Howdy Family and Friends...what a day! Started out by waking up to foreigners extremely excited to see snow for the first time in their life! No words can describe the sounds I heard coming from them! EPIC!
Angela—Can u imagine that it snowed today! It is beautiful! We didn’t go bear country, but we did went to some awesome shops! I bought really yummy chocolate! Horay! And going to the mall this afternoon is the best part for me today! Me and Mrs. Barker and Mr. Barker really had a good time! I just cant stop buying all those shinny stuffs! Anyway, I did enjoyed a lot! It was a niceeeeeeeeeee day! I love it!
Joy – day 3 – survived, didn’t even fall down, didn’t freeze to death. Success!
Sid: This day began with snow and very tough driving on the road, just so scary. We froze all day, but it was still very nice and we felt so Europeans in the House of Scandinavia, even eating sushis because going to Japanese restaurants is such a European thing!
Simone – Today we visited the house of scandinavia which I loved! I Bought a lot of Christmas stuff and Danich food. We ate great food today I got sushi it was delicious..
Frenchie : day 3 with snow. So exciting ! The museum, the house of Scandinavia, the slide park. It was so much fun to spend the day in the swimming pool and look at the snow outside. I lost my phone on the morning so well I miss something. But I’m gonna survive !
Bell- I love water park do muchhhhhhh I have so much fun there. I love this day and I love SNOW !!
Diana: the waterpark is so amazing! I almost die there!!! But that is all right cuz I have my life saveior-Bell with me!! I am so sad I didn’t go there last year and see what I missed last year! But I am happy I didn’t go last year so all the things are new for me today! I hate climbing upstairs. I think I climbed at least 30 times today! And it was so cool to see everyone swimming inside while outside is snowing!
Philip: I’m tired…. Day 3 was real cool too, getting up wasn’t cool at all. I think we started at the Journey Museum, that was really interesting and you saw a lot about the life of Indians. Then we drove to the Norwegian Chapel in the hills. It was officially closed, anyhow that didn’t keep me, Cece and Angela from walking up there to take some pictures. After that we headed up to House of Scandinavia, where I spent 25 bucks on sweets. That’s just me lol. Bear Country was closed which upset me a lot, always wanted to hug a *real* bear. Then we headed for lunch, where I quietly sneaked away from our group to have lunch with Tim’s mum and sister at one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been at. Nobody could wait to go to the Watiki water park, which was great fun and real good at making me exhausted. Afterwards we cruised around forever to find a place to eat, finally I got to go to that awesome Japanese restaurant a second time. The cook was far better the first time! Then we got ice cream at some ice cream place, which was/is real good too. This best blog entries of all now ends with me questioning myself why I always write so much, it’s just work……….
Jonas: 17 people… white stuff is coming from the sky… adventure… one mission: Having FUN! When we watched out of the window today morning, everybody still had the cold feelings of dark winter month… OUT OF SARA AND MELINA! They jumped around and enjoyed this white “wonder”. “Jurney Museum”, “Stavkirke”, “Scandinavia Shop”, Lunch at Tacco Bell, Watiki water park and this AMAZING dinner! Everything was great and we had the opposite of “no funny”. I don’t want to repeat everything what the other students wrote but I had just a wonderful day and I really want to say thank you Jenn that she took such a small german boy with on this trip. Good night Nebraska, good morning Germany!
Jess- Survived day 3, had an awesome time! I loved seeing snow for the 2nd time in my life this stuff is amazing. It was a little cold but we thought the cold was the best weather go swimming. The pool was the highlight of my day! All very fun! The Japanese food was delicious but once again a kids meal was too big. The Journey museum was also very informative, I enjoyed it a great deal, I got to experience a side saddle, very uncomfortable and I’m glad chicks don’t ride horses like that! Everyone found out my phobia of bird, Jen thought it was funny, I did not! HAHA awesome day!
Alex- everyone is so romantic, by using wonderful words! I’m sorry but it’s 1.18 a.m. and I was sleeping just before this! the only thing that I can do now is describe Jen in this moment; she is sleeping sitting on the chair, this days killed her. Everything was perfect and it was just for her! Nothing can stop her, the snow tried this morning though, but she won! Good job jen we love you!
Cece: Day three is over, well not over-over but we are getting there. THIS MORNING IT SNOWED!! Since we are all foreigners, we knew that some of us probably didn’t have seen snow before, like Sara, that was hilarious!!!! she freaked out and started running in the snow and made a snow-angel, me on the other hand was inside or walking calmly beside the kids. I do not like snow! Today’s program: visiting a museum. Breaking in to a Norwegian stavkirke, the gates were closed and the Norwegian in me said: go in!!! we also went to a Scandinavian store!!!!! Denmark and I went nuts and decided to buy a lot of food and stuff you need that you can’t get around here. And from there on we were supposed to go to this bear something, but that was closed because of the bad weather so we decided to go to a water park. That was awesome!! I loved it. You can’t think that that’s the end of the day.. when you are on a Jen-Trip it never ends. Japanese, Sushi grill was for supper today!!!YUM, let’s just put it that way. I finally got my sushi in America.. I will be satisfied for days!!
Sara: The only thing I recall from this day was the snow… It actually snowed!! And it was sooo much fun!! We had a snowball fight, tried to make a snowman, it was extremely awesome!! I will always remember this trip as the best one ever!!
From our last day in South Dakota...goodnight South Dakota, Nebraska, Good morning rest of the world! Have a great day!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
South Dakota Day 2 From the Students perspective!~
Howdy Family and Friends! Today was a day of adventure in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Keystone area! From my seat in the suburban, the roads were hard to see as it was SO foggy outside! Thank goodness for Joy--my copilot--who told me when corners were coming up and which way they would be turning. It was almost impossible to see the end of the front of the suburban!
Jonas: Mount Rushmore was just amazing. The whole story, the background and the implementation is just impressive. And I taught this 4 heads would be big… but then there was this “crazy horse”. Just the whole day was brilliant. Well… after 3 hours sleep last night, of course everybody was/is very tired but I think we still could enjoy this freezing, but wonderful, “South Dakota Day”!
Cece: Where to start? Well.. First of all, after the minimum hours of sleep we got last night we managed to get out of the door a little after than we were supposed to, but what are late nights with foreigners really about? Other than being extremely exhausted and also being very excited at the same time, we were at Mt. Rushmore, which was just like in the movies, GREAT, and visiting “Crazy Horse” was crazy big. I had a fun day and have gotten to experience a lot of what South Dakota has to offer!
Alessio: ciao, now I can say that South Dakota is not a boring state :D we had a lot of fun! We were at a museum , at dinosaur park, it was cooooooooold. We are having wonderful time, I can’t wait for tomorrow!
Philip: sooooooo…….. this day really was awesome. Gettin outta the bed wasn’t too much fun, after 4 hours of sleep, but it was worth the struggle! Dinosaur Park was – cold. Guess one has a real nice view on Rapid City from up there, but no, it has to be foggy…….. Anyway the dinosaurs were cool and the iceskating was too! The wildlife museum we went to was also cool, got a lotta pictures I could never get in nature – I know it’s cheating…. Then we drove to Keystone, which was kinda funny. It was foggy – I fell asleep – I woke up again – Fog was gone! Well the little village in the valley was sooooooo beautiful and had some real classical western buildings, like they have em in the movies. The cheap souvenir shop was cool too, just because it was cheap! And that candy shop – ohhhh I wanna live there! Anyway, after that we drove up to the faces, the landscape becoming cooler the further you drive. The guy who told us about the monument was real good, and the 4 presidents were even better! It’s much cooler than in any movies, but I guess everything you see yourself is better than in movies. I still just cannot get the idea of climbing up there outta my brain – To-Do list! Then we drove to Crazy Horse Memorial. The landscape fascinated me so much that I thought “I’m gonna be back in 10 years on a bike!”. Would love to do that right now. Since the memorial is still work-in-progress and will be that for a loooooooong time, the actual monument wasn’t too interesting, but the museum with the story about the guy who started it all and the display of tools they use was really interesting. Since Sara can’t wait to get her fingers on this computer, and I’ve written way too much anyway, that’s it from me!
Sara: So many amazing things happened today that it’s very difficult to summarize all the awesomeness that happened, but I’ll try. First, who wakes up at 8am after sleeping for only 3 hours? Seriously Jen, we’re teenagers, we need to sleep!! Second, I love the dinosaurs! And there was ice in the trees!! ICE IN THE TREES!!! Isn’t that extremely amazing?? I don’t think I could ever see that in Brazil… Third, the cruel animal museum… I don’t even want to comment on that. Fourth, Mt. Rushmore… How amazing, definitely the highlight of our SD trip! It was sooo much more than I could ever expect. It’s just incredible to see such a great monument and learn a little bit more about American history. Fifth, The crazy horse thingee… I still don’t get that thing.. Why would you build something that big?? Hahahha It was fun though and Dave kinda creeped on us ;) And just to share my opinion, I don’t think those carvings will ever be done… And last but not least, sixth highlight of our day, t.g.i Fridays and the pool!! Just hanging out with my fellow exchange students is a blessing and getting to know them a little bit more makes me so happy!! Love you all <3
Jess: I had a fantastic day even if I was suffering from minimal sleep also. The Dinosours were awesome but the view from up there was even better! I enjoy the Outdoor place a great deal! Seeing all the American animals was so interesting except for the creepy birds hanging off the roof and scaring me! Mt. Rushmore was certainly the highlight of my day. The history and all the thought behind the mountain is incredible! I thought Mt. Rushmore was big, but was shocked when I saw the Crazy Horse. The museum there was very interesting and we were even stalked whilst visiting there! To top it off I had a lovely kiddies meal which was BIG! Awesome day!
Simone: I s had a fantastic day! This trip is amazing and I loved to see Mt. Ruschmore it’s was so big and I have always wanted to see it. But whats makes this so amazing is that we have so much fun toghter and that we are laughing all the time.
Joy: we had way too much fun! Our sightseeing tour was very successful even though it was REAL cold. Mt. Rushmore was overwhelming but I found Crazy Horse even better since the story going with the memorial is even more interesting.
Sid: Visiting all of those places we’ve seen so far is just fabulous. Especially because it is not very common for a foreigner to go to South Dakota just to visit Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse! It makes the trip even better to know we are so lucky. Those two places were majestic and wonderful. It is even cooler than in the movies! But it was still very cold outside! Being together is the funniest part of this trip and I love it!
Angela: What an amazing day I had! We went to the amazing dianosour park…hahaha. Actually I like MT.RUSHMORE the best! I learned a lot and did enjoyed myself! Crazy Horse is also cool! I did saw a lot of things that China does not have. Well, guess what, I like my dinner!! It is sooooooo yummy!!! The best dished I had ever!! I am so happy today!! Expecting a new day comes!!
Bell: it was a awesome day ! I take a lot of picture and I love dianosour park so much !!! because it was very cold !! and that’s my first time to saw ice on the tree. AMAZING!! I love it and I always keep thinking when it snow, how’s is look like…. Love it !
