The most wonderful time of my year has arrived... Days and nights filled with nothing but NCAA Men's Basketball. Truth be told, my life is altered as I make plans around the games I "must see"! And, I relish it. I love fan-ship, cheering my team on, competing in the bracket challenges with friends (and hopefully beating them!); and, even when it marks death for my bracket, I hanker for a good Cinderella story. It's the fodder from which dreams are made and brings us hope because, at heart, we all love an underdog!
Let the Madness begin!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Unmet Expectations and Social Media: Danger Zone
Yesterday I accepted a friend request on Facebook from a woman I met at a social outing. Today, I was taken aback when I logged on and saw her status update in my news-feed... She was publicly berating her husband. I won't share details of what she communicated, but here I am, unable to sleep and still thinking about it.
At the core, I think she was really disappointed. The sadness therein likely played out in hurt, then anger. It sounded as though her husband played a role beyond what occurred initially which escalated the issue. They both contributed.
Why am I continuing to mull it over?
Part of me feels so sad for her husband. What would it be like to log on to Facebook and see your failure? The reality that she highlighted this openly is hard for me to stomach. Even though I'm not married, friends have helped me gain a small understanding of what this does to a man... She publicly stripped him of something significant today.
My other reflection has been focused on her disappointment. Her husband did not meet a need for her and it seems to have magnified all else. He let her down and it triggered something inside of her. There is genuine validity for the need she experienced -- there's something much deeper going on in her heart. The reality of what she did with the disappointment is another thing altogether.
Lately, I've been weighing the power of my own words (perhaps even in light of my last post and wanting to ensure I provided a fairly balanced perspective in my thinking). In my life, I've experienced the truth of this verse: "Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit -- you choose." (Proverbs 18:21) What we do with them matters. Perhaps I don't "air my dirty laundry" on Facebook, but what she put out there for all to see happens regularly in my heart. I am not immune and I must remember it.
Perhaps a question or two to ask in the near future:
What is my motivation for posting "this" publicly?
What is really going on in my heart?
Also, a good principle I was reminded of today: HALT: Stopping to ask some of these key questions can help us make better decisions especially when things feel out of control emotionally.
Hungry: What do I really need right now?
Angry: What is really upsetting me and how can I fix it?
Lonely: Who or what will fill my need for companionship right now?
Tired: What is a healthy way to increase my energy right now?
At the core, I think she was really disappointed. The sadness therein likely played out in hurt, then anger. It sounded as though her husband played a role beyond what occurred initially which escalated the issue. They both contributed.
Why am I continuing to mull it over?
Part of me feels so sad for her husband. What would it be like to log on to Facebook and see your failure? The reality that she highlighted this openly is hard for me to stomach. Even though I'm not married, friends have helped me gain a small understanding of what this does to a man... She publicly stripped him of something significant today.
My other reflection has been focused on her disappointment. Her husband did not meet a need for her and it seems to have magnified all else. He let her down and it triggered something inside of her. There is genuine validity for the need she experienced -- there's something much deeper going on in her heart. The reality of what she did with the disappointment is another thing altogether.
Lately, I've been weighing the power of my own words (perhaps even in light of my last post and wanting to ensure I provided a fairly balanced perspective in my thinking). In my life, I've experienced the truth of this verse: "Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit -- you choose." (Proverbs 18:21) What we do with them matters. Perhaps I don't "air my dirty laundry" on Facebook, but what she put out there for all to see happens regularly in my heart. I am not immune and I must remember it.
Perhaps a question or two to ask in the near future:
What is my motivation for posting "this" publicly?
What is really going on in my heart?
Also, a good principle I was reminded of today: HALT: Stopping to ask some of these key questions can help us make better decisions especially when things feel out of control emotionally.
Hungry: What do I really need right now?
Angry: What is really upsetting me and how can I fix it?
Lonely: Who or what will fill my need for companionship right now?
Tired: What is a healthy way to increase my energy right now?
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Forget Los Angeles?
So I've been thinking...
