Even though I worked in an assisted living home we did hospice care for our residents when they started failing. These are poems about my experience working as a CNA, and some of them have to deal with death when acting as a healthcare worker. They are not to be seen as depressing, but written as a recognition of relief that death brings to these old souls. Please note, I do NOT believe in euthanasia -the idea is unBiblical and extremely sad
__________________________
"In the faded faces
you can get lost
in the passages of time.
Windows when looked through
Tell stories of beauty past
speak of memories fading fast.
And when finally what remains
is but a remnant of what was
the wandering soul in silence says much.
Lines between the present and past
are blurred with visions of the future
where the casual observer is not invited in.
Slowly, slowly fading,
lingering in a hazy existence
life leaves but a shell
though hollow, soon completely emptied.
And I sift through all this
looking for redemption
In an empty wrinkled hand."
__________________________
"Green tubes
like snakes crawling
across the floor
and up the easy chair
Into nostrils breathing
the welcome air of life
a pair of viper fangs settle
grooves formed among the wrinkles"
___________________________
"Hissing, like a silent serpent
crawling belly flat across the floor
creeping up the armrest
welcomed as a friend
its fangs exuding
where they mark
not death,
but life."
_______________________
This short poem following was about one of my residents who had Parkinson's disease and only had the use of one hand. In the dining room a blind resident sat to the right of her, which was the side of the good hand. At mealtimes when they would sit together the first resident would struggle to reach the blind residents coffee cup (which is put upside down when we set the tables) and dexterously flip it right side up using her one good hand.
"Only one hand
The other crippled
yet unable to do much
extending what she has
to do for those who cannot."
______________
"I held death's hand
and with the other
guided the wrinkled tool of toil
into his embrace.
Sweet relief I brought
to one lingering here
caught between two worlds,
Here, and gone.
I ushered a soul to death's doorstep
and with tearful energy
I sought to soothe the path
of one last tumultuous trip to be taken.
I walked right up to death
and relinquished my grasp on the shell
let him ferry her across the styx
while I turned back again
Yet from death returning
my finger prints remain on his hand
and part of me is departing
with the soul to Jordan's land.
I dealt with death
and I gave him a soul
and though with sorrow I bow my head,
with pride I straighten my back.
Because stooping I carried a burden
and sweating I toiled along
helping to bear the cross of one wearied
until leaving it behind they were free."
______________________
This last one is a poem about the death of a sweet peppy blind resident we had who was strongly and evidently Christian. She was surrounded by her family throughout her journey "home to my Father" as she referred to heaven.
"Spirited soul
softly slipping
once determined,
it was her time to go
Gently grasping
family sorrows
watchfully waiting
for the pre-appointed end
Waiting, waiting
it's always the hardest part.
Of saying goodbye,
as time drags on
Monday, February 18, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
This is my attempt to start blogging on a regular basis. Once a week, blog posts written on Sunday's.
Why am I doing this?
Well I've decided it will help with my communication skills, my grammar, and help me think a subject out thoroughly. When I have to write something out I often realize I did not have as firm a grasp on the subject as I originally thought I did. That's ok, it helps me learn more when I take the effort to write out my complete thoughts on a matter.
As much as I want to do this, I don't have much hope. I've been planning to do it for the past month, but have spent pretty much every Sunday afternoon sleeping the entire time between lunch and evening service. I know, you'd think I was old or something! To be fair, I pretty much only take naps on Sundays, but not because I don't want to, it's the only day I can justify it to myself ;)
Today is only a half-hearted attempt, it's past 11:45 p.m. and I'm also trying to keep a decent sleep schedule. Don't ask what sort of schedule I was keeping before that makes getting in bed before midnight early to me. :P But I figured if I really wanted to start doing this, then I needed to START, and maybe writing it down will make me accountable...
Another thing I want to start doing is posting my "poetry". Let me explain the quotation marks, I realize true poetry has form, meter, and takes skill to write. My poetry is more quickly jotted down incomplete thoughts in verse form. Sad, I know. Yet one more reason for me writing this blog, hopefully looking at the "poetry" I have written will inspire me to revise it and write better "poetry" in the future.
