Travel Adventures

If you've read through my Bucket List page at all, you might have noticed a trend that a lot of items revolve around travel. Have to admit, I'm slightly addicted. I came to this conclusion once again this summer. After a 4 month trip over four continents and numerous new cities and countries, I came home to humble little small town Alaska. It is always nice of course, to be home for a bit, but it never takes long before the travel urge comes upon me. Several weeks after being home, I worked an early morning shift at the airport. I entered a commercial plane from the rear through a catering truck. It was one of those random times where the lights were actually off on the plane and no one else was on, besides the 3 of us who just entered. At that moment, standing in the back facing forward past all the rows of empty seats, I took a deep breath. And the all too familiar aura of airplane flooded my senses, I don't even know what it is, or how to describe it. All I know, it brought a smile to my face. I realized then that if an cold, dark, empty plane can bring me such happiness, I must be addicted to aircrafts, airports and travel.

One of those travel items on my bucket list is to book a flight for the next day. Well, I can now scratch that one off. At the end of August I headed out to the Lower 48 for a friend's wedding. Usually when I leave the state, I try to make it worth my while, so I figured I would stop in a different state on the way to the wedding and another state on the way home. What I didn't count on, was a friend texting me randomly as I was getting ready to leave AK that I should come to Chicago. For a baseball game of all things. Now, let me be very blunt. I love sports, almost all sports, but baseball is definitely NOT one of them. However, the person doing the inviting I like a lot. And I like her family. So, I tossed the idea around in my mind for a couple days.

I was chilling in OK visiting other really awesome friends, all the while, I kept checking flights, prices and the status of my passes. Finally, I decided to just do it. I only live once right, and this family is only in the states once every 4-7 years (or something like that). Why not!? Just a booked a flight with miles and just went.

Arrived in Chicago in the early/middle of the afternoon, then had to wait for 45 minutes for my bag to show up at baggage claim. Rode the metro to downtown and got off right at Wrigley stadium. Had to wait a little bit for my friends who were driving up for the southeast part of the suburbs. We had pizza at a local place before heading into the game. Now remember, I don't like baseball but the company was great. Even made a new friend and it was actually a somewhat exciting game.

Wrigley Field

great company at the baseball game

Also got to spend the next day chilling with the family. We hung out at the house, playing games, singing, had lunch at a gyro place, ran around and played an intense game of Assassin at a nearby park. Even changed my ticket out and went to church with them Wednesday night. I had an 5am flight out the next morning, so since we were an hour away from the airport, I told them to just take me at midnight instead of getting up at 3am for the drive. Figured I'd get into the airport and find a place to sleep for a couple hours before my flight. Buuut.... arrived at the American airlines terminal and it closed from 10pm-3am. So, in a quiet empty terminal entrance I laid down on the cold, hard tile floor and tried to sleep. Not exactly what I was hoping for, was counting on a somewhat comfortable, at least softer, bench to lay on. And they painted the side of the post I was laying behind while I was sleeping. Crazy.

Not my favorite to only get 3 hours of intermittent sleep at night, especially at the airport, but I still think it was worth the crazy trip. :D

Fall Time in Interior Alaska

Went for a hike yesterday. Actually, it was more of a walk, than a hike, as it was pretty level ground, but it was beautiful. I missed about two weeks of our fall time since I was traveling in the states. Down in the Lower 48, it was still very much summer weather, with lots of sunshine, hot temps and rain. Meanwhile I was missing the majority of our autumn, as it is a very short season. Monday night when I stepped out of the airport terminal to walk the short distance to my car, I could smell the rich, loamy scent of Alaskan fall. It is like no other smell I've ever encountered, uniquely all its own. I knew I had to get out in the woods before it gets too cold. 

So, my plan was to go out Friday morning, but I woke to pouring rain. Grrr, while I like rain, this is not pleasant, warm rain, but miserably cold rain. But by 2pm, the skies had cleared and I thought I'd better go instead of waiting until the next day, since there was no guarantee it wouldn't rain again. (we've had so much rain this year!!)

I drove about 40 miles from my house and set out. It was a bit mucky and muddy in places, but was so amazing to be out in the quiet of the forest/tundra. The trail I went on had a rough boardwalk for most of the way. And believe me it was necessary! I could have worn water boots, then I could have set out on my own path through the tundra, but one step off the boardwalk with my sneakers and I quickly jumped back. The ground was pretty waterlogged. 

I was on the lookout for bears, but didn't see any wildlife while walking. Though I did see a baby moose on the drive home later. The brilliant fall colors are pretty dull by this point, but it was still beautiful. My God sure is an amazing artist! Maybe not this year, but I will be going back to that particular trail, as I only did the 3 mile loop and there is a 15 mile one. 

Always refreshing to be out in the quiet, alone. No cell phone, no music, no talking, just me and the Lord. Though I wouldn't mind a hiking partner sometimes. Anyone want to come visit and go hiking with me!?

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