Wednesday, September 30, 2009

I remember..


It has been over three months since I was in Swaziland, Africa and I can't believe how fast time has flown.
I remember my heart before the trip. I longed for Africa.. I wanted to be there and serve and learn more than I had wanted anything.. It was almost tangible.. I could taste my desire to be there.

The summer before, I was able to study abroad in Tours, France and travel through much of Western Europe over the course of three months. I remember this distinct moment one night in Nice; we had just taken the train from Paris and it was dark but lively as we set out to explore the town. There was live music and the culture was drastically different from the streets of Paris, just a train ride away.

The farther South you go in France, the more immigrants from Africa you'll find and the culture has been influenced accordingly. From music to cuisine - it's fantastic. We kept walking in the direction we figured the beach must be and passed groups of teens playing music and dancing in the street when we finally came to a set of concrete stairs leading down to the smooth-rocked beach. White/grey rocks led to smooth white sand. We took off our shoes.

Tip-toeing toward the waters edge, looking out across the black Mediterranean Sea, I cautiously waited for a wave to make its way to my feet. Cold water rushed between my toes and around my ankles. I had one thought..

Africa. Right on the other side of this water. Africa. It waits. It calls for me. I have to be there..

One year later, I answered that call (just a little farther South..) I spent some amazing time in Swaziland and will never forget my first Africa experience. I loved, loved, loved it!

I have been thinking about Africa a lot recently and know that I need to go back.. It's just a matter of when and for what purpose. I have a heart for that blessed land (ya i know.. sounds corny.. but I said it!).


Africa, Africa, Africa. I remember you.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

The REDvolution!


It's Homecoming Week 2009!! Yes!

This week is so fun! Yesterday was house decorating, Saturday was Legacy of Lowell service day, tonight is Songfest and the Pep Rally, Friday is the Scholarship Scramble Golf Tournament, followed by the Homecoming Dance at The Depot, and Saturday is the 5K and Homecoming game against Louisville!

This year is particularly fun because I get to be part of the 2009 Homecoming Royalty - I am the first attendant! YAY! I am so honored to hold this position and have already had a blast this week and there is so much more to come! A good friend of mine, Erica Sellers is the queen and together, we always have a good time. It couldn't be better :)

I'll post more about how this fun week turns out soon - for now.. GO UTES!!!
This photo is from the Legacy of Lowell service day.

GO UTES!!!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Home away from home..



As I may have mentioned, last April I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. It has not been the easiest thing to deal with... but I have been feeling better and transitioning as well as I can.

We are still running all sorts of crazy tests almost weekly. There's clearly more going on in my body than just the gluten-intolerance but we have yet to discover exactly what it is..

I have however developed a new home away from home... LDS Hospital.. Weird? I know.
You know you are there too much when you know everyone by first name, they know you before you even check in and get 'in the gown' - which is awesome. AND - you know where the warm blankets are and have permission to grab one whenever you feel like it. yep - I live the good life!

Hopefully they'll figure out what ever else is going on in my body apart from anemia and celiac disease and my new friends and I can maintain a more... long-distance relationship! Until then though - I'll like another warm blanket please!!