What is it about men in the context of a Christian subculture of sorts that leads them to become excessively cautious when it comes to relationships? Or, on a much less risky level, the fear of offering a mere compliment to a female friend because of what it could communicate?
I know, I know. We women like to immediately jump into our fantasy-island-land and picture the guy on our first date, then the proposal (he tells us he CANNOT POSSIBLY live without us), our wedding day (we look STUNNING; he thinks so, too!) and our happily ever after where the children (if we have them) think we're amazing, we never fight, we have it all together and the story fades into the backdrop with the well-known sunset and feel good music (perhaps Michael Buble's "Haven't Met You Yet" - we'll see the irony in the lyric as we're so enraptured by the beauty of the story we've just witnessed?)... Whew.
This is what happens when girlfriends get together to shoot the breeze - probably a scary idea for most guys. : ) We, however, do WONDER about these weird realities and where they come from...
Perhaps we've placed too much pressure on guys to have it figured out when really, we know you don't (have it figured out, that is). This doesn't come from a bitter place, actually, rather one filled with compassion. Or perhaps, we continue (in our lovely female way) to give some guys more credit than is due because they know, as do their male friends, that they are afraid and it immobilizes them.
THAT said, we, females, have MAJOR issues, too... Let's not lose sight of that in this moment. (Remember, fantasy-island-land!... If I were a man, I'd be afraid...)
I have been thinking about this since returning from LA last weekend. A strange thing happened there... I actually met Christian guys that were both engaging, handsome, and fun. They weren't scared of me. They asked me questions, made eye contact (what!?!), were kind, even forthright and seemingly mature. (Basis for "seemingly" as used in the last sentence: I don't know much more than the first impression allowed, so I can't comment beyond this, nor they about me for that matter...)
The one remarkable thing I took with me (as I headed back into the, sometimes strange, subculture I live in) was the real sense of being a woman. They behaved like men and in turn, I felt noticed, interesting and yes, even attractive. It was awesome and encouraging.
No wonder I want to move to Los Angeles A.S.A.P. ;)
What is it about men in the context of a Christian subculture of sorts that leads them to become excessively cautious when it comes to relationships? Or, on a much less risky level, the fear of offering a mere compliment to a female friend because of what it could communicate?
I know, I know. We women like to immediately jump into our fantasy-island-land and picture the guy on our first date, then the proposal (he tells us he CANNOT POSSIBLY live without us), our wedding day (we look STUNNING; he thinks so, too!) and our happily ever after where the children (if we have them) think we're amazing, we never fight, we have it all together and the story fades into the backdrop with the well-known sunset and feel good music (perhaps Michael Buble's "Haven't Met You Yet" - we'll see the irony in the lyric as we're so enraptured by the beauty of the story we've just witnessed?)... Whew.
This is what happens when girlfriends get together to shoot the breeze - probably a scary idea for most guys. : ) We, however, do WONDER about these weird realities and where they come from...
Perhaps we've placed too much pressure on guys to have it figured out when really, we know you don't (have it figured out, that is). This doesn't come from a bitter place, actually, rather one filled with compassion. Or perhaps, we continue (in our lovely female way) to give some guys more credit than is due because they know, as do their male friends, that they are afraid and it immobilizes them.
THAT said, we, females, have MAJOR issues, too... Let's not lose sight of that in this moment. (Remember, fantasy-island-land!... If I were a man, I'd be afraid...)
I have been thinking about this since returning from LA last weekend. A strange thing happened there... I actually met Christian guys that were both engaging, handsome, and fun. They weren't scared of me. They asked me questions, made eye contact (what!?!), were kind, even forthright and seemingly mature. (Basis for "seemingly" as used in the last sentence: I don't know much more than the first impression allowed, so I can't comment beyond this, nor they about me for that matter...)
The one remarkable thing I took with me (as I headed back into the, sometimes strange, subculture I live in) was the real sense of being a woman. They behaved like men and in turn, I felt noticed, interesting and yes, even attractive. It was awesome and encouraging.
