Monday, April 30, 2012

Homeland

<p>First day back at "work" in san diego. Currently sitting in the Target parking lot while Alex naps. I am in a dilemma, because I need dog food and new pants (I have a massive rip in the crotch of my jeans), but don't have enough for both. Also I have no food. Newo pups comes first, though. Which is humbling, and of course I do it with joy. <br>
I am practicing serving with joy. In Israel, I was able to practice all the time, and the repetition was so good for me.
In short, my trip to the Holy Land was nothing short of life-changing. Not only was it a vacation from EVERYTHING I consider to be normal life, but it was everything I needed to be inspired in my walk as a Christian woman.
I saw Jewish women my age, weeping in the Western Wall tunnels at midnight. I rode on a boat across the sea of Galilee, and swam in the Jordan River. I drank wine in Cana, and sang in a church in Tabgha. I walked the streets of the old city, and received blessings from a Coptic priest. I saw Golgotha, and touched the walls of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
It was all amazing. I practiced patience, experienced bible stories, sang ancient hymns, ate REAL Mediterranean food. My only regret is not forcing Andy to come with me. I missed him terribly. I missed my dog. I missed speaking to Miles, being challenged by his words and being inspired to be the best of myself.
But now, I am home, and what I keep with me from this trip consists of photos, memories, and a few trinkets. Just a few days ago, as I looked across Armageddon and the Carmel Valley, I wept as I felt the spirit comfort me, for I did not want to leave. But as life goes, we are continually moving, growing, exploring. And I am thankful for each blessing. It's bittersweet to be home, but my memories wont fade.

And I'l be back.

650 photos to sift through, once they're edited, I'll post them here. A huge thank you to Miles for reminding me of my passion to sing and to photograph. Without that reminder, this trip would have been nothing.

I've attached the only picture on my phone I took on the trip. Hopefully that holds you over until the real ones come.


Monday, April 16, 2012

Woman.

I knew as I started packing 3 days ago, that I was going to be up late tonight, finishing the deed. I leave for Israel in less than 10 hours now, and no zippers are zipped, no bags closed. FOCUS!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Paved Ways

Looking back at what was
I find myself recalling
The night that I felt infinite
Riding down the hill

Chills from the north winds
And bulky sweatshirts piled
Clear skies hold a full moon
And our blazing souls below

Our best friends beside us
Perfect peace on our faces
Coasting as I thought
In this moment, we were infinite.

This night, of all nights
Will remain deepest in my heart
I shared my inmost being
With the pavement and the stars.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

It Was Easter

And after speaking to one of the most inspirational people in my life today, I realized a few things.
1. I need to write more
2. I need to sing more
3. I need to photograph more
Thank you for inspiring me, my dear friend. Just watch.. by the end of this week im going to have proof I did all these things. And soon enough they'll all be back in my routine.
I love you.

And happy Easter to all of you. By His wounds we are healed.