I only have 31 minutes remaining on this library computer. Lots of stuff has been floating in my head, and I'd love to hash it all out today, but I can't. Not nearly enough time.
Tune in next time. Promise there's more to come.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Chapter 4: Full Bloom
Get a cup of coffee and settle down for a bit. This one could take a while.
Well, the first week of the legendary summer has past, and week two is in full bloom. Last Monday thru Friday I was a counselor at Byron Bible Camp. As people have asked me how it went, my response normally goes, "Well, exhausting yet inspiring all at once." And it's true. While the jr high girls that I had in my cabin were full of wishful pranks and never once went to bed before midnight, their hearts were tender and compassionate. The days were long- being outside for most of the day, but during those moments of solitude I realized how fortunate I was to have the opportunity to be where I was. I often felt like I was learning more from the kids than they were learning from me, which I think happens a lot in these situations.
On Saturday, my long-time friend Laura Brosnan was wed to Jon Furer. It was a beautiful wedding, and the bride was glowing. Possibly the most touching part of the wedding was the ceremony itself. Laura and Jon really seemed to want to have an impact on their family and be a vessel to show Christ’s love through their big day. Needless to say, I was full of tears over and over again. After stuffing myself with steak and potatoes at the reception, me and a bunch of old friends danced the night away. We just had a blast!
On Sunday I packed up and headed out to the Hills to finally re-unite with my love, dad, and Reed. I think I truly forgot how beautiful South Dakota really is. There are so many different types of terrain in this state, that I wonder what I was thinking when I would tell people that SD isn’t really that interesting. Anywho, when I stepped out of the vehicle, I hardly recognized Steffen at first glance! I’ve never seen him this tan, and he was sporting his contacts as well- which gave him the most handsome look! It was great to see dad and Reed and catch up with them all. We pulled up to the KOA, which is where the three guys are staying for the month of June, and dad was pretty excited to show me his latest RV purchase “The Superchief.” Pretty awesome indeed.
Yesterday Reed, Steffen, and I went over to Wind Cave National Park. Pretty cool- and we got in free since it was the first day of summer! Score. Around noon we headed over to the land to work for the rest of the day. Well, let me correct myself- the guys worked for the rest of the day. I bummed around taking pictures, exploring, and picking wildflowers the whole afternoon. But man! Dad’s property is spectacular! A naked eye can see for miles and miles out. Dad has 11 acres and it’s all at the top of a steep hill. Three weeks have passed and they’ve already made some ground. Ha. Literally. Dad has to create a plateau for the house to rest on, which takes a lot of time, I guess. It was pretty cool to see them all at hard work. Dad just smiles from ear to ear as he tells me all about where his land is and what will go where. I’m pretty excited to see the results.
WIND CAVE:
HOME ON THE RANGE:
Welp, that’s about it for now. I’m fairly happy about this summer so far. I’ve been able to spend some quality time with my immediate family, and I am super glad I got the opportunity to counsel at BBC. I hope that the rest of this week I can continue to spend more time in the Word and finish up the book I’m reading, A Severe Mercy. Off to reading- ta ta for now, folks!
Well, the first week of the legendary summer has past, and week two is in full bloom. Last Monday thru Friday I was a counselor at Byron Bible Camp. As people have asked me how it went, my response normally goes, "Well, exhausting yet inspiring all at once." And it's true. While the jr high girls that I had in my cabin were full of wishful pranks and never once went to bed before midnight, their hearts were tender and compassionate. The days were long- being outside for most of the day, but during those moments of solitude I realized how fortunate I was to have the opportunity to be where I was. I often felt like I was learning more from the kids than they were learning from me, which I think happens a lot in these situations.
On Saturday, my long-time friend Laura Brosnan was wed to Jon Furer. It was a beautiful wedding, and the bride was glowing. Possibly the most touching part of the wedding was the ceremony itself. Laura and Jon really seemed to want to have an impact on their family and be a vessel to show Christ’s love through their big day. Needless to say, I was full of tears over and over again. After stuffing myself with steak and potatoes at the reception, me and a bunch of old friends danced the night away. We just had a blast!
On Sunday I packed up and headed out to the Hills to finally re-unite with my love, dad, and Reed. I think I truly forgot how beautiful South Dakota really is. There are so many different types of terrain in this state, that I wonder what I was thinking when I would tell people that SD isn’t really that interesting. Anywho, when I stepped out of the vehicle, I hardly recognized Steffen at first glance! I’ve never seen him this tan, and he was sporting his contacts as well- which gave him the most handsome look! It was great to see dad and Reed and catch up with them all. We pulled up to the KOA, which is where the three guys are staying for the month of June, and dad was pretty excited to show me his latest RV purchase “The Superchief.” Pretty awesome indeed.