That being said, I believe I'm going to post a separate blog post tonight of a couple of poems from when I was working at an assisted living home as a CNA.
All in all, I'd like to try again for this blog to be what it was intended to be, a conglomeration of theological thoughts, daily living, and literature attempts. Here's to setting goals you doubt yourself that you'll meet! ;)
Why am I doing this?
Well I've decided it will help with my communication skills, my grammar, and help me think a subject out thoroughly. When I have to write something out I often realize I did not have as firm a grasp on the subject as I originally thought I did. That's ok, it helps me learn more when I take the effort to write out my complete thoughts on a matter.
As much as I want to do this, I don't have much hope. I've been planning to do it for the past month, but have spent pretty much every Sunday afternoon sleeping the entire time between lunch and evening service. I know, you'd think I was old or something! To be fair, I pretty much only take naps on Sundays, but not because I don't want to, it's the only day I can justify it to myself ;)
Today is only a half-hearted attempt, it's past 11:45 p.m. and I'm also trying to keep a decent sleep schedule. Don't ask what sort of schedule I was keeping before that makes getting in bed before midnight early to me. :P But I figured if I really wanted to start doing this, then I needed to START, and maybe writing it down will make me accountable...
Another thing I want to start doing is posting my "poetry". Let me explain the quotation marks, I realize true poetry has form, meter, and takes skill to write. My poetry is more quickly jotted down incomplete thoughts in verse form. Sad, I know. Yet one more reason for me writing this blog, hopefully looking at the "poetry" I have written will inspire me to revise it and write better "poetry" in the future.
That being said, I believe I'm going to post a separate blog post tonight of a couple of poems from when I was working at an assisted living home as a CNA.
All in all, I'd like to try again for this blog to be what it was intended to be, a conglomeration of theological thoughts, daily living, and literature attempts. Here's to setting goals you doubt yourself that you'll meet! ;)
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Homeward Bound
What a whirlwind!
Crazy to think that the past three months, and everyone and everything involved are now just a memory. In one way that's a good thing, I now have "memory" of everything I learned ;) On the other hand, I'm going to miss this section of my life. God is good to me, His blessings were manifold on this academic journey.
Other memories? Like Mary I'll store them in my heart and ponder them. And perhaps they will not all just be memories, I hope to maintain some lasting friendships from this trip. The likelyhood that I'll see these people again are slim...but God has done some crazy things in my life that I never guessed would of happened a year ago (like becoming a midwife...where did that idea come from?!) so who knows? I have a promise that if I don't see them again in this land I will see them in the heavenly kingdom. No worries.
But the whirlwind is still blowing, the next two weeks involve an interview for an apprenticeship with a midwife (that's today!) Thanksgiving with friends, then hurrying home for my brother's rehearsal dinner, soon to be SIL's bachorellete party, and wedding. Then not even a week later is another rehearsal dinner/wedding for a good friend. Maybe after that things will slow down, but the Holidays are upon us so I'm not expecting to much. It's even possible I might be moving, if this interview goes well.
Crazy...crazy defines my life in general, but especially right now. A good crazy.
Praise God for His tender mercies are new every morning.
Crazy to think that the past three months, and everyone and everything involved are now just a memory. In one way that's a good thing, I now have "memory" of everything I learned ;) On the other hand, I'm going to miss this section of my life. God is good to me, His blessings were manifold on this academic journey.
Other memories? Like Mary I'll store them in my heart and ponder them. And perhaps they will not all just be memories, I hope to maintain some lasting friendships from this trip. The likelyhood that I'll see these people again are slim...but God has done some crazy things in my life that I never guessed would of happened a year ago (like becoming a midwife...where did that idea come from?!) so who knows? I have a promise that if I don't see them again in this land I will see them in the heavenly kingdom. No worries.
