1. After 31 hours in transit I was home:
After being gone for 10 1/2 months from my family and America, I can't describe to you what it felt like to get off the plane in Cincinnati, run down the hall and see my Mom, Dad, Brother and Sister waiting for me there. I thought it would be super weird to see them, but after about 5 seconds of giving them hugs and saying, "It's so great to see you," It's like I was never away from them. That day we had a great american lunch of grilled hamburgers on red, white and blue plates in my backyard. I finished off my day with the all-American pastime of going to a Red's game in downtown Cincinnati that night. It was so nice to be back in a place where I was now a little person again... I was also shocked at how loud Americans are compared to the quiet nature of Thais.
2. Brookville's Bicentennial
Well, coming from a small town, it's kind of a big deal when your town turns 200. The town set up a month of activities and entertainment for the month of June. It was really fun to be able to come home for this. Even though it was slightly strange to see everyone you ever went to school with all in one spot. But, the big deal was that an 80s has-been band came and played. They shut down main street and Night Ranger played in all of their glory... Needless to say it made for many laughs. I especially grew a new appreciation for my little brother and his humor. He decided to become a fan of Night Ranger just so he could sing their songs at the concert. Oh, the little things that make small towns fun.
3. The Wedding of the Year:
So my good friend Sarah Wilz got married on the 4th of July. I was super pumped for this wedding for a few reasons: One, I love to dance and a reason to dance is a good thing; Two, I had a great green dress to wear; Three, I was informed that there are about 10 single guys who were part of the groom's bible study who were flying in from San Diego -- and they needed someone to dance with. Well, let me just tell you -- it was super fun. At the rehearsal dinner I was asked if I wanted to go to Canada with some of the guys the following week. Since I had been bored most of the summer -- without any hesitation I was like, Yes -- I would love to go. I think they were slightly surprised that I said yes, but thought it would be fun anyway. The next day was the wedding and it was super beautiful. My brother-in-law, Andrew officiated the wedding and he did an amazing job. I danced all night in my green dress and didn't sit out a single dance. The next day we all hung out on the good on Brookville lake, which was super exciting and I had a day full of laughs. After a grill out at my house -- I was on my way with three strangers to Canada.
4. A return to Bloomington, a place where friends are like family:
The day I got back from Canada I was headed off to Bloo
mington to take a week long class for a few credits -- but also it was a great excuse to go to one of my favorite towns in the world.
My nights were filled with great conversations with wonderful old friends -- lots of laughs and just a sweet time to be back in this town that I love so much. That next weekend we had a Young Life leader reunion where all of the leaders of the past few years came back just to spend time together. I realized just how blessed I was to have such quality friends, friends where it didn't matter who walked in the door you were excited to see them. A body of people who just did their part and loved others so well over the entire weekend. Someone would make dinner and others would clean, some would drive boats and other's would ride... some would play guitar and others would sing. It was just so wonderful to be part of this body and share the Lord with these people again. It is fun to see how we have left Bloomington -- but everyone is living right where the Lord has them and serving them on their side of the world. It was such a refreshing weekend.
5. Some quality time with my family:
Even though I had been gone a few weeks over the summer - I was able to spend some AMAZING time with my family. I realized
that my little brother might be one of my favorite people ever in the world. He can make me laugh like no one else can. For example one day driving to church the "Cha-Cha slide" comes on his ipod. So, daniel being the creative boy that he is starts making his car dance -- I just laughed, and laughed. I really appreciated the time that I got to spend with D this summer. I also got to spend some great moments with my sister -- one being present when her and Andrew announced that I would be an Aunt. I never knew that I could be so excited for someone to have a baby. I guess I have never had someone tell me that I would get a new member to my family. It was just another reminder of how hard it is to live abroad and miss once-in-a-lifetime events like the birth of your niece or nephew. I also had some great times with my parents. One night I went out on the Lake with them and we went up to Ainsley's to have some dessert and spend some time on the water. I feel truly blessed to have been given a gift of having a family this amazing. We also got to spend a few days together in Nashville for a family reunion before I headed off to California...
6. Back in the Land of smiles:
It has been such a treat to be back in this town. I never would have guessed that I could have two homes on opposite sides of the world. My friend picked me up at the airport with a huge hug and lots of things to fill me in about of what happened over the summer. I found out that different restaurants around town would ask Kelly where I was and if I was coming back. They even remembered my special orders and name. It has been so wonderful to be back with my friends who are like family here, since mine are so far away. Going back into school was also a treat to see this community of people who loved you and missed you. It has been busy getting my classroom set up -- so busy in fact that I haven't been jet lagged. But I have not been too busy to have fun. We already took a camping trip up to Doi Intanthon -- the tallest mountain in Thailand.
Somedays I just have to stop myself and thank the Lord for this amazing adventure... thank you for reading, I love to share what he has done and how good he is daily.
1 comment:
I wondered when you'd get your blog updated. It was a perfect summer! Love, Mom
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