Wander Susan Wonder

Well I’m back from my blogging hiatus. I didn’t really mean to take a hiatus. Life and normal routines just kinda happened…..but I’m back and ready to tell you all about my Christmas vacation. Sure it’s a little late…but trust me….this trip was awesome and worth the wait (since I’m sure so many of you can’t sleep until I post again…haha).

Anyways, the fun started in Uganda. East Africa continues to be one of my most favorite places in the entire world. I don’t know if it’s so special because it’s the first place I went overseas….where I first fell in love with Africa, but let me tell you…the people are friendly, the grass is green, fresh fruit is all around, and chapati (amazing bread that will change your life) is found everywhere!! Not to mention…I got to spend the holiday with some of my most favorite people in the entire world.

And then these kids showed up!! And if you know them at all, you know they bring a good time. It was so good to see them….and get some mommy/daddy time….and don’t worry…they’re still good at spoiling me. Last week, I put on a t-shirt that still smelled like my dad–probably the remnants of a good hug. It was hard not to burst into tears….and it was even harder to put the shirt in the washing machine….knowing it won’t have that scent for a while…

Part of the time in Uganda was spent at a game park that was famous for their hippos…so naturally we saw quite a few.

There is also fishing!! The park is on the Nile river and we did our best to catch some Nile Perch. I don’t know what I was expecting….but those fish are huge!! I caught the biggest fish of my life…and it was one of the small ones of the day…craziness!!

This kid did pretty good too.

Right before my parents arrived…I got to raft the Nile again. The river has changed a little because of a dam that was built….but it was still so much fun. There are more details on the first time down the river here.

After Uganda….I ventured over to Kenya and met up with some friends there…..It was so good to see people who are living similar lives. We swapped stories, ate great food….and pretty much partied. It was awesome!!

Did some hiking…here’s me mid jump

Overlooking the Rift Valley….told ya East Africa is awesome

We camped out for a safari

The breakfast nook

so many giraffes!!

Are you kidding me…a whole elephant family?!?!?

sitting pretty

at the Tanzania/Kenya border

us being us….don’t be too jealous

Clearly I was excited about everything

We were all pretty excited actually

Typical “we’re really cool” pic

 It’s fun to have friends. It’s fun to have friends all over the world. It’s fun to meet up with those friends in amazing places. I highly recommend an African Adventure to anyone….watch out though…you might get hooked.

So the past few days here have looked a little like this:

Crazy right?? I mean, when the forecast said snow, I thought…awesome…a dusting…which will close things for maybe a day (just like it does eastern NC). I never thought I would be stuck indoors for 3 whole days….with the most snow this area has seen in 50 years. Lucky me I guess?? Well I’ve learned some things in these past few days of snow, so I’ve decided to provide a sort of survival guide….just in case you ever find yourself in the middle of the most snow the desert has seen in years…

Have some play time…I mean come on…snow angels will make anyone feel better

Make a snowman that fits in with the culture….even if you can only find enough materials for one eye

An electric kettle and hot water bottle are you friends. They are dear friends that make you hot drinks and keep your feet warm. You will never forget them.

Dress in layers. It’s way better that way…even if you look ridiculous

And if all else fails….wear a blanket as a cape!

Ok, I hope these are some helpful hints that will be useful in the future. This NC girl has seen enough snow for quite a long time. Happy future snow days everyone.

Sooooo turns out….changing front numbers meant a pretty awesome weekend. Thanks to all of you who were a part of it. Honestly, yall are awesome and I felt super loved. Here are some pictures of the fun times:

It started by heading downtown to pick up a bday package…and no…I am not above making a lady with a small child carry my box around.

And it was filled with all kinds of awesome!!

This was my last meal as a twenty something…I mean you gotta go out in style.

I woke up on bday morning to several friends from around the world that I written out the “30 things” they love about me. I laughed and cried all at the same time.

My proudest moment was that almost all the lists included my dance moves…oh yea!

Some “friends” decided to be cute and give me some essentials for getting older

We spent part of the weekend camping out in the desert….which was clearly awesome.

Yep, that’s me standing on that really tall rock….aren’t you proud mom?!

And the views didn’t hurt at all.

And if you know me at all, you know that birthdays must include cupcakes.

