Years Go By

It's been almost a year since I've posted!  I'm pretty busy teaching English and organizing events for students and locals. I love my job and my students. While living in the Middle East certainly comes with a unique set of challenges, its a wonderful chapter in my life.

In addition to working and teaching and organizing and planning things, I've also gotten to do some fun traveling! For purposes of visa runs (to renew/get new visas to live and work in my country) and R&R, I've gotten to do some fun things in the past year! Here are some highlights:

Shenanigans on a working vacation in Kurdistan.

Snow in the desert! Christmas trip to Jordan.

Christmas 2013 with friends in Jordan.

New Years trip to Zurich, Switzerland.

Zurich. January 2014.

Vacation in the UAE. April 2014. This is the Burj al Arab in Dubai.

The view from the top of the Burj Khalifa - the world's tallest building. Dubai.

Dad met me in the Emirates. He's riding a camel! Abu Dhabi.

(We also visited Ferrari World and toured Yas Marina Circuit while we were in Abu Dhabi!)

Roman ruins in Amman. April 2014.

View from the top of Mount Nebo. Jordan. June 2014.

Floating in the Dead Sea. June 2014.

At the Parthenon. Athens, Greece. June 2014.

Family time! Back in America for July, 2014.

Visited friends in SF! July 2014.

Relaxing week in Gulf Shores, AL with the family. July 2014.

Now I'm back in the Middle East! This was a sampling of a hot week in August 2014. 

Hopefully I'll post again soon! My contract for this job ends June 2015. Stay tuned for the next adventures in my crazy, adventurous, passionate, fun life!

Maybe one day I'll figure out how to link this page to social media... for now, you can follow me on Instagram @rebekah413 and Twitter @rebekahmeahl ... I post nearly every day!

Funny Stuff

Living and working overseas gives new perspective into humor. What's funny in America isn't funny here; what's funny here wouldn't always be considered humorous in the U.S. As for me, (a person who likes to laugh and easily cracks herself up) I've found plenty of reasons to laugh. Here are a few short recollections I've had in my first 50 days abroad:

1) I like it when students give me answers on tests that they assume are completely legitimate... but aren't anywhere in the realm of correctness. Here is one of my favorites: My final exam has a bonus question about the American holiday Thanksgiving. The bonus is to "name the American holiday that we celebrate by eating roast turkey"... The best (incorrect) answer yet is when a female student wrote: my wedding day.

I had so many questions after reading this answer! Is your wedding day a holiday in America? Did you/will you eat turkey on your wedding day?

2) Living and working in the same "bubble" as a handful of other people can make for some insane moments. We have decided that if there were a camera crew following us around, we'd have a top-rated reality show (or even sitcom) in the U.S. Seriously. I kid you not. You ALL would watch these train wreck moments. One of the funny things you'd all enjoy watching is the mess I made while baking a cake one afternoon. I had flour and batter everywhere. Different people kept walking into the kitchen and just laughing and shaking their head at me. If there were cameras to show HOW I clumsily made such a mess, much laughter would ensue. 

3) Working within a culture that most of the world sees as a threat (while in actuality, they are kind, funny, friendly and hospitable) has given me a unique point of view. Sometimes I see the irony and injustice in a humorous light. We had our students watch The Princess Diaries at a movie event to practice listening and then discussing (all in English). In a room full of mostly men, (in a culture that most of the world views warily) these guys absolutely CRACKED UP and howled with laughter at this movie! I loved it. I enjoyed it. And it was a breath of fresh air as I laughed along with them. Sitting in the middle of one of the most dangerous places in the world right now, we watched a silly, heartwarming movie and we laughed together. It was cathartic.

As you can see, I'm certainly enjoying my time here so far. I'm learning. I'm living. I'm growing. And hopefully I'm making a difference in my teeny part of the world.

Perspective

It's funny how one's perspective will change when removed from their normal surroundings, culture, and circumstances. I've lived outside of America for one month. That's it. A short month. Most would assume that it's no huge deal to "survive" for a month in another country, culture, and surrounded by a different religion. If you've never done it, maybe you should try it.

