When I arrived in Antigua, I was surprised at how at peace I felt. It was almost surreal, though, since I have been planning this trip for more than a year. But now we are here, and it is beautiful, I am relaxed, and the boys seem to be enjoying themselves. Where else but in Antigua can you eat McDonald's in a garden that has a clear view of a volcano?
I am still searching for an apartment. Today happens to be a holiday (Army Day..perhaps like Memorial Day???)so people are not at the apartments for me to take a look....oh well, by tomorrow things should be open.
It is such a blessing to know that I am in no hurry to "do" things or "see" things....since I have several weeks here, we can take it easy. Yet I am anxious to begin working on my Spanish, since my time in France basically set me back to "hola"! So we begin instruction tomorrow at 2 pm.
It is also fun to see so many people from all over the world here. We met a family from Canada, ex-pats from Nashville, and our "realtor" is originally from Florida. What is the draw to Guatemala? I certainly do not know, but for me it is a draw, it is a pull for me to come back again and again. It keeps me wondering...what is God planning?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Jennifer and Bobby
So my niece married Bobby yesterday. I had yet to meet him (they are in the army and live in England, so when he has been in Minnesota he has been very busy) but he seems just perfect for Jennifer. I was so impressed with his outgoing and unassuming personality. He was also super funny and easy going...all characteristics that either match or compliment Jennifer so well.
But it was when they danced their dance, that the love was so crystal clear. They way they held one another and looked into each others' eyes...it was pure love...it was so easy to recognize the presence of God in their marriage.
My prayers go to them this day and all days, because marriage is such a blessing, and yet it takes a lot of work. God, who is love, is with them, and will give them the strength they need when difficult times arise, but too often it seems, people give in to hopelessness or despair, rather than draw on that love.
When we have that partner in life, it is so wonderful to share all that we are and all that we experience. I could not imagine what my life would be like without Ryan, who is always there for me, who listens to me, supports me, and laughs with me. He is the one I count on, no matter what, because God has given us one another to experience life together.
God is a god who is in relationship....Father, Son and Spirit...it makes such sense that we, too, are to be in relationship with others, in God's love, as we go through life. For some of us, it is a spouse, for others a friend, for some, a community...whomever we have, may we all recognize God's presence in those relationships.
Blessings to Jennifer and Bobby...May the love they feel this day be the source of strength thoughout their marriage! Thanks be to God for bringing them together.
But it was when they danced their dance, that the love was so crystal clear. They way they held one another and looked into each others' eyes...it was pure love...it was so easy to recognize the presence of God in their marriage.
My prayers go to them this day and all days, because marriage is such a blessing, and yet it takes a lot of work. God, who is love, is with them, and will give them the strength they need when difficult times arise, but too often it seems, people give in to hopelessness or despair, rather than draw on that love.
When we have that partner in life, it is so wonderful to share all that we are and all that we experience. I could not imagine what my life would be like without Ryan, who is always there for me, who listens to me, supports me, and laughs with me. He is the one I count on, no matter what, because God has given us one another to experience life together.
God is a god who is in relationship....Father, Son and Spirit...it makes such sense that we, too, are to be in relationship with others, in God's love, as we go through life. For some of us, it is a spouse, for others a friend, for some, a community...whomever we have, may we all recognize God's presence in those relationships.
Blessings to Jennifer and Bobby...May the love they feel this day be the source of strength thoughout their marriage! Thanks be to God for bringing them together.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Antibes
The beaches in Nice are pebble beaches and we thought going to a sand beach for a day would be nice. According to Rick Steves and others, Antibes, a smaller town just west of Nice, has a nice sandy beach. So we decided to take the "short bus ride" to Antibes and spend the day there.
Well, the short bus ride ended up being over an hour...and Ryan had to stand the whole way. When we got to Antibes, we wandered to the Picasso Museum, which was closed while they hung new artwork. We then had to walk along the coast in extreme heat. We found the small, sandy beach and set up to swim and play. It wasn't too long before Seth was stung by a jelly fish, Sean was sunburned, and we were all hungry and tired.