No wonder I want to move to Los Angeles A.S.A.P. ;)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Watching, Learning, Living Freely & Lightly
Matthew 11:28-30"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
This passage has become all too familiar over the past couple of years. I feel like the Lord keeps bringing me back to it; it's where I found myself again today while spending the afternoon focused on personal development in 70+ degree weather, poolside. (Yes, my life is pretty amazing on a few levels this year... I just wish I could come to love Orlando in some way.)
Early Sunday I returned from Los Angeles where I spent a few days interviewing some field volunteers, interns and staff for a huge organizational project. While away, I had the opportunity to process some of the ways the Lord has been at work in my life this year. One obvious way is the change from my post last fall to the one I wrote the other week. Beyond that, however, I have begun to see the freedom God is instilling in my heart regarding my life and future. In walking with Jesus and watching how he does things, I am seeing that he really wants me to live. Truly he has been helping me to recover my life.
Sunday night I walked into an altered auditorium space at church; the chairs were replaced with 'stations' with descriptions like Service, Prayer, Confession and more. My first response was, "Get me out of here!" I'm still new to this church and feel like the simple act of showing up on Sunday night is a step of faith. When Cole, who was teaching that night, explained the evening -- he asked us to consider where the Lord might want us to first engage -- I gave in and chose to oblige.
At one station (Solitude), I was able to ask the Lord what I was holding on to that I needed to release back to his care. Relationships. Eye opening. I spent some time at Silence and Sabbatical, seeking to posture my heart to hear. Finally, I headed out to Prayer. That station encouraged us to ask the Lord about the dreams he has placed in our hearts. I grabbed the piece of paper and found a spot alone against a wall. Sitting quietly, I asked the Lord what it was that he wanted me to remember about these dreams. I filled the page.
It was a sweet time with him because I see the Lord changing the way I'm viewing what he might have in store for me -- not in the sense of the mission itself or building His Kingdom, but how he wants me to participate in that. It was in Hollywood last week that I was inspired (!) for the first time in quite some time by the way he's working. I'm beginning to ask him what dreams he's placed in me that I've allowed to fall to the wayside in my attempts to determine my own safe outcomes and create a place in my life where I'm moving higher in leadership, yet lacking vision for those advances.
The reality is that I need him to show me. I don't want to miss what he has for me because I'm too afraid to step out and live in light of his call. A few weeks ago, a guy came and spoke to our national leaders on organizational change. One of the things that stayed with me was this:
"The fruit is out on the branches; we cannot reach it by staying by the trunk."
It's risky to step out on those branches to reach the fruit. The question I've been asking myself since then is this: What's the alternative?
I suppose this is why we Christians continue to say that walking with Jesus is an adventure... It is. And, because it is the greatest and most worthy undertaking in life, it is both terrifying and exhilarating. Thankfully, I have a good teacher to show me the ropes. Lead on, Lord: I'm following you.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
New Perspective, New Post
John of the Cross, a Spanish believer and spiritual pilgrim, referred to times like the one I've been walking through as "the dark night of the soul" - there's a consciousness regarding the depth of pain we experience when all of our hopes in God do not add up to the reality of what we see and understand. The process has been challenging to sit in, but I'm grateful that I've chosen to be still. The value to my soul? Immeasurable.
I've been praying for years that I would more fully experience what the Apostle Paul talks about in Ephesians 3:
"...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (emphasis mine)
I think these recent months, and even the past several years, are a clear answer to this prayer. While it seems counter-intuitive and even cruel, I am coming to understand that in order to experience God's love in this way, I must be wounded by Him first. John of the Cross talks about this in his writings. When I first read it, my anger increased and I felt a greater measure of despondency. How could God choose to wound me further? Wasn't the struggle and disappointment severe enough?
And now, I see more clearly. In my life I have set up systems and structures that act as "workarounds" to deal with the brokenness. I'm more dependent upon these than I am upon God who loves me deeply and sent His Son to free me from this very thing. I've been coping my whole life.
The answers? I don't know them all or even most or some.
What I do know:
I am present.
I am listening.
I am in it.
I am not alone.
My hope is in God.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Hope Deferred...