I've moved to two different homes in the last 28 days. I've eaten more chicken than I previously thought humanly possible, yet I haven't entirely grown tired of it. My home country has threatened to attack a country; the country I currently reside in would feel huge repercussions from any sort of attack. Because of this, I'm sometimes surrounded by tension so thick it could be cut with a knife.

I started taking classes in the local language. I cannot make some of the sounds that are necessary to speak it. Today in class, I felt like I was going to choke on my tongue if I continued to try to pronounce certain words. (It was really quite humorous!)

The name of the game... wait. This has progressed beyond fun and games. Let me rephrase... The way to handle life is to be FLEXIBLE. Be prepared for CHANGE. I have to remind myself that being fluid and "going with the flow" is not only necessary, but it's the only way to stay sane in the situation I live in. I've had to change my perspective. I have to force myself to do things differently. I've had to entirely overhaul certain parts of my life and lifestyle. And it's OK! I'm doing well. I'm processing these changes (sometimes out loud, or in writing, in the case of this blog post), and its OK. I know the One Who is in control of my life, of the situation I live in, and of the whole universe.

I sleep in peace each night, completely comfortable and resting in the knowledge that LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE. (Pack appropriately.) I think I have what it takes to live out this adventure. You?

**On a different note, I think my next blog post will be a collection of funny and humorous stories I've already collected from my time here. Be prepared to laugh!

Almost One Week

I am six days into my new adventure of living overseas for a year. So far, I have fallen into my new routine of teaching English quickly. My coworkers are great, and my students put forth a lot of effort.

Life in America already seems like its waaaay back in the rear view mirror. I have heard my first explosions. I have seen the atrocities that war and conflict have left behind. Evidence of violence just sits on the side of the road. I cannot watch my favorite sports on a regular basis (because of the time difference, even if I could get the internet to cooperate and stream MLB games, it would be at 2 or 3 am here. And that won't work when I have to get up and teach English class most days during the 9 am hour!) The food is different, and my body is still adjusting to the heat and dirt here.

Yet, I'm loving it. Oh, I am well aware that culture shock could start hitting me any old time it pleases. I'm sure at some point very soon, I'll miss the conveniences that life in America holds. But the people are warm and kind. They are weary from the violence that plagues their area. And while the oppressive sun and heat could be interpreted as an uncomfortable (and even deadly) aspect of life in this region of the world, I choose to see it as Light. A symbol of hope and joy and peace. I want to make a difference. I want to BE different. I AM different. I bear Good News. I bear Truth. I bear Peace. I want to teach to the best of my ability. I want my students to grow and learn in so many ways that far surpass English.

Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self Control.

Changes

I'm horrible at this blogging thing! It's much easier for me to tweet. Micro blogging is apparently more my style. Even so, I will attempt to update this every month or so (at least!) for the next year, as some exciting things will be happening!

At the end of May, I graduated from graduate school! Yay for a shiny new masters degree.

Me with my two best friends at graduation, the Bay and City in the background!

I then drove cross-country from Northern California to Central Florida with another awesome friend! I've spent the summer at home with my family and friend doing fun things and vacationing, enjoying every moment.

A nice photo of my parents, brother and I while vacationing at the beach this summer!

I leave in about a week and a half to start my new job. I'll be moving to another country to teach English and do relief and development work for a year. I'm excited to help others while being adventurous. Several of my passions are combining, and I'm looking forward to what the next year holds! It'll be a learning experience to live in another culture, surrounded by different religions and languages. Hopefully I'll remember to update this blog and keep you all updated! 

Don't forget to check my twitter, too! Lately, my twitter account has been little more than my personal micro sports blog. :-D

Subcultures

32 days. That's all that stands between me and walking across a stage to receive my shiny new masters degree.

While I am greatly looking forward to being done with seminary schoolwork (I still have two lengthy papers to write), I will miss this cool place I've been living. I will miss the San Francisco Bay Area even though I am moving on to another neat adventure in a short time.

The Bay Area is fun. It's interesting. It's a subculture.

