Never Stop Learning

My God redeems everything. I love seeing how He weaves the crap that we've made of life into a beautiful tapestry of glory. It's fascinating really when you look for it. And today, I see it once again.

Today I went back to school.

And I was excited about it.

Brief backstory... I went to an amazing high school, but mix the fact that it was a academically rigorous college prep school with highly passionate and demanding professors (all good and appreciated elements when pursuing quality education) with my unhealthy perfectionist drive and fear of being a disappointment (to ....anyone) and after four years of overachieving you're left with....not much. My English teacher got it right when she said, "You are all wound up so tightly, you're just going to SNAP!" Yeaaahh, balance is a good thing. And giving yourself permission to relax and not "do it all" is good. Even though I was running on fumes after graduation I decided to still go on to college. I knew if I took a break it would be next to impossible to make myself go back. So I started university already "done" with school but in order to eek out a little more motivation I promise myself to finish in three years, which I did...with two majors. I mean if I'm going to it, I want to do it well... or at least more, cuz "more" = "well" right? Meh, may still have some of that "perfectionist thing" to work out. 

So yeah, with all that junk, it was super exciting to be done with school though I knew at some point I would go back. There's always the Masters or PhD or something. At heart, I am a student. I love learning. I love discovering new things. I want to know everything. And today, I got to experience something new.

Obviously, as a tourist in Europe I am not enrolled in a study program at the moment (though some friends along the way have strongly encouraged/tempted me to consider doing just that), but my friend, Malte, is currently studying European Health at the University of Maastricht and because we didn't have any touristy plans today, he invited me to sit in on the lecture of the day. So yes, I voluntarily woke up early on my holiday to go to school and sit in on a two hour lecture. #nerdalert 

Today's topic: Values in the European Healthcare Systems. The professor is an ethicist and challenged the class to really consider: what are values? how are value systems established? are healthcare value systems universal? and do different systems/countries value similar or different things?

It gets my brain spinning. What do we value? And how is that different from what I feel we should value? Because we can spend all day writing policy and creating affluent sounding values but until there is action behind them they still aren't really a part of our culture.

While assessing the four values the European Commission has decided should be at the crux of the EU healthcare system one finds them great on paper but incredibly empty without implementation. This happens in more than just the healthcare sector; there are some truly innovative ideas and beneficial policies but without the proper implementation it all falls flat...and sometimes (sadly) makes more of a mess than there was to start.

So, see a problem and have a solution? Or have a great idea that will make something better? Great. Please, don't just stand on a mountain and preach it, sending those inspirational words over the edge without a parachute. Instead, go build a team and sweat it out together. Take the dream and give it wings. Words demand action, and we need each other.

Carpe diem.

Guten Tag

Don't worry, Mom, we are not starving.

Staying with friends is the whole point of this trip and has been incredible thus far. Everyone has blessed us so much and one consequence of that is that there is a definite non-lack of food. lol. We might just stay here for the food. European cheese. I mean that's really all I should have to say, but there's the bread, and gelato, and just.... everything!!!! 

A couple days ago we were surprised by a SOM friend we weren't expecting to see and she so graciously took us around on Thursday which meant visiting the Ritter Sport chocolate factory. They have an exhibition where you can learn about their chocolate-making processes and the history of the company. And of course there is a gift shop downstairs. At first I was thinking it was like other specialty shops where it would be more expensive than your neighborhood Müller shop, but we were corrected. This was more of an outlet and they even had broken or tester products for even cheaper. Aaaahhhh, what is a chocolate-loving tourist to do when there is limited luggage weight and space?!?!?!!!! Ok, fine I'll just get the ones that look good to me. Haha, it was ridiculous, but I got to the counter and the lady said it was 5.22euros. Whhaaaaaa?! OMG, wait a second, I think I must buy more. Just kidding, I really don't have that much space in my case, but wow, what a deal. Next time I think I'll leave the clothes at home so I can fill my bags with goodies. I guess that's what real/smart tourists do but w/e. Some of my clothes may not be making the return trip. Either that our my backpack will weigh 100lbs. Probably the latter.