But the whirlwind is still blowing, the next two weeks involve an interview for an apprenticeship with a midwife (that's today!) Thanksgiving with friends, then hurrying home for my brother's rehearsal dinner, soon to be SIL's bachorellete party, and wedding. Then not even a week later is another rehearsal dinner/wedding for a good friend. Maybe after that things will slow down, but the Holidays are upon us so I'm not expecting to much. It's even possible I might be moving, if this interview goes well.
Crazy...crazy defines my life in general, but especially right now. A good crazy.
Praise God for His tender mercies are new every morning.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Tolerance Bomb - Sermon Notes 10-21-12
The sermon today at church was about being ever ready to have an answer for those who ask (I Peter 3:15). Second Corinthians 10:4-5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ) was the text for the day, additional texts included Ephesians 6:10-19 and Jeremiah 1.
God tells us over again in scripture that we He is the only way to heaven, and that He will judge everyone (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, John 5:22). We are His tools to spread the word, God tells us through Peter that we need to be ready to give an answer to people who ask about the hope that lies within us. He does not expect us to be black belt theologians and debaters (although he does expect us to practice these skills so we can continue to grow better and more accomplished) but He does require us to know the scripture and to stand up for His word.
When we debate we are not arguing with only the opponent in front of us, it is spiritual warfare. We do not have the capability to change their hearts, they do not have the capability to do so. They have the opportunity, the truth is there for them but they cannot embrace it unless God opens there heart. The devil sits and whispers in their ears to close them to what we have to say, we must speak Christ as ambassadors and pray God will open their ears. Bringing thoughts captive is part of evangelism including bringing other people's thoughts captive. In today's culture there is a thought cloud that at best thinks Christianity is a harmful delusion. We don't witness to blank canvass, everyone has strongholds in their minds already, they are protected, fortified thoughts and ideas, and the people that hold these ideas are held highly by culture.We need to make them see that they are not high and might and their arguments are not impenetrable in order to conduct an argument.
Our culture has been catechized well to say that Christianity is intolerant. They may not recognize this catechism, but they know their catechism they say "that's intolerant" to anything brought up in Christianity. It is a cover word for "Bigoted, proud, arrogant close minded". We cannot let this accusation lay us flat on our backs or we have no argument.
The truth as it is is exposed to that charge of intolerance. It *is* exclusive arrogant, intolerant & bigoted. A lie is always tolerant because any falsehood will do, but for truth no falsehood will do. The falsehood however is equally intolerant, because it says the truth will never do, it is intolerant of the truth. The question becomes one of "intolerant to what?"
Satan has always been intolerant of God. The devil is prideful and desiring to reject truth. He tries to get Eve to see the same way, he tells her "God can't tell you what to do, you choose, He's (God) is arrogant, bigoted, and intolerant" A lie does not change reality, but the perception of reality. It creates tunnel vision and excludes the truth to focus on one thing. Eve knows God loves her, yet in line with Stan's lies she excludes this truth and focuses in on what she see's as her inability to choose, to choose freedom.
People equate humility and tolerance as the same thing. We need to rob them of this cloak, not by taking it ourselves but by exposing them as arrogant and intolerant themselves. Jesus was not accepting of every one, He was exclusive. Christianity draws this exclusivity doctrine from Christ and the scriptures. We must disabuse culture on the effeminate view of Christ (which is hard to do as other Christian propagate such a view.)
True tolerance wants debates, if you want to know who is truly intolerant ask who is trying to shut the debate down. Who is intolerant, the one who wants to engage in respectful free speech, or the one who wants to shut it down? Trying to silence someone by labeling them intolerant is the very definition of intolerance.
The debate of intolerance is truly one of what is right and what is wrong, not of whether or not you are being tolerant. Now hang in here through this next sentence...intolerant people have no problem telling you you are intolerant and that intolerance is wrong, and that being intolerant of intolerance is not wrong because being intolerant is wrong. So then you have to ask, so it's not wrong to call something intolerant as long as it's wrong?
Some people may not be that hostile to what you have to say, they are just repeating their catechisms, others may be completely rabid about it.
