Hello!
I went to bed last night with every intention of waking up in time for an 8 AM service at the church right on campus. My alarm was set for three different times and I went to bed earlier than usual. However, 7 AM rolled around and my body was not having it. The comfort of my bed got the best of me. Therefore, I slept through the service I was intending on going to and felt awful about it. Having had woken up at 8:30, I did have enough time to make it the 9 AM service, but my morning speed was that of a sloth. So instead, I listened to an online sermon from a church back in Eau Claire (a piece of home <3) and it talked about the gracious love that the Lord provides for us, even in our darkest moments. And with all the reflecting I have been doing, I found it very applicable to various aspects of my life. Sitting in my bed, cuddled up with a blanket, my Bible, a cup of coffee, my headphones, and listening to the pasture was so wonderful and made the morning just as great as it would have been had I gone to church.
I also was able to talk to my Chilean host family this morning. Even though it was a brief conversation with poor connection, hearing their voices made my heart so happy. They kept asking when I was coming back to Chile and that when I do, I have to stay with them. My response to that was, of course I would stay with them and I'll come back to visit when I have more money. Then I heard a five/six year-old to tell me to get more money (Emilia). A plane ticket there is so expensive. And I would buy one in a heart beat if I didn't have to buy my plane ticket home for Christmas or have any other expenses to worry about. But then I ask myself, will the money I spend on a ticket to South America really matter a few years down the road? The $2,000 will seem like nothing when I'm paying at least $50,000 in student loans. It is an impulsive but lovely thought. Hopefully one day soon I am able to go back and visit. Regardless of when I go back, it is heartwarming to know that I still have a place in their hearts and that they are so willing to put me up again for however long I would stay. Hearing the joy in Claudia's voice reminded me that no matter what life throws at you, there is so much to be happy about--family, friends, and of course, God. They all have beautiful hearts and would honestly do anything for anyone. I love that entire family to pieces and would do anything to give them all a hug right now.
I hope that you all had a morning (or afternoon) filled with lovely thoughts and happy things like I did. If not, do something for yourself that will bring you delight. And no matter what life throws at you, think of all the joys in your life and try to keep your heart happy! Sending much love as always.
- A
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Reflection
So, we're already almost half way through October. WHAT THE HECK?! I cannot believe how fast time is going. I feel like I have been in Juneau for more than two months but yet, still feel new to the community. It's a really strange feeling. The days always seem to pass slow, but the weeks seem to zoom by. Can you say Twilight Zone?
Yesterday was a lazy day. I reheated the same cup of coffee at least ten times (if not more) while sitting in front of my computer working on online discussions, papers, and catching up on reading. For some reason, it had taken me almost six hours to read one chapter from my communications book, when usually it takes me thirty minutes. My mind had just been everywhere yesterday and I can't keep it from wandering . I've just been abnormally reflective the past few days. I think that part of it is because everything is finally slowing down and I can process what is actually going on. The freshmen are a little bit less needy and don't demand as much of my attention as they did towards the beginning of the semester. And this past Friday, I finished up my last program for the semester, so I can take a break from that aspect of residence life. So instead of focusing on academics, I'm focusing on life and where I am and how I need to focus on the now rather than the future and what that entails. I continuously think about how the decisions that I'll need to make will not only affect me, but my family and friends back home.
The heaviest thing on my heart is the decision of whether or not to stay next year, or even for the summer. My bosses have already mentioned things about me staying and how they would love for me to continue working for them. I want to so badly but how practical is it really? Then I have the decision of whether or not I want to continue being an RA back home (or here, if I stay). And of course I want to bring back my experiences here at UAS to UWEC but how burnt out am I actually from the position? But what was the point of me coming then if I am not going to bring back experiences from another Housing and Residence Life Program? SO MANY THOUGHTS. I know that I have until about January or February to decide, but with how fast the time has been going, I feel like those months will be here before I even realize it. It's been something that I've been praying about and know that God will help me come to a decision, even though it may be waaaay down the road. So much can change in the next few months that could sway my opinion either way.