     Sooooo I’m officially in my last month of being a twenty-something. I have mourned this for a really long time. I didn’t even let myself have that much fun last birthday because I new this moment was coming. I think one of the reasons I’ve had such a hard time with it is because my twenties have been so. much. fun. Seriously…I have had a blast!! Don’t get me wrong, some of that hardest things I’ve ever had to go through have happened with a 2 in front of my age, but for the most part, they have been great. I think deep down, I’m afraid it won’t be this fun anymore. I’ve been able to see so many parts of the world…and let me tell you….I have the best friends on the planet. I’m serious….you need to meet my friends…they will change your life. As you know….I’m pretty restless so I don’t stay in one spot too long…but the Lord has been faithful to bring me friends wherever I am…not just mediocre friends….but amazing ones. To all who have been a part of those fun times (you know who you are), thanks for helping make me the person I am today. I could not have done any of this without you…seriously…I could not ask for better people to share life with.
    I think another reason I’ve been so sad about it is that I use to feel sorry for people who got to this age (I’m still not really saying the actual age out loud), and certain things hadn’t happened for them. Anybody know what I’m talking about?? Well anyways, thankfully, the Lord proves faithful again. The past few weeks I’ve been really encouraged about changing front numbers. And that encouragement has come from some pretty unexpected places.  First of all, those awesome friends I always talk about have been great. They support me and call me out when I’m being far too obsessive about a stupid number. I just found an article by Olivia Wilde who is an actress. Now be forewarned… some of this article is slightly inappropriate, but the rest of it is hilarious and awesome. She calls turning 30 the “stop the BS and start being awesome” phase. I’m gonna be honest…it was the first time I’ve actually been pumped up about turning 30 (yikes…I still don’t really like the way it sounds).
    In all seriousness, my life has turned out far better than I could have imagined. Through the ups and downs, and hopes and disappointments….the Lord has given me good things….better things than I even knew to ask for. There are still days when I’m a brat, and want “things” that most 30-somethings have. But lets be honest….heaven help the man that decides to spend the rest of his life with me, if he even exists….because I am ridiculous…true story. So here’s to trusting in the good that is continually provided for me….and struggling well to trust that it is all the good I need….because it is!! And here’s to quitting the BS and starting (well lets be honest, continuing) to be awesome.

    So in school, I was never a fan of reading. I think it was the whole…I’m feeling “forced to read something” thing. My rebel heart just wanted to yell Noooo! That, and I would rather be playing volleyball. I was a frequent buyer of Cliff Notes (thanks cliff…I owe you big time). And would always pray to do reports on the main characters because it was easier to get information on them without reading the book. I know, I may be ruining your image of me….but it’s the truth people- vulnerability.
    I have rebelled against required reading in all levels of my education, but as soon as the semester was over, I was always excited to pick up a book that I chose myself. I know….it’s super selfish…but I like books that I get to choose. I’m including the last few books that I’ve read. You are not required to read them…but some of them are pretty good. You can curl up with a pumpkin spice latte, a soft blanket, and enjoy some reading while watching the leaves change…man I love fall!! Anyways, enjoy:

So I’ve moved….again, which means a new neighborhood, new people to meet, new adventures awaiting, and a new apt to live in. This new apt has a roof, tv, beds, a kitchen….all the normal things for which I am very thankful. There are, however, some different things about this place that are absolutely awesome…

First of all, the view! I can see this while I’m sitting in my living room…the sun changes the lighting throughout the day…it hasn’t gotten old yet.

Every window has these shades that roll up and down…they will literally black out a room so the sun doesn’t wake you up. It. Is. Amazing. I can’t even tell what time it is in the morning when I wake up. This makes for awesome sleeping in days….but unfortunately its extra hard to pry myself out of bed.

Sometimes, your water runs out…that’s just the way it is…but when it does, this guy comes with his water trunk and pumps a whole bunch into your tank….it’s awesome.

I was even recruited to help hold the hose on the roof….which was actually a little more challenging that I’m making it look…new skill #1836384

This…by far…is my favorite thing in the apartment. I tell other people about this gem, and they just kinda look at me funny, but I refuse to be ashamed of my deep love of the water cooler. This beautiful contraption provides cold water all the time. All. The. Time. We are not in Northern Africa any more ladies and gentleman. I get excited every time. Every time I put a cup under the dispenser for water…it comes out cold…it’s the little things people…and this “little” thing…is a BIG thing, believe me. Not only that…but when you run out of bottles….you just call a number and more are delivered…genius!
   Needless to say…my apartment is awesome and full of surprises…and cold water. Hopefully more apt gems will show themselves in the future.

