Adventure Fuelings: May 2015

Praise God for the clouds that bring the rain (that few people want, but everyone needs) that brings the growth and gives us a greater appreciation for the sun!

And the sun breaks through the clouds.... As of May 5th, I finished the two classes I was taking, I changed my housing situation (I now live in a house in Grabill with two other assistants), and stability was brought back to my job (I am back in one house)! The amount of stress and anxiety that has been lifted over the past couple of weeks has been enormous!! I am going to be completely open here and admit that the past few months were pretty awful and I really would rather not repeat them. There may have been a few times...possibly several...that I questioned my sanity.... Praise God for amazing friends around me who kept me focused and so often would just be a listening ear!

Back in the middle of March, I took a trip to Florida by myself! I basically made this big circle throughout the state! I am going to give you a very brief snapshot of where I went. My first stop was Savannah, GA. From there I went to Jacksonville, FL for a couple of days, then Siesta Keys, then Fort Myers and Sanibel Island. After which I went to Fort Lauderdale for a couple of days and then stopped in Nashville, TN on my way home!:) I would give you a lot more details, but I am afraid I would bore you and take up way to much space. However, it was an amazing trip and I would totally do another trip like that again!! I love exploring and checking out new places.....and I love being by myself...:) Even if everyone else thinks I am crazy... And for those of you super concerned, I did meet up with different people (met new ones and old friends) at different times along the way. Praise God for safe travels, new experiences, alone time, and new people!

I had the great privilege of having a few friends come visit me in March & April. Amber Ehnle, Olivia Steffen, Tricia Bauman, and Leah Beery. Praise God for rekindled friendships and friendships that can be picked up right where they were left off. It was so great to be able to reconnect with all of these girls...especially since I basically haven't talked or spent time with any of them since I moved to Haiti all those years ago....well almost three years ago. Wow...I can't believe it has been that long....I remember it like it was yesterday and still my heart aches to be there. Praise God for that ache, because it is a constant and good reminder of God faithfulness, God's calling, and God's commission to go and preach the Gospel to ALL NATIONS!

One of the weekends in April, I was able to ride to IL with a couple ladies from Bluffton and meet up with my mom and sister! It was a very brief trip, but I will take any opportunity I get to spend time with them! To all of you reading this (I know you have heard this many times)...but don't EVER take your family for granted! Spend time with them, talk with them, tell them you love them....because no matter how annoying or lovable they might be, no matter how good or not so good your parents have been, no matter how obedient or disobedient your children are, no matter if you are angry and bitter against them....if you lose someone, you will want to wish back the poorly spent time and change it to well-spent.

Savannah, GA

I got my toes in the water.....

St. Augustine

Great taco place in Jacksonville!

Turtle Beach - Siesta Keys

Sanibel Island

Among The Flowers - a super cute and tasty place to eat if you are ever on Sanibel Island!!

Can you find the alligator in this picture?

I found a Haitian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale! It was the highlight of my trip and the food was so delicious!!! I had goat, rice, and fried plantains!!