A somewhat new development in the move to Europe: Luke and I are contemplating pitching tents in campsites throughout Europe. According to one of our favorite travel guides, Rick Steves, there are 10,000 sites that Americans overlook on their European vacations. For obvious reasons, probably. However, it is very common for the middle-class European family to camp out and take advantage of the cheaper lodging. So, why not us?
I even mentioned buying a camper (kinda like my parents did) but more like an RV to tote around and Luke didn't seem quite as jazzed about the idea. Maybe I can convert him before July.
My big test, though, will be our little vacation to Alabama on Memorial Day weekend. We will be celebrating our nieces birthday, camping, and swimming; I am seriously excited minus the swimsuit part. The last time I slept in a tent was in Africa and that experience wasn't too pleasant with the massive ants and such, so I am curious how well I will do and how much I will really enjoy it.
A negative with camping, I guess you have to tear it down everyday before you go and explore. This might get a little tiresome, but if we are running low on funds or want to save, this will probably be the cheapest option. Either way, it'll be quite an experience!
05 May, 2013
22 April, 2013
Live Fearlessly
Everywhere I turn I am reminded of precious life is. Last week was challenging for many Americans especially those who knew anyone in Boston or West, Texas. I have no personal connection to either place really, but I am not immune to the devastation left behind, mentally or spiritually.
These tragedies seemed to reemphasize the fact that America is not exempt from anything. In recent years, since 9/11 in particular, it seems the public became more aware of the terror that exists in the world. Mentally unstable people paired with a never sleeping media has aided in this realization. Even though the plant in West was not a purposefully malicious act, the accidental or natural disasters are still very real tragedies in American life.
For some, events such as these can cause them to live a life of fear. They let the emotion come into their mind and then it spreads like wildfire throughout the body; it crawls deep into the soul and leaves a burning that cannot be put out. Fear. Its grasp can paralyze your passions and desires so that you forget who you are and who you want to be resulting in an empty-shell ravaged by disease.
The age old questions come to mind: What is life all about? What's the point?
Death is not a wall but a door. Live life fearlessly. The beauty that exists in this world is only a fraction of what is in store for us in eternity. It is waiting for us, but we must live a life worthy of it. How do we do this? Naturally we are not worthy of anything, but if we understand the Grace that was given us and undergo the transformation, life will come a little easier. Of course there will be heartache. Of course there will be challenges. But when you know what is on the other side of the door, you can be fearless.
These tragedies seemed to reemphasize the fact that America is not exempt from anything. In recent years, since 9/11 in particular, it seems the public became more aware of the terror that exists in the world. Mentally unstable people paired with a never sleeping media has aided in this realization. Even though the plant in West was not a purposefully malicious act, the accidental or natural disasters are still very real tragedies in American life.
For some, events such as these can cause them to live a life of fear. They let the emotion come into their mind and then it spreads like wildfire throughout the body; it crawls deep into the soul and leaves a burning that cannot be put out. Fear. Its grasp can paralyze your passions and desires so that you forget who you are and who you want to be resulting in an empty-shell ravaged by disease.
The age old questions come to mind: What is life all about? What's the point?
Death is not a wall but a door. Live life fearlessly. The beauty that exists in this world is only a fraction of what is in store for us in eternity. It is waiting for us, but we must live a life worthy of it. How do we do this? Naturally we are not worthy of anything, but if we understand the Grace that was given us and undergo the transformation, life will come a little easier. Of course there will be heartache. Of course there will be challenges. But when you know what is on the other side of the door, you can be fearless.
07 April, 2013
Leap of faith
I realized that last year around this time, I wrote two posts that seem to still resonate with me. I find myself once again trying to be brave as my husband and I go on a new journey in life.
A few of my passions have crossed paths and I will attempt to tackle them in one grand wrestling match. The husband has always known my love for travel, people, art, and writing, so in a grand gesture of spontaneity and love he purchased round trip plane tickets to Italy, presenting them to me at Deep Sushi on our Valentines Day date. (Just so you know, we are not regular V-Day participants, but this was still rather special).
Since then, I have been scourging the complex tangle of the world wide web for places to work. Two places in particular have caught my eye. In no particular order...
#1 The International School of Florence. It is an American school located in Tuscany but seems so much more than that. Let's look past the obvious attraction (serene natural beauty and my artist heart's true muse), the school has another beauty it instills in its students: community service. As part of their graduation requirements, students must complete so many service hours their 9th and 10th grade year and then complete a more rigorous service task the last two years of Upper School. Their community service can have many faces, but the message is all the same: the desire to place someone or something above yourself, even if just for a moment.
#2 The American Overseas School of Rome. Another American independent school which highly values theater and expanding student's imaginations with creative performance. The website is packed with pictures of past performances. Naturally, I am drawn to this aspect of the school.Plus, the school has a required summer reading. Last year, it was The Great Gatsby and each grade was asked to connect the classic with another genre. An English teacher's dream.
Both schools emphasize providing an exceptional education that prepares students for American and International universities. If my applications do not lead to interviews, I know that God has something else in store for me, but I would really love an interview; these schools make my heart go pitter-patter with excitement!
Pray for for understanding and patience.
A few of my passions have crossed paths and I will attempt to tackle them in one grand wrestling match. The husband has always known my love for travel, people, art, and writing, so in a grand gesture of spontaneity and love he purchased round trip plane tickets to Italy, presenting them to me at Deep Sushi on our Valentines Day date. (Just so you know, we are not regular V-Day participants, but this was still rather special).
Since then, I have been scourging the complex tangle of the world wide web for places to work. Two places in particular have caught my eye. In no particular order...
#1 The International School of Florence. It is an American school located in Tuscany but seems so much more than that. Let's look past the obvious attraction (serene natural beauty and my artist heart's true muse), the school has another beauty it instills in its students: community service. As part of their graduation requirements, students must complete so many service hours their 9th and 10th grade year and then complete a more rigorous service task the last two years of Upper School. Their community service can have many faces, but the message is all the same: the desire to place someone or something above yourself, even if just for a moment.
#2 The American Overseas School of Rome. Another American independent school which highly values theater and expanding student's imaginations with creative performance. The website is packed with pictures of past performances. Naturally, I am drawn to this aspect of the school.Plus, the school has a required summer reading. Last year, it was The Great Gatsby and each grade was asked to connect the classic with another genre. An English teacher's dream.
Both schools emphasize providing an exceptional education that prepares students for American and International universities. If my applications do not lead to interviews, I know that God has something else in store for me, but I would really love an interview; these schools make my heart go pitter-patter with excitement!
Pray for for understanding and patience.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)