We had a quick snack and then headed back to Nice....this time the bus was hot, crowded, and nauseating. It took us even longer to return to our apartment because we were stopped by the bus security to check to see that all passengers had valid passes.
We returned "home" and were pretty hot, crabby, sunburned, and hungry. It had been a long day and we, in many ways, thought the trip wasn't really worth it.
But then that got me thinking....is there a purpose in our going there and Seth getting stung by a jellyfish? I mean, some people beleive so. I have talked with many people who beleive all the things we do in life are part of God's plan....and would a long, exhausting day be part of that plan, too?
I think back to the challenging times in my life, struggles I have faced....and sometimes I am tempted to make them have purpose and meaning. But is life suppose to be about learning something or getting something out of circumstances? Can't we just sometimes have a bad day and call it what it is? Why are we (or at least me at times) intent on making each part of our lives have a reason to have happened?
I beleive that life is life and life simply happens. Not that God is not involved....God is actively present, but everthing does not necessarily happen for a reason. Both Ryan and I were glad we went to Antibes...because we would have felt we had "missed out" if we hadn't, but really, it wasn't a very enjoyable day. Worse yet, Seth was hurt, and while it now makes a good story, he had to suffer a bit to be able to tell it.
Life happens....and sometimes we will have moments of true purpose and meaning....and sometimes we are simply living. And that is okay.
Well, the short bus ride ended up being over an hour...and Ryan had to stand the whole way. When we got to Antibes, we wandered to the Picasso Museum, which was closed while they hung new artwork. We then had to walk along the coast in extreme heat. We found the small, sandy beach and set up to swim and play. It wasn't too long before Seth was stung by a jelly fish, Sean was sunburned, and we were all hungry and tired.
We had a quick snack and then headed back to Nice....this time the bus was hot, crowded, and nauseating. It took us even longer to return to our apartment because we were stopped by the bus security to check to see that all passengers had valid passes.
We returned "home" and were pretty hot, crabby, sunburned, and hungry. It had been a long day and we, in many ways, thought the trip wasn't really worth it.
But then that got me thinking....is there a purpose in our going there and Seth getting stung by a jellyfish? I mean, some people beleive so. I have talked with many people who beleive all the things we do in life are part of God's plan....and would a long, exhausting day be part of that plan, too?
I think back to the challenging times in my life, struggles I have faced....and sometimes I am tempted to make them have purpose and meaning. But is life suppose to be about learning something or getting something out of circumstances? Can't we just sometimes have a bad day and call it what it is? Why are we (or at least me at times) intent on making each part of our lives have a reason to have happened?
I beleive that life is life and life simply happens. Not that God is not involved....God is actively present, but everthing does not necessarily happen for a reason. Both Ryan and I were glad we went to Antibes...because we would have felt we had "missed out" if we hadn't, but really, it wasn't a very enjoyable day. Worse yet, Seth was hurt, and while it now makes a good story, he had to suffer a bit to be able to tell it.
Life happens....and sometimes we will have moments of true purpose and meaning....and sometimes we are simply living. And that is okay.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Time to pray
In less than a week, we will be back in the USA. I cannot image having traveled here for any amount of less time than we did. We have been able to learn the bus system, found "our spot" on the beach and have seen what we want to of Nice. Now it is time to branch out and visit some of the neighboring villages.
I have been waking early, with the sun pretty much. This has allowed me time to spend in prayer, thanking God for all that I have been given. I also ask for God's blessings on the day and that I am able to recognize God's presence throughout the day. From a cool breeze, to the twinkling of sunshine off the sea, to my sons' laughter.....God is revealed.
I have been waking early, with the sun pretty much. This has allowed me time to spend in prayer, thanking God for all that I have been given. I also ask for God's blessings on the day and that I am able to recognize God's presence throughout the day. From a cool breeze, to the twinkling of sunshine off the sea, to my sons' laughter.....God is revealed.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Sean
June 13. Today is an important day in our family because 8 years ago Sean was born. As I look back over the years, it is amazing to see how he has grown and changed and become who he is. He has so many wonderful gifts to share with others: his compassion, his curiosity, his love of animals, his creative mind, his systematic thinking, his humor. It still surprises me how much one person can love another; I love him so much.