Remember the point of the debate isn't neccesarily to change to mind of the person you are debating, it may be a silent listener whose mind is changed, another Christian may be encouraged by what s/he hear, even if you feel like you got ran over by a Mac truck. The debate may simply be for your own encouragement and chance to learn. Regardless we are told to stand, and having done all, to stand, so stand we must.
God tells us over again in scripture that we He is the only way to heaven, and that He will judge everyone (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, John 5:22). We are His tools to spread the word, God tells us through Peter that we need to be ready to give an answer to people who ask about the hope that lies within us. He does not expect us to be black belt theologians and debaters (although he does expect us to practice these skills so we can continue to grow better and more accomplished) but He does require us to know the scripture and to stand up for His word.
When we debate we are not arguing with only the opponent in front of us, it is spiritual warfare. We do not have the capability to change their hearts, they do not have the capability to do so. They have the opportunity, the truth is there for them but they cannot embrace it unless God opens there heart. The devil sits and whispers in their ears to close them to what we have to say, we must speak Christ as ambassadors and pray God will open their ears. Bringing thoughts captive is part of evangelism including bringing other people's thoughts captive. In today's culture there is a thought cloud that at best thinks Christianity is a harmful delusion. We don't witness to blank canvass, everyone has strongholds in their minds already, they are protected, fortified thoughts and ideas, and the people that hold these ideas are held highly by culture.We need to make them see that they are not high and might and their arguments are not impenetrable in order to conduct an argument.
Our culture has been catechized well to say that Christianity is intolerant. They may not recognize this catechism, but they know their catechism they say "that's intolerant" to anything brought up in Christianity. It is a cover word for "Bigoted, proud, arrogant close minded". We cannot let this accusation lay us flat on our backs or we have no argument.
The truth as it is is exposed to that charge of intolerance. It *is* exclusive arrogant, intolerant & bigoted. A lie is always tolerant because any falsehood will do, but for truth no falsehood will do. The falsehood however is equally intolerant, because it says the truth will never do, it is intolerant of the truth. The question becomes one of "intolerant to what?"
Satan has always been intolerant of God. The devil is prideful and desiring to reject truth. He tries to get Eve to see the same way, he tells her "God can't tell you what to do, you choose, He's (God) is arrogant, bigoted, and intolerant" A lie does not change reality, but the perception of reality. It creates tunnel vision and excludes the truth to focus on one thing. Eve knows God loves her, yet in line with Stan's lies she excludes this truth and focuses in on what she see's as her inability to choose, to choose freedom.
People equate humility and tolerance as the same thing. We need to rob them of this cloak, not by taking it ourselves but by exposing them as arrogant and intolerant themselves. Jesus was not accepting of every one, He was exclusive. Christianity draws this exclusivity doctrine from Christ and the scriptures. We must disabuse culture on the effeminate view of Christ (which is hard to do as other Christian propagate such a view.)
True tolerance wants debates, if you want to know who is truly intolerant ask who is trying to shut the debate down. Who is intolerant, the one who wants to engage in respectful free speech, or the one who wants to shut it down? Trying to silence someone by labeling them intolerant is the very definition of intolerance.
The debate of intolerance is truly one of what is right and what is wrong, not of whether or not you are being tolerant. Now hang in here through this next sentence...intolerant people have no problem telling you you are intolerant and that intolerance is wrong, and that being intolerant of intolerance is not wrong because being intolerant is wrong. So then you have to ask, so it's not wrong to call something intolerant as long as it's wrong?
Some people may not be that hostile to what you have to say, they are just repeating their catechisms, others may be completely rabid about it.
Remember the point of the debate isn't neccesarily to change to mind of the person you are debating, it may be a silent listener whose mind is changed, another Christian may be encouraged by what s/he hear, even if you feel like you got ran over by a Mac truck. The debate may simply be for your own encouragement and chance to learn. Regardless we are told to stand, and having done all, to stand, so stand we must.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Idaho, supposedly the land of potato's. I've yet to see a potato farm, and have only had potatoes twice for supper in the time I've been here.