Diana: I like dinasour very much because of the snow! It was so fun to see the snow on every piece of leaf. And the Mt. Rushmore is cool, too. I like the Outdoor campus west a lot! The animals look so real!!!
Frenchie : It was a niceeeee day ! …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Yes it was fabulous ! We saw dinosaurs, it doesn’t happen every day. I took pictures of Sara, my incredible sister, seeing ice on the tree for the very first time ! That was really sad to see stuffed animals. Poor innocent animals but still cuuute. Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse was amazing. And I obviously I enjoyed taking pictures of everybody. I found my job
From our picture window to yours, have a great day!
Jonas: Mount Rushmore was just amazing. The whole story, the background and the implementation is just impressive. And I taught this 4 heads would be big… but then there was this “crazy horse”. Just the whole day was brilliant. Well… after 3 hours sleep last night, of course everybody was/is very tired but I think we still could enjoy this freezing, but wonderful, “South Dakota Day”!
Cece: Where to start? Well.. First of all, after the minimum hours of sleep we got last night we managed to get out of the door a little after than we were supposed to, but what are late nights with foreigners really about? Other than being extremely exhausted and also being very excited at the same time, we were at Mt. Rushmore, which was just like in the movies, GREAT, and visiting “Crazy Horse” was crazy big. I had a fun day and have gotten to experience a lot of what South Dakota has to offer!
Alessio: ciao, now I can say that South Dakota is not a boring state :D we had a lot of fun! We were at a museum , at dinosaur park, it was cooooooooold. We are having wonderful time, I can’t wait for tomorrow!
Philip: sooooooo…….. this day really was awesome. Gettin outta the bed wasn’t too much fun, after 4 hours of sleep, but it was worth the struggle! Dinosaur Park was – cold. Guess one has a real nice view on Rapid City from up there, but no, it has to be foggy…….. Anyway the dinosaurs were cool and the iceskating was too! The wildlife museum we went to was also cool, got a lotta pictures I could never get in nature – I know it’s cheating…. Then we drove to Keystone, which was kinda funny. It was foggy – I fell asleep – I woke up again – Fog was gone! Well the little village in the valley was sooooooo beautiful and had some real classical western buildings, like they have em in the movies. The cheap souvenir shop was cool too, just because it was cheap! And that candy shop – ohhhh I wanna live there! Anyway, after that we drove up to the faces, the landscape becoming cooler the further you drive. The guy who told us about the monument was real good, and the 4 presidents were even better! It’s much cooler than in any movies, but I guess everything you see yourself is better than in movies. I still just cannot get the idea of climbing up there outta my brain – To-Do list! Then we drove to Crazy Horse Memorial. The landscape fascinated me so much that I thought “I’m gonna be back in 10 years on a bike!”. Would love to do that right now. Since the memorial is still work-in-progress and will be that for a loooooooong time, the actual monument wasn’t too interesting, but the museum with the story about the guy who started it all and the display of tools they use was really interesting. Since Sara can’t wait to get her fingers on this computer, and I’ve written way too much anyway, that’s it from me!
Sara: So many amazing things happened today that it’s very difficult to summarize all the awesomeness that happened, but I’ll try. First, who wakes up at 8am after sleeping for only 3 hours? Seriously Jen, we’re teenagers, we need to sleep!! Second, I love the dinosaurs! And there was ice in the trees!! ICE IN THE TREES!!! Isn’t that extremely amazing?? I don’t think I could ever see that in Brazil… Third, the cruel animal museum… I don’t even want to comment on that. Fourth, Mt. Rushmore… How amazing, definitely the highlight of our SD trip! It was sooo much more than I could ever expect. It’s just incredible to see such a great monument and learn a little bit more about American history. Fifth, The crazy horse thingee… I still don’t get that thing.. Why would you build something that big?? Hahahha It was fun though and Dave kinda creeped on us ;) And just to share my opinion, I don’t think those carvings will ever be done… And last but not least, sixth highlight of our day, t.g.i Fridays and the pool!! Just hanging out with my fellow exchange students is a blessing and getting to know them a little bit more makes me so happy!! Love you all <3
Jess: I had a fantastic day even if I was suffering from minimal sleep also. The Dinosours were awesome but the view from up there was even better! I enjoy the Outdoor place a great deal! Seeing all the American animals was so interesting except for the creepy birds hanging off the roof and scaring me! Mt. Rushmore was certainly the highlight of my day. The history and all the thought behind the mountain is incredible! I thought Mt. Rushmore was big, but was shocked when I saw the Crazy Horse. The museum there was very interesting and we were even stalked whilst visiting there! To top it off I had a lovely kiddies meal which was BIG! Awesome day!
Simone: I s had a fantastic day! This trip is amazing and I loved to see Mt. Ruschmore it’s was so big and I have always wanted to see it. But whats makes this so amazing is that we have so much fun toghter and that we are laughing all the time.
Joy: we had way too much fun! Our sightseeing tour was very successful even though it was REAL cold. Mt. Rushmore was overwhelming but I found Crazy Horse even better since the story going with the memorial is even more interesting.
Sid: Visiting all of those places we’ve seen so far is just fabulous. Especially because it is not very common for a foreigner to go to South Dakota just to visit Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse! It makes the trip even better to know we are so lucky. Those two places were majestic and wonderful. It is even cooler than in the movies! But it was still very cold outside! Being together is the funniest part of this trip and I love it!
Angela: What an amazing day I had! We went to the amazing dianosour park…hahaha. Actually I like MT.RUSHMORE the best! I learned a lot and did enjoyed myself! Crazy Horse is also cool! I did saw a lot of things that China does not have. Well, guess what, I like my dinner!! It is sooooooo yummy!!! The best dished I had ever!! I am so happy today!! Expecting a new day comes!!
Bell: it was a awesome day ! I take a lot of picture and I love dianosour park so much !!! because it was very cold !! and that’s my first time to saw ice on the tree. AMAZING!! I love it and I always keep thinking when it snow, how’s is look like…. Love it !
Diana: I like dinasour very much because of the snow! It was so fun to see the snow on every piece of leaf. And the Mt. Rushmore is cool, too. I like the Outdoor campus west a lot! The animals look so real!!!
Frenchie : It was a niceeeee day ! …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Yes it was fabulous ! We saw dinosaurs, it doesn’t happen every day. I took pictures of Sara, my incredible sister, seeing ice on the tree for the very first time ! That was really sad to see stuffed animals. Poor innocent animals but still cuuute. Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse was amazing. And I obviously I enjoyed taking pictures of everybody. I found my job
From our picture window to yours, have a great day!
Friday, November 9, 2012
South Dakota Day 1 from the students perspective!
Howdy family and friends! Today we embarked on an adventure of a lifetime...or shall I say, meeting of the nations! The STS exchange students plus one (Jonas) and 3 adults left Burwell to drive to Rapid City, SD. Here are a few of their thoughts about the trip this far. (We passed the computer around the room to get their thoughts on the day so far!
IHOP Cece
best place ever Sara
Chocolate cake…Adam Barker
Super clean hotel! Diana
The pool was awesome, it was hot and cold, Cece
Sara loved the waterslide,
Sara!! Jen is sooo awesome!! Hahahaha Love you…
Adam Schaefer…… I love you ilove you I love you. I love you I love you I love you… chocolate cake
Joy – we should have at least stopped one more time on the way up here (I almost peed my pants, bro!) eating pancakes at ihop was a great idea!
Melina – Frenchie says that we should do it forever. Let’s stay together. First evening was extremely awesome.
Sid – We should go on trip like this one all the time. This is so much fun. Gathering with all our STS group is just awesome!
-Alex Don’t eat the chocolate cake, I love you
Simone- This is so much fun! Love u
Diana- love the hotel sooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!
Angela-it is an awesome trip today! We had soooooooo much fun! Lov u Miss Jen!
Bell- AWESOME TRIP !!!! I love pancake !!
Cece- Norway says that ihop has the best pancakes in the world. I love our foreigners group AND MOST OF ALL I LOVE YOU, MAMMA
Jonas- Awesome, just awesome! Many people asked me “What is the perfect trip for you?” and I didn`t knew an answer. But now I can say: “THIS IS A TRIP! WITH JUST SO AWESOME PEOPLE!”
Philip: As everyone above said, it’s just AWESOME being in SD with a bunch of crazy kids and an even crazier Jen! If we would do that all the time – I would be in! I’ll be sleepy in school on Monday, well who cares!
Jess – Having the best time, love seeing another part of America, thank you Jen
Although the Thanks are great, its all about the students and providing an opportunity for them to see the world...one small piece at a time.
From OUR picture window to yours, have a great night!
IHOP Cece
best place ever Sara
Chocolate cake…Adam Barker
Super clean hotel! Diana
The pool was awesome, it was hot and cold, Cece
Sara loved the waterslide,
Sara!! Jen is sooo awesome!! Hahahaha Love you…
Adam Schaefer…… I love you ilove you I love you. I love you I love you I love you… chocolate cake
Joy – we should have at least stopped one more time on the way up here (I almost peed my pants, bro!) eating pancakes at ihop was a great idea!
Melina – Frenchie says that we should do it forever. Let’s stay together. First evening was extremely awesome.
Sid – We should go on trip like this one all the time. This is so much fun. Gathering with all our STS group is just awesome!
-Alex Don’t eat the chocolate cake, I love you
Simone- This is so much fun! Love u
Diana- love the hotel sooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!
Angela-it is an awesome trip today! We had soooooooo much fun! Lov u Miss Jen!
Bell- AWESOME TRIP !!!! I love pancake !!
Cece- Norway says that ihop has the best pancakes in the world. I love our foreigners group AND MOST OF ALL I LOVE YOU, MAMMA
Jonas- Awesome, just awesome! Many people asked me “What is the perfect trip for you?” and I didn`t knew an answer. But now I can say: “THIS IS A TRIP! WITH JUST SO AWESOME PEOPLE!”
Philip: As everyone above said, it’s just AWESOME being in SD with a bunch of crazy kids and an even crazier Jen! If we would do that all the time – I would be in! I’ll be sleepy in school on Monday, well who cares!
Jess – Having the best time, love seeing another part of America, thank you Jen
Although the Thanks are great, its all about the students and providing an opportunity for them to see the world...one small piece at a time.
From OUR picture window to yours, have a great night!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Good bye Sweden and Ireland...
Howdy family and friends! This is the final blog post from the EU. Bitter sweet I must say. I truly miss my kids but will leave a piece of my heart in Sweden and Ireland! So many new memories made that I will cherish forever!
This morning found the alarm going off in Sweden before some of you were even thinking about going to bed in America! Of course it was raining. After dropping Julia off at school where she works, it was hard to hold back the tears that were so ready to fall from the eyes and wet the cheeks! For once I was glad that I was in the backseat and it was still semi-dark.
From there, Peder drove us to Skavsta to the airport to catch our plane.
Luckily for me, I was very tired so I caught a few more winks of sleep on the drive.
