Hello, Nebraska

As you probably assumed, our trip finally came to an end on Saturday evening.  The last leg of our trip driving through Nebraska was spent with no air conditioning; however, we survived it with good spirits and everything!  

Our time in Denver, Colorado was refreshing to be around old friends and a new city!  I must say, I think I fell more in love with Denver than I did Seattle.  It may have been the people, though.  Haley and I got an early start on Saturday and took our time as we made our final trek across Nebraska.  We even got the opportunity to do a quick drive through Giltner, NE where my grandpa and possibly more of his siblings were born.  Once arriving to Blair, saying goodbye was almost awkward.  After spending constant time with someone for 9 days and never really leaving their sight left us with slight separation anxiety.  

All-in-all our trip left both of us refreshed spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.  We are almost empowered by the dependence we have encountered with our Maker along with the independence and separation we feel from other material things.  How great it feels to come back from a vacation not exhausted and worn down!

I've enjoyed a few short days in Nebraska before I head out for a family reunion in St. Louis.  I've even managed to work a full day in my classroom on my curriculum hours for the summer.  I can't say that I'm prepared to sit in the car for another drive, but breaking it up with a night in Des Moines with my sister and niece will be all the refreshment I need :)   

Laytn, Utah

(long, deep sigh...)

We are officially exhausted.  Careless and eager to make the most of our last evening in Seattle, we stayed up way too late enjoying some conversation...making our 6:30AM departure time a bit difficult.  Needless to say, we stopped briefly for some quality Starbucks and were off after check-out and some breakfast by 7:30.  Today's drive was absolutely dreadful.  If it weren't for the beautiful backdrop we were driving into, we would have needed to take a break for a nap.  

After a short time in Oregon, we stopped at a rest stop to stretch a bit and take a quick picture with the peaks in the distance.  One problem: our legs were coated with mosquitos.  We barely got the picture off and continued to itch for the next hour of our trip.  That was our first and only experience in Oregon...I guess it can only improve in the next years.  The rest of our trip was pretty uneventful with attempting new tactics to stay energized.  Tonight we are enjoying our evening sitting out on our balcony with a scenic view of the nearby range and winding down for night.  Tomorrow we have an easy morning and an easy drive to Denver where we will meet up with Jamie (my roommate all throughout college and Haley's for one year as well) and her husband Matt.  This "easy morning" will be all too perfect for us as we are quickly fading...

...until then, goodnight:)

Final Night in Seattle, WA

Last night's endeavor to Jazz Alley was the perfect evening.  It was quite the place as we enjoyed 2 hours of entertainment provided by Melissa Morgan, an incredible jazz artist.  It was nice to get dressed up for the night and experience a piece of Seattle's nightlife.  We even got back in time to soak our sore bodies in the hot tub for a bit.

Today we took a ferry out to Bainbridge Island for the afternoon.  The ride over was quite the adventure as well.  Haley had never experienced a trip on a ferry and I only a few times on the way to Wisconsin Dells.  We chose a seat on the sun deck and watched the Seattle skyline grow faint and the shore of Bainbridge more distinct.  On the ferry, and the first part of our afternoon on the island, was the only time it has rained this trip.  We rationalized being okay with the rain because we need to experience Seattle's weather in it's entirety.  That's the other thing about this crazy city!  In a single moment we can pass by people in shorts and a t-shirt or a sundress and walking right next to them someone in a winter jacket.  We've done our best to not stick out like sore thumbs and tourists.  We've even been asked a few times for directions or suggestions on places to eat!  Who knew we wouldn't have our noses stuck in a map the whole time. :)  Back to Bainbridge...we enjoyed perusing  the streets and poking our heads in little shops along the way.  Mid-afternoon we enjoyed a cup of coffee and split a much needed slice (absolutely gigantic actually) of chocolate cake.  On the ferry ride back, Haley took a quick snooze as I read our way back to Seattle's shore.  Tonight we're going to check out a local English pub nearby our hotel and enjoy some shepherd's pie.  

Tomorrow morning we'll be off bright and early after breakfast in our hotel, and our next destination--Salt Lake City, Utah.  We only have a few days of this sweet little vacation of ours and are hoping to make the most of every bit.  Keep us in your prayers as we travel back to the beloved midwest!

Night 2 and 3 in Seattle, WA

Sorry for the absent update last night.  Haley and I crashed before I could gather up energy to dictate and inform you of our adventures.