But it isn't the only subculture I've been living in. At the moment, I feel like I'm in a subculture within a subculture within a subculture within a subculture within a subculture. Let's see if I can unpack this for those of you who don't know this area.....

I am living in a seminary subculture here at GGBTS.
GGBTS is in the Marin subculture, which is a
subculture of the San Francisco Bay Area,
which is a subculture of California,
which is a subculture of the United States,
and the US is most certainly a subculture of the world.
(even though arguments can be made for the meshing/mashing/merging of cultures within the US because of immigration and travel.)

If I've lost you, I'm sorry. But this area is SO VERY different from anywhere else. (from anywhere else in the whole world.) If you haven't been here, you should come visit the Bay. It's pretty awesome. Be prepared to see different cultures, different views, different scenery, and different people. But enjoy it. See it for what it is.

Live your life, folks. Love God. Love People.

Priorities

Balance. Priorities. The law (in Christian/biblical terms).... These are all ideas and topics that have prompted this post and these thoughts from me today. Forgive me for rambling and throwing random thoughts out. This is not a good sample of my writing skills. :-)

As a seminary student working on a masters degree, I run across a lot of things in life (both in questions from others and in class assignments) that make me think about what priorities I have in life, what priorities I should have in life, and what priorities the Church should have. Along the same lines, what priorities should our culture and country and government have? I'm not sure there is a set answer. For every situation, priorities will change. Positions and directions will change, which defines what gets prioritized. And that's OK. It's fine. That's how life works. BUT... you have to know how to prioritize. I'm still learning. I don't think I'll ever be near perfecting it.

For a class I'm taking this semester at Golden Gate, I had to read In Search of Balance. In the paper I wrote on this book, I noted that I thought I'd learn some amazing new insights. I did not learn anything new and amazing. The book is entirely practical, and I already implement most of the things the author talks about. There is no set recipe or "fix-all" for everyone. It's a process. Life's a process.

A not-so-fun and much talked about topic in Christian circles and definitely in seminary is (dun dun dun) THE LAW. Just some random thoughts I'm going to throw out on this topic: don't make it your priority. "If keeping the law is the basis of relationship, then you have no relationship. You will violate the law." My New Testament professor, Dr. Martin, said this in class this morning as we discussed the law, keeping the law, and that sort of thing. The kind of law-keeping we discussed in class caused arguments, even in Bible times, that got people killed. (Stephen was stoned for things along these lines.) The law condemns everyone, which is why a relationship with Christ is important. Christ overcomes the cranky old law. (Galatians 3:23-29) Having a relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing. (duh) My lesson from this is to not prioritize arguments that don't matter. Following a set of rules isn't what "saves" you or strengthens your relationship to Christ. While there are obviously things you should and shouldn't do, there is no checklist. I'm tired of people acting like they are better and checking off their list.

Soap box time. Along these lines, a blog post has surfaced about the "Southern Baptist" stance on alcohol changing. First of all, I've heard several seminarians make comments about the stance changing. Well, don't get all excited. One comment, by one person, was made about FUTURE moves to take "rules and suggestions" out of recommendations. This hasn't happened yet. (Know the processes, people. Don't get caught in sounding ignorant because you're excited about not being under contract to not drink alcohol.) Also, every Southern Baptist church and entity is autonomous and can (and will) make its own decisions. Then again, you are your own person and have to make your own decisions according to your own conscience anyway. But, this isn't a priority for me. I'm not a fan of alcohol. Getting off my soapbox. That stuff said, I don't think drinking alcohol, in and of itself, is wrong or sinful or bad. I choose not to drink. But that's a personal choice for numerous reasons.

Another thought of something that should be prioritized: loving people. Telling people about the gospel of Jesus Christ. As our seminary president, Dr. Jeff Iorg, has been quoted saying: "Go after people, not places."  If you end up somewhere on the other side of the globe, that's great. If you live in the same town your whole life, that's ok, too. No matter where you are, love the people, and share God's love and saving grace with them.

Live your life. Love God. Love people. Follow Jesus. Those are priorities. Everything else falls into place.