After saying the final good bye to him, we went through customs and passport checks again and boarded the 'lovely' RyanAir. This time we decided to sit in the back of the plane. (I don't recommend this option due to the smell of gasoline that comes from the wings.) Going up in the air, the flight was not so pleasant--quite turbulent to be honest. Dave and I snacked on our Swedish candy that we purchased yesterday in the grocery store and shared a set of headphones to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks on the ipod.
After landing in a much warmer and sunny Dublin, Ireland, we made our way right through passport checks and customs. Our flight even arrived early so we beat Blake and Katy to the airport!
They picked us up in their Speed The Light Car
and we drove into the City Center of Dublin. After dropping off our luggage Dave and I hit the streets on Dublin one last time to shop until our feet could handle no more walking. We probably walked over 3 miles today! That's a good shopping day! We enjoyed a great Irish meal for lunch together and then some very tasty ice cream before indulging in a late afternoon coffee time.
We took a final cruise in the EcoCab over to the spire and then made our way back to Blake and Katy's. Tonight we would celebrate Katy's birthday (which is tomorrow) and take them out for a meal of her choice! We found ourselves at a Pizza Restaurant. The pizza here is slightly different than what I serve at the Pizza Palace in Burwell. We had a pepperoni pizza--but theirs was much thicker--almost like a salami cut. The crust is super thin and the sauce has more of a home made taste. Overall very good!
We headed back to the apartment and had some evening sleepy tea...and now for my deep thought on that: How can Sleepy and Tea go together? Tea is usually caffeine and doesn't help one sleep until you add Chamomile... ??
From our final day in the EU to yours, have a great week!
This morning found the alarm going off in Sweden before some of you were even thinking about going to bed in America! Of course it was raining. After dropping Julia off at school where she works, it was hard to hold back the tears that were so ready to fall from the eyes and wet the cheeks! For once I was glad that I was in the backseat and it was still semi-dark.
From there, Peder drove us to Skavsta to the airport to catch our plane.
After saying the final good bye to him, we went through customs and passport checks again and boarded the 'lovely' RyanAir. This time we decided to sit in the back of the plane. (I don't recommend this option due to the smell of gasoline that comes from the wings.) Going up in the air, the flight was not so pleasant--quite turbulent to be honest. Dave and I snacked on our Swedish candy that we purchased yesterday in the grocery store and shared a set of headphones to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks on the ipod.
After landing in a much warmer and sunny Dublin, Ireland, we made our way right through passport checks and customs. Our flight even arrived early so we beat Blake and Katy to the airport!
They picked us up in their Speed The Light Car
We took a final cruise in the EcoCab over to the spire and then made our way back to Blake and Katy's. Tonight we would celebrate Katy's birthday (which is tomorrow) and take them out for a meal of her choice! We found ourselves at a Pizza Restaurant. The pizza here is slightly different than what I serve at the Pizza Palace in Burwell. We had a pepperoni pizza--but theirs was much thicker--almost like a salami cut. The crust is super thin and the sauce has more of a home made taste. Overall very good!
We headed back to the apartment and had some evening sleepy tea...and now for my deep thought on that: How can Sleepy and Tea go together? Tea is usually caffeine and doesn't help one sleep until you add Chamomile... ??
From our final day in the EU to yours, have a great week!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Sweden Day 3--Rudolph for lunch...Last full day here...
Howdy friends and family!
Today we were able to sleep in! Such a nice treat again! After breakfast, Ann-Louise came to pick us up and take us to where she works. She works for the Airport Control Center. It was very interesting! We had to have a special pass just to get in the door. We were able to view the control center and even sit in a Military Control Center desk and see the planes in the sky, view their coordinates, and how that side works!
After finishing that tour, we went back to Peder's home to wait for him to finish working from home today. He then took us to Rosersberg Palace. It was a nice little castle that reminded us of a medium size hotel with beautiful green grass and a huge back yard that led you down to the lake.
We then went to Steninge Castle. At this castle we enjoyed a very tasty lunch consisting of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer for Dave and a yummy quiche/shepherds pie for me. I would love to tell you the name of the food, but it was all in Swedish...
At this castle, there was a glass blower. We were able to watch him make some beautiful pieces and then purchase them! (Hopefully I have them packed so well that they will make it home with me in one piece!)
After shopping, we picked up true Swedish handball jerseys that were worn during games and had the players (Julia and Isak)
sign them for the Busch Boys! Even though they will be a little big, it will be so much fun to watch them open this!
We were also able to tour where Isak and Julia attend school. It is so different from American schools--more like a college atmosphere. Many places to lounge in between classes with a concession stand that is open all day. Classes are structured like college only the teacher travels from room to room. Definitely no personalization of the classroom.
We then went to where Julia is working as a Teacher Aide for a 7 year old boy and picked her up. We drove to the oldest town in Sweden--Sigtuna and walked the streets. During the summer it is a tourist sight. Surrounded by water, yet beautiful and very expensive.
As we were getting ready to go, we found a ship with sand in it and Julia and I re created our sand picture. Even though we didn't have any flowers we found some leaves and took our picture together there! Special memories from when we took the original picture in San Diego, California in Feb. 2011.
After a quick stop at the grocery store to buy more Swedish treats and ingredients for supper, we made our way back home. Peder and Julia made a delicious supper of bacon and chicken with feta cheese and potatoes. They also had this yummy sauce that was made from feta cheese and cream cheese--we think, as well as garlic.
Around 8:15 we went to Isak's handball practice.
What an fun game! It's like a mixture between basketball, soccer, football, track (with all the running) and maybe even wrestling! Very intense!
From our cheery, sporty picture window to yours, have a great day!
Today we were able to sleep in! Such a nice treat again! After breakfast, Ann-Louise came to pick us up and take us to where she works. She works for the Airport Control Center. It was very interesting! We had to have a special pass just to get in the door. We were able to view the control center and even sit in a Military Control Center desk and see the planes in the sky, view their coordinates, and how that side works!
After finishing that tour, we went back to Peder's home to wait for him to finish working from home today. He then took us to Rosersberg Palace. It was a nice little castle that reminded us of a medium size hotel with beautiful green grass and a huge back yard that led you down to the lake.
We then went to Steninge Castle. At this castle we enjoyed a very tasty lunch consisting of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer for Dave and a yummy quiche/shepherds pie for me. I would love to tell you the name of the food, but it was all in Swedish...
At this castle, there was a glass blower. We were able to watch him make some beautiful pieces and then purchase them! (Hopefully I have them packed so well that they will make it home with me in one piece!)
After shopping, we picked up true Swedish handball jerseys that were worn during games and had the players (Julia and Isak)
We were also able to tour where Isak and Julia attend school. It is so different from American schools--more like a college atmosphere. Many places to lounge in between classes with a concession stand that is open all day. Classes are structured like college only the teacher travels from room to room. Definitely no personalization of the classroom.
We then went to where Julia is working as a Teacher Aide for a 7 year old boy and picked her up. We drove to the oldest town in Sweden--Sigtuna and walked the streets. During the summer it is a tourist sight. Surrounded by water, yet beautiful and very expensive.
As we were getting ready to go, we found a ship with sand in it and Julia and I re created our sand picture. Even though we didn't have any flowers we found some leaves and took our picture together there! Special memories from when we took the original picture in San Diego, California in Feb. 2011.
After a quick stop at the grocery store to buy more Swedish treats and ingredients for supper, we made our way back home. Peder and Julia made a delicious supper of bacon and chicken with feta cheese and potatoes. They also had this yummy sauce that was made from feta cheese and cream cheese--we think, as well as garlic.
Around 8:15 we went to Isak's handball practice.
From our cheery, sporty picture window to yours, have a great day!
Welcome to Stockholm
Howdy Friends and Family! Welcome to Stockholm, Sweden in the daylight! The day found us back on the road headed into the city of Stockholm. It was a day of sight seeing and shopping! We started our day off visiting the work place of Julia's dad, Peder. He works in a large construction company called NCC. We were only able to go into the reception area of the office building but it was amazing!
From there we met Ann-Louise, Julia's Mom and she joined us for lunch. We ate lunch at a restaurant called Polpette. We tried bacon wrapped meatloaf
which we are told is a Swedish meal with lingon. That is red berries that taste similar to cranberries. Very tasty especially with the meat!
After lunch, Peder had to go into the office so we toured around with Ann-Louise. She took us to the castle and Parliment buildings and from there to Storkyrkan or in English, The Big Church. This church is known for the weddings that have been held there. The King and Queen were married there and then in 2010 the Crowned Princess was also married there. The windows and walls were beautiful and one section of the ceiling had interesting decor! There were stones covering the floor with the names of previous Kings who have died and a HUGE pipe organ! I am sure it put out the sound!
After that, we went down and caught the ferry over to another part of the city that is home to The Vasa Museum. This museum is about a ship that sank just over 200 meters from shore. It was very interesting with all the history there! We even found 'David's bones'.
When we finished touring the ship museum, we walked around Stockholm and met up with Julia. While we were waiting we stopped by a mall and had coffee and ice cream! I enjoyed the ice cream (carmel) while Dave and Ann-Louise had coffee. It also gave us a chance to warm up as it was a little chilly yesterday!
We met up with Julia and shortly after that her Dad, we found a quaint little restaurant to eat at called Lasse Lucidor. We enjoyed a different type of pasta with sauce--not like in America. Once again, absolutely delicious to the taste buds.
We then made our way back to the car and home to Rosersberg--but not before dropping off Ann-Louise at her home.
From our tasty, site seeing picture window to yours, have a great day!
From there we met Ann-Louise, Julia's Mom and she joined us for lunch. We ate lunch at a restaurant called Polpette. We tried bacon wrapped meatloaf
After lunch, Peder had to go into the office so we toured around with Ann-Louise. She took us to the castle and Parliment buildings and from there to Storkyrkan or in English, The Big Church. This church is known for the weddings that have been held there. The King and Queen were married there and then in 2010 the Crowned Princess was also married there. The windows and walls were beautiful and one section of the ceiling had interesting decor! There were stones covering the floor with the names of previous Kings who have died and a HUGE pipe organ! I am sure it put out the sound!
After that, we went down and caught the ferry over to another part of the city that is home to The Vasa Museum. This museum is about a ship that sank just over 200 meters from shore. It was very interesting with all the history there! We even found 'David's bones'.
When we finished touring the ship museum, we walked around Stockholm and met up with Julia. While we were waiting we stopped by a mall and had coffee and ice cream! I enjoyed the ice cream (carmel) while Dave and Ann-Louise had coffee. It also gave us a chance to warm up as it was a little chilly yesterday!
We met up with Julia and shortly after that her Dad, we found a quaint little restaurant to eat at called Lasse Lucidor. We enjoyed a different type of pasta with sauce--not like in America. Once again, absolutely delicious to the taste buds.
We then made our way back to the car and home to Rosersberg--but not before dropping off Ann-Louise at her home.
From our tasty, site seeing picture window to yours, have a great day!
Welcome to Sweden--Day 1-Is this real?