Yesterday Reed, Steffen, and I went over to Wind Cave National Park. Pretty cool- and we got in free since it was the first day of summer! Score. Around noon we headed over to the land to work for the rest of the day. Well, let me correct myself- the guys worked for the rest of the day. I bummed around taking pictures, exploring, and picking wildflowers the whole afternoon. But man! Dad’s property is spectacular! A naked eye can see for miles and miles out. Dad has 11 acres and it’s all at the top of a steep hill. Three weeks have passed and they’ve already made some ground. Ha. Literally. Dad has to create a plateau for the house to rest on, which takes a lot of time, I guess. It was pretty cool to see them all at hard work. Dad just smiles from ear to ear as he tells me all about where his land is and what will go where. I’m pretty excited to see the results.
WIND CAVE:
HOME ON THE RANGE:
Welp, that’s about it for now. I’m fairly happy about this summer so far. I’ve been able to spend some quality time with my immediate family, and I am super glad I got the opportunity to counsel at BBC. I hope that the rest of this week I can continue to spend more time in the Word and finish up the book I’m reading, A Severe Mercy. Off to reading- ta ta for now, folks!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Chapter 3: Hard
Ugh, goodbyes are so wierd. When I am embracing someone and telling them my final words, I normally don't feel super emotional. Normally it starts to hit me after they are no longer present. When I'm at a thrift store and see something that reminds me of them. When I drive by a coffee house and wish that I could catch up with them. Realizing Settlers of Catan can't be played with 1 person. You know, things like these.
The hardest of all these came this morning when I blubbered goodbye to my love. I knew this moment would be coming- but until now I would quickly shove away any thought of the seperation. Oh, how I wish I could go with him! How I wish I didn't have to think of what 2 months apart will feel like. I really do believe that time apart will better our relationships- with God and eachother, and I know that won't happen if I just clutch his pillow in bed all day.
I am excited for Steffen to start this new adventure in life. I could see the anticipation in his eyes last night as Dad talked to him about the layout of labor that will be happening this summer. I am excited for Steffen to just have some alone time- reading, praying, writing music, cooking, thinking, exploring. Yes, that really does bring a smile to my face.
I will be counseling at Byron Bible Camp this next week, which I am starting to see is a blessing from God. Those kids will need just about every ounce of energy that I can muster up, which will help me to not focus so much on the matters at hand.
I should say this: while at times this is a really hard situation for Steffen and I, it really does make me step back and realize that I have it good. I have a wonderful husband who loves me, a generous family who is willing to take him in as one of their own, a mother who I can grow closer to over the summer, a God who is jealous for my love, and friends to catch up with while I'm here in Huron. The list is endless, but I really don't want to forget all those blessings in my life.
The hardest of all these came this morning when I blubbered goodbye to my love. I knew this moment would be coming- but until now I would quickly shove away any thought of the seperation. Oh, how I wish I could go with him! How I wish I didn't have to think of what 2 months apart will feel like. I really do believe that time apart will better our relationships- with God and eachother, and I know that won't happen if I just clutch his pillow in bed all day.
I am excited for Steffen to start this new adventure in life. I could see the anticipation in his eyes last night as Dad talked to him about the layout of labor that will be happening this summer. I am excited for Steffen to just have some alone time- reading, praying, writing music, cooking, thinking, exploring. Yes, that really does bring a smile to my face.
I will be counseling at Byron Bible Camp this next week, which I am starting to see is a blessing from God. Those kids will need just about every ounce of energy that I can muster up, which will help me to not focus so much on the matters at hand.
I should say this: while at times this is a really hard situation for Steffen and I, it really does make me step back and realize that I have it good. I have a wonderful husband who loves me, a generous family who is willing to take him in as one of their own, a mother who I can grow closer to over the summer, a God who is jealous for my love, and friends to catch up with while I'm here in Huron. The list is endless, but I really don't want to forget all those blessings in my life.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Chapter 2: Some Goodbyes
The last few weeks in Minneapolis have treated us well! We planned a few last hoo-rah's with some dear friends of ours, which have all been more fun than we expected!
We shared some 'beers on the kitchen floor' with Cassie and Kim as to celebrate Cassie's graduation from college. The catch phrase above came from a song by We are the Willows, a local band that will forever remind us of Minneapolis.
I got to have dinner and tea infused cocktails at Aster Cafe with Kallie, a dear friend from church, whose warm heart and genuine friendship will always remember. After good eats, we went to the movie Jane Eyre, a movie that I would recommend to anyone!
My last day at work was last Friday! I was very ready to be done with work- but only because I am just super excited for this summer to start. I'll definitely miss the wonderful friends I've made in the last two and a half years at my place of employment.