   I have always been a lover of music. When I was really little, I would rock out on my Mickey mouse record player like a champ and a little after that I would proudly carry around my case of cassette tapes decorated with stickers. The way I’ve played music has changed over the years, but my love for it has only grown.
    Music is usually closely connected to a memory for me. I love how songwriters can say what I’m thinking or feeling in such a creative way. To this day, if I hear “Wide Open Spaces” by the Dixie Chicks, I think of the first moments in my car alone after I got my driver’s license…because that is the first song I played. It’s like that with so many songs. Familiar music starts playing and I’m taken back to moments. Even the title of the blog is taken from the Matt Wertz song lyric…”Everything in Between.”
   I also stamp certain anticipated moments or big events with a song. Usually, anticipated events in my life make me think of certain songs. Sometimes this turns into making playlist…like for road trips…and sometimes, it just means playing a certain song to get ready. My time in Vancouver is almost over (like I leave tomorrow!), and of course my mind browses through the music in my head.
  Today, it settle on a song by Needtobreathe called Keep Your Eyes Open. The lyrics are below:

    So growing up I was never really a hiker. Vacations were spent mostly at the beach rather than the mountains…and I still would rather have it that way (judge me if you will…I’m a beach girl and proud of it). I’ve never been against hiking. When friends have wanted to go, I’ve always been up to the challenge, but I’m not the person who looks for places to hike everywhere she goes.
    Well if you’re living in Vancouver…hiking is everywhere…and there are amazing things to see while you’re doing it. There are pretty famous hikes here and one of the best ones happens on the Chief.

 

 By about hour 6-7…it just gets comical that you have been walking and climbing for so long, but when you get to the top of that last peak you pretty much feel like this:

 

…but today, I want to be back in Chad. If it’s rainy like it is in Vancouver today, and you have nothing to do…you can go back and read about my years in Chad. I kept the experiences pretty light on the blog, but the truth is that it was hard, really hard. It has been the hardest thing I’ve ever walked through thus far. I would by lying if I said that I wasn’t relieved to be leaving Chad at the end of those two years. In days between then and now, I have missed the people that I met there, but have never had much of a  desire to go back (as awful as that sounds), until now.

I got the news yesterday that a dear national friend passed away in a motorcycle accident. Madri is a strong believer in Christ, he was foundational in the spread of the good news, and he was the administrator of the clinic where I worked. If I had a problem, Madri was one of the first people I called. He has laughed with me, challenged my faith, served me in many ways, been patient with my Arabic, and has been my brother and friend.

The extra sting in this news is that I had “email Madri” on my to-do list for a while…and never got around to it. I’m a person who just puts things off, and I put this off too long. I have always been pretty bad at staying connected with people…especially if we’re not in the same area. The awareness of needing to not put things off has been hard to swallow in the light of loosing Madri. Please forgive me if there has ever been a time where my lack of communication has caused you to doubt our relationship. It is a weakness that must be improved.

So today, I want to be back in Chad.  I want to hug Madri’s mom, and sit and cry with her. I want to be with all my friends at the clinic and working through this together. I want to play with Madri’s nephew (named after him) and hopefully take his young mind off the tragedy for at least a few minutes. Mostly I want to be in Chad to tell people the joy that Madri is experiencing right now, and how they can know the hope Madri knew so well. He will be greatly missed. May God continue to be glorified through Madri’s life and death.

I’m about half way through my training and last weekend that meant friends and family got to come and visit. I was so pumped to see Simon and Eleyse. If you know them at all you know what I mean. They’re pretty awesome. It was a great weekend and we definitely covered some British Columbian ground. My legs hurt just thinking about it. The first day we hopped on a ferry and headed over to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.

The first stop was the Butchart Gardens. They were impressive even for a girl who doesn’t appreciate flowers like she should, and dad kept getting ideas to spruce up the back yard.

The Parliament building downtown.

The oldest lighthouse in BC

Great sunset on the ferry at the end of a long day.

 The Next day we did some whale watching. It took us a while (hours) to find those whales…but it was worth it when we finally did

Then, we walked all over downtown doing a little exploring and shopping:

The last day, we were so tired that we just had some quality hang out time which was great. We did manage to find a Purdy’s ice cream bar. Seriously, if you eat one, you will become addicted. They’re made with magic.

Mom and Dad also did a good job spoiling me (let the only child cliches begin). This famous chocolate pie was handled with care in mom’s carry on. Wait didn’t I just do a post about food…woops.

Love you Mom and Dad. Thanks for a great weekend. Let’s do it again soon.