Howdy Friends and Family! Our morning found us enjoying a time to sleep in since we first arrived across the big pond in the land we only dreamed about and heard about in stories!
After waking up, we enjoyed a final breakfast at the Brooks Hotel and then realized that Dave had left all our Swedish Krones in the suitcase we left with missionaries Blake and Katy Edgmon. Thank goodness for a credit card!
We got to the airport and made sure we didn't check any luggage and got our ticket stamped so we could make our way to the gate--but RyanAir is so different to fly with. There are no assigned seats and when its time, you make a mad dash run to the gate! You then board a bus out to your plane and then grab the first seat available! We ended up in Row 7. The first 4 rows were unable to sit in for anyone!
Once on board, the seats didn't recline and you didn't get any snacks without paying dearly. Little did we know this was also a flying shopping mall! The first 'commercial' was for smokeless cigarettes--ten cigs for 10 Euros! *GOOD GRIEF*
The next commercial was to purchase newspapers and magazines. From there they offered hot food, burgers, hotdogs, pasta, drinks--quite a large menu. The next item was anything from their catalog, then phone cards, then lottery tickets! FINALLY--we landed! Fortunately for me, I slept through much of this nonsense.
When the wheels touched the ground,
the stewardess pushed the button and the song for the Kentucky Derby came on and said, "We have successfully landed on time again. RyanAir has done it again. We have landed on time or ahead of time. 95% of our planes land as scheduled! Thank you for flying RyanAir."
We then made our way off the plane and ran into the hanger since it was pouring rain. We went through customs rather quickly and then met up with Julia's dad Peder.
After about an hour and half drive, we found ourselves at Julia's home! She greeted us and soon after we had a delicious supper that we shared with her Mom Ann-Louise and her brother Isak. Of course we toured her home and saw what we have only seen through SKYPE. We were able to give her some pop tarts since they don't sell them in Sweden. Then off to bed for these travelers.
From our Swedish picture window to yours, have a great day!
After waking up, we enjoyed a final breakfast at the Brooks Hotel and then realized that Dave had left all our Swedish Krones in the suitcase we left with missionaries Blake and Katy Edgmon. Thank goodness for a credit card!
We got to the airport and made sure we didn't check any luggage and got our ticket stamped so we could make our way to the gate--but RyanAir is so different to fly with. There are no assigned seats and when its time, you make a mad dash run to the gate! You then board a bus out to your plane and then grab the first seat available! We ended up in Row 7. The first 4 rows were unable to sit in for anyone!
Once on board, the seats didn't recline and you didn't get any snacks without paying dearly. Little did we know this was also a flying shopping mall! The first 'commercial' was for smokeless cigarettes--ten cigs for 10 Euros! *GOOD GRIEF*
The next commercial was to purchase newspapers and magazines. From there they offered hot food, burgers, hotdogs, pasta, drinks--quite a large menu. The next item was anything from their catalog, then phone cards, then lottery tickets! FINALLY--we landed! Fortunately for me, I slept through much of this nonsense.
When the wheels touched the ground,
We then made our way off the plane and ran into the hanger since it was pouring rain. We went through customs rather quickly and then met up with Julia's dad Peder.
After about an hour and half drive, we found ourselves at Julia's home! She greeted us and soon after we had a delicious supper that we shared with her Mom Ann-Louise and her brother Isak. Of course we toured her home and saw what we have only seen through SKYPE. We were able to give her some pop tarts since they don't sell them in Sweden. Then off to bed for these travelers.
From our Swedish picture window to yours, have a great day!
Wicklow County, Ireland (Sunday!)
Tour Day: Sunday, October 14th
Howdy Family and Friends: Today we took a bus tour through Wicklow County. It was so nice to finally escape out of the city and see country life. Everything is so green and healthy here and the leaves are just starting to turn colors and flowers are still blooming! Little white specs dotted the hillside—also known as sheep!
Our first stop, we went to Dalkey Castle
and saw some incredible actors act out their traditional roles of a barber surgeon and a common church pastor. Dave also got the privilege of making a medieval coin.
As we moved along the tour, we stopped at a place called Avoca. There we enjoyed ‘tea’—during our lunch hour. Dave and I had a piece of yummy pie and some drinks. It was very good! From there we loaded back up and went and stopped on a bridge that was made famous by the movie “P.S. I Love You”
We got our picture taken there on that bridge and then Dave took off down the hill to get some cool water under the bridge pics. On the way back he slipped and almost took a swim with my new camera.
Our next stop found us at Lynham’s of Laragh. This was to be our lunch stop! (Should I mention that it is like 2:30 in the afternoon?) We enjoyed sandwiches and then went shopping in a quaint little shop across the street made just for people like me—tourists!
After boarding back on the bus, the tour ended at the ruins of a 5th century monastery. There is a Celtic cross that if you and your significant other touch hands around the cross and make a wish, it will come true. Of course we had to do that for a picture. As we were walking away we realized that we forgot to make a wish…but we each had our own thoughts that were running through our heads.
After capturing the photo, we went on a hike through the Glendalough hills and ended up at the lake with a beautiful water fall that ran into it. Once again, when everyone returned to the bus, the driver pulled out the whiskey—fortunately, we were already on the bus and did not partake.
The day turned into night and found the entire bus quiet except for the occasional snore that escaped some poor unknowing gent. We arrived back in Dublin and met together for one last meal as a group before we went our separate ways in the morning. From our very tired but viewable picture window, have a great day.
Howdy Family and Friends: Today we took a bus tour through Wicklow County. It was so nice to finally escape out of the city and see country life. Everything is so green and healthy here and the leaves are just starting to turn colors and flowers are still blooming! Little white specs dotted the hillside—also known as sheep!
Our first stop, we went to Dalkey Castle
As we moved along the tour, we stopped at a place called Avoca. There we enjoyed ‘tea’—during our lunch hour. Dave and I had a piece of yummy pie and some drinks. It was very good! From there we loaded back up and went and stopped on a bridge that was made famous by the movie “P.S. I Love You”
We got our picture taken there on that bridge and then Dave took off down the hill to get some cool water under the bridge pics. On the way back he slipped and almost took a swim with my new camera.
Our next stop found us at Lynham’s of Laragh. This was to be our lunch stop! (Should I mention that it is like 2:30 in the afternoon?) We enjoyed sandwiches and then went shopping in a quaint little shop across the street made just for people like me—tourists!
After boarding back on the bus, the tour ended at the ruins of a 5th century monastery. There is a Celtic cross that if you and your significant other touch hands around the cross and make a wish, it will come true. Of course we had to do that for a picture. As we were walking away we realized that we forgot to make a wish…but we each had our own thoughts that were running through our heads.
After capturing the photo, we went on a hike through the Glendalough hills and ended up at the lake with a beautiful water fall that ran into it. Once again, when everyone returned to the bus, the driver pulled out the whiskey—fortunately, we were already on the bus and did not partake.
The day turned into night and found the entire bus quiet except for the occasional snore that escaped some poor unknowing gent. We arrived back in Dublin and met together for one last meal as a group before we went our separate ways in the morning. From our very tired but viewable picture window, have a great day.
From here to there: How it all came to be! Day 4 in Ireland (Saturday)
Day 4 in Ireland: (Saturday) From here to there: How it all came to be!
Howdy friends and family!
Today we went out on the town. We go to see the Guinness Storehouse
and how Guinness beer is made! Of course they give you a sample pint when you finish the tour. We tried it but it was not for us! Too bitter and very dark. So, we opted for a coke! It was really interesting to see how it was made. After the Storehouse we went across town to a historic Jail. It was called Kilmainham Gaol. It housed the 14 revolution leaders that were instrumental in the freeing of Ireland from England’s rule. It was a little scary how primitive the jail was and how many kids were imprisoned during the great famine. The children were imprisoned because they stole potatoes!
After the Jail we went back to the hotel to freshen up for our adventure to the oldest pub in Dublin--The Brazenhead. This is a dinner club upstairs that is dedicated to the telling of Folklore, Fairies, and Fables. We ate a delicious meal and throughout the meal Johnny, who is a story teller, told the history of Ireland and the use of the potato. He explained the life of the common person during the famine. The thoughts and reasoning behind the fairies were explained and how that still plays an active role in their culture today. Then the evening was rounded out with some incredible stories. After the evening concluded we traveled back to the hotel and thanks to a wrong turn Dave got us lost, but to his credit he eventually found the right way and we made it! From our dark Guinness beer tour to jail and a great meal, have a great day!
Howdy friends and family!
Today we went out on the town. We go to see the Guinness Storehouse
and how Guinness beer is made! Of course they give you a sample pint when you finish the tour. We tried it but it was not for us! Too bitter and very dark. So, we opted for a coke! It was really interesting to see how it was made. After the Storehouse we went across town to a historic Jail. It was called Kilmainham Gaol. It housed the 14 revolution leaders that were instrumental in the freeing of Ireland from England’s rule. It was a little scary how primitive the jail was and how many kids were imprisoned during the great famine. The children were imprisoned because they stole potatoes!
After the Jail we went back to the hotel to freshen up for our adventure to the oldest pub in Dublin--The Brazenhead. This is a dinner club upstairs that is dedicated to the telling of Folklore, Fairies, and Fables. We ate a delicious meal and throughout the meal Johnny, who is a story teller, told the history of Ireland and the use of the potato. He explained the life of the common person during the famine. The thoughts and reasoning behind the fairies were explained and how that still plays an active role in their culture today. Then the evening was rounded out with some incredible stories. After the evening concluded we traveled back to the hotel and thanks to a wrong turn Dave got us lost, but to his credit he eventually found the right way and we made it! From our dark Guinness beer tour to jail and a great meal, have a great day!
Welcome to STS: Day 3 in Ireland (Friday)
Welcome to STS: Day Three/Friday
Howdy family and friends! This was the first official day with STS so we had our annual meeting in the morning and we learned some really interesting things with the new paperwork that the government is requiring and the expectations of the students as well as families! Dave snuck away saying he needed to go to the bathroom and found himself at a bike shop a couple blocks away! Go figure.
After the meeting we had the afternoon to be tourists.
We found two leprechauns—one that was authentic and one in costume! We went to Trinity College and the Book of Kells--a very interesting place to say the least. A lot of history there. Following those tours we went to the National Museum followed by a trip to the local McDonald’s! We tried their ice cream—I must admit that it is much better than the American ice cream. We had a McFlake—this would be similar to the McFlurry in the States. While we were there we also saw a group of students from the school. They are required to wear uniforms to school every day!
That night the STS Rep group went to a local pub called Arlington’s that featured traditional Irish music and dancing. On our walk there we crossed the Ha’Penny Bridge where there is some beautiful ironwork on the bridge. Attached to the ironwork are several locks. When a loved one passes away you are to write or engrave their name on the lock, clamp it on the bridge and throw the key in the river.
