Preparation

        The last night in Switzerland while lying in a hotel bed in Zurich and knowing I had to wake up at 4:00 to go the airport, my mind began to run on overtime and kept me from the few hours of anticipated sleep. Instead of trying to shut out the loud sounds of the bar downstairs, I began to think and pray through some mental preparations for Spain. People have asked me, "so, are you ready for Spain? Are you nervous for anything? Have you been preparing?" I wonder, what does it mean to prepare? To ready myself for the unknown? Originally I thought it would be to catalogue my expectations, my nervousness, my excitement, my questions, or my fears. But then I mentally rewind. I would rather not have my mind filled with expectations. Expectations are limiting; they either form boxes so only certain information, experiences, and observations can penetrate and fit into my preconceived notions, or they create unreachable ideals.
        Everyday we all enter into the unknown of the day, yet so often our unknown is buffeted by illusions of control through routine, habit, and schedule. In our plans and assuredness of our control, we forget that each day is not held by us but rather by the hands of the Sovereign. It is in these times, though, when about to venture into a new place or a new season that the idea of preparation is highlighted. So here I am, attempting to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for four months in another country around the world, learning a new language, not knowing anyone. I think rather than lists made in my head or checklists of expectations, preparing looks like surrender; conscious and intentional surrender. I choose to surrender this time, these coming experiences to Jesus; He is the only one that holds the control, the only one for whom I want to glorify and grow into during these coming months. I wonder, is this call to surrender in the unknown one for everyday rather than just for big changes like me going to Spain?

Hello Germany, Goodbye Switzerland

I've been traveling through Germany, Austria and Switzerland with my parents before Spain and it has been wonderful! We haven't had much internet so I'm going to give a picture summary of our trip. The beauty is stunning. So many times I've almost thought to pinch myself to make sure it is real and I am not lost in my own imagination or a fairy tale. 

I wrote this after we went and visited Dachau concentration camp in Germany and then we went to Salzburg, Austria. We haven't had internet so when I say "today..." it actually was earlier this trip. 

Today I witnessed death.

In the morning I witnessed death in shame-life taken inhumanely-stripped away almost as if the devil himself devised the way. In fire and smoke, reeking of burning flesh and disintegrating bones; lives lost with memories flying away on the winds of ash, neither valued nor remembered. It was death witnessed in tears and bile and gray, wondering where was God in this? Did His tears run out as the stench of His chosen rose up to Him seeming to be naught an aroma of sacrifice nor of a willing martyrdom. I could almost hear the screams and wails of thousands, of millions as blood hit the sky but dark ash concealed it. Death. Shame. Disgust. Dachau.

In the afternoon I witnessed death to be celebrated, life complete. Ancient gates guarded prized humanity in curved designs with pristine locks saying, “You shall not enter here to disturb the rest of these valued individuals” Bordered by bright flowers in pinks, reds, purples, blues, yellows-a myriad of life, highlighting the beauty of death as a final resting place. Just beyond the sanctuary following a cobble stone path littered with weeping willows and oaks in the sunlight. Caught in the shadows of grand spires reaching to the heavens, cathedrals catching the presence of God. Did He have tears for these ones? Tears of joy or celebration? Death. Celebration. The Catacombs of St. Peter, Salzburg.

What is life but a passing shadow, a vapor yet gone? What is death but a meeting place with the Almighty?

We went on the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg and learned all the facts about the movie and the accurate information about the Von Trapp family. 

We went to the famous Disney Land castle, called the Neuschwanstein Castle, in Germany. It was magnificent! It definitely stimulated my creative, story writing mind as we walked through the large painted caverns. Though it was expensive and the tour was less than informative, we learned more about the castle listening to some history podcasts in the car leaving the castle.

We left Germany and went to Switzerland. One of my new favorite places in life. It was so beautiful, we couldn't stop using expressions such as, "unbelievable, so great, amazing, incredible, I just can't believe this..." and yet none of them ever got old because they were all so sincere. We spent our time eating chocolate and cheese and hiking through the Alps. I've decided one of my new favorite things in life is trail running through the Swiss Alps, it doesn't get much better than running with Jesus through these peaks to the sound of cowbells. 

My Dad and I went hang gliding in the valley over Lauterbrunnen. It was crazy! You are flying over 3000 feet from the ground and gliding right next to cliffs. 

This is the highest railroad station in Europe. You take a train up to 11,332 feet on the Jungfrau  mountain, Switzerland's highpoint. From the top you can see amazing views of all the high peaks including the Eiger. 

My dad and I went hiking a route that takes you on the side of cliffs and crossing canyons on cables and a huge suspension bridge clipped in to cables the whole time. While there we met this base jumper. We were able to talk to him for a while and watch him jump! He had jumped from the top of the Eiger's  famous North face the day before, which is a 5,900 foot cliff. I asked him if he was scared of anything. He responded, "Of course, I'm scared out of my mind now. If I wasn't so scared I wouldn't jump." An interesting thought, is this true for other aspects of life, I wondered as I watched him fly away unattached to anything.  

So goodbye Switzerland, for now....I'm now saying goodbye to my parents. It was wonderful to spend time with them and what a great trip we had! And on to Spain! 

It Begins...

Hello!                                                                  
       I have never blogged before for reals, where people read it and such, so this could be interesting. I'm a little nervous. But here I am, across the world right now and this is a primary way that I can stay connected to people I love, or rather them to me. It will be a lot of trial and error with this at first. I'm trying this new thing in life where I try to not let the fear of failing or being 'good enough' keep me from trying new things in the creative realm. I'm a person who likes feedback and responses from people, so as I write and as you read please respond. I would love to hear your thoughts, questions, comments, concerns, and experiences! If you don't want the world seeing as I often don't you can email me! So here we go, to try out the world of blogging, open journaling in a sense, in an attempt to stay connected to the world while I am on the other side of it :)