Sean has always been (and will continue to be) his own person. He doesn't fit into the mold of others, he definately walks to the beat of his own drummer. And yet here I am, dragging him around the world for a summer and he is taking it all in with wonder and interest. His skinny chicken legs have walked for miles and he doesn't complain. He has basically survived off of croissants, pizza and coke. He is extremely fascinated by the French Revolution and, after seeing the Russian Cathedral, the murders of the czar and his family before Lenin. On the rocky beach, he entertains himself by piling rocks and searching for sea glass (we have a whole baggy full). For Sean, it is great fun to scare the pigeons....he likes the city because there are so many of them!
Blessings this day to Sean and anyone else who is celebrating a birthday. I pray that we all recognize in others the gifts that God has given them and learn to appreciate the uniqueness!
Sean has always been (and will continue to be) his own person. He doesn't fit into the mold of others, he definately walks to the beat of his own drummer. And yet here I am, dragging him around the world for a summer and he is taking it all in with wonder and interest. His skinny chicken legs have walked for miles and he doesn't complain. He has basically survived off of croissants, pizza and coke. He is extremely fascinated by the French Revolution and, after seeing the Russian Cathedral, the murders of the czar and his family before Lenin. On the rocky beach, he entertains himself by piling rocks and searching for sea glass (we have a whole baggy full). For Sean, it is great fun to scare the pigeons....he likes the city because there are so many of them!
Blessings this day to Sean and anyone else who is celebrating a birthday. I pray that we all recognize in others the gifts that God has given them and learn to appreciate the uniqueness!
Friday, June 12, 2009
It's nice in Nice
Wednesday morning we packed up and headed to the Gare de Lyon train station to take the TGV to Nice. We had reserved seats, which meant that we were in a car with all older people:) But I didn't want to take a chance traveling with children....anyway, it took about 5 hours to travel through the French countryside and get to the French Riviera. It was an easy 10 minute walk to our rental company and I picked up the keys to our apartment for the next 10 days. Our apartment is fantastic...two bedrooms furnished by Ikea (bonus) and the piece de resistance....a roof top patio with an outdoor kitchen area and table. We can see the mediterranean, the mountains, and the roof tops of other buildings. This is where I am writing this post from. Coffee up here in the morning, wine in the evening...it is amazing.
We decided to make many of our own meals at home, so we went grocery shopping. It is fun for me to look at the different products they have here in France, while trying to reach in the recesses of my mind to recall French vocabulary (I have yet to find out what courgettes are). So far, Sean only likes croissants, bread, and orangina. Seth has tried the crepes, pizza, and tiramasu (although I kind of tricked him into that one...he thought he was sampling creme brulee, but the waiter brought the other dessert instead). By cooking at home we can make some family standards...such as chicken, spaghetti, grilled cheese, and pancakes with honey butter syrup.
We are located about 5 blocks from the beach, very close to the Hotel Negresco. The beach is rockey..but the water is a breathtaking shade of aqua marine....it is so bright and fabulous to look at. I simply adore being by the sea....the sound of the waves crashing, the breeze that cools the rays of the sun, and the peacfulness of it all.
And so here I ponder this morning as I look out over the city of Nice, with the mountains to my left and the sea to my right, and I am overcome with a sense of gratitude. Thankful to God for this wonderful creation, thankful to my family for being willing to take this adventure with me, and thankful to Our Saviors for allowing me to take this sabbatical.
We decided to make many of our own meals at home, so we went grocery shopping. It is fun for me to look at the different products they have here in France, while trying to reach in the recesses of my mind to recall French vocabulary (I have yet to find out what courgettes are). So far, Sean only likes croissants, bread, and orangina. Seth has tried the crepes, pizza, and tiramasu (although I kind of tricked him into that one...he thought he was sampling creme brulee, but the waiter brought the other dessert instead). By cooking at home we can make some family standards...such as chicken, spaghetti, grilled cheese, and pancakes with honey butter syrup.