To get down to the music, we went down a side staircase to a basement and were treated to some traditional Irish entertainment. The music was grand, the Irish dancers were fantastic with the outfits and the tap shoes, but tonight we figured out that we really miss Nebraska beef. Irish beef is good, but what they call a steak in Dublin is not a steak. We also tried traditional Irish Coffee. I had Bailey’s Irish Coffee and Dave tried a French Coffee. Once again, very strong. I didn’t even drink ¼ of mine!
As we finished up the meal and the entertainment we slowly made our way back to the motel. Tonight the town was full as there was a huge soccer match between Ireland and Germany and the Germans had won 6 – 1. Every place was full of people and the town was buzzing with excitement. German excitement that is. They sang and chanted long into the night. It was just like Lincoln after the Huskers play. People were talking about the match and even the next morning, analyzing the game play. We felt right at home.
Howdy family and friends! This was the first official day with STS so we had our annual meeting in the morning and we learned some really interesting things with the new paperwork that the government is requiring and the expectations of the students as well as families! Dave snuck away saying he needed to go to the bathroom and found himself at a bike shop a couple blocks away! Go figure.
After the meeting we had the afternoon to be tourists.
We found two leprechauns—one that was authentic and one in costume! We went to Trinity College and the Book of Kells--a very interesting place to say the least. A lot of history there. Following those tours we went to the National Museum followed by a trip to the local McDonald’s! We tried their ice cream—I must admit that it is much better than the American ice cream. We had a McFlake—this would be similar to the McFlurry in the States. While we were there we also saw a group of students from the school. They are required to wear uniforms to school every day!
That night the STS Rep group went to a local pub called Arlington’s that featured traditional Irish music and dancing. On our walk there we crossed the Ha’Penny Bridge where there is some beautiful ironwork on the bridge. Attached to the ironwork are several locks. When a loved one passes away you are to write or engrave their name on the lock, clamp it on the bridge and throw the key in the river.
To get down to the music, we went down a side staircase to a basement and were treated to some traditional Irish entertainment. The music was grand, the Irish dancers were fantastic with the outfits and the tap shoes, but tonight we figured out that we really miss Nebraska beef. Irish beef is good, but what they call a steak in Dublin is not a steak. We also tried traditional Irish Coffee. I had Bailey’s Irish Coffee and Dave tried a French Coffee. Once again, very strong. I didn’t even drink ¼ of mine!
As we finished up the meal and the entertainment we slowly made our way back to the motel. Tonight the town was full as there was a huge soccer match between Ireland and Germany and the Germans had won 6 – 1. Every place was full of people and the town was buzzing with excitement. German excitement that is. They sang and chanted long into the night. It was just like Lincoln after the Huskers play. People were talking about the match and even the next morning, analyzing the game play. We felt right at home.
Just Another Ordinary Day: Day Two in Ireland
Just Another Ordinary Day: Day Two/Thursday
Howdy Family and Friends: We wanted to see ordinary life so Katy took us to a hardware store for light bulbs and a power bar. Nothing like what we have in the USA—it reminded us of just a little hole in the wall hardware store with everything you can imagine stacked on the walls. We had sandwiches at a cafe and did some shopping in some department stores then we headed back to the apt. to pack our stuff to walk to the Brooks Hotel.
In the city center everybody walks. The distance isn't figured in blocks or miles it is figured in how long it takes to walk there. While we were walking there we saw that during the night somebody was worried about the statues getting cold and put stocking caps on several of the them.
We finally found our Hotel and were greeted by the door man, Conner. The interesting thing about him is that every time we saw him during the duration of our stay, he called us by my first name. That was impressive! We checked into our room and the took off to explore and hopefully not get too lost. There were a lot of neat shops really close to the hotel. One little mall had a little coffee stand. Since it was cooler out we stopped for something sweet to eat and warm to drink. Dave learned one very important lesson that day: Coffee here is not the same at home! At home, Dave usually orders a Carmel Macchiato in the States, but here they had a double Macchiato. Dave thought that sounded pretty good. The standard is a double shot so this would have been a quad shot. His opinion was “Bring it on!!!” The difference he found out is that the coffee in Ireland is much stronger and no where as sweet. He successfully stripped my taste buds and was frantically looking for the sugar. Newsflash – Carmel Macchiato and Macchiato are not the same!! It was very strong, but the cakes were awesome.
I played it safe with a mocha which was good but still very strong and not as sweet. After coffee, we went back to go shopping in the tourist area. We found the Hard Rock Cafe in Dublin and some Irish yarn for Joyce and the cutest Doll House shop with a life size teddy bear! We also found an eco cab. Now Dave has the brilliant idea that he and one of his bike riding buddies are going to build.
For the evening, we met up with another rep we met last year and ate at a classy restaurant called Bewleys. After a short walk back to the room, it was off to the room and to bed, except for me--the coffee was kicking in and I was still up at 3 saying “no more coffee in the afternoon!!! What was I thinking?”
From my coffee picture window to yours, have a great week!
Howdy Family and Friends: We wanted to see ordinary life so Katy took us to a hardware store for light bulbs and a power bar. Nothing like what we have in the USA—it reminded us of just a little hole in the wall hardware store with everything you can imagine stacked on the walls. We had sandwiches at a cafe and did some shopping in some department stores then we headed back to the apt. to pack our stuff to walk to the Brooks Hotel.
In the city center everybody walks. The distance isn't figured in blocks or miles it is figured in how long it takes to walk there. While we were walking there we saw that during the night somebody was worried about the statues getting cold and put stocking caps on several of the them.
We finally found our Hotel and were greeted by the door man, Conner. The interesting thing about him is that every time we saw him during the duration of our stay, he called us by my first name. That was impressive! We checked into our room and the took off to explore and hopefully not get too lost. There were a lot of neat shops really close to the hotel. One little mall had a little coffee stand. Since it was cooler out we stopped for something sweet to eat and warm to drink. Dave learned one very important lesson that day: Coffee here is not the same at home! At home, Dave usually orders a Carmel Macchiato in the States, but here they had a double Macchiato. Dave thought that sounded pretty good. The standard is a double shot so this would have been a quad shot. His opinion was “Bring it on!!!” The difference he found out is that the coffee in Ireland is much stronger and no where as sweet. He successfully stripped my taste buds and was frantically looking for the sugar. Newsflash – Carmel Macchiato and Macchiato are not the same!! It was very strong, but the cakes were awesome.
I played it safe with a mocha which was good but still very strong and not as sweet. After coffee, we went back to go shopping in the tourist area. We found the Hard Rock Cafe in Dublin and some Irish yarn for Joyce and the cutest Doll House shop with a life size teddy bear! We also found an eco cab. Now Dave has the brilliant idea that he and one of his bike riding buddies are going to build.
For the evening, we met up with another rep we met last year and ate at a classy restaurant called Bewleys. After a short walk back to the room, it was off to the room and to bed, except for me--the coffee was kicking in and I was still up at 3 saying “no more coffee in the afternoon!!! What was I thinking?”
From my coffee picture window to yours, have a great week!
"We are flying as fast as we can..."
Howdy Friends and Family! These two days run together because we left Nebraska on Tuesday morning, the USA on Tuesday night and landed Wednesday morning. This year we promised ourselves that we wouldn't make the mistake we made last year. We would go to bed the night before. Of course, that didn't happen. We were so excited and of course hadn’t even thought of packing yet. We packed and
stayed up and left for grand Island at 330 in the morning! A quick stop at McDonald's for breakfast and we left for another once in a lifetime opportunity! Grand Island to Dallas and then off to Chicago. Our plane out of Grand Island was delayed. So once we got up in the air the pilot said we have reached our cruising altitude and we are flying as fast as we can to make sure you make your connection.
Dallas to Chicago was uneventful. After a 4 hour layover in Chicago we border out plane to Dublin. Thinking of Dave’s legs in the seats, I tried to be helpful and got us exit row seats which were great but for some reason sitting by that door was so cold! We both had on summer type of clothes so when the plane landed, we were ever so happy to get off. After making our way through Customs, we met our missionary hosts Blake and Katy Edgmon. We went out and did a little exploring including eating at Gourmet Burger
Kitchen. Dave’s lunch was humongous. So big that he ended up eating it with a fork! It included a burger, egg, lettuce, mushroom, tomatoes, onions, and cheese. Quite delicious though!
Blake and Katy took us all around the area and stopped at the fist Assembly of God church in Ireland. We stopped at a coffee shop with some very unique furniture and ordered some lattes. Back home and a spaghetti supper and relaxation—and early to bed at 8 p.m. From our very tired, yet very excited picture window to yours, have a great day!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Howdy Family and Friends! It’s day 3—yippee! For me (Jen) this day was spent on the road to South Dakota to visit two of my foreign exchange students that I have placed there! 127 miles one way! Luckily, Jalise slept the entire trip both going and coming home! Unfortunately, coming home, my body was ready for a nap too! Little sleep last night and an early morning don’t make for an awake Jen! But, we made it home—before the boys got home from church and enjoyed a quiet evening!
From Dave: This was day three of the ride. We started in Bingham and were en-route to Thedford. The conditions were much more favorable. It was 54 degrees this morning and this afternoon it reached around the mid 80's. Overall it was a pleasant ride with no major mishaps. I took the morning easy and was just seeing if my episode yesterday was just a fluke or was I really in trouble. We had some big hills and even bigger downhills which was nice. The downside is that there was a lot of road construction that wasn't there when we drove out. The decided to surface 7 miles of road and there was no smooth spot to ride. Either you road a shoulder that had a lot of loose rock and was rough or ride the new gravel and hope you didn't crash. What a choice.
After the construction I came up on a van that had pulled over with a flat tire. I asked him if he needed help and he responded, "I think that would be a good idea." He was a senior from Ord and it was fun to be able to help him. I needed something to put under the jack because it was sinking in the sand and he brought me his English Literature book. I opted not to use his book and used a mat from the back of his van. We stopped for lunch in Mullen and I made my mind up that I wanted to be the first rider in to Thedford and nobody was going beat me. When we left Mullen I kicked it into high gear! Side note: this is my nickname too, and I didn't look back. 10 miles in I stopped at the trailer, grabbed a snack, and took off. I was going fast enough that I beat the bus to the next stop. I arrived in Thedford 10 minutes before any other riders. I achieved my goal of leading an entire section and it felt great. At the end of the day I road 84 miles and averaged 17.8 miles an hour. Thanks for all your prayers. Tomorrow we have a short day and we ride 67 miles to Broken Bow and I get to sleep in a real bed at my inlaws home instead of a motel. Wahoo!!!
From our speedy (both driving and riding) picture window to yours, have a great night!
From Dave: This was day three of the ride. We started in Bingham and were en-route to Thedford. The conditions were much more favorable. It was 54 degrees this morning and this afternoon it reached around the mid 80's. Overall it was a pleasant ride with no major mishaps. I took the morning easy and was just seeing if my episode yesterday was just a fluke or was I really in trouble. We had some big hills and even bigger downhills which was nice. The downside is that there was a lot of road construction that wasn't there when we drove out. The decided to surface 7 miles of road and there was no smooth spot to ride. Either you road a shoulder that had a lot of loose rock and was rough or ride the new gravel and hope you didn't crash. What a choice.