In other news, I'm pretty sure that I'm buying my plane ticket home for winter break this week. HOLLA. It'll probably be the last thing I'll be able to buy for a while as it will suck out all money I have. Well, not all of it, but a hefty amount. But then again, will I really regret not having that money five years down the road? Probably not. So it's worth it. Plus, I'll be able to basque in the sun, cuddle with the pets, eat Kopp's, buy dairy products that don't cost more than $7, hug everyone, eat Chipotle, and accuse Stephanie of taking my clothes with her to UWM. It'll be a splendid time! I also know that when I'm home, I'll probably be ready to come back to Juneau (just as if I were in Eau Claire)--no offense Mom and Dad. I mean, who wouldn't miss the snow covered mountains that are visible right from campus?
ANYWAYS, I should probably not be up super late like I usually am and actually get a decent amount of sleep while I still have the opportunity. Sending much love to all of you back home and hope that y'all are staying warm and enjoying the sunshine!
- A
Yesterday was a lazy day. I reheated the same cup of coffee at least ten times (if not more) while sitting in front of my computer working on online discussions, papers, and catching up on reading. For some reason, it had taken me almost six hours to read one chapter from my communications book, when usually it takes me thirty minutes. My mind had just been everywhere yesterday and I can't keep it from wandering . I've just been abnormally reflective the past few days. I think that part of it is because everything is finally slowing down and I can process what is actually going on. The freshmen are a little bit less needy and don't demand as much of my attention as they did towards the beginning of the semester. And this past Friday, I finished up my last program for the semester, so I can take a break from that aspect of residence life. So instead of focusing on academics, I'm focusing on life and where I am and how I need to focus on the now rather than the future and what that entails. I continuously think about how the decisions that I'll need to make will not only affect me, but my family and friends back home.
The heaviest thing on my heart is the decision of whether or not to stay next year, or even for the summer. My bosses have already mentioned things about me staying and how they would love for me to continue working for them. I want to so badly but how practical is it really? Then I have the decision of whether or not I want to continue being an RA back home (or here, if I stay). And of course I want to bring back my experiences here at UAS to UWEC but how burnt out am I actually from the position? But what was the point of me coming then if I am not going to bring back experiences from another Housing and Residence Life Program? SO MANY THOUGHTS. I know that I have until about January or February to decide, but with how fast the time has been going, I feel like those months will be here before I even realize it. It's been something that I've been praying about and know that God will help me come to a decision, even though it may be waaaay down the road. So much can change in the next few months that could sway my opinion either way.
ANYWAYS, I should probably not be up super late like I usually am and actually get a decent amount of sleep while I still have the opportunity. Sending much love to all of you back home and hope that y'all are staying warm and enjoying the sunshine!
- A
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| Dad sent me a care package of candy corn gummies, suckers, and the original stuff! |
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Monday, October 6, 2014
Kayaking
I am sitting here on my giant brown bean bag, eating a candy corn sucker, and channeling my inner hood with my Gangsta's Paradise Spotify playlist while reflecting on this past weekend. I have been going back and forth with the idea of it being a wonderful weekend and a weekend I would never want to relive again...
Friday morning I left campus at 10 AM for a three day kayaking/camping trip. My food and clothes were stuffed into dry bags and I knew that the trip would consist of me being cold and wet almost the entire time. Once we loaded up the vans with all of our gear, we headed out towards Echo Cove where we launched our kayaks (it's about a 45 minute drive from campus). Our kayaks were filled with our dry bags, tents, MSR stoves, fuel bottles, sleeping bags, and pots. It all some how managed to fit after finagling around with everything for a little bit. We paddled for about two hours and took a break at Pyroglyph to reenergize ourselves and take a bathroom break. Going to the bathroom while being dressed in layers and a drysuit is probably one of the most time consuming things ever and makes you second guess your ability to hold it for a few more hours. About after an hour or so of "breaking" we continued our journey and ended at Berner's Bay where we set up camp. It was cold. And rainy. Our food tent began to blow away so there was almost no shelter from the rain while eating. And eating in our tents was not an option as it could attract the bears living near camp.