Today Steffen is finishing his last 10 of 200 hours necessary to finish his internship project in downtown Minneapolis. He's made some good friends there and I think he's learned a lot just by seeing a working, profiting studio in session for the last 4 months. If anything, he's gained some muscle from walking up and down the creepy, creaky, and rusty fire escape.
We shared a wonderful evening with my friend and co-worker, Shirley. Her two boys are definitely the light of her eyes, and my goodness, I can definitely see why.
And can I just sneak in this picture? This guy makes my life so much fun.
We shared some 'beers on the kitchen floor' with Cassie and Kim as to celebrate Cassie's graduation from college. The catch phrase above came from a song by We are the Willows, a local band that will forever remind us of Minneapolis.
I got to have dinner and tea infused cocktails at Aster Cafe with Kallie, a dear friend from church, whose warm heart and genuine friendship will always remember. After good eats, we went to the movie Jane Eyre, a movie that I would recommend to anyone!
My last day at work was last Friday! I was very ready to be done with work- but only because I am just super excited for this summer to start. I'll definitely miss the wonderful friends I've made in the last two and a half years at my place of employment.
Today Steffen is finishing his last 10 of 200 hours necessary to finish his internship project in downtown Minneapolis. He's made some good friends there and I think he's learned a lot just by seeing a working, profiting studio in session for the last 4 months. If anything, he's gained some muscle from walking up and down the creepy, creaky, and rusty fire escape.
We shared a wonderful evening with my friend and co-worker, Shirley. Her two boys are definitely the light of her eyes, and my goodness, I can definitely see why.
And can I just sneak in this picture? This guy makes my life so much fun.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Chapter 1: Nomads
Yes, I’m a bit obsessed with this term, but I just love calling myself a nomad. It feels freeing.
We started working our butts off last week trying to get everything packed and ready to move out. It was pretty difficult for a few reasons: 1) We are only taking what can fit in our van 2) we weren’t sure how much would fit in our van 3) it’s hard for me to give stuff away (but necessary for this trip) 4) I didn’t know what to leave and take behind! But, after working at it, we finally got everything packed and loaded. Steffen did a wonderful job!
May 22nd was our last day at our beautiful church and man will we ever miss it! First Covenant of downtown Minneapolis welcomed us with open hands from the first day we stepped foot in the sanctuary. But more than that, the community within First Covenant was made up of the most unique and genuine people that really had a passion for impacting people. Steffen and I made some wonderful friends and they of course will never ever be forgotten.
We started working our butts off last week trying to get everything packed and ready to move out. It was pretty difficult for a few reasons: 1) We are only taking what can fit in our van 2) we weren’t sure how much would fit in our van 3) it’s hard for me to give stuff away (but necessary for this trip) 4) I didn’t know what to leave and take behind! But, after working at it, we finally got everything packed and loaded. Steffen did a wonderful job!
The last few days at our place I was thinking a lot about the next rental we’d live in. As I walked around my neighborhood filled with dozens of the exact model of townhomes stacked a food from each other, I’ve decided a few things: 1) I really hope we don’t live in suburbia again. It’s just not for us. 2) I’d love to either live right in the heart of a city or the opposing extreme- the middle of nowhere.On the contrary, I’ve realized that this apartment probably came with the most beautiful landscape we’ll get with a rental complex.
Friday was probably the last day for me on the MetroTransit, of which I have a love-hate relationship with. I’m grateful that I had the option of using it for transportation (we’ve only got one vehicle), but the unknown smells, bad drivers, and too-close-for-comfort people are kind of a turn off. There were days way back when Steffen and I would take transit for a late night taco bell get-away from college, or when I’d hop on the Light Rail with my bike and head downtown. Those transit memories come with smiles. I suppose it’s something I’ll miss once I no longer have the opportunity.
There’s a lot of stores I’m going to miss in Minneapolis. Chap Value is by far the most bomb thrift store you could ask for. Valley Natural Foods has a wonderful assortment of fresh, local ingredients and produce along with their hundreds of options for bulk items. I’ll miss that place, but shopping there has motivated me to not settle for lesser quality. I WILL find quality food! The farmer’s market was part of my normal Saturday routine last summer/fall. I know there are others out there, but man oh day was that place fun. Of course, the bajillions of coffee shops will be missed as well (Latte below is one we had from Spyhouse). I don’t think we’ll ever live in another city that has as many pretentious coffee snobs as the Twin Cities has. That’s fine.
May 22nd was our last day at our beautiful church and man will we ever miss it! First Covenant of downtown Minneapolis welcomed us with open hands from the first day we stepped foot in the sanctuary. But more than that, the community within First Covenant was made up of the most unique and genuine people that really had a passion for impacting people. Steffen and I made some wonderful friends and they of course will never ever be forgotten.
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