Here. We. GO!

Another semester has started... and it's my LAST ONE in seminary! I am through the first week of my last semester. I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel! It's sure to be a fun-packed, busy semester with my internship, working at starbucks, and classes... not to mention the college ministry I'm helping lead at church!

Also, my favorite SPORTS ARE BACK! The beginning of baseball season is almost upon us! As football season has recently drawn to a close, spring training (for MLB) starts this week! The Daytona 500 is two weeks from today, marking the start of the NASCAR season! *sigh* Sweet springtime. (February is springtime in my mind, with the advent of new, fresh sports seasons.)

To keep up with all that's going on in my life (when I don't have time for new blog posts), keep up with me on Twitter!

Hey, Christians...

FYI, this post will mainly be food for thought for my Christian friends out there...

My mom sent me a link to a neat video by David Barton as he gives part of a tour in the US Capitol. Many of you know that Barton is a US historian and an authority on US Christian history, in particular. He likes to set the record straight on a number of issues that our ever-increasing secular world brings up. If you, like me, enjoy history and are interested in how Christianity played quite a role in United States history, check out this video!

(You can find out more about David Barton's work here. I've heard him speak live on several occasions, and am always thrilled an amazed at new, enlightening info that he shares! It's pretty cool. The guy is SO smart and on top of all sorts of historical, factual things. Warning: a lot of non-Christians and historians don't like the things that Barton teaches. But most of what he presents can't be refuted. Do some thinking, folks!)

Next, in one of my textbooks for the fall semester, I came across a neat quote. It really struck a chord with me, as a Christian. I am a Christ-follower. While there are a million other aspects that make me who I am and define me (like sports and patriotism), I know that my relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important and what makes a real difference. However, I am always running across other Christians (especially within the Seminary bubble) who are so wrapped up in their "holy living" and debate about "Christian things" {my own terms/views used in quotations here} amongst themselves that they forget to live their lives. While theological debates are important in the fact that its imperative you know what you believe and how to defend it, a Christian arguing with another Christian is not going to impact eternity. You're not loving others by arguing, and you're certainly not living or telling the Gospel to a world who desperately needs some Good News. That said, here is the quote that I'd love Christians to meditate on:

"We are a disobedient people. We argue about the definition of worldwide evangelization and we debate the details of eschatology, while we neglect the command of the Word of God to evangelize the world". -George Ladd

I'm not out to point fingers or start a useless debate or argument. These things just made me think and put stuff into perspective. Maybe they will for you, too.

Merry Christmas!

The incredibly busy semester I had is over, I've already traveled home for a week with family (and to celebrate Christmas early with them) and now I'm back in NorCal and hard at work at the "Starbeezeys" (Starbucks) and getting ready for a J-term class in two weeks.

This year I've decided to not let the commercialism and materialism of the season get to me too much. Being in a retail-type job, it rears its ugly head, but I've made a conscious effort this year to not let it get to me in the long run. I know what the season is about... and I've tried to spread that joy. I also have been laughing off those who want to "over-spiritualize" Christmas (for lack of a better term). You know... people who are constantly reminding us that the Christmas tree has pagan roots and all that jazz. I'm not going to argue the point... I don't have time for that. Many of our Christmas traditions have become part of culture, and since culture is dynamic, alive, and always changing, I'll just roll with it. One of my professors, Dr. Gregg Watson, said it best last Christmas when he remarked "Jesus was probably born in the springtime. Then why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th? What about Christmas trees? They have pagan origins. I DON'T CARE! That's not what I'm celebrating. I'm celebrating the birth of Jesus, and giving gifts to the people I love. Put another bulb on the tree!"

As Christmas approached this year, I was struck with a mixture of thoughts. I think a lot about how grateful I am that God thought enough of me (and you) to send His son as a little bundle of joy born in a barn because there was no room made for his parents in a local inn. How humbling! Also, I think of people who don't ever get the opportunity to celebrate this joyous time of year because of oppressive governments and the war torn countries they live in. I think of my trip to teach English in an East Asian country a few years ago at Christmastime. They didn't even get the day off of school. I think of our military friends who are serving overseas and certainly don't get a break from a war- they're away from their loved ones, too, fighting and serving to keep us safe and to protect our freedoms. This Christmas, find a way to count your blessings. Christmas is about joy, about love, about remembering. 