After the construction I came up on a van that had pulled over with a flat tire. I asked him if he needed help and he responded, "I think that would be a good idea." He was a senior from Ord and it was fun to be able to help him. I needed something to put under the jack because it was sinking in the sand and he brought me his English Literature book. I opted not to use his book and used a mat from the back of his van. We stopped for lunch in Mullen and I made my mind up that I wanted to be the first rider in to Thedford and nobody was going beat me. When we left Mullen I kicked it into high gear! Side note: this is my nickname too, and I didn't look back. 10 miles in I stopped at the trailer, grabbed a snack, and took off. I was going fast enough that I beat the bus to the next stop. I arrived in Thedford 10 minutes before any other riders. I achieved my goal of leading an entire section and it felt great. At the end of the day I road 84 miles and averaged 17.8 miles an hour. Thanks for all your prayers. Tomorrow we have a short day and we ride 67 miles to Broken Bow and I get to sleep in a real bed at my inlaws home instead of a motel. Wahoo!!!
From our speedy (both driving and riding) picture window to yours, have a great night!
Day Two, What Shall I do?
Howdy Family and Friends! Day 2, what to do? For me (Jen) today was exactly that…where oh where do I start…laundry, dishes, floors, oh wait! I know! How about Happy 13 Anniversary to my husband! To celebrate, I went out for coffee with the ladies from the church! Dave gave me a gift certificate to the Hub (for coffee) an Angry birds stress ball, and a sling shot from the Angry Birds game…not exactly romantic you say!? I agree, but it was from him!
From Dave: Today was the first full day of the ride. What a day! We rode 40 miles before lunch and it was an interesting ride. It was 42 degrees when we left. If only it would have stayed cool all day. That first section had a lot of down hills, but there were three major uphills that challenged us right away. Over all it was an uneventful day. There was one flat tire, but everybody seemed to be doing well.
As we pulled into Alliance for lunch, the wind shifted to the west and we were very excited to have a major tail wind for the last half of the ride. I choose to start in the back today and took my time riding to the front so I could visit with all the riders along the way. After 14 miles, I had had enough and it was time to go. The wind was picking up and we motored. We ended riding an extra 18 miles more than we had planned because the wind was so favorable. All together we road 83 miles and stopped in Bingham. I was totally wasted the last two miles. I didn't have anything left in the tank. The front group got there really early so after resting for a while waiting for the bus I decided to ride down into Bigham and take the royal tour of the town. There isn't much there, but I have to say the streets are very well marked. Every street had a sign. It was a fun adventure. When I returned to the highway everybody else had arrived and the bus was almost there. Wahoo!
Remember I said we wished it stayed cool. It was 105 along side the road. Not fun. Tonight I was given the "forget me not" award. Before I left Burwell I was fixing some seams on top of the bus to stop some leaks and I thought I had taken care of everything. At Arby’s today I was looking at the bus and I couldn't figure out what was laying on top of the bus. I thought I might have damaged something with a low tree branch or something. So I walked out and look and found the caulking gun that I had used the other day. It rode all the way to Chadron and back to Alliance without falling off. Pretty impressive! Summary of the day I rode 84 miles and averaged 19.2 miles an hour. Good day over all!
From our loving, speedy anniversary window to yours, have a great night!
From Dave: Today was the first full day of the ride. What a day! We rode 40 miles before lunch and it was an interesting ride. It was 42 degrees when we left. If only it would have stayed cool all day. That first section had a lot of down hills, but there were three major uphills that challenged us right away. Over all it was an uneventful day. There was one flat tire, but everybody seemed to be doing well.
As we pulled into Alliance for lunch, the wind shifted to the west and we were very excited to have a major tail wind for the last half of the ride. I choose to start in the back today and took my time riding to the front so I could visit with all the riders along the way. After 14 miles, I had had enough and it was time to go. The wind was picking up and we motored. We ended riding an extra 18 miles more than we had planned because the wind was so favorable. All together we road 83 miles and stopped in Bingham. I was totally wasted the last two miles. I didn't have anything left in the tank. The front group got there really early so after resting for a while waiting for the bus I decided to ride down into Bigham and take the royal tour of the town. There isn't much there, but I have to say the streets are very well marked. Every street had a sign. It was a fun adventure. When I returned to the highway everybody else had arrived and the bus was almost there. Wahoo!
Remember I said we wished it stayed cool. It was 105 along side the road. Not fun. Tonight I was given the "forget me not" award. Before I left Burwell I was fixing some seams on top of the bus to stop some leaks and I thought I had taken care of everything. At Arby’s today I was looking at the bus and I couldn't figure out what was laying on top of the bus. I thought I might have damaged something with a low tree branch or something. So I walked out and look and found the caulking gun that I had used the other day. It rode all the way to Chadron and back to Alliance without falling off. Pretty impressive! Summary of the day I rode 84 miles and averaged 19.2 miles an hour. Good day over all!
From our loving, speedy anniversary window to yours, have a great night!
Day 1, the fun has just begun!
Day 1--The fun has just begun!
Howdy friends and family! As you can tell by the title, today is the first day of the Missions Bike ride for Dave and being a bachelorette/single Mom for the week!
We stayed the night in Broken Bow until Dave and Jon met up with the rest of the crew to head west! Pretty uneventful on our end! Dave on the other hand had a great day! The riders saw the destruction from the fires and the smoke in the air was there, but luckily not too heavy. The group also started riding tonight.
Dave and his riding partner Dale Ackermann, beat their personal record for going 20 miles! They accomplished this goal in 53 minutes.
On the way home, Cecilie gave me a note from Dave telling me to look in the visor of the pickup. There I found his old IPod. Cecilie loaded a message from Dave! It was rather cute and I will try to include it on here. The message was a song titled, “Call Me Maybe!” and while it was rather cute, he holds up a sign with a number…which was supposed to be his—well, it wasn’t. It was a land line in Burwell. OOPS! Still cute and rather funny!
From our smoky and speedy wrong number picture window to yours, have a great night!
Howdy friends and family! As you can tell by the title, today is the first day of the Missions Bike ride for Dave and being a bachelorette/single Mom for the week!
We stayed the night in Broken Bow until Dave and Jon met up with the rest of the crew to head west! Pretty uneventful on our end! Dave on the other hand had a great day! The riders saw the destruction from the fires and the smoke in the air was there, but luckily not too heavy. The group also started riding tonight.
Dave and his riding partner Dale Ackermann, beat their personal record for going 20 miles! They accomplished this goal in 53 minutes.
On the way home, Cecilie gave me a note from Dave telling me to look in the visor of the pickup. There I found his old IPod. Cecilie loaded a message from Dave! It was rather cute and I will try to include it on here. The message was a song titled, “Call Me Maybe!” and while it was rather cute, he holds up a sign with a number…which was supposed to be his—well, it wasn’t. It was a land line in Burwell. OOPS! Still cute and rather funny!
From our smoky and speedy wrong number picture window to yours, have a great night!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
What Faith Can Do...
Howdy friends and family. The lyrics to the song "What Faith Can Do" are so fitting for the blog I am writing tonight. The song says,
"Anyone can feel the ache
You think it's more than you can take..."
That has been my day in a nutshell. To start from the beginning, last Wed. morning I woke up very dizzy. It was so bad that I couldn't get out of the bed without falling down. I was extremely nauseous and burning up! My first thought was, "Oh no, I slept wrong and a nerve in my neck is getting pinched!"
I tried to make my way to the bathroom--but without much success. Jacob caught me in the hallway. He asked if I was ok and of course Mom mode kicked in and I said yes-- just a little dizzy. In his 11 year old most compassionate voice he said, "Uh Mom, I don't think so." I told him that I thought he better get on his bike and go get Dad from work. He was gone before I could even make it to the couch.
Dave came home and helped finish getting the boys off to school and then stayed with me. We were both not sure what was going on so we called our faithful chiropractor, and got in right away. The drive alone was enough to make me want to throw up.
Doc adjusted me but said, "I think you better make an appointment to see Hugh. (Hugh is our regular physician--Dr. Holmquist.) We did and I told him my symptoms. He took my Blood Pressure, checked my ears...everything was fine. He then suggested we do some blood work. No problem! The nurse came in and took some blood and we returned home to wait for results--which should have come in on Friday.
Well, Friday came and no phone call so I called in to see if they had anything. The answer--"No, sorry. Nothing yet." Saturday came and went, Sunday spun through...nothing, Monday whirled around me-still no phone call with results. Today, woke up at 5:50 burning up, head pounding, room spinning like I had just gotten off the merry go round and extremely nauseous. I immediately woke up Dave and he got me some Motrin and water and a cracker. The cracker still lays on the headboard. I couldn't chew it to save my life. I thought for sure that it must be a flu bug that is going around. I laid there for the next hour unable to get off the dizzy kick. As Dave was preparing to leave for work at 7, I told him he better stick around and make sure the kids got to school ok. He did and I stayed in bed. At 9:20 I got up to make my way to the kitchen to take more medicine and about 20 minutes later the dizziness subsided. I continued on with my day plans which included heading to Broken Bow to meet a prospective host family and have lunch with my Mom.
On the way there, Dave called me as I was about to drive out of service and told me the dr. office called and needed to speak with me. When I was finally able to get back into service, I immediately called them back. The nurse gave me the test results. Mono test came back negative, CBC was fine, some other test was fine, but there was one test that came back not so good...the Thyroid test. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
"It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason
For someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death..."
Ya, that's me. Scared to death. What did I do to cause this? How did it happen? Why me? Well, to answer one question: its hereditary. There is nothing I could have done to cause it.
To say the least, today was overwhelming...
"But you're stronger
Stronger than you know"
There were other factors that played into today--finding out that I was housing a family of mice in my dryer hose, Caleb's spacer cutting his tongue open because it broke off, remembering 12 years ago that today was the day I buried my daughter, but to say the least, I was heart broken--felt like the sky was falling down around me.
"Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining"
That's what I am holding on to. The sun will be shining tomorrow.
"I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do"
I have had other serious conditions that were going to require major surgery happen to me and I have seen miracles just happen in my own life that doctors could not answer for. So for now, this mountain is hard to face. But I will climb this mountain. I will come out on top. Tomorrow will be better.
"You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining..
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise
I will get through this new journey that I am travelling down. But please, be in prayer for me. I am believing for a complete miracle. From my 'underactive' picture window to yours, have a great day.
"Anyone can feel the ache
You think it's more than you can take..."
That has been my day in a nutshell. To start from the beginning, last Wed. morning I woke up very dizzy. It was so bad that I couldn't get out of the bed without falling down. I was extremely nauseous and burning up! My first thought was, "Oh no, I slept wrong and a nerve in my neck is getting pinched!"
I tried to make my way to the bathroom--but without much success. Jacob caught me in the hallway. He asked if I was ok and of course Mom mode kicked in and I said yes-- just a little dizzy. In his 11 year old most compassionate voice he said, "Uh Mom, I don't think so." I told him that I thought he better get on his bike and go get Dad from work. He was gone before I could even make it to the couch.