So yeah, it's been a delicious trip. Everyone, travel to Europe at some point, it's amazing and not just for the food. The culture and the beauty and seeing Roman things everywhere; it's all fantastic...and typically, all really old. 

Today we're going to explore a bit more nature, the oldest and newest art piece of all. And it's my favorite. :)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Spanish Siesta...It's a real thing

I'm pretty sure that I have slept more in Spain this past week and a half than a Grizzly bear in hibernation. It has been lovely. 

Our bodies are amazing and take a lot of abuse through the daily living and stress of lo que sea*. I hope that mine has accepted my apology and has recuperated at least a smidge over our stay in beautiful España. It's also my wish that I learn to be nicer to it whenever routine stress returns to my life**.

May we just talk about how 'time' can look soooo different depending on the country/culture/etc.?! Ohmigoodness. Of course I remember the schedule differences from that last time I was here but that was for two months so I more or less adapted. This stint was just a week and a half so I didn't feel like we assimilated entirely.

Here's the timeline...
Most people do have jobs/school/lo que sea* so some do leave the house at 6/7/8/9 etc. There's breakfast if they take it then. Lunch is not til 2:30 or 3 so if you're the Sevillanos that tourists see on the streets you'll take una tostada y cafe at a corner bar around 11 or so. If not, I have no idea how you last that long. Kristen and I didn't wake up til 10 most days so we had breakfast then ;) a simple toast or cereal. By lunch time, though I was pretty hungry. Dinner is not til 8:30/9pm sooo....yeah. Here's where the classic 'siesta' comes in because 3-5pm is the hottest part of the day, so take a rest. Also, most of the small shops close during this time so there's no point to be out.*** Some do partake in another coffee and/or tapas to tide them over til dinner but there's really no 'rule' for this. Like I mentioned, dinner is late and they like it this way. I've had la cena at 10pm or later (last night we had a multi-course dinner that lasted well past 12am!). Mi mama española says it's not good to go to bed on an empty stomach so why would you do it any other way? I, on the other hand, find it's hard to go to bed early when you eat so late. lol.

All in all, I'm a tourist (as much as I try NOT to look like one!) and I love encountering and living amongst different cultures. Even the stretching parts are good for you.

Kristen and I are coming away from this pequeño viaje**** with a new family, lots of recipes to try, and a wedding invite to come back next year! I wasn't sure how my rusty Spanish skills were going to fare but I was really impressed that they were fine. I won't say 'spectacular' but they were 'fine'...what I call "survival Spanish". It was definitely good practice. Our family was easy to understand and very patient and willing to teach; all of which was helpful and appreciated. Other locals on the other hand....haha. Languages are hard, ya know! Won't it be nice when we all speak the same one again? :)

Well, it's time to pack again. Buena noche!

Paz y Amor.

*In English = whatever
**Cuz I'm believing God has an amazing plan for my life that includes a great job when I get back to the States as I will need to generate income otra vez/again.
***Unless you're a tourist of course and this schedule doesn't necessarily apply to you, or if you're like I and you want to squeeze every bit out of your trip as you possibly can, then at least find a park and sit in the shade for awhile and enjoy Heaven on Earth in the form of palm tree gazing.
****In English = little trip 

Bienvenido a Espana!

Welcome to Spain! After three flights in one day from Belfast to London to Lisbon to Seville plus the last one being delayed and miscommunication on the pick up, I made it! My hosts are amazing - it's a long story but I didn't know them prior to this and they have so graciously welcomed me into their home at the request of some of our fabulous mutual friends. Yesterday morning they asked if I wanted coffee and figuring I'd take a risk that they didn't use the same instant coffee that is quite prevalent in the UK, I said yes. Not only was it real coffee but they topped it with hot frothy milk and cinnamon. omg. I was so excited. I have been feeling that this visit to Sevilla will be redemptive in some ways; the people are different, I'll be touring with my best friend, I don't have to take classes or work, we're staying with awesome Christians, aannnnddd this go-round I actually like coffee and can truly enjoy when they offer me fresh coffee with hot, steamed milk! Yes, totally redemptive. Thank you, Jesus.