In summary, yesterday was spent down in Pike's Place Market.  There we got a perfect latte at the 1st ever Starbucks!  Being the coffee lovers that we are, this was a definite highlight.  The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the market--watching the fish throwers, all the different shops, and taking a picture at the famous piggy bank.  From there, we walked to Pioneer Square and explored Elliot Bay bookstore and other little boutiques and shops along the way.  On our way back, we moseyed down by the waterfront and enjoyed a brisk evening walk back toward our hotel.  Again, we took a pit stop at a coffee shop to rest our feet but also refresh our minds in reading another chapter in "Faithful Women and their Extraordinary God."  Each day this refreshes us and spurs on positive conversation more than we would have ever imagined.  

Today we took things a bit slower.  By now our bodies are SCREAMING at us to s l o w down.  We finally decided to listen a bit.  Our gradual start helped set the pace for the day.  We picked up Torri (Haley's car) from the wonderful valet boys and were off to Discovery park to overlook Puget Sound.  After emptying out our oh-so-smelly cooler that we forgot in the car, we were on our way to the lookout point.  There we spent 1 1/2 hours journaling, reading, and making conversations with the many people and children that came to enjoy the view.  After our rejuvenating morning, we were off to tackle Fremont.  Places we saw there include the Sleepless in Seattle house...or the estimated location of it at least..., Gas Works Park, Vintage Mall, second hand book stores, and of course--The Troll!  Tonight we plan to head out to a local jazz restaurant to listen to some live music and enjoy a meal out.  

I'll make sure to keep updating you as our journeys continue.  More pictures will be posted as well.  

Night 2 in Seattle, WA

To our surprise and my disappointment, we woke up bright and early this morning once again but without alarms.  We decided to spend the first part of our morning journaling, reflecting, and having devotions.  It couldn't have been a better start.  A wonderful perk to our hotel is by far the breakfast.  Luckily for us, we decided against going down in our pjs.  As the elevator doors opened, we were greeted by at least 50 people crammed into a small space attempting to get the gourmet hot breakfast of waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, oatmeal, etc. Our plan for the whole trip was to eat big (free) breakfasts, pack snacks for the afternoons, and eat our one meal out for supper. Haley is Dutch and has trained me well:)  

From breakfast we took the hotel shuttle to the Seattle Center and walked to find Mars Hill Church.  Some of you may be familiar with the pastor, Mark Driscoll.  The telecasted sermon was incredible and provoked great conversation throughout the afternoon.  We went to the downtown branch of the "mega church" and thoroughly enjoyed the community and openness we experienced.  

The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the Seattle Center (where the needle is), along with walking along the coast a bit and in Olympic Park.  It just so happens that today was a fundraiser for Lance Armstrong's Livestrong foundation.  There were bikers who rode 45, 75, and 100 miles in support of the cause.  All around the Seattle Center were booths and live music in celebration of their finish.  Of course we enjoyed the free Starbucks Frapp. Chip ice cream, yogurt and granola, and an energy drink.  Haley and I also received some great advice on where to travel next by an older gentleman working at one of the booths.  Because of our lack of interaction with our own fathers today, we soaked in the conversation and wished him a Happy Father's day as we departed for Kerry's Park.  We were told we would have to climb a hill in order to reach this destination, but neither of us was fully prepared for the mountain that greeted us as we turned the corner.  After climbing what may be the biggest hill I've ever conquered in sandals...we realized that it was worth it.  Kerry Park overlooks the skyline of Seattle that is seen in most pictures.  We sat up there on the ledge and relished in the beauty of it.  

It's been a great experience thus far and I'm looking forward to the rest of our trip.  We've met some interesting people and seen some unique places as well.  Today we also stopped at a coffee shop, Uptown Espresso, and sat outside and read our books "Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God."  It was incredible to sit with the sky line, sipping an Americano, and look up from the book to converse on the points that hit home for each of us.  I slipped easily into what could be depicted as my "perfect world."

Tomorrow we plan to explore Pike's Place Market and the waterfront.  Eating seafood will be a must.  The next days will include a short day hike for some time of more reflection and journaling and taking a ferry out to the islands.  

Night 1 in Seattle, WA

Driving through the West has made me want to take even more time to discover the ins and outs of our country.  We talked to my Nana and Papa on the phone during the beginning of our trip through the rest of Montana.  We were amazed at the little tid bits that would have other wise been left unknown.  I even stopped to take a picture in a town that represents an adolescent memory of my Nana's.  And for me, it was one of the best places we've driven through.  The town, Coeur d'Alene, sat on the edge of a lake and just held so much culture and history of it's own...and it was in Idaho nonetheless!