Dave came home and helped finish getting the boys off to school and then stayed with me. We were both not sure what was going on so we called our faithful chiropractor, and got in right away. The drive alone was enough to make me want to throw up.
Doc adjusted me but said, "I think you better make an appointment to see Hugh. (Hugh is our regular physician--Dr. Holmquist.) We did and I told him my symptoms. He took my Blood Pressure, checked my ears...everything was fine. He then suggested we do some blood work. No problem! The nurse came in and took some blood and we returned home to wait for results--which should have come in on Friday.
Well, Friday came and no phone call so I called in to see if they had anything. The answer--"No, sorry. Nothing yet." Saturday came and went, Sunday spun through...nothing, Monday whirled around me-still no phone call with results. Today, woke up at 5:50 burning up, head pounding, room spinning like I had just gotten off the merry go round and extremely nauseous. I immediately woke up Dave and he got me some Motrin and water and a cracker. The cracker still lays on the headboard. I couldn't chew it to save my life. I thought for sure that it must be a flu bug that is going around. I laid there for the next hour unable to get off the dizzy kick. As Dave was preparing to leave for work at 7, I told him he better stick around and make sure the kids got to school ok. He did and I stayed in bed. At 9:20 I got up to make my way to the kitchen to take more medicine and about 20 minutes later the dizziness subsided. I continued on with my day plans which included heading to Broken Bow to meet a prospective host family and have lunch with my Mom.
On the way there, Dave called me as I was about to drive out of service and told me the dr. office called and needed to speak with me. When I was finally able to get back into service, I immediately called them back. The nurse gave me the test results. Mono test came back negative, CBC was fine, some other test was fine, but there was one test that came back not so good...the Thyroid test. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
"It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason
For someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death..."
Ya, that's me. Scared to death. What did I do to cause this? How did it happen? Why me? Well, to answer one question: its hereditary. There is nothing I could have done to cause it.
To say the least, today was overwhelming...
"But you're stronger
Stronger than you know"
There were other factors that played into today--finding out that I was housing a family of mice in my dryer hose, Caleb's spacer cutting his tongue open because it broke off, remembering 12 years ago that today was the day I buried my daughter, but to say the least, I was heart broken--felt like the sky was falling down around me.
"Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining"
That's what I am holding on to. The sun will be shining tomorrow.
"I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do"
I have had other serious conditions that were going to require major surgery happen to me and I have seen miracles just happen in my own life that doctors could not answer for. So for now, this mountain is hard to face. But I will climb this mountain. I will come out on top. Tomorrow will be better.
"You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining..
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise
I will get through this new journey that I am travelling down. But please, be in prayer for me. I am believing for a complete miracle. From my 'underactive' picture window to yours, have a great day.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
RFKC--Day 2/3 A week that will change my life!
RFKC--Day 2/3
Howdy friends and family! The last two days have definitely been interesting! The campers are settling in well and starting to enjoy camp!
Some of these kids are so hungry for attention (and food) that they will go to extreme measures to get either of these! I got the privilege of experiencing that...
My job at this camp is to lifeguard and be a relief "big camper". While in the pool Tuesday, one of the girls was playing and swimming along happily and then she began to swim away from the others. I watched her carefully and she seemed to be ok. She was snorkeling but gradually her swimming became less active. I kept a close eye on her when her swimming just stopped. She was face down in the pool--and for any lifeguard, that is a heart stopping moment.
I quickly alerted another big camper who was near her in the water and she tapped her on the head thinking that she would pop up and respond. No luck. By now my heart started to pump a little quicker. The big camper tapped her again, only to be answered with no response again! I quickly threw off my glasses and shirt (yes, I had my suit on underneath) and jumped in. As I turned her over, she had a glazed look in her eyes and I was praying that everything would be ok. I very calmly called her by name (and for those of you who know me know that I can get very excited about certain things)and told her that she needed to respond and answer me. With the other girls watching, she looked up at me as I was swimming her to the side still 'dazed'. I quietly told her that she was ok and that she could stop acting at any moment. As I pulled her out of the water, she said to me, "I'm fine, what's the big deal?"
Talk about heart wrenching. This young girl was so hungry for attention that she went to drastic measures just for one on one time.
Over the course of the next 10 minutes I told her that she needed to sit with me on the side of the pool so that I could 'observe' her and make sure she was ok. (In other words, I gave her a time out!)I talked with her about why she did that and her response was simply, "I want attention!" I told her that there were so many other ways to get attention and that wasn't a good choice. As the day went on, I made sure to try to compliment her on the little things or just say hi to her when I saw her. My heart went out to this girl.
Wednesday brought new opportunities to get to know the kids. Funny thing is, the Lord brings these opportunities at the craziest times! For me, the opportunity was while driving go-karts with the shorter campers! I was driving around with a little girl and she wanted so badly to be able to drive--so I gave her that chance! I ran the gas pedal and she ran the wheel...talk about insane! That was my moment of insanity! She screamed and giggled while I held on for dear life! As we were finishing the last lap on the course, she let me take control of the wheel and laid her head on my shoulder and said, I don't get to live with my Mommy any more. I miss her. But you made my day really fun! As I pulled into our slot to park, she just continued to snuggle up to me...and once again, I had to hold back the tears. There were no words of advice to give, nothing to say, just a shoulder to provide and a side hug to give--nothing needed to be said. Today was about making moments matter--even if it was in the go-kart. The cool thing for this little girl is that the photographer captured that moment and she will have it in her scrapbook that we are making for her.
From my moment making opportunities to yours, have a great day!
Howdy friends and family! The last two days have definitely been interesting! The campers are settling in well and starting to enjoy camp!
Some of these kids are so hungry for attention (and food) that they will go to extreme measures to get either of these! I got the privilege of experiencing that...
My job at this camp is to lifeguard and be a relief "big camper". While in the pool Tuesday, one of the girls was playing and swimming along happily and then she began to swim away from the others. I watched her carefully and she seemed to be ok. She was snorkeling but gradually her swimming became less active. I kept a close eye on her when her swimming just stopped. She was face down in the pool--and for any lifeguard, that is a heart stopping moment.
I quickly alerted another big camper who was near her in the water and she tapped her on the head thinking that she would pop up and respond. No luck. By now my heart started to pump a little quicker. The big camper tapped her again, only to be answered with no response again! I quickly threw off my glasses and shirt (yes, I had my suit on underneath) and jumped in. As I turned her over, she had a glazed look in her eyes and I was praying that everything would be ok. I very calmly called her by name (and for those of you who know me know that I can get very excited about certain things)and told her that she needed to respond and answer me. With the other girls watching, she looked up at me as I was swimming her to the side still 'dazed'. I quietly told her that she was ok and that she could stop acting at any moment. As I pulled her out of the water, she said to me, "I'm fine, what's the big deal?"
Talk about heart wrenching. This young girl was so hungry for attention that she went to drastic measures just for one on one time.
Over the course of the next 10 minutes I told her that she needed to sit with me on the side of the pool so that I could 'observe' her and make sure she was ok. (In other words, I gave her a time out!)I talked with her about why she did that and her response was simply, "I want attention!" I told her that there were so many other ways to get attention and that wasn't a good choice. As the day went on, I made sure to try to compliment her on the little things or just say hi to her when I saw her. My heart went out to this girl.
Wednesday brought new opportunities to get to know the kids. Funny thing is, the Lord brings these opportunities at the craziest times! For me, the opportunity was while driving go-karts with the shorter campers! I was driving around with a little girl and she wanted so badly to be able to drive--so I gave her that chance! I ran the gas pedal and she ran the wheel...talk about insane! That was my moment of insanity! She screamed and giggled while I held on for dear life! As we were finishing the last lap on the course, she let me take control of the wheel and laid her head on my shoulder and said, I don't get to live with my Mommy any more. I miss her. But you made my day really fun! As I pulled into our slot to park, she just continued to snuggle up to me...and once again, I had to hold back the tears. There were no words of advice to give, nothing to say, just a shoulder to provide and a side hug to give--nothing needed to be said. Today was about making moments matter--even if it was in the go-kart. The cool thing for this little girl is that the photographer captured that moment and she will have it in her scrapbook that we are making for her.
From my moment making opportunities to yours, have a great day!
Monday, July 16, 2012
A week that will change my life...Day 1 RFKC
Howdy friends and family! I am writing to you tonight from a 2012 Royal Family Kids Camp—This afternoon as we were wrapping up our afternoon activities, we asked one of the campers to pray over supper. A little boy volunteered. He did a typical prayer, “Lord, thank you for the food and the fun day we had and Lord, thank you for letting me survive my first birthday and keeping me alive during the surgeries I have had. Amen”
Talk about being caught off guard! I was sitting next to the director and the nurse and neither of us had dry eyes. It’s so hard to imagine what some of these kids have gone through. The director shared with me that the little boy had to have a plate put in his head before his first birthday because of what his Mom had done to him. My heart was truly broken.
This evening before bed, I had the privilege to pass out the blankets that Joyce donated and we tied. I went with the camp Grandpa and Grandma to hand them out. The look on one little girls face was priceless. She grabbed her blanket and asked, “Who gave this to me?” The camp Grandma looked at her and said, “Miss Jen made it for you with another lady from her church.” She hugged the blanket tightly to her chest and said, “No one has ever given me anything like this before! Thank you! I love it!”
As we passed out the blankets to the other kids, it was so hard to hold back the tears that were filling my eyes. For some of these kids, it was just like Christmas morning. They were so excited to get something that was all their own.
As I was wrapping up the night, one of the privileges that I have is to be relief for the big campers and spend time with the little campers. While we are in the room, we get to read them a story, tuck them in and play worship music for them to go to sleep on. The other leader in the room asked one of the little girls if she would like her to tuck her in. She said no and turned her back away from that leader. The leader tried several times to tuck her in and each time she was answered with “No.” A few minutes later, I came by and asked her if it would be ok if I tucked her in and she said “I guess so.” She was very quiet and shy and I told her that I was so excited to see her when she woke up in the morning. She turned over immediately asked me if I was serious and I told her that I was. A huge smile spread across her face and she said that she couldn’t wait either.
From my widened, emotional picture window to yours, have a great week!
Talk about being caught off guard! I was sitting next to the director and the nurse and neither of us had dry eyes. It’s so hard to imagine what some of these kids have gone through. The director shared with me that the little boy had to have a plate put in his head before his first birthday because of what his Mom had done to him. My heart was truly broken.
This evening before bed, I had the privilege to pass out the blankets that Joyce donated and we tied. I went with the camp Grandpa and Grandma to hand them out. The look on one little girls face was priceless. She grabbed her blanket and asked, “Who gave this to me?” The camp Grandma looked at her and said, “Miss Jen made it for you with another lady from her church.” She hugged the blanket tightly to her chest and said, “No one has ever given me anything like this before! Thank you! I love it!”
As we passed out the blankets to the other kids, it was so hard to hold back the tears that were filling my eyes. For some of these kids, it was just like Christmas morning. They were so excited to get something that was all their own.