One thing I have been learning (through experience for sure) the past couple weeks is true hospitality. Wowzers, have we been blessed by incredible people opening up their homes with no complaint and being so accommodating to their American tourist boarders. They have made sure we've seen, tasted, and experienced what makes their corner of the world special and unique, and above all have made us feel welcome and loved. I'm amazed and now deeply convicted regarding my apparent lack of hospitality skills. My apologies to all my friends who have stayed with me! Next time I promise to be much better.

Cheers!

Life with Humans

Interesting the power of words, yeah? Be careful, little mouths, what you say. Words have power and even muttered ones are heard. When I was finishing up my time in Spain, I voiced that I never wanted to travel by myself again. My time there was great in so many ways, some hard to explain, but it was also extremely difficult mainly going about on my own. 

Then I start planning this venture and while most of my stops are with people I know and love the traveling bit was going to be by myself, which when noticed I wondered why I was putting myself through that again. Buuuuuttt, then Mom joined two weeks of my trip and Kristen is about to jump on the last part. Yay, God! Thank you for listening to my mutters and for orchestrating traveling companions when I didn't even ask! He knows us better than we know ourselves. And people are a good thing to have around. :)

Which brings us to now. Because of schedules I have a couple days to myself... not too bad in the grand scheme, and being a cautious (when traveling) introvert (when not around those I already know) I was curious to know how things were going to play out aka how bored of myself I was going to get.

My first stop in Belfast (after dropping the luggage) was the City Hall where there was a quote from Bill Clinton and many by the city itself touting how friendly and warm the people of Belfast are. At the end of a guided tour of the Hall, the amusing chap leading the group said that if we had a lousy time in Belfast it was all our fault because the people are friendly and grand. lol. I found all this especially interesting because as I was first walking about - and trying to exercise my discernment gift - I felt like the city was a little drab, as if there was a slight heaviness hanging about. 

So what were my findings? Well! Let me tell you this has been one of the most interactive days I've had with locals (that I didn't already know) that I think I've ever had. *cue applause please* Now that might not be saying much for some, but as mentioned before I'm a rather introverted traveler... quite unlike my mother who will chat to anyone. Crazy, if you know her but it's true, but for another time. :)

Encounter 1: Walking around the City Hall I was snapping pictures like a good tourist with a camera does and I see another camera toting pedestrian. I'm expecting a nice head nod of recognition between photographers but instead he stops me and asks if I'm a tourist. How could you tell?! lol. Of course I said yes and he said he was with "Humans of Belfast" quite like "Humans of New York" which is huge (if you don't know it, go look it up and be amazed again at God's diverse creation), but in Northern Ireland. Anyway, I went with it and we chatted and he finally asked what advice I'd give to the world. "When it gets down to it, it's all about people. Take time just to be and don't find your identity in what you do. It's about being who you are. It's hard but we need to learn to give ourselves the permission to just sit. Be with people, and be yourself." 

So be on the lookout, I may just get famous by getting posted on "Humans of Belfast" courtesy of Alastair. haha

Encounter 2: Wandering around and figuring out if there were any streets more enticing than another I saw a church that had nice architecture so I headed that way. I pass a security guard in front of a drive and he gives the standard, "Hello" of Northern Ireland - because not many people do the head nod here. They actually greet you. Crazy, this thing called manners! - but then he starts asking all these questions. Touring? Yes. Where from? The States. Oh, my cousin owns a lot of land in New York and is a millionaire and held office. Have you visited? Yeah, and he owns a horse ranch, and my other cousin lives in California and ..... Have a great trip! 

Fabulous chap. When I passed he was singing to himself. Glad I could give him someone to talk to if only briefly.