However, Idaho is the land of refurbished bugs, bicyclers and bicycle lanes, fruit trees or grape vines in every other yard, and a general feel of artsy hippy-ness.
I like it.
I have seen Cherry trees, peach trees, apple trees, pear trees and grapes growing in the yards as I take walks or run in the neighborhood, even driving back and forth from classes. And so many more people have little gardens here than in Michigan, it is odd to think that our garden draws so much attraction where I come from.
This Saturday I had the opportunity and time to attend the Boise Farmers market,
It was so BIG compared to our little tiny one. Such lovely sites, smells, sounds, and people. I bought some apples (of course) and a loaf of artisan bread. As well as a little something for someone back home. I wish I had the time to go every week, it was relaxing, and I love knowing I'm supporting local farmers, and businesses even if I have to pay a little more to do so. Besides, the product tastes better anyway.
Tomorrow we are going to visit some hot springs...I feel guilty for not studying but I've rationalized myself into it being okay to go. Whenever I go out I always think that one day maybe some woman will suffer for the time that I didn't spend studying!
Friday we are back to our normal schedule, so I am glad to have had this week to do some fun things...despite it possible meaning that I'll miss a serious symptom in someones pregnancy and catastrophic result with occur because of it. :P
My church search continues. This week marked the third church I've attended in the five Sundays I've been here, I will be going back next week, and perhaps I'll stay. I used to think that being Reformed accounted for my overarching conspiratorial mindset, but I'm beginning to see that not even all Reformed people have allowed their Theology to be the pill that liberates them from the matrix.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Riding Along in My Automobile.
There was SO much I wanted to say about this trip (so far) it could not of possibly fit on a fbk status. So here I am, falling back to my neglected blog spot. Poor blog.
Firstly, driving was a fantastic idea. Absolutely amazing! Yes, it did end up being more money. But the experience!!! *Sigh* 100% worth it.
Normally I hate driving through large cities and the traffic associated with it. I would rather drive through a rainstorm than city traffic. However, I had to pass through Illinois, right through the Chicago area, and the four lane stop-and-go traffic didn't bother me at all. On the contrary, I got an adrenalin rush. Thanking God for small mercies :)
Driving through Wisconsin made me want to tear my hair out! The speed limit there is 65 MPH, and people go SIXTY-FIVE. And IF one of the natives happen to get adventurous and start going 66 MPH of course they get in the "fast" lane to do so. In Wisconsin there is no fast lane...they're "slow" and "slower" lanes. I felt like a rabbit, stuck behind a turtle passing a snail for the majority of my drive through the cheese head state. Oya ve.
Minnesota was much better, the speed limit went back up to 70 mph and people didn't sit in the fast lane. Plus there was a lot more to see, like windmill farms! Rows upon rows of wind turbines. So cool. But the most fabulous part of driving through Minnesota was driving over the Mississippi river. Of course I knew in my head I that I'd have to cross it, but it didn't really register until I see this bridge ahead spanning a beautiful wide river and the little green sign that said "Mississippi River" Cue another adrenalin rush. Of course I missed the rest station that was right beside the river, so I pulled off at the next exit because I was determined that there was no way I was going to be crossing that river unless I touched it. Oh the joys of being kinesthetic. At the next exit I pulled off and parked my care beside the road, there was this little gravel area so I thought it was kind of a public scenic park place. I realized pretty soon this was not the case, and was considering just driving away but NO, I was determined (I can hear you saying stubborn). Sure enough, there was a sign that said "Private property, no trespassing" and the stairs led down to a house with a giant yard. Buuuut it didn't look anyone was home, and I was determi...well never mind. Being the rebellious imp that I am, I broke the law, trespassed across that private property, took my flip flop off and stuck my foot in the Mississippi. Just so I could say I did it. Naturally I took a picture or two as well. Heck, if I was going to break the law I might as well make it worth while. No angry giants appeared to grind my bones.