As I was wrapping up the night, one of the privileges that I have is to be relief for the big campers and spend time with the little campers. While we are in the room, we get to read them a story, tuck them in and play worship music for them to go to sleep on. The other leader in the room asked one of the little girls if she would like her to tuck her in. She said no and turned her back away from that leader. The leader tried several times to tuck her in and each time she was answered with “No.” A few minutes later, I came by and asked her if it would be ok if I tucked her in and she said “I guess so.” She was very quiet and shy and I told her that I was so excited to see her when she woke up in the morning. She turned over immediately asked me if I was serious and I told her that I was. A huge smile spread across her face and she said that she couldn’t wait either.
From my widened, emotional picture window to yours, have a great week!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Dave: Day 2 Haiti, Jen Day 2 at Camp!
Howdy friends and family! I didn't get to skype with Dave today but I did get to communicate with him through the email! Here is what he had to say! ...
What a day--hot hot hot and I am in jeans (not by choice but I was glad I was!!) I was on the ground rolling around with the kids. Fun, but still it was hot.
We went to 3 schools and handed candy out. We wrote our names on the chalk board. We totally disrupted their classes. Kids high 5'd us and then played hand slap. At one school, I was on the floor kneeling and swinging a little girl around and tickling little boys when I was mobbed! A bunch of kids all crowded in and I was getting just piled on by kids! They were stealing my glasses and my hat. Then a kid started to dump his water he was drinking on my head. That was the time to get up! Haha! I was wet and the back of my hands were red from playing slap. Another school I visited found me in a room of probably 3 or 4 grade and they mauled me and wouldn't let me out of the room. They untucked my shirt and kept pulling on it! One time they almost pulled it off and the girls squealed when the saw my stomach. I finally got some other Pastors in there and fought my way out of the room. Or should I say I tried...there were two girls standing guard at the doorway haha!
We went to an A/G church and saw a twenty four hr prayer meeting. The ladies brought their mats and set up shop to pray for their community for 24 hrs. The power of God was incredible! We prayed for the Pastor and I was hard pressed not to break down and cry! These ladies were so serious about wanting to see God move, they were fervently singing and praying to God.
We ate at Haitian restaurant. I had chicken and rice with a coke!! Really good. It was a unique setting but the food was great!
Today we also visited 1 orphanage. This little place broke my heart. About 20 or 30 little kids. I found a little boy with big brown eyes. I grabbed him with another little boy and sat with them on my lap for a long time (20 or 30 minutes). I took pics and video with them. One had some candy I had given them and I would help him open each piece. The last piece of candy was laffy taffy he nibbled and sucked on that candy till it was gone. Then he sucked on the wrapper till we left. I teared up when I left it was so hard to tell him goodbye. I gave him several hugs and he held my hand all the way to the door out of the orphanage.
It was so hard that to do that...
I bartered with street vendors. I got some cool knick nacks and tried to do my wife proud! She is the barterer of the family!
We went to top of mountain to see the city. It is an incredible city. When the earthquake hit, 30% of the city died. That is approximately how many they think there are still unnacounted for. We went to the mass grave they buried the people at. The country is a mess but the people care about how they look and there is a real attitude of hope!
It is going to be hard to leave in the morning. It would just be great to set up shop and get to work. There is so much that needs to be done. I don't think that I would probably make it long term. The pastor I rode around with today is 80 and he has been living here 14 years. I am going back changed. I want to do something for people with less than what I have.
Tomorrow we have to leave at 700 to get to the airport in time! Customs here we come.
On a different continent at a church camp called The Crossing...I had a great day! I was in the water 3 different times with the little ones and the youth. It was hot here too of course.
In the evening service, the speaker Mike Holt was speaking to the youth about being a generation of prayer warriors. He made a statement that really caught my attention. He asked the youth, "Who are the seasoned old ladies in your life? The ones who when they lay hands on you and pray, you know they have been with God because when they pray things happen." I thought of my own church in Burwell, my Grandma Miller, the church I grew up in when I was a kid in Broken Bow. My heart was absolutely broken. My prayer tonight was "God, let me live to be the little old lady that is able to touch the throne of heaven 60 years from now when praying over the young ones." It was powerful!
From our heart broken praying picture window to yours, have a great day!
What a day--hot hot hot and I am in jeans (not by choice but I was glad I was!!) I was on the ground rolling around with the kids. Fun, but still it was hot.
We went to 3 schools and handed candy out. We wrote our names on the chalk board. We totally disrupted their classes. Kids high 5'd us and then played hand slap. At one school, I was on the floor kneeling and swinging a little girl around and tickling little boys when I was mobbed! A bunch of kids all crowded in and I was getting just piled on by kids! They were stealing my glasses and my hat. Then a kid started to dump his water he was drinking on my head. That was the time to get up! Haha! I was wet and the back of my hands were red from playing slap. Another school I visited found me in a room of probably 3 or 4 grade and they mauled me and wouldn't let me out of the room. They untucked my shirt and kept pulling on it! One time they almost pulled it off and the girls squealed when the saw my stomach. I finally got some other Pastors in there and fought my way out of the room. Or should I say I tried...there were two girls standing guard at the doorway haha!
We went to an A/G church and saw a twenty four hr prayer meeting. The ladies brought their mats and set up shop to pray for their community for 24 hrs. The power of God was incredible! We prayed for the Pastor and I was hard pressed not to break down and cry! These ladies were so serious about wanting to see God move, they were fervently singing and praying to God.
We ate at Haitian restaurant. I had chicken and rice with a coke!! Really good. It was a unique setting but the food was great!
Today we also visited 1 orphanage. This little place broke my heart. About 20 or 30 little kids. I found a little boy with big brown eyes. I grabbed him with another little boy and sat with them on my lap for a long time (20 or 30 minutes). I took pics and video with them. One had some candy I had given them and I would help him open each piece. The last piece of candy was laffy taffy he nibbled and sucked on that candy till it was gone. Then he sucked on the wrapper till we left. I teared up when I left it was so hard to tell him goodbye. I gave him several hugs and he held my hand all the way to the door out of the orphanage.
It was so hard that to do that...
I bartered with street vendors. I got some cool knick nacks and tried to do my wife proud! She is the barterer of the family!
We went to top of mountain to see the city. It is an incredible city. When the earthquake hit, 30% of the city died. That is approximately how many they think there are still unnacounted for. We went to the mass grave they buried the people at. The country is a mess but the people care about how they look and there is a real attitude of hope!
It is going to be hard to leave in the morning. It would just be great to set up shop and get to work. There is so much that needs to be done. I don't think that I would probably make it long term. The pastor I rode around with today is 80 and he has been living here 14 years. I am going back changed. I want to do something for people with less than what I have.
Tomorrow we have to leave at 700 to get to the airport in time! Customs here we come.
On a different continent at a church camp called The Crossing...I had a great day! I was in the water 3 different times with the little ones and the youth. It was hot here too of course.
In the evening service, the speaker Mike Holt was speaking to the youth about being a generation of prayer warriors. He made a statement that really caught my attention. He asked the youth, "Who are the seasoned old ladies in your life? The ones who when they lay hands on you and pray, you know they have been with God because when they pray things happen." I thought of my own church in Burwell, my Grandma Miller, the church I grew up in when I was a kid in Broken Bow. My heart was absolutely broken. My prayer tonight was "God, let me live to be the little old lady that is able to touch the throne of heaven 60 years from now when praying over the young ones." It was powerful!
From our heart broken praying picture window to yours, have a great day!
Dave: Haiti Day 1...Jen: Summer Church Camp Day 1
Howdy Friends and Family! Today Dave took off for Haiti with several other Nebraska Pastors. They were at the airport at 430 a.m. for their flight to take off at 6:05 am! A short night of sleep! The following is from Dave: Our flights were great for the most part. From DFW to MIA, there was extreme turbulance--almost bouncing on the seat. We arrived in Haiti on time and our first meal in Haiti was spaghetti and some vegetable that I couldn't pronounce/remember.
Here in Haiti, there are no traffic laws and taxi cabs look like pickups with tall toppers and people piled in the back. There are tents everywhere--basically a tarp over a wood frame. Animals such as goats, dogs and chickens roam everywhere freely. We are staying in a local guest house with 5 beds to a room. Our security guard walks around the house with a shotgun. It is amazing the poverty, but the people are trying to make it work!
I even might have found a way for us in the Sandhills to provide a much needed part for water purification! Culligan Water Conditioning donated some water softners to help with the water situation, but the control boards burned out. Through Jen, I skyped with my father in law who is a Culligan Man and hope to have more answers on how to help them in the morning! Wahoo!!
Tomorrow morning we will be up at 7 and leave at 7:30. The roads are really bad hard to drive on with a 4x4. Some are dirt, some cobblestone, some pavement. Wires are still down all over the place. Please keep us in your prayers as we will be going to the orphanages and the schools.
On a different continent, at a great place called The Crossing, Jen is serving as the lifeguard and helping out with Pre Camp--a camp for the workers children!
Today I was the main greeter for the campers and workers coming to Youth Camp 1 at The Crossing in Lexington! How fun to welcome the churches! Not much happened other than helping people get settled in and then being in my favorite place--the POOL! We had 17 little people in the pool tonight! Splashing and jumping, squealing with delight! Such fun!
Before diving in with the "littles" I was able to take in some of the evening service at camp! The speaker sounds very promising! Hoping to hear more of him in the nights to come!
From my foreign/camping picture window to yours, have a great week!
Here in Haiti, there are no traffic laws and taxi cabs look like pickups with tall toppers and people piled in the back. There are tents everywhere--basically a tarp over a wood frame. Animals such as goats, dogs and chickens roam everywhere freely. We are staying in a local guest house with 5 beds to a room. Our security guard walks around the house with a shotgun. It is amazing the poverty, but the people are trying to make it work!
I even might have found a way for us in the Sandhills to provide a much needed part for water purification! Culligan Water Conditioning donated some water softners to help with the water situation, but the control boards burned out. Through Jen, I skyped with my father in law who is a Culligan Man and hope to have more answers on how to help them in the morning! Wahoo!!
Tomorrow morning we will be up at 7 and leave at 7:30. The roads are really bad hard to drive on with a 4x4. Some are dirt, some cobblestone, some pavement. Wires are still down all over the place. Please keep us in your prayers as we will be going to the orphanages and the schools.
On a different continent, at a great place called The Crossing, Jen is serving as the lifeguard and helping out with Pre Camp--a camp for the workers children!
Today I was the main greeter for the campers and workers coming to Youth Camp 1 at The Crossing in Lexington! How fun to welcome the churches! Not much happened other than helping people get settled in and then being in my favorite place--the POOL! We had 17 little people in the pool tonight! Splashing and jumping, squealing with delight! Such fun!
Before diving in with the "littles" I was able to take in some of the evening service at camp! The speaker sounds very promising! Hoping to hear more of him in the nights to come!
From my foreign/camping picture window to yours, have a great week!
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