Encounter 3: I walked to the TItanic Quarter and saw the Nomadic (fitting name for me to see) and then was going to check the times to the TItanic museum but got stopped by a guy who asked if I was a tourist and if I would help him with a survey. Suuuuurre, what else do I have going on? Humorously, it was mainly about shopping, of which Belfast has a lot, but also of which I have not partaken of, nor do I have the inclination or means to do so. Whenever I do surveys like this I always feel like I'm screwing the results cuz I'm not quite like the "typical" population, whatever that is. But aside from the survey we had a nice chat about America (he's been to 30 states), its enormity, and travel in general. He grew up going to Virginia Beach about every year and likes the East Coast, but his upcoming honeymoon will be a two week venture throughout California. 

I'm about to start feeling like I host "Humans of Belfast".

Encounter 4: Heading back to town, I stop at The Dock Cafe, which is one of those that doesn't have prices and you just drop what you think you ought to pay in the "honesty box". The lovely lady we stayed with in Castlerock this week told us about the minister that started the cafe and said I should pop in if I got the chance. I asked for a coffee, a nice cup of Ethiopian drip coffee, a beautiful not-from-granules cup of coffee. Praise Jesus! It was delicious. I grabbed a chair and noticed some flyers about their "chat with someone" program and the lady at the table across had a name badge. Their slogan was "don't sit alone" and while I didn't need to talk about suicide or abuse which is totally optional I figured I'd take her up on the offer. I asked if she was a "chatter" (lol) and we had a wee chat about the place and my travel and how she got involved with The Dock etc. Though I only learned a little of Miss Diane's story I know she is an admirable woman, one that I'd love to learn from. She also introduced me to a few others in the cafe and I learned about a market going on tomorrow I think I'll check out.

Each encounter was a nice interruption to my endless walking and left me with a smile on my face. Just talking with people! Life is about others, and others are what makes it fun, worthwhile, and exciting. Thus, I have concluded I must agree with the City Hall of Belfast and Mr. Bill Clinton that the people of Belfast are some of the friendliest around. 

Cheers!

God loves me and I love the sunshine

Planning a trip to England I did realize it would be rather futile and foolish to think there could be even a possibility of a chance of not seeing rain. I therefore planned accordingly, or as much as one can having never visited the climate. I packed an umbrella, a poncho (should I decide to completely not care about looking like a tourist), and a raincoat. I also thanked God for the amazing weather that I was going to have whilst touring Britannia.

While I/we have definitely seen rain during the past three weeks including an entire day of getting wet in Edinburgh, God has really blessed me/us with incredible weather. On more than one occasion at the start of my trip I was told, "This is really amazing. You are seeing great weather. It's typically not like this at all!" Cardiff was sunny and warm. Bath was overcast but not rainy. Caerleon was the same but also gorgeous. I saw one ominous cloud in Abergavenny but it quickly passed over the sun and was gone. Winchester was lovely and Newcastle too. Our first day in Edinburgh was perfect though slightly on the chilly side and the second was cold and wet. There was another day of rain in the mix of all that but I think my memory has suppressed that. And today though it was raining as we were driving from Belfast to our current spot, it cleared up into a radiant sky with only the happy white clouds. Incredible. 

I.Love.Sunshine.

When in Rome...

So, I'm not in Rome, but I am in what was once a Roman fortress, Caerleon. Walking around town you literally run into ruins of the ancient baths, the amphitheater, one set of the barracks, and of course, the wall. At the amphitheater I read that every year they celebrated the birthday of the legion which just so happens to be September 23. That would be today. Crazy. To think that several hundred years ago I would be amongst a throng of people cheering at a killing match as sport. Don't know how I feel about that...

There is so much history here it's enough to blow my mind. I find it fascinating, though sadly it's not all sticking. One of my fabulous hosts is a real history buff and Welsh to the core taking pride (which isn't a strong enough word) in learning and sharing all about the history of the town, country, and everyone tied to it. 