Iooowaaa (Yes, the Music Man song does start playing in my head)
Best.
Stop.
Ever.
One of the reformed girl's(I'm sorry, young lady) we had met the internet had come to Michigan and visited with us, and offered to let me stay the night at her place. On her trip up here I didn't really get to know her that well, because there were tons of people who knew her from the internet and wanted to meet and converse with her. That being said, I was up for getting to know her better. It was fabulous. She comes from a family of 11 children all told and I got to meet five of her siblings and her mom. A couple of her younger sisters stayed and chatted with us and her brothers and it was a blast. After they had gone home and her brother she shares a house with had gone to bed we stayed up and talked until almost two in the morning. It was very encouraging to be able to converse with a lady close to my own age, with a better grip on our theology then I'll ever dream of having and is in roughly the area of walk in life as I am. That doesn't happen very often where I come from. In fact, I can't recall the last time that has happened. I was a little nervous staying with someone I didn't really know (awkward turtle swims by) but God knew what He was doing. As always. I left Iowa well fed, better informed, uplifted in spirit, weighed down with gifts of food, and feeling more homesick than I felt when I left home. I didn't feel homesick when I left home. But I think that's because I know home will be there but I don't know when I'll get to fellowship with those awesome people again. I have to remind myself to be thankful when these good times happen and not dwell on the fact that they might not occur again.
Minnesota was a good state to drive through, but the best state to drive through thus far? Hands down South Dakota. Rolling hills, wild gorgeous land, wind that whips your hair, and startling views that bedazzle your eyes. Everything about it made me feel compelled to stop, take a deep breath, and acknowledge that I'm alive. South Dakota doesn't want to be tamed. Not only is it eye candy for a long road trip, but there are so many fun places to stop. I stopped at a art sculpture park, a corn "palace" an Old West imitated drug store, and of course Mount Rushmoore. There were so many moments driving through South Dakota when I would take a bend, or crest a hill and think "God, truly Your handiwork is marvelous". Couldn't help it, maybe it's just because it's so different from flat Michigan but I kept pondering about what a masterful Creator He is, to put so much beauty in the land. Oh, and also the speed limit is 75 ;)
One thing is for sure, I don't like driving in the dark. Not only because of the low light/high glare problem, but also because I can't bear to think what I'm missing because I can't see the land I'm traveling. It also makes it feel like the trip is taking longer.
Trying to book my hotel was a chore. Poor mom, I'm so glad she wasn't with me, she would of had a heart attack. Not wanting to stop and take time to figure out where I'll be stopping for the night I did it on the road. Driving 80 plus down the highway,looking at my map, travel instructions, and guide book to hotels simultaneously while talking on the phone. All I've got to say about that is thank goodness for hands free phone technology and that I have mad multi-tasking skills. Annnd I'm grateful no one got hurt. I'm safe in my hotel for the night, freshly showered and have had my improvised supper of nachos; I should have been asleep a hour ago but I haven't had the internet for two days. :P
My heart if full of gratitude to God, His mercies great and small, and the many blessings He has showered down upon me on this trip thus far.
Firstly, driving was a fantastic idea. Absolutely amazing! Yes, it did end up being more money. But the experience!!! *Sigh* 100% worth it.
Normally I hate driving through large cities and the traffic associated with it. I would rather drive through a rainstorm than city traffic. However, I had to pass through Illinois, right through the Chicago area, and the four lane stop-and-go traffic didn't bother me at all. On the contrary, I got an adrenalin rush. Thanking God for small mercies :)
Driving through Wisconsin made me want to tear my hair out! The speed limit there is 65 MPH, and people go SIXTY-FIVE. And IF one of the natives happen to get adventurous and start going 66 MPH of course they get in the "fast" lane to do so. In Wisconsin there is no fast lane...they're "slow" and "slower" lanes. I felt like a rabbit, stuck behind a turtle passing a snail for the majority of my drive through the cheese head state. Oya ve.