Since I'm posting this on Christmas Eve, I'll post one of my favorite Christmas songs. Check out The Night Before Christmas by Brandon Heath. It brings a tear to my eye almost every time...

So to you and yours, Merry Christmas!! Remember the reason for the season - a baby born in a manger so long ago. It's true. It's real. It really happened. The Christmas story from the Bible is so precious and dear to me... from Luke 2:1-20... you should read it.  :-)

My Hope is in You

Whew! I am just finishing up week three of my new semester. It's gonna be a rough one, by all predictions! I am taking 15 hours of graduate level classes (which equates to about 15 hours of reading and homework per week, too) and working 30 hours a week at Starbucks. While I love my job and coworkers and am enjoying my classes, that's quite a load! So, friends and family, if you don't hear from me very often in the next few months, wait until after December 13. I'll be more available! ;-)

In addition to a super busy schedule, "life" is happening around me. I find myself in a financial bind trying to pay tuition, as well as simple bills like my car payment and rent. (The cost of living here in the Bay Area is astronomical!) Even though I'm keeping my head above water, it's still bringing stress into my life. More important than my (silly) money worry are health issues some of my dear friends are having. I have a friend who is struggling with chronic pain, and another who is dealing with a cancer diagnosis and impending surgery. My grandmother is suffering from dementia (and other old age ailments) and I have several other special people in my life who are dealing with terrible allergies and other sickness. "Life" is hitting others I love, too. My brother is taking 18 hours of coursework at Florida State this semester as he pursues two engineering degrees. I am so very proud of him, and I know he's working hard. That's a lot of stuff to handle!

I say all of this not to be dramatic and sound downtrodden. The Lord is teaching me lately to not focus on the "bad" or hard parts of life. Even when I feel defeated, I am often reminded that I am more than a conqueror! Whether facing death, persecution, sickness, struggles with school or finances or relationships, God is with me! As a Christ follower, I know I will triumph. I will have victory in the end. My Jesus wins! 

I pray that if you are going through a difficult time (whether it's actually difficult, or if you are just having a pity party day like we all need every once in a while), you'll put things into perspective. Take a minute and realign your focus. 

Romans 8:31-39 is an encouragement:
³¹ What then are we to say about these things?
If God is for us, who is against us?
³² He did not even spare His own Son
but offered Him up for us all;
how will He not also with Him grant us everything?
³³ Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect?
God is the One who justifies.
³⁴ Who is the one who condemns?
Christ Jesus is the One who died,
but even more, has been raised;
He also is at the right hand of God
and intercedes for us.
³⁵ Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or persecution
or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
³⁶ As it is written:
Because of You
we are being put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.
³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than victorious
through Him who loved us.
³⁸ For I am persuaded that not even death or life,
angels or rulers,
things present or things to come, hostile powers,
³⁹ height or depth, or any other created thing
will have the power to separate us
from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!
(HCSB)

And if you read a little before that section, there is even more encouragement!

Well, as I close this short post, I have had life put into perspective again. Aaron Shust, an amazing award-winning Christian musician and artist was a guest worship leader at my church (First Baptist San Francisco) this past Sunday. Aaron's got a song called "My Hope is in You" that you may have heard if you listen to Christian radio. I've always liked it when I heard it on the radio or if it would pop up on my Pandora. But when he led us on Sunday singing this, some of the words really hit me. I am going to post a link to the song on YouTube with lyrics. Take a minute and watch and listen if you'd like some encouragement. No cancer, no sickness, no lack of money, no disease, no earthly relationship will keep me from having hope! 

Find the My Hope is in You video here.

Be blessed, friends, and put your hope in Christ alone!

Olympics

The Olympics are back. And like a lot of people, I'm an Olympic addict, and am enjoying watching everything from fencing to table tennis to beach and court volleyball to basketball.