After 13 hours of driving on Interstate 90, we approached Seattle in anticipation...only to find out the exit we needed was closed.  And apparently, people in Seattle don't turn left...EVER.  So it was a little difficult to turn around.  Luckily, with our great direction and map reading skills we found our destination.  Torri (Haley's car) was safely valet parked and we were off to find our dinner by foot.  Our first observations of Seattle were that people don't like to be smiled at all that often, you can wear just about anything, skinny jeans are REALLY in (for all shapes, sizes, and genders), and who needs bathrooms--just go in any alley you can find!   

Our road trip has consisted of many pictures, conversations, music videos, etc.  I'm sure the next 4 days will hold some of the same things...thankfully, on foot this time.  Stay with us as we continue on our crazy journey! :)

Billings, Montana

Hello all!  

This is just a quick update from Billings, MT!  We made it from Nebraska this morning all the way to Billings, with the help of the Mountain time change.  Along our journey, we made a pit stop in Mitchell, South Dakota to visit the oh-so-famous Corn Palace.  Leaving with some great photo opportunities, we trekked across the majority of SD only to land ourselves in Wall, SD.  There we took another detour to visit the 80 ft. long  dinosaur and Wall Drug.  Although slightly disappointed, our legs got a much needed stretch and we continued on our travels.  Instead of taking 90 all the way, we took 212 as a more direct route.  We were excited at how easy South Dakota had been to travel across, when alas--we hit a 20 minute wait in construction.  The remainder of the trip consisted of clipping the tip of Wyoming, heading into Montana, scrapping bugs off the windshield, sitting speechless at the beauty we drove through, and singing until our voices ran dry.  Billings could not have come any sooner.  Being the packers that we have been raised to be, we had a cooler and bags filled with snacks and water to keep us content along the way.  Other than a coffee and a soda, we didn't spend a single cent on anything but gas.  When we pulled into our final destination, we discovered Del Taco and indulged in a glorious meal.  Tomorrow we will be beginning our final leg of the trip...863 miles on 90 alone.  We're pumped :) 

Keep us in your prayers!  

/Rest/ *verb—to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength

So many definitions and so many uses.  Often we train our minds to focus on only one option of rest, when in reality it comes in such various forms.  I began my summer thinking that rest meant being able to do nothing with my days and remain content; that it should be done independently.  I’m learning, as always, my initial thoughts and expectations are coming up just shy of reality.  I’ve found rest in my running, my morning coffee and devotions, conversations, reading, and outings with friends.  Each of these things have rejuvenated me and refreshed me either spiritually, mentally, or physically.  You see, it’s not always about a complete halt in activity or movement.  Yes, I am still experiencing a cease of students in my life, but the rest (haha, oh the wonders of homonyms and parts of speech) of life does not have to stop.  Rest does not equal boredom. 

 

By this time, you all may be thinking—wow, how did she not ever catch on to that whole approach?  In my defense, I guess it just takes experiencing it.  Rest can also require counting on someone/something else to lean on or depend on for support.  This has been evident in many ways: my friends, books, my parents, my siblings, etc.  More recently, I went back to my parent’s home in Iowa for about a week.  While there I was able to spend some quality time with my great aunt and my Nana and Papa.  I was also able to get to my cousin Nate’s, baseball game, catch up with Joel, another cousin, and his wife, and actually deepen two friendships with Abby and Brittany (more family) that I’ve grown to love.  In each of these circumstances, including time within the community and other family, I found rest.  This also shows what an important role community can play in one’s life.  Whether it’s community of your town, church, home, apartment, or neighborhood, it is essential for us to have the perspective and influence of positive community.  It enhances our ability to relate and understand along with developing the growth of our lives spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally.   

At the end of this week, I embark on my journey to Seattle, WA with my friend Haley.  We have mapped out and made plans about this trip for months.  Although the days will be crammed with driving and site seeing, I hope to feel strengthened spiritually and mentally through our conversations and encounters with others.  Within parts of each of these things, rest will be present; however, I’m not blind to the idea that exhaustion will be present at times as well J.  I look forward to sharing our journeys with you and maybe even posting some pictures as we travel.  We take off on Friday morning, bright and early, and our goal is to get to Billings, Montana.  According to trusty map quest, the route will take us 12 hours.  The following day from Billings to Seattle will be 10-11 hours.  Please keep us in your prayers as we spend our days traveling and exploring the west!