Minnesota was much better, the speed limit went back up to 70 mph and people didn't sit in the fast lane. Plus there was a lot more to see, like windmill farms! Rows upon rows of wind turbines. So cool. But the most fabulous part of driving through Minnesota was driving over the Mississippi river. Of course I knew in my head I that I'd have to cross it, but it didn't really register until I see this bridge ahead spanning a beautiful wide river and the little green sign that said "Mississippi River" Cue another adrenalin rush. Of course I missed the rest station that was right beside the river, so I pulled off at the next exit because I was determined that there was no way I was going to be crossing that river unless I touched it. Oh the joys of being kinesthetic. At the next exit I pulled off and parked my care beside the road, there was this little gravel area so I thought it was kind of a public scenic park place. I realized pretty soon this was not the case, and was considering just driving away but NO, I was determined (I can hear you saying stubborn). Sure enough, there was a sign that said "Private property, no trespassing" and the stairs led down to a house with a giant yard. Buuuut it didn't look anyone was home, and I was determi...well never mind. Being the rebellious imp that I am, I broke the law, trespassed across that private property, took my flip flop off and stuck my foot in the Mississippi. Just so I could say I did it. Naturally I took a picture or two as well. Heck, if I was going to break the law I might as well make it worth while. No angry giants appeared to grind my bones.
Iooowaaa (Yes, the Music Man song does start playing in my head)
Best.
Stop.
Ever.
One of the reformed girl's(I'm sorry, young lady) we had met the internet had come to Michigan and visited with us, and offered to let me stay the night at her place. On her trip up here I didn't really get to know her that well, because there were tons of people who knew her from the internet and wanted to meet and converse with her. That being said, I was up for getting to know her better. It was fabulous. She comes from a family of 11 children all told and I got to meet five of her siblings and her mom. A couple of her younger sisters stayed and chatted with us and her brothers and it was a blast. After they had gone home and her brother she shares a house with had gone to bed we stayed up and talked until almost two in the morning. It was very encouraging to be able to converse with a lady close to my own age, with a better grip on our theology then I'll ever dream of having and is in roughly the area of walk in life as I am. That doesn't happen very often where I come from. In fact, I can't recall the last time that has happened. I was a little nervous staying with someone I didn't really know (awkward turtle swims by) but God knew what He was doing. As always. I left Iowa well fed, better informed, uplifted in spirit, weighed down with gifts of food, and feeling more homesick than I felt when I left home. I didn't feel homesick when I left home. But I think that's because I know home will be there but I don't know when I'll get to fellowship with those awesome people again. I have to remind myself to be thankful when these good times happen and not dwell on the fact that they might not occur again.
Minnesota was a good state to drive through, but the best state to drive through thus far? Hands down South Dakota. Rolling hills, wild gorgeous land, wind that whips your hair, and startling views that bedazzle your eyes. Everything about it made me feel compelled to stop, take a deep breath, and acknowledge that I'm alive. South Dakota doesn't want to be tamed. Not only is it eye candy for a long road trip, but there are so many fun places to stop. I stopped at a art sculpture park, a corn "palace" an Old West imitated drug store, and of course Mount Rushmoore. There were so many moments driving through South Dakota when I would take a bend, or crest a hill and think "God, truly Your handiwork is marvelous". Couldn't help it, maybe it's just because it's so different from flat Michigan but I kept pondering about what a masterful Creator He is, to put so much beauty in the land. Oh, and also the speed limit is 75 ;)
One thing is for sure, I don't like driving in the dark. Not only because of the low light/high glare problem, but also because I can't bear to think what I'm missing because I can't see the land I'm traveling. It also makes it feel like the trip is taking longer.