I live on campus here at seminary, so a friend and I hosted an Olympic Opening Ceremony party for our building (and whoever else wanted to join). We strung the lobby in our building with streamers in the colors of the Olympic rings... and the Olympic rings themselves. I even made a replica torch! We plan on leaving these awesome decorations up for the duration of the Games.

Having been close to realizing my own Olympic dream several years ago, it's fun to watch the athletes on team USA compete against the world. So far, I've enjoyed team USA's drive; as a shooting athlete, I'm very proud of Kim Rhode breaking an American medal record in skeet! And we're only a few days into over two weeks of intense competition.

For the next few weeks, my life will consist of the Olympics, major league baseball, and work. (Tonight and Wednesday afternoon I'm headed over to Oakland to see my Rays play the A's.) YAY, sports!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Today is my dad's 57th birthday. Jeff Meahl is the best dad I could ever have dreamed of or asked for. Earlier, I was thinking about all the things that make my dad amazing.

My father taught me to shoot. As you probably know, this led to years and years of competition at the state and national level. He and my mom sacrificed time and money to support me as I competed in shooting sports. My dad was my biggest shooting cheerleader, and he probably remembered more of what my coach told me than I did. 

Dad and I after I won the state air pistol championship in high school

My father taught my to drive a stick shift. In fact, he insisted that I know how to drive a manual before he'd let me get my driver's license. This led to him buying me an '89 Bronco, 4 on the floor, 4x4. I had a love affair with that truck. I cried when we sold it a few years ago....

My father taught me about commitment. He has been married to my wonderful, beautiful mother for 33 years. Not only is he committed to family, he's committed to his friends and clients. When he tells someone something, he means it. When I watch others give up or back out of a commitment or difficult situation, I watch my dad stick with it.

My father has taught me about fun. Sometimes I think my dad's still a teenage boy. He can prank others like a pro, can TP a car like no other, and can build a sandcastle that would make those sand masters on TV jealous!

My father taught me to love sports. (He now admits that my brother, AJ, and I have surpassed him in sporting love and knowledge.) Now I'm a Major League Baseball addict, a Florida State girl who loves the sound of a finely tuned F1 car and the roar of a NASCAR field taking the green. Hardly a day goes by when I don't watch SportsCenter. And the Olympics.... well, let's just call that a fetish. (We'll reserve another post for that.)

Dad ready for a Rays game! He knows what's important!

My father taught me to enjoy life- to sing "Song of the South" loud and proud... and to not leave out "Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth". ;-) He taught me to respect and love history. (Yep, we're the only family I know of that spent a month on vacation traipsing through Civil War battlefields. And enjoying it.) {Sidenote: it was actually the War between the States, not a Civil War, my dad would tell you [and he's correct]. But for all of you who know it by that name, I included the PC name.} Which leads me to another thing: my dad taught me to always be aware. Be aware of politics, be involved, know what you believe and what you want and what you're willing to stand for. But to be careful of what you want to define you.

My dad taught me to serve others. My dad serves others. Almost to a fault. I won't go into detail, because a lot of what he does is in confidence. Whether a little help is needed by someone else in our church body, or whether a nation needs help healing (such as rebuilding in Thailand after the devastating tsunami), my dad will be there. He taught children's Sunday school for years and now he's a huge part of the leadership for the youth group at church. Countless people look up to him and see him as a role model and confidant.

My dad taught me to love food. I still clearly remember my dad telling me when I was small that sugar wouldn't hurt me; that it was, in fact, good for me! Momma still rolls her eyes and sighs at the retelling of that story. He taught me to appreciate meat and to grill burgers, steaks, ribs, pork chops and chicken. 

My dad is a man's man. He can fix a truck, sew a shirt, bake cookies, and gather eggs from his chickens. I've witnessed all of it. He's the hardest worker I've ever known.

Most importantly, Daddy taught me to love God and love people. Those are the things that define a life. They define my dad's life, and I hope and pray that they define my life, too.

