blue sky. I arrived early, so chatted with a couple friends who were also in attendance. Then several of the groom's friends arrived and introductions began again. I met one friendly, outgoing gentleman and he initiated a longer conversation. As the wedding was still minutes from commencing, I stayed to chat. Then he asked the question, "So, what do you do?"

My mind raced. How do I answer? What is a simple response? How do I sound intelligent with my reply? What DO I do?!

"Uh, I, uh, work a couple part-time, temporary, seasonal jobs. Recently graduated with my Bachelors. Uh, newly arrived home from a four month trip around the world."

And basically, don't know what I'm doing tomorrow, let alone next month!

He was gracious and responded with "Cool!" and then asked about my travels. It wasn't as awkward as I initially thought, but it did start me thinking....

I've never been a longterm planner, in the sense that I've never wanted to stay in one place for a huge length of time. I like living year by year and God has been faithful in directing my steps at the right time. This summer has been a strange one however. I came home fully expecting to work full time at my airport seasonal job. I thought my summer months would at least be filled and I could set aside some cash for whatever next adventure presented itself. That wasn't exactly the case, my first week home, I was only scheduled for 15 hours of work. How was I supposed to pay my bills, let alone save for the future on that? I had ideas for the fall, so didn't want to look for another job, just to ask for numerous days off right off the bat.

But I knew that God has never failed me, His faithfulness has been a constant in my life and I didn't want to start doubting now. So, I prayed, waited and trusted.

My first two weeks, I picked up as many extra shifts as I could and spent my time working on home projects and reading. Then one day out of the blue, my dad asked if I wanted to work for a friend of his at his concrete cutting company. Now, I know nothing about pouring concrete, let alone cutting it, and we knew virtually what the job entailed, but the wage was something I didn't want to pass up. Some weeks I worked 3+ days and other weeks I only worked one day. But my God provided! And the other blessing is, it's summer/fall work. So I will still be free this fall/winter to persue other interests without being tied down to a job.

Once again, God made Himself known to me. And it wasn't the last time of the summer. He continued/continues to manifest Himself in my life.

Its not the easiest thing, humanly speaking to live week to week, but I can full rest in my Saviour's love and provision and KNOW that I will be taken care of. After all, he loves me with an infinite love.

So, now if you were to ask me, "What do you do?," my reply would be -

"Enjoying Life and Living by Faith"

Back to the Roman days of Africa

One of the really cool places I visited on my recent trip was the small country of Tunisia. For those of you not so good with geography, that is in North Africa, situated between Algeria and Libya. It is actually the northern most part of Africa, as it juts up into the Mediterranean Sea. It really is a fascinating place, with such a rich history. Ever heard of the ancient city of Carthage? Yep, that's right near the modern city of Tunis. 

One evening we went to Sidi Bou Said, a small seaside village. The streets curve all up and down the hill, so walking was fun, especially since the road is paved with flat stones. I slipped a couple times in my flipflops. :) This little town looks like that famous white and blue town in Greece that many are familiar with. There was talk of which one came first.... but I never did find out which one was the original. 

While there, we ran across another group of Americans. It is always weird to overhear your native tongue while out and about in a foreign country. Then one of them greeted us and asked where we were from. My friends are from Ohio and the other group responded that one of their Representatives was there. I really thought they were joking, but later we looked her up and sure enough she was a state representative! Never know who you'll run into while traveling!

Sidi Bou Said

overlooking the sea

I really love large, colorful doors!

One day we took a day trip about three hours south to El Jem. This is the site of a Roman amphitheater, similar in structure to the famous Colosseum in Rome. Built in the 3rd century, it is the largest amphitheater in Africa and is in remarkable condition. I've not yet been to Rome and seen the colosseum there, but I'm sure there would be a ton of strangers there to share in your experience. Here off the beaten path, we almost had the place to ourselves! My favorite way to experience history. There might have been a dozen other people besides us wandering around the building. 

Ancient buildings of that magnitude are hugely impressive; it's always a wonder to me how they built such amazing structures so long ago. And it is still in remarkable condition. One side had large, marble seats and stairs and across the way, there were three floors with separate suites.  

It was slightly sobering to think that many who believed in Christ were martyred there hundreds of years ago. If I had been alive in Tunisia during the 3rd or 4th century, it might have been me in the center of that arena dying at the hands of gladiators or the mouths of ferocious beasts simply because I believe in Jesus as my Saviour. 

eating lunch across from the amphitheater

first floor corridor

We continued our tour of El Jem by walking through part of the town to another old building. The mosaic tile work is intricate and complex. In many buildings, it was their form of carpet, better than sweeping a dirt floor all the time. At times they used tiny pieces and they are so well-laid, that they have withstood hundreds of years and millions of feet. 

old house with courtyard

Epic 30th Birthday!

