So . . . it has been a reaaalllllyyyyy long time since I've blogged. For those who actually follow (thank you) and I thought I would update you on all of what has been happening in my life since, well, the last time I blogged.
After I finished my second year of teaching, Chad and I accompanied fr
iends Bethany and Jacob Early on a two week cross-country trip. We literally left right after Hopewell's graduation ceremony. I can't remember, at the time, what I was more excited for: school being over for the summer or the cross-country trip. Either way I know I was ready for a break from all things stressful. I have been blessed to have had many opportunities to travel the world. I've seen Mexico, South America, parts of Western Europe and the Caribbean, but before the trip I haven't traveled out west. Let me just say that God is a beautiful creator and we live in an amazing country.
So...the first leg of our trip was a twenty-six hour trek from Charlotte, North Carolina to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Yes, yikes! was my reaction too. Looking back on the trip, I know I must have been some level of obnoxious, I'm just grateful I have friends that love me despite my moans and groan
s and flaws. We drove day and night till we got to Colorado-which was an amazing relief-but as we drove we saw Nashville at night, the St. Louis arch, the flat flat FLAT lands of Kansas, a giant superman statue, the emerging Rocky mountains as the sun was setting before a huge storm moved through Colorado Springs. Wow-that was beautiful! I still remember traveling along what seemed to be the longest road ever. The sign as you enter into Colorado claims it is "The Colorful State" and man, they didn't lie. There were deep gray storm clouds rolling in from the left while the setting sun cast purples and light orange hues across the darkening sky. (check out the photo attache) A rainbow came to remind us of God's promises as Chad struggled between holding the wheel straight and gawking out the window (sorry Chad!).
Anyway...we REALLY enjoyed Colorado. While there Chad, Jacob, Bethany and I drove to the top of Pike's Peak (snow, cold, wind, July, flip-flops made for an interesting experience). Nevertheless, the view was unbelievable! We drove back down the mountain and saw the Garden of the gods-crazy rocks. Jacob and Bethany blessed us with the privilege of having relatives in nearly every location in America so we could stay for free and enjoy their company and hospitality. While in Colorado Springs we had the opportunity to get to know Kevin and Jessica Early and their three boys.
I know I am going to leave things out while recapping this trip, but I really want to shed some light on how awesome of an experience it really was.
Okay...Colorado Springs led us through southern Colorado and the fours corners (Colorado meets Arizona, Utah and New Mexico). We were able to leave the four corners and check out Monument Valley just before the sun left us for that day. Then the adventure ensued. Our next stop on the journey was the Grand Canyon. Since it was already night, my instinct was to find a place to stay near where we were and leave early the next morning for the gaping whole in the ground. I couldn't understand why Chad, Jacob and Bethany wanted to leave that night to get to the Grand Canyon, without a place to stay. Five + hours, two unpaved roads, countless GPS detours, two filled campgrounds, and many no vacancy hot
els later, 3 p.m. had arrived with (finally) one lone hotel room beckoning my credit card along with a ten minute drive to the Grand Canyon. (whew!) We woke up the next morning to a gloomy sky and light rain. The four of us fearlessly headed out to the Grand Canyon laughing about the previous night's frustrations and escapades. As s
oon as we parked the toaster on wheels, the sun finally joined us! No picture or words can explain how remarkable the Grand Canyon truly is. I know Chad had planned the entire trip as something we could do together with friends and relax, enjoy new experiences together and marvel at God's works. What I didn't know was that Chad also planned the trip to ask me to marry him. It was at the Grand Canyon, overlooking this crazy stunning work of wonder, on July 18, 2009 that the man I love proposed to me. (YEAH!)
And I said yes! :) We were planning on heading to Las Vegas, Nevada that night, and to celebrate, Chad and I went out to dinner at the Bellagio's glamorous buffet.
After Las Vegas the four of us headed to Santa Rosa, California where we stayed with some more Early family while we explored San Francisco. Then we headed south to LA where we met up with our good friend Gini Matz and her family. Following two full days filled with LA excursions we jumped back in the Element and traveled to Tucson, Arizona. I never figured Arizona to be so dang pretty! After Tucson, we flew through the South to see the Alamo and New Orleans, then back to the Queen City! I can't even begin to share all of the amazing adventures here, but it was definitely a trip that I won't forget quickly, if ever at all.
So here I sit, the second day of August preparing to return to Hopewell for the third year, about to make an offer on a home (with Chadwick), and in the beginning stages of planning a wedding. I am so blessed in this life I live. If you are reading this, I pray that you know how good God is and how much he blessed those who are faithful and obedient. I pray that I continue to remain focused on Jesus and who He is as I pursue a new life with the man I love. Yay for new beginnings and a saving love.