Before everyone called it a night (about 8:30 PM) we had to hang our food from trees so bears could not access it. I ended up sleeping fairly well that night, in my two pairs of running pants, fleece pants, sweat pants, rain pants, two under armor shirts, fleece sweatshirt, fleece ski mask, and mittens. Oh, and let's not forget about the dry wool socks. Saturday morning ended up being really nice--in regards to the weather. However, we were unable to paddle at all that day because of the conditions of the sea. So instead, we stayed at Berner's Bay where we went on a hike and spent time chopping down trees to get firewood. There was so much wood, and it was well worth it because from about 3:30 to 9:30 it got cold again and everyone was huddled around the fire with their dinners.
Saturday night I did not sleep so well, possibly because I was colder than the night before. So Sunday morning was a little bit of a struggle. But thanks to some coffee and a breakfast of instant mashed potatoes, I was Golden Girls golden for the rest of the day. We left camp around 10:30 AM and the water was a bit choppy but not unbearable. We stopped at Sawmill Creek to reenergize with some food and a small hike to a beautiful waterfall. After leaving there around 1:15, we continued our paddle. And lucky me, my rutter broke. Which meant I was unable to steer in the high winds and wavs. So I had to go to shore again to get it fixed. From that point, we paddled more and more when the seas just blew up. The wind was blowing like crazy, the waves were ridiculous, and we were fighting the current. Because of the conditions, we stopped at a little cove to pull out our kayaks and get the vans (about a 3 mile walk). And lucky us, the gates were closed which meant instead of driving the vans down, we had to carry all of our gear and about 15 kayaks to the end of the road (about a one mile walk). It was treacherous.
Getting back to my warm room that night was a comforting feeling. I was able to dump out all of the water from my rainboots, change out of my soggy socks, and not be covered in sand. I also apparently smelled really bad, at least that's what my roommates told me right when I walked in the door.
Despite the cold rain, high currents, blistered hands, cuts from tree branches, and being hissed at by seals, it really was a wonderful weekend--so many mountains, wildlife, fires, campfire food, and funny stories. While being out on the sea, I was able to reflect on various aspects of my life, which I feel like I haven't been able to do in a really long time. With each day that I'm here, I feel more and more blessed.
- A
Before everyone called it a night (about 8:30 PM) we had to hang our food from trees so bears could not access it. I ended up sleeping fairly well that night, in my two pairs of running pants, fleece pants, sweat pants, rain pants, two under armor shirts, fleece sweatshirt, fleece ski mask, and mittens. Oh, and let's not forget about the dry wool socks. Saturday morning ended up being really nice--in regards to the weather. However, we were unable to paddle at all that day because of the conditions of the sea. So instead, we stayed at Berner's Bay where we went on a hike and spent time chopping down trees to get firewood. There was so much wood, and it was well worth it because from about 3:30 to 9:30 it got cold again and everyone was huddled around the fire with their dinners.
Saturday night I did not sleep so well, possibly because I was colder than the night before. So Sunday morning was a little bit of a struggle. But thanks to some coffee and a breakfast of instant mashed potatoes, I was Golden Girls golden for the rest of the day. We left camp around 10:30 AM and the water was a bit choppy but not unbearable. We stopped at Sawmill Creek to reenergize with some food and a small hike to a beautiful waterfall. After leaving there around 1:15, we continued our paddle. And lucky me, my rutter broke. Which meant I was unable to steer in the high winds and wavs. So I had to go to shore again to get it fixed. From that point, we paddled more and more when the seas just blew up. The wind was blowing like crazy, the waves were ridiculous, and we were fighting the current. Because of the conditions, we stopped at a little cove to pull out our kayaks and get the vans (about a 3 mile walk). And lucky us, the gates were closed which meant instead of driving the vans down, we had to carry all of our gear and about 15 kayaks to the end of the road (about a one mile walk). It was treacherous.
Getting back to my warm room that night was a comforting feeling. I was able to dump out all of the water from my rainboots, change out of my soggy socks, and not be covered in sand. I also apparently smelled really bad, at least that's what my roommates told me right when I walked in the door.
Despite the cold rain, high currents, blistered hands, cuts from tree branches, and being hissed at by seals, it really was a wonderful weekend--so many mountains, wildlife, fires, campfire food, and funny stories. While being out on the sea, I was able to reflect on various aspects of my life, which I feel like I haven't been able to do in a really long time. With each day that I'm here, I feel more and more blessed.
- A
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