Wales is beautiful. That is what I've learned. It's history. It's nature. It's life.

Historic Thoughts

Why hellloooooo... I think I'm having a hard time remembering or realizing quite where I am. I'm American; we've read since "History" was added to the course requirements in elementary school about the course of civilization (and how we came to live where we do) from Mesopotamia to Rome to Europe, and then finnnaally contained in the blip at the end of the line, to America. It is incredible the amount of history that has taken place in any part of Europe that has then impacted the rest of the world. I walk past buildings older than my nation - these fortunate and delightful people LIVE with such history right next to them. The juxtaposition of old and new living in harmony is something that makes my heart so happy. It makes my imagination whir thinking about those that came before and walked these same streets and did this or that and simply lived life even as I am right now.

Will those after us contemplate our existence as well? Will there be museums about us; monuments at our birthplace, childhood home, and/or death house; or festivals celebrating how we added flavor and meaning to our culture? Perhaps we won't be as well known and adored as Jane Austin or Abraham Lincoln, but our lives are not insignificant. Tonight my friends and I watched Meet The Robinsons, a funny and cute animated movie about the power of family and the importance found in the motto "Keep Moving Forward". May we always remember to support the ones we love and always keep moving forward knowing that we can make a difference in the lives we touch everyday. You never know how the effect may snowball and change the course of history. Maybe another young (or old, we don't have to be biased here) traveler will be walking down a street one day with your name on it. :)

Peace.

Check-in Accomplished

I feel the new chapter is beginning but I think I'm still wading through the preface at the moment. After a mad-dash clean of the house tomorrow and stuffing everything in my bags I should be able to catch a breath as I sink in the airplane seat that will be my resting place while drifting over the Atlantic. *breathe* Stay tuned.

"God works all things for the good..."

Let the adventure begin. 

#WilcoxOdysseys

Purpose Regained

So this blog began because I was going to a another country for five months and because calling wasn't so convenient and Mother still wanted to keep taps, I wrote updates here. Lots of travel and I feel I did a decent job updating. :) Now I'm bringing back the purpose of this blog: travel updates and excited life happenings with some introspective musings speckled in there. lol. My favorite-person-ever assured me that she would follow and read it. So, Katrina, this is for you. :)

After Toronto I moved elsewhere in the States and kind of fell off the wagon of writing though I still felt like I was on some sort of venture. I found it a lot more difficult writing about every day life as it became more an more routine (aka boring or not much to write home about). The thing is I still travel. I love travel. I love going places. I love exploring and seeing new things and learning new things. Staying in one place for an extended period of time makes me antsy. For awhile there, when I was going through a more than stressful time, traveling was one of the things that saved me and kept me sane.

Don't know where I've been all this year. While I haven't matched Kristen who will have successfully traveled out of state in all 12 months of the year, I have logged a couple miles. Some of my co-workers have noticed how often I jet out of town, but for me it's life. It's breath. It's healthy.

January I made my first trek out to Arizona and about fell in love. I was honored to stand in a good friend's wedding and doubly blessed to get to sightsee while out there. We went to the Hoover Dam, Vegas (!!!), the Grand Canyon, and Sedona. All so different and so gorgeous. Can't wait for more extended trips to all of those places.

February my current roommate (Erica) and I drove down to Charleston to visit my previous roommate and I think it was actually sunny for me this time even if it was cold. 

March I went to New Orleans with Erica which was one of the best vacations I think I've had in a long time. The city was fun and the company was awesome. We met up with her family and I can't tell you the last "family vacation" I've had. It felt so good to be included like that and truly be able to relax and feel taken care of like a daughter. I definitely still miss that.

Skip April. In May I met up with my fantastic Nashville friend in Asheville - my first time there. Driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway was quite lovely. I love being in the midst of God's incredible creation. He takes my breath away every time. We also made a girls' beach trip in May - beach and mountains in the same month, not bad, eh? ;)

In June Mom came down to see us which was lovely and gave us an excuse to further explore the cool things in our own backyard of Raleigh. 