Two months ago today I celebrated my 30th birthday! Well to be truthful, I celebrated my birthday over a couple months time. :) This four month trip that I recently returned from was graduation gift/birthday celebration trip to myself. I'd been itching to travel and since I had just completed my Bachelor's degree and my 30th birthday was approaching, I figured what better time! The celebrating began in Mongolia, where my friends threw a birthday party for me the night before I left. Numerous people were invited, old friends from ten years prior and new friends I had just recently met. Crazy that some of my old youth group crowd came with their young children! Trina made not one, but three cakes for us to enjoy! Apple spice, lemon poppyseed and of course, chocolate... I may or may not have had all three. ;) 

birthday bash in Mongolia

three delicious cakes!

I continued to celebrate through out Europe and ended up waking up the day of my birth in Paris, France. Now, to be honest, Paris has never held much intrigue for me, it was never high on my list of places I wanted to visit. But when I realized that I would have to fly through there on my way to Tunisia, why not spend an day there!? So I began my birthday eating hot, fresh baked croissants slathered with Nutella at a French hotel. I got picked up and began to explore the city some. I didn't have much time, but we saw quite a bit in a short amount of time. Stopped off at the Notre Dame cathedral. Massively amazing, the architecture is simply incredible. Then on to the greatest attraction of Paris, the Eiffel Tower. Now, remember Paris was never a big wonder on my list to visit, but the Eiffel Tower is impressive. Well worth a trip there to just see it. Way bigger in person than in pictures. We climbed the staircase to the 2nd story and passed on the elevator to the top, because there were so many people in line already. 

We ate our lunch after that while on a riverboat that took us up the river through the city. The tour was all in English and I learned about several other old, cool buildings in the heart of the city. It was a gorgeous, sunny day. Had to laugh at all the tourists with their selfie sticks. One middle aged guy stood and took selfies almost the entire one hour boat ride. 

Then the mad dash to the airport. Actually the drive to the airport wasn't bad. And check in wasn't either, but then the line for passport control...... it wasn't a dash either, more like a snail's crawl. I had plenty of time, or so I thought, but I didn't figure for an hour plus in line for emigration. I sighed a breath of relief after making it through finally, then turned the corner and remembered I still had to go through security. Ugh. Thankfully, that didn't take as long, but was still running late by that time. Then of course, found out my gate was the far end of the terminal.... so with my backpack and computer bag commenced to fast walking/running through the airport. My shin splints acted up and my legs were screaming in pain by the time I made it to my gate. BUT, I made it! 

And wonder of wonders, I was greeted in Tunis by four smiling faces and once at their house by a lovely oreo cheesecake to finish off the day. 

perfect end to the day

A Few Random Pictures

I'm sure nobody has even noticed my lack of blogging.... but I keep telling myself that I need to write more about my trip. Finding the time and energy however has been a struggle lately. I journaled a lot while traveling and it tends to be that the more I journal personally, the less I blog and vice versa. Though since I've been home, I've not done much of either. :) 

Today I just have a few random pictures from my trip around the world (it was more like half the world). I'll try to write more soon! 

Kids grow so much in 3 years time!

the beautiful, awesome city of Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

Met up with Dad overseas for a couple weeks 

a famous mosaic inside the Hagia Sophia

Back to Mongolia. Again.

The middle of April I found myself in Outer Mongolia, one of my favorite countries. I continually have people asking me what my favorite place is that I have visited. Honestly, I kinda dread that question, because there isn't a simple, easy answer. But Mongolia is one of my favorites, probably because it was the first country I lived in outside of North America. This was my 5th visit in the past 10 years. It was good to see old friends, who are now grown, married and have their own families, as well as make some new friends. The night I drove into Khatgal, there was a crazy blizzard;  I had to climb over major drifts on the porch to get into the house. But most of the weather was nice. It was spring, so warmish sunny days, but really windy. 

one of my favorite views ever

did I mention that it was windy?

Sorry for the lack of blog posts. I've been on the go for the past few months, the longest I've been in one place was 18 days in Mongolia. Otherwise I've been changing locations every 2-8 days. Its been an adventure and soon I hope to have some blog posts up about this trip. :)