Deferred: withheld for or until a stated time (Merriam-Webster online)
I'm choosing something important right now. My 'positivity' according to StrengthsFinders is an asset, but as I'm experiencing it recently it is a deterrent to my own growth. Disappointments of past and present have surfaced like torpedoes over the past few weeks - I thank the flu for the down time which provided me ample opportunity to think. And think. And Think.
What have I determined to do with my thoughts? Sit in them. Address them. Interview them. Take them to the One who can handle them (whether I believe He wants to or not is another question altogether at the moment).
If you know me, chances are high that you probably would not use "Angry" as an adjective to describe me.
I am angry. My anger comes from disappointment. The disappointment alights from many an unmet expectation.
And, I am sitting in it. It is painful. The outcome looks bleak.
... Makes the heart sick.
I'm choosing something important right now. My 'positivity' according to StrengthsFinders is an asset, but as I'm experiencing it recently it is a deterrent to my own growth. Disappointments of past and present have surfaced like torpedoes over the past few weeks - I thank the flu for the down time which provided me ample opportunity to think. And think. And Think.
What have I determined to do with my thoughts? Sit in them. Address them. Interview them. Take them to the One who can handle them (whether I believe He wants to or not is another question altogether at the moment).
If you know me, chances are high that you probably would not use "Angry" as an adjective to describe me.
I am angry. My anger comes from disappointment. The disappointment alights from many an unmet expectation.
And, I am sitting in it. It is painful. The outcome looks bleak.
... Makes the heart sick.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Longing for Home, Unsure Where It Is
I know what is true... This is not my home - I'm just on a journey here walking towards Home.
During recent days, however, I find myself longing for a home. A factor driving this to the heart today is my current battle with the flu. I miss my overstuffed sage-green couch, my dark brown leather chair, my plush off-white rug, the coffee with cream colored walls of my former living room and yes, my own bed. I miss my good friends living a stone's throw away and the ability to reach out to them. And, I just miss the familiarity of being known.
Whenever this question of home arises, I find my mind wandering toward the unknown future that awaits me. At once it is hard to wait and easy to trust. I can't imagine what the outcome will be, so I've resigned (in a healthy way), to allowing the days to take their course. Whatever will be, will, well, be.
This said, the want remains and as I wrestle with this virus, I tussle with my longing for a home.
During recent days, however, I find myself longing for a home. A factor driving this to the heart today is my current battle with the flu. I miss my overstuffed sage-green couch, my dark brown leather chair, my plush off-white rug, the coffee with cream colored walls of my former living room and yes, my own bed. I miss my good friends living a stone's throw away and the ability to reach out to them. And, I just miss the familiarity of being known.
Whenever this question of home arises, I find my mind wandering toward the unknown future that awaits me. At once it is hard to wait and easy to trust. I can't imagine what the outcome will be, so I've resigned (in a healthy way), to allowing the days to take their course. Whatever will be, will, well, be.
This said, the want remains and as I wrestle with this virus, I tussle with my longing for a home.
Monday, August 31, 2009
I've Spent Seven Days in Florida...
The main question pervading my heart over this past week is this, "WHAT am I doing??" Currently, the answer escapes me; although, it is also obvious. The Lord has me here. He has chosen this for me. I'm comforted tonight by this excerpt from Streams in the Desert...
August 31st
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)
I do not ask that He must prove
His Word is true to me,
And that before I can believe
He first must let me see.
It is enough for me to know
It's true because He says it's so;
On His unchanging Word I'll stand
And trust till I can understand.
E.M. Winter
August 31st
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)
I do not ask that He must prove
His Word is true to me,
And that before I can believe
He first must let me see.
It is enough for me to know
It's true because He says it's so;
On His unchanging Word I'll stand
And trust till I can understand.
E.M. Winter
Friday, August 14, 2009
Living in Chaos: Not My Idea of a Good Time :)
The past two days I hit a low point with the moving-action. Picture the image with about five times the amount of stuff in it and welcome to my apartment after five days of packing. :)
One, I think I must realize that this transition is taking its toll on me - I've been overly tired as my brain refuses to shut off when it is clearly time to sleep (Sad that it doesn't listen to me!), packing up my office was an emotionally HUGE deal (I moved here for this job and I picked the carpet and base wall color for goodness sake!...), not to mention, saying goodbyes over the last couple of weeks has made me miss Boston while I'm still present in my life here. Packing has been a complete challenge - I've been so lost in how to go about doing so and have needed help.