July we drove over to Nashville for the grandmother's 90th birthday celebration and Fourth of July. Later on we went to Charlotte for a couple days for my birthday which included a rainy day at Carowinds park, delicious (and freshly made!) pasta at Vapiano's, and a visit to IKEA where the only thing I could find use for was the chocolate. haha

August we had a stay-cation at a local hotel for Kristen's birthday (there are some perks to working in hospitality).

September I just made a trip up to Indy. Man, that drive makes my neck stiff! I wasn't too booked up this time and I really enjoyed being there. It helped that there was awesome weather, my mom's amazing, my nieces are the cutest, and I was there for a friend's wedding. Made me love my 'home' a little bit more and glad that's where I'm from.

And noooowww in 5 short day I will get to board my first plane since March and jet across the Pond for the first time since 2011. I.Am.So.Excited. It's been almost 4 years since I've seen the forever friends I made while in Toronto and now I have the opportunity to bounce between several of them, catch up, and see some sights in the process. 

To round out the year...October, November, and (a smidgen of) December I will be in EUROPE!!!! It's kind of crazy how the trip has expanded. It began as just a trip to England; it's always been my dream to tramp across the face of the Motherland and soak it all in (no pun intended). But then I kept thinking of other friends around and thinking, "Well, if I'm in Europe, it's not that far to 'X'. It would be silly not to go there for at least a little while I'm over here." Thus we now have a 2.5 month trip winding back and forth between 8 different countries. Nine or ten if you count the airports where we have to catch a connecting flight. ha

More than a dream trip come true I feel this venture is significant. Not sure what will come of it but I'm up for crazy surprises from Daddy God. Healing perhaps. Relaxation. Embracing the care-free life. Deep relationships. These are what I hope for. Mom is joining for 2 weeks and Kristen for about 6 which is another exciting thing as we've never done international travel together. Now maybe I should go work on packing...

Peace.

And welcome back. :)

Constant

"'I am the Lord and I do not change.'" Malachi 3:6
"'I have always loved you,' says the Lord." Malachi 1:2

"Why do you continue to doubt your worth, your value and significance?
Don't you believe me when I say, 'I love you. You're mine. You're beautiful and priceless?'
Do you doubt that I've always loved you? That I never change?
I AM the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The same love that compelled me to create you is the breath that sustains you.
Let's deal with this root of self unlove - dig it up and burn it.
You are worth more than this toil. Victory is yours."

Just stop

No battle is won through comparison and competition.

Let's stop judging ourselves for not looking/preforming/succeeding/living like someone else. 

I Need You

You are calm when my heart's a'storm
You are steady as I teeter on the edge
You are the Rock, my immovable strength
With you nothing is impossible

Your love flows on the breeze
Your joy coming back to me
I lift my eyes to the hills
And this puddle of misery
Falls out of view

In the morning I will rise and call you blessed
In my next breath I will call myself the same

Matthew 6

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God[d] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Untitled

Let's surrender, lay down, and give up, shall we?
   all the sentiments and considerations
       of self-loathing, contempt, and slavery.
Depress, repress, expel
   every poisonous thought
       that plagues your mind and steals your joy.

Be free, oh, soul, of your many constraints
   Shine your light, dance in the sun, embrace the moon
       Breathe not the stale air of your prison any longer

Fall down, collapse on the Rock
   He will crush you; you will shatter
       You will break...but aren't we broken already?
Awaking, you will find His breath in your lungs
   your chains are dust at your feet
   and you mind clear of the crowding, competing, noisy thoughts
        that shackled you to the fog of paralyzing depression

So be free, oh, soul, of your many constraints
    Shine your light, dance in the sun, embrace the moon
        Breath not the stale air of your prison any longer

Lift, elevate, raise up your eyes
    Up to the mountains, see your Savior
    Hear His song cascading into your valley of hopelessness.