Trying to book my hotel was a chore. Poor mom, I'm so glad she wasn't with me, she would of had a heart attack. Not wanting to stop and take time to figure out where I'll be stopping for the night I did it on the road. Driving 80 plus down the highway,looking at my map, travel instructions, and guide book to hotels simultaneously while talking on the phone. All I've got to say about that is thank goodness for hands free phone technology and that I have mad multi-tasking skills. Annnd I'm grateful no one got hurt. I'm safe in my hotel for the night, freshly showered and have had my improvised supper of nachos; I should have been asleep a hour ago but I haven't had the internet for two days. :P
My heart if full of gratitude to God, His mercies great and small, and the many blessings He has showered down upon me on this trip thus far.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Warm Weather and Chilled Fruit Soup
If you don't feel like reading the whole blog entry, here's your spoiler. In a very brief synopsis, the weather was wonderful, the soup...not so much.
I got up early enough this morning to get the day started at a decent time, and late enough that I enjoyed sleeping in on my day off. But the real reason I got up early at all was because I heard the weather was supposed to be warm and I didn't want to miss it.
Good choice.
I knew that after I had done my morning routine I wanted to go to the library. At first I was going to bike ride, but then I decided I didn't want the hassle of dragging my bike out of the garage & making sure the tires were pumped, so I decided on an old favorite pastime. Rollerblading. That was definitely the right decision. It was a great approach to start enjoying what was already a gorgeous day. Straight from the library I went over to the church to clean it, so I could get that done and spend the rest of the day outside. Which is exactly what I did, after I got the church clean I picked up my books and went outside to study. I was outside studying for a good three hours and THAT is how I got a sunburn before the middle of March *sigh* it was wonderful :)
What drew me back inside was making supper. I decided I wanted to celebrate St. Patrick's day early since I'd be out of town the day of and told mother I'd help her get supper ready. With some help from a neighbor boy we got our boiled supper (homemade cornbeef included) in the pot to cook, and I went on to the next project.
I'd been meaning to try a fruit soup recipe I had for quiet sometime. While I had already tried making fruit soup before, it had not been at *all* similar in taste to what I'd had in Hungary and since this recipe was vastly different I thought I'd give it a whirl. This recipe had no cream at all, and no spices, like the other one I had tried did. The two main ingredients were blueberries and wine, and the wine wasn't even supposed to be cooked off. Predictably the recipe ended up tasting like sweetened blueberry wine. I'm going to try cooking the wine off at a later date and see what the results are, but I guess I'll have to keep looking for that mouth-watering taste I had in Hungary. Forget personal references (the first recipe) and cookbooks, google here I come.
I got up early enough this morning to get the day started at a decent time, and late enough that I enjoyed sleeping in on my day off. But the real reason I got up early at all was because I heard the weather was supposed to be warm and I didn't want to miss it.
Good choice.
I knew that after I had done my morning routine I wanted to go to the library. At first I was going to bike ride, but then I decided I didn't want the hassle of dragging my bike out of the garage & making sure the tires were pumped, so I decided on an old favorite pastime. Rollerblading. That was definitely the right decision. It was a great approach to start enjoying what was already a gorgeous day. Straight from the library I went over to the church to clean it, so I could get that done and spend the rest of the day outside. Which is exactly what I did, after I got the church clean I picked up my books and went outside to study. I was outside studying for a good three hours and THAT is how I got a sunburn before the middle of March *sigh* it was wonderful :)
What drew me back inside was making supper. I decided I wanted to celebrate St. Patrick's day early since I'd be out of town the day of and told mother I'd help her get supper ready. With some help from a neighbor boy we got our boiled supper (homemade cornbeef included) in the pot to cook, and I went on to the next project.
I'd been meaning to try a fruit soup recipe I had for quiet sometime. While I had already tried making fruit soup before, it had not been at *all* similar in taste to what I'd had in Hungary and since this recipe was vastly different I thought I'd give it a whirl. This recipe had no cream at all, and no spices, like the other one I had tried did. The two main ingredients were blueberries and wine, and the wine wasn't even supposed to be cooked off. Predictably the recipe ended up tasting like sweetened blueberry wine. I'm going to try cooking the wine off at a later date and see what the results are, but I guess I'll have to keep looking for that mouth-watering taste I had in Hungary. Forget personal references (the first recipe) and cookbooks, google here I come.
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