Proverbs 22:6 says to teach a child the way they should go, and when they grow up, they won't depart from it. I know that my parents taught me the way I should go. I hope I'm making them proud.

There's so much more I could say. I love you, Daddy! Have an extraordinary birthday. Wish I were home to celebrate with you!

Sweet Summertime

After another long semester of classes and working, I am mid-summer break! My family (Mom, Dad, Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Jim) came out for a week and a half of vacation from the east coast at the end of June, and we did a lot of sightseeing and had lots of fun! I'm enjoying not having classes or homework to worry about, as I decided not to take any summer classes.

My biggest summer love, sports, is taking up most of the time I'm not working. Summer brings all the best events each year, like Wimbledon, the Tour de France, and the boys of summer playing baseball. I'm looking forward to the All-Star break and the ESPYs next week. BUT, the biggest of all events, the summer Olympics, is right around the corner. Many of you know about my obsession with the Olympics, and this summer is no different. I'll be hosting an Olympic opening ceremonies party on July 27 for the London games.

Hopefully it'll dawn on me to update this blog a few times over the remainder of the summer. Usually I just stick to Facebook and Twitter updates. For now, I sign off to go to work and make those frappuccinos everyone is craving this summer.

Mission: First Semester COMPLETE!

So, my first semester of graduate school is finished! Christmas break will be consumed with working, some pleasure reading (yay for no textbooks!), and some t-shirt quilting. I've made several quilts for myself and others in the past few years, and I'll be making a few more over the break.

Also, I'll get to go home to the east coast for a week in January! Super excited to go back in the South and visit family and friends. Unfortunately, I won't be home for Christmas. But I'll take what I can get. And it'll be awesome to be at two weddings of some dear friends back home.

The thing I miss most about being home often is doing fun things with my family. Like going to the Rolex 24 hours of Daytona at the end of January. I've been for the past two years, and I'll be foregoing attending that super race for the next two January's. I'll sorely miss hanging out in the garage area with my dad watching Porsche's and Ferrari's be fiddled with and banged on at 1am. *sigh*

So... fun things I get to do on the west coast have been chronicled on my Facebook page. I fully expect that this blog will not be updated very often in the near future. If you know me, you probably appreciate the randomness.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

California Living

I almost forgot about my silly little blog here. These posts may be few and far between from now on!

I'm all settled in here in the San Francisco Bay Area! Graduate school is everything I thought it would be -- lots of reading and writing! I have a new job... at Starbucks!

The area out here is beautiful, with the hills, water, and city sights. I have photos posted on Facebook, so if you're my friend on Facebook, go check those out! I often tweet pictures, too.

Amazingly, I have been here for over a month, and haven't made it to an MLB game yet! There are two teams easily accessible to me, and I've yet to see a game! I need to get on that if I hope to catch one before the season's over.... BUT, I did go to an NFL pre-season game with some new friends... watched the Saints maul the Raiders! :-)

The time difference between the east coast and west coast can be quite much, sometimes; college football starts pretty early on Saturday mornings out here! The good news is that the big Florida State/Oklahoma game this Saturday will start at 5 Pacific time! GO NOLES!

On that wonderful note, I shall go back to studying. Maybe I'll feel the urge to post another update soon, with fun stuff like pictures!

::In Christ alone my hope is found::
Check out this video for the song that has been a huge encouragement to me lately...

Real Life

I've had some pretty cool adventures in my young life. I'm only 24 years old, but have traveled the world, traveled this great country, and had the time of my life with friends and family.... and it's only getting started!

I'm moving in 3 short days to the San Francisco Bay area in northern California for graduate school. Even though I've seen the world, this Southern girl has never lived outside the great state of Florida. I'm greatly looking forward to living (for a few years) in the beautiful Bay Area (that I visited a few years ago with friends).

Here is a look back at a few great adventures I've had over the years that haven't been showcased in my (mostly pathetic) blog thus far...

