Friday, July 28, 2006
Thyme Iced Tea
Because of limited email access, I thought it would be fun to check out different coffee or tea shops in the area. I called a coffee buff friend of mine in Portland and he gave me the low down of at least 9 coffee spots in town. Also 3 friends suggested before I moved here to check out Stumptown coffee on Belmont.
So here I am, checking friends' blogs, getting my email, researching some volunteer opportunities, and checking out Multnomah Falls -- I'm going hiking on Monday to see some of the best waterfalls out here.
Thyme Iced Tea the beverage of choice today. Surprisingly good!
I think I'm falling in love with Portland. Before the sabbatical I liked it a lot, but now that I'm getting to know it as my hometown, I like it all the more!
So here I am, checking friends' blogs, getting my email, researching some volunteer opportunities, and checking out Multnomah Falls -- I'm going hiking on Monday to see some of the best waterfalls out here.
Thyme Iced Tea the beverage of choice today. Surprisingly good!
I think I'm falling in love with Portland. Before the sabbatical I liked it a lot, but now that I'm getting to know it as my hometown, I like it all the more!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Eternity in Their Hearts
Today I finished my first book that I've been reading called Eternity in Their Hearts by Don Richardson. I cheated on my first book 'cause I've already read this one; however, it is one of my favorite books.
The reminder of God's love for All people, for All nations is so refreshing to me. Also that He is preparing people to hear His life-giving message and He just asks me to be a messenger of the gift of Christ...
Other fun facts about the sabbatical:
I went berry picking on Sauvie Island -- an island in the middle of the Willamette River. The cherries I bought at the local grocer where phenomenal!
I ventured to Powell's Books for the first time ever! So cool... I'll have to go another time 'cause I was so overwhelmed with all the rooms and so many cool books! I bought two books there to read.
And today, I got my hair cut... not sure if I like it, but I will say I look more like a Portlander with it.
The reminder of God's love for All people, for All nations is so refreshing to me. Also that He is preparing people to hear His life-giving message and He just asks me to be a messenger of the gift of Christ...
Other fun facts about the sabbatical:
I went berry picking on Sauvie Island -- an island in the middle of the Willamette River. The cherries I bought at the local grocer where phenomenal!
I ventured to Powell's Books for the first time ever! So cool... I'll have to go another time 'cause I was so overwhelmed with all the rooms and so many cool books! I bought two books there to read.
And today, I got my hair cut... not sure if I like it, but I will say I look more like a Portlander with it.
RESTING
Ahhhh... internet access. Now instead of in the comfort of a dorm room, I now have to go to a coffee shop or in case of today a bubble tea shop!
For one month I get the great gift of what is called a sabbatical which means rest for one month.
What will I do with all this time? Well, I love to read, so I'm reading a ton. I'm also committed to living in the city that I live which is Portland. So, I have these tiny goals to explore a new part of the city and also have day trips on the weekends to places nearby.
To some this might not sound exciting; however, to one who has been traveling and meeting a lot of people in the last 6 months, this is bliss!
For one month I get the great gift of what is called a sabbatical which means rest for one month.
What will I do with all this time? Well, I love to read, so I'm reading a ton. I'm also committed to living in the city that I live which is Portland. So, I have these tiny goals to explore a new part of the city and also have day trips on the weekends to places nearby.
To some this might not sound exciting; however, to one who has been traveling and meeting a lot of people in the last 6 months, this is bliss!
Friday, July 14, 2006
Sunset Cliffs
This is me and the gals of Echo summer project 2006. Me, Kelsey, Meredith, Sara, Janelle, and Rachel.
We had our last Life group on these cliffs outside of San Diego overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The view was amazing. We paused as the sun started to dip in the sky and people clapped when the sun went below the rim. It was a beautiful night! The waves were amazing too as they crashed on the rocks below us.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Winding up....
The project is winding up or is it winding down? For the staff maybe winding down and for the students it is just beginning... but I'm not sure if I'm mixing metaphors either!
Anyway, we give leadership over to the students in 2 very short days. I'm glad that I've been here this summer, but I'm also super glad to be heading home. I think I'm starting to hit my new people quota for the year.
Anyway, we give leadership over to the students in 2 very short days. I'm glad that I've been here this summer, but I'm also super glad to be heading home. I think I'm starting to hit my new people quota for the year.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Losing my Shoe!
My brown shoes of 4 years died the other day. I was walking in Ikea doing an errand for a friend and suddenly I couldn't walk very well. I looked down and the toe thingy had busted, so I hobbled down the aisles with sadness. These shoes go with everything from nice skirts to jeans and it is so hard to replace them.
So, I drove to Target and got $3 pair of flip-flops until I can fall in love with my next pair of shoes that go with everything! Sigh!
So, I drove to Target and got $3 pair of flip-flops until I can fall in love with my next pair of shoes that go with everything! Sigh!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
The Power of Christ in Community
Tonight I was reminded once again of the power of Christ and how He can work through a community of believers. A brave young woman decided to choose to be vulnerable and ask for prayer in a stronghold in her life. I was encouraged by how the other gals prayed for her, loved her, and exhorted her to continue to walk with the Lord. It was BEAUTIFUL to behold learning about the love of Christ and forgiveness from not just one person but several because we all know deep down that we too need the love of Christ and His forgiveness.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
The 4th of July
The 4th of July is almost over. I realized today that I have celebrated the 4th in a different city for the last 12 years and even in different countries.
The ironic thing that in most years, it is the same activities just in different cities. A bbq, fireworks, maybe some sparklers. Most unique: celebrating in Costa Rica at the US embassy. It was a carnival with lots of cotton candy. My favorite firework show: NYC hands down!
Happy 4th and celebrating freedom wherever you are!
The ironic thing that in most years, it is the same activities just in different cities. A bbq, fireworks, maybe some sparklers. Most unique: celebrating in Costa Rica at the US embassy. It was a carnival with lots of cotton candy. My favorite firework show: NYC hands down!
Happy 4th and celebrating freedom wherever you are!
Monday, July 03, 2006
First Mexico Experience
San Diego is a mere 15 minute drive to the Mexican-U.S. borderline. Tijuana was our destination and we got there at about 9AM.
Going to Mexico was a piece of cake. You just walked through and no one checked your passport or anything. It also seemed strange to me that a border can change the culture of one country to the next and yet it is the same land. While there we walked all around the main square looking at all kinds of things. All 5 of us got something to take home like hammock chairs, soccer shirt, sunglasses, a bag. My find was a red sterling silver ring. We also had some Mexican food of course, but we did have to be careful with what we ate so we aren't getting sick tomorrow.
Then we were ready to go back which wasn't as easy. We stood in a line for an hour and a half to get back to the US. It was amazing. What struck me as kind of funny was that most US citizens were asking where the express line was. An express line doesn't exist. In the line, everything was equal. It was a cultural experience that is for sure and gave me some things to think about. I'm not sure I'd go to Tijuana again, but glad I had the experience once.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Dodgeball Tourney and Katrina Relief
Some said it was the coolest thing they have done in years!
Some said they haven't played since elementary school!
Most (except the one gal who got hit right off the bat in the face) said they could play all day!
This was dodgeball on the beach.
We had a dodgeball tourney where 5 students invited 5 people they didn't know to play on a team. CCC would sponsor $10/person to help the Katrina Relief efforts in New Orleans. I met some people from my old stomping grounds. They went to college at Southern Illinois University (the home of the salukis).
At our location the Dodgers won. Other team names were Orange Creamers, no-shows, and Kings of the Court.
Some said they haven't played since elementary school!
Most (except the one gal who got hit right off the bat in the face) said they could play all day!
This was dodgeball on the beach.
We had a dodgeball tourney where 5 students invited 5 people they didn't know to play on a team. CCC would sponsor $10/person to help the Katrina Relief efforts in New Orleans. I met some people from my old stomping grounds. They went to college at Southern Illinois University (the home of the salukis).
At our location the Dodgers won. Other team names were Orange Creamers, no-shows, and Kings of the Court.