Two, it's been really cloudy here and I think two days of it is just too much! (Good thing I'm moving to the "Sunshine State" - How do I keep forgetting how much I need the sun?)
Side note: Dear Hurricanes, please stay away... Love, Jess
This morning, I woke up and it was S-U-N-N-Y! I immediately felt like I could pack more stuff up sans my AMAZING friend and helper, Britt. She's done more for me than I can say (like telling me what to do and giving me projects to complete - a total reversal in our 'friendship roles' - hilarious!). It also occurred to me that hey, I HATE chaos - I do everything I can to ensure things are in their places and then I know I can rest. Not the case when your house is turned upside down and there are boxes, piles to sort-through, clothing and the like everywhere. And, I am unable to escape it. I just have to work in the midst of and through it.
So I am reminded, once again, of an over-sized pencil that my friend Meg gave me years ago... "Chaotically Calm," it says in bold print. Today, I feel that way and soon enough (less than seven days to be exact), I will be on the road and staring the unknown future in the face. Well, my iced Americano and stack of papers are calling me...
Monday, August 03, 2009
Counting Down...
18 days...
It is hard to believe, but I'll be moving to Orlando in under three weeks! I've just arrived back in Boston after spending the past month in Colorado and am beginning the 'I'm really moving, better start packing' process. I've made three separate to-do lists, I've yet to unpack my CO luggage, I'm starting to feel sad and I'm excited about the change (but maybe not hurricane season?!). How's that for an update?
I think I'll go make dinner.
It is hard to believe, but I'll be moving to Orlando in under three weeks! I've just arrived back in Boston after spending the past month in Colorado and am beginning the 'I'm really moving, better start packing' process. I've made three separate to-do lists, I've yet to unpack my CO luggage, I'm starting to feel sad and I'm excited about the change (but maybe not hurricane season?!). How's that for an update?
I think I'll go make dinner.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
The Voice of God at Coors Field, Denver, CO
I absolutely LOVED the seminary course I took last week entitled: Seeing the Psalms. One of the things our professor, Dr. Mark Futato taught us about the people of the Ancient Near East was the simple reality that when the clouds rolled in, they saw God's chariot; and, when the thunder roared, they heard God's voice. How far we have come with science. Nowadays, the wonder of the theology of the Psalms is missed by our sophisticated understanding of the universe. We don't see nor do we value the greatness of God in even the most basic sense as ancient people did. We've lost so much.
Friday night, I headed to the Rockies game with some friends (wearing my Sox shirt, of course!). A rain delay was called at the top of the seventh and we witnessed an amazing thunder/lightening storm roll in from the east. It was a special storm! I couldn't help but think about the Great King's voice. And, hoping to catch a shot of the lightening, I prayed. :) A few minutes later, I saw a plastic bag being tossed upward from the field by the wind and, thinking it was sort of amusing, took a picture of it... At the same moment, this beauty flew out from the clouds above - I couldn't believe I caught it in the shot! What a way to cap off a inspiring week of study...
Monday, June 08, 2009
Hiatus from Sabbatical Posting? Yes, I Guess So...
My intentions have been good in my desire to tell, in full, the stories of my adventures in April through early May, yet here I am in June and writing a post about my lack of posting. Go figure. In my defense (I smile as I type that), I've had a crazy few weeks - literally, three open evenings in the past 14 days. It's been fun reconnecting with Boston friends, heading to Fenway for a Sox game (going again next week!! :)), visiting the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts for the non-Bostonians out there), eating the BEST Indian I've had in the city (India Quality in Kenmore - worth a visit), and probably some other stuff mixed in there, too.
It's also been amazing to get myself together and start to work out again and begin the long process of purging stuff in my house that isn't needed. I'm feeling productive and engaged and mostly, at ease. That said, I laughed aloud recently as I reread a post from January where I talked about change, but went on to assure any readers that I was not moving away from Boston.
One thing is certain: God has a sense of humor.
Indeed, I am moving from my beloved Beantown in August. Little did I know this in January, February or even early March... And, as it seems this is the way He (God, the Lord, my Dearest Friend :)) likes to work in my life, I'm off to Orlando to work at our world headquarters... Something I practically vowed, oh yes - here it comes, never to do.
Never say never?
So, at some point in the nearer than further future, I will tell the tales and post the pictures. In the meantime, imagine me shaking my head and laughing at the reality that I'm actually moving to Orlando...
It's also been amazing to get myself together and start to work out again and begin the long process of purging stuff in my house that isn't needed. I'm feeling productive and engaged and mostly, at ease. That said, I laughed aloud recently as I reread a post from January where I talked about change, but went on to assure any readers that I was not moving away from Boston.
One thing is certain: God has a sense of humor.
Indeed, I am moving from my beloved Beantown in August. Little did I know this in January, February or even early March... And, as it seems this is the way He (God, the Lord, my Dearest Friend :)) likes to work in my life, I'm off to Orlando to work at our world headquarters... Something I practically vowed, oh yes - here it comes, never to do.
Never say never?
So, at some point in the nearer than further future, I will tell the tales and post the pictures. In the meantime, imagine me shaking my head and laughing at the reality that I'm actually moving to Orlando...
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sabbatical: Week One Continued
Our adventures in Poros were fairly low-key. I think my sister and I both needed some serious downtime - to be honest, we didn't even talk to each other much. We both read books, enjoyed the walks into town, ate great food (the french fries were to-die-for!!!), met interesting friends and slept a ton.
Early in our stay we found our way to Oasis, one of my favorite spots there - mostly because the locals who worked there chatted it up with us (and as my sister will attest to, I talked with everyone in sight). Michael, a partial owner of the restaurant, was gregarious to say the least. The night we headed there for dessert, he practically forced us to sit with two unknown sailors and the ensuing hours were spent talking about everything from life and love to politics and faith.
Edvin and Michel, brothers from Holland, were engaging. We learned all about their families and their love of sailing - Michel owned the boat that was in port in Poros. They gave us a tour of the boat and we wished them well on their early-morning journey and said our goodbyes. It was 2:30 as we made our way home that night, yet I felt so awake. In large part, I think it's because Michel and I had the chance to talk about God. It was humbling to hear about his life and reasons he doesn't think God exists. We talked about suffering and the way it has shaped his worldview. It made me sad as I understood his losses and why he believes as he does. Our conversation gave me hope as I remembered that God loves him and passionately pursues a relationship with him.
Other highlights included sharing breakfasts at the hotel with Jonna and Leif from Denmark. Both teachers and excellent conversationalists which made a delightful start to the days away. One day we rented a car and experienced the island - it took about a half-hour to see it all. :)
Early in our stay we found our way to Oasis, one of my favorite spots there - mostly because the locals who worked there chatted it up with us (and as my sister will attest to, I talked with everyone in sight). Michael, a partial owner of the restaurant, was gregarious to say the least. The night we headed there for dessert, he practically forced us to sit with two unknown sailors and the ensuing hours were spent talking about everything from life and love to politics and faith.
Edvin and Michel, brothers from Holland, were engaging. We learned all about their families and their love of sailing - Michel owned the boat that was in port in Poros. They gave us a tour of the boat and we wished them well on their early-morning journey and said our goodbyes. It was 2:30 as we made our way home that night, yet I felt so awake. In large part, I think it's because Michel and I had the chance to talk about God. It was humbling to hear about his life and reasons he doesn't think God exists. We talked about suffering and the way it has shaped his worldview. It made me sad as I understood his losses and why he believes as he does. Our conversation gave me hope as I remembered that God loves him and passionately pursues a relationship with him.
Other highlights included sharing breakfasts at the hotel with Jonna and Leif from Denmark. Both teachers and excellent conversationalists which made a delightful start to the days away. One day we rented a car and experienced the island - it took about a half-hour to see it all. :)
Our little car - I revisited my knowledge of driving a standard and freaked my sister out on some of the narrow roads.
Views of the Aegean. Have I mentioned the beauty of this place?
Another view. Wow, it was breathtaking.
Here I am in front of a Greek olive tree. The olives were amazing...
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sabbatical: Week One
Greece. I don't remember what drew me to the idea of this place years ago, but now I know why I want to return. Early Saturday morning (4/11), my sister and I headed back to Heathrow via private taxi (less expensive than those cool London taxis that we see in the movies) - we got an Audi instead. :) The driver played a variety of techno 80's music. It was 3:30 AM.
I arrived at Heathrow at 6:35 AM the morning prior.
Our driver drops us off and we discover hiccup #2 of the trip: not enough cash to tip him properly (Oh dear!) - he generously accepts $5 (USD) and tells me he's going to keep it as a souvenir. Sweet, sweet man...
We find Costa just outside of security (this is my sister's favorite coffee spot in London) and order our beverages - truly an amazing latte, I must add. I also have a chocolate muffin unlike anything in my life. Suddenly, the reality that it's 4:30 AM doesn't seem so bad. We finish up and head for security, the gate and well, Vienna. That's where we're stopping on the road to Athens today.
Two hours pass with a lovely breakfast - can you say that about plane food? - and we land in Austria, deplane onto the tarmack (see, I've been there now!), passports stamped by the new Austrian friends and we scooted off to board the flight that will take us to GREECE. I was excited.
Landing in Athens, we experienced no passport control (strange we thought), grabbed our bags, figured out how to get to Port Piraeus via bus (Yes! Public Transport at the bargain price of $3.20 EURO each). Took the bus (stood for most of the hour-long ride), arrived at the Port and searched for the Flying Dolphin Ferry that would take us to Poros Island. Arriving in Poros, we grabbed our bags and looked for a taxi - a Mercedes this time. An aside: The Europeans know how to do things with style! He pulled up to a driveway and pointed up the hill saying, "I think that's your hotel."
There were no signs. There were no stairs. In fact, after manuevering our luggage to the hilltop, we couldn't decide where the Lobby might be. We started knocking on doors. After a few minutes, a woman walked towards us from the alleyway; we thought nothing of this until she handed me her cell phone and made a gesture towards it, then me. I said, "Hello. We are supposed to check-in today. Is this such and such hotel?" Affirmative. The woman on the other end gave some brief instructions - the jist: follow the woman who gave you the phone. So, we did. Evarina was fabulous to us during our time in Poros!
At any rate, we follow her to the itty bitty elevator and then to our room. A while later, Greek phrasebook in hand, we return to the Lobby asking her for thoughts on dinner. And well, then we meet Costas. Yes, Costas. He speaks a little English and quickly herds us toward his truck. He's taking us on a tour of Poros. We drive around - he kept pointing out places to eat and continues to tell us how beautiful we are. We kind-of liked Costas. Eventually, he drops us off at this restaurant at the base of the hill below the hotel and we have our first official meal in Greece. It was delicious.
I arrived at Heathrow at 6:35 AM the morning prior.
Our driver drops us off and we discover hiccup #2 of the trip: not enough cash to tip him properly (Oh dear!) - he generously accepts $5 (USD) and tells me he's going to keep it as a souvenir. Sweet, sweet man...
We find Costa just outside of security (this is my sister's favorite coffee spot in London) and order our beverages - truly an amazing latte, I must add. I also have a chocolate muffin unlike anything in my life. Suddenly, the reality that it's 4:30 AM doesn't seem so bad. We finish up and head for security, the gate and well, Vienna. That's where we're stopping on the road to Athens today.
Two hours pass with a lovely breakfast - can you say that about plane food? - and we land in Austria, deplane onto the tarmack (see, I've been there now!), passports stamped by the new Austrian friends and we scooted off to board the flight that will take us to GREECE. I was excited.
Landing in Athens, we experienced no passport control (strange we thought), grabbed our bags, figured out how to get to Port Piraeus via bus (Yes! Public Transport at the bargain price of $3.20 EURO each). Took the bus (stood for most of the hour-long ride), arrived at the Port and searched for the Flying Dolphin Ferry that would take us to Poros Island. Arriving in Poros, we grabbed our bags and looked for a taxi - a Mercedes this time. An aside: The Europeans know how to do things with style! He pulled up to a driveway and pointed up the hill saying, "I think that's your hotel."
There were no signs. There were no stairs. In fact, after manuevering our luggage to the hilltop, we couldn't decide where the Lobby might be. We started knocking on doors. After a few minutes, a woman walked towards us from the alleyway; we thought nothing of this until she handed me her cell phone and made a gesture towards it, then me. I said, "Hello. We are supposed to check-in today. Is this such and such hotel?" Affirmative. The woman on the other end gave some brief instructions - the jist: follow the woman who gave you the phone. So, we did. Evarina was fabulous to us during our time in Poros!
At any rate, we follow her to the itty bitty elevator and then to our room. A while later, Greek phrasebook in hand, we return to the Lobby asking her for thoughts on dinner. And well, then we meet Costas. Yes, Costas. He speaks a little English and quickly herds us toward his truck. He's taking us on a tour of Poros. We drive around - he kept pointing out places to eat and continues to tell us how beautiful we are. We kind-of liked Costas. Eventually, he drops us off at this restaurant at the base of the hill below the hotel and we have our first official meal in Greece. It was delicious.
This is our first of many new friends at the restaurant. Poor stray kitty.
The view from our table. It was beautiful at dusk.
Stray kitties made themselves at home all over the island. Here one catches a cat-nap on the seat of a Yamaha. :)
A view of the harbor on our way into Poros Town. I could spend some serious time here.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Sabbatical, Day One
As promised, here are some posts detailing my adventures over the past month. In way of background, I'd say that I've been on the road to burnout for the past couple of years. There have been spaces in time that served as reprieves and allowed me to keep plugging forward (especially my summer assignment in Vail in 2007), but as time went on, I knew I needed to get away from ministry life AND that staying home for my sabbatical would not produce results that would ultimately benefit my heart. For the first two weeks, I hopped the Pond, landed in London which acted as home-base and did more traveling from there.
First hiccup of the trip:
While I was filling out my entry form for the UK just before our descent, I realized a huge oversight: I did not have my sister's address! She was picking me up at the airport, so I didn't think much about it. The only thing I knew about where I was going was the Tube line she lived off of - helpful, I'm sure... Making my way through the immigration area, I came to the UK officer and told him of my dilemma. He proceeded to look over my form where I had written "Ministry Operations" as my occupation. He thought that was a bit interesting and asked me a plethora of questions which finally included: "Are you planning to evangelize while you're in the UK?" Well... Not exactly planning on it. He also thought it strange that I was on "Sabbatical."
Thankfully, 20 or so minutes later, he let me go. Relaying the conversation to my sister on the way to her place, she said, "V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N - That's all you needed to tell him!" I tend to be thorough! Needless to say, next time I'll remember her address.
Here's my first shot on the road to rest while jet-lagged and experiencing rainy London for the first time.
First hiccup of the trip:
While I was filling out my entry form for the UK just before our descent, I realized a huge oversight: I did not have my sister's address! She was picking me up at the airport, so I didn't think much about it. The only thing I knew about where I was going was the Tube line she lived off of - helpful, I'm sure... Making my way through the immigration area, I came to the UK officer and told him of my dilemma. He proceeded to look over my form where I had written "Ministry Operations" as my occupation. He thought that was a bit interesting and asked me a plethora of questions which finally included: "Are you planning to evangelize while you're in the UK?" Well... Not exactly planning on it. He also thought it strange that I was on "Sabbatical."
Thankfully, 20 or so minutes later, he let me go. Relaying the conversation to my sister on the way to her place, she said, "V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N - That's all you needed to tell him!" I tend to be thorough! Needless to say, next time I'll remember her address.
Here's my first shot on the road to rest while jet-lagged and experiencing rainy London for the first time.
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