We are located about 5 blocks from the beach, very close to the Hotel Negresco. The beach is rockey..but the water is a breathtaking shade of aqua marine....it is so bright and fabulous to look at. I simply adore being by the sea....the sound of the waves crashing, the breeze that cools the rays of the sun, and the peacfulness of it all.
And so here I ponder this morning as I look out over the city of Nice, with the mountains to my left and the sea to my right, and I am overcome with a sense of gratitude. Thankful to God for this wonderful creation, thankful to my family for being willing to take this adventure with me, and thankful to Our Saviors for allowing me to take this sabbatical.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Family Bonding
Rain, rain.....I have never been in Paris with so much rain. Each day begins sunny and very quickly turns rainy and cool. We did not really plan on so much rain, except for having two umbrellas....but it did not deter us from visiting the Tour Eiffel and the Sewer Tour of Paris. Note: Rick Steves, Lutheran and travel guide extrodinairre, recommended the tour. But, he neglected to share how awful it smelled and that you see raw sewage while underground. Needless to say, my family will forever say "I would rather....[insert own negative experience]... than go on the sewer tour." For Sean, it was spending an entire day locked in a bathroom with only cereal to eat. For Seth, it was walking in the cold rain....
And is this not one of the reasons we experience things with those we love? This time of bonding and shared memories connect us as a family more deeply....
It is wonderful to be able to have this time with the boys while they are 8 (almost...) and 12. They are both traveling so well...Sean is perfectly content walking for miles as long as he knows he has my attention and can talk and tell me his thoughts without interruption. Seth became of videographer while Sean narrates what we are doing.
And is this not one of the reasons we experience things with those we love? This time of bonding and shared memories connect us as a family more deeply....
It is wonderful to be able to have this time with the boys while they are 8 (almost...) and 12. They are both traveling so well...Sean is perfectly content walking for miles as long as he knows he has my attention and can talk and tell me his thoughts without interruption. Seth became of videographer while Sean narrates what we are doing.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Day Two in Paris
Time is such an interesting thing. It was at about 2 in the morning and my entire family was awake. We didn't fight it, just did some things and then at about 5 am went back to sleep. My plan was to be at the Louvre by 8:30 am....but we ended up all sleeping until 9:30. So change of plans....we went on a boat tour of the Seine, wandered through Notre Dame, visited Centre Pompidou, and the boys had their first french ice cream. C'est ci bon.
I had told the boys that my first time at Notre Dame I had lit a candle and prayed for peace in the world. The boys each wanted to say a prayer, too, and so we bought candles and lit them and held hands to pray. Sean prayed his "normal" prayer, thanking God for everything....and then he shyly added , "and we pray for Peace."
World peace....hard to imagine. How might this ever be? Is it too much to pray for? Yet, what a travesty if we do not pray and then act for peace.
May the God of peace be with you all.
I had told the boys that my first time at Notre Dame I had lit a candle and prayed for peace in the world. The boys each wanted to say a prayer, too, and so we bought candles and lit them and held hands to pray. Sean prayed his "normal" prayer, thanking God for everything....and then he shyly added , "and we pray for Peace."
World peace....hard to imagine. How might this ever be? Is it too much to pray for? Yet, what a travesty if we do not pray and then act for peace.
May the God of peace be with you all.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Traveling to Paris
Well, we have made it to Paris. The boys were excited and everything at the airports went very smooth: no lines, great seats, even a good dinner in the air. We ran into a few small snags once we got to our apartment: the woman meeting us was not there, we did not have a cell phone, I incurred a huge charge when changing some money.
But we finally were settled and took a brief rest before walking through the Gardens of Tuileries, buying a French phrase book to help me remember my years of studying the language, and then experiencing Des Champs Elysees. We also enjoyed several very fine cups of coffee! (I was surprised to find that there are even Starbucks in Paris...I had no idea....not that I will go there, the French Brasseries and Cafes are too amazing!).
I have been amazed at the boys and how well they are traveling, especially with so little sleep. But now it is 8:30 pm in France (our bodies say 1:30 am) and they are asleep. Added bonus...we have access to the internet in our place (now if we can just find the corrected adapter).
All in all, my prayers were answered for the day: no issues on the flight, decent apartment rental, and my family is experiencing the wonder of Paris.