Family cruise to the Bahamas... 2001

Istanbul, Turkey :: 2006

Building a church in Jamaica :: December, 2007

San Francisco cable car 2008
Rebekah, Lauren, David

Rebekah and Lauren :: Cruise to Mexico, 2009

Rachel, Sarah, Rebekah :: Brazil 2009

Asia Lovin'

I love Asia. Really love Asia. Even though I've only been to a handful of Asian countries, each time I step off the plane, I feel like I'm coming home.

Asian people are so kind and hospitable, and love to hear about America... and love to practice their English!

Asia has some absolutely beautiful places to see and visit, and some of the most breathtaking views I've seen around the world are in this beautiful place!

Parts of the continent of Asia are the darkest places on earth, spiritually speaking. Many people have never heard the name of Jesus. I also love sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ when I'm in Asia!

Me on the Great Wall of China :: Summer 2008

Me playing Wii in the home of Kevin, a student I taught in December of 2008 in China.

In front of Tanah Lot Temple in Bali, Indonesia :: November 2010

A park in southern China :: July 2011

A Civil War Summer ... (2007)

As this summer draws on, I am reminded of what my family was doing exactly four years ago. We were touring Civil War battlefields.

When I tell people that we spent a month on a "historical vacation", I receive different reactions. Some folks think it's really neat that we want to experience and view history firsthand. Some others think that a vacation like that is totally boring. My family loves history, loves the history of the United States, and loves the United States. So we set off in the summer of 2007 to see some of the most famous Civil War battlefields and to tour Washington, D.C.

Fun Fact: During the Civil War, the South named battles after the nearest towns, while the North named them after the nearest body of water.

We visited Manassas (Bull Run), Sharpsburg (Antietam), Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Courthouse Campaign. In D.C., we visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the National Botanic Garden, Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the Navy Yard, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Library of Congress. We visited Mount Vernon, Great Falls National Park, and Hershey and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. We drove down part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and finished up our trip in Atlanta. What a trip!

Here are some highlights:

Here is the family at Great Falls National Park!

Dad and AJ reading a marker in a field at Gettysburg, arguably the most famous battle of the Civil War.

The fam on the USS Barry at the Washington Navy Yard.

This isn't the best picture, but it's one of the funniest pictures of our trip. Dad and AJ are acting very upset in front of Jackson's Shrine, where Stonewall Jackson died. Stonewall is one of AJ's favorite Confederate Generals.

The view from some of the grave sites at Sharpsburg. Such a mix of somber history and beauty!



I am so grateful to have had the chance to see and experience important American history up close!

A quote by Robert E. Lee that I think sums up my life quite well:::
"Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret."

Friendcation Cruise 2011

Summer has begun, and with it comes a crazy time of year! The school year ended, bringing with it the end of my teaching job as music teacher at Floral City Elementary. It's also graduation season, and with family members, plus over 30 graduates from our church, we made the rounds to plenty of parties and celebrations!

But after all the wonderful and bittersweet times were over, it was time to get together with one of my best friends and head on our next Friendcation! Lauren and I decided that we should go on another cruise to relax, see God's beautiful creation, and spend time together before I move across the country later this summer.

Our western Caribbean cruise took us from Tampa to Cozumel, Mexico & Belize City, Belize. Then it was on to Isla Roatan, Honduras & Georgetown, Grand Cayman. We had a wonderful time!

Sailing under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to exit Tampa Bay!

One of my favorite things about cruises- the amazing sunsets!

Lauren and I eating at a rooftop Mexican restaurant in downtown Cozumel.

In Belize City, this is St. John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America! Built in 1812 from the bricks that were brought over as ballast on British ships.

Mahogany Beach- Isla Roatan, Honduras!

One of the shipwrecks in Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, Honduras.

Welcome to the town of Hell! On Grand Cayman Island. We got a kick out of visiting. It even rained in Hell for about 10 minutes while we were there!

We went swimming with stingrays while in Grand Cayman. I kissed one on the snout; they say it's 7 years of good luck!

The crystal clear water! You can see the rays swimming around on the sandbar with all of the people.



The cruise was wonderful! This was my third cruise, and my favorite one so far! If you haven't cruised, I highly recommend it as your next vacation!