But we finally were settled and took a brief rest before walking through the Gardens of Tuileries, buying a French phrase book to help me remember my years of studying the language, and then experiencing Des Champs Elysees. We also enjoyed several very fine cups of coffee! (I was surprised to find that there are even Starbucks in Paris...I had no idea....not that I will go there, the French Brasseries and Cafes are too amazing!).
I have been amazed at the boys and how well they are traveling, especially with so little sleep. But now it is 8:30 pm in France (our bodies say 1:30 am) and they are asleep. Added bonus...we have access to the internet in our place (now if we can just find the corrected adapter).
All in all, my prayers were answered for the day: no issues on the flight, decent apartment rental, and my family is experiencing the wonder of Paris.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Every New Beginning Comes from Some Other Beginning's End
I can't beleive it has been almost a week since I have had a chance to sit and ponder. Where to begin? Well, first off,Washington Sate is amazing. So green, so glorious. I had put in for my firs call in the Pacific NW...I think I always knew I would love the area.
The purpose in my trip to Washington was to visit a remote Lutheran retreat center called Holden Village. It's strength and difficulty is the remoteness of it within the Cascade Mountains. Amelia and I discovered late on Saturday that no buses were running on Memorial Day, the day we were planning on getting to Holden. So we changed plans and rented a car. This meant we were able to drive through the gorgeous mountains to get to the boat dock before taking a 2 1/2 hour boat cruise to Lucerne, where Holden's school bus met us and transported us up to over 3000 feet elevation where the camp is located.
No surpise, the most common visitor to Holden after people from Washington, are people from Minnesota. We ended up meeting some wonderful people, including former classmates of mine from Wartburg Seminary and two counselors from Camp Wapo.
I spent four days reading, hiking, sitting, talking, learning how to use a pottery wheel, walking the labyrinth, and enjoying evening vespers. My favorite time of worship, though, was on a boat on Lake Chelan with my ipod listening to "I could sing of your love forever" while feeling the sun on my face and looking at the majestic peaks roll by. God is mighty indeed!
On Friday, we returned to the Seattle area via a differnet route...this time traveling close to an elevation of 5000....with waterfalls cascading around every corner. I had some time before my flight, so I drove down to Tacoma and looked for the campus of Pacific Lutheran College....but to no avail. So I returned to Sea-Tac Airport and had a nice flight watching my newest favorite movie, "Twilight."
I will spend some more time late rereading my journal entries and writing about what all took place for me while at Holden....but for now...this is my update as I am anxously getting reading for the next leg of our journey...Paris!
The purpose in my trip to Washington was to visit a remote Lutheran retreat center called Holden Village. It's strength and difficulty is the remoteness of it within the Cascade Mountains. Amelia and I discovered late on Saturday that no buses were running on Memorial Day, the day we were planning on getting to Holden. So we changed plans and rented a car. This meant we were able to drive through the gorgeous mountains to get to the boat dock before taking a 2 1/2 hour boat cruise to Lucerne, where Holden's school bus met us and transported us up to over 3000 feet elevation where the camp is located.
No surpise, the most common visitor to Holden after people from Washington, are people from Minnesota. We ended up meeting some wonderful people, including former classmates of mine from Wartburg Seminary and two counselors from Camp Wapo.
I spent four days reading, hiking, sitting, talking, learning how to use a pottery wheel, walking the labyrinth, and enjoying evening vespers. My favorite time of worship, though, was on a boat on Lake Chelan with my ipod listening to "I could sing of your love forever" while feeling the sun on my face and looking at the majestic peaks roll by. God is mighty indeed!
On Friday, we returned to the Seattle area via a differnet route...this time traveling close to an elevation of 5000....with waterfalls cascading around every corner. I had some time before my flight, so I drove down to Tacoma and looked for the campus of Pacific Lutheran College....but to no avail. So I returned to Sea-Tac Airport and had a nice flight watching my newest favorite movie, "Twilight."
I will spend some more time late rereading my journal entries and writing about what all took place for me while at Holden....but for now...this is my update as I am anxously getting reading for the next